I Bend so I don’t break

There are some things in life that truly change you.
Growing up, I went to an all girls camp for 8 weeks every summer. Life changing.
Being sick, also life changing. It made me appreciate life in a much different way,
to be thankful for mundane things, and not to sweat the small stuff.
Yoga, definitely life changing. It has brought me passion, joy, health and a sense of peace. 

I started practicing around 5 years ago. Back then it was a form of exercise I did. I ran and I did yoga. Both made me feel good, as I love anything physical. I have been flexible ever since my gymnastic days growing up so it kind of came naturally to me.

When I got sick, I became suddenly bed ridden. I literally almost passed out every time I stood up, and I couldn’t have anything touch the bottom of my feet. Socks and shoes, let alone my feet touching the ground, were extremely painful. It was kinda like a sick joke. I would close my eyes and dream of doing yoga. Even then, when I was unable to do anything, it brought me peace. As time went on I began to heal. I went to tons of physical therapy and basically learned how to walk again.

Months later I was able to attend my first yoga class. I told the teacher about all I’ve been through, and I took it super slow and easy. As I walked home after class I cried. It was just such a huge accomplishment for me. I never thought I would get there, but I did. Yoga became way more then just a form of exercise. It allows me to feel strong and powerful, even when nothing else makes me feel that way. It gives me an hour to get out of my head and not think about anything. Because of yoga, I feel so thankful for my body and all that it is capable of.

Throughout the past three years I’ve had many ups and downs. During one of my relapses, months went by where I was unable to make it to a class. One day it hit me; I don’t need to attend a class in order to practice yoga. I started doing really short beginner videos I found online in my living room. Eventually I had an amazing teacher come over once a week for an hour and help me get back. It was better than any form of physical therapy I’ve done. I made a pact with myself to practice every day, to do whatever I was capable of at that moment, 5 minutes or a whole hour, it didn’t matter. I’ve kept that promise to myself for the past year and a half, and I have improved more then I thought possible. Because of yoga, my body is so much stronger and more resilient. I still have many bad days, but they just aren’t quit as bad, and I am able to bounce back much quicker. Yoga, just as much as diet and medicine, has been such a crucial part of my recovery. You really can’t just do one thing to get better.

Tips for practicing at home
1. Carve out a slot of time, just like if you were going to a class.
2. Make sure it’s quiet and there aren’t any distractions. I like to practice in private, but that’s just my preference.
3. Find a spot where you feel comfortable practicing, and make that your yoga spot.

 Apps and websites that I love
1. mindbodygreen.com – the complete guide to yoga video course
2. strala.myshopify.com
3. yogavibes.com
4. doyouyoga.com
5. Cody app
6. Krisren McGee app

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