Some of you know the person on the left, while many others only know the one on the right.
You see, when I was 28, I was a very different person. I wasn't very healthy at all. I was stressed out, anxious, didn't think about what I ate or drank and rarely exercised. You can say, I didn't take my physical, mental or emotional health very seriously.
I didn't even know what it meant to be healthy.
Although my healing journey began in 2007 (when I first discovered the healing benefits of Yoga), it wasn't until 2013 that I really started to take it seriously. That's when I began my yoga teaching journey.
So, over the course of the subsequent years, I continued to learn how to take better care of myself. First, I surrounded myself with like-minded people, and put myself in situations where I regularly came into contact with more of those people (at the gym, yoga studios, yoga festivals, meet up groups, etc). Then, I watched what I ate and made 'healthier' choices. Slowly, I began running, got a gym membership for the first time, started hiking more, bought a bike, learned how to lift weights, etc. Eventually I felt good enough to start teaching yoga & hoop dance classes, lead guided meditation hikes, walks and SO much more.
You can say I completely shifted my entire way of being. But as you can see; it didn't happen over night. What was the catalyst for this change? I was sick and tired of feeling like shit all of the time. Sound familiar?
Yoga not only helped me to better manage my stress and anxiety, it helped me to become a better person. By practicing regularly, I increased my level of self-awareness, improved my physical strength, became less reactive, more responsible, improved my communication skills and slowly over time, I became the person you know and love today.
I wouldn't be who I am today if it weren't for Yoga (or for Kripalu).
All of these experiences continue to motivate me to help others who are struggling with these same things. Who struggle with managing their stress, their anxiety, or their physical, emotional or spiritual well-being.
Ultimately, that's what lead me to Ayurveda. I love Ayurveda because it focuses on the whole being. Now, I not only consider what I eat, but how, when and where I eat. I take into consideration the impact of the elements, the seasons and everything else that's processed through my senses. Everything we come in to contact with has an effect.
And in case you were wondering; at 38 I feel more deeply rooted in who I am and at peace. Yes, I'm still on my health & healing journey. Except now, I'm WAAAAY more chill. I cook 95% of my meals at home, I'm still active, make healthier choices, and I am hardly ever stressed or anxious these days. But I'm also not perfect. I will always continue to strive to be the best version of myself each and everyday.
Lastly, if you're on the same journey; don't give up. There is no destination, gold star or medal of achievement for being the most mindful, self-aware, strongest or healthiest person ever.
If you're stressing yourself out trying to be 'healthy', then you're doing it wrong. Breathe. Relax. Feel. Watch. Allow.
Take it one day at a time.
Remember: you still have to enjoy your life.
If there's anything I can do to support you on your own healing journey, please don't hesitate to reach out.
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