I AM NOT A YOGI
Gasp! …How can you teach yoga if you are not a yogi?!
I could go down the whole metaphysical rabbit hole of “I am not anything” [because I actually do believe it is important to remove these definitive, limiting titles] BUT that is not the intention today.
Yoga is not my entire world. It is not my measure of success. I do not practice with the goal of holding a handstand off the wall or nailing an arm balance. I do not place weight on my ability to do “advanced” poses. I don’t do yoga to do yoga, I do yoga so I can do all the other things I want to do.
Yoga is my preventative maintenance. It allows me to explore the mountains, the oceans, the desert, all the wild places through different mediums- running, backpacking, climbing, surfing, swimming, biking, skiing- and, hopefully, will allow me to explore all of these places for longer. Yoga enhances my experiences and my performance. It is my survival; my foundation for everyday life and instrumental when facing challenges in the outdoors. It prevents me from falling apart, and on the occasion that I do, it gets me back quicker. Ultimately, and most importantly, yoga helps me age with grace and strength.
You may think yoga is not for you and I may rebuttal with you just haven’t found the right instructor for you. I do not care if you never walk into a studio, find some time to breathe deeply and maybe even throw in a hamstring stretch. Your future self will thank you. If you are still not convinced, then at least find the activity that keeps you grounded, brings you peace, reduces your stress, and quiets the chaos. Whatever it is, hold onto it, cherish it, practice it, because that is what will keep you healthy and alive!
