I began practicing yoga about fifteen years ago. I had a fast-paced and time-consuming career, as many of us do. I used yoga as a type of “working out”. I predominantly participated in more vigorous yoga practices. Endorphins were released, and I felt like I had exercised. And, if I am honest, I largely ignored any teacher comments regarding mindfulness and breathing. Furthermore, I would abandon a class prior to savasana when possible. This type of yoga was rewarding for me on some levels but a patch for the stresses of daily life.
It was not until I began my yoga teacher training at the Lexington Healing Arts Academy, with instructors Amanda McMaine, Carla Mahoney and Debra Booker, that I discovered a style of yoga that facilitates transformation. The benefits of the practice extended beyond the walls of the office and into every aspect of my life. When I first began the training, I was a bit shocked and confused. Even though fundamentally the poses were the same, the yoga was foreign to me. After a few months, I felt myself changing, my perspective changing and my appreciation and enjoyment of yoga changing. Slowly but surely my practice evolved. I was no longer the skeptic, desperate to leave the room before savasana. And, I no longer perceived the comment “just breathe” as flippant and patronizing. When I gave breathing and yoga a chance, they worked.
In addition to reducing work-related stress, I experienced improved flexibility (without injury) and found the pain from old sports injuries had diminished. Most importantly, yoga offered me a sanctuary; an internal source of peace. The tools that yoga provides can be carried with me beyond the mat and the walls of the studio. Yoga is an remarkable resource for reducing stress, frustration and anxiety. The type of practice I am experiencing now is not just a temporary patch; yoga is a renewable resource. Yoga is permeating my life, and I am enjoying my life more because of it.
I believe yoga is an invaluable tool for repairing the trauma caused by our fast paced lives. Through my guided yoga instruction, I encourage students to be blissfully selfish in order to restore their energy and improve their overall wellness.
I earned my yoga teaching certification through Lexington Healing Arts Academy and am registered (RYT-200) with Yoga Alliance. In addition to s private yoga instruction that I offer through Mojo Yoga, I teach privately and via a partnership with Ahh-sana Yoga and Wellness as well as public classes at the Beaumont YMCA in Lexington, KY, and Baptist HealthWoRX Fitness & Wellness Center in Lexington, KY.