My Journey Into Yoga.

Backstory of my Yoga Journey

Yoga has been in my life since 2017 when I went to Iloilo for my first job and I found a yoga studio near the place I work. The breakthrough I have was being able to do a headstand just after 2 months! I fell in love with Yoga during that time. But unlike others who made it into a daily part of their lifestyle, it was an on and off relationship for me. At first, I thought I could do my practice almost every day but I'm just a person who has a lot of likes and interests and trying to explore them all. And when I think I'm done with something, I move on.

My initial intention before why I started to do Yoga was just to remain physically active, not minding its holistic wellness. It helped me back then lose weight and become leaner and stronger. Another major benefit I got from it was having mental clarity after my practice. And so if not daily, I incorporate yoga into my life from time to time.

Type of Yoga I'm into

I already came across some major yoga styles like Hatha, Ashtanga, and Yin but Vinyasa somehow stood out for me. The flow of movements in coordination with the breath is graceful and yet very challenging. I always love that I'm drenched in sweat every after a Vinyasa flow. A combination of yoga movement and poses that target core, stability, and flexibility is the one I most enjoy doing not because I'm so good at it but because it challenges and humbles me.

Well, I never had a problem with flexibility. It is always easy for me to do backbends and that kind of "bendy" poses. But when it comes to doing those poses that involve core and stability, I start to crumble. Well, that was before. Now, I just take my time and do what I can and be in humble acceptance when I come across a difficult movement.

Yoga Teachers

I also came across many yoga teachers, some became friends, and some became distant memories. We will never resonate with all yoga teachers and it's ok. They are there to share their passion and guide the students with what they know. Some will be older than you and some will be younger than you but each time I meet a new yoga teacher, I'm just now excited to learn new things that I can incorporate into my practice.

Current Yoga Practice

Since the pandemic, I do my yoga practice here at home and somehow it becomes more manageable for me to incorporate it into my weekly routine if not daily since I also do boxing. However, I do watch a guided flow by Yoginimelbourne which I came across on Youtube. Among many yoga videos I've watched, this particular yoga teacher is the best for the yoga practice I want to work on.

I no longer am hard on myself in terms of achieving something like what I did in the past. Now, it's more about listening to what my body needs. If it needs to sweat, I do a power flow, and if I feel like I want to stretch out after my boxing session, I do a flexibility routine. It fits well with my boxing and freediving activities. Yoga also helps me open and maintain my energy centers, allowing my energy to release and flow in the body. And so as much as possible I do my yoga practice 2 - 3 times per week.

There are times I still visit a nearby yoga studio called Yoga Shala when a friend invites me to come. The space is small but it is peaceful and feels like home. They offer In-studio and Virtual classes. I also bought my beautiful mat from their store and I do recommend it too.

Anyways, where ever you are in your yoga journey, Namaste! And to those who want to start their journey, Go for it! You won't lose anything. Better yet, it will help you in your journey to self-discovery. And to those who don't do yoga, Blessings to you!