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.
until I had a spine injury which I'm currently treating with chiropractic sessions.
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!
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Nice realization about the relationship of yoga and our body. I often see this in many practitioners, that as they mature in their practice they realize that it isn't about completing the "set" but it's about finding that balance between what our bodies need and the kind of practice you should do for the day. This includes not having to do yoga for the day and just chill and go with the flow and resonating with the energy of the place, your surroundings, and the state of your innermost self. At the end of the day, it is about the awareness of the divine within, growing the love, and sharing it with the universe. Namaskar. 🙏
Very well said @juanvegetarian! Couldn't agree more!
I used to feel so guilty about this but nowadays, I definitely just go with the flow. Have you done yoga too?
Yes, I did. I still do, but not so much of the asanas any more. I used to feel that "guilt" also. I think it comes with the territory of having the discipline to practice regularly. Looking at if from the lens of the different steps (or stages) of yoga, I feel more attracted to the other areas of practice, such as pranayama, dhyana, or even samadhi. Maybe because I am older and none the wiser. 😁
Yoga practice is one thing I have always wished for, some of my friends tell me how it helps clear the mind among other amazing benefits.
I hope I find time and space someday to practise yoga too.
How are you feeling now @indayclara? I pray for your speedy recovery.
I don't know if you remember me? You taught me some months ago how to use div tags and also align my picture with text.
I am forever grateful, my friend. Thanks a lot
Much love😍
Hello @chosenfingers! Ofcourse I remember you! You got an awesome personality and a positive outlook in life!
It does clear the mind! It you just need to silence your mind, 30 minutes of yoga would already do the magic! Its because you only focus on your breath and the movement/pose.
Thanks for dropping by and appreciate you taking the time to read this.
I'll surely give yoga a try soon. I will see how I can incorporate it into my daily schedule and also follow a YouTube channel as it is rare to see yoga practice here in my country.
Thanks for the nice tip. I am forever grateful to you.
Much love😍
Jeez you're really flexible
This yoga has too many benefits to ignore
I should try it out but start with the easiest moves
Lol
Hello @vheekthorjay! There is no better time to start now!
True talk
Copy that
My love for people who go into yoga is always at the peak☺️ seeing those moves and body twists is always a thing of joy,
sorry about your spine injury tho💔 quick recovery so you can sow us more☺️❤️! @indayclara You are doing perfectly well,❤️
Hello @protokkol! Thank you so much for dropping by! I certainly agree. I am perfectly where I should be in this yoga journey. Hopefully, I can go back doing my backbends soon!
Beautiful journey! Namaste ✨ I also started doing yoga to be physically active since I discovered it during the pandemic. However, as months went by, I realized how it has helped me mentally as well. Have you tried practicing at Dawata Wellness? The energy is also good there 🤗
Hello @lifewithera! I read your yoga blogs too. Beautiful journey you are going through. I still haven't been able to visit the place yet as I deemed IT park to be a bit far from my place 😅. but all in divine's timing.
Aww thank you so much!🥰 it's right across ayala hehe yes in the most perfect time hope you will be able to visit 🥰🥰
Respect for your Yoga journey and keeping at it over time. For me, it also always is kind of an on and off journey. But I can feel the difference in times when I made it work to do it 2-3x a week. The way your whole being is kind of more in balance stands out to me 😀
Oh yes! Yoga definitely helps us grounded and become balance in all aspects of our life. It even also helps us become aware of the places we are out of balance. When yoga calls you, then you do it, if it doesn't, then no need to force yourself into it.
Thank you @timoremoti for reading this. Appreciate it.
Ah! I've also recently found Yoginimelbourne online as I was looking for a new Yoga Nidra and I adore the one she's done. It was only after listening to it several times that I even looked at what else she had and was shocked to realise how much (awesome) content she has on there.
I'm like you, I have so many interests and things I want to spend my time and energy on that I'm not exactly religious with my yoga practice but I do love it and I think I'll be doing more and more yoga the older I get as it's such good self-care and is only going to help my running, not hinder it.
Hurrray! That is so great to hear you found her too! I really adore her too! There is just something in her voice that I really find so relaxing but not forced. Lol. I think Yoga does supplement one's athletic endeavors or even just our daily chores. Thanks for dropping by! I really appreciate it. Much love!
😘
That backbend pose looks painful!!! I think it's a good idea to stay away from that even after your back is healed. Too dangerous!
Oh gosh! It might be for some but for me it was pretty normal for me. I'm slowly getting back at it but I don't anymore stay at that post for more than 5 seconds and I don't anymore achieve perfection when doing it so I'm doing well with it.
Thank you for reading on my post!
You just be careful... Promise?
And thanks so much for the gift ♥️
so bendy! :P I don't think I could do any of those poses. well, maybe.. is there 1 where u just lay straight on your back??
Oh yes! Shavasana, the most relaxing yoga pose ever! I'm pretty sure you can do it easily. 😂
yea! 😜
That's what I love about yoga, the acceptance of one's body that it's okay as one recognizes one's limit, the absence of pressure while falling into a glorious stretch.
I got into yoga to manage stress after work throughout my pregnancy. I was working the daily grind and the 1 hour stretches in a dark relaxing studio with other expectant mothers really helped me relax and gracefully transition to the 3rd trimester as my body changed. So in a way, yeah, I enjoyed yoga with Anais and that was the start of an appreciation for it.😊
Wow! So I guess I could say Anais started yoga at a veerrrryyy young age 🤣! I also suggest to young moms to do yoga while being pregnant as I learned of the benefits of it are just amazing.
And I learned this the hard way! 😂 The irony of the universe. Thanks for dropping by! Appreciate it.
Hehe so true, she probably did downward dog in my tummy lol.
Oh wow, thank you for the tip
Hala Ka maayo nimo mo yoga miss @indayclara . You remind me of my cousin who's already a yoga teacher and has her own yoga center somewhere in Liloan.
Omg? Unsay name sa imu cousin and her studio? Great to hear from you by the way!
Cecile Fortuna iya name...iyang studio is Yoga El Sol Fortuna..
Thank you miss @indayclara..