Elizabeth
How did I get started with yoga?
I took my first yoga class in 2005, it was a Bikram class. Prior to finding yoga, I exercised at a health club, doing pilates, spin, treadmill, kickboxing, etc, on almost a daily basis. I’ve exercised my entire life.
When I started yoga, I was raising 3 young children so my physical and mental health were very important to me. It helped me to be a more effective and patient parent.
After my first yoga class, I was hooked. I liked the challenge of the hot 90 minute class. I also liked the more direct connection to the body that yoga provides unlike any other physical activity. At the time the Bikram class was perfect for me because the repetition of the sequence allowed me to really digest that particular practice/ sequence.
I eventually left the health club setting and became a fulltime yoga student.
I was getting everything I needed through yoga.
How did I get started teaching yoga? I began teaching yoga in 2009
After 3 to 4 years of serious daily yoga practice. I felt that I had to move forward with my own individual practice. The best way for me to do this was to go to teacher training. I wanted to learn more about the yoga asanas. I wanted to learn to teach others so I could share my passion with them. I also knew I would grow as a person by leading yoga classes. It was the next step for me. A win win adventure.
What are some of the benefits of practicing yoga?
The benefits are endless. The thing that keeps me hooked on yoga is the mind & body union. The spiritual aspect eventually becomes appealing as we. You maintain or gain physical health, and mental/ emotional peace and health. I use every yoga practice to bring more peace and love into my body & soul. I never leave a class feeling worse than when I came to class. You create space in the body and mind during yoga and through yoga, and it makes you a healthier and happier person. Ultimate goal, to be a better human being and to display love and light to those around you. Besides that you will gain strength and flexibility!
Advice to people who want to get started but don’t know how?
The key is to have the spark or desire to start. If you have that desire, your yoga journey has already begun. Come try a class, ASAP. Try every style level 1 class, take daily classes, ask questions. Once you join the community, there are many people who will share knowledge with you. It’s a welcoming environment. You just have to show up.