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  Yoga Yik Yak: A Yoga Health and Wellness Blog by Becca Pati
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The Many Faces of Yoga

6/28/2013

12 Comments

 
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MY FIRST TIME
When I think back to my first yoga class, I recall with a smile on my face, that the room was on fire, my clothes were too tight and I could barely catch my breath as we moved from movement to movement. My yogic journey started many years ago with a desire to try a different type of exercise program to stay in shape. In the back of my mind, however, I wasn't totally convinced that I was going to enjoy this unknown world of weird breathing, poses and meditation. I definitely had preconceived ideas of what a "yoga person" would look and act like. I had seen a few people who practiced yoga and so I assumed that the class would be full of tree huggin, granola eatin, chai drinkin, super flexible individuals. 

DO I REALLY FIT IN?
Tentatively, I decided to give this yoga stuff a decent commitment, so I tried a few classes and was hooked. The first year, however, was mentally draining, because I was holding onto an "idea" of what I should be like if I wanted to advance in the yoga lifestyle (whatever that meant). I had started to read a few books about great spiritual people around the world who "lived" their yoga, and I knew I was no where near looking or acting like them. Regardless of this, I decided to keep attending classes, but every once in a while I would start a new fad I read about in a magazine,  to see if that yogic "style" would suit me. It was exhausting... it felt as though I was trying on a variety of costumes to find the best fit. I was clearly missing the bigger picture.

COFFEE, WINE AND YOGA
My aha moment came in my first part of yoga teacher training in 2006, when I looked in the mirror and didn't like who I saw staring back at me. I felt like a fraud and inauthentic. I respected other students who were so dedicated to the yogic lifestyle, but I was not at the stage in my journey to have clear thoughts on the philosophical issues they were working through. I needed to let go of what I thought other people would expect from me and go with what I knew to be true in my heart in that moment. So I stopped hiding certain things about myself: I liked coffee instead of green tea; was practicing postures instead of meditation; and enjoyed going out for "sometimes too much" wine with friends. After "coming out," I felt a huge sense of relief and freedom.

Once I dropped the veil, I had a look around. Everyone on their mats, whether young or old, men or women, injured or flexible, were perfect. It was so refreshing to finally allow myself to be part of something where everyone fit in. And so it dawned on me, that yoga was not an exclusive club for those who could put their legs behind their heads, but for everyone who wanted to enter into this mystic world and learn from different teachers at their own pace. 

JUST BE YOU
Diving into yoga over the past 9 years has given me a deeper understanding of the vastness and beauty of the practice. However, regardless of my new found knowledge, the key to the smile on my face is the enjoyment I feel from the physical practice and by living each day authentically. Being a yogi does not mean eating, acting or looking a certain way. It is about finding your own rhythm, being an individual and keeping true to who you are... while maintaining a love and connection for others. Maybe you haven't even tried yoga before and are freaked out by what you think it's all about or perhaps you gave it a try and thought you weren't ready to "Ohm" and wear see through leggings. C'mon, try one more time, with a slightly different mindset. Walk into a class, step on your mat and just be you. All the other stuff will come in time if you decide to go there. If not, just enjoy a beautiful break out of your day and a good stretch for your body. 

Enjoy the journey!

12 Comments
Traci Chrysler
7/2/2013 12:06:27 am

Becca - I'm always convinced to are speaking directly to me! Thanks for sharing part of your yoga journey. It makes me feel a little clearer and more confident about mine! :)

Reply
Becca Pati
7/2/2013 12:24:53 am

That's what I do... I'm a mind reader ;) I know you'll do great in teacher training... if that's what you decide! We need more authentic teachers: who live in the real world and have real experiences to share with their students.

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Correen
7/2/2013 11:45:54 am

I swear you were talking to me after I finally went to your class on Sunday :)

Michelle Rahel
7/2/2013 12:33:24 am

Okay so the only part of your idea of a yogi that fits me is the chai drinking but I have to admit I thought yoga was filled with "hair growers" too! You have certainly shown me that yoga is a journey AND it's an awesome workout. I'm so glad Denise finally convinced me to give it a try. I love how I never feel like I'm not doing "good" enough, it's a personal journey for sure! :)

Reply
Becca Pati
7/2/2013 12:42:59 am

It's been a pleasure having you in my classes over the past few months! I, too, struggle with doing "enough" at times, but I realize I gotta stop putting the pressure on myself to be superwoman and just do what I can every time I step on my mat.

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Jim Greenough
7/2/2013 01:09:06 am

Your opening paragraph fits me to a T. I'm sure you remember your challenge: "Come on out Jim the first is on me". That was 2/12 yrs ago and I still look forward to the sessions... just me and my mat. While I was a fairly fit individuals I have been amazed at the changes in my body. Every where I go when I travel my iPad app can find me a place to put my mat and regardless of the amount of time available, my may and I enjoy.... You and Greg are simply awesome as are all your staff

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Becca Pati
7/2/2013 01:17:35 am

Thank you Jim for your kind words! You are truly an amazing "older" man with a stunning practice. It's so true - yoga is about you on your mat... and that's all that matters!

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Susannah link
7/2/2013 03:04:19 am

I first tried yoga in Kelowna after my doctor said it would be good to keep my flexibility in spite of MS. "No strenuous effort involved," he said.
Ha!
Without knowing a thing about yoga I chose a studio that offered hot yoga. After getting over my shock at the 40C room, I loved it. I'm still not good at it but I don't care. I just blame it on bad balance because of the MS. ;) That 90 minutes of a quiet mind, deaf to everything else but this moment, is an oasis to me.
It's not easy to do yoga in Kuwait for a variety of reasons and one of the things I will be doing when I get back to Kelowna in August is buying a 30 day pass.
Great post, Becca.

Reply
Becca Pati
7/2/2013 07:35:20 am

Yes, the first few classes (or year) can be a rough road ;) I have taught several private yoga sessions for students with Parkinson's and MS, and have found that working on balance, breath and body awareness, can be a great help in daily life. I guess you just gotta get back to Kelowna! Be well...

Reply
Becca Pati
7/2/2013 12:04:37 pm

Ha! So glad you showed up :) <3 ya

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Ed
7/6/2013 07:03:49 am

I am almost convinced to give Yoga a try after reading your words!

Reply
Becca Pati
7/6/2013 08:04:05 am

That would be AWESOME! ;) Do it!

Reply



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