I’ve been teaching yoga since 2007 and in that time my business cards have had a variety of names for the work I do:
Yoga for Health
Yoga for Survivors
Healthy Transformations Yoga
Yoga for Healing
But nothing ever felt right. Nothing encompassed all the classes I teach or the reason why I teach. And then, one day, I read this:
“When, by meditation [or yoga], we withdraw restless thoughts from the lake of the mind, we behold our soul, a perfect reflection of Spirit.”
— Paramahansa Yogananda
These two dozen words blew me away. So simply it encompassed the reason why I practice yoga, the reason why I teach, what I hope those I teach will experience both on and off their mats.
As both a survivor of childhood abuse and an individual living with multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia, I know how illness, trauma and stress can change the way a person sees him or herself. I also know that when we can calm the mind, releasing concerns, limitations and the stories we’ve been told, we see a clear reflection of our True Self — good, peaceful and whole.
I’ve decided to write this blog to share the role yoga played in helping me heal from the violence of my youth, as well as the many ways the practice helps to keep me sane and moving in a body challenged by chronic disease. I hope it will encourage those who think they can’t do yoga to give it a try and inspire those already on a mat to expand their practice beyond the poses.
Thank you for stopping by. I hope you visit again.
Thank you for stopping by. I hope you visit again.
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Thanks.
Great beginning, Deb! Wonderfully put. I look forward to reading more 🙂