Becoming a yogi is a journey on the road to self-discovery, self-approval, and self-love. Becoming a yogi is an exercise to elevate my confidence and move me out of my comfort zone. I am taking my own advice, “Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.” “How am I going to know if I can succeed at something if I never try?”
No Worries!
Me, worry? No way! No worries, no stress! I’m the one that takes care of everyone else. That was my life mantra until 2020 came through like a bull in a China shop, and the world stopped in the wake of a pandemic. Suddenly, I found myself stressed to the max. I was a woman interrupted, and I wasn’t sure what to do.
As I watched the news, everything seemed surreal. As I scrolled through social media and the internet, I was transported to another time and place, a place that was foreign and unknown. Midday traffic was nonexistent as I drove through the town. I visited the grocery store, and empty shelves greeted me. People in face masks strolled down the aisles and a post-apocalyptic vibe hung in the air.
An Introvert’s Dream or Cleverly Disguised Nightmare
According to the many personality tests, quizzes, and career surveys I have taken, I am an introvert to my core. Social media is not my thing because posts are like small talk, and that’s just not me. I prefer deep conversations to superficial ones. I don’t necessarily do well working in teams, and I can focus on one task for a long time without getting distracted. So at first, my isolation on pandemic island was a dream!
Eventually, the dream turned into a nightmare. Too much time on my hands left my mind free to wander, and the thoughts were not always productive or positive. I wasn’t in a depressive state, but something was missing. There was a disconnect between fulfillment and how I spent my days.
The Connection between my Faith and Becoming a Yogi
I am a woman of faith, so I had something to hold on to during those months and days when I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect next. However, I felt like my faith was riding alone on a tandem bike, searching for a partner. That’s when I decided that my yoga practice was to be the partner riding along on that bike.
Now, you’re probably wondering why teach yoga instead of starting slow, like taking classes, for instance. My attitude has always been, go big or go home! No, not really. Well, kind of really, not exactly, but close! 😊
The truth is that I’m a life-long learner. I was a psychology lecturer for six years. Teaching is a part of who I am. Education is ingrained in me. It’s in my spirit. I concluded there’s no better way to benefit from receiving enlightenment than to help others discover the light in themselves.
In my research on becoming a yogi, I was delighted to discover many similarities between yoga’s philosophy and my faith-based beliefs. I’ll expand on those similarities in my next post!
Also, I am fascinated with the mind-body connection and the power of the mind to heal the body. I want to delve deeper into the philosophy of yoga and explore the many benefits yoga has to offer. I look forward to sharing this knowledge with others.
What I Learned my First Weekend of Yoga Teacher Training
During the first weekend of yoga training, I realized that my journey would not be comfortable. I am going to have to be transparent. That’s hard! I’m a very private person. There I was, feeling like a stranger in a strange world. In a space not meant for me. My challenge was going to be convincing myself that I belonged and deserved to be there.
I was trying not to perpetuate stereotypes of “the angry black woman,” “the black woman who had her kids at a young age,” “the black woman who always has something to say. ” At first, it was exhausting. Then I realized that I shouldn’t have to go out of my way to make everyone else feel comfortable. This is MY journey. I am who I am, and I can only be me.
What did I learn about myself during that first weekend? I realized that I have a right to be wherever I choose to be and occupy any space where I once thought I did not fit in. I discovered that I would make a great yoga teacher because I am compassionate, patient, and a good listener.
I learned that traumatic experiences do not seal our fate, but they help explain who we are. The road is long, but the benefits will outweigh any hard work I have to endure. I am committed to overcoming negative self-talk and stepping out of my comfort zone to have the best experience possible.
You’re Invited to Follow Along on My Quest
With each new day comes a unique opportunity to let go of yesterday and live in the present. Don’t worry about what you cannot control or the people who will have something to say whether you do good or bad. Draw strength from within.
The ladies in my teacher training cohort know that I love quotes, so I will always leave you with a quote. Sometimes I might surprise you and open with a quote. “A flower does not think of competing to the flower next to it. It just blooms” ~Zen Shin.
Bloom, fellow yogi, bloom!
Namaste
