My Roots
My personal experience of yoga is that it’s subtle, yet powerful, like ocean waves against a rocky shoreline over time. The changes from the action of the moving water happen slowly, almost imperceptibly. But after months and years and decades of this action, the differences are profound. The water alters both the shape of each individual rock, as well as the contours of the broader shoreline.
When I first tried yoga, I wasn’t hooked. At 22 years old, I worked in New York City at a large brokerage firm, and I preferred my vigorous aerobic workouts at the corporate gym. Yoga was too slow, and not interesting enough for me at that point in my life. But I was open to new experiences and gave it a try.
Ten years later I encountered yoga again. Married, with three small children under five years old, and working part-time in the financial services industry in Washington, DC, I was stressed out and stretched to my limit. I was also dealing with a slew of sudden health issues that mystified the doctors I consulted. I kept seeking insights into what I was experiencing, though, and eventually found myself in a new, integrated medical practice, where yoga was actually “prescribed” for me.
I started at my local library and checked out some yoga books and DVDs. A smattering of introductory yoga classes in a church basement followed, where I had an important awareness in my very first class. As the teacher guided us to observe our breath, I became aware of my shallow breathing pattern. I was habitually constricting my lower abdomen to flatten my stomach and, as a consequence, breathing into my upper chest. It dawned on me that this habit might be contributing to my stress and some of my other health challenges. I began to practice relaxing my low belly throughout my day. As I did, I kept hearing the teacher’s soothing voice inviting me to “soften,” release, and relax this area of my body.
Honestly, I was amazed and intrigued by my discovery. It seemed so simple, yet so profound. The way I breathe impacts my overall health and well-being! I also realized that practicing relaxation is important for me.
Over time I’ve discovered that more relaxation and ease in my practice, and in my life, often facilitate openings within my body-mind-spirit system, and that insights and self-understanding tend to follow. Because of experiences like this, I’ve come to see yoga as both subtle and impactful, and much like the action of ocean waves on a rocky shoreline over time.
But don’t take my word for it. I invite you to explore yoga for yourself, and see what you find out.