Who watched the movie "The Next Best Thing" starring Madonna and wanted to know her secret for being so fit during this movie? Back in early 2000, I remember watching an interview with Madonna, where she was discussing her practice in the Art of Yoga.
I initially thought that Yoga was just an exercise. How many of us cringe at the word "exercise"? I attended dance classes most of my life, but asking me to run, lift weights, squat, or even cycle does not sound like my cup of tea. After watching Madonna's interview, I was interested in seeing what Yoga was all about. Thank you OnDemand for having some Yoga routines available after our daughter was born in 2005. I put on my exercise gear, grabbed a bottle of water, and turned on my first video. It was horrible, and I couldn't stand it. Holding positions for 1 -3 minutes. So I quit yoga.
But did you know that there are several different types of yoga? The type of Yoga I tried in 2005 was a form of Hatha Yoga. This is known for its slow paced movement, holding positions for a little bit of time. It wasn't until I was connecting with others on Instagram in 2015 that I was intrigued by Yoga once again. How incredible to get into a standing split, or being able to put your foot behind your head. This time YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram all helped in building my own yoga recipe.
Yoga is not a one fits all type of movement. I truly enjoy the creation of my own flows, listening to my breathing, digging so deep into my inner soul that my mind and body are rejuvenated and peaceful. This moment does not need to end at your mat. Take the experience you felt with you. The experience of freedom, like you have never experienced it before.
Yoga is for everyone. I mean everyone of any age, body type, even those that have health concerns can all experience the internal practice of yumminess. Children, parents, college students, grandparants, individuals with anxiety or depression, and individuals with injuries such as sciatica, etc. It is never about the skill of a pose. Our bodies are amazing machines that carry our inner-being through our life. It is fascinating to know that our bodies have the ability to heal areas of us that we didn't know were even broken.
"Yoga can re-educate the body and bring back suppleness. When tensions leave, the body goes back to original state and balance is re-established." ~ Vanda Scaravelli
Practicing yoga everyday, even if it is for 5 minutes, will change your life. You may see changes in your body, but the important part is how it has changed you internally. Just the connection you will build not only to yourself but to your life, to the world, and to those around you.
Live it. Breath It. Become It.