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Yoga. It's changed my life. Never thought I would be writing this because for so many years I resisted it. I would try it once, expect it to be slow, boring, and hard, then swear I would never try it again. A year would go by and then for some reason or another, I would drag myself back, take the class, expect it to suck, then swear I'd never go back.
About 4 months ago I was prescribed yoga for medical reasons. I was told by my doctor to find a yoga studio that was a true yoga studio...he said "not a place with trendy music and lululemon outfits...I want you to find a real yoga studio...a place where you don't care about who is there or what you're wearing...a place you can lose yourself...you know the kind of studio I mean." I knew what he meant.
So I began searching and eventually found the place that I would soon call my second home- @uptownyoga. I told myself I would give it one month, to expect it to suck for one month and then if it didn't get better, I was done with yoga forever. The first two weeks were hard. I was bad at it, my balance was horrible, my flexibility truly embarrassing, and my focus low. But on week three, I saw a glimpse of what yoga could mean for my mind and body. By week four I was hooked.
Aside from the physical benefits, one of the best benefits of yoga is how it helps me manage stress, which is known to have devastating effects on the body and mind. Stress can reveal itself in many ways, including back or neck pain, sleeping problems, headaches, and an inability to concentrate. Yoga can be very effective in developing coping skills and reaching a more positive outlook on life.
Yoga’s incorporation of meditation and breathing can help improve a person’s mental well-being. Regular yoga practice creates mental clarity and calmness, increases body awareness, relieves chronic stress patterns, relaxes the mind, centers attention and sharpens concentration and self-awareness.
I owe yoga so much, it has made me mindful, patient and strong. To anyone who is struggling with whether it is for them, I challenge you to give it a shot for one month. You won't regret it.