It’s been almost 1.5 years since I practiced yoga regularly –between 6 and 8 hours a week. The hobby started after I came back from my NYC trip in March last year. 2012 was a tough year for me, as I found myself so anxious about my future and goals in life. Although I had a good job as a business journalist in an international media company, I found the environment was hostile, political and the working hours were not tolerable at times . I was going through what I called “a quarter-life crisis” and I needed something that I could hold on to.
Two months after that, I found myself jobless, confused and lonelier than ever. I have always been a lonely soul, but at that time I was at the weakest point of my life. My only refuge was the Mind and Body class, where I could be still, practice yoga and think only about my “present”. I honestly think yoga is a sport –if we’re allowed to call it that– for loners.
Part of my journey was to find the right instructors. It wasn’t easy, but since I had all the time in the world, I managed to move from one class to another until I found the perfect time and teacher for myself. Before I knew it, the hobby became a habit, and I created a weekly schedule at 3 different gyms. I picked two instructors who are not only gifted, but also “speak” my body language and have the right chemistry. See, I also believe that teacher and student should have good chemistry in order to communicate well. We can’t please everybody, therefore, different people have different approach and receive different responds from other people.
From that moment, too, I made a decision to give my heart a break. I used to love fast-paced life, drama and constant challenges in my life; whether it is in professional or personal relationships. Since that moment, I decided to act better, to choose better for myself –even though that means less “fun” and “thrill”.
I found myself happier ever since. I practice yoga only for health reason –not spiritual reason– but surprisingly I found myself closer to God. Maybe that is because I had become a better listener and have surrendered my future in God’s hand ever since.
So, if you ask me today how much I love the sport and what it means to me, well… I can’t tell you how much, but I can ask you to join me. After almost 1.5 years –around 400 hours of practice– I couldn’t say that I am a master. I have more to learn, until I reach 10,000 hours of practice and maybe decide to join teacher training one day –in Bali, India, or Europe, it doesn’t matter.
Whatever happens, this will be a testimony I made for myself. It will remind me whenever I’m down and weak that I am stronger than I thought. And that I can hold on to it for the rest of my life.
I hope you will find your own refuge, too.
Namaste.
SHIRLEYdaily 