My Yoga Journey
Good morning! It’s so wonderful to see everyone.
Today, we’re chatting about one of my all time favorite things, yoga.
Yoga has the ability to take me out of my head and connect me with something greater than the busy world happening around me.
My yoga journey continues. The lessons have been many and they have enhanced my life both on the mat and off.
Attitude There are literally thousands upon thousands of beautiful yoga images in magazines and on social media. You see amazing balance and binding postures that can be intimidating. These images can communicate a misconception about yoga. There is no rule in yoga that you have to be hyper flexible, a certain body type or able to balance on one finger to be good at yoga. The practice is never about how it looks. It’s always about how it feels.
Breath Yoga encourages deep, smooth rhythmic breathing which leads to smooth and graceful movements. By honoring the breath we can create a sensation of flow within the mind and body and create a balance both on the mat and in the real world.
Honor Your Body Listen to your body and respect what it needs. We all have different body types, abilities and individual experiences. It is vital to the practice that we honor and respect our bodies. Yoga is about feeling good. Whenever it’s needed don’t hesitate to back our, re-adjust or modify the pose. Find a way to find comfort and ease in poses even when they’re challenging.
A Journey Yoga is a journey that helps you learn more about your body, your heart and your mind. Explore who you are and allow yourself to show your authentic self to the world.
Savasana Embrace this time to bridge your practice with life.
Find that place that gives you peace. For me that place is on the mat.
Ironically, this evening I’m going to a meeting to find out more information on training to become a yoga teacher. I’m not sure where this is all going, but I know in my heart it’s all going in the right direction.
How does yoga fit into your life? What have you learned from yoga that applies to real life?
If not yoga, then chat about whatever is on your mind.
be the best version of YOU,
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Thank you very much for the additional motivation and informativeness in the field of yoga, I am grateful for your articles and efforts!
Love the quotes, especially the one about peace. It really isn’t about finding a quiet place. It’s more of where you really are as a person (your current status, job, relationships, etc) and if you’re happy about them. Great guide, by the way! Keep it up!
Yoga provides me with peace, calm and quiet. I hope to find time this winter to fit it back into my life.
3 great reasons to practice Sandra!
I love this! :] I’ve minorly dabbled in yoga, but haven’t ever really made it a part of my everyday life. I really hope to at some point, but at the moment, baby steps!
Hi Farrah. Yes. Baby steps will get you there and when it’s right.
I love yoga when I do it consistently. I’ll be honest, I have a hard time fitting it in when I’m marathon training. I’m really looking forward to getting back to it after my marathon in the fall!!
Said by every marathoner! It’s tough to fit in more than running when you’re training for a marathon. I’m sure I’ve read it but when is your race? I kind of wish I would have planned a fall marathon or at least a half.
My race is Oct 25th!
I think it is wonderful the lessons learned through yoga – and it’s great that you’ve decided to pursue becoming certified! I’ve learned to be patient with myself! One of these days I may follow you into teaching it.
Hi Shirley. How are you? If you’re like me, when you start thinking about whether or not to pursue teaching yoga you will know immediately if it’s the right journey for you. I’m much more patient with myself than I was just a few years ago. Much love xoxo
Oh I’ve been meaning to start adding yoga into my mix! auuugh! I think it would be just what I need. Thanks for the inspiration!
Happy to share yoga love! Have a wonderful Friday Melanie. xoxo
Yes! Get certified, and then move to MI so I can hire you! Haha! PS: I still haven’t purchased those striped pants…I’m stalking them, though. Someday we will be twins!
Hi Tara. I’d love to work with you or even better take a yoga class or even better go to a yoga retreat with you. Get the pants. You will love them 🙂
You know Yoga has been my jam lately. I’m trying to make it a point to practice a little everyday – I want to be able to do those arm balances. It’s just helped me relax and become aware of my body. I’ve been thinking about yoga teacher training the past few weeks. Keep us posted on what your find out in your meeting – I’d love to learn more! 🙂
Jen it was everything I expected and more! Happy to chat yoga with you anytime 🙂
I have been learning so much about yoga lately, and I am loving it. Yes, there is SO MUCH more to it than what all the IG pics show!!! I can’t wait to roll out a more consistent yoga journey. I just created a home yoga space, and can’t wait to use it every single day!!! Take care, Lovely!
So happy to see your beautiful face. My home yoga space was where it all began. You might be surprised by where this journey takes you.
Sounds like you’ve had an amazing journey with yoga! I don’t practice yoga nearly as much as I would like to, but I always feel so good after doing it.
Hi Ariana. Amazing is exactly what this journey has been and I’m sure it will continue to be.
Have a fantastic Thursday friend.
I remember struggling with Savasana when I first started yoga. Probably because I was always in a hurry to get places and didn’t see the value in that final meditation. Now it is one of my favorite parts of a yoga practice. I’ve learned to appreciate stillness.
Me too Kelli! There were even times when I actually skipped it [gasp]. I just didn’t get it. Now I cherish the stillness.
Love this post Jill! My mat time is one of few times in the day when I can just focus on me and be in the moment. Undistracted.
Life on the mat is amazing that way 🙂 Have an awesome Thursday Marcia.
I love my yoga class even tho I can only go 1 day a week, I know the difference 🙂 I love how the instructor thanks us for sharing our practice with them, wow! I have a practice 🙂 I love all your pics- inspiring!
Thank you Mary Beth. The instructors at the studio I go to do the same thing. I feel the same way about having a practice. Wow 🙂
Have an amazing Thursday!
I should probably try yoga for all these reasons. I have never been able to get into it. Any advice?
Hi Hollie. That’s exactly how it was for me the times I’ve tried it in the past. I just didn’t get it. I don’t exactly know what made it different this time and now after consistently practicing I can’t imagine life without it. I would suggest keep going, try different studios, instructors and types of yoga. Let go of preconceived thoughts of how it should be. Open your heart and mind to all that yoga can be. I’d love to know if you try another class 🙂
I love practicing yoga and only wish I had more time to do it! I love how it makes me feel and helps clear my mind of life’s stresses. Do love you rocking it in that pose! 🙂
I was so proud of that pose Janelle 🙂
Honestly it’s been a long time since I’ve done yoga. I like certain types of yoga but with so many other exercise interests it tends to be the one that gets pushed aside first.
Like with anything, yoga isn’t meant for everyone right. You have to find what you love and make it a priority.
A yoga teacher. My heart stopped, I’m so excited for you! You would be so amazing, I can’t wait to hear how this went!! Oh YAY!! I love yoga, it’s changed me to the core. It took me a long time to believe my yoga teacher that I AM GOOD ENOUGH JUST THE WAY I AM, but holy crap once I did, world changed. I hope you get the opportunity to do that for others! Hugs friend!
Crazy right! It’s totally mind blowing where this journey is taking me and it all feels so right. The meeting was all that I expected and more. Now to decide 🙂
How is everything going with you? We need another chat!
Ooooh I love that everything doesn’t have to be perfect, Practice is just that! I’m so not good at yoga but it helps me stretch things out an it also helps me to focus on me!
Hi Tricia. How are you? Where you are with yoga right now is exactly where you’re meant to be. Embrace focusing on you.
I love your yoga quotes. I agree that practice means it may not be perfect or easy and that peace doesn’t just come in quiet places!
Thank you Lauren, If there was ever a place that being perfect is NOT the goal. It’s on a yoga mat.
Hope the meeting goes well! Good luck on your journey to becoming an instructor!
Thank you Kathryn. The meeting was all I imagined and more. Now to decide 🙂
what a beautiful post! I love yoga – mainly for the complement to my running but I’ve definitely learned to appreciate the mindful connection.
Yoga and running go together like peanut butter and jelly and brad and angelina. Running is one of the main reasons I started doing yoga.
You know how much I love yoga and that yoga is a huge part of my fitness regimen! I’ve learned to embrace my lack of flexibility; I have learned that I am strong, and yoga has made me love my body. Yoga makes me a better runner. I’m still learning how to breathe…
I’ve considered taking the teacher training…not because I want to teach but because I want to learn more.
Hi Wendy. There were several ladies at the teacher training meeting that want to do the training just for their own personal growth in the practice. You should do it!
You would make an amazing yoga teacher! I am trying to get back into it. So little time!
Thank you Deborah. Where this journey has taken me is all kind of mind blowing.
I’ve been incorporating at least 1 yoga class per week into my routine, though I would love to consistenly add 2. It helps me relax, plus it goes really well with my jiu-jitsu training. Really enjoyed your reflections.
Thank you Ayesha. I’m sure yoga is a great compliment to jiu-jitsu. Which, by the way, so cool that you do that. How long have you been doing jiu-jitsu?
Have a wonderful Thursday!
I love this Jill! I live the balance and peace a regular practice brings to your life. I haven’t had a regular practice since I had my second baby, I need to get back to it, I really loved how I felt when I did! I love how we “practice ” yoga, it is so appropriate since it is a journey with out an end. I’m excited to hear about your certification! I would love to do that someday ?
Hi Amber. You’re so right. It is a journey without an end. The teacher training meeting was amazing. All that I expected and more. Now to decide if I can make the 8 month commitment. Now, get back to the mat 🙂
I have been on my own yoga journey this year and it amazes me how much it really does help me out in every aspect of my life. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Trish
http://www.thetrishlist.com
Trish that is wonderful. I would love to know more about your journey.
As you know, I love yoga and have a lot to say about it! I think the biggest impact it’s had is forcing me to question how I treat myself and learn not to judge and be more mindful.
Hi Michele. Imagine if everyone in the world learned those same lessons. The world would be such a different place.
I can breastfed while doing yoga 🙂 Warrior pose is best for this though, I always have kids around me when doing yoga so it can be challenging. But totally worth it!
No way! Breastfeeding? I can’t even imagine. Mind if I ask what made you think to try it? I’m fascinated.
It wasn’t a choice lol! More a clingy toddler in class who was teething and needed comfort and I wanted to do yoga still. I had to figure out ways to adapt, I was also pregnant and thought prenatal yoga was important so had to figure out ways to make it work!
Love this. Yoga has always fascinated me, but I can never get myself to practice it regularly (I’ve only done it a couple times, really). There seem to be too many benefits to ignore though. Good luck tonight as you learn about training to become a teacher! Very exciting. 🙂
Katie, I was the exact same way. I tried and quit several times. I now know my heart and mind were not open to what yoga really is. Maybe the timing wasn’t right before. Does it sound crazy to say if it is meant to happen for you it will. An open mind and heart has a way of changing your perspective.
The meeting about teacher training was amazing! Now to decide.
So happy that you are finding yourself through yoga! xo
It’s true happiness Chelsea. Thank you. xoxo
That move you’re doing in your title image is intense!!! I don’t know much about yoga poses but my name for it would be the “super hardcore crow”. That peace quote really resonates with me. True quiet is hard to find but peace is possible even when both of the kids are crying at the same time 🙂 Peace is a state of the heart and mind, for sure. Great post, Jill!
A state of the heart and mind. I love that Amy! I was so proud of that pose 🙂
I keep saying I’m going to do yoga, and then I just never do. I need to get on it but at this point, it won’t help/feel good until after I have the baby. I was going to join in this week on the fit dish, but then I realized my post would say.. Mr yoga journey has gone no where.. haha!
It will happen Heather. When it’s meant to be. I just know it.
I really enjoy yoga. I think it helps with my anxiety, and also stretching out my muscles for running. I wish I could afford to go more often!
Yoga and running are like peanut butter and jelly or Brad and Angelina. They go together well.
Your pictures make it look seriously so easy:)
Although I wish I could do Yoga, I am like the least flexible person ever.
I can totally see how it can help take over your mind and relieve you of the daily pressures, it probably takes a lot of focus and I would imagine a great way to clear the mind!
It sounds crazy but you don’t have to be flexible. You naturally become more flexible as you practice but it really is about so much more.
This is beautiful! I love how you described ‘attitude’. I used to be so intimidated by the images you described. I’m no flexible. At all. But I’m learning to love yoga and love my body where it’s at.
Me too Amanda! Then I got it. I realized it’s about so much more. Yay to loving your body where’s it is right now.
Sounds like an amazing and empowering journey…one that I have yet to begin! Thanks for sharing (and for hosting).
Empowering is the right word Nancy. This journey started out totally unintentional. It’s crazy where life can lead you if you’re heart and mind are open to it.
I wish I had the courage to take a yoga class. I have been doing yoga at home for several years now with the help of youtube. I can totally relate that life lessons are learned through any fitness journey! 🙂
Hi Jenn. I started my yoga journey at home and loved it but when I started going to a studio it was amazing. Have you ever tried Yoga with Adrienne? She has great yoga videos for a home practice.
I LOVE this post, Jill. Yoga has transformed my life for the better. During my yoga teacher training I learned not only the basics and foundations of yoga but more about myself as a person. Very cool journey 🙂
Jess, the info meeting I went to last night was incredible! It was everything I expected and more. It just feels right. Living with purpose. You know?
I alway think about becoming a yoga teacher. I feel like it would be the most amazing experience!
Pragati, the info meeting I went to last night was incredible! It was everything I expected and more. It just feels right. You know?
you encourage me to get back on my mat. I need it. more than ever. thanks for sharing your true journey
Lindsay, isn’t it crazy how life works. My unintentional journey has become anything but.
A great post on the positivity that yoga can bring to your life! For me, yoga not only gives me a time to peacefully concentrate on myself, but it encourages patience and acceptance of who I am, RIGHT NOW.
Acceptance of who I am right now is huge Susie! Self acceptance is life changing.
Jill I love all that you have said about Yoga, and I feel it gives me the same. As a life coach helping women with self-love, the body comes up quiet a lot. That’s why I love when you say ” Listen to your body and respect what it needs.” This is so true, almost a Mantra that we should repeat every day. Thank you so much for sharing <3
Thank you Murielle. Always happy to share with the purpose of inspiring. I think if we met in real life we would definitely be friends. xoxo
it is always surprising to me I DONT make yoga enough of a priority as so many of my big (and hard) lessons came from life on the mat.
that mightcould be why 🙂
I love how open to wisdom your mind gets when you’re moving your body. Thanks for sharing.
Well said Shernell! And so true.