There are a lot of different places I could say my spiritual journey began.  I was raised in a family who was very involved in their church. As a teen I did martial arts, and despite being associated with the church and specifically trying to steer me away from it, that helped me find Taoism and Zen philosophy. I later found my self interested in new age mysticism, learning about tarot, astrology, and numerology. I began to see all of these things pointing to some similar themes. I read about philosophy, religion, and a whole smorgasbord of ideas that seemed to be pointing to something important.

Meanwhile in my personal life I struggled with mental health, substance abuse, eventually leading to some very dark times. Finally, when I had reached my wits end, I reached out for help, and while talking to a therapist, a psychiatrist, and attending support groups, I happened upon yoga. I was unable to find a therapist or medication that helped me, but a consistent yoga practice and regularly attending support groups made a world of difference.

I learned through my yoga practice many subtle but real world lessons. Things like accepting my initial lack of flexibility taught me to be easy on myself and to stay vigilant. I wasn’t the most bendy person, but today I am much more pliable. The very of concept of flexibility began in the physical realm, and became a concept I could apply to my inner world: I no longer had to meet these unrealistic expectations I put on myself, I could be a regular human, flaws and all. I began to work in and through my body, realizing that I was bigger on the inside than I had ever realized.

As I began to notice that yoga was more than just being able to touch my toes again, and seeing that it was improving my mental health too, I wanted to do more than just the asana. I wanted to learn why my mind was becoming a less hostile place to live. I found my way into a teacher training program, thinking we would be spending several hours a day contorting and holding poses for long durations. I never really wanted to be a yoga instructor, but thought I could learn and apply the methodology to my personal practice. I found that we actually spent most of our days sitting on the floor talking about the philosophy and spirituality behind the asana, deep discussions on what makes us tick, why we have anxieties and wrestle with depression, where our lack programing comes from, and why are are so afraid to be the real flawed, beautiful humans we are.

That’s when the real yoga happened for me. I realized that I did want to guide others on the journey. I began leading a weekly session at a recovery studio, and eventually came to start this practice.

I invite each of you to join me on this journey to a place of stillness, where we work on ourselves through the body, into the mind, and ultimately connect to spirit.