Yoga As Transformation: How Yoga Changed My Life
B.K.S. Iyengar once said, “Yoga does not just change the way we see things, it transforms the person who sees.”
More than twenty years ago, a psychic predicted I’d become a yoga teacher. I laughed and laughed. “Never gonna happen,” I told her. However, when she strongly recommended I learn to meditate, I considered it. At that time I hadn’t yet tried yoga. But I was curious enough about it to give it a go.
Back in those days, what I like to call my “previous life”, I was a buttoned-up, super Type-A corporate barracuda. I worked hard and loved my job in media. I was good at it. But that life kept me bogged down in all the wrong things for me. For one, I smoked (true). I drank black coffee all day long. I may have considered Pop Tarts “dinner” more than a time or two (to be fair, I was in my 20’s and thought I could get away with this kind of living!).
Besides the obvious red flags, when you put junk IN, you get junk OUT. Looking back, I could see how unhappy all of it made me. These quick-fix, little-to-no-thought patterns in my day-to-day did no favors for my stress levels and depression. This is why learning yoga seemed like the choice I should be making.
After discovering Alan Finger’s Yoga Zone studio two blocks from my office, I donned stretchy pants and showed up for my first Level I yoga class. I may have worn a too-baggy T-shirt that slid all the way up in my first Down Dog (!!!). Beyond wardrobe issues though, it was simple; I never looked back. I felt like I’d come home. It was THE thing I needed and at the right time.
The thing though about “coming home” – sometimes – is that there tend to be buried issues. Putting aside all the wrong lifestyle choices I made for myself, by stepping on a yoga mat, I was forced to see my shortcomings. I learned to deal with feelings of anger, jealousy and betrayal. There were times I cried on my mat.
After some time passed though, I gave up smoking. There were a few years I even gave up drinking coffee completely. It was important to me to feel my best to have a strong practice. I made better dietary choices. Yoga grounded me in times of uncertainty. My practice helped soften my rough edges; I learned how to ask for help.
Likewise, my yoga practice showed me all the good qualities too. I learned how to let go of the bad crap, and to let the good stuff shine. Many times I celebrated on the mat. I learned so many things about myself. I discovered my resilience, my endurance… my courage to face hard things when they arose.
Quitting my corporate job in 2006 opened up many other opportunities. A few years later in 2009, I was working at Pure Yoga in sales. I had the chance to sign up for their 200-hour teacher training course and the rest they say, is history.
B.K.S Iyengar also said: “Yoga is a light, which once lit will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter your flame.”
What did Iyengar mean? Did he mean you need to be all bendy and have a wicked Bakasana to know yourself better? Asana practice is important, yes. But, a strong mind will result in a strong body. We’re really striving for enlightenment – self knowledge. How do we discover our best self? The journey to that discovery, through transformation, is different for everyone.
When you step on the mat for asana practice, tune in to the mindfulness aspects. Worry less about what something looks like, explore how it feels. Observe your body in space. Be in touch with the physical, so you can dive deeper. Peel away the judgements that pop up, “I hate my tight shoulders, Why do I suck at Warrior III?, etc…”. Instead notice what your body is telling you. What are you holding on to? Can you let go? Can you quiet the mind? Can you create the space for change to happen?
It’s important to notice the transformation that happens when we do yoga. What that is is truly unique to you. My advice: Have an open mind. Have courage to see things you may not like. Be braver still to embrace change to let the real you shine through. Develop a level of comfort with the things that make you uncomfortable. Get ready to do the work that lets you win in the end - to know yourself. Show up and let the discovery begin.
How are some ways you’ve discovered transformation on your yoga journey? Leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you!
