Recently I was asked to share my story about how I came to practice yoga.
I came to yoga in full force about 5 years ago, although my first experience was at the library community room when I was 14 or 15 years old. The instructor was in her 70s, with an Eastern European accent. She had a voice like velvet. At the end of every class she would pick up our ankles and bend us into a curved C shape, engaging our backbend for us. I loved her class every Saturday in the dark room. I was the youngest participant. I got bit by the big of yoga.
Over the years, fat or thin, pregnant or not, I kept returning to different types of yoga in order to recreate the sense of peace more than the stretching benefits.
Fast forward: about 5 years ago I was invited to a Bikram hot yoga class for free in my area. I was recovering from 3RD degree burns from a water explosion on my stomach thighs and vagina. I thought the heat and intensity of the class would help with cell turnover and assist in the scar tissue lightening and getting softer and thinner.
It worked. Another bug bit me and now I’m a dedicated yogi. I feel more at peace with my scars no matter what shape, firmness, and size they are. I have learned through the struggle of the poses that everyday challenges never go away, they just change shape and toughness too. And it’s all good. It’s all learning. I have also learned that my troubles will be waiting outside the hot room when I’m done. Just leave it all outside.
What’s your story? I want to hear.
Blessings,
KJ Landis
-Author and Creator of the Superior Self series
Visit me at www.superiorselfwithkjlandis.com