2007 was a strong turning point for many of us listening to the whispers of our soul missions. It was also the year I started training as a Holistic Therapist, specialising in Massage therapy, Aromatherapy, Reflexology and all importantly Nutrition. Funnily enough I remember feeling a bit blasé about studying Nutrition as part of the course, ironically though, it has become one of the most important factors of a healthy lifestyle for me and my family.
It was also the same year I really commenced my yoga journey. Two years prior to committing to weekly classes, I injured my back after repeatedly lifting heavy crates where i used to work. Oh the agony that was! But after a visit to the GP concluded “nothing was out of place” I was sent away and told the only thing I could do to ease the pain was regular exercises. It was a very long time; for the best part of two years the the pain in my lower back was plaguing me. I needed to find a way to both ease the tightness and strengthen the muscles at the same time, hence the beginning of my continual journey through yoga.
So really it was a like a, rather painful, nudge from the universe that guided me into yoga as therapy. Although now I am experienced to regular yoga practice for over 13 years, I still recall the first lessons as a complete newbie. How I struggled to get the breathing at the right times as the movements, what on earth some of the instructions were asking, what my ability was like compared to others', what alignment the body should be in. Especially though, how much I devalued the relaxation and meditation, "I was there for the physical exercise" I would tell myself. Zoning out and politely sitting through meditations, as it wasn't what I recognised as 'my cup of tea'. But really, starting with that frame of mind, gave me the gift of realising just how powerful and integral these aspects were to the Unity, that yoga brings to mind body and soul. So there, was my initiation into fully understanding the depths of how yoga can be used to aid physical changes in the body, how the practice can calm and focus the mind to better hear the whispers of your soul. And just how life changing a deep practice can have on ones path.
