Personal growth and self improvement articles about yoga and yoga practice

Yoga Articles

How I Found Yoga
By Lori Candon

Have you ever just lived from your head and discounted your
connection with your body and spirit? I sure have. That was
my old story. As a thinker and an analyzer living in my
head, I approached life with a curiosity of why people did
the things they did. So, eventually I decided I was ready to
take a look inside myself.

During my initial years of introspection, utilizing several
self-help type resources I was hoping to understand and
change the habits and patterns that were no longer of
service to my growth. I discovered that, in my mind, I knew
the reasons why I did the things I did, but it was difficult
to implement and sustain an actual change in my habits. My
head was filled with the constant chatter of, "I should be
doing this...instead of doing that..." or "Why aren't things
getting better?" Overtime I became more and more lethargic
and disconnected. Ultimately I realized I needed to start
moving before I could not move any more.

Approximately seven years ago I heard about the practice of
gentle yoga. I knew nothing of yoga and always thought that
it was a form of exercise practiced primarily by young,
slender, flexible people. I only fit into the semi-young
category. My only frame of reference at that time was
through magazines. I would occasionally come across a
picture of one of those "young, slender, flexible" people in
a seemingly impossible position and while staring in awe I
would think, "I could never do that, but boy it would be
cool if I could!" Then of course that would be immediately
followed by the internal self-talk of, "I bet I could have
done that when I was younger, more active and free of aches
and pains, but now I'm stiff and sedentary." "A couch
potato!" Next, the remainder of the day would be spent with
thoughts of, "I'm fat and lazy" running through my head.

That is enough of my old story. Change is possible and my
new story begins with the discovery of gentle yoga. My
first question to the instructor was, "Are you sure I belong
in this class? I haven't exercised or really been active in
quite some time and have become one with my couch." She
assured me that yoga could be practiced by every-body and
invited me to join her class. I quietly watched as the
other students entered and amazingly we were all different.
Different ages, different sizes and shapes. I was curious to
learn and ready to start exercising (with minimal effort of
course).

The class began with a brief explanation of yoga
philosophy. I quickly learned that yoga is much more than
exercise. It is movement with awareness. It is a way of
right living, a way of being, and a way of quieting the
mind. It is a way to reconnect with your self and
experience mind, body and spirit in union with each other. I
thought, "This is what I'm looking for." I finally found
something useful to support me in changing the unwanted
habits I so desperately wanted to change. It is a way of
finding balance, health and well-being while in the midst of
everyday stressors.

I have found that change is not always easy, but if I can
quiet my mind and listen more closely to my body and spirit
I am able to take baby steps toward altering old patterns.
Yoga is a practice that encompasses the Self and comprises
the physical body, the energy body, the mental/ emotional
body, the wisdom/ intuitive body and the bliss body. I
often approach my practice from different perspectives while
utilizing some of the same asanas or poses.

Some of my favorites are Tadasana also known as Mountain
Pose, Warrior II, and Downward Dog. Mountain Pose is the
foundation to all other poses and is beneficial when I am
feeling scattered and misaligned. The pose supports the
development of good posture, stability and connection with
the earth. When I am out of balance or lethargic it is a
very energizing pose.

Warrior II is a pose that helps to build fire and energy
when I am feeling tired or inadequate. I think of a warrior
as being compassionate and strong yet relaxed in her power,
so this pose also helps me when I need a boost of
confidence. Downward Dog is a resting pose for me. It aids
in the balancing of energy and really helps me integrate my
thoughts when I am experiencing a dilemma. The pose allows
me to connect with different perspectives that may aid in
change.

I am so happy that I discovered yoga. Even though I may
focus on a particular reason for performing specific asanas
I know that I am ultimately affecting my entire being. While
it may appear to be only a physical practice, remember that
yoga is movement with awareness so I listen to any clues my
body gives me. I then integrate my learning into how I can
change old patterns into new stories. Try it you might like
it!
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Lori Candon: I recently graduated from
ShivaShakti Synthesis, a Yoga Alliance approved 200-hour
yoga teacher training. I am also Reiki Level II attuned and
certified as a Grief Recovery Specialist. I enjoy
supporting others so they can experience their own inner
nature. My philosophy is to have a conscious approach to
negotiating different options that aid in balance, well-
being and overall health. I teach yoga at Columbus, Ohio's
Center for Wholeness.

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