You hear the word yoga and most can instantly conjure an image of a skinny white woman effortlessly rocking Lululemons, perfectly poised, getting her “om “ on. That ain’t my yoga. Am I am skinny-ish white lady? Yes. Do I do yoga? Also, yes. Can I afford Lululemons, I honestly don’t know, but I can guarantee that I’ll never find out.
I first started practicing yoga when I was a mess of an 18 year old, cheering on the competition squad at The University of Georgia. I was struggling mentally and emotionally. Like, really, really struggling. I quit the squad, and then UGA shortly thereafter, but I found yoga. It started as a way to maintain the physical flexibility I had worked so hard to gain throughout my career as a competition cheerleader, but I slowly noticed a shift in my mental and emotional health. My anxiety was bearable, which was a shit-ton better than when I started.
Fast forward a few years and the Rheumatoid Arthritis, that I was first diagnosed with at the tender age of 8, decided to come out of its slumber. I was in pain, I was exhausted, and my old friend anxiety was alive and well. It was around this time that I decided to dive deeper into yoga, and I took my first yoga teacher training. Mostly because I was lost and didn’t know what to do with my life. But yet again, it saved me. Once I completed my initial 200 hour training, I knew that I wanted more. I needed more. It was at this point that I decided to explore the path of a yoga therapist.
What is yoga therapy? I assure you . . . it’s not just a pretentious name. It can be rightfully argued that there are therapeutic benefits to all yoga, but yoga therapy dives a little deeper. The goal of yoga therapy is to bridge the gap between Western medicine and Eastern philosophies of healing. It’s a complementary, personalized plan of holistic care for folks of all abilities, ages, experiences. From Parkinson’s to post-surgery rehab, chronic fatigue, cancer and everything in between, yoga therapy addresses it all. However, I personally have a particular draw towards autoimmune conditions and mental health given my own background.
As a yoga therapist, my goal isn’t for you to put your leg above your head, (unless of course, that is your goal). Hell, I don’t care if you can touch your toes. My goal is to meet you where you are, recognizing and honoring that place, then working in collaboration with you to reach your specific goals. Maybe your goal is to be able to tie your shoes without assistance. I’m your gal. Maybe it’s to be able to get through a day without a panic attack. I’m here for you. Am I a medical doctor that can solve all your problems? Goodness, no. But as a yoga therapist I‘m an advocate for your health and well-being. I will show up to offer a space to be seen and heard, to reacquaint you to your body and breath, and to work together as a team for your health.
My greatest moment as a yoga therapist came when a client texted me after her wedding night. She said, “I was able to dance at my wedding until 3am because of you.” And that, my friends, is why I do what I do.
Comments