a little insight

it's never too late to start practicing yoga

I did not like yoga. I did not like yoga the first time I practiced, nor the second or the third. But I kept showing up. I knew I had to “force myself to like yoga”, I knew I had to keep trying.

and I could not be more grateful I did.

my first classes were in German when I could not get a single word, but I still went and always left practice looking forward to the next one. I started to pick up words and poses and flowed. I remember thinking how amazing it could be to understand all Laura was saying, not just random words. Indeed, it was a challenge in both ways. This might be why I got so invested in it.

then lockdown happened and moved back to Madrid, but my practice was still there. On and off, but I kept showing up. Stuck to daily practice for a couple of months too. Back then, yoga was an escape from the daily hustle and draining chaos. Yoga was the certainty I needed among all the uncertainty that surrounded me.

moved back to Germany and committed to yoga. The first thing I did as I got there this time was to find a class and commit to it. Except this time I was able to understand it (an accomplishment, yay!). I could understand the class while keeping my mind still. My consistency turned into progress with no specific goals. I found a new journey to explore.

but this consistency felt apart when I moved again. I barely practiced when I lived in Bordeaux. I pressed pause for a bit. Unexpected and unplanned, but priorities changed. I still unfolded my mat every now and then and went back to my go-to youtube videos but yoga was not a priority back then.

and then I moved again. My priorities in Barcelona shifted and had to embrace change. I was craving stillness and calm in this newness. I was looking for balance and (re)connection. & yoga was the answer. Back to consistency, progress, and the urge to grow. Learned to fall and be held.

yoga is where I find stillness. It is a place to come back to, no matter where. yoga holds you if you let yourself be held.

The yoga pose is not the goal. Becoming flexible or standing on your hands is not the goal. The goal is to create space where you were once stuck. To unveil layers of protection you’ve built around your heart. To appreciate your body and become aware of the mind and the noise it creates. To make peace with who you are. The goal is to love... well, you. Shift your focus and your heart will grow - Rachel Brathen

happy international yoga day

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