My Yoga Story is about…Balance.

Name :: Zahra
Occupation :: Student
Interests/Passions :: Yoga (of course!), camping, snowboarding, canoeing
Favorite Pose :: Toppling tree

What started out as a simple deal between me and my mom a few years (if I came to yoga with her on Saturday mornings she would drive me to work) has turned into a very personal and amazing yoga journey for me today. Moving from Toronto to Vancouver, a very yoga engaged city, I have been exposed to a different perspective as well as different types of yoga and have observed how much of a role yoga can play in my life in just one year. It’s all about an individual practice. You are the only one that matters in a class – you, your body and your mind. It’s a rare place you can escape where you are not constantly compared to any one around you – yet you are still surrounded by wonderful people and energy. You can lie down, take a break, try something new, push a pose further, whatever you feel like doing that day – you are in total control of your practice. It’s a beautiful experience and something I crave in my life.

Yoga provides a good balance between the busy lives we all seem to lead. It allows us to be selfish and gives us a moment all for ourselves. Not to mention makes me feel stronger, more flexible and provides a good break the regular routine of hitting the gym. It is also amazing to see how much progress you can make and how much your poses can improve. Its okay to not be able to do everything right away and when you see yourself improve its really rewarding. Aside from the direct benefits of yoga, what is truly amazing is the ability to apply these same ideas of balance and progress in everyday life.

The best part about my yoga story is definitely the benefits off the mat. I find myself able to separate the negative from the positive and then only welcome the positive into my life. I am able to let the negative go in all areas of my life and focus on the good in the world and in people. The feeling I get after a yoga class is indescribable and is what keeps me going back for more. I feel refreshed, energized and happy. So simple. If you are skeptical about trying it, don’t be. Try it and keep an open mind. Don’t forget to give different types of yoga a chance because one might suit what you are looking for more. Good luck on your journey.