My Journey

Discouraged and dissatisfied. Those are two words I would used to describe my life nearly two decades ago. I wanted something more. I craved peace, stillness, joy and to reclaim the pieces of myself that I neglected.  

Late winter 2002 I entertained the idea of taking a yoga. At that time there was a single yoga class near me and our schedules did not coincide. Weeks passed, and everywhere I turned there was something that tugged at me, strengthening my desire to explore yoga, but how?

Brilliantly I worked up the courage to explore two yoga teacher training schools. I received information from each, but which to choose? I lacked the self-confidence to make the "right" decision. So I asked the Universe to send me a sign. Within days I received additional information from one school. I was excited, and just as quick my ego jumped in and doubt set in. Naturally, I asked the Universe for another sign, but clarified to make the sign clear, so I don't miss it. The Universe obliged, again, and again I asked for another clear sign. I am sure if physically possible the Universe would have smacked me in the head. With patience and grace the Universe sent me another sign, one with details on how to sign up for the upcoming yoga teacher training program, beginning in September. Which I mustered up the courage to sign up. Fast forward...

First day of class. A blend of nervousness, excitement, and self-doubt flowed through me. At that time the only think I knew about yoga was from the 1970s show Lilias, Yoga & You, that my mom would occasionally do when I was a child. As everyone was settled together in the temple, seated on the floor, the lead instructor asked if anyone had not practiced yoga before. Without hesitation or thinking I began to raise my hand. As I scanned the room for others, because surly there would be others, after all this is a training program. To my immediate horror no one else was raising their hands. Mine was about 2/3 of the way up, but too late, I was spotted. I was called out and horrifically, asked to stand. One of the instructors asked inquisitively, "you, in the back" because naturally I sat all the way in the back, "you haven't practiced before?" My nervous system was on overdrive, my heart racing, sweating, and 50 shades of red. I mustered up enough breath to utter I wanted to learn yoga so I could do it at home. Honestly, I cannot fully recall what anyone said at that moment. I was invited to sit back down, which was welcomed as my legs felt like jello (vegatarian of course). 

We were eventually split into two larger groups, then into pairs. I was paired with a lovely man, who was kind and gracious. He shared words of encouragement and the poses we were working on, he kindly helped me with. I made my closest and dearest friends during those nine months of training. By following my inner wisdom, with a few nudges, this lead me down the path of teaching. 

Initially I had no intention of teaching, but the Universe already had the plan laid out for me and one month after graduation from the Temple of Kriya Yoga, Chicago, I was asked to teach my first yoga class. Which is a story for another time. Since that first class, well maybe by the fourth or fifth, I was hooked. I feel in love with teaching yoga and have not looked back since. 

I learned that I am braver than I gave myself credit for, to trust my inner wisdom, and trust that the Universe has my back and a plan far greater than I could ever imagin.