My Yoga Journey

I began doing yoga when I was a recent college grad.  I needed a job and couldn’t find anything other than retail positions, so I decided I would try to work at lululemon.  Being a yogi greatly increases your chances of being hired there, so I started practicing simply so that I could get the job.  I honestly didn’t like it much at first…I forced myself to go to easy beginner classes for a few months so that I could learn the basic poses and alignment well and not injure myself in physically challenging classes.

After a while I allowed myself to advance to slightly more advanced classes.  I found a studio that I enjoyed and a teacher that I adored down the street from where I lived in Philadelphia.  Then I got hooked! lululemon was an awful job and didn’t last long, but I am so grateful that it drew me to yoga.  I even convinced Brian to come with me and it became one of our favorite bonding activities.  Up until this point I had been going to a chiropractor and physical therapist for chronic upper back pain.  After a short while of practicing yoga, my back pain was completely gone simply from the stretching and strengthening of my trapezius.  At first I was practicing yoga 1-2 times a week and running 3-4 times a week, but gradually the two activities switched priority.  I am leaner and with more muscle tone than when I was running more.  I also feel like yoga is gradually helping me to become more balanced emotionally.  The meditation and breathing exercises help me feel more calm and centered.  Nothing beats the relaxed state of euphoria I feel after class, or how warm and limber my muscles feel!

What do you think about yoga? Do you enjoy it?

Leggings and bra by Emily Hsu Designs.

xoxox

Emily