Yin for the Win.

I was never an avid gym go-er or a disciplined clean eater. I was 24 before I finally dropped the freshmen15 and my face remained swollen for at least another 2 years beyond that point. In my 20's I occasionally ran outside, ate lots of gluten and drank alcohol in excess. I finally joined a gym with my friend Courtney's coaxing and a few training sessions courtesy of my favorite gay uncle. I think it's safe to say I was not a gym junkie or fitness freak.

In January of 2012, two things happened:
1) I read in an issue of Vogue that Jennifer Aniston owed her perfect arms to her yoga practice and 2) I waited on the owner of the newly opened Newport Power Yoga.
Terry, the owner,  informed me my years of playing soccer and occasional running was jamming my bones together, and yoga would ultimately elongate my legs. An exercise that would make me grow taller?! It was then I decided to find out what all the fuss what about. As a mediocre athlete with limited flexibility, I was highly intimidated entering my first class, but ultimately survived 75 minutes in a 95 degree room. Post savasana, with black eye makeup running down my face and my best friend making fun of me by my side, I decided I would attempt to attend classes regularly (sans mascara).

Fast forward two and a half years later and I am in a cafe right below Newport Power Yoga, having coffee with the incredible Patti D, the Olivia Pope of Rhode Island and owner of Thames Street Yoga. She was in the process of convincing me to register for the 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training as I immediately outlined my hesitations- the expense and the scheduling conflicts with my job as both teacher and student council class advisor. Initially I convinced myself that I should put it off until the next training, when I would have more time and money, but Patti assured me that we would make it work. Her gentle assertion coupled with the support of my parents and persuasive yogi goddess roomie had me signed up to start training in October.

Over the course of six months, 200 hours was spread amongst sporadic weekend intensive trainings and I became fully immersed in the history of yoga, the teachings, postures,  sanskrit, chakras, anatomy, and sutras. Most importantly, I was surrounded by a group of nine remarkable women, each with their own beautiful story to tell, all led and inspired by our beloved teacher Patti and the other teachers and experts she wove in throughout the training.

Tomorrow marks one year since we earned our certificates and became teachers of yoga, and tonight I am feeling ALL the feels. It has been nerve wracking, humbling and gratifying to share this practice with other yogis at two local studios I am so proud to represent. While I can't say that yoga has changed me (I'm not a vegan and I still drink plenty of wine), it has certainly helped me grow. It has taught me to breathe, to let go, to practice non-judgement, nonviolence and gratitude daily. So in the spirit of gratitude... thank you to Buddha and other the gurus that have ever existed, thank you every teacher and student I have practiced with, thank you to everyone in my life who sheds love and light.

And if you have the opportunity, I encourage you to participate in a training even if you never intend to lead a class.  To quote my dear friend Stephanie, "Yoga teacher training should be a life prerequisite." Fingers crossed that by next year I'll have Jen Aniston's arms.