Whether you are new to yoga or have been practicing for many years, we all have a “moment.” A moment where something shifted and our practice allowed us to see ourselves and the world around us in a different way. A moment where we fell out of a pose and laughed and it was everything. A moment that showed us we’re stronger than we realized. A moment where we finally kicked up into headstand on our own and couldn’t believe it. A moment where we could finally let it all go and just be.
That “moment” is different for everyone and this summer we want to celebrate YOUR yoga moments. We also want to acknowledge the many yoga studios all over the world that make so many incredible yoga moments possible. Want to share your yoga moment with us? Here’s how.
This week’s Yoga Moment comes from Lara Swinarton during her practice at HeartSTONE Studio in Tucson, Arizona.
“My yoga moment isn’t a pose, or an overcoming of a fear or connecting to my breath. I have had those, but the one that sticks most in my mind is much quieter.
Yoga came to me in an incredibly volatile, emotionally and physically abusive marriage. A childhood friend said I needed yoga to survive this. It changed me. Upon finally summoning the strength to leave my now ex husband, I gave up my career and decided to teach yoga. Through this process I often wondered if I was doing the right thing. The guilt and shame I felt was incredible. It was sometimes difficult to show up to school, or take a class, let alone focus. My ex husband would ridicule me, belittle my new choices. Though I knew I had to leave the abuse, I still felt guilt and believed that it was my fault for our family breaking up. I left and gave up everything I knew to find freedom and to teach others what strength yoga had given me.
Fast forward to Monday night “staff” yoga at the rock climbing gym where I work in Tucson, AZ. To be honest, I don’t even remember much of that class. I remember triangle pose…sweating…breathing.
I remember for the first time in a long time, not thinking about …anything that was normally racing through my mind. I remember coming into a sweet sweet savasana and feeling quiet. Embracing and soaking it up. Faintly hearing the teacher ruffling through the pages of a book that she would read us a quote from. Noticing breath slowing and my body cooling and settling. Hearing the sweet, pure low toned chime from her singing bowl and my eyes fluttering open and the first though in my mind;
“I am exactly where I need to be.”
The peace that washed over me was incredible. I will never forget it.
That was over a year ago. Now I am teaching, learning healthy relationships, and making my way the best I can.”
