A Year of Struggles: How 2011 Changed Everything
Midway through 2011, I found myself in the midst of one of the toughest years of my life. I was grappling with a career change, coping with the end of a long-term relationship, facing a death in the family, and dealing with the chaos of a global disaster. It was a recipe for deep depression that felt endless.
A Turning Point: Discovering the Power of Yoga
My name is Alex Artymiak, and looking back, I wish I could tell my past self that “crisis precipitates evolution.” What I didn’t realize at the time was that this difficult year would ultimately lead me to one of the greatest transformations of my life—a profound immersion in yoga.
Discovering Yoga: More Than Just Exercise
I initially turned to yoga as a way to cross-train for surfing. However, this physical pursuit soon evolved into something far deeper. I began to experience yoga’s incredible effects on my heart and mind, as well as my body.
Deepening Connections: The Transformation Within
Each yoga class helped me forge a deeper connection with myself. I became acutely aware of how my experiences off the mat influenced my energy levels. As I grew more centered, life unfolded into a vibrant tapestry of experiences, sparking a desire to understand the magic behind this transformation.
Through the practice of yoga, I not only navigated my struggles but also discovered a powerful pathway to healing and self-discovery. Join me as I share more about this incredible journey and how it can inspire you to find your own light in times of darkness.
Bridging East and West: A Holistic Approach
I embraced both Eastern philosophies and Western science to understand and validate my experiences. This fusion revealed how my perceptions shaped my energy, and in turn, how that energy colored my thoughts and actions, creating a self-perpetuating loop of negativity I was unaware of.
The Biology of Stress: Understanding Your Nervous System
When we perceive a threat, our nervous system kicks into survival mode, elevating blood pressure and flooding the body with hormones to prepare for fight or flight. This instinctive response occurs whether we’re facing physical danger or dealing with worries about finances, relationships, or global events.
Breaking Free from Chronic Stress
After escaping a physical threat, our nervous system should ideally relax, bringing a sense of calm. However, when we’re consumed by life’s challenges, our bodies remain in a fight-or-flight state, leading to chronic stress. This results in a life filled with fear and anxiety over potential threats that may never materialize, trapping us in a reactive mindset rather than a creative one. Yoga offers the sensitivity to observe our state of being and the ability to calm our nervous system—an invaluable gift.
Surrender to Your Inner Power
In the Yoga Sutras, “ishvara pranidhana” translates to “surrender to a higher power.” While we often think of a higher power as something external, consider the incredible power within you—the intelligence that created a human body from two microscopic cells. This loving force operates without conscious control and guides us through our intuition when we are open and receptive.
Yoga: A Dialogue with Your Body
My advice is to view yoga as a practice that nourishes the nervous system and impacts the physical body. It’s a dialogue that encourages the body to move into various shapes while remaining attuned to the sensations that arise. As you become more aware of your physical state, you’ll also become more sensitive to your emotions and energy. By recognizing the moment you shift into fight or flight, you can course-correct—relaxing tension in your body and slowing your breath. Under stress, we see only problems; through surrender, we open ourselves to opportunities and potential.
Embrace the Journey: Crisis as Catalyst for Growth
Crisis precipitates evolution. No matter the challenges you face, I encourage you to deepen your connection to yourself. By surrendering to the powerful intelligence within, you will uncover insights and realizations that guide you through any crisis, enabling you to live a life filled with joy and intention. I look forward to connecting with you soon!
Inspired to take a class with Alex? Find his latest practices here.
