From Dance Floors to Yoga Mats: Embracing Balance and Listening to Our Bodies

The personal story of finding the benefits of yoga

Hey yogis and yoginis, or those who support them while modestly standing on the sidelines,

Today, I’ll dive into my personal journey with yoga, a path that many of my fellow yoga instructors have walked as well. Like many, I turned to yoga in response to physical discomfort.

Back in my youthful days, I perceived yoga as a practice only for those engrossed in Buddhism or for individuals who didn’t crave intensity. I yearned for dynamism and vigor, and yoga simply didn’t seem to fit the bill.

However, as time went on and I matured, my perspective shifted. As a dedicated dancer, I often subjected my body to strenuous routines — hours on my knees and regularly in high heels. The toll of such movements began to show. I remember hiking trips in the mountains where, after just a few hours, my knees felt like they were ready to “exit the chat.” Each step became a painful endeavor. Although I was practicing yoga by this time, I hadn’t yet grasped its profound benefits.

Although yoga can be broadly beneficial, it’s not exempt from potential harm. When instructors advise pausing during discomfort, they truly mean it.

Here’s what I’ve come to understand:

• Yoga is therapeutic. It’s essential to approach it with the same discretion as any treatment. For instance, you wouldn’t treat a sore throat with medication for heartburn. Similarly, conventional exercises like gym workouts or running aren’t one-size-fits-all solutions.
• While many of us might share common ailments like scoliosis, flat feet, or hernias, our bodies are distinctive with specific requirements. What benefits one person might not be ideal for another.
• Dancing will always hold a special place in my heart, but I’ve learned that dancing in high heels, especially with my flat feet, might not have been the wisest choice. Much like the Little Mermaid dancing through her foot pain, her story often strikes a chord with my own adventures.
• Although yoga can be broadly beneficial, it’s not exempt from potential harm. When instructors advise pausing during discomfort, they truly mean it. In our achievement-driven society, we sometimes push ourselves to the brink. But yoga encourages embracing the essence of slow living.

Perhaps it’s time we lend our ears more to our inner selves. Who knows, we might just become those spirited grandmas joyously trekking trails in our 70s.

For those of you eager to practice with me, visit my YouTube channel and let’s embark on a healing journey together.