The Present Journey: Why I Chose the Yogic Path

In yoga, we’re asked to let go of the day thus far; to put our stressors on the back burner and remain in the present moment. At the same time, many of us come to yoga in the first place because we’re actively searching for something; a deeper connection to our bodies, an escape from our daily lives, or perhaps a simple stretch. 

Yoga is a balance of both. Relaxing and discovering. Letting go and letting in. It’s this balance that captivated me and led me to where I am now — preparing to complete my 200-hour yoga teacher training. 

Admittedly, part of me feels unqualified to discuss YTT, or yoga in general, because I haven’t completed my training yet. However, I realized that even though I wasn’t a certified instructor yet, my journey with yoga has already begun. 

I began practicing yoga regularly as a way to manage chronic anxiety. Yoga — in addition to occasional meditation and regular hikes with my dog — remains my only remedy for stress and anxiety, however, since beginning my practice, I have fallen in love with much more: it’s physical benefits (strength, flexibility, mobility, balance) and it’s adaptability (more on that later.) 

Despite growing up in the next town over, I was introduced to The Yoga Tree in the summer of 2020 when the pandemic forced the yoga studio I was attending to shut its doors indefinitely. After searching for a new studio for weeks, I finally attended my first vinyasa class with Ally — at that time wearing masks and practicing between shower curtains — and I felt as if I had finally found my yoga “home.” 

When I talk about the “adabtability” of yoga, it stems from all of the classes I have experienced at The Yoga Tree. Every class is different, and every class has found a way to meet me where I’m at that day and take me somewhere I didn’t know I needed to be. Whether it’s an early morning energizing flow, an evening wind down, a refreshing vinyasa, a live bongo restorative relaxation (highly recommend); The Yoga Tree opened my eyes to the limitless possibilities of yoga, and how it is creativity that thrives instead of rigidity. I love it. 

So when I began to consider yoga teacher training, I knew that The Yoga Tree would be the place that I felt most comfortable. Many yoga instructors will tell you that yoga teacher training is beneficial for those who do not wish to teach, but simply to deepen their practice. This is what I originally wanted to do before even considering teaching yoga. As soon as I began my regular practice, I was thirsty for more, and I’m so thrilled to be able to dive into a world so powerful, rewarding and accepting. 

After completing training, I have realized that I want to teach for multiple reasons. First and foremost, I’ve always wanted my work to have a positive impact on others. Knowing what yoga has done for me, I am extremely excited to be able to provide people of all ages with this source of relaxation and joy. Secondly, as an active (and anxious) person who often can’t sit still, I want to supplement my day job as a writer by moving and flowing as often as possible. Yoga teacher training will open the doors for both of these possibilities. 

Through all of this positive forethought, anxiety is still everpresent. I cannot help but worry about messing up while teaching a class — which reminds me of the way I dreaded public speaking courses in college — or about the fact that I may be far less skilled than the other students in the training. 

On top of these fears, yoga teacher training is coming at strange time for me, as the new job that I was thrilled about recently (and suddenly) announced drastic changes due to financial pressures. Though devastated about the job, I’m trying to stay positive by considering this an opportunity — or a sign — to take a deeper dive into something I was loved as a pastime. I’m already reevaluating my career, my goals, and that which makes me happy. I know I need to slow down, though, for with yoga teacher training beginning in January, I’ll have plenty of time to continue this introspection.

Life, like yoga, is a balance of letting go and letting in. We turn away from past experiences and embrace new ones. As things constantly change, we let go, and let in. Take any sign as encouragement to start something new, to pursue something that you love, and to embrace likeminded people. Life is too short not to!