In my early years, I faced the constant challenge of back pain caused by kyphosis and scoliosis, yet I remained a very active child and teenager. However, it was during my teenage years, at the age of 17, that a remarkable transformation took place. Deeply absorbed in the world of horseback riding, a close friend suggested I try a yoga class. Curiosity piqued, I decided to give it a shot. To my surprise, the class was predominantly attended by seniors, led by a former dancer who possessed extensive knowledge of various yoga and movement methods. The atmosphere was serene and therapeutic, with gentle movements and a deliberate pace. Little did I know that this class would become a turning point in my life. As the session drew to a close, I experienced something truly extraordinary - for the first time in years, I was free from pain. It was as if my body and mind merged in a state of pure bliss (what people call "the after yoga bliss") and in that moment, I fell deeply in love with yoga.
Continuing to attend those yoga classes became a regular part of my life. Surrounded by the senior yogis, I felt a sense of belonging and connection that I hadn't experienced before. It was a space where age and physical limitations didn't matter; we were all there, united in our pursuit of inner peace and well-being. During each session, I eagerly looked forward to the final relaxation pose, savasana. It was during these moments that I would always find myself drifting into a deep sleep. Falling asleep during savasana became a familiar and cherished occurrence. It wasn't just the physical relief from my back pain; it was the profound sense of feeling at home in my own body and being able to let go of the tensions and worries that weighed me down.
In the midst of the turmoil surrounding my parents' divorce, the atmosphere at home was often tense and unsettling. I sought refuge in as many ways as possible, yearning to escape the turmoil that engulfed my daily life. Yoga became more than just an escape; it became the foundation of my identity and a wellspring of inner strength and relief. Through the practice of yoga, I discovered the power of finding peace within myself, even amidst chaos. It became a sanctuary where I could reconnect with my body, mind, and spirit. The healing energy of each class nurtured my resilience and provided me with the tools to navigate the challenges I faced. Yoga became not only a physical practice but also a profound journey of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and personal growth.
Of course being 17 i didn't realise any of that, i just knew it felt good, and i continued to show up for myslef.
In the upcoming blog posts, I will delve deeper into how yoga continued to shape my life, exploring the moments of breakthrough, the lessons learned, and the transformation that unfolded within me. Join me as we explore the beautiful and transformative power of yoga, not just as a physical exercise but as a pathway to healing, strength, and inner peace. Stay tuned for the next installment of the series, where I will share how my love affair with yoga deepened, opening up new doors and possibilities on my journey of self-discovery, continuing discovering the trasformative power of yoga. Remember, that yoga has the potential to be a guiding light in our lives, offering solace, strength, and an unwavering source of inner harmony. Embrace the practice and let its transformative magic unfold within you.
With love,
Elena
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