After working at home for a while, I moved to Tel Aviv. A friend of mine, who worked at a gym, suggested I try a vinyasa yoga class with a highly recommended teacher named Shelley Diamond. From my very first class with Shelley, I was hooked. Her teaching style and approach resonated with me deeply. One thing I truly appreciate about Shelley is her understanding and flexibility. Even when I was frequently late, she always welcomed me into her class without hesitation. I honestly believe that if she hadn't been so accommodating, I might have given up on attending altogether. I owe a great deal of my progress in yoga to Shelley's kindness and support. I am incredibly grateful to Shelley for the significant impact she has had on my yoga journey. Her guidance and belief in me have made a world of difference. She has become an integral part of my yoga practice and my overall well-being. I became a regular attendee of Shelley's classes, often joining multiple times a week, and eagerly followed her when she began teaching at various studios. Even as I had the opportunity to explore different yoga styles at one of Tel Aviv's biggest studios, Shelley's classes remained my absolute favorite.
After two years of dedicated practice under Shelley's guidance, I felt a strong desire to take my personal practice to a deeper level. At the same time, my friend had enrolled in a Pilates instructor course, which sparked my interest. I made the decision to join the training as well, and I was fortunate to have an incredibly knowledgeable teacher and a well-rounded course experience.
During the Pilates instructor training, my interest in anatomy and kinesiology blossomed. As I delved into the intricacies of movement and the human body, I had the privilege of meeting a teacher who would become a significant influence on my journey. Little did I know at the time, this encounter would shape the path ahead and profoundly impact my growth as a practitioner and a teacher.
Additionally, I stumbled upon a highly recommended one-month workshop with a renowned teacher. Without any prior experience in Ashtanga yoga, I decided to challenge myself and attend the intensive. It was a bold step, but I was eager to explore this new practice and expand my horizons. Among a group of 20 practitioners, including advanced practitioners, teachers, and studio owners, I found myself as the only one who had never practised the Primary series of Ashtanga yoga. It was during this workshop with Matthew Sweany that I was introduced to the Primary series, which is the foundational sequence of Ashtanga yoga.
I was also introduced to Mysore style classes, where participants practice individual sequences in the same room while the teacher approaches each student individually, providing personalized guidance and assistance. The energy of the group and the supportive atmosphere encouraged me to thrive and deepen my practice. In the Ashtanga tradition, once you learn a sequence, you are encouraged to practice it daily. Only when you have mastered all the postures of a sequence are you given the next one.
Our daily practice sessions were complemented by afternoon workshops that explored alternative sequences, transitions, as well as psychological and mindfulness aspects of the practice. It was a truly fascinating and immersive experience. What struck me the most during this month-long journey was the sense of belonging I felt among the other participants. We quickly formed deep connections, and it felt like I had found my place, my people. The bond we developed was so strong that saying goodbye at our final dinner, set against the backdrop of coconut trees on the beach, was incredibly challenging.
However, it was during this farewell gathering that something unexpected occurred. As someone's partner began prying into my military service, pushing for intricate details and becoming argumentative, I felt my anxiety skyrocket. Surrounded by serenity and beauty, in the company of these wonderful individuals, I realized that I was experiencing a PTSD-related anxiety attack, five years after completing my military service. It was a profound realization that moved me deeply. Perhaps it was the daily yoga practice, the psychology workshops, or the strong connections I formed with fellow participants. Whatever the catalyst, this journey sparked a new level of self-awareness and allowed me to recognize where my PTSD intersected with my life experiences. By acknowledging these triggers, I gained a sense of control over them, even when they seemed irrational.
After completing this intense month of personal growth, I decided to treat myself to a one-week vacation on a remote island off the Andaman Sea. It was a peaceful and quiet place, as it was the off-season. I practiced yoga daily and connected with the few people I met. During this time, I became acutely aware of how PTSD manifested within me. By observing these patterns, I regained a sense of control over my reactions.
One incident that stands out is when we were all sitting in a chill-out area, awaiting breakfast. A snake fell onto our table from a nearby coconut tree. My reaction was swift—I instinctively jumped and ran away, while the rest of the group remained seated. It was a reminder of how deeply ingrained my responses to certain situations had become.
Upon returning from my vacation, I knew I wanted to dive deeper into yoga. However, finding the right teacher training proved to be a challenge. Despite researching various options, meeting with studios and masters, nothing resonated with me. Then, one day, at the large studio where I was a member, there was a class with the famous teacher Maty Ezraty. From that single class, I knew she was my teacher. I had never experienced such intense effort combined with a profound sense of love and support. After this class I approached Maty and inquired about any upcoming teacher trainings. She informed me that one was scheduled to take place in Berlin, starting the following week. Without hesitation, I told her I would see her there and immediately booked my ticket.
This marked the start of a new chapter in my yoga journey, guided by a teacher whose energy and approach resonated deeply with me from the very first class. It was a profound connection that affirmed I had found my master, someone who would play a pivotal role in my growth and transformation as a practitioner. With a sense of readiness and anticipation, I embarked on the next phase of my journey, eager to explore the depths of my practice under their guidance.
Come along as I take the next strides in my journey of uncovering freedom through the transformative practice of yoga. I invite you to share your own experiences with me on this journey.
Share your journey with me. What has inspired you to dive deeper into the transformative practice of yoga? Would love to read your stories :)
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