This week I had the privilege of representing Backwards Yoga during Arconic’s Health Fair.  I spoke with many individuals about their experiences with yoga in hopes to get them to try our studio.  For some the drive was just too far, for others it was a flat no, but for the majority- they were open to trying it.  Maybe not our hot classes, maybe not out on the paddle boards, but something about doing yoga seemed like the right thing to do.  What’s cool about sharing our passions is we never know who needs to hear what we’re saying and for what purpose.  Some individuals excused their size, “Do I look like I do yoga?!” but really, all that’s required to have a yoga body is… a body.

We all know how intimidating it is to try new things, especially in front of a mirror in a room full of people who more than likely have a better idea of what they are doing than us.  I think one of our goals at Backwards Yoga should be to stay humble in our practice to be able to share a passion for self-improvement– no matter the point at which we’ll each be starting.  Some of us started yoga for weight loss, maybe to get some time away from the kids, maybe we have some mental struggles we need to work out, or maybe we just needed to tone down the crazy… whatever our “why” is, its important to get to a point where we can be open about our struggles with other people.

I’m not saying go around flaunting our biggest fears and demons as if its no big deal, but I think there is a point you get to in evolving as a person that you have to let go of what’s no longer allowing you to grow.  I am a person battled anxiety my whole life.  I do not go around talking about it, but I’m now at a point in my life that I am no longer ashamed to have it.  Experiencing this “mental illness” does not make me less of a person, and it does not define who I am.  I have chosen to not be silenced by it, but instead live louder to shine my light for others going through the same struggle.

Its easy sometimes to feel so alone in whatever we’re going through, and I think we forget that we’re put in each other’s lives for a reason.  I’m sure I spoke with individuals the other night from all walks of life that are going through trials whether that be spiritual, emotional, or physical.  They may even start their yoga journey for a different reason then why they choose to continue, that was certainly the case for me.

Don’t let yoga be your secret hobby that other people don’t understand.  Share your passion with someone else and let them discover their why.  The holidays are right around the corner and we all know some family member or friend that maybe needs to tone down the crazy… or maybe they complain about health problems without doing anything about it… find a time that they can try a class with you.  Even if its just one experience, its sure to change their life forever.  Let go of insecurities or pride and put yourself right back in a beginner’s shoes.  Give someone hope with the gift of yoga.  Those are some of my life lessons from a health fair…

Namaste, Angela.