Transformation

Photos by Brynna Bryant of Respiro Photography.

It's hard to remember what life was like before yoga.

Things were fundamentally different before I began my practice. I had more fear and anxiety. I felt ashamed of my body. I talked down to myself and doubted myself regularly. A lot of the time, I felt tense. I knew I was capable of being at peace, but didn't know how to let the little things go.

I practice new habits now. I regularly give thanks for the blessings in my life. I am used to the sound of my breath in the back of my throat, that careful wave of ujjayi a constant reminder to be present. I do not mind waiting in line at the post office or the grocery store for it provides me a few minutes to meditate.

I'm able to stand on my mat and let everything else that's going on in my life fade into the background of my awareness. A new focus, a way of letting go. Inviting balance, flexibility, strength. Allowing peace.

Sometimes I awake from savasana feeling like a wholly new person. I walk out of class, refreshed, light, wondering where the old me is, fine with the fact that I am new.