I left my lunch in the sink

I remember my first yoga class like it was yesterday.

It was 9 years ago.

I had had a row with my then partner and I think for the first time in my life I wanted to do something for myself.
I felt unappreciated, misunderstood and betrayed and probably started realising that I cannot just focus on another person all my life, that I need to take steps towards my own happiness and health.

I found a deal on Groupon offering 10 yoga classes with a massive discount and signed up without thinking. I arrived at the studio and realised it was a hot yoga class and immediately thought to turn around and walk away. I didn't have the best relationship with heat at that time. My cardiovascular system was weak and it was normal to feel dizzy or faint on a really hot day. But I went with it.

At the time I was still fiercely fiery and stubborn. I couldn't accept the fact that I cannot do something. So as I was feeling progressively hotter and dizzier I didn't stop, but continued to push (It was a Bikram class for those of you who know how tough it can get with 70 other people in the room).

At some point I thought I was about to die. In my head I said 'goodbye to my family and friends' and managed to bend my knees just in time to sit on the mat and avoid a total face first crash landing. 

I somehow left the room, crawled to the bathroom and left my lunch in one of the sinks. It was not a pretty first experience. I left knowing for certain that I'd never be back. Better to stick to my running, thank you very much! 

Almost a year later I received an email from the studio congratulating me with my birthday and offering a free class.

Lots had changed since my last visit, I learnt how to be more patient and it felt like a good time to re-join. I tried again and I absolutely loved it. Here I am in 2020 and actually teaching how to be more patient, compassionate, how to learn to love and understand yourself through your yoga practice. 

What is this story for?

Your yoga journey can be messy, unpredictable. You might start several times, and think it is not for you, try various teachers and styles of yoga, life will get in the way and you struggle to find the time... (this actually never stops! :) Remember that ALL of it is part of your journey and just like your poses it doesn't have to be perfect. There is no judgement, nothing to be fearful of and no wrong way to do it. There are just other students who are also figuring it out as they go.