Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured
and endure what cannot be cured. ~B.K.S. Iyengar
When I read this qoute by B.K.S Iyengar, the father of yoga, I was reminded why I have always been intrigued and called by the practice of Yoga. My curiosity began in college and my journey with the mat started during my first pregnancy. Miserable with bouts of siatica because of the 60 lbs weight gain and the positioning of my son for 9 months, I resigned myself to the couch until the little bundle of joy made his appearance. My ob recommended chriopratic which was slightly helpful but not quite enough. I certainly wanted to be active but it was a daunting task as the days and weeks progressed because of the pain and discomfort.
I had heard about pre-natal yoga but wondered if it was the right time to start. I was wondering if I would squash the little one in some new and adventous asana. So, I decieded that learning the breathwork of yoga would just have to do until the pregnancy was behind me. I did purchase a Prenatal Yoga book and a bolster and sat in Child's Pose and focused on my breath which would prove to be very useful in the throws of labor.
Fast forward 5 years, 2 children and a stressful job later....I was feeling the effects of stress once again in my body so acutely that I was in a desperate for relief. Spontaneously, I turned to the mat. What happened next was a remarkable relationship with myself. This time I was able to go deeper into the practice; I had gotten my body back - well at least some of it so I was feeling up to the challenge. I registered for a 6 week Iyengar series at a local ballet school. I found myself going deeper each week finding the emotional and physical respite I so needed.
Yoga has taught me so many things - ways to relieve my aching back but the most profound and unexpected lesson is that mind and body are one. I have rejoiced in sun saluations, cried in childs pose and met my inner strength in Warrior pose. The cycle of a practice has become the release of so many emotions and shaped how I experienced the reality of who I am and will become. I am there in the moment and open to all that I am.
