Yoga has not always been a part of my life. I went to a few yoga classes here and there throughout the years, but I never thought of it as a daily practice or lifestyle. About a year and a half ago, I became really interested in it. I started practicing every chance I got. I would go to my room, turn on soothing music, lay my yoga mat down, and just move. I am not sure how my body knew what to do, but with each day my yoga practice improved. Not only my practice, but my life. This past February, I went to Asheville, NC over the course of seven months to obtain the 200-hour yoga teacher training certification through the Asheville Yoga Center. I learned more than I ever thought possible.

As I reflect over my yogic journey, there are three reasons why I started yoga. These reasons shaped me into the yogi I am today; I wanted to share them with you in hopes that you start your own yoga practice.

Here are three reasons why you should try yoga:

You feel free

When I started yoga a little over a year ago, I was dealing with anxiety and fear of the future. I was worried about college the following fall and I was generally being hard on myself. I was holding onto tough emotions and wanted a break. Through yoga and it's practice, I found that. I began to get on my mat and meditate: clearing my mind, speaking to God, and sitting in silence. The more time in meditation and prayer, the less hectic my day seemed. I focused on my breath. Inhaling all things positive, exhaling negativity. Letting go of what my mind, soul, and body didn't need. Once I did this, everything changed.

You Get A Workout

Practicing yoga every day, not only builds a lean and strong body, but your mind gets a workout too. The body builds muscle, while the mind builds truth. With a strong mind/body connection, I felt more confident, less stressed, and happier. Yoga is full of fun poses that get your muscles burning like Warrior 1, Goddess, Headstand, Locust, and more. I highly recommend going to a yoga class that offers both relaxation, as well as strength building. The two combined will make you feel unstoppable.

You Link Souls

There are a handful of people I have met through yoga that have made a positive impact on my life - reassuring me that yoga is where I am meant to be. In teacher training, we practiced acro yoga (partner yoga). We did poses that required trust, openness, and love. It was one of the most amazing practices because you could feel the souls in the room connecting as one. The people you and I meet in a yoga class are the type of people you need in life. They treat you with kindness, tell you the truth, and love you unconditionally.

So to all my lovely yogis, much love to you!

I hope this article inspired you to attend a yoga class, I promise it will be one of the best decisions of your life. My challenge for you is to squeeze in at least 1-3 yoga classes per week. Please let me know if you feel a difference in your life!

Namaste: The soul within me, honors the soul within you.

Have a blessed week. xoxo.