I owe a great deal of gratitude to my dear friend, Lisa, who convinced me that my first Bikram yoga class would be "good for you." What she didn't realize was that not only was it good for me, it changed my life forever.
Walking into my first class was extremely intimidating, not because of the 105 degree heat and 60% humidity, and not because of the challenging poses ahead, but because of all those mirrors. Mirrors in front of me, mirrors to the side, even mirrors on the podium walls. For the 90 grueling minutes that it was I was faced with every raw imperfection, inside and out, staring back and taunting me. As I looked at my reflection that day, unable to avoid it or retreat, I realized for the first time, how truly difficult it was for me to accept myself fully. This was the start of my yoga journey and the beginning of something beautiful.
Over the past 3 years, I have completed 2 yoga teacher-training courses, studying the classic Hatha yoga tradition. I am drawn to history, Eastern medicine, culture, well-being, and spirituality. I feel honored to have been influenced, inspired, and blessed by my teachers, MT, Lex, and of course my beautiful friend, Taz. Through them, I have embraced yoga today as a permanent fixture in my life, one breath at a time.
In my professional walk, I am an occupational therapist. I have been led to serve individuals with paralysis due to spinal cord injury and disease (SCI/D). It has been a calling that I have been following now for over 12 years. Presently I am honored to be in the role of Executive Director for the Texas Gulf Coast Chapter of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA) here in Houston, Texas, developing community-based support programs and opportunities. These individuals teach me that the power of the human spirit is strong, and if we allow it, can overcome the most challenging of life's situations. The obstacles the SCI/D community overcomes, and the grace by which they do it, every day, humble me. They represent passion and tenacity, and remind me to simplify, adapt, love and be loved.
On January 1, 2011, I committed my heart and mind to a Bikram 30-day Challenge. On January 25, 2011, my father passed away unexpectedly. Needless to say, I did not complete the Challenge. What I did, however, accomplish over the next year was deep contemplation on my purpose in this life and a rich appreciation for the present moment. I dedicate this reflection and mindfulness to my dad, Romy.
Today, my heart is hopeful. My mind is aware. My soul is ready for the life that lies ahead. I am happy.
Yoga has become a practice of self-study, self-awareness, self-accepting, and self-loving. I recognize that it is daily work. This, I am willing and open to accept. I am grateful for this gift of renewed appreciation for life and for myself, and am committed to sharing this joy with others.
To all my fellow yogis, yoginis, family, friends, and friends I have yet to meet...Namaste.
