I believe that in this fast-paced world, we desperately need a break: a time to rest, slow down, and breathe. I have tried many different types of yoga over the years, and I have found that a slow and gentle form of yoga is best for healing and soothing our jangled nervous systems.
Yoga was never meant to be a form of strenuous exercise. It was never meant as an exercise in pushing your body to its limits. It was meant as a way of connecting mind and body, coming home to yourself, and getting in touch with your heart.
I used to think that gentle yoga was not active enough! In my 20s, I believed I should push my body to its limits, and if I wasn’t putting in 110% effort, then I was slacking. I didn’t realize that the key to healing was not to push yourself harder, but to simply be present, to be gentle with yourself, and to show yourself kindness and compassion. That’s where true healing energy comes from.
Back when I was pushing myself too hard, I eventually developed Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, or Myalgic Encephalitis. As a former people-pleaser, I thought the only way I had value was by fulfilling the needs of others, so I pushed myself past the point of exhaustion, stayed strong for the sake of others, and rarely took the time to care for myself. This all made me feel very, very tired and very, very alone.
Self-compassion was the key to finding my way out. I had to learn to feel my feelings instead of suppressing them for the sake of others. Gentle yoga and meditation was the first step in this journey.
I am not a guru. I do not wish to be a guru, and I do not believe that yoga benefits from gurus. You should listen to your own body and your own feelings, not a guru! A teacher should only help you learn how to listen to your own feelings, not tell you what your feelings should be.
Much of my own healing journey came from finding other caring, empathetic people. Humans are profoundly social beings, and so we heal best in relationships with others, which is why I plan to offer activities such as circle dancing and circle sharing in the near future. Stay tuned!
Through my classes, I help people who feel depressed, anxious, or burnt out reconnect with themselves so they can move through the world with greater peace and equanimity. Through cues of compassion and connection, I help to re-set your nervous system and heal feelings of isolation. I strongly believe it’s what our society needs right now.
Please join me for a gentle, flowing yoga practice with lots of time for rest at the end of each session. You won’t believe how much more optimism and energy you’ll have.
As one of my teachers was fond of saying: “The world wants you to hustle. Be a rebel and rest instead”.