It was a New Year’s Resolution that brought me to BYS Yoga. A former athlete, I was injured, overweight, and in need of some mindful movement. After years of competitive sports, I didn’t want to be timed, measured, charted, or compared. Imagine my delight when the teachers at BYS encouraged me to do what I wanted to do on my yoga mat. Take downward facing dog or child’s pose, they suggested. Try something new, or don’t.
I resolved to be more active, but I experienced so much more through consistent yoga practice. Yoga transformed me, and BYS Yoga was the unknowing catalyst of that change. I followed teachers, attended workshops, completed trainings, travelled, taught, studied, reflected, met new people, and I stepped out of my comfort zone again and again – I did all of these things for the love of yoga.
All this month, we were asked to consider why we love BYS Yoga. So here it goes: I love the big, beautiful space. I love the way sunlight floods the third floor during a Saturday morning class, and I can’t get enough of the ceiling. I love how the students, teachers, and neighbors come together to celebrate and support the community. I love the teachers, and I cherish those who’ve come and gone. Most of all, I love being able to come into myself on my mat at BYS Yoga.
I am reminded of a Cheryl Strayed quote. She says: “Transformation doesn’t ask that you stop being you. It demands that you find a way back to the authenticity and strength that’s already inside of you. You only have to bloom.”
BYS Yoga helped me to find my way back. For that, I’m grateful.
With love,
Alicia
