Definition of the word “Namaste”: I salute the divine within you. Taking the time to celebrate humanity in all its splendor, to take care of oneself, and to nurture that little spark—that is the whole purpose of this practice, which has been an integral part of my life for nearly six years now.
I wouldn’t call myself a master of the art of yoga, but there’s a sense of belonging that quickly binds the yogi to their mat. That moment when I reconnect with inner peace and let go of daily worries is sacred to me. Half an hour, an hour—depending on the “flow”—a moment that belongs only to me.
I have to admit that yoga has saved me more than once; this practice has helped me immensely in recovering from postpartum, regaining strength in my injured back (I’ve had three lumbar sprains—it feels good to take care of your back), and also with my knees, which have been weakened by years of dancing and my job as an educator.
It’s clear that I’ve had to build my flexibility through countless “flows,” listening to my body and letting it guide me. Each new position requires patience and control. We want to push ourselves right away, to nail the pose, to hold it no matter what. But the body—an incredible machine—speaks during sessions and dictates its limits. Soon enough, the body yields and allows us to push the pose a little further.
For the past few years, I’ve been attending community classes with a friend. This special moment shared with her ends with a cup of coffee, a chance to catch up on our respective weeks, and a “zen” feeling that gets the week off to a great start. If I’m unable to attend her sessions, I browse online for a yoga instructor to guide my practice. I roll out my mat, warm up, and prepare to let my mind focus on my breath, to embrace positivity, and to visualize my problems and stress fading away.
Given the pace of our lives, taking a moment to pause is essential on a regular basis. The benefits of yoga spread quickly, and the practice is gaining many followers. In fact, once you try it, you’ll be hooked! Whether in a group or on your own, setting aside time to connect with your mat gives you the chance to enjoy all the benefits—for both mind and body. Treat yourself to an hour of pure well-being. Namaste!