Finding My Balance: What Yoga Means to Me

How I Came to Yoga

When I first discovered yoga, I was looking for something to hold on to. Like we all experience, I was navigating a challenging time — I was going through a tough moment in life and business and I needed a soft place to land, somewhere safe to recharge and heal. Yoga became that place for me, even though I had no idea what I was doing in the beginning. It welcomed me with open arms, offering a space to breathe and simply be.

Do you need a calm place to land? Yoga might be that safe space.

Yoga, for me, has never been about mastering complex poses or striving for perfection. It’s about finding stillness in a world that often feels chaotic. I started practicing yoga as a way to soothe my nervous system, which had been frayed by the pressures of work and life. Through gentle movement, mindful breathwork, and meditation, I began to notice a shift within myself.

As I deepened my practice, I realized that yoga is so much more than just a physical exercise. It’s a holistic approach to health and wellness that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit. It can enhance longevity, vitality, and overall well-being — qualities that resonate deeply with my love for holistic health. I admire how yoga encourages us to connect with our bodies in a gentle and loving way, reminding us that health isn’t just about being free from illness; it’s about thriving in every aspect of our lives.

I admire how yoga brings you to the present moment, away from the past or the future. Some say that depression is too much awareness of the past and anxiety is obsession over the future. And yet, on the yoga mat, you’re just on your mat. You don’t have to answer to anyone and there’s nothing you have to do. You don’t have to make any decisions, because you’re following along with the teacher. You just show up and the rest goes from there.

Benefits of Yoga

One of the most surprising benefits of yoga has been its impact on my mood and pain levels. I’ve experienced firsthand how the practice can reduce physical discomfort and elevate my emotional state, making it easier to navigate life’s ups and downs. Yoga isn’t just about stretching muscles; it’s about stretching the mind, expanding our capacity for joy, and releasing the tension that we often carry with us.

What’s even more fascinating is how yoga supports the functionality of the endocannabinoid system — an essential part of our body that helps regulate mood, pain, and stress. Through movement and breath, yoga naturally boosts the production of endocannabinoids, creating a sense of balance and harmony within. This connection between yoga and the body’s innate healing mechanisms has only deepened my appreciation for the practice.

I must say, one of the most beautiful components of my yoga experience has been the people it has brought into my life. Some of my very best friends and collaborators have come into my life because of yoga.

While I may not be an expert yogi, I have come to see yoga as an essential part of my life — a practice that grounds me, heals me, and empowers me to be the best version of myself. If you’re considering adding yoga to your routine, I encourage you to approach it with an open heart and mind. Allow it to be your sanctuary, your place of refuge, where you can reconnect with yourself and find peace in the midst of life’s storms.

Meditation is Yoga. Meditation is Divine.

Want to try a brief moment of yoga right now? Three Trees Yoga, my yoga alma mater, offers fantastic free meditations you can listen to. You see, yoga isn’t all about the poses and movements; every quiet and still moment of intention has a yogic quality to it. Find a comfortable spot, take some time, and explore within.

Meditation is healthy for us, and meditation is yoga. Meditation can even connect us to the divine; in the end, isn’t meditation similar to prayer?

Yoga Going Forward

As I continue to grow in my yoga journey, I’m inspired to weave this practice into my broader work in holistic health. Yoga complements so many other wellness practices, from nutrition to nature to mindfulness, making it a versatile tool for anyone looking to enhance their well-being. Whether you are seeking relief from stress, looking to boost your mood, or simply wanting to feel more vibrant and alive, yoga offers something valuable for everyone.

Yoga is more than just a practice; it’s a journey toward wholeness. It’s a reminder that we are all deserving of care, compassion, and the time to breathe deeply and live fully. It also reminds us that we are not alone — there’s a yoga community out there to tap into! Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a curious beginner, yoga has the power to transform your life in ways you may have never imagined.