Have you ever embarked on a fairly major life change/event without giving it much thought? Because you just knew it was the right thing to do? Well, up until a few weeks ago, I can honestly say I had not. Nope, for I am a Planner, hear me roooaaaaaar. I think about plans and planning and how to plan for some more plans in the upcoming planning period.
So, you know I’ve been dabbling in yoga over the past year or so – I talked about it here and I STILL re-read your comments on this post, and I have to admit, it’s been a very on-and-off affair. Many of you told me that finding the right class and, most importantly, the right teacher was paramount, and (OF COURSE) you were so right. You see, up until a month or so ago, I sought out yoga classes that appealed to the Sarah of Yore – Vinyasa flow and heated classes with a relatively challenging pace filled with lovely young, fit men and women, but the problem was…well, I was dealing with new physical limitations. However, I would attempt to “power through” and end up with the same results again and again. Those results being a slew of injuries.
(When I will I ever learn? GAH.)
My ego took the reigns for a bit until I was sidelined with a hamstring insertion tear for a solid few months earlier this year. At that point I began practicing restorative yoga only, even though I couldn’t even get my legs up the wall due to my injuries and general awesomeness. I visited physical therapists and energy workers and all sorts of (I like to call them) body helpers, and the most frustrating part of the process was that they ALL recommended yoga. “Have you tried yoga?” DON’T YOU KNOW THAT’S HOW I GOT HERE, BODY HELPER PEOPLE?!
I decided to give up on yoga early this summer. I figured it just wasn’t for me and my temperamental body. I was bummed, though, because I had come to really enjoy learning about the yogic way of life. I wanted to love yoga…why didn’t it love me back?
Fast forward to our move to Oklahoma. I hadn’t even been back for a week when a friend recommended a therapeutic yoga instructor for me to check out. To be honest, on paper, the yoga studio itself wasn’t a favorite. The location was on the other side of town, and (once again) my ego reared its head. “A ‘therapeutic’ yoga class would be too simple and boring! That’s not what you need!” However, I drove to the studio and decided to keep an open mind about it all.
The minute…no, the second I walked in and met the owner/instructor I knew I had found my studio. She sat with me while I told her everything about the past year and a half, and just listened with such compassion. She confirmed what I already knew – that I had come to the right place. What’s that you say? Awwww yeahhhh, it’s healing time.
The classes have been nothing short of amazing, and completely different than any studio I’ve visited before. You know all those books I devour and regurgitate to you on Mindful Mondays? The classes are like living through those books and principles – gentle, therapeutic yoga poses with props, but mixed with a wide range of other practices – meditation, visualization, spiritual readings, and occasionally EFT (tapping) and Tibetan singing bowls. Every day brings something new, and it’s been nothing short of tremendous for me, physically and spiritually.
A few weeks ago, my instructor told me about the RYS 200-hour teacher training commencing at her studio this month, and asked if I had ever considered such a thing. And to be completely honest, embarking on a year-long yoga teacher training had never crossed my mind. Like. Ever. I politely declined, and went on my merry way.
Except that, you guys, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Could I do something like that? Surely not NOW, I thought. I mean, for starters, I just moved halfway across the country, my health situation is uncertain, we haven’t even moved into our house yet, we need to acclimate as a family, yada yada yada. Seriously, I could come up with 550 reasons why I most definitely should not apply.
So yeah. I’m doing it.
If there is one thing I’ve learned this past year, it’s to trust your gut. Although still hard for me to do, when you turn down the volume of your fear and coulda/woulda/shoulda, your instinct will make itself known, and it’s usually dead on. It’s going to be an amazing and challenging journey of learning, sharing, and self-reflection. Not gonna lie – I shed many tears at our first workshop (ALL OF THE EMOTIONS WERE FELT), and although it’s an incredibly vulnerable position to put yourself in…to literally let your heart open up and gush out in front of 27 people…it’s so necessary. For me, at least. I’m tired of pushing all the grief and fear and uncertainty down into the pit of my stomach, and ready to embrace all of the imperfection. This goes far beyond the physical practice of yoya. Like I’ve said before, and totally witnessed firsthand in the workshop, we are ALL struggling, and the best way we can to get through it is to embrace our connection to each other and the world around us.
So, yeah. Woot woot and Namaste and all that goodness.
image credit: elephant journal
Kate
September 29, 2014 at 8:07 amWow! That sounds awesome. I think it’s cool that you’re keeping such an open mind about it and really going for it. Talk about practicing what you preach! I can’t wait to read more about it!
Emily
September 29, 2014 at 8:33 amI love this! How exciting! A fellow Jazzercise instructor friend of me also became a therapeutic yoga teacher. The training sounded so fascinating with lots of journaling and reflecting. I would love to find something like that here!
I’m so glad you are back and things seem to be going well. You seem happy! Can’t wait to hear more about the move and see the house!
Adrienne
September 29, 2014 at 8:52 amCongratulations! Thank goodness for our guts, right?! Teaching training has always been in the back of my mind. My only concern is the fact that I’m a introvert! I’m excited to hear about your progress.
whoorl
September 29, 2014 at 8:55 pmOh, Adrienne, don’t let your introversion hold you back. There are all types of personalities from all walks of life in my class…I think you should go for it.
Meagan
September 29, 2014 at 9:30 pmMe too, Adrienne! I’ve always had the teacher training idea bouncing around n my head, but I’m a MAJOR introvert. Not sure how to reconcile the two, but I’m inspired just hearing that you decided to go for it, Sarah!
Michelle R.
September 29, 2014 at 8:54 amI’m so happy you’re finding your groove! PLEASE keep us posted on your journey with your teacher training, I’m so excited to hear about it!
Sarah
September 29, 2014 at 9:06 amCongratulations and enjoy!
In 2011 I completed a 200 hour teacher training and to this day, it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. I don’t teach yoga right now, but that training has made me a much better student and yoga practitioner, for sure.
I hope your training gives you all kinds of awesome, like mine gave me. Best wishes! xo
whoorl
September 29, 2014 at 8:55 pmYeah, I don’t know if I’ll ever actually teach, but I am so ready to live and learn the yogic way of life.
Ellen
September 29, 2014 at 9:09 amSarah!!!!!
I am ECSTATIC for you. I was one of those people, I think, that went on and on about yoga and how life changing it has been for me. Anxiety, check. Pelvic pain, check. Who am I? Friggin’ CHECK. I finished my yoga teacher training six months ago and it was the best thing I have ever done for myself (outside of birthing my children, of course). It’s answering questions for me every day, as it will for you.
Awesome awesome awesome.
xo
whoorl
September 29, 2014 at 8:55 pmThank you, Ellen!
Vanessa
September 29, 2014 at 10:19 amOh my, congrats! I’m actually on a similar journey as you. Fitness and exercise have both played such a huge part in my life for the past year and a half, it’s completely changed me. I thought this meant I should be a personal trainer but it just never felt right. Then I got deeper and deeper into yoga, and now I really think that’s my path. I’m still thinking about it and considering the cost and how to make that happen, but I know it’s meant to be sooner or later.
I’m so excited for your journey!
natalie
September 29, 2014 at 10:28 amThose “trust and go” moments are what life is all about. Enjoy the journey – it’s corny but really is my wish for you. Namaste.
April
September 29, 2014 at 11:53 amI’ve been following your journey for awhile now on your blog – but I’ve never commented before. You have inspired me so much! The books you’ve recommended have been amazing. Your honesty on this blog is empowering. I always anticipate Mindfulness Monday’s. Looking forward to taking a yoga class from you some day in the future!
whoorl
September 29, 2014 at 8:56 pmOh, thank you, April!
Amanda
September 29, 2014 at 12:51 pmJust wanted to say congratulations! Way to follow your guy and jump in. Yoga teacher training remains one of the most challenging and rewarding times of my life. Can’t wait to hear about your journey!
Sarah
September 29, 2014 at 1:02 pmThis sounds incredible, Sarah. I’ll be living vicariously through you so please share your journey with us!
Kristiina
September 29, 2014 at 8:07 pm“Body helpers” Hahahahahaha! Love that name…and congratulations, Sarah! I love coming to this space and now I’ll look forward to learning more amazing things from you as you go through this journey. Namaste :)
Sizzle
September 29, 2014 at 8:42 pmThat’s what happened for me when I decided to train to be a self-defense instructor. You won’t regret it.
whoorl
September 29, 2014 at 8:56 pmThank you, ladies! I am really excited for this new stage of my life. xo
sarah
September 30, 2014 at 11:24 amechoing earlier comments of “YES!” I did work-trade in a studio for a bit and it was one of the best things I’ve ever done. I took classes I would have never taken, learned things that apply to every aspect of my life, was in better shape with less effort then ever… What an exciting time for you! Life has certainly been testing you with the “non-attachment to outcome” principle lately, huh?