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Do Normal People Do Yoga?



Today I want to share my personal story about yoga and how it helps my health and wellbeing. I am a normal person (mostly).

I have been practicing yoga since the early 2000’s and I started out using video tapes. I remember the first ones were Crunch Fitness, with Sarah Ivanhoe; Candlelight Yoga and Fat Burning Yoga.

At the time, I’d moved out of state where I didn’t know anyone. I took refuge in these videos, and the church that was next door (talk about church in another article.)

After following these tapes for over a year, it became easy and kind of second nature. So, when I had free time, I took an in person class at the community rec center.

Like, most people, I had changes. I changed jobs, changed schedules, and moved a couple of times. There have been times when I fell off from practicing, but I never stopped completely.

During stressful times, like when I was laid off from my job, and when I was dealing with cancer, I leaned on my routine . It gave me a sense of normalcy and a nice distraction from what was going on. I was glad to have something to do every day, and felt a sense of accomplishment when I could complete a routine when I wasn’t feeling well. I could say to myself wow, I was able to do two sun salutations today, or hey I can still do a backbend. I could use this as proof that I was ok; that I was a normal person.

I’ve really done a lot of studying and research on yoga and it is used as an exercise, a mental habit, and a spiritual practice. But, considering all of that, I think that everyone can benefit by making it personal to them.

When you begin, set an intent for your practice. If you want to lose 10 pounds, build a practice around that. If you want to sleep better, then make that your goal. I can honestly say, I have used yoga for many reasons, so yoga benefits normal, and regular people.

My friends and family do not practice yoga. My boyfriend should, but doesn’t and everyone has weird ideas about yoga. They think they cannot do it. My mom told me she went to a seniors class and the guys belly stuck way out when he was breathing and she didn’t like it.

So, I get it. There is an avoidance factor for some people, but I promise you there is something in it for you - if you make it your own.

If you don’t like breath per movement, breathe however you want. Change the music. Add prayer. Nothing is set in stone. Not even the name. I tell my boyfriend I am stretching because it’s easier to visualize.

So, whenever you’re ready, set your intention and follow a video from an instructor you can relate to.

Today and every day, let your light shine. Namaste. 

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