Yoga

I've had some experience with Yoga in the past, but had never committed to it long term. When I think back to my previous experience I mostly remember having a strong dislike towards the downward dog technique. This was because I had poor upper body strength and didn't practise Yoga often enough to build those muscles or see any benefits. I can look back at this now and smile. I have gratitude for the person I was then and I have gratitude for the person I am now because of experiences and knowledge gained along the way.

There was a time when I was struggling internally with my Kung Fu and I had considered ending my Kung Fu training with thoughts of turning to Yoga instead as a way to continue improving my overall health and mobility. At the time I saw it as one or the other, not both.

Fast forward a few years. The decision to add Yoga to my personal goals for this year has been a great decision. I no longer see Yoga as a separate entity. Instead I have come to see it as complimentary and an important component for me as I move forward in my Kung Fu journey. 

So how is my Yoga practise going? I am loving it! I have made use of some great online Yoga videos for beginners and have also signed up for a weekly Yoga practise with Daya Mata Lacie which I am thoroughly enjoying. Each Yoga session has an intention that aligns with a theme for the month, creating a more intentional practice. My Yoga practise ebbs and flows based on my schedule. Some weeks go by with no Yoga and then other weeks I am able to find the time to add it in. When I'm able to add it in I am reminded of how much I enjoy and benefit from it. My goal is to develop more consistency with my Yoga practice over time.

In addition to the initial reasons for adding Yoga to my personal goals, I have also experienced other benefits. I find myself developing an increased awareness with my breathing, posture and the ability to ground myself during Yoga and outside of Yoga as well. I also find myself randomly smiling at times during Yoga. Smile is my intentional word for the year and so I am happily surprised to see Yoga helping me with this. 

As I build a solid Yoga base I find that I am also building internal connections. And my intentional practice is expanding into other areas of my life and Kung Fu, just as I knew it would. Even as I struggle in other areas I know that everything is evolving as it is mean't to be. The more that I do, the more I learn and the more that I learn, the more I do.