My introduction to yoga was a shift from my background in competitive sports, where pushing limits was key with “no pain, no gain” ethos. However this approach is incompatible with yoga and only leads to injuries. I had to learn to respect my body’s boundaries rather than fight against them.
I discovered yoga in my mid-twenties after a back injury left me with chronic pain. Despite initially feeling out of place in my first yoga class, my persistence from sports kept me going. Although yoga helped manage my pain, it wasn’t until 15 years later that an experienced teacher corrected mistakes in my practice, allowing for full healing. Choosing a knowledgeable teacher is vital when trusting someone with your body.
My yoga journey has taught me acceptance, surrender, and gratitude—qualities that enrich my life beyond the mat.