Of Mind, Body, and Soul: My Personal Yoga Journey

Woman practicing yoga on outside deck wearing Strength of One Solo Playsuit

LifestyleApr 13, 20254 min read

Namaste - this is the word that I say at the end of each of my yoga practices, pulling my hands together in a gesture of prayer at my heart and bowing my head toward my chest. It’s a greeting that translates to “I bow to you” and signifies a sense of peace and respect. When I say “Namaste” at the end of my practices, I am saying thanks to myself for taking care of my mind, body, and spirit, and I am reminding myself of the transformative power that yoga has in my life.

I first started my yoga journey a few years back during the Covid-19 pandemic. I found yoga was something that I could easily do at home to help me find some moments of peace in such a challenging and uncertain time. Since then, it has become an integral part of my morning routine, helping me to set a positive mindset and feel at home within myself throughout the day. What I love most about yoga is that it is diverse and flexible and encourages a deeper sense of self-awareness. There are so many different types of flows, from more intense flows like vinyasa and power flows, to slower, more restorative flows like yin yoga. Each day, I choose which type of flow I do based on what I am needing and feeling in that moment. Sometimes, I need the faster-paced flows as an outlet for the physical and mental energy I might have, while other days, I need to find more of the slower moments to help me rest and self-reflect.

Perhaps the greatest lesson I have learned from my yoga journey so far is to be patient with myself. In yoga, it’s not about finding perfection but about being aware of yourself and embracing who you are, where you are at, and the beauty of growth. When I first started yoga, I struggled with certain poses, especially those that required significant balance and flexibility like Dancer’s Pose, Crow Pose, and Warrior III. At first, I was frustrated. Over time, though, I learned that it’s okay to not be there right away. I kept on persisting, trying, and doing my best, and looking back on my journey, I am proud of how far I have come and excited to see where I will go from here. Even now, some days I may still wobble or fall, but I have learned that’s okay and to embrace those moments. Rather than going into my practices with a sense of rigid expectation, I go into them with a sense of flexibility, exploration, and not taking myself too seriously. Developing this mindset in yoga has helped me in so many other aspects of my life, such as helping me to more effectively perceive and respond to stresses I may encounter in my personal life or at work.

Another way that yoga has transformed my life is by helping me learn to meditate and clear my mind. I usually end my yoga flows with Savasana, also known as Corpse Pose. The name reflects the pose, which involves you lying on your back with your arms and feet spread about hip-distance, your arms next to you with the palms facing up (they can also be facing down - there’s no right or wrong way), and your eyes closed. Through deep breathing and clearing your mind, the goal of Savasana is to find an opportunity for relaxation and reset for the mind and body. I’m a very busy person, and oftentimes it’s difficult for me to find stillness. I frequently find my mind racing with thoughts of what I need to get done, what’s going on in my life, worries about the future, etc. It can be a struggle to not let my mind wander and to simply live in the moment. Practicing Savasana helps me to more effectively be in the present by finding time to step away from the busy world that surrounds me and return home to myself. Sometimes during Savasana, I like to choose an affirmation to focus on in my mind. One of my favorites that I often turn to is, “ I am strong. I am capable. I am loved.” Affirmations like this are a great way for me to achieve focus and mental clarity while also fostering a positive energy and mindset within myself that I can carry with me throughout my day.

Sometimes during Savasana, I like to choose an affirmation to focus on in my mind. One of my favorites that I often turn to is, “ I am strong. I am capable. I am loved.”

I find an incredible amount of joy and beauty in yoga because it is an exercise of the body, mind, and spirit. Since starting my journey, I have gained so much more than the physical benefits, like improved flexibility, balance, coordination, and strength. I have also gained resilience, perseverance, patience, self-confidence, and self-awareness. Yoga offers us self-discovery. It offers us an opportunity to find strength while also finding gentleness, both on the inside and outside. It allows us to come to the mat as we are and to embrace ourselves in our entirety. No matter what style flow you choose to practice, no matter if you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced, and no matter if you choose to practice at a studio or at home, yoga can bring a powerful transformation to your body and your life. Whether you have already begun your yoga journey, are just starting out, or are still deciding if it’s the right course for you, I wish you love, light, health, and peace. Namaste.