There is a candle in your heart, ready to be kindled.
There is a void in your soul, ready to be filled.
You feel it, don't you?"
Everything in the universe is within you. Ask all from yourself.
Rumi
About two years ago when I stepped into my first Yoga class I remember walking into with awe. Straight out of two mammoth tragedies, I was what you call " a hot mess'. First few minutes on the mat and I knew I was on a path of healing. There are so many times when I've come to my mat with an aching heart only to rise up feeling full again. There is a feeling of completion and wholeness that can only come when you open your heart to the truth of who you really are.
No other person can complete you. No matter how dark and twisted the world becomes, no matter how broken your heart may be, there is a sanctuary of deep, imperturbable peace within you. Once you make contact with the true light, it fills you up from the inside out. And you realize this is where you belong, in the arms of spirit, flying on wings of love. My journey of Yoga has taught me how to be strong enough to walk the path to the center of yourself.
And at the end of every practice there's that moment when my body and mind are both at rest and in unity. I often feel a tingling of good vibrations. And there is it, pure joy, and I know that every drop of sweat was worth it. Every time I get off my mat i am just that little bit happier, more free.
Beyond all the lingo and the fancy poses yoga is personal practice. There is no substitute for dedicated practice. It's almost like the deep lessons of yoga need to steep in your soul. It just can't be rushed. No matter how naturally flexible or strong you are, the true path of yoga is one that must be walked over a long time. If you're ever feeling impatient about how slowly it's going or you ever wonder whether or not it's happening for you, remember that Yoga is interested in a slow, method shift towards a more peaceful life. Peace is not something that you can rush. It's also not something you can turn on and off with a switch. Commit yourself to a consistent daily practice. Don't judge yourself. Don't compete with anyone. Just practice. And let your world change.
What makes this practice touch the depths of your soul is that it breaks through to the core of your being. There is no veneer over the raw aching center of your heart. It's all laid bare, all the cracks and wounds and everything normally hidden in the darkness is brought up to the light.
I love the fact that Yoga is a global phenomenon today and I feel so honored to be able to see the world through the eyes of yoga. Representing my country at The World Fitness Convention in Las Vegas in July 2017 was a big high. Whenever I meet a yogi I feel like I meet a brother or sister. It doesn't matter if we don't speak the same language or even practice the same style of yoga, we share the same language of the body that is the practice. Because we have poured our hearts and souls into the practice we have suffered, cried, laughed and loved together. We understand what it means when we finally do a headstand or stand up a backbend for the first time. We know what it means to put in the work and grow, evolve and expand from the practice.
After my first Yoga session I started nurturing a dream of having my own Yoga Center. Two years and the dream is taking form, shaping into reality. My Yoga Studio's door opens in about a month. Dreams really do come true. But they don't just knock on your door. You have to work for them every day with every fiber of your being. But, you also have to find a good mix of grace and grit, so that you're not blocking yourself. Some things are messy and some things are clean. But all the while the most important thing is that you pick yourself up from where you are keep moving, keep believing and keep working.
And there, on your knees, in humility and surrender, grace comes in and lifts you higher than you ever could've flown on your own.
Breathe deeply. All is good. If it isn't just keep practicing. It's not over yet.