Before yoga, I was closed off, somewhat shy, and kept things close to my chest. I was an over thinking people-pleaser who never put me first. I began practicing yoga to finally have some “me” time.  When I found yoga, I was in a place in my life, where I was searching for something, but I didn’t know what.  I was hurting and reading spiritual and self help books by the boat load.  They were great, but I was looking for something more; and then I took a yoga class.

My first class was in a small up and coming studio, which I liked. I didn’t want to be in a mega studio – lost in the crowd.  Our instructor began by telling us a bit about the history of yoga.  She also told us about the poses and proper breathing and how they would open us up.  At first I thought she was full of it.  I mean, I’ve worked out before and never experienced “opening up.” But since I was already there, I might as well give it a try.

Once I started doing the poses, I would zone out and be in my own world. But it wasn’t my usual overthinking. It was quiet, peaceful and I just was. I wasn’t thinking about my past, my pain or my future.  It opened me up to just be in the moment, in the poses and just be me.  And then I understood what I was searching for all this time, it was me and I was finally home.

Keep up with Michele’s Journey on Instagram @haitianphoenix