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