Why Yoga?

I can’t remember the first time I did yoga. At this point, it feels like it’s been ingrained in my life for decades, and I know that I am a better person in a myriad of ways when I am practicing yoga at least several times a week. I am calmer, I am stronger physically and have less pain, and I value myself more because I am telling myself I am worth the nearly 2 hours it takes to drive to yoga (with my tunes cranked, of course), practice, shower because I do hot yoga and we get drenched, and drive home.

Some days, this two hours just isn’t going to happen, and that’s okay. But I’ve been doing yoga at least 4+ times per week since January 1, and I miss it on the days I don’t go. I would go every single day if I could, and I am striving to get to that point, or to at least make myself practice yoga at least a little bit at home on the days that I can’t get to a class.

For the first time in my life, I actually went to a yoga studio and did yoga on a workcation I went on last month. It felt like home walking into a studio, taking off my shoes, and surrendering to the mat for an hour+.

Yoga is an important part of my life and well-being mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. I prefer it to every other workout, and my body has gotten stronger in some incredible ways this year as I’ve upped my dedication to practicing. I can now hold a wall handstand for over a minute, and last week I got up in side crow for the first time ever (yes, it was for like 2 seconds, but it’s still progress!). I love how yoga is a self-driven thing, even when you’re in a room full of others because it’s about pushing myself where I can that day, and every day is different. I can’t compare my progress to anyone else’s because it’s truly my journey and is something I will practice the rest of my life. I might not ever master some of the arm balances (here’s looking at you, regular crow) but I love how I feel completely spent after these classes.

So, I always knew I wanted Mad Genius Studios to be part of the amazing yoga community in Asheville. I cannot wait to design and execute our first yoga retreat in the fall, and I look forward to growing a community that participates in our weekly Wednesday outdoor yoga classes under the giant oak trees at our studio. I also love that I get to spend more time with one of my dear friends who is a kickass female entrepreneur that heads her own company, Appalachian Landslide Consultants, and getting to know other teachers who lead us on Wednesdays.

Yoga is something I’m extremely thankful has come into my life and help heal my arthritic hips, shoulders, and wrists and made me so much stronger mentally and physically, and I want to share the power of yoga with as many people as I can. It’s also helped me keep off the 35 pounds I lost last year when I started practicing intermittent fasting, which I still do and would love to chat with anyone who’s curious about it.

We hope you’ll come out and check out the magic that comes with doing a gentle and flowing class under the trees that is specifically tailored to beginners who want to try yoga in a welcoming, relaxed space. Plus, we mingle after over a beverage and create a new infused water each week, so I hope to see you soon for one of our 1-hour classes from 6:30-7:30 this and every Wednesday at 121 Cozy Rose Lane Candler, NC 28715.