How Yoga has Changed my Habits

By Leanne Gerich

You know, I really didn’t like yoga the first time I tried it. I was an athlete all my life, and enjoyed competition more than most. When I tried yoga I thought it was “too slow”. I didn’t think I liked it all too much. “Running is my yoga.” This is how I thought in my early twenties. I don’t know how it changed so readily. Most people have a grand story about their journey into yoga. However I was gifted a 10 class pass from a boyfriend's sister. No matter what my opinion was at the time, I couldn’t be a poor sport - I had to use the gift fully. It would have been rude not too!

Sure enough, 10 classes in and I was hooked. My neck stopped hurting. My back felt great! I could almost touch my toes. Yoga became a fast love, as I couldn’t believe the physical benefits I was feeling. Fast forward 3 years and I dove right into teacher training. A few years later, here I am. I feel more in love with it now than I ever had. It is growing into many different interests. We all go through phases, flux and flows of love. Lately I have really been admiring the yoga philosophy. There are so many lessons we can learn by studying the yoga practice a little deeper. Here are a few ways that yoga has shifted my mind and my habits:
 
1. TRUSTING THE PROCESS - Wow, this is a big one. I never had considered myself an anxious person, but when I really think about it - I was often worrying the “what ifs”. I never realized it of course, as we all often mask these concerns. It wasn’t until I really re-valuated my reactions that I finally could put this to rest. Over the years I have greatly focused on letting it all happen - rolling with the punches if you will. What if the “what-ifs” happen? Then it's time to find a solution. It's really that simple. Not trusting your ability to solve problems is more of an issue than the problem itself. Learning to trust the process will not only help you grow strong in the times you need it, but grow a lot happier too!

2. PERCEPTION IS EVERYTHING - It is such a valuable skill to be able to look outside of your own reaction. There is always an opposite way to look at the scenario. Remember, “running towards joy is the exact same as running away from fear.” It all depends on the way you look at it. This is one I will forever work towards - but I'm happy to grasp it so far!

3. SPEAKING OF FEAR - I thought it was extremely valuable to learn that there are only two roots of our reactions - based from love and fear. Take the time to examine your reactions next time something comes up. What emotion are you feeling? Dig deep and see how this reaction categorises. Once we become aware of these patterns, it becomes easier to change.
 
Yoga is not about all the poses. The poses help to challenge our mind and our breath - to take with us into our daily lives. But we need to also be examining ourselves off the mat. Are you slowing down your thoughts? Are you able to observe your reactions? This practice helps us to master our inner voice. Is there anything you can let go of? I’m forever grateful for this path. Through trusting the process, examining my perception and understanding my reactions, my life has become so much smoother. Self-study is one of the greatest tools to achieve love and happiness. I’m glad you are on this journey too!