Yoga in the A.M.

When we are born, we are all rubber bands. We are brainwashed into thinking that our bodies are built for certain shapes. Little do we know as we grow, that we have the capability to accomplish ANYTHING!

Recently I finished my RYT 200 hrs. (Yoga Teacher Certification). It has become one of the many times that my life that has come to show me just how I manifest strength.

While I learned anatomy, meditation, I learned to push myself further than I may EVER have in this life.

Since before I finished my certification, I have been pushing my strength in arm balances, as well as inversion poses. In The past I would've never imagined that I would have been able to position my body in such ways that not only looked mind blowing, but help my body be the strong force that I know it was meant to be... arm balances are hard, so are inversions. In my certification courses I was around some pretty amazing folks who could throw themselves in the positions that I had only imagined I would be able to do one day.

I graduated almost a week ago, and EVERY morning I wake up not only do I practice but I push myself to do my arm balances.

If you have never done an arm balance or even tried it's worth trying. Even if your not into yoga these amazing poses can help build strength in your body that you never knew you had, well cultivating a confidence that pours into every facet of your life.

Today while I was working on my regular crow pose (Bakāsana) , I decided to try one that I have been quite nervous about, because quite frankly I have not been able to even wrap my head around how I'm going to balance my body on one arm shelf.

To begin I took the advice of a fellow Yogi who told me to look forward while I begin my balance, and to use a pillow, in front of my face to make it less scary. It is scary to think that you're going to be balanced on your arms and that your face nose and head could be completely vulnerable to the floor, not just to the floor but smashing into the floor.

I didn't get both legs up 100% but it was the first time I even got one leg up for my side crow pose (Parsva Bakāsana) !!!! Then shortly after I pulled my other toe up almost off the ground. It was such an accomplishment for me that my confidence level blew through the roof. I finished my practice for the morning and flew high on to the rest of my day!

If that's not a way to start your day, I don't know what it is, it may not be yoga, or even any type of physical activity for that matter. As long as it grows that strength in confidence you should ROCK IT!!!!

If I have any advice it's to find what makes you most confident, find what help builds your strength in every part of your life.

I have found that not only yoga, but meditating through my poses helps to grow my confidence, not only on my mat, but in my daily waking life.

I hope that the day brings everything closer and within reach as much for you as I feel that I am capable of anything I can put my mind to today!

Namaste