More than Just Yoga!
There are many ways that we identify ourselves, and sometimes it’s hard at times to dig deep and find out what makes us who we are. I was at a point where I was having trouble digging deep and finding who I was and what my purpose was. I had just graduated from Saint Mary’s, and was just laid off from a job I absolutely loved. Where did this leave me?
I knew I was missing something in my life, but I don’t think I had ever imagined I had been missing a chunk this huge. In this empty space, I held so much fear, doubt and anxiety that I wasn’t “enough”; I had struggled in so many aspects of my life due to low confidence and self-esteem. Truthfully, this empty space haunted me in some pretty awful ways that scared me. I’ve had my fair share of lows, which in turn led me to the highest of highs… one of which being Halifax Yoga.
Just last August, I really started thinking about what I could fully commit to that would take up some of my spare time and make an impact in my community. With many years working for not-for-profit, I had always had a huge desire and love of giving back. At the time, I thought exchanging a few hours of my time for yoga was a pretty awesome gig; but really I had no idea how much more than that it truly was.
From the very first time I walked into Halifax Yoga, to meet with Laura Gibson, Studio Manager about the Energy Exchange Program, I was blown away. It was, for lack of a less cliché thing to say, love at first sight! (It also may or may not have had something to do with Laura’s AMAZING hugs).
That day moving forward, I committed myself to attending classes of all different varieties, from all different instructors just to drink it all in. I was relatively new to yoga. I had gone to classes elsewhere; but had never experienced anything like I had experienced at Halifax Yoga. It was a breath of fresh air to be in classes where I felt like I belonged: where there was a sense of unity and togetherness.
Halifax Yoga is so much more than yoga to me. Halifax Yoga inspires me to be the best “me” and I am on the road to a more confident “me”. I now realize that it is what I was missing; I just didn’t know that yet. I always thought I knew what it meant to be grateful and inspired but those things have taken on a whole new meaning.
I’ve since taken on assisting Mom and Baby class with Laura Bowdridge, completed 20Hr Kids Yoga Teacher Training, and plan to continue taking on every opportunity, big or small that I can! If all of this has been possible in two short months, I can only imagine what else is possible.
I am so incredibly grateful for each and every member of the Halifax Yoga community; who inspire me every day (seriously, you’re all amazing!). I now know what it feels to be part of the bigger picture, and proud to identify myself as part of the warm, welcoming and loving community of HY.
It all starts by walking in the door – the rest is history!
With Love,
Jenn
Be Challenged.
Still Your Mind.
Find Community.