My yoga journey began in 1999 when I was a group exercise instructor. I taught hard core classes like boot camp and spinning but had never considered yoga class because it seemed a bit too mellow and sedentary for my taste. In addition, my impression was that yoga was only for pretzels and a pretzel I was not! But one day as I finished my class, a yoga instructor for the following class convinced me to stay for her meditation session. I reluctantly agreed but was surprised to find how natural, liberating and enjoyable it was for me to sit in silence and clear my brain of clutter. After that short class, she enticed me to give yoga a try, so I did and I loved it! Over the years I have learned alot about myself through my yoga practice. I have learned that I truly am not a pretzel! I have also learned patience, particularly when in a pose that is difficult for me like pigeon. I have learned to stay and breath my way through the difficulty. Which brings me to the most important lesson and gift yoga has brought me….appreciation for and reliance on the power of breath and breathing. I use the ujjayi breath frequently throughout the week and sometimes during the day while performing ordinary tasks. It is amazing how a strategically-timed breath or series of ujjayi breaths can energize, calm and center me. I have done a lot of public speaking and one year, I had to speak in front of 3,000 people. I was really nervous and my friend gave me a shot of vodka to calm my nerves. It didn’t work. Then I decided to find a quiet corner and take a few breaths. It calmed me in ways, liquor never could have. I love yoga. Although I struggle to incorporate a full practice into my daily routine, yoga has become a part of me I am sure I will keep it.