I tried hot yoga for the first time in middle school, but it wasn't until college that it became an instrument of healing. I herniated a disc in my low back, but it went undiagnosed for 8 months. In that time, I decided to try yoga teacher training; I wanted to learn how to modify postures for my body. As my condition progressed, everything became more painful. I felt so defeated and out of control. I brought all of this frustration and pain to my yoga mat. The only postures I could do at that time were mountain pose, and a super-modified savasana. I was so limited, and my pride hurt because of it. But in my weakness, I came to know and feel the Lord's strength. I realized that pain could be a great teacher by making me aware of parts of my body that I didn't know before. I honed in on the tiniest of adjustments, and the sensations that followed. Through breath work I learned to invite softening into spasming muscles, and patience developed in my waiting. In the best sessions, through breath prayer and tears, the pain became less loud, even quiet.

After months of wrestling with pain, and learning to invite God into it, He brought closure. I was connected to a surgeon who treated me within the week. After surgery, the sensation that was my normal over the past year dissipated. My movement was redeemed. Now, I desire to encourage others in their healing journeys and continue this patient practice of yoga alongside them. By moving slowly and with awareness, we may be reminded that movement is always a gift.

In that season of my life, I practiced being content in pain. As a Christian, I learned to rely on the Lord and His strength, when my offering was a tired mind and aching body. As I breathed and became still, I experienced rest in the Lord. The Lord made 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 so real to me in my suffering - I hope it brings encouragement to you.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Credentials: RYT-200 Holy Yoga, Yoga Sculpt