My initial thought is, duh…the answer is always yoga…what a ridiculous question. But is it really that easy? Do you always place taking time for yourself high on your list of priorities? Some of you, I know, have that on lock. However, the rest of us struggle with a bevy of reasons why “me time” slowly sinks to the bottom of the priority list. We all know that sensational feeling of self-love, and we question the duration of time in-between pampering sessions, wondering why it is such a struggle.
What first drew me to yoga in my late teens is how incredible it felt to deeply stretch out all my muscles. You see it in a wide variety of professional sports now. As a high school athlete, I ran track, cross 
country and played soccer. Even after graduating, I had the benefit of muscle memory in my workouts; however, once I took my first yoga class and could see the difference it made, I was hooked. I even decided to enroll in a college yoga class to really dive deep into the rooted history and fundamental aspects that create the foundation. I found ways to practice for as cheaply as possible; through YouTube, OnDemand programs, and a splurge DVD I purchased, I felt like I could practice the basics right in my own home.
Still, I was never able to really lock into a consistent schedule for practice. Let me see if you can relate to some of my excuses…never enough time, too tired, concerned over the costs, not flexible, not a challenging enough workout (HA!), and so on. If there is one thing yoga has…its options. Its customizable for everyone’s lifestyle and what they want to get from their practice. The moment I ran out of excuses is when, like many, I realized that I was my biggest hindrance was myself.
As a self-proclaimed yogi, who has practiced on and off for over a decade; I can tell you the real change finally came when I stopped looking at self-love as a manageable priority, 
but a fundamental necessity for which there should be NO guilt. I’ll never forget the epiphany that came from understanding the yummiest part of yoga is the mental clarity that presents itself on your mat. Suffice it to also say that breathing is heavily over-rated. Some of you are nodding your heads, while others are rolling your eyes…I know this. However, take a second and recognize that it is your breath that triggers every emotional response in your body, telling it how to feel. Let that sink in.
Overall, the main difference has been having people to practice with who want to see you shine and who will hold you accountable, a yogi family. I used to want to practice alone and I still do; nevertheless, I have found a comfort in practicing in a studio alongside my friends; one of whom has progressed her practice to become a favorite new instructor! I also find myself gravitating towards the online rapport that has developed through the years. There is a whole world of yogis out there who want to connect with you!
Where my yoga practice intersects with my passion for traveling, is where I am hoping to not only attend retreats and visit studios all over the world; but to also study the different types of yoga practices and their benefits internationally. Weaving these travels into further exploration of the places I will be practicing, I’ll be able to truly combine two of my passions. One step closer to living the dream.
The next piece focusing on yoga will be about finding a community to practice and resources that you may find helpful for making your yoga addiction more affordable than you think. Be sure not to miss it by signing up to get a quick email when the blog is posted!
From my journey to yours,
BRILLIANTLY BOHEMIAN 