Hello Again. I had a request to share my experience of getting my YogaFit Level 1 trainer’s certificate. It was held in an Atlanta suburb in a Lifetime Fitness facility. I’m sure you’re wondering if Smokey (my Shih Tzu) went along. Well, of course he did. So, it was Smokey, me and 21 females. Don’t ask me how I get myself into these situations because I do not know..just lucky I guess. I will tell you now that we (Smokey and me) the only two males there, had a great time and the ladies welcomed us with open arms.

 

Now, you must understand that it’s not every day that you see a 230lb. bodybuilder, with an eleven pound dog ( in his pet carrier) attending a Yoga class… let alone be an instructor. We made new friends and it was an enlightening experience…. which is why we attended. You see, regardless of how I look and what I do, I am traveling on a personal spiritual journey and I’m leaving no stone unturned. My journey has been going on for many years now. I hope you won’t mind if I touch on that along the way.

 

YogaFit is a trademarked non-traditional style which I found out about several years ago while living in Florida. It was introduced to me by a true earthly angel and I will forever be indebted to her. It was “shelter from the storm” for me. I originally attended the class because of the athletic benefits, but much to my surprise it went far..far beyond that. During the weekend class, we were surrounded by an awesome group of people. In total we (Smokey and me) spent 18 hours on the mat over the course of two days. At the end I was so energized, but as the same time, totally exhausted. It was an amazing experience. In order to complete my certification I must give 8 hours of community service. I am in the process of that now. You see, giving back is so important in life and the YogaFit organization exemplifies this. They are God sent and I am so very humbled to part of their family.

 

Breathing is extremely important in the practice of yoga. It unifies your mind, body, and spirit. It, dramatically, lowers stress and blood pressure. Most importantly, Yoga helps you to focus and keeps you in the Now. We learn to let go of competition, judgment, and unrealistic expectations. In the past years of my journey, I have come to want less, know more and shy away from drama, negativity and mindless conversation. I find myself studying nature more….being in awe of things we so easily take for granted, craving silence and the simple truth. The Yoga breath will cleanse your body and your mind.

 

Along with the “breath”, the movements will allow you to feel and to listen to your body. This wonderful practice will also assist you in letting go of self expectations and to observe life without judgment.

 

 The Yoga positions were designed to help quiet your mind and body for meditation. In my life, prayer is me talking to God and meditation is God talking to me. Allow me to quote a few sentences form Beth Shaw’s (the founder of YogaFit) 2^nd Edition book.  “You are not trying to find anything through the practice of meditation. Rather, it is through meditation that you are found. It is a mistake to think that through meditation you are trying to become somebody else. The true intent of yoga and meditation is to become the best possible version of yourself”.

 

 Yoga is not a religion, but a way to obtain a stronger relationship with yourself, your fellow man and your Higher Power. We are faced with new obstacles each day, although our core beliefs and truths stay the same: simply look into your heart.

 

I urge anyone, male or female, to try YogaFit or any style of Yoga to discover the simple wonders that await you. I wish you well on your journey.

 

Homework assignment:

 

•  Dream dreams and bring them into reality.

 

•  Forgive.

 

•  Smile.

Namaste,

Tom