Recently the wonderful Eden Baylee asked me to write a blog post over at her place. It’s been a couple of years since I’ve stopped by, and this time instead of an author interview, we decided I should chat about something else very close to my heart besides writing. Yoga.
I’ve known Eden for a while, and she’s one of my favorite people. You guys may remember her from her beautiful piece on The Life Enthusiast Chronicles about diversity.
Eden has been a meditation practitioner for some time, but a consistent Yoga practice happened for her when she listened to what her body needed.
Several studies have found that yoga can help improve cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, balance, and overall quality of life — and it can even reduce stress, anxiety, and pain. In addition, people who do yoga are 20% more likely to have a positive image of their own physical and mental health, including a stronger sense of mental clarity, physical fitness, flexibility, and strength. – Harvard Health
It’s all too easy for us to fall into a habit of NOT listening to what our bodies are telling us. But I think most of us know that we only get one bod, and we should do our best to treat it with great respect.
Eden is on the right track by taking this step forward on her wellness path, and I am very honored that she asked me to speak candidly about Yoga in front of her readers.
Here’s a teaser..
Over the past six months I pushed myself to return to Yoga. And, I mean it when I say pushed.
I made time for it. The demanding job excuse…so what? The novel won’t write itself excuse…so what? I knew I was doing the right thing for me and my body.
Over the past decade Yoga has exploded in the West, and there are many who claim it is a bastardization of its original form. The image of a skinny woman in expensive active wear doing impossible poses is something we started to associate with Yoga.
But, it’s so much more than that. And no matter how you come to Yoga, or which style you take, the benefits will take precedence.
A lot of people are attracted to the fitness aspect of Yoga. Then, they notice that they’re making healthier food choices and they’re handling conflicts with a sense of ease.
Take a moment and stop by Eden Baylee’s blog.
Share your current wellness journey, and of course, ask me any questions you want. Yoga skeptics are absolutely welcome! : )
Britt Skrabanek 
It was a pleasure to have you over, Britt. Really enjoyed your post. Come back anytime!
Thanks again, Eden! Great hanging with you to chat about some wellness fun!
A thoughtful post!!!
Thank you, my dear!
Love the post!
Thanks, Dannie! Hopefully we’ll get you into a Yoga class soon. 😉
Over the last few months I’ve been sort of doing yoga kind of daily. The biggest change I’ve seen in myself is my desire to align my body, so maybe my half-assed attempts to practice yoga are paying off more than I think that they are! Your post has put me in a mind to try harder to keep my yoga practice going. Thanks.
It doesn’t take much, Ally! Keep practicing. It’s different for everyone.
Loved your post over at Eden’s Britt, it motivates me to get back into doing some yoga!
You totally should, Andrea! I’d love to hear about it if you get back into Yoga.
I agree Britt. Since starting yoga again I am more aware of food, sleep and how I feel when I miss a day. My mind is in a better place and I seem to go with the flow better, instead of fighting it. So happy to have found it again.
The awareness is definitely noticeable when you have a good practice going. It dawned on me that I was making healthier choices without much thought, and I was trying to help other people make healthier choices as well. I felt positive and I wanted to spread that into the world…pretty incredible stuff.