The Long Path

Before yoga, I was disconnected from my body and its needs. I was in constant anxiety and depression, I did not like myself except when I met my standard of perfection which was always changing. I had severe IBS that was constantly triggered by poor diet and anxiety. 

My yoga path has been a long one; I remember the first time I stood in tadasana and felt my body for the first time - I felt like I had awoken something sacred. I slowly gave more time and attention to learning what yoga can be through youtube classes. I did everything I could on my own, in privacy, in fear of being judged for not being perfect. But the more I practiced, the more I grew compassion and awareness for my body and all the things it does for me. Through yoga and therapy I began to live with this awareness of the mind body connection, being patient and kind to myself and others. The more I practiced, the more I felt alive and at peace. My yoga and meditation practice carried me through continuous change and upheaval: a move, a loss of my mom, another move, feeling alone. But I always came back to my meditation, therapy and yoga. 

That final move and feelings of being alone brought me to researching studios in the Greenville area. I felt like I had done everything I could on my own and I needed to go deeper and push myself out of my comfort zone. That's when I found Greenville Yoga. I tend to be quiet and shy in new places, especially with a lot of people, but I’m grateful I was able to connect with many of the teachers. It quickly felt like home. Then Yoga Teacher Training for Nice People became an option and it felt like the universe dropped it in my lap. It was a challenging and beautiful experience. I wanted to go deeper with my personal growth as well as my practice, and that class did just that.. And then I was able to meet some beautiful people, one of which is also an amazing teacher and one of my dearest friends, Ashley Fearon (now in Houston). 

Greenville Yoga has been a home to me, it's been community and comfort. It’s seen me and my husband Ross through so many ups and downs, and has filled my cup in so many ways. I’m incredibly grateful for Liz and her vision as well as her connections that she’s so eager to share for those who need connecting.

My meditation and yoga practice continues to carry me through difficulties and celebrations, especially as I have learned much through the Yoga for Nice People, Yin Training and 5 Virtues 1.0. I look forward to continuing to grow with and alongside Greenville Yoga in the years to come. 

-Allie