Yoga through the Years
Meet Bobbi, even now that she lives far away, we still see her (and her cat) virtually each week: I have been practicing yoga since 2000, but never got beyond 1-2 times per week. When we moved to Greenville I wanted to practice more often, so one of the first things I did was look for a yoga studio. Greenville Yoga was the nearest one, so I thought I’d start there. The first time I walked into the studio, I knew I had found my yoga home. The non-competitive atmosphere, the caring instructors, and the heartfelt and authentic “You Belong Here” message all create a calm and welcoming energy that I had been looking for in a yoga studio.
I took only 1-2 classes per week at first. I had started with Kimmie’s flow class and loved her energy so much that I didn’t try other classes or instructors. The class time worked well for me, too, so I stuck with that for about a year until Kimmie moved out of state. Just after Kimmie left, I joined a gym to work on strength and aerobic conditioning. Since the gym also offered yoga classes, I reasoned that I could take them there and save money. It was a beautiful, state of the art gym, but I didn’t enjoy going. It took enormous energy and willpower just to drag myself there 2-3 times per week. I would endure my workouts and leave without that sense of satisfaction and emotional “high” that usually comes from physical exertion and the knowledge that you’ve done something good for your body. The yoga class times didn’t really suit my schedule, so my attendance at those was spotty. When I did take a class, my body felt better, but I wasn’t emotionally connected.
I finally realized that both my body and mind were craving a regular yoga practice. I came back to Greenville Yoga and purchased a monthly unlimited pass so that I could sample different classes and instructors and to motivate myself to practice more regularly. At first I stuck with the Level 1 & 2 classes, thinking I wasn’t quite ready for more. When I finally tried a Level 2/3 class, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was easily able to keep up. I also enjoyed experiencing classes with different instructors, which for some reason had made me nervous at first.
When the Limitless class was offered, I asked Liz if she thought I was ready for it, and her response was a resounding “Yes!” I took the class the first day it was offered, and I have not looked back. I love pushing my body harder and trying poses that I once thought were unattainable for me. I’m not always successful (looking at you, headstands!), but I’m no longer afraid to try. I now take classes 6 times a week, and I look forward to each and every one. I love and celebrate the unique qualities of each of the instructors and the various classes offered, although I do have a particular fondness for Yin. When my schedule and energy level allow it, I take 2 classes in a day. My goal is to do that on a more regular basis.
The biggest change that both my husband and I have noticed is that I am much calmer. I used to have a pretty short temper, but now can let things roll off my back much more easily without letting them affect me. I also have no need for the drama that used to dictate so much of my life.
On a physical level, I have not had a fibromyalgia flare-up or a migraine in nearly a year, and the anxiety attacks that used to occur several times a week have all but disappeared. In addition, it appears that the thyroid autoimmune disorder that I have dealt with for over 20 years is abating, as my thyroid medication has recently been cut in half. Even my nerdy, strictly by-the-science-book MD admitted that, “Since it is an autoimmune disorder, and contemplative practice can boost the immune system, it’s entirely possible that yoga is responsible for the improvement.” Well, duh! I also have more physical strength and endurance and am able to hike and bike longer than before without tiring as easily. The instructors, the community, the way I feel after a class, and the incredible improvements I have seen in my physical and emotional wellbeing have all made me a Greenville Yoga “addict”! I can’t NOT show up!
