Yoga has been a part of my life since I went to my first class at 10 years old with my grandma. I was always drawn to it, but it was only when I had my stroke at 33 that it became a foundation for rehabilitation. Here are five unexpected ways yoga reshaped my life.
1. Self-acceptance
By turning up on my mat each day, I can adjust my practice to meet my needs. Some days require a stronger practice such as asana, while other days, a gentler one focusing more on breath, mantra (a repetition of sacred Sanskrit sound such as “I am well”) and meditation is better. Yoga teaches you how to connect with what you need, not just what you want.
2. Philosophy
The yoga texts have given me wisdom that I use as tools in my life. The emphasis on ahimsa (the Sanskrit term for no harm and kindness) has often become a compass, helping me navigate my negative self-talk and tendency towards depression. The texts teach us to treat ourselves as our best friend instead of our worst enemy. Instead of judging myself, I’ve learned that showing up is good enough. Sharing these tools is one of my favourite things to do in my classes at Elixr Health Clubs.
3. Healing Practices
Yoga’s true magic lies in its practices. The many breathwork techniques, pranayamas, asanas, mantras, mudras, and sutras are like having a tool belt for life. They were invaluable in rebuilding my internal and external strength after my stroke. They also supported my self-confidence and taught me how to pick myself up in some of the darkest moments of my life.
4. Letting Go
I could hardly stand after my stroke, I had to rebuild my strength from the ground up – particularly in my left ankle. I had to let go of my expectations and attachments. I had to reframe and learn humility, understanding what my body was physically capable of that day. I would put weights on my ankles and make myself try, falling over again and again, testing alignment, then get back up again to help redevelop my balance. Learning to build a strong foundation from my feet and ankles inspired me to build the rest of my life from the ground up. That strong foundation I rebuilt in my feet and ankles was reflected in the rest of my life. I had to learn how to let go of what wasn’t serving me and focus on what did.
5. Setting clear boundaries
Yoga has helped me find balance in all aspects of my life. With its tools, practices and philosophy, I’ve been able to leave an abusive relationship, learn to take care of my body and set healthy boundaries in my life.
It’s not about being perfect and happy all the time. It’s about making small, steady changes. Like so many, I didn’t value my health until it was taken from me. I aim to teach others to do the same before something similar happens to them.
Felicia Robey
Before my stroke, I was burnt out from working and partying too hard in the fashion industry, I didn’t take good care of myself. I was doing intense yoga in hot rooms when my body really needed something gentle. Teaching at Elixr is a dream, supporting others to listen to their bodies. It is a really special community and my second home. See more about Elixr Health Clubs here.
By Felicia Robey, Yoga Teacher at Elixr Health Clubs @feliciarobey
Yoga has been a part of my life since I went to my first class at 10 years old with my grandma. I was always drawn to it, but it was only when I had my stroke at 33 that it became a foundation for rehabilitation. Here are five unexpected ways yoga reshaped my life.
1. Self-acceptance
By turning up on my mat each day, I can adjust my practice to meet my needs. Some days require a stronger practice such as asana, while other days, a gentler one focusing more on breath, mantra (a repetition of sacred Sanskrit sound such as “I am well”) and meditation is better. Yoga teaches you how to connect with what you need, not just what you want.
2. Philosophy
The yoga texts have given me wisdom that I use as tools in my life. The emphasis on ahimsa (the Sanskrit term for no harm and kindness) has often become a compass, helping me navigate my negative self-talk and tendency towards depression. The texts teach us to treat ourselves as our best friend instead of our worst enemy. Instead of judging myself, I’ve learned that showing up is good enough. Sharing these tools is one of my favourite things to do in my classes at Elixr Health Clubs.
3. Healing Practices
Yoga’s true magic lies in its practices. The many breathwork techniques, pranayamas, asanas, mantras, mudras, and sutras are like having a tool belt for life. They were invaluable in rebuilding my internal and external strength after my stroke. They also supported my self-confidence and taught me how to pick myself up in some of the darkest moments of my life.
4. Letting Go
I could hardly stand after my stroke, I had to rebuild my strength from the ground up – particularly in my left ankle. I had to let go of my expectations and attachments. I had to reframe and learn humility, understanding what my body was physically capable of that day. I would put weights on my ankles and make myself try, falling over again and again, testing alignment, then get back up again to help redevelop my balance. Learning to build a strong foundation from my feet and ankles inspired me to build the rest of my life from the ground up. That strong foundation I rebuilt in my feet and ankles was reflected in the rest of my life. I had to learn how to let go of what wasn’t serving me and focus on what did.
5. Setting clear boundaries
Yoga has helped me find balance in all aspects of my life. With its tools, practices and philosophy, I’ve been able to leave an abusive relationship, learn to take care of my body and set healthy boundaries in my life.
It’s not about being perfect and happy all the time. It’s about making small, steady changes. Like so many, I didn’t value my health until it was taken from me. I aim to teach others to do the same before something similar happens to them.
Before my stroke, I was burnt out from working and partying too hard in the fashion industry, I didn’t take good care of myself. I was doing intense yoga in hot rooms when my body really needed something gentle. Teaching at Elixr is a dream, supporting others to listen to their bodies. It is a really special community and my second home. See more about Elixr Health Clubs here.
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