Starting Yoga

The first thing that comes into mind when I hear the word yoga is “namaste” and the well known mantra “om.” I never knew it a deeper meaning to it; a form of respect in the language of yoga, words that convey rhythm, meditation, and calmness. I thought yoga was just about breathing and stretching, but it’s way more than that. 

To provide some context, I have been gaining weight as a result from stress (from work) and getting little to no physical activity at all. I was living a 9 to 6 work pace and spending the rest of my free time (after work) watching television. I was a couch potato, (still am) and I knew I had to do something about it as it is affecting my health. One day, my friends invited me over to their place to have a “cheat day” where we pig-out on whatever it was that we were craving. One of them mentioned that they started doing yoga at home and lost a few pounds. I was taken aback. I thought, “What? Just by doing yoga? That’s insane.” That’s when I decided to try it out.

At first I didn’t know if I was doing it right or if I’m breathing properly, so I signed up for yoga classes. The experience amazing. It gave me a sense of calm and peace that no anxiety medication could ever—and it was a lasting one. I feel like I can be more productive at work as well, especially when I am asked to deal with clients and the anxiety kicks in, I just remember to breathe and tell myself that this will pass. I plan to make this a part of my daily routine and I am looking forward to new asanas and yoga classes in the future.