Finding Purpose in Work & Life

Last night, I attended a yoga teacher training geared towards teachers who are making the conscious choice to make their yoga lifestyle also their way of making a living. I listened to inspiring and thought-provoking words from highly experienced leaders in the yoga industry Annie Carpenter, Joan Hyman, and Christina Holopainen. And, I left with a lot to reflect upon as I continue to expand my offerings as a yoga teacher who is teaching yoga for a living. I realized that the words and experiences they shared support people beyond the yoga industry. They support the many of us who are looking for meaning in what it is we do for a living, and those of us craving a life that feels aligned with who we are, our core values, our passions, our preferences, and talents. What resonated most with me were the words spoken by Annie, who said something along the lines of, “When you’re doing something that benefits you, you’re doing something that could benefit others.” And, that is why I have made the conscious choice to teach yoga for a living. I have a daily practice because it helps me physically, emotionally, and spiritually. My asana and yin practices allow me to explore all the little nooks and crannies of my body. They give me the inner understanding and tools I use to shift imbalances that have resulted from accidents, overuse, and developmental traumas. As I continue to advance in my asana practice in the tail-end of my 40’s, my physical body feels better, my health markers like cholesterol have improved, I’ve developed a healthier relationship my body, and my confidence in making decisions that are right for me has swelled. My husband also feels the effects.. he notices I’m a more pleasant person to be around after I practice yoga (especially when it’s live with my teacher and community). When I’m feeling down or agitated, I know a session of asana, yin, restoratives, or conscious breath will usually turn my day around. I’ve learned a lot about my physical body, my energetic patterns, and my greater potential through these practices of yoga, and in the spirit of what Annie said in the training.. I love sharing the techniques I’ve learned with others, so they can also perhaps benefit.