Finding Peace in the Storm

One of the awesome things that happened to me this year while I was struggling through my health issues, was that I started practicing yoga again. I previously practiced yoga pretty regularly when I lived in Columbia during college and up until Chad and I got married. Then life got in the way. In February I found a Groupon for a yoga studio in Augusta and BAM I was hooked again. I fell naturally back into my practice and it became very clear to me that it was exactly what I needed at the time. Something about being on your mat can make the rest of the world melt away.

About this time the studio where I practiced began a group program to go along with Baron Baptiste's 40 Days to a Personal Revolution. I had absolutely no idea what that would entail, but I thought it sounded like the perfect thing that I could do just for me. I desperately felt the need for something that was just my own and not having to do with my kids or family or doctors.

Y'all I highly recommend this program- whether you're a yoga novice or a pro, it was amazing. As a side note: I was pleasantly surprised as I read how often Jesus was mentioned in the book. Yoga is very spiritual, but I had not had someone make Christian ties to it before, and this struck me as I am very strong in my faith. Through this program and my yoga practice I also found the motivation to begin teaching Zumba again! Zumba is by-far the best exercise I have ever done for weight-loss and body shaping. Nothing I do burns calories faster when I need it! I have yoga for my personal time and growth. It's amazing for lengthening and toning my muscles and increasing flexibility. Then I have Zumba to really kick my ass! 

As someone who suffers from depression and anxiety I can tell you that exercise is priceless for me with regard to natural treatment of my symptoms. One of the issues I've faced with the low-nickel diet I have had to begin is that it leaves me with no energy and a lot of unhealthy food options. I've gained about 5 pounds in less than two months due to lack of exercise and not great food choices. This is something I'm determined to really figure out as I progress with these new changes in my life. I am excited to be teaching Zumba again after a hiatus during my allergy testing. I can already feel the difference in my body and mind! If you ever want to come practice with me, or dance with me I both attend and teach at Oh Yeah Yoga (formerly Dancing Dogs) in Augusta off of Fury's Ferry and I am ALWAYS looking for a work out buddy!