Reflections from Within: Lessons from My Yoga Journey
The practice of yoga is more than just the postures you do on your mat. I wish I had known that when I first stepped into a yoga class, but like all great love affairs, it was a lesson I had to learn the hard way—sometimes fighting against it, sometimes surrendering to it.
When I started yoga, I was at a personal and physical low point. I was overweight, my metabolic numbers were flashing warning signs, and Type 2 diabetes was lurking in the shadows, ready to pounce. My relationships—both with others and with myself—were less than ideal. But did I go to my first yoga class to change all that? Absolutely not. I went because a coworker asked me to tag along.
Spoiler alert: I didn’t fall in love at first flow. It was a Bikram class (now often called 26 & 2, or Original Hot Yoga), and let’s just say, the intense heat and rigid structure did not scream "soul connection." So I left and didn’t return for a long time.
But when I was ready, I found my way back—this time to a Power Vinyasa class—and something clicked. This was my yoga. The movement, the breath, the challenge—it felt like home. More than 12 years later, I’ve completed my 200-hour teacher training, I’m both a student and a teacher, and I’m continuously learning how much deeper yoga goes beyond the physical practice we’ve come to know in the West.
As I grow, I work to reshape my own practice and my teaching to honor the lineage of yoga, integrating more of the 8 limbs into my life. Here are some lessons I’ve learned along the way:
As a Yoga Student:
There is no perfect pose. The right pose is the one that feels good in my body that day—and that can change from one practice to the next.
Pranayama (breathwork) is just as important as the asana (postures). Sometimes, simply sitting and breathing gives me the same benefits as a full hour on my mat.
Prioritizing my practice is non-negotiable. Some days, it’s movement; other days, it’s meditation, breathwork, or simply holding space for others. It all counts.
As a Yoga Teacher:
No two students are alike. Some days, the room is light and buzzing with fresh energy. Other days, it’s heavy, thick with release. As a teacher, I hold space for it all.
Yoga is more than just the poses. In the U.S., asana dominates the conversation, but my role as a teacher is to illuminate the path to the other seven limbs.
Not every student will love my class—and that’s okay. There are many styles of yoga and many teachers. I encourage students to explore until they find what truly resonates.
Every time I step onto my mat—whether as a student or a teacher—I learn something new. Yoga gives me the opportunity to observe my thoughts rather than be controlled by them. And with that, comes clarity.
If you’ve been thinking about trying yoga, don’t overthink it—just do it. Have fun with it. And when you do, let me know how it goes!
Yoga in Costa Rica
About Meg
I wear several hats that allow me to contribute positively to the lives of those around me. As a health coach, I am committed to guiding individuals on their wellness journeys, helping them make sustainable choices that lead to vibrant and balanced lives. Through my role as a yoga teacher, I have the privilege of sharing the transformative benefits of this ancient practice with my students. Moreover, as a personal trainer, I believe in empowering others to harness their physical potential and lead active lives.
Embark on a transformative health and wellness journey tailored exclusively for you through my specialized health coaching services. Discover the power of mindfulness practices, enhance your sleep quality, and achieve an overall sense of well-being with personalized one-on-one coaching sessions. If you find yourself facing challenges in making positive changes, consider the invaluable support and guidance that a health coach can provide. Your path to a healthier and happier lifestyle begins here.