When I was younger, I aspired to climb every mountain in the country, run marathons through the greatest cities, and roll my yoga mat out in the greenest of gardens. Eight-year-old me rebelled against the stereotypes claiming, “deep breathing is specifically for hippies” and “handstands were a calling to be a flower child”. I itched to push away any judgement, any doubt in my abilities, and aspired to begin this journey of creating my own serenity. These yogis, runners, and adventurers became my role models; I sat in awe of their power to make the conscious choice to slow down in a world that rushes through life.
Since then, the dreams eight-year-old me had have only grown greater, into something bigger. Rather than admire the photos of yoga poses in the mountains, I developed this drive to conquer those mountains myself. Each savasana I took at the end of my practices cultivated the passion and abundance I have to offer this world that is in constant, overwhelming motion. Each sun rise run helped tackle the limits
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The more we would gather together at early hours of the morning, in the dead heat of the summer, or in the pouring rain, the easier it became to begin talking. Despite becoming drenched in sweat and having our ears filled with the noises of heavy breathing and stomping of feet, the clearer it became to begin listening to others’ pasts and the barriers they have defeated. It never ceased to amaze me learning why each person came to these mats. But no matter what, everyone was always accepted. Everyone smiled. Everyone hugged. Everyone left a little happier and a little brighter than when they had arrived. Every time I laced up my sneakers or rolled out my yoga mat, the hungrier I became to make a difference, speak my truth, become