I began my Ashtanga yoga practice at Balance Yoga nearly 4 years ago. At 246 lbs (no, I could not touch my toes) and newly in recovery I went to my first yoga basics class. I learned the first few poses in the Ashtanga primary series (had no idea what that meant.) Ashtanga is a sequenced, mostly self-led practice . As you build strength, gain flexibility and master your breathing your teachers (❤️ you Kathy and Marsha) will allow you to progress in the series.
This discipline of doing the same sequence 5 to 6 days a week allows you to really be in tune with your body. At first I saw great results, but over the next 3 years I was plagued by weakness and injury. My muscles would shake in most poses. As soon as I would build up to half-primary series an injury would knock me back down. Vinyasa was not available to me as I would have pain simply from holding plank. I was still drinking heavily daily and proudly wore a shirt that said, “whiskey + yoga.” It’s about balance right? 😁
I was supposed to be getting stronger; my muscles were deteriorating. I was supposed to be making progress. I was going backwards. For three years I struggled. I would have so much pain in purvottanasana (pictured here) it would derail my practice and often set me back. I wanted to give up. I couldn’t help but think, “If my muscles are falling apart, what is happening to my heart?”
In January I stopped drinking. In 8 months, my practice has improved more than the 3 years before. Last week I completed all asanas in primary series for the first time. I am able to vinyasa and, on good days jump through. I can now hold purvottanasanaa, and it feels good to open my heart.
Not drinking made all the difference. This is part of my story. If you have any questions please reach out. I love you.
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