My yoga journey began during my military days, when I was constantly in fast-paced, high-stress environments that demanded so much from me. To cope, I often turned to partying and drinking on the weekends, which only created more chaos and deepened my depression. Surrounded by people who encouraged more partying, I eventually realized – especially after getting into trouble – that I needed to make a change.
That’s when I discovered yoga. I started taking classes at the gym on base, and immediately fell in love. It challenged my body in new ways while giving me an outlet to de-stress and manage both the mental and physical pain I was carrying. At the time, I was navigating difficult relationships and toxic environments, and yoga gave me something I desperately needed: peace, hope, and a healthier way to cope.
Over the next few years, I dipped in and out of practice. But after leaving the military, the stress of sedentary jobs began to show up in my body – pain, stiffness, spasms in my back, neck, and shoulders. I knew I needed real relief. Last year, after leaving my job, I decided to take the next step: enrolling in yoga teacher training. I wanted not only to deepen my practice, but also to understand the philosophy, sequencing, and healing aspects of yoga so I could share it with others facing stress, burnout, and physical or mental strain like I had.
The training became a lifeline. It helped me through one of the most difficult times in my life – after my divorce – and connected me with a supportive, like-minded community. While therapy and medication had their place, yoga gave me something different: holistic tools for healing. Returning to yoga felt like returning to myself.
I also began noticing the toll stress was taking on those around me. Friends and family were hospitalized, and one relative even developed lung disease. That reminded me of the importance of breath, of truly listening to the body instead of numbing or pushing through the pain.
Today, I’m more flexible, carry less pain, and have healthier ways to release tension when it builds. I’m far from “perfect,” but yoga has given me sustainable strategies to cope with stress in both body and mind. It has transformed not just my physical health, but my entire life.
What I love most is that yoga isn’t just stretching or exercise – it’s holistic healing. Practices like yin yoga feel like physical therapy, restoring both body and mind. As someone who once studied biology and dreamed of becoming a physical therapist, I now see yoga as the perfect intersection of science and mindfulness. It emphasizes oxygen, breath, and movement – the very elements that fuel life.
Yoga has taught me that pushing through pain isn’t strength – it’s harm. Instead, checking in with my body, practicing mindfulness, and moving with intention have helped me heal and grow through major life transitions.
That’s why I want to teach others. Yoga isn’t a luxury or something that requires hours every day. Even 20–30 minutes a few times a week can make a real difference. It’s accessible, practical, and transformative if you give it the chance.
I’m endlessly grateful for the teachers, the community, and the practice itself – for reminding me there are healthier ways to live and heal. I hope my journey inspires others to begin their own.
