I was first introduced to yoga in 2007 by a close friend from college. I made every excuse imaginable not to go. I'm not flexible enough, I don't want to look foolish, etc. After weeks of encouragement, I finally decided to get out of my own way and give it a try. I'm glad I did! Although It didn't "stick" right away, I had gotten over my initial insecurities. A few years later a colleague (Hope Brooks) told me she had done YTT and found an amazing studio to practice so I just had to go. Every person I met at Southern Om made me feel welcomed and encouraged from day one.
After a couple weeks of consistent practice I was hooked. I wanted to share my experience with world but I knew something was missing. Fortunately YTT was starting in a week and I decided to jump right in. I'm so thankful I did! As YTT went on I learned more about myself while practicing yoga than ever before. Most importantly, understanding the poses are just one of the eight limbs and that breathing and being present are more beneficial to my practice than whether or not I can touch my forehead to my shins. I learned how to give myself a little more grace and to consciously listen to my body while practicing.
I've never been so mentally and spiritually connected to myself and my environment. My physical body has become a lot more mobile and flexible also. The chronic low back, tight muscles and joint aches and pains are now gone and a huge part of that is due to a consistent yoga practice. My friends and family constantly remind me of how much I've changed (for the better, of course) since I've been on this part of my journey. I'm sincerely grateful for each experience and person I've met at Southern Om! I can't think of a better yoga community to be a part of.
I come back to town to see family, and doing yoga at Southern Om blows my mind every time. I’ve probably been to 30+ studios all over the world. This is the best one. Period. Every facet is so strong. The class portfolio is vast and dense, the room is clean and hot, and all the amenities are so nice, it’s Valhalla for this yoga warrior. Silica, Jean, Caron, Wednesday, Sarah, PACE! All superstars that bring their soul to the class. True teachers. I’ve been practicing in Oklahoma and I shed a few tears in Silica’s class because it’s been a while since I’ve felt that good from a yoga session. If you need some sign to start doing yoga and changing your life. This is it! Go there, listen to the teachers, breathe in the shapes, and change your life. See you on the mat!
