Throughout the semester, there have been many changes in my actions and habits. I used to view Thursday nights as a night to go out, but that definitely changed for the better. Over these past few months I have undergone a lot of changes in perspective, determination, perseverance, beliefs, insights and just my attitude in general. These changes were subtle that I did not even realize it until I read through my weekly blog entries. 

I tried to consistently take the Thursday night class at Yoga Nine, but some weeks I had to take it another day. The first time that I took that class, I was shocked at how challenging it was. I knew I could handle it, but I definitely expected less. I was attracted to the fact that it was challenging and meditative – yet different from any yoga I’ve ever taken before - which kept me going back every week.

I spoke about rituals in week two before I even learned the phases of them – only labeling it as a ritual because it was a repeated action. It was interesting to me that I mentioned, “The sounds of everyone's breath becoming synced up with the instructors command creates a sense of oneness or community. When I tap into that Ujjayi breath with everyone in the room, it feels powerful.” This powerful transition phase only became stronger each time that I practiced yoga at Yoga Nine. Also, the ritual space continually made me feel comfortable each time I went there because it is cozy with nice décor, not just a large open room.

The topic for week four was yoga as an exercise. I stated that I believe yoga is definitely more than just an exercise, saying: “It has a huge mental and spiritual component to it. It is very different from running because you are not connecting with your breath when you run or work out. Those activities are more goal-oriented; for example, you set the goal to run two miles to burn some calories. Personally, I think yoga is not goal oriented. Though I do like to make progress in the poses, I do not set specific goals as I would when I run. I use the practice of yoga as a time to focus inward, come into a meditative state, and become mindful of my breathing and thinking.” These beliefs have only been strengthened throughout the course. Learning about all the revolutionary texts have made me realize how much mental determination and focus one must have to partake in specific types of yoga.  

  October 7^th was the best class I have taken. Since there were only three of us, we were able to use the ropes and harnesses on the wall, which filled me with happiness because I love being upside-down. I learned an amazing tip from this class; how to breathe through your chest while being inverted. I took that with me and reincorporated it into my life and my part time job of being a gymnastics instructor, and I am very thankful for that.

Over the course of the semester, what I realized is that the whole ritual experience was warped when I took a different class at Yoga Nine with a different instructor. I felt the most comfortable in the Thursday night class with Laurie. However, the community feeling always helped me to stay engaged. “When I tapped back into the present moment and heard everyone's breath, it helped me to focus and become more mindful. Community is truly a huge part of the ritual process of yoga because it creates a like-minded, high-energy environment.” Community is truly a huge component of the practice. With everyone emitting the same energy through breath, it has the ability to create liveliness in the room that can truly motivate and move you, even on your most stressful days.

Yoga may be on the brink of pop culture, but I did not experience that in my time spent at Yoga Nine. At this studio, yoga is revered and practiced in specific sequences that engage both the mind and body equally. Whereas, other studios may be more centered on yoga as a physical, pop culture, where the heat might be raised so that people can sweat and work towards skinnier or more muscular bodies. Though this is NOT the focus at Yoga Nine, the practice was always engaging and muscle strengthening. We did a lot of core exercises along with many postures that helped to increase my flexibility. I think the most beneficial pose for my flexibility was pigeon, since my hips are very tight.

Physically, I noticed a lot of progression with my binds throughout the past few months. I did not even know I was able to hold them in the beginning! Also, I feel that my balance has improved a lot through practicing inverted triangles, headstands and handstands. My overall flexibility has increased as well, which I am grateful for.

A lot has changed for myself mentally. I did not realize it as it was happening because I was caught up in the fast-paced reality of everyday life, but looking back on it, I realize I’ve gained a lot of new concepts and positive qualities. For starters, I think that my determination and patience have increased. The first time I took the hour and a half class with Laurie, I was waiting for it to end because I was very fidgety. However, after a few classes, I felt excited and ready to take each class. I was able to reincorporate this patience back into my daily life with all of my relationships. I also cultivated a great deal of mindfulness in each class, which helped me to deal with the stresses that school could bring about.  Most importantly, the seed of non-attachment has been planted in my mind. I will strive to live a life of non-attachment from physical and mental suffering, along with not identifying with material possessions as much as I used to. Living a life of non-attachment, mindfulness, compassion, patience, and determination, are in my opinion, the best qualities to have and ultimately the best way to exist. Thank you for all that you have taught me!