After practicing Adamantine® Yoga for just over a year now and taking the time to reflect on my progress, I am amazed how my yoga practice has improved so many other facets of my daily life. If you’ll indulge me for a few hundred words, I’ll attempt to explain the immeasurable value I’ve found in the gift that Cathy brings to Knoxville.
I was very athletic when I was young, and I was constantly encouraged to stretch. Of course, I felt fine and was limber enough that I avoided injuries, so I didn’t truly understand the value of lengthening muscles.
That is, until my muscles shortened over the past 25 years.
Yoga classes can be intimidating for anyone.
For an overweight man who remembers his more athletic days, the intimidation was very strong. For me, herein lies the magic of Adamantine® Yoga. Having my own individual modifications, at my own pace, with guidance from an instructor like Cathy, is far more appealing to me that joining a class of 15-20 advanced students who follow the leader with no troubles while I am just hoping I don’t fall down while moving into a posture. Yes, I was very self-conscious at first, but Cathy is a gracious instructor who has taught me more than technique.
She’s helped me learn to accept myself through yoga.
Learning patience and grace has allowed me to progress in my practice and appreciate that progress.
As I type this, I’ve entered the final week of my busy season. Only the events that are to come will determine whether it will be stressful or not. However, I can truthfully say that I would be in a far worse state of mind and physical state without my yoga practice. I used to think it was my morning coffee that helped me wake up in the morning. It’s not the coffee. It’s the 5:30 alarm, slip on some light clothing, rub the sleep out of my eyes, get my body to the studio, and get my practice started that gets me through the day. My head is clearer, my body feels better, and I have a more positive outlook on things in general thanks to yoga. For what it’s worth, I’ve done morning cardio workouts, P90X and CrossFit in the past, but I’ve never felt as mentally clear and physically flexible.
Yoga is truly something one must experience to understand.