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.

I sit at a desk for my job.  During the months of January through April, I may sit at my desk for 10-12 hours a day with a just bit of movement between appointments.  Over the past 20 years, this excessive sitting, coupled with lazy eating habits, has lead to weight gain, a decline in athletic movement, a shortened backswing in golf, and, most critically, lower back and hip issues.  Until I took a chance and attended a group yoga class in November 2015, I was chalking all of this up to simply my plight as an accountant who is getting older.  I’m glad I took that chance!

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.

Ah, yes.  The ever fearful time when we learn about ourselves.  To say I am critical of myself would be like saying the ocean is pretty big.  Learning to accept who I am and what I am capable of becoming has been the most rewarding part of practicing yoga.  Believe me, I am not attempting to appear cliche.  Learning to breathe through my nose was pure torture during the early months, so even the notion that I might attempt a handstand (which I complete several with Cathy’s assistance at GSP these days) was laughable and unthinkable a year ago. Doing the splits? Umm, I don’t think so.

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.

The best part of all of this is that I’ve just begun.  I know that I’ve progressed, and I’m thankful for that progress, but I have so much more to do.  Will I ever complete an unassisted handstand or be able to put my foot behind my head?  I don’t know.  What I do know is that continuing to progress in my practice will only lead to improvements.  For me, that is all I need.
Thank you for granting the time to read this through.  I hope you’ll take a chance and give Cathy an opportunity to guide you on a new journey.  The service she provides is one of the best-kept secrets in town.Save

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