As I sit at my computer feeling nervous about writing my first blog
post, I worry about what people are going to think….will they like it?,
will they read it?....then I realize that I am here to share my journey
because if there is just one person out there that reads this and says…
there really are people out there with a similar journey as mine, then
I know that it was definitely the right thing to do.
My journey started back in 2006 when I was diagnosed with
Fibromyalgia. As some of you reading this may know, Fibromyalgia
can be very debilitating, frustrating and misunderstood. After many
tests, doctor visits and me leaving their office in tears, I was finally
given the diagnosis that summer. I was given different types of
medication and was sent on my way. Ok….so now what? Is this the
way I am going to feel for the rest of my life? I felt like I was in a fog
and my body hurt all over. I couldn’t remember things, I didn’t want
to do anything and this
was not who I wanted to be. I worried about losing my job that I
worked so hard for. My family and friends were very supportive, but I
know that they didn’t understand how I was feeling either. I looked
fine on the outside, but on the inside, my body was screaming….let
me out!
For 2 years, I went though many more tests and doctor visits. I was
sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. I just like everyone else wanted
a quick fix. But, there wasn’t one. I tired acupuncture, physical
therapy, kinesiology, and many other types of holistic approaches.
Some of those helped, but just for a short period of time. I didn’t
want to put on a Band-Aid to feel better, I wanted my life back.
A couple of the doctors that I visited suggested I try yoga. My first
response was…”I can barely stand at a checkout counter while
shopping for groceries without hanging on to something, and you
want me to try yoga?” I put that thought in the back of my mind and
kept living my life as it was….feeling like I was living in a bubble.
Finally, after having enough, I decided to give yoga a try, which took
me on another journey….finding someone in my area that taught
yoga that was gentle enough for me. I found a website of a small
yoga studio in Winona, MN that offered one on one classes. I booked
the class, bought a yoga mat and walked in with my stomach full of
butterflies and my anxiety on high alert! The instructor was very kind
and explained what yoga was and led me through a gentle yoga class.
I walked out of the class for the first time in years thinking that there
really could be something that may help. No, I wasn’t pain free, nor
did I feel like that this was the cure all, I just had a calm feeling and
finally after 2 years thought I may be on the right path. Looking back,
I’m not sure what it was, I just knew that I needed to try another class.
The following week, I booked a group class and continued attending
the classes for 2 years. I found during those years and attending
classes regularly, that my pain was more manageable and that I had a
total different outlook on life. I was much calmer on the inside and
out!
That brings me to where I am today….a 200 hr Registered Yoga
Teacher. Around the end of my 2nd year of attending yoga classes,
I thought back to where I started and where I was at that point. I also
knew that many people have a journey similar to mine and a whole
lot worse. I sat down with my husband and told him that I would like
to become a yoga teacher. I think he was surprised as I was that
those words came out of my mouth, but was very supportive. I then
talked to my yoga teacher and asked her what she thought. She told
me that she was registered with the Yoga Alliance to be a yoga school
and would work with me to become a 200 hr. Registered Yoga Teacher.
After meeting with her weekly, completing the required assignments
and learning how to sequence a class, I began teaching yoga classes.
Even though I was not a Registered Teacher at this point, I was still
able to teach classes on my own. My husband and I searched for
places for me to teach in our small town, which did not offer many.
We found a small room above and old movie theater that was
converted into offices and a small fitness center. We cleaned up the
room, purchased the necessary equipment, put an ad in the paper
and I was ready to go! On October 1, 2013 I taught my first class to 5
people. Oh my goodness…I cannot begin to tell you how nervous I
was. I remember opening my eyes during the beginning of the class
and thinking to myself…”they are doing what I am telling them to do ".
It was such a surreal moment, but definably a defining one. I knew
at that moment that deep inside of me was a passion for helping
others. On August 2, 2014, I became of 200 hr. Registered Yoga
teacher! I did it!! I was so proud of this accomplishment and I still am.
This October, I will celebrate 5 years of having my own yoga studio.
I would not have made it through those years without the love and
support of my family. My husband who is my biggest supporter
encourages me continue to live my dream. Our daughters who have
supported me by joining my classes, attending other classes and
workshops with me and have been my rock when I feel discouraged
and not sure if I want to continue. My son in laws, granddaughter
family and friends wear their Devine Yoga shirts with pride. The
people that I have met during my years of teaching have taught me
more than I have taught them. Each one of them has their own
unique journey and I am truly blessed that they allow me to be a part
of it. The friendships, love and support that they give me, make it
worthwhile for me to continue to follow my passion of teaching yoga.
I thank God every day for the journey he has sent me on. Sure it
hasn’t been easy, but no journeys are. Some of you reading this may
wonder if yoga has cured me of Fibromyalgia. No, but it has taught
me that Fibromyalgia is what I have, it is not who I am! Thank you for
taking the time to read my journey to yoga. Stay tuned for many more
to come!
Namaste, Nell