I have struggled immensely over the years with body image, being a workout fanatic, and trying to get "the look" that would make me happy. As I get older, I have learned that being 10 pounds heavier but mentally healthy is SEXY. Working out doesn't always have to be high impact and heavy lifting. I appreciate your post Ashlee because I have added yoga into my workout regimen and it is sooo good for the mind, body, and soul
As a yoga teacher I wholeheartedly love this and it inspires me to grow so much to not need to demo poses someday. Because so much of what you talk about - entering wholly into the practice is my goal as a teacher. I want you to come to yoga to feel gooood at the end
“That familiar desire to shrink has been replaced with a fierce desire to take up space on the mat.”
Ashlee, 🔥🔥 this whole essay spoke to me in so many ways! I loved reading it, but I also love how it made me think honestly about my relationship with my body and what I actually need right now. Thank you 🥰
I relate to this so much! I went through a career crisis in 2022 and between that and having three children under 6, yoga saved me in so many ways. My practice brings me such peace and joy, in no small part due to the fact that the foundation of your time on the mat is always self-love and acceptance. I practice at home every day and it is truly the only exercise I've ever found that I always look forward to. By focusing on just being present in my mind and moving my body daily (versus having a specific goal), I am stronger and healthier now than I've ever been (way moreso than when I was 30lbs lighter but didn't know how to love my body). I'm so happy you found the same peace and joy Ashlee! Yoga truly is magic <3
I totally identify with your journey! I found yoga during the pandemic via YouTube: Yoga With Adriane. Wow, I never thought I would look forward to "exercise", but as you mention the practice, the letting go of expectations, the fact that it's just you and the mat make all the difference.
Can I just say I love when you write about yoga?! It reminds me how much I enjoy the practice, too. Also, THIS: “The answer, of course, is Beloved.” ❤️
this is intriguing to someone who has tried (or thought about) all the popular exercise routines around these days, none of which have worked - i.e. I haven't enjoyed them. Thanks for sharing.
I love this and feel so much better about my yoga journey! I often look at progress in a mirror or the number of my classes in my app. I am now looking at it as my strength to carry my daughter to and from the car - up and down the stairs. I am now looking at my peace to let things go, forget about everything in my mind and just be. I am now seeing that if I put my knee down, someone else may let out a sigh of relief and do the same! Thanks Ashlee!
Beautiful! Love how this sparked the question, "Who am I, without these accomplishments?" Very relatable, thanks for sharing your practice... As my piano teacher said, practice makes permanent, not perfect.
This inspires me to really commit to my daily Pilates videos even when I don't feel like it. Just to do it, not take it so seriously, and reap the benefits. At the rate I'm going, the benefits are minimal
I love this! My yoga journey has similarly been a whirlwind! I started after an injury in high school and hated it. Then, I learned to love it so much I became a teacher. Now I’m pregnant and too intimidated to attend a prenatal yoga class😂😂 loved reading this!
Love the idea of advanced meaning knowing how to rest and play!
I have struggled immensely over the years with body image, being a workout fanatic, and trying to get "the look" that would make me happy. As I get older, I have learned that being 10 pounds heavier but mentally healthy is SEXY. Working out doesn't always have to be high impact and heavy lifting. I appreciate your post Ashlee because I have added yoga into my workout regimen and it is sooo good for the mind, body, and soul
Yes to all of this!
I have yet to find the exercise that will keep me consistant. One day.
As a yoga teacher I wholeheartedly love this and it inspires me to grow so much to not need to demo poses someday. Because so much of what you talk about - entering wholly into the practice is my goal as a teacher. I want you to come to yoga to feel gooood at the end
“That familiar desire to shrink has been replaced with a fierce desire to take up space on the mat.”
Ashlee, 🔥🔥 this whole essay spoke to me in so many ways! I loved reading it, but I also love how it made me think honestly about my relationship with my body and what I actually need right now. Thank you 🥰
On a stressful day, something about the rhythm of your words had me taking deep breaths and thinking calmly for the first time all day. Thank you.
Thanks for reading, Tori ❤️
I relate to this so much! I went through a career crisis in 2022 and between that and having three children under 6, yoga saved me in so many ways. My practice brings me such peace and joy, in no small part due to the fact that the foundation of your time on the mat is always self-love and acceptance. I practice at home every day and it is truly the only exercise I've ever found that I always look forward to. By focusing on just being present in my mind and moving my body daily (versus having a specific goal), I am stronger and healthier now than I've ever been (way moreso than when I was 30lbs lighter but didn't know how to love my body). I'm so happy you found the same peace and joy Ashlee! Yoga truly is magic <3
I totally identify with your journey! I found yoga during the pandemic via YouTube: Yoga With Adriane. Wow, I never thought I would look forward to "exercise", but as you mention the practice, the letting go of expectations, the fact that it's just you and the mat make all the difference.
I love her youtube!
Can I just say I love when you write about yoga?! It reminds me how much I enjoy the practice, too. Also, THIS: “The answer, of course, is Beloved.” ❤️
Thanks, friend ❤️
this is intriguing to someone who has tried (or thought about) all the popular exercise routines around these days, none of which have worked - i.e. I haven't enjoyed them. Thanks for sharing.
I feel like I had to kiss a lot of fitness frogs to find the prince 😅
I love this and feel so much better about my yoga journey! I often look at progress in a mirror or the number of my classes in my app. I am now looking at it as my strength to carry my daughter to and from the car - up and down the stairs. I am now looking at my peace to let things go, forget about everything in my mind and just be. I am now seeing that if I put my knee down, someone else may let out a sigh of relief and do the same! Thanks Ashlee!
This is such a beautiful perspective. Thanks for sharing, Christina!
Beautiful! Love how this sparked the question, "Who am I, without these accomplishments?" Very relatable, thanks for sharing your practice... As my piano teacher said, practice makes permanent, not perfect.
Ooooh that's good.
So much goodness here that resonates with, and inspires my heart as a Pilates instructor. Please tell your instructor, she needs to know this!
This inspires me to really commit to my daily Pilates videos even when I don't feel like it. Just to do it, not take it so seriously, and reap the benefits. At the rate I'm going, the benefits are minimal
I love this! My yoga journey has similarly been a whirlwind! I started after an injury in high school and hated it. Then, I learned to love it so much I became a teacher. Now I’m pregnant and too intimidated to attend a prenatal yoga class😂😂 loved reading this!
Love this so much, Ash!