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
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!
“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
Reading this as a fitness studio owner gave me the warm fuzzies. I hope this finds its way into the hands of your yoga studio owner/instructors because I know it would mean a lot to them to read your words and know that they’ve made a real impact on you.
On another note, I deeply resonated with this as a client. Not yoga, but barre3, took me on this exact journey. When I found exercise I enjoyed and it genuinely stopped being about trying to physically change myself, everything changed from the inside out. And here I am 6 years into my practice owning a studio because I wanted to be able to share that with more people! 🥹🧡
I love this, Ashlee! Yoga is as much for the mind as for the body, or like you said, how we think about our bodies. I’ve been doing yoga at home on YouTube for years (babies plus pandemic made that the more convenient choice), but joined a studio in the fall. Although I’m only able to go 1-2x a week due to my work schedule, I notice how much more I get out of it than when I do it at home alone. All the little thoughts, judgments of myself, float to the top then sift away as I remember, this is a practice. Thanks for sharing. :)
This was really nice to read! Tons to think about, because I, too, would love to feel and know I am strong, not just looking good. I do want to look good, but being physically strong is something I haven't felt for a very long time.
This idea of untangling the hiccups in your mindset has me thinking, especially because that very untangling is something I've been trying to to do for some time - with success in it re: mental and spiritual, but the untangling of the physical side has been harder.
Lots to think through, but for good reason. Thank you for inspiring this to happen, Ashlee!
Love the idea of advanced meaning knowing how to rest and play!
I have yet to find the exercise that will keep me consistant. One day.
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!
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 ❤️
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
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!
“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 🥰
Love this so much, Ash!
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
Reading this as a fitness studio owner gave me the warm fuzzies. I hope this finds its way into the hands of your yoga studio owner/instructors because I know it would mean a lot to them to read your words and know that they’ve made a real impact on you.
On another note, I deeply resonated with this as a client. Not yoga, but barre3, took me on this exact journey. When I found exercise I enjoyed and it genuinely stopped being about trying to physically change myself, everything changed from the inside out. And here I am 6 years into my practice owning a studio because I wanted to be able to share that with more people! 🥹🧡
I have loved watching this journey unfold for you, friend!! If I ever come visit your area, I definitely want to pop by for a class!
I’d love nothing more!
Well done, Ashlee!! Beautifully written. I know you've been writing this (or thinking about it?) for awhile!! Barre for me is yoga to you. 💛
We all just need *something* 😜 I like barre, too!
I love this, Ashlee! Yoga is as much for the mind as for the body, or like you said, how we think about our bodies. I’ve been doing yoga at home on YouTube for years (babies plus pandemic made that the more convenient choice), but joined a studio in the fall. Although I’m only able to go 1-2x a week due to my work schedule, I notice how much more I get out of it than when I do it at home alone. All the little thoughts, judgments of myself, float to the top then sift away as I remember, this is a practice. Thanks for sharing. :)
Yes, the in-studio experience is SO much different than doing it at home. Loved your thoughts here!
This was really nice to read! Tons to think about, because I, too, would love to feel and know I am strong, not just looking good. I do want to look good, but being physically strong is something I haven't felt for a very long time.
This idea of untangling the hiccups in your mindset has me thinking, especially because that very untangling is something I've been trying to to do for some time - with success in it re: mental and spiritual, but the untangling of the physical side has been harder.
Lots to think through, but for good reason. Thank you for inspiring this to happen, Ashlee!
Your words always bring tears to my eyes. Thank you