How To Start Practicing Yoga and Why I’m So Grateful That I Did

I remember it distinctly; the moment I realized there was more to life than the humdrum reality I was inhabiting. I was at a crossroads, facing the person I had become versus the person I wanted to be. My life had been on autopilot, with routines and habits becoming my identity. I craved something more profound, a journey within. This internal beckoning led me to an unanticipated path – the path of yoga.

I discovered yoga serendipitously. The manifestation of yoga in my life came as a natural response to my mind’s yearning for clarity and my body’s desire for vitality. The first time I practiced, I recall the aching of muscles I never knew existed, coupled with a profound sense of tranquility that washed over me. I had found a sanctuary within myself, a place of calm amidst the storm. It was magical, transformative, and deeply impactful, all at once. I realized yoga was more than just poses; it was a tool to unify the mind, body, and spirit.

The early stages of my yoga journey were a blend of struggle and discovery. The physical challenges posed by the postures were, surprisingly, easier to overcome than the mental blocks. For me, yoga was not just about touching my toes; it was about what I learned on the way down. It was during this exploration that ULU Yoga became a beacon guiding my path.

ULU Yoga, with its worldwide recognition and credibility, drew me in. The 200-hour teacher training course they offered was like a lighthouse amidst the vast ocean of yoga knowledge. I’me seriously considering going back to Thailand to do the 300-hour intermediate course with them as well. The comprehensive curriculum provided me with a holistic understanding of yoga, from its philosophical underpinnings to its physical application. It equipped me with the tools to delve deeper into my practice and harness the transformative power of yoga. As I progressed through the course, I found myself gradually transitioning from a novice yogi into a knowledgeable, confident practitioner and teacher.

The transformation I underwent during my 200-hour training was profound. Yet, the journey of yoga, I learned, is a perpetual one. It extends far beyond the completion of any course. Seeking to continue my growth and development as a practitioner and teacher, I decided to undertake online yoga teacher training courses offered by ULU Yoga.

The online courses proved to be a revelation. They allowed me to delve further into the nuances of yoga at my own pace, unrestricted by geographical boundaries. The courses ranged from deepening my understanding of anatomical alignment and biomechanics to exploring various yoga styles and learning how to curate yoga classes tailored to the unique needs of different individuals. Each online course opened up new avenues of knowledge and helped me refine my teaching skills.

I’ve been taking these online courses for a few years now, and every few months, I find myself enrolling in a new one, eager to discover more about the boundless wisdom of yoga. The path I am on is one of perpetual learning, fueled by my passion for yoga and facilitated by the comprehensive, immersive, and engaging courses offered by ULU

Reflecting on my yoga journey, I realize it has been an ongoing process of self-discovery and transformation. Yoga has taught me the value of mindfulness, the art of resilience, and the importance of balance. It has offered me a way to navigate life’s adversities with grace and fortitude and to find joy in the most mundane aspects of daily life. It has been a journey of not just doing yoga, but of living yoga, of allowing its principles to permeate every facet of my life.

Today, my yoga mat feels like home. Each time I step on it, I am greeted with a sense of familiarity and a promise of discovery. Through the ebbs and flows of life, my practice has remained a constant, a sanctuary that anchors me amidst the swirling chaos of life. Yoga has become my compass, guiding me towards a more authentic, balanced, and fulfilling life. It has gifted me an empowering sense of self, a more profound understanding of the world around me, and a reverence for the subtleties of life that often go unnoticed.

In the quiet moments of contemplation that often follow my practice, I am deeply aware of how far I’ve come. From a fledgling yogi unsure of her footing, I’ve grown into a seasoned practitioner and teacher, thanks to the experiences and opportunities ULU Yoga has provided me. The 200-hour teacher training course, followed by the online yoga teacher training courses, have not only broadened my understanding of yoga but also allowed me to explore my potential.

One key aspect of my journey that I feel profoundly grateful for is the opportunity to guide others. Teaching yoga has opened my eyes to the transformative power of this practice and the potential it has to uplift lives. There’s an indescribable sense of fulfillment that comes from witnessing a student’s journey from struggle to strength, from self-doubt to self-confidence, from disconnection to a harmonious union of mind, body, and spirit.

Over the years, my teaching style has evolved, shaped by the continuous learning I experience through the online courses from ULU Yoga. I’ve learned to adapt and modify my approach, making yoga accessible to everyone, regardless of age, physical condition, or experience. The essence of yoga, after all, lies in its universality. It’s not about perfecting a pose but about embracing one’s journey with acceptance and compassion.

While my journey of yoga started with a quest for self-improvement, it soon evolved into a spiritual journey, revealing to me the intricate connection between the mind, body, and spirit. Yoga, I discovered, is a mirror, reflecting our strengths and weaknesses, our fears and desires, our inhibitions and potential. It invites us to face ourselves honestly and inspires us to seek growth.

For me, yoga is no longer just a practice; it’s a way of life, a philosophy that shapes my actions, decisions, and perspective. It’s a journey of self-discovery, a path that leads to harmony and balance, and a tool that helps me navigate the tumultuous waters of life with resilience and grace.

My yoga journey is far from over. Like a river, it continues to flow, carving new paths, encountering obstacles, and constantly adapting. I continue to learn, to grow, to evolve. And ULU Yoga remains my trusted companion in this ongoing journey, offering me new courses, new challenges, and new opportunities for growth.

Today, I stand at another crossroads. But unlike the uncertainty that marked the beginning of my journey, I now stand with confidence and excitement for the future. Yoga has transformed me, shaped me, and awakened me to my potential. It has been a journey of transformation, empowerment, and discovery. And as I continue to embark on this lifelong journey, I am profoundly grateful for every asana, every breath, every moment of introspection, and every lesson learned.

So, as I unroll my mat each day, I do so with an immense sense of gratitude for the journey behind me and an eager anticipation for the journey ahead. Each day offers a new opportunity to explore, to learn, and to grow. Each day brings me one step closer to becoming the best version of myself. And for this journey, I have yoga to thank. I am not just practicing yoga; I am living it, and for that, I am forever grateful.