Patricia Francis

 They didn’t have a separate room for classes so we were all stuffed into the corner among the equipment.  I didn’t really understand yoga at the time, and the only thing I remember from my experience is lying down at the end and wondering why we were trying to take a nap at the gym.   Then, 4 years ago, I saw an ad in the paper for free community yoga classes where they accepted donations and thought it would be a great way to try yoga again.  I also thought it would be a great addition to my fitness program.   I was interested in the physical aspect to increase my flexibility and balance since I already worked out 4 days a week.  I went to nearly every community class offered - I was hooked.  I quickly realized it was so much more than exercise.  No matter what kind of day I had, even a stressful day at work, I would feel so calm, peaceful, and relaxed after my yoga class.  I soon learned that yoga was not only good for my body, but my mind and soul as well.  The more I attended classes, the more I wanted to know about yoga.  I just loved the way it was making me feel.     Yoga is about bringing together the whole you - mind, body and soul – to take care of the whole you.  I think this is one of the most valuable lessons that anyone can learn, so I decided to become a yoga teacher to pass this on to others.  Doing my teacher training at The Yoga Sanctuary seemed like the next logical step.  As a teacher, I hope that all my students will understand that no matter why they came to yoga, it will be serving their mind, body, and soul. Since starting yoga, I have learned to accept myself as I am.  I came for the physical aspect but soon learned that yoga is not an exercise - it is a way of life.  I am happy to say that I am right where I am supposed to be in every moment of every day.  Besides, how can I accept others without first accepting myself?