Tahnya Updegraff

High impact, knee intensive, shoulder intensive programs would not work with my injuries. After reading many articles and study results about yoga and the positive results from yoga, I thought maybe this was for me. So, I went to my first class. I do not even remember what style it was; I just remember feeling lost and totally inept in the class. But I went back. And again. And again. Then somewhere between the first class and my ninth class, I started to understand the teachers’ instructions and feel more confident. I also felt the difference in my body. And a practice was born… I was able to enroll in a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training course in 2018. It was a small class of just 7. And to make it more fun my husband and my mother also enrolled. I studied Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Yin, and Slowburn. This training deepened my practice and my knowledge of my own body. I began teaching Yin and Vinyasa at a local church. I have taught Dog Yoga for a local rescue group. I also took more courses to deepen my knowledge of yoga. I have taken Yoga for Pelvic Health, Yoga for the Golden Years, Yoga Assists, Precautions, and Modifications, and Chair Yoga. Although my personal favorite is Ashtanga, I realize that is not for everyone. In fact, on some days my body says no to Ashtanga and a gentler practice is needed that day and that is OK. As I delve deeper into yoga and its science and theory, I learn more about myself and my body. I have learned compassion for myself and others through the practice. I try to remember how I felt in the first few classes and encourage those new to yoga. Nine times before I liked it. Nine. Just keep trying and experiencing the depth and breath of styles, benefits, and preferences is limitless. Namaste…