I vividly remember the first time I stepped onto my yoga mat 7 years ago and feeling my whole inner being settle as my scattered mind and restless body became united towards a single focal point-my breath. From that moment onwards my yoga practice became a source of grounding, guidance, and strength. The meditative quality of linking each movement with breath generates fluidity in my body and mind which has helped me feel more open to staying present and breathe into whatever pain or pleasure arises in each moment. B.K.S. Iyengar (2005) writes, "Space is freedom, and we create, like a big bang, space within by the practice of asana and pranayama."

My deep commitment to ongoing exploration and integration in my yoga practice lead me to Mysore, India this past year where I had the privilege to study asana and backbending with Venkatesha at Atma Vikasa. Through this experience I am just starting to understand how yoga, as a way of being, cultivates an intimacy with oneself which invites us to move through this world in growing freedom and connection to ourselves and others.

"We begin where we are and how we are, and whatever happens, happens." -Desikachar