The Journey of a Nerdy Kid Just Trying to Get an Athletic Credit

by Evelyn Rodriquez

My personal yoga journey began in a pretty simple way. I needed an athletic credit, I hated gym, so I decided to take yoga instead. I had no idea what to expect really, the closest yoga experience I had  at that point was trying out the free DVD's that McDonald's gave away when you purchased a salad. 

I decided it was time to try something new, so I signed up for the yoga class without knowing that it would change my life.

My first day of practice was probably the most shocking. My expectations ranged from extreme acrobatics and levitation to simply sitting cross legged while constantly repeating "OM." It was nothing like that. 

Instead I tried movements that I wouldn't even think to do on a normal day. Some of the poses were really challenging, but I enjoyed that. The rhythmic breathing and movements made me more aware of my body than I had ever been before. It may have been a little odd at first, but I learned that breathing is everything, and the way I am on the mat reflects who I am in other parts of my life, and that was just on the first day.

The more I practiced, the more I felt like I gained control of myself. I  no longer felt like the clumsy, stressed, and low self-esteemed girl I always limited myself to be. Yoga taught me valuable lessons that a kid just doesn't hear enough when placed in the barriers of a classroom. "Don't take things personally" became my life motto, and it seemed like after all the lessons I learned from one class I had undergone some sort of mindset metamorphosis. Yoga helped me gain the strength, confidence, balance and philosophy I wouldn't have imagined I could have accomplished.


Ever since that first day I stepped on a mat, I no longer restrict myself because of the fear of failure. Yoga is more than just stretching and meditation. It teaches valuable lessons, creates supportive environments, and is just overall life changing. Yoga created a sort of asylum or haven that I couldn't get anywhere else. 

To put it shortly, yoga made me a happier and better person. I will never regret signing up for that class, and I want to create that feeling in others too. I commit to be a part of this movement because I am determined to help others improve their lives too, one pose at a time. 

Acknowledgement

Dear lululemon athletica,

Thank you so much for your generous donation to In-Powered through your metta grant! Because of your magnanimity, I get the opportunity to become a yoga teacher. What inspires me the most of becoming a yoga teacher is having the ability to purvey the bliss, self-awareness, and strength that comes with such a wonderful practice. Now, because of your charitable support of my training, I get to do that and more! 

Please allow me to share a blog entry that also serves as a part of my teacher training application. Thank you so much! I look forward to meeting you when you visit Houston, and to be able to inspire communities with the joyous practice that is yoga.