I am an entrepreneur with a North American business in a highly competitive technology sector. I live a very busy life and am consumed with my work all the time. When not working I think about work and the things I have to get done. I live with constant stress and tension that has manifested itself in a variety of physical and emotional ailments over the years.
I began practicing hot yoga regularly in November 2002 and since that time my life has changed. Literally. I am more self-aware and have learned to listen to my body. I am able to concentrate longer and more deeply. I am able to detach myself from things and let them go in moments where I used to hold on for hours or days. Physically, I am stronger, my balance is much improved and my flexibility elevated. Moreover, the vast majority of the aches and pains have minimized or disappeared altogether.
Hot yoga is helping me to push the outer limits of what I can accomplish mentally and physically. It forces me to look at myself, and in the end, that's where all the stress, tension and judgment come from in the first place.
I work in the fitness industry and am a very athletic and active 31 year old. I didn't think there was much that I could do to add to my fitness regime, until I was introduced to Moksha. I was very hesitant to try yoga, thinking that it was probably too easy and low-key for me. I was amazed. While the Moksha series is designed for people at all levels, I was astonished at how challenging it was for me. I had sustained a number of serious injuries through athletics over the years: a broken femur, elbow, ankle, and foot to name a few. The effects of the injuries are developing into osteoarthritis in a variety of joints.
When I first came to yoga I could barely kneel. I also realized that my flexibility needed huge improvement. After practicing for only a year, the difference is incredible. I've experienced amazing improvements in joint mobility, flexibility, and range of motion. I also find that Moksha requires intense focus and concentration, something I've been able to translate to the other activities and areas of my life. These benefits have positively affected so many things from hockey and weight training to just being a more relaxed person. I would encourage anyone who ever thought yoga was easy to give it a try - they'll be amazed.
When I first started at Moksha I was overweight, insecure, and unsure of my direction. I had heard about this "hot yoga" from a few people and I decided to check it out. I was very nervous for my first class, I didn't know if I would fit in. I was grateful to discover that upon arrival I was greeted by some of the nicest, most genuine women I had ever met. I was immediately welcomed. My first class was very intense, and I LOVED it! The best part was that I didn't feel like I was behind the rest of the group, or that I was not as good as everyone else. I did not feel judged by those around me. It felt like a very personal experience, and the instructor was there every step of the way urging everyone to go at their own pace and listen to your own body. After my first class I felt so alive, awakened, exhilarated. I felt like I had just accomplished something (and I had)! I started out doing one class per week, but I wanted more.
Going to Moksha Yoga is so much different than just going to the gym or running. It didn't feel like a chore to me, it felt like something I needed and wanted to do. I was not only making my body fit, but I felt like it was helping me really get to know and understand my true self. I liked taking that time in the day to quiet my thoughts, and focus my energy into doing something so good for me. I finally felt full.
My journey with Moksha, and my practice in yoga, has truly been an experience that has changed me for the better. It has made me want to improve my life, improve my self, and live the best life I can.... for me. I have lost almost 50 pounds since the beginning of this journey, but the best part is that it wasn't even about that. The weight loss was just the result of my journey. I will be forever grateful and indebted to the many incredible people I have met during my time at Moksha Yoga, without them I would never have had the courage to even start. I am now looking forward to making this a part of my life everyday. This was truly the discovery I was looking for, and I am so grateful to have finally found it. Thank you.
I will get straight to the point. I was molested as a child and raped when I was in grade 9, and by the age of 15 a childhood friend had been murdered and my best friend had committed suicide. To say the least times were tough.
Most of the time the toughest challenge was just getting out of bed. Sleepless nights filled with anxiety and fear made mornings overwhelming. Some days I physically was unable to get up out of bed.
In the thick of my depression I found Hot Yoga. I went into class skeptical and came out wide-eyed and hopeful. It was the first time my mind had stopped thinking and spinning for as long as I could remember. My body and mind felt amazing. I became completely hooked. I started sleeping through the nights, waking up well rested, began being interested in trying new things. I even became excited to wake up.
Not only did Hot Yoga keep me from drowning but it made me fly above the waves. To anyone who feels depressed, tired, uninspired, etc, I so suggest you try this. I truly don't think I would be here today if I hadn't found this yoga.
Unexplained emotional intensity, lack of confidence, sleepless nights and hot flashes are only a few of the challenges that menopause has presented to me. On some days a simple decision can be as challenging as programming my new cell phone! On some days nothings seems to be clear.
About 6 months ago my daughters introduced me to Hot Yoga and my life took a different turn. Standing for 90 minutes and looking into my eyes has given me the opportunity to feel my own strength. Each day the yoga presents new challenges that I am shocked my body has met. There were so many postures that I was sure my 56-year- old body would never be able to do. It was a slow process but gradually, I started to strengthen and my muscles started to stretch. My hot flashes slowly diminished and are now gone. Both the chronic pain in my toe and that in my shoulder have disappeared. All these benefits have given me a great sense of confidence and a feeling that I am invincible.
On top of all these physical benefits, and the confidence that accompanies them, I find I sleep better. And best of all I feel more connected to my personal abilities. I highly recommend that every woman experiencing these menopausal times try at least a few classes to see how they go. The rewards are astounding.
