I began a yoga practice in Taiwan in 2004. I was thinking, "what am I going to do with my life? I can't stay teaching ESL in Taiwan forever! I know, I'll become a yoga teacher!" I had never practiced yoga before in my life, but the naive 20 something year old that I was believed that I could be a yoga teacher, live in Thailand and be a hippy for the rest of my days. Thankfully, I became a school teacher! I quit yoga in 2004 after I had an accident, but in 2009, I resumed my practice only to get sick in 2011. I couldn't follow any of the asana's because I was unable to breathe correctly. I struggled and I quit yoga again.
In November 2014, I found Maria's Yoga Studio in Amman. A group of my girlfriends have been going for a long time, but I had a hard time bringing myself to go. My past love and pursuit of yoga was often followed by some personal struggle. However, in Maria's studio and with Maria herself, I found a great resurgence of energy, inspiration and happiness. The studio with its warm, positive, clean environment and Maria who is strong, caring, kind and giving have enabled me to become reacquainted with that young, naive 20 year old who dreamt of a wholesome, green and healthy existence.
Becoming Ayla's mother has made me even more determined to be happy and healthy! I want to be the best role model I can possible be for my daughter. I find that yoga is challenging me to transform myself into a better, more healthier person. It gives me clarity of thought and with a daily practice, helps strengthen my self discipline.
Going to Maria's allows me to build space for me in my life. A place where I can be alone with my thoughts. I have been going 3 times a week and it is an oasis in my busy, hectic life. Here, I stop, meditate and stretch. I am so very grateful for this place, for reigniting a dormant Michelle and for allowing me to breathe.
Unfortunately, Maria will be leaving soon! However, the front room to our house is big enough to create a space similar to Maria's. We tried it the other day and it worked. I lit candles, lit incense and played some shanti music. It was just fine. Who knows, maybe this is the start of me creating my own yoga space. One day, I may just fulfil that 20 year old dream of becoming a yoga teacher.
