MADELEINE HOLT

I have been practicing yoga all my life without even realizing it. The first time I stubbed my toe and went running to my Dad he said 'slow down, take some deep breaths...' and that advice is what we follow on the mat, we slow down, take a time out from the busy world around us and we breath.

As individuals we are drawn to yoga for so many different reasons: to meet new people, to recover from injury, for flexibility, strength, stress relief...but at some point these reasons become redundant. Yet we continue to turn up. That is one of the reasons I love yoga. When you peel back the layers we are all ultimately there for the same reason. Yoga makes us better people.

Whether on my mountain bike, or on my snowboard, in the gym, or in the ocean, I have always pushed to the edge of my physical abilities but I have never before found the depth of physical and mental reward. Through my yoga practice I push my edge, while at the same time developing an acceptance of my body, its capabilities and limitations. The yoga I practice has me constantly looking for new space and areas of growth within myself. I apply the lessons learned on my mat in every aspect of my life. Rather than seeing the obstacles in my path, I am able to let go of what is not serving me and focus on what is important in achieving my goals.

The decision we make today are the ones that shape us for tomorrow. Through the practice of yoga and participation in this powerful community, I have come to understand that we are best served by putting ourselves out there, for reaching for our wildest goals and dreams and that strength is demonstrated, not through the achievement of perfection, but in rising each time we fall and doing so with a smile on our faces.

I teach yoga in the hope that others will experience the same feeling of acceptance, strength and growth that I have had. I feel privileged to be part of the Yoga One community and look forward to seeing you in class.