Parvati Magazine September 2013 | Page 15

FITNESS E arlier this month I attended a 200 hour yoga teacher training with Power Yoga Canada. Things got real very quickly with 53 yogis and yoginis at a Picton, Ontario resort surrounded by the beauty of the land. My body, mind and soul were nourished with the joy of practising yoga twice a day, plus our minimum hourly teacher training sessions in small groups or partner work. However, it was challenging. I was pushed and pulled, prodded and poked to discover a new way of being. I was encouraged to find a way to drop my stories of who I believe myself to be, release my limiting beliefs, and create a new empowering way of being. I was encouraged to show up on my mat, in relationships, at work, and life, more authentically, more alive, more real, and with more of myself. In fifty years, I have never been so surrounded by so many authentic, open and loving individuals. The ways in which my fellow yogis shared their personal stories of pain, hurt and rejection from those whose love they had longed for, were emotionally charged, emotionally draining, and left me feeling exposed, vulnerable and blessed. We held the attitude of “What happens in Vegas, or in this case Yoga Teacher Training, stays at training.” It was a community of being authentic, of trust, support, messy sweaty yoga sessions, deep meditations and the most kickass energy while OMing I have ever experienced. I have learned the freedom of letting go completely (almost) of all expectations... it is a journey indeed. My mat, for the past three years, has been a place of sanctuary for me, a place I can let go of whatever is happening in my life, and be at peace with it. My mat has allowed me to stay in the uncomfortable situations, to just observe and be. I can apply this to many areas in life. I can stay and have uncomfortable conversations with those I love, and not bolt, which is my old story of how to react. I can hold space for people to show up authentically and be who they are. I can push myself in physical workouts and let go of the drama. I can be uncomfortable with body sensations of lactic acid buildup, and just observe. I can stay, feel the burn, feel the shake, build new muscle and be ok with it. I invite you to drop your mask. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting a different outcome. If you have been working out and not getting results, perhaps it is time to make peace with your body. Embrace it as it now is. Love your body and yourself for where you now are. It is only from this space, you will find a way to create a new, grander and brighter version of You. Sandra O’Brien is a Law of Attraction Life Coach, Personal Trainer, yoga instructor, published author and Reiki healer. Her work has been featured on CityLine Television, and The Toronto Star. She is owner of Muskoka Hot Yoga, and Muskoka Goddess, offering hot yoga, tabata bootcamps, personal training and coaching. She created the Goddess Creation system, a female fitness program to blowtorch body fat, sculpt sexy lean muscle and empower women everywhere to be the best version of themselves, inside and out. She enjoys dancing, reading, hiking in the forest and meditation. For more information on Sandra, please visit www.muskokagoddess.com.