I get it. A lot of people swear by Pilates or lifting weights endlessly at the gym once you hit your 40s.

So, why is yoga, in my opinion, the lifestyle and exercise regimen that exceeds all others?

Because it gives you everything you need.

Unlike other exercise activities where the focus is solely on the body, yoga is about YOU.

It helps you become aware of your thoughts, where you stop yourself from moving further down the path, AND offers you the strength you’re craving to feel in your body, as well as, the ability to have open and easy hips and shoulders to make the journey joyful and light.

And, even if you’ve only stepped on your yoga mat for a handful of classes, you know what I’m saying is true.

So, how do you keep the practice going in the midst of life pulling you this way and that on a constant basis?

You have to make the reason for your practice something that is greater, than your reasons not to keep it going.

For me, I want to be able to hike clear up a mountain, easily, when I’m 85+ with my husband because it is something we LOVE to do. I also want to be able to go to the rock-climbing gym and fly down a waterslide, spend hours at Top Golf, careen through the air on a zipline and live a really big, unlimited life together where we can say ‘Yes!!!’ to every opportunity that comes our way.

Most of all, I want to be the best wife I can be and the best daughter, sister and friend to those I love.

I also want to be the absolute best yoga teacher I can be for the people that trust me with their practice.

And, without the practice of yoga… I would be far from that.

Why? Because yoga has taught me presence.

When I’m with someone, I am there with them. I’m not distracted by the phone/watch/gadget of the hour, or worried about the next day or stressing about what happened the day before.

And, I learned that from balancing on one leg or being in the deepest backbend of my life or finding float in Handstand. Because you cannot do any of those things when thinking about something else.

Your life was meant to expand with each passing day, not retract.

So, is your yoga practice.

Which is why I build the bridge for others to uncover more within their practice.

It does not matter if you cannot fly in Crow Pose yet.

What does matter is if you put your hands on the ground and bring a little weight into them.

Because I promise you the person that does that again and again and again? Will eventually fly in Crow Pose.

It’s absolutely possible for you to do any of the fancy yoga postures you see on social media, or elsewhere. You simply have to be willing to take a chance to build something new for your yoga practice.

I believe that with every single beat of my heart.

And, I believe it specifically for you.

You already have so much potential for your life and your yoga practice.

If you’re at the midlife point, like I am, keep going.

Your yoga practice is going to offer you so many gifts during this time.

If you haven’t stepped on your yoga mat in a good long while and you’ve read this far, take this as a sign to get back to it.

Yoga will gift you:

• Presence
• Time
• The ability to say ‘Yes’ to any activity that speaks to you.
• Strength
• Flexibility
• Mobility
• Confidence
• Joy

Looking forward to seeing you in class soon!

Big Hugs,
Tori ♡