This post is the 5th & final post in a series detailing my struggle with chronic back pain and my journey to the path of Iyengar Yoga.
In making the decision to embrace Yoga full time, I considered many perspectives. I remember thinking that if any one of my friends had been in my shoes and decided to become a Yoga teacher instead of their intended career, not only would I have been supportive, I would have been proud of them for having the courage to make that choice. Yet, personally, I struggled. When asked that dreaded question ‘what do you do?’, could I answer with confidence and contentment, ‘I’m a Yoga teacher’? Truthfully, that took me about 2 more years, but by the time 2011 began, I had at least come to terms with the fact that I was not cut out for the office job. I did not want to work 60 hours a week to meet deadlines. I wanted to be healthy and happy, and Yoga was clearly my best bet at achieving that.
I completed Teacher Training in June of 2011, went to Pune, India to study with the Iyengar family at the Ramamani Iyengar Yoga Institute for the month of July, and successfully sat for my national assessment in January of 2012. Since then, it’s been all about Yoga. I am healthy enough to fill my days with a hefty schedule. I continue to study and train with my Senior Teacher at Yoga Centre Toronto. I teach there as well as at Healing Arts Centre and Yoga Tree. I spend 6 hours per week apprenticing in therapeutic classes, where under the guidance of my Senior Teacher, I work with students who suffer from conditions such as chronic back, knee, or shoulder pain, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. I attend weekly upgrading sessions to ensure that my knowledge is current and accurate. I’ve even found a way to bring some of my ‘other’ skills into the Yoga world in my role as the coordinator of Yoga Centre Toronto’s Teacher Training Program. I can now say with utmost confidence and contentment, I am a Yoga teacher. There’s no turning back from here – I am 100% Yoga-bound.
Stephanie, this is a remarkable telling, remarkable journey. Thank you for telling your story; you have much to offer our community, including inspiration and hope. And thank you for your teaching, informed as you have been by your struggle, you bring a special nuance and understanding to your students. Namaste.
Hilary, you are a gem. Thank *you* (wholeheartedly!) for your continued support and encouragement.
Stephanie, I feel honoured to know you. I so appreciate your honesty in sharing your journey. Now I know why I feel such a deep joy every time I see you at Yoga Centre Toronto. May your journey continue with all blessings; you are and will continue to be a remarkable teacher. Namaste.
Joyce, I think I actually blushed reading your comment. You are so very kind and it is *my* privilege to know you. Many thanks 🙂
Thank you for sharing your story. It is so inspirational.
I would love you to share in your blog more about therapeutic yoga for common ailments and injuries. I struggle to find a good teacher where I live but I’m a very dedicated practitioner and I’d love to learn…soak up all I can. It would be so awesome if in your generosity you could share bits of your genuine knowledge. Thank you! Monica
hi Monica, thank you for your message 😊🙏🏻💛. I encourage you to follow this blog and also check out the online postings from my studio Studio Po. We’re on Facebook, twitter, & Instagram as @studiopoyoga. On the Studio Po blog, we have a number of Pose of the Month fact sheets that you may find interesting. All can be accessed via studiopoyoga.com. Hope that helps and best of luck to you with your practice. Namaste!