Yoga has been like a quiet, steady guide whispering directions through the twists and turns of my life. Whenever things feel overwhelming or confusing, yoga is there, offering a path back to myself.

Many people first encounter yoga through its physical postures, the Asanas. They are a practice, a way to train our nervous system, keep our bodies supple, strong, and feeling young. I still remember my first time, back in 2001. I was 16, watching Steve Ross lead a class on Oxygen TV. No fancy mat, just me and the bedroom carpet, trying to follow along. There was an immediate connection. Unlike the forced exertion of PE class, holding these poses felt possible. Accessible. It resonated.

While the physical poses (asanas) are wonderful, they are just one branch of yoga's wisdomone of the Eight Limbs that guide us toward a more balanced and connected life. At its core, yoga means union of body, mind, and spirit, and this connection extends beyond the mat. It took me a while to understand this deeper meaning; I didn’t even own a proper yoga mat until 2008!

My curiosity began much earlier, around age eight, in Veracruz, when I discovered my grandpa's book simply titled 'YOGA.' I remember being captivated by the pictures and playing with that book, knowing my grandpa practiced some of those poses during the quiet morning hours. (I even suspect he practiced Yoga Nidra, a profound guided relaxation, but that’s a story for another time!)

Back then, the concept of yoga remained elusive. It wasn't just exercise, but what was it? Seeing Steve Ross sparked a realization – it involved movement, yes, but it felt different, deeper. So, I stepped onto that metaphorical mat (the carpet!), driven by curiosity and a desire to understand what no one could quite explain.

Stepping onto a yoga mat for the first time was one of the best decisions of my young life. Committing to practice on that mat day after day has proven to be the best choice I make each day.

-Gaby Luna

Why the unwavering commitment? It might sound cliché, but honestly? I did it for the Savasana. That final resting pose. The profound, unmatched peace I felt after moving and breathing was like nothing else. At 16, my home life was turbulent. Though my parents lived together, the atmosphere was thick with tension and arguments. Life felt confusing, heavy, and I desperately needed respite.

Yoga became my sanctuary. It offered a space not just to move my body but to rest my mind. This is where the other limbs subtly weave their magic:

• Yamas & Niyamas (Ethical Principles & Personal Observances): Seeking peace amidst chaos (Ahimsa - non-harming towards myself by finding refuge), cultivating contentment even when external circumstances are difficult (Santosha), the discipline to show up (Tapas), and self-study to understand my own needs (Svadhyaya).
• Pranayama (Breath Control): Though I didn't know the term then, the conscious breathing tied to movement started calming my frayed nerves, anchoring me in the present moment.
• Pratyahara (Withdrawal of the Senses): Savasana and even the focus required in poses became a practice of drawing my attention inward, away from external noise.
• Dharana (Concentration): Holding a pose, focusing on alignment and breath, trained my wandering mind.
• Dhyana (Meditation): Those moments of deep peace in Savasana were glimpses of meditative stillness.
• Samadhi (Union/Enlightenment): The ultimate goal of experiencing that profound sense of connection and wholeness, even if fleetingly at first.

This is the beauty of the yogic path. It teaches us that everything you do can be yoga if you approach it with mindfulness. Washing the dishes, walking in nature, listening intently to a friend when you bring conscious awareness, presence, and intention, you are practicing union. You are practicing yoga.

So, maybe you're curious about yoga. Maybe you think you're not flexible enough (a myth!). Maybe you're seeking strength, or perhaps, like me all those years ago, you're simply looking for a place to rest, a moment of peace in a busy world.

I encourage you to explore yoga's potential. Step onto a mat (or carpet!) and see it as more than exercise – it's an invitation to connect deeply with yourself: body, mind, and spirit. Remember, it’s the inner journey, not the perfect pose, that matters most. It's about finding your anchor.

Want to practice with me and discover your yogic path? Join me online! My class schedule is available here

For me, yoga continues to be that guide. It’s a daily practice of returning home to myself. And maybe, just maybe, it could be that for you too.

Thank you for reading.

I hope to see you on the virtual mat. Check out my online offerings here!

Love Gaby Luna!