In this letter, I hope to tell you a little about myself and why it is my dream to complete the teacher training at Cloud9. I began my yoga journey on February 9, 2013 at Cloud9, after I was given a LivingSocial voucher. Having had no experience with yoga, I was nervous but willing to try in order to improve my health and lose weight. Needless to say, I was completely unaware of the life changes that were about to begin.
After my first class, I was hooked. I began attending classes on the weekends and very soon thereafter, I was attending class as frequently as I could. Not only did I enjoy the intense physical workout that hot yoga can provide, but I also found something I wasn't even looking for... a catharsis and journey of self-discovery. Beautiful things happen every time I step onto my mat. I've learned more about myself over the past few months in the hot room than I had in my entire lifetime.
For the first time ever, I am happy with my body. That's huge... fricken HUGE. I've struggled on and off since adolescence with body image issues and for the first time I am proud of my body. I can now happily "own" the stretch marks, the extra pudge in my belly, the skinny wrists and ankles, etc. that I used to look down on myself for....
Yoga has also provided me with the tools to practice meditation and mindfulness which has been helpful to me in numerous ways. "It all begins and ends with the breath" is something I have truly come to believe. I feel more peaceful, connected, and self-aware....
Name withheld (from application to the AngelHeal Yoga Training)
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