Why I Practice Yoga
By: Lisa Pisano

I wrote a blog a couple of years ago about the benefits of yoga. I thought I knew a lot then…boy was I wrong.

Yoga is ever-evolving. It continues to teach me that I have so much to learn.

The most obvious benefit from yoga for many, including myself, has been the physical aspect of it. Yoga has helped my body feel more limber while making me feel stronger than any amount of weights and reps could ever achieve. It has toned my arms and legs, strengthened my core and lower back and lifted my derriere in such a way that just makes me feel younger than my 40 years… J. More importantly, though, it has helped relieve me from the pain I used to endure as a result of chronic issues with arthritis, sciatica, and an inflamed SI joint. I continue to create more length in my muscles as I balance that with the strength they need to support my body. The physical benefits of yoga are obvious – and let’s face it – usually the primary reason why most people even begin to take on this practice. But as soon as one enters a yoga studio, steps foot on their mat and begins to listen to the guidance of a good yoga instructor, one quickly realizes that they have only begun to scratch the surface…

Yoga helps me bring together the connection between my body, mind and spirit. I have learned to listen to my body and recognize the signals it gives me – like when not to push past my limits be it physically or mentally. To accept when it needs rest, whether that means taking a day off from practice or taking that 20 minute power nap in the middle of the day. It has taught me to respect my body and honour it. It’s the only one I’ve got so I plan to make it work well for me until old age.

Yoga makes me feel calm. It makes me feel happy and satisfied. It gives me a sense of purpose; a sense of accomplishment and belonging. Sometimes there are no words. You just have to practice yoga to understand what I mean about this one.

Yoga helps me tune inward and focus on the present. I continue to acknowledge that this has been and continues to be the most challenging for me in my yoga journey. Learning to live in the present moment. Honouring where I am at today and not judging others for where they are in their journey. Why I feel what I feel. Why I do what I do. Accepting who I am, where I am in my life and the choices that have brought me here and being aware that the choices I continue to make will guide me along the path I choose for myself in this lifetime.

There are many reasons why I practice yoga. More than I could possibly mention in this blog. Being able to help another human being however, feel even a quarter of anything I have learned throughout my yoga journey over the years is…the very reason why I teach it ;)

Until next time,

Namaste,
Lisa Pisano
Lifestyle Coach

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