Rachelle Poirier –Inspirational Yogi
I have never been an athlete. I never played sports. I run funny, I dabbled in the
gym but never really knew what I was doing and probably used the wrong
machine for the wrong body part more than once. I tried tai chi (I lasted two
classes), bought a Pilates for Dummies video (still in the plastic) and did aerobics
(just once). I accepted the fact I wasn’t cut out for this thing we call “fitness”.
Enter yoga….
I lost my yoga virginity on March 25, 2014 to an Ashtanga class Lesley assured
me wouldn’t be too advanced for my lack of knowledge about anything yoga. I
was immediately hooked. I had finally found a way to give back to my body and
there were no excuses. I was in awe of what the people around me could do –
Every body type, every size, every age, and gender. And I could do it too! (or
some modification of it). I didn’t sleep after each class for probably two months
because I wanted to practice what I learned that night. As it turned out I didn’t
really know my body and that it needed some serious TLC. I wanted to fix it and
discover what it was capable of; I had finally found my passion, drive and
excitement for a practice.
What I didn’t expect was the emotional aspect of yoga; it taught me humility,
compassion, self esteem and was truly about my mind, my body and my soul. I
wanted everyone I met to go and try it. I wanted to welcome people like I was
welcomed into our family of fellow yogis; a group of people who never judged
and who always encouraged.
Ok I admit it was strange to hear the word anus more in the one hour class than I
had ever heard it in my lifetime. I spent a lot of time googling body parts; I had
no idea what the hell a bunda or a sacrum was or what it did, but apparently I
had one. I learned that one day too I would be standing on my head and my
arms would twist in funky ways and still feel relatively comfortable doing it. And
that’s what I want everyone I know to learn - that yoga makes what seems so
impossible actually possible.
I am very surprised to be asked to write this since I don’t consider of
myself as being a very seasoned yogi. But I guess this is about being inspiring
and not experienced. I know that I have two little aspiring yogis in my home. That
during the 30 day challenge I wanted to share my joy for yoga with anyone who
would listen. I feel that inspiring others comes easily when you feel so inspired
yourself.
I have a profound love for my teachers and my very supportive friends who keep
me accountable and motivated to continue to improve. It is wonderful to know
that they are there for me through all the emotions we discover when we become
yogis.