I recently noticed that my life had become filled with countless “to-do” lists.  I was on “auto-pilot” – cruising along and working through tasks on my “to-do” list, without ever pausing to experience or appreciate my surroundings. It was clear to me that the change I needed to make was to get back to my beloved yoga practice.

My (almost) obsession with yoga began 8 years ago, when I stumbled into a yoga class practically by accident and fell  in love instantly.  I’ve been devoted to my practice ever since that first class. Once you give yoga a real try, there are such a variety of benefits. Regular yoga practice increases flexibility, strength, balance, and endurance. In addition to the physical benefits, yoga can improve mental clarity and help reduce stress.

There are many styles of yoga. I’ve been drawn towards vinayasa (or powerflow) which emphasizes the connection of movement and breath. This style of yoga is often called moving mediation because the practitioner’s primary focus is on their breath, followed by physical movement. In the summer of 2007 I completed the Core Power Yoga Vinyasa Teacher Training program where my passion for adho mukha svasana, bakasana, & savasana (some favorite yoga poses) deepened even further.  I taught yoga at 2 studios in Wisconsin while obtaining my degrees from the University of Washington at Madison.  Now, as a practicing Registered Dietitian, I remain passionate about nutrition and promoting wellness.

Now that I’m re-invigorated about yoga, I wanted to share some advice with you. Even though I (a yoga teacher and practicioner) had fallen out of practice, starting back at the basics has allowed me to build a strong foundation for my “new” practice, and it has enabled me to really experience how much I appreciate yoga. It’s never too late to get back to something you love and pick up where you left off!

-Nutritionist Orianna