Even teachers need to do yoga! by Sarah Anfora

As I sit here and write this blog, I am totally "propped up" in every way that I can be.  My feet are on blocks, my lumbar is supported, Icy Hot is on my back, etc.  Why?  Because my lower back is at it again.

Let's travel back in time a bit...

Before I found yoga, I grew up dancing.  There was a point when I was dancing every day of the week.  I loved it with all of my heart and soul, so don't think I regret any of it.  But, knowing what I know now about anatomy, I ache for those poor little bones that were being turned out far more than they should have been.  While I was by no means headed towards being a professional dancer (I mean, come on, I'm barely 5'1'' - who was I kidding!?), I am now dealing with everything that I put my body through.

When I came to yoga, I was super flexible because of my dance background; combine that with a Type A personality and you have a recipe for lots of injuries.  If a teacher gave the option of putting my nose to my knees, you can bet I was right there.  Want me to do a full split?  I could do it without even warming up.  When I started getting more serious about my yoga practice and eventually took teacher training, my mind was blown!  I was so flexible, but had no strength to balance out the flexibility.  I needed to stop going so far into the stretch, allowing myself to stabilize my bones and muscles.

Back to the present....

At times I feel embarrassed to admit that I have some type of injury.  Aren't yoga teachers supposed to be the shining example of everything that is good about practicing yoga?  I soon realized that I could be an example and help anyone that might be dealing with the same issues.  We all have to take the time to do what we need, and sometimes that means putting ourselves first.  I am often the first one to volunteer to change the water cooler, carry all of the groceries out of the car in one trip, lift a piece of furniture...you get the idea.  It is always in those moments that my back says, "Enough!  You are doing too much!"  My body knows exactly what it needs and isn't afraid to let me know.

Always be kind, but always be kindest to yourself.


Join Sarah Anfora for a special class - Journey Dance - on May 14th at 5:15pm.
Sarah also teaches:
Wednesday - Flow 1 - 9:30am
Friday - Kripalu Yoga - 12:30pm
Sunday - Basic - 10:00am