Oh boy. I’m nervous. I’ve decided I’m going to take my first EVER yoga class. I’m ready… I think.
I’ve been coming up with all kinds of excuses not to start, everything from not having the time because of my work schedule to not having the energy during my time off. Sound familiar?
So far you can probably relate. There are a million different reasons to put off the things that scare us, that make us feel vulnerable, or ask us for just a little bit more than we may be willing to share. I’m no different than you except in one very specific way – I’m a Yoga Advisor for Semperviva.
I didn’t expect to feel nervous about taking my first class. After all, I’m immersed in an environment that should make me an expert. I should know all there is to know about yoga, right?! Especially since I’m the one you turn to for guidance! I am qualified to advise you but then I realize that you and I have probably been thinking the same thing…
My practice should be perfect.
My form, flawless.
My mind, body and spirit in harmony at all times.
Nope.
I’m just like you. I’m a beginner too.
Now just to clarify, I am familiar with yoga. I’ve been practicing Hatha yoga for the past decade or so. Having said that, I’ve done it all in the privacy of my own home and the only guide I’ve ever used has been a VHS tape by Ali McGraw. Yup, a VHS. I had to have it converted to DVD just so I could continue using it!
So here I am. About to take my first official class, with people, possibly lots of people. Sigh. What had I gotten myself into?
I didn’t have the right attitude. I had unreasonably high expectations. And I sure didn’t have the right clothes. I had a sports bra that was too tight and shorts that were too loose. But I realized I had to summon that courage and get out of the house and into the studio. Not only because it was an integral part of my job, but because I also knew it was going to be an integral part of my personal growth and that how yoga feels changes every time you practice.
And that my fellow beginner is the beauty of yoga. It changes a little every time, just like you and I change a little every day.
I invite you to join me on this journey. Come take a class with me at Semperviva. I’ll be easy to find, just look for the woman in the tight sports bra and loose shorts who found the courage to admit she is still a beginner. Now I wonder if I can remember how to breathe…
I’ll be sharing my class experiences and my yoga journey in bi weekly Semperviva blogs. You never know what’s around the next bend 
Elisa joined the Semperviva team as a YA at the Kits Beach location this past July. She had been working in film and television industry here in Vancouver as a casting associate and more recently as a television script writer before deciding it was time for something new. Elisa first looked to yoga a decade ago after searching for something to compliment her athletic training and found it to be a surprising touchstone while dealing with the serious illness of family member. She believes yoga and meditation are simple ways to find answers to life’s complicated questions.