My first experience with Yoga was from a TV show in the late 1970’s. The show was called Yoga for Health and the instructor was Richard Hittleman. He was a man with a calm voice who had a woman demonstrate Yoga poses as he discussed the benefits of each move.
I had just had a baby and was barely out of high school. My life had changed dramatically and I felt totally out of step with everyone my age. I started doing the exercises as he instructed. He would also dispense little tidbits of Yoga philosophy, proper breathing and good nutrition during the last few minutes of the program. I felt a relief from the stress from my new uncertain future. My energy increased. A couple of people even commented on my healthy glow! This half hour program changed my life. I looked forward to it and the sense of well-being it brought me.
I let Yoga come and go in my life over the years. When life seemed overwhelming I would discover its’ healing powers again. The clarity that is discovered through meditation is magical. It is like Dorothy and her slippers. We have had the power all along but just have to believe. Taking time to focus on quieting my mind and detaching from the outside world helps me clear a path to where I want to be.
