here’s a glimpse into nathan’s journey to 100 classes!
nathan’s story
What motivated you to start yoga/try out the yoga underground in the first place? (Or: what issues were you having that you hoped yoga would solve?)
My wife Anna suggested yoga to me for years, but I was always hesitant, and refused for a long time. It was unlike anything I had tried before, and it took me out of my comfort zone, but Anna didn’t give up on me, and continued to encourage me to go even when I didn’t feel successful at it initially. I tried yoga off and on over the years, but it mostly frustrated me. I thought it was all about flexibility and doing “tricks” I didn’t see myself being able to do. I really enjoy the emphasis on exploration and individual expression at The Yoga Underground, and it’s helped me understand that I don’t need to be “good” at yoga to reap the benefits. That said, I have really enjoyed seeing myself improve and get stronger.
How did it feel differently using yoga to approach this than things you’ve tried in the past?
I used to run competitively, and while there were lots of things I enjoyed about it, and even transcendent moments, my enjoyment became wrapped up in my performance. Eventually I felt trapped; I approached races and workouts with fear. Each race was a chance to fail rather than an opportunity to explore my limits and relationship with my body. After I stopped running I avoided regular exercise for years. I’ve really come to love yoga because I feel empowered to explore. It’s very freeing to try new things and not be afraid of failure.
Take us to the moment you realized you were hooked:)
I was hooked when I realized that each yoga session was a chance to “play,” and what little playtime I had as an adult. It reminded me of the movement classes that we had in elementary school, which I realized were the last times I felt comfortable moving my body in new ways without feeling self-conscious or uncomfortable. I’m not sure exactly when, probably around junior high, but I became uncomfortable dancing or trying activities that weren’t masculine coded. At Yoga Underground I quickly discovered that it was a safe place where I could experiment with movement and not worry that I was being judged or laughed at.
Tell us what your life looks like now/how things are different? How you are different?
I’ve discovered that yoga is a process, a way to calm my mind and get to know myself, and that as long as I focus on doing the movements as best I can, my body will arrive at a place where I can deeply meditate. It’s helped me add mindfulness into my life, and look at my feelings from a place of curiosity.
What are your favorite benefits of a consistent practice? (mental, physical, emotional, spiritual – can be any or all!) — and what keeps you consistent?
One of my favorite benefits of a consistent practice is a greater appreciation for myself and my body. I have more self-compassion, as well as a greater toolbox for handling big emotions. It’s a spiritual practice that better fits my worldview than others I’ve tried in my life.
Nathan, we love you & we’re so proud of you! We are so grateful to have you in our yoga family <3 Cheers to 100 more classes!
xoxo,
the yoga underground
Have you had a wonderful yoga journey at the yoga underground? We’d love to spotlight you! Email us at yogaundergroundutah@gmail.com & let us know! We love you!
