Marcia Ford’s Yoga Journey

My yoga journey began several years ago when classes on VCR tapes and DVD’s were popular for exercise. That’s how I looked at yoga, as a workout, just physical movement and a way to stay in shape. I’ve always had a good amount of flexibility and strength, and it seemed to be the perfect form of exercise for me.

As time went on, I started attending gym classes instead of exercising exclusively at home. Mostly, these were at the YMCA because of our family membership. I started taking more and more classes, and yoga class was always my favorite. It became a place that fit my needs, without being the only person who felt the need to be bendy and to move slowly, intentionally.

Time moved on, and I settled into an office job – two actually! Sitting at a desk for most of the day, with not much movement, my body began to feel achy, inflexible, and sore. My attitude started to take a downward turn. Realizing my temper was short and I was feeling on edge, I started thinking, “When don’t I feel this way? When do I feel like myself? During yoga!”

Realizing my temper was short and I was feeling on edge, I started thinking, “When don’t I feel this way? When do I feel like myself? During yoga!”

I began to think that there was more than just a physical release of tension in my body from yoga; there was a release of tension in my mind. A connection was made, and a decision was made. I need more of this in my life. Yoga made me feel more at ease, happier, and more fulfilled. I felt that I should share these benefits with others.

I started training in 2018 and found so much more than the physical side of yoga. While studying the Yoga Sutras, I found the struggles and questions in life have remained the same for centuries, and Pantanjali wrote it all out in an organized fashion. I had lost my parents early in my adult life, which gave me a different perspective on pain and how Pantanjali’s Sutras applied to my personal experience.

After my studies, I learned to use movement through yoga as a true expression of myself. I hope to share that with others. My practice is personal, but teaching others how to find their own practice and sharing that together is my goal.

I continue to study. I continue to struggle and question. I continue to find expression and the sharing of it.