On and off the mat is a platform for people who are interested in learning about themselves and want to work towards creating a healthier and happier life. My yoga practice started years before I hopped on my mat for the first time. Yoga is how you live and the attitude you have towards life. Here I want to share with you what I have learned and figured out so far, all the lessons, insights, and ideas that I had that I think are worth sharing.

I have learned early on that the best way to work through my emotions and calm my mind is by moving my body. It's not a rocketscience: when you move and stretch you become more aware of your body and by placing your attention on something specific (your body, breath, etc.) your mind will become more still. Stretching releases tension that is stored in your body as a result of stress. In other words: moving your body and paying attention to it is good for you. Without any doubt, I can say that practicing yoga has nevernot made me feel good and that's why I keep returning over and over again ever since early 2012.
Three years after taking my first yoga class I noticed how much my life has changed, or rather how much I have changed, as a result of my practice. I felt a strong desire to share it with others, started teaching a group of friends what eventually lead to signing up for teacher training. What started as a hobby and a student job turned into a full-time career. Now I'm grateful to be able to share what I love with other people, whether it be in a class, online, on a workshop or a retreat. 

The most valuable lesson of the past few years was realizing that most of the obstacles I see exist only in my mind and that I'm capable of so much more than I thought I was. This mindset is also something that I try to pass on everyone who gets to practice with me. You would be surprised by all the things you can do, both on and off the mat. 

Virtual hug (and maybe at some point a real one too :P),
Sara