"I was born in a family where showing our feelings was a sign of weakness"

Meet @tia.yoga_ sharing her #yogasavedmylife story with us. These are her words💚

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. "I was raised by grandma, the kindest, sweetest person. My father was a perfectionist. He made it very clear that my parents lacked the finances to support me, so I would have to work hard & find my way. He most likely wanted the best for me, however his ways of mentoring my life were often aggressive, yelling harshly & physically abusive to make a point. I always felt unwanted, not worthy or just not good enough

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I was working, studying & training hard throughout my teenage years to fulfill my dream of becoming a professional athlete. I pushed myself too hard & my shoulder & knee joints failed on me, eventually diagnosed with early arthritis

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One day I almost collapsed in the gym. The doctors verdict: severe fatigue & high risk cancer cells were present on my cervix

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Leaving the doctor's, I was devastated; sat in my car for 2 hours, eyes closed listening to the rain on the windscreen

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But I heard my breath for the first time & ... everything changed. I started to live, not just survive. I decided to get to know myself & to give myself a chance to live Here and Now, like it would be my last day

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I got into Reiki & yoga. I started meditation & asana practice every day. I decided to put not my body first, but my soul

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After 2 years, I managed to make peace with my father, forgave him for all the mental & physical abuse he put me through (now we’re best friends)

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After 3 years I got the all clear from the threat of cancer . It was raining that day as well, but I was so happy that I went walking barefoot in the park

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I chose to deepen my practice this year & went to YTT. The best experience ever. My fear of public speaking resurfaced , deeply rooted in my childhood. I managed to breakthrough , severing the last tie with a painful past

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Yoga gave me a voice and I was so proud of myself. THAT was the day I felt reborn, I felt FREE

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The new me is strong, compassionate, confident and kind. Finally I can share my passion for yoga with my amazing students 🙏 Tia"