"If you met me today or came to one of my classes, you would probably never know that I spent most of my life in a very dark place. I struggled with depression, I had low self-esteem & virtually no self-respect. I did a lot of things to harm myself... I intentionally inflicted wounds across my body, I drank until I couldn't tell you my name, I'd try just about any drug that fell into my lap, I gave my body to anyone that I desired - simply because I could... I was destructive, I was chaos, I was doing everything in my power to disregard the beauty of life while I thought that I was "living it up"
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. "And so, one day, I woke up in withdrawal and I asked how I had got there... how could I let this happen? And just like that, I gave up... I lost everything... my practice, my teaching, my passion & drive, my partner, my home, my future, my whole entire future was gone... because I gave up my addictions
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I was hallow, empty. I was sick in every part of my being. I was uncertain, unstable, unable to get up each day & go on... but one day, I stepped back onto my mat and though I didn't know it right away - I stepped back into my being. You see, only when we accept our suffering, are we able to transcend it
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In the 9 years that I have been practicing yoga, I have lost everything, and instead, I found myself - my true self. Yoga has allowed me to be vulnerable, allowed me to share my pain & accept deep healing & forgiveness. My practice has made me strong... physically, yes, but mentally too
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Yoga saved my life because it allowed me to discover my purpose... it has given me the opportunity to pass on to others the wisdom I have attained through my own trials and errors. I have been able to teach people how to take care of their bodies and how to nourish their souls... how to conquer fear and accept doubt
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I acknowledge that some days are harder than others, & sometimes you just can't fight back the tears... but that's what makes us human... living, breathing miracles who are just trying to get through & figure it out together - one day at a time 🙏 MJ
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📸@joelongophotography
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