My Path to Yoga

I started doing yoga ten years ago after being in a car accident and my doctor told me that I had the neck of a 65 year old woman and there was nothing I could do about it. I was in my mid 20s, in a lot of pain and couldn't accept that answer. So I decided to try yoga and see a chiropractor. I bought some yoga video tapes and along with the chiropractic I gradually reduced my neck and upper back pain. Eventually I didn't need the chiropractor anymore and found as long as I continued to practice yoga I felt fine. I started taking classes at a local holistic learning center in Easton, MD and it was there that I was introduced to Kripalu Yoga. The Kripalu yoga teachers all had a calm, friendly and relaxed manner and approach to their teaching. They were compassionate and cared about the well being of their students; suggesting ways they can alter poses for their comfort and reminding them not to push themselves past their comfort zone. They inspired me to become a Kripalu yoga teacher.

In 2007 I enrolled in the August teacher training at Kripalu and went through a one month intensive training. While at Kripalu I received a sanskrit name from my lovely teachers; Sarita, which means flowing. I met some wonderful people and learned there was more to yoga than just the asanas. Its a practice over 5000 years old and carefully cultivated to unite body, mind, spirit and the universal consciousness. Yoga, from the sanskrit word "Yuj" means union and I have started to understand the deeper benefits of the practice.

One of the benefits of yoga, for me, has been a deeper connection with my body. As with anything the more you learn about it the more you appreciate it and I have made great strides to treat my body better. Nine years ago I quit smoking and over a year and a half ago I decided to quit drinking alcohol. Both of these choices have been great for me and have come out of developing my body awareness. Practicing yoga helps me prepare for my day physically and centers me emotionally. It has taught me that life is ever changing and to accept myself and my limitations as well as the limitations of others.

Soon after my graduation from Kripalu my husband and I moved to Clearwater, Fl. where I am teaching now. I hope to bring the gift of Yoga to others so they may benefit from it as I have.

Julie "Sarita" Striegel • Clearwater, Fl. • 410-820-5902 • yogawithsarita@yahoo.com