Inspiring! How a non-believer turned yoga addict

We'd asked you, dear readers, to tell us how yoga has benefited you.
Rediff reader Shikha tells us how she signed up for yoga two years ago and has since never looked back.

My yoga journey began two years ago.

I suddenly realised that I was in my 30s and my metabolism wasn't really cooperating with me as much as it used to.

As a kid, I enjoyed sports but that stopped once I started living in Mumbai.

I tried gymming, swimming, walking, Zumba and aerobics but nothing stayed on for more than 3 months.

I simply found myself losing interest. 

I was discussing this with my mom and she said one of her friends (who is several years younger to her), had just completed her degree in yoga and is a fabulous instructor.

I was not sure if yoga was my thing because I could never imagine myself sitting in one place and meditating or having the kind of calm you need while you indulged in yoga.

But then came a point when I realised that I felt stressed and worked up and my sleep wasn't as peaceful as it used to be.

I realised I needed to do something and maybe give yoga a try.

I remember the first day I was a bundle of nerves when my teacher walked in and that was the last time I ever felt like that.

My life changed at the end of the session.

I had found my guru!

She gave me a glimpse of something I never thought I could do.

She asked me why I had waited all this while to start my journey. And frankly, the answer is my own inhibition and self created notions about myself.

We often think we know ourselves well but there is so much more to discover.

I consider myself very lucky to have such a passionate teacher.

There has been no looking back for me since that day.

Now my day is not complete without my practice, even if it is just for 30 minutes.

Yoga changed my life and here are few of the many things it taught me:

• We all deserve some mindful time with ourselves to help us think and function better.
• Yoga is for everyone and there is something for everyone to discover as you embark on this journey.
• Lose weight, find peace, tone up, increase flexibility -- yoga can do all this for your and much more.
• Yoga is not just an exercise, it is a lifestyle of compassion, mindfulness, patience, health and self care.
• It's never too late to embark on this journey. My mom started practising at 59 and she is a yoga addict now!
• An honest attempt is above perfect or imperfect!
• My biggest take from yoga -- Find your happiness. Unless you are happy, you can't bring joy to the world around you.

Invite

Do you practice yoga? How often do you do it?

Has it helped you lose weight?

Or has it helped you heal or overcome a serious medical condition? Tell us all about it.

What kind of asanas do you practice every day and how has it benefited you?

Share your inspiring stories and transformation journey with us.

Simply write to getahead@rediff.co.in (subject: My yoga story) along with your NAME, AGE, LOCATION and a photograph of you performing your favourite yoga asana, if possible. We'll feature the best ones right here on Rediff.com.