The Transformative Power of Yoga: A CCY Member’s Story

John is a Charm City Yoga member whose life has been changed for the better by yoga. He shared with us how much he loved yoga and how it had transformed him, so we asked him to share his story with the community. His story is truly an inspirational one and a reminder of how a simple shift in your state of mind can have an enormous impact on your wellbeing and quality of life.

How did you get started with yoga?

My wife saw a flyer for Charm City at a local cafe and decided to try the beginner’s series. She came back so excited from her first class that I decided to try the next beginner’s class I could attend, which was the Tuesday night right after Christmas. That class challenged me on every level, but perhaps because of that very thing, I knew it was something I just had to continue doing. From that night on there was never any question in my mind.

How has yoga helped you?

Since starting my practice, I have lost over 70 pounds. Of course the asanas themselves haven’t magically done that, but the more I practice on the mat, the more my life off the mat is affected, so it became inevitable that I would start eating better and living a healthier lifestyle. I also find myself much more focused, grounded, and creative as a performing musician. Honestly, I find all my daily habits and attitudes have changed for the better. It’s very much about awareness.

Why did you choose Charm City?

Convenience was the biggest factor initially; I live only a short walk away from Midtown and the class schedule is excellent for me. Now that I have been a member for ten months, I can say that the instructors are all fabulous and each one brings something wonderful to each class. The level of personal attention is outstanding.

If you were trying to convince someone to try yoga, what would you say to them?

What do you have to lose? …only the things that are holding you back from being your true self, even if you don’t even yet know what those things really are. It’s like putting on new glasses and seeing reality clearly for the first time. And if I can do it, anyone can. Really.

We heard you’re thinking about joining the teacher training, how do you hope to use this in your practice?

This is something I really hope to do when I’m ready. I would like to help people like myself before I started: people with weight issues, people who feel little or no connection to their own physicality, and especially performing artists who have no idea how much stress they are carrying around all the time as physical tension. And from what I’ve seen of the teacher training at Charm City, it looks like an exciting and challenging way to deepen my own practice even further.