From the moment that I first laid eyes on a collection of photographs illustrating the postures of yoga, I have felt an intimate connection to this art. I can vividly remember being mesmerized by the human form and how I attempted to emulate the bends and contours of each graceful posture. I was only 8 years old and this inspiring book belonged to my father.
Although I was intrigued by the images in that book, my growth in yoga did not mature for another 15 years. This is the point at which I truly began to feel the benefits and understanding of what yoga is about. Throughout my yogic journey, my biggest inspiration and advocate has always been my father. He’s the one who purchased my first yoga mat, countless pieces of literature, props, DVDs, and all the accessories I needed. He continually encouraged my growth through attending yoga classes with him. He literally handed me all of the tools necessary to improve my life, but only time helped me to realize the true impact of yoga. Even after I transitioned thousands of miles away from home, my father still encouraged my involvement in a local yoga studio.
Initially I was too timid and self-conscious to go alone. When my father flew out to attend a desert retreat hosted by the yoga studio I finally went along with him. There I discovered a deep and profound change within me. I was still the same person, but my perspective changed. My mind and heart were open and gushing with so much positive energy. Life started to click and really make sense. Being in the presence of such beautiful souls that were joined together for the greater good of themselves and the world around them was something I could not turn away from. After the retreat I started going to a few classes here and there, whenever I could.
Over time I found myself on my yoga mat more and more. In continually committing to my practice I was noticing huge shifts in my life. Not just on my mat, in my physical and emotional health as well as the way I perceived and reacted to all events in my daily life. I am now constantly looking for ways to feed the hunger I have towards the powerful and beautiful wisdom cultivated through the experience of yoga. Attending yoga teacher training would be the perfect way to take the next step on this spiritual path I have dedicated myself to.
I am attending yoga instructor training at Yoga Blend in Burbank, California. Which is the very same studio my father first guided me towards. Ever since I first stepped into Yoga Blend, I have genuinely felt that I belong there. Along my yogic journey, I have had the pleasure of learning from so many well versed, insightful, and experienced teachers. However, my greatest inspiration has been David Whitaker, he also happens to be my father. Although I don’t often have the chance to practice the asana portion of yoga in a class setting with him, I am constantly learning from him. His persistence, encouragement, passion and guidance has brought me true joy and deeper understanding of my authentic self. Every time I step through the door at Yoga Blend, I feel an amazing closeness to my father, even though he is thousands of miles away. All of the insight that I have received from him has acted as a catalyst to my path of self-discovery through the use of yogic teachings.
Through the practice and discipline of teaching yoga and meditation, I plan to foster the self-growth, introspection, beauty, strength, confidence, and pure bliss that I continually encounter throughout my personal journey. By sharing the ancient teachings with others, I am certain that it will open minds and hearts, cultivate confidence, and empower others to rise above conflict while remaining grounded. I will utilize all of these amazing tools that yoga offers as a means to harness ones best self on or off the mat. I simply plan to do this one breath at a time.
2012 Yoga Scholarship Essay
By: Emily Whitaker
If you liked this article and want them to win a free yoga teacher training, then make sure to vote for her by leaving a comment (scroll all the way to the bottom), and sharing this article on Facebook or Twitter. Each comment, Facebook, and Twitter share counts as one vote and you can do all three!
Are you interested in becoming a yoga teacher? Then visit our Yoga School Directory to find the right teacher training. Or, visit our Yoga Retreats page to explore beautiful yoga vacations from around the world.
