Why This Mid-Life Mom Took the Yoga Teacher Training Plunge

Confession time: I used to think a "downward dog" was just how my dog looked when he was begging for treats. But here I am, a little older, a little wiser, and definitely a lot more bendy, having just wrapped up my 200-hour yoga teacher training. What possessed me, you ask? Well, grab a kombucha, because it's a tale of self-discovery, forgiveness, and a whole lot of "aha!" moments.

Deepening My Own Wobbly Warrior

Let's be real, my initial motivation was purely selfish. My personal yoga practice was inconsistent, a bit like trying to keep a plant healthy by watering it only sporadically – it never really got the consistent care it needed to truly flourish, but I knew there were fertile seeds waiting to sprout, even if my own garden was currently neglected. I wanted to further my own practice, beyond just touching my toes (which, let's be honest, is still an ongoing saga). This training cracked open the philosophy, the anatomy, the energetics – basically, the entire universe of yoga. And huge props to Colynn from Frik-Shuhn Yoga & Coaching, my amazing teacher. She didn't just teach poses; she taught presence. She has this magical way of explaining complex concepts with such clarity, making even my most wobbly warrior feel like a masterpiece. And to Rachelle. You are a powerhouse – so bendy and little, yet full of such amazing fire and energy. I appreciated your guidance and vibrant spirit.

My practice has gone from an inconsistent routine to a genuine adventure, and I'm finally understanding why my hips feel the way they do after a particularly enthusiastic pigeon pose.

Hugging My Inner Critic (and Kicking Out the Others)

Life’s a bumpy road, right? And I, for one, have carried a suitcase full of "should haves" and "could haves" for far too long. A big part of this journey was about learning to forgive myself. Turns out, all that internal nagging was just draining my battery! Through the introspection woven into yoga philosophy, I found a safe space to acknowledge past fumbles without judgment. My training had an environment where self-acceptance wasn't just a buzzword, but a lived experience. It's like I finally gave myself a giant, permission-to-breathe hug.

And speaking of baggage, I also realized I was lugging around some heavy grievances against others. Holding onto resentment is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to get sick. So, I also needed to forgive others. Yoga's emphasis on interconnectedness and ahimsa (non-harming) provided the perfect toolkit. Through deep breaths and a whole lot of heart-opening poses, I've been able to consciously release those emotional anchors. It's not about condoning actions, but about freeing myself from their grip.

Authenticity: My New Favorite Outfit

As I navigate this glorious "second half" of life, there's a burning desire to live authentically. Honestly, I'm tired of trying to fit into shoes that are 2 sizes too small! This training has been like a grand closet clean-out, shedding all the expectations and norms that weren't truly mine. It’s about aligning my actions with my defining purpose, speaking my truth (even when my voice quivers a little), and embracing every quirky, wonderful bit of who I am. I found my own unique rhythm, on and off the mat. How incredibly liberating. It’s like finally finding the perfect outfit that makes you feel utterly, wonderfully you.

Becoming a Cozy Cocoon for Others

Initially, this was all about me. But as I delved deeper into my own healing, a beautiful ripple effect began. I felt a profound pull to be able to hold space for others. It's about creating a safe, judgment-free zone where people can just be. Whether it's guiding a yoga class, or simply being a more present and empathetic friend, I want to offer that same soft landing I found. This training has given me the confidence and the tools to start weaving that kind of comfort into the world.

My Tribe

The friendships I forged during yoga teacher training were, to put it mildly, a unique blend of spiritual connection and absolute chaos. We bonded over our shared struggles to execute poses, cold plunges at 7am, and deep conversations that never took place during quiet times (right girls. 😉). I'm pretty sure my "lifelong friends" are the only people who truly understand the existential crisis that comes with realizing you've been doing "downward dog" wrong for a decade. We shared tears over our frustrations and "what the f@?! was that?" moments during some of the more...questionable practices. We arrived as strangers, some flexible as pretzels and others, like me, possessing the flexibility of a rusty gate, but we left as a tribe, forever linked by our shared journey into the world of chakras, mantras, and the occasional, deeply ungraceful fall.

And for My Rory,

My Little Lion

Perhaps the most precious motivation of all bloomed from my heart: the desire to share these incredible teachings with my autistic son, Rory. He's my little lion, navigating a world that often feels overwhelming. I truly believe the calming power of yoga – the focus on breath, the gentle movements, the body awareness – could be a superhero tool for him. My biggest hope is that by sharing this knowledge, I can offer him a path to greater ease, a way to find his own inner calm amidst the noise, and to feel more connected to his amazing self. Imagining yoga bringing a bit more peace and understanding into his life fuels me more than any perfectly executed handstand ever could.

So, my 200-hour yoga teacher training has been a wild, wonderful ride far beyond just learning how to cue a pose. It’s been a deep dive into self-love, universal love, and preparing to show up authentically for the rest of my days. And for the beautiful guidance and boundless spirit of Colynn and her counter part Rachelle, I am forever grateful.

If you've ever felt that little whisper to explore yoga deeper, listen to it – you never know what profound transformations await!

Check out Colynn's offerings. She is fabulous! https://frikshuhn.com/