​The irony of frantically rushing to a yoga class to ‘chill out’, ‘get zen’, and start my day ‘right’ was never lost of me; yet I remained faithful to my 6:30AM classes. I figured at some point, everything I hoped to ‘get out’ of my yoga practice would be achieved (yup…I’m a former Type A personality). ​
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​Within the first couple of days I found myself coming back from the morning practice, and stopping, virtually at the same spot that over looked the calm, crystal-blue sea with the mountains as a backdrop. I realized I was trying to figure out how to bottle up this feeling of peace and take it home with me. I needed to find a way to pack this calmness in a little vial so I could pop it open when things get a little hectic.

It was during our morning practices that I was guided to focus on my breath, to listen to my breath, be present, get out of my head, and move slowly; and I began to notice how beautifully this set the tone for me (inside) and my day. 
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Naturally, I decided to bring this back with me to the T.dot, and every morning since returning, without fail, I begin my day with deep, deep breathing (right down to my belly). It has evolved to include a few rounds of sun salutations, a morning meditation, or perhaps a couple of squats and push-ups (for good luck 😊). No matter what form my morning routine takes, it starts and ends with listening to my breath, which has kept me present and off the hamster wheel ‘chasing calmness’.