I came to Yoga purely to get a workout. In the beginning, I had lots of excuses and I kept persuading myself that I would not have any time for this. I simply felt lazy. However, after my first class at SPACE, I was completely “hooked” on Yoga.

What I remember most from my first class was the intensity of everything; I couldn't tell whether it was my body or my mind that was sore. I felt that my limbs were not mine—they just kept trembling. While I kept thinking, “when is this gonna end,” a voice in my head also kept questioning how long I could sustain it. But over time, with the teachers' detailed instructions as well as their interaction with the students, I have become more serious about Yoga. I used to think that Yoga is nothing but a limb-stretching exercise, but soon I discovered that Yoga is so much more. Here in SAPCE, the teachers always encourage us to come to our edge, to let go of our resistance and open our horizon. We as students can just feel that those words come from the heart. Some teachers would even share articles and inspiring quotes in the beginning of the class or after Savasana. With these inspiring teachers, it is hard not to take Yoga beyond just the physical level.

What I enjoy most from the practice on the mat is confronting my own ego as I deepen the poses. Often times I am fighting against myself, both on the physical and the mental level. Then as I hear the teacher's reminder of letting the sweetness of the breath soften the body, or as I receive a touch from the teacher that empowers and opens the heart, I feel that whatever is blocking me is immediately released. This brings a calming sense of contentment and self confidence, and I love it.

The Asanas are very beautiful to look at. Sometimes I am quite envious of those who are naturally flexible or strong, and I would try very hard to look like them, to be “better.” As I tumble and struggle in and out of the poses, the teacher would almost see through my mind game and would remind me to just be myself. The metaphor in the instructions often brings forth much power: imagine myself as a tall tree, with my legs being the trunk, arms the brabches, and hands the leaves, I could feel the courage of a warrior charging within myself as I plant my feet into the earth like the roots of a tree. At that moment I am rid of all the binds that have entangled me. I learn to be more positive and have a brighter outlook about everything off the mat too. I think this is how I became addicted to Yoga.