To be honest, I didn't come to Yoga to learn about the ways of life, nor did I come for mental peace. I came simply because I could brag about being one of the fashionable pioneers doing Hot yoga.  I had done Yoga “from time to time” before I came to SPACE, once every other month.  The reason was that after every class I was so incredibly sore that I could almost fake handicap to get an easy parking spot.  I couldn't help asking: what's wrong with those who keep going to Yoga?  Are they completely num?  Isn't Yoga supposed to stretch and relax our bodies?  Why didn't I never feel that way?  For a while I thought Yoga was just not for me, until I heard about SPACE in a conversation with a friend.  So I courageously came back Yoga again.  I had one Flow class，and of course Hot，  Even though I couldn't quite follow everything that the teacher was saying the first time, not only did finish the first Flow class in my life, I was even able to endure 40 degree heat to finish my first Hot class – I was really proud of myself!  I announced to the world that not only was I not sore but it felt pretty comfortable.  Without hesitation I delved into the world of Yoga from then on.

When I first started, I noticed something about myself: I discovered that I was totally uncoordinated, incredibly stiff, and lack a sense of balance. After regular practice for some time I had overcome some of the above, but I was stuck at certain situations.  For example, the teachers always say that Down Dog is a resting pose, but it is so ridiculously painful for me, because I just couldn't straighten my legs, I couldn't drop my ankles down, let alone extend my entire back!  There was also something else that bothered me at the time.  None of these teachers' math seemed to be good.  So the numbers had been counted from 5 to 3, after a moment they were either starting from 3 again, or there was a long lag between 4 and 3.  In those moments my mind was racing and I was about to fall out of my poses.  But the cool thing is that despite all this, as long as we follow the instructions, keep the breath going, and bring awareness on the tiny balancing point, be it forward folds or backbends, all things will follow from there.

Don't underestimate that little Yoga mat, they do wonders! We could have worked hard and long during the day or be in some crazy state, but the moment we sit on the mat our restless minds start to become calmer.  The three OMs before every class can bring our focus back to the moment.  Even though there are new challenges in every class, or the same old bottleneck in our practices, the Ujjayi breath, an open heart, and courage to look into our own body will bring us new experiences every time.  I have learned that when I participate fully with a light heart, everything becomes fun.

Now I understand that Yoga is not only those wondrous Asanas.  Be totally aware of everything we do and experience every breath we take, our whole life is Yoga.  I want to thank SPACE for providing a warm and home-like space, allowing me to realign my body and my mind, as well as exploring immense possibilities.  I would also like to thank all the teachers in SPACE( especially Naichin and Felina), who have guided me to learn Yoga in a stress-free environment.  I look forward to continuing this path.