Yoga has been practiced for upwards of ten thousand years. Most people have heard the well known and proven scientific facts about how yoga improves one's overall health and there are many reasons as to why yoga is so popular all over the world. Each and every yogi gains something different from their practice. Over the past few years, I have acquired many physical and health benefits from my practice, but I have found that the most useful lasting things I have learned from yoga were much more than a physical trait or ability.

Yoga taught me to step out of my comfort zone.

Yoga did not start out as something natural for me. Going to my first yoga class was extremely nerve wracking and I was very anxious. But as soon as I took that step out of my comfort zone and into the yoga studio, I was hooked. I have learned that yoga is all about pushing yourself and your body in a calm and collected way. Whether you want to try a new pose or inversion, or maybe even a different kind of yoga practice, you learn from the very first class you ever take that you can do it, although it may not be easy. I gained confidence through my yoga practice that has also helped me in so many other areas of my life.

Yoga taught me to stay grounded.

Instant gratification is something we are so accustomed to in this day and age. There are many instant benefits you acquire from practicing yoga, but for the most part, yoga is an art that must be built and gained through time. Every yogi is not the same, and just because one person can perfect a pose on the first try doesn't mean that you or I could too. I have found that through practice and hard work I can achieve my personal goals for my practice, but it does take time and I can't expect myself to be able to do these things over night. Yoga has allowed me to look at life through a different perspective and I now am comfortable without the security of instant gratification.

Yoga taught me balance.

An ironic statement...yes I know! Yoga HAS taught me physical balance, even more than dancing for years ever taught me, but the real type of balance I have learned is not the kind of balance you need to do an version of tree pose. Through my practice I have learned that the foundations of yoga are now present in so many aspects of my life. I have learned how to push myself physically and mentally, but not to my breaking point. I know my personal limits and I know what my body needs. With a regular yoga practice comes a keen sense of self awareness in and out of the studio, and I have learned how to balance my time, my efforts and my personal life because of this benefit of yoga.

Yoga taught me respect.

Coming into my yoga practice directly from the cutthroat and exhilarating world of competitive dance, I was ready to be the best and I was not planning on stopping until I reached that point. I quickly learned that I do not have to be the best, the most flexible or the strongest to achieve the most out of my practice, or to achieve my goals. Yoga teaches us that each and every person is to be respected. I now walk into the studio with the utmost respect and love for every person walking through the same journey of yoga practice that I am. I am still a competitive person, but yoga has taught me how to leave that aspect of my personality at the door because it only hinders your practice.

Yoga taught me self love.

One of the most beautiful things about yoga is that it helps you fight the thoughts of negative body image. Yoga practice is all about encouragement, positivity and not being in an environment full of self-comparison to others. This environment truly allows you to become comfortable with yourself, with your body and with your personal ability, not only on the yoga mat.