Michelle Bartolo shares some reasons why adding Yoga to your self-care routine could bring about unexpected changes in body, mind, and spirit.’
How Yoga Changed Me.
I was always into sports and fitness, loved lifting weights, played baseball, swam, and taught all sorts of fitness classes in my younger years. I always felt physically fit and agile but I was always very hyper and high-energy. I remember someone suggesting Yoga to me when I was twenty and the first thought in my head was ’ It’s not for me, that’s for hippies and lazy people. But.. I decided to give it a go all the same as I knew I needed to calm my system down!
In the meditation segment of my first class, I fell fast asleep – the teacher patiently waited by my side for a whole 45 mins until I woke up and told me that this was a sign of high stress in my system. I kept going…
At the time I was working hard and playing harder. I noticed the more I went to yoga the less I needed, everything. I went out less, I ate less, I smoked less, and I drank less.
It gave me more of life. It became my anchor, my best friend and it filled me with something I’d rarely felt in the past, peace. I felt stronger in my mind and soul, not just in my body. I become flexible in relation to all aspects of life and the rigidity softened.
The importance of breath became so apparent to me. The breath rules the mind and the mind rules the body so it all begins with the breath. If you find a good Yoga Teacher breath will be mentioned regularly in the class and that awareness has brought me closer to myself in ways I didn’t think possible. It’s also brought me closer to others and to understand others’ minds and bodies.
‘The goal is always to get closer to your true self’
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As my energy was regularly high I noticed how much more grounded I felt, I still had the energy I needed but felt connected instead of stressed and reactive. I could listen better and focus on the present instead of the fears of the future. I was able to let go of the toxicity in my life. Food, drink, drugs, friends, and family – all of which I was holding onto that were not doing me any good. I began to take much better care of myself and my choices.
These were pivotal moments for me as they were deeper than the physical and mental benefits fitness gave to me. Instead of always being ON I learned how to switch IN and OFF when it was important.
I’ve witnessed immense transformations over the years amongst many students including myself and I feel these practices are vital to us all – whichever form of Yoga you choose the benefits will begin to sow their seeds.
Words: Michelle Bartolo
Michelle Bartolo Offerings 2023: LIVE CLASSES IN GOZO & ONLINE Mondays & Wednesdays in Gharb 18.30 - 19.45 CET Tuesdays Live on Zoom 18.30 - 19.45 CET SPECIAL EVENTS Full Moon Kirtan | GOZO Friday April 7th KriyaAsana 200 hr RYT Teacher Training | HYBRID Spring & Fall Dates: April 19th - June 4th October 18 - December 12th Restorative Yoga & Sound Journey | GOZO Sunday April 23rd @ 5pm Inside Out Kriya Asana Week Yoga Retreat | GOZO October 7 - 14th
Author: Michelle Bartolo
Michelle Bartolo is a Yoga Guide based in Gozo. Blending the styles of Vinyasa and Kundalini with Pranayama Practices, Mindful Meditation, and Quantum Physics, she offers holistic classes, private sessions, retreats, and teacher training using yoga tools to heal the emotional, mental, and physical bodies.
