Sacred Grounding

My Personal Journey into Yoga

I’ve always been a mover. Growing up in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains, some of my first memories involve playing outside barefoot in the grass, picking wildflowers and wildberries. I’m taken back to the smell of nylon tights and hairspray. Ballet slippers on linoleum. I did ballet from 4 years old to 14 years old. The performing arts had a hold on me since I was very young, but I never lost my love for being in nature- feeling grounded.

In 2018 I went to Ohio University, not far from home, to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting. It’s here where my favorite things in life came together. While I was learning to tap into and control my emotions, find an intention, and tell stories in most of my classes- my movement instructor, Rebecca VerNooy, opened a new door for me. I was first introduced to the asanas and the ideas of yoga in her class. Big windows, soft wood floors (riddled with hair, dust, and fingernails if she forgot to sweep), and a wall of mirrors. We did the same flow to start each class. I doubt all of my peers carried this practice outside of the classroom, but it was an anchor for me. It’s in Rebecca’s classroom where my fire was stoked. The sacred space. The breath. Moving freely. This practice started my healing journey.

After a traumatic last year and graduating with a BFA in the middle of the pandemic, I ditched my plans of starting my acting career in Atlanta, Georgia (a hub for theatre and television). I took a leap of faith and moved to Saint Petersburg, Florida that summer. I had never visited this area. I had never lived outside of Ohio for more than three months. This was a tough and liberating time. My movement practice kept me grounded. I met new people, tried new things, but I am most grateful for my anchor. Nature and moving my body.

I found community in a lot of places, but I found my yoga studio offered me sacred grounding that I could carry with me no matter where I was. I found a great sense of discipline without a studio, but being part of a yoga community offers a sense of communion, worship, prayer, and praise in a way that I never felt growing up in church (a different story for a different time).

I have so many people to thank for leading me down this path. Family, mentors, strangers- thank you. I’ve always been inspired by teachers. I can only hope to pass along this beautiful knowledge, peace, and patience that I have received. “For it is in giving that we receive.”

Starting my yoga teacher training was a dream. It challenged me in ways that I wasn’t expecting. I continue to confront my perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and day-to-day struggles. However, my 200 hour RYT certification has brought a sense of pride, accomplishment, and determination to share this beautiful practice with others. I am a student every day and I hope to share some sacred grounding with a few more people that just want to pick wildflowers, wildberries, and dance with bare feet in the grass.