From Stress To Stillness: A Journey From The Lab To The Mat

Last Friday, as I unrolled my yoga mat, I experienced a moment of awareness, reflecting on how much my life has changed over the past two decades. A little over twenty years ago, as a graduate student in Biology, I spent my days doing DNA sequence analysis. One after the next. I was as passionate about DNA then, as I am now about sharing outdoor movement and creating spaces where we can transition from “doing” into “being”. Let me explain.

During my graduate school research, progress often felt slow, and I faced multiple challenges with my project. I was feeling anxious and stressed. Everyone around me said: “you should try yoga”. I was convinced yoga was not for me. I went to one class. I ran away. However, a couple of weeks later, I promised myself: “I’ll attend just one class“. Of course, that was the one class, that without knowing, would change the direction of my life. All the elements aligned : being in the right class, with the right teacher, at the right time, the right day. I will never forget the feeling during and after that class.

After completing my PhD research, and graduating, I transitioned from the lab to the mat, on an inner quest to continue to explore this new space I had found within. This journey evolved into the eagerness to share this space with others.

So, yes, when I unrolled my yoga mat last Friday, over the bridge, awaiting for the sun to rise, I was filled with gratitude for having found a practice that consistently allows me to “land in my body” in a gentle way, and for the possibility to share this practice with others.

Practicing yoga outdoors when the city is calm is a true morning gift. The practice takes you on a journey from the outside, to inside. First, you bring attention to your posture, then you anchor the breath. Once the breath is flowing, the movement starts. A gentle dance between body, breath, and mind with the feeling that the yoga mat extends way beyond its limits and into the city. Feeling supported and calm. The practice teaches us that change is constant. Each practice is unique and evolves with time. Acceptance is key. This is just like each season in our lives. Let’s appreciate that we are here now as we recognise where we can soften inside.

If you have been craving to reconnect with your yoga practice, I invite you to reach out. Let’s talk. Building a 15-minute sustainable home practice is possible, and can be life transforming.