By Beth Dayo

If you've ever felt baffled by the idea of yoga, with its acrobatic poses that your body might never achieve and maybe aren’t even interested in attempting, You're not alone. Maybe you've even dipped your toe into the yoga pool, only to swear it off after feeling like you didn't belong. It didn't transport you to a realm of tranquility; instead, it felt like a struggle, leaving you sore, confused, and disconnected. Amidst a sea of seemingly flawless bodies and serene minds, you felt out of place, inadequate, and isolated. If this resonates with you, allow me to share what yoga truly embodies.

Like many aspects of modern life, yoga has been commercialized to the point where its essence is often lost. Western culture portrays yoga as a superficial practice focused on outward appearances — the trendy outfits, picturesque poses against scenic backdrops, and a detached, aloof demeanor. However, true yoga isn't about ego-boosting or escaping reality; it's about delving deep into the muck of existence to find clarity. Physically, it's about understanding your body's quirks and limitations and gradually unraveling them. Whether it's acknowledging the toll of a sedentary job, addressing lingering hip pain, or confronting the challenges of aging, yoga empowers you to effect change. Similarly, on a mental and emotional level, it's about recognizing the knots in your psyche that hinder progress and learning to release them. This is a universal journey we all need to undertake.

At its core, yoga is a voyage of self-discovery that unifies body and mind. It's not about striking perfect poses; it's about the process of  learning to attune to your body's signals, discerning what feels constricted versus expansive, and taking steps to restore balance. Through this journey, you become intimately acquainted with your physical and mental knots, gradually loosening their grip. But let's not mistake this for a quest to fix what's "wrong" with your body. Instead, it's a noticing of yourself, synonymous with appreciating that is essential to living authentically. Its making space in your body and mind for growth and transformation to occur in their proper season.

Life can feel monotonous when we're trapped in the same routines, same reactions, same conflicts returning again and again. Yoga is a way out of that cycle. Even if you haven’t done the version of Yoga you associate with the word, maybe you have a yoga of your own. If you don’t, it doesn’t take certain knowledge or skills, simply a curiosity and mental space to notice what has escaped your attention previously. To acknowledge what you have ignored. What is your yoga?

Beth Dayo has been sharing her movement expertise with the West Seattle community for the last 13 years. She utilizes Pilates, Yoga, and Meditation to facilitate transformation for clients at her new studio, Bend N Move, located at 3850A Delridge Way SW. You can connect with her on Instagram @life.in.the.body or visit www.bendnmove.com