Now that we\u2019re in the last week of the YTT, I find myself wishing that each day would last longer and longer. Although this has been one of the most grueling five weeks of my life – physically, mentally, and emotionally – I know I am going to miss it terribly. The supportive, smiling faces of Jessica and Alexis, the comfort of the purposeful daily routine and the camaraderie of my tight-knit YTT group have become such an integral part of my daily life, I cannot imagine how it will be without them. <\/p>\n
When I decided to embark on this journey, I knew it would be a challenge. I was hopeful that I would come away with a deeper love and understanding of yoga. I expected that I would improve in my asanas and become stronger physically. Happily, I can already say that both of those hopes have been achieved. But, what I didn\u2019t expect is the phenomenal personal growth that I have experienced. I have been fortunate to be a part of an amazing group of women. We are all so different \u2013 completely different stories, ages and backgrounds \u2013 but we are united by our love for yoga. However, there is definitely something more than just yoga that has drawn us together. The Yoga Mandala. Jessica, Alexis and her amazing team have done a beautiful job of creating a safe, warm, accepting space for us to explore and learn not only about yoga but also about ourselves. <\/p>\n
Through the intense physical and mental challenges, we have each had to face up to our own personal fears and anxieties. We have been required to push ourselves to new limits \u2013 facing those fears on the mat and in life. For me, teaching the three classes was extremely daunting \u2013 especially after not doing well in my first one. I learned that I constantly say \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d and I felt pressured to please everyone \u2013 letting those fears take over my purpose of teaching my students. With the constructive feedback and support of Jessica and my classmates, I managed to stifle those fears more and more with each class I taught. No, of course, I\u2019m not 100% amazing just yet\u2026but it\u2019s a journey \u2013 my journey, on my terms. And, I\u2019m so NOT sorry that it\u2019s started with my yoga family at The Yoga Mandala.<\/p>\n
-Patricia Makatsaria<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Now that we\u2019re in the last week of the YTT, I find myself wishing that each day would last longer and longer. Although this has been one of the most grueling five weeks of my life – physically, mentally, and emotionally – I know I am going to miss it terribly. The supportive, smiling faces […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[122],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14393","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog"],"yoast_head":"\n