As I was digging through some files, I found this picture of myself as a baby, doing what was probably my very first downward dog.
Yoga has been a part of my life for decades. I originally tried yoga to help with a running injury — my IT band — and in 1999, I discovered an incredible (and maybe the first and only) shala in Istanbul at that time.
I went for the physical healing, but discovered so much more.
I moved to Dubai and continued yoga. But then life shifted.
When my son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, I stopped practicing yoga. I was afraid to go to a class and be unavailable for even a minute. What if his blood sugar dropped? I still practiced Ashtanga at home, but over time, even that faded away.
Survival mode doesn’t leave much room for self-care.
A few years ago, I found a wonderful place and yoga teacher in Dubai. It felt like coming home — but this time, everything was different. I’m older now, less bendy. I’m surrounded by strong, beautiful young people doing incredible poses that I may or may not achieve.
But here’s the thing: it’s not about the poses. It never was.
Yoga has always been about going inward, moving with the body I have today, and quieting the noise — inside and out. It’s about staying present on my mat, not worrying about what’s happening on anyone else’s. Although I do love observing someone else’s beautiful flow.
And that’s the gift yoga keeps giving me: the wisdom to accept where I am, to trust that I am well and balanced — even when life outside the mat feels anything but that.
This week, I challenge you to find your own version of yoga — whether it’s on a mat, in nature, or just in a quiet moment. The pose doesn’t matter. The stillness does.
How do you yoga? I’d love to hear.
