There is something so welcoming about YOGA that once you do it a few times it feels like you’ve come home. But like family we can take it for granted. YOGA has been around for a very long time—and I assume it will always be there "when I’m ready." What I forget though, is that staying away for whatever reason is only taking away from the quality and good health of my life. It is not a fad or a social moment. I wouldn’t exactly say it is "fun" but it creates a deep relaxation, contentment, and physical strength. I stand taller and walk more confidently. I am less of a victim and more of a person moving forward with peace and a focus.

I started doing YOGA and have continued sporadically for the last 25 years. I saw results immediately. It felt wonderful to learn simple postures and hold them for a minute or two. Before YOGA, I wonder if I had ever taken a full deep breath in my life. I really enjoyed it. It was hard at times, but as I sat with my yoga book in my living room, looked at the pictures, read the step-by-step instructions, I made wonderful progress. Classes have also been nice and a chance to learn more and do YOGA as a group. Each teacher has their own personality but basically it was the same all over.

I found myself to have a vague competency in lots of different postures—I knew what a fish posture was—and a mountain pose. I started to have favorites. I thought of myself as a YOGI. People would say, "Do you do YOGA?" I would say, "Oh, yes. I love it." And I would get this wistful feeling and think, "I need to do more of it. It’s been a while." No matter how long it had been, I was only one stretch away from being "back at YOGA." It was as far away as my bookshelf, a video or a local class. What I didn’t realize was that if I didn’t keep up with it on a regular basis that I would feel such large amounts of regret.

I try to live with very few regrets in my life. But, not doing more YOGA, not being more accountable to making it part of my daily routine—is one of them. Doing YOGA has given me tremendous physical and mental benefits. If you take your time, it is hard to screw it up. There are only two rules I hear repeated over and over: 1—don’t compare yourself to anyone else and 2—breathe! No matter how inflexible I am, YOGA helps me to learn to bend again and to pay attention to my body as I stretch and breathe.

It is hard sometimes not to break the first rule. But, even though it is normal and natural to make excuses or to give up before you start—it is also terrific (and humbling) to start again. I have to close my eyes and focus on myself and my own body—stretching, bending, strengthening, and becoming healthier by the minute. I have come home. I whisper to myself, "Don’t leave, girl. Don’t leave!" I hope you’ll consider trying it. No matter your age, sex, or physical condition, YOGA is a life enhancer. You’ll be glad that you did.