If you’ve never practiced yoga before, you might be wondering about the practice and if it's for you. Or maybe you’re interested but unsure about trying it.  We sat down with Cathy Thomas, a working mother of three who regularly participates in Cardio kickbox, Cardio Muscle and running. She didn't see the benefit of incorporating yoga into her busy life until recently. 

Her close friends organized a yoga retreat in Muskoka through Power Yoga Muskoka owned by Jennifer Dwyer. It was a weekend away with girlfriends participating in two classes a day coupled with meditation and reflection sessions. Cathy decided to go as she saw it as an opportunity to spend time with her friends and learn a little about yoga too. We talked to Cathy about her journey to loving yoga. Here's what she had to say:

Cathy, What were your thoughts on yoga before going to a yoga retreat?

At the gym I go to, everyone raves about the cardio classes. When I’ve asked about the yoga classes, I get a different response.  I don’t have a lot of time to exercise as I'm busy with three young kids and work, so convenience and the right class is necessary.  I wasn't inspired to try a yoga class there.

What did you think you would get from it versus what you did?

I thought I would bond with my girlfriends, learn poses increase my flexibility and it's exactly what I got. There were also some poses I couldn’t do; I enjoyed my desire for progression. The bigger thing I got from the retreat was a deeper insight into my feelings based on the music and readings. Each class, the instructor started and ended with a reading from Melody Beattie’s Journey to the Heart.  As soon I got back, I bought the book for a friend and myself. 

I wasn’t expecting to receive the deep mental connection I experienced. 

Did you take part in meditation at your retreat?  

Yes, I did and it wasn’t my first time.  I have used an app called Headspace but not often.

What did you like about meditation at the retreat compared to the app?

It grounded me to my surroundings, to the place where I was. It made me focus on the present and not think about everything else that clutters my mind. Sometimes in my cardio classes, I find myself thinking about my to-do list and work. I loved being there in the moment instead of being anxious about the future.

I also liked the journaling aspect of the retreat. I enjoyed focusing, visualizing and writing down my thoughts.

I loved how our instructor asked us to bring our reflections into our life and am going to try to do so.

After attending your first yoga retreat, how would you say that yoga has, in a most unexpected way, changed you (that you perhaps didn't think it would)?

The retreat expanded my understanding of yoga and the benefit of the mental stimulation it provides. I loved the meditation and the deep connectivity it gave me to my feelings. This is the part that has inspired me to make time for it in my busy life and I wouldn’t miss going to another retreat. 

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about trying yoga? 

I know it’s easier said than done but be open-minded to trying something new and as Baz Luhrmann said: “do one thing every day that scares you.”  Another reason to try yoga is it helps you build a deeper understanding of yourself and helps balance you. I think yoga will help me manage unexpected life events and how I react to them. I would also ask a friend to go with you. It’s always fun trying something new with a friend.

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Tile Photo courtesy of Jennifer Dwyer