Priscilla “Pri” Paradise

Life has a funny way of presenting you opportunities you weren't seeking. Initially, yoga was a way to remain flexible and do cool poses. Yoga became another "accomplishment" to showcase. Because that is how I lived: accomplish everything, be successful, be the best daughter, be the best employee...searching for the next big thing to conquer. The closer I got to my goals, the further away I was. Much like Alice in Wonderland, I was falling down a rabbit hole and could not find my way out. Despite filling my cup with success and entertaining other people's expectations, I felt empty...I felt lost. I can feel myself chasing my own tail. And then, something inside of me wanted to change.

I began to practice more yoga to clear my mind, even if it was for one hour. Not only did my body feel better, my mind felt lighter. No longer carrying the burden of wanting to be the best, I had created room to deepen my practice. The unexpected opportunity to deepen my practice came in the form of yoga teaching training through Society Yoga. Through training, I was able to peel away layers and expectations that no longer served me. Instead of looking for the next big thing, I began to look inward. Instead of looking ahead, I remained present. The empty feeling was being replaced with the feeling of the Earth underneath my feet. Wonderland was an illusion and I was able to climb out of the rabbit hole. At the end of training, I discovered what was there all along. I found Me. 

As I continue on this journey of self exploration, I want to be an example for others. As a yoga instructor, I want to show that yoga is for everyone, regardless of shape or size. It is not about the perfect pose or how bendy you can be. Yoga is about the journey, the layers that can be unraveled and the exploration of your inner world. Because everything you ever needed...everything that you seek is inside of you. Everyone's journey will look and feel a little different but together, as a Society, we can find our true self. Namaste