Happy Monday and Veteran’s Day!
Today’s Motivation Monday post is packed with inspiration and useful information. I’m so excited to share my interview with Michael Bryan, the personality behind Namaste, Bitches. Michael shares his story of anxiety and depression, tips for accepting and loving yourself, and how yoga saved his life. He even teaches me a new move!
I’m such a believer in yoga’s healing powers because I struggle with anxiety and stress. I had been “prescribed” yoga by my doctor (very smart) for years and I tried it once and gave up (not smart). I suffer from (among other things) perfectionism. I always want to be doing doing doing and going going going and making better, improving, and succeeding. I used to struggle so much with these problems that I started having panic attacks. At first it was only one or two a year… then one or two a week. I would wake up from a panic dream and scream and cry to my husband, and I once had to leave the subway and peel off most of my clothes (on a winter day) because I thought I was going to sweat to death. And I was constantly battling shingles outbreaks… a painful illness caused primarily by stress. The list goes on. I finally took control of my physical and mental health by changing my diet and finding ways to relieve my stress. My biggest step: going to yoga once or twice a week. Trust me, it has made all the difference in the world. Partly for the physical benefits, mainly for the mental benefits.
Michael and I doing the Ganesh pose! Watch the video to the end to see this fabulous pose.
Michael’s own story reflects a lot of my own, with a few very intense differences. {Watch the video to find out!} He addresses these issues with a grounded sense of humor. His upcoming book and Facebook page, Namaste, Bitches is a reflection of that. Michael doesn’t believe that life is all peachy. It’s hard. But admitting that allows you to deal with it, and then find peace and joy. Even if you don’t struggle from mood disorders, severe anxiety, or post traumatic stress disorder, we could all use a little less stress in our lives. I’m thrilled to bring you episode 3 of Hurray Kimmay TV:
Here are a few take aways and tips that we’ll explore in this interview. Watch the full episode for more on these topics:
While yoga saved Michael’s life, I got to thinking about those who have saved our lives: our military veterans. I can’t even imagine the training, the stress, the anxiety, and the trauma that these men and women endure to keep our country (and other countries!) safe. I was thrilled to find a few yoga programs specifically for Vets! Here’s one right in New York City:
Yoga for Vets NYC states: “Yoga for Vets NYC started in July 2008 as a service for veterans in the New York City area. Founded by a former Marine, the program is designed specifically for veterans dealing with injuries or trauma, but every veteran is welcome, regardless of age, era or experience… [classes] are designed to relax and focus the mind, relieve stress and anxiety, and increase strength and flexibility.”
Here’s a testimonial from Megan: “Yoga for Vets changed my life. The class came into my life just after returning home from Afghanistan. It showed me that medication wasn’t the only form of therapy out there. Since going there my anxiety and stress levels went down and I felt a sense of peace I had never known.”
Here are a few other yoga programs for veterans: Yoga Warriors International and Yoga for Vets. These are great resources for those that are curious about yoga and how it can help you. From relieving stress to strengthening your body – yoga can do it all!
Have you ever tried yoga? Do you have any tips for first timers? Have you found helpful stress and anxiety relievers?
PS: A huge thank you to our Veterans, including my very own friends and family: brother, both grandpas, step-dad, cousins, and friends. Hurray!
