Life can take unexpected turns. You start on one path, thinking you know what you want, only to discover a more profound calling that changes everything; this is precisely what happened to me. For years, I worked as a teacher in a Crisis Stabilization Unit, surrounded by students facing immense challenges. It was a demanding job, but I felt a sense of purpose in helping those in need.

However, a yearning for something more began to gnaw at me. I felt a lack of fulfillment, a sense that something was missing in my life. Many can relate to this feeling—knowing you need something but not knowing what it is or where to find it. But here's the good news: The universe guides us, even when we can't see the path ahead.

My journey to self-discovery began with a single word: yoga. I wasn't sure what it entailed, but a voice inside me urged me to explore. I bought a book on yoga postures, and as I practiced the poses, a wave of familiarity washed over me. It felt like coming home. This wasn't just physical exercise but a connection to something deeper, a sense of inner peace I craved.

Beyond the postures, I discovered the power of breathwork or pranayama. In our modern world, we often breathe shallowly, fueling stress and anxiety. We can unlock a sense of calm and well-being by becoming more mindful of our breath. Yoga became my refuge, a sanctuary from the daily stresses. One way of breathing (shallow breathing) keeps the sympathetic nervous system or the fight or flight activated, while deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system or rest and relax.

As I delved deeper into my practice, I realized the journey wasn't just about physical postures or breathwork. It was also about embodying a higher sense of purpose and connection. Through yoga, I began to embrace the idea that:

Let me cherish those that God cherishes.

This insight teaches me to approach life with a renewed perspective and appreciate every individual's inherent worth as profoundly as the divine does.

Let me forgive those that God forgives.

Yoga revealed to me the power of forgiveness, not just as a concept, but as a transformative force that can bring peace to ourselves and others.

Let me serve those that God serves.

It became clear that serving others was not just an act of kindness, but a reflection of a higher calling that yoga helps us to recognize and fulfill.

Let me love those that God loves.

Yoga is helping me understand that true love transcends boundaries and connects us all, just as divine love embraces every being.

As my practice deepened, I noticed a transformation not just within myself but also in the students I worked with. I started incorporating yoga into their daily routine, and the results were remarkable. They were calmer, more focused, and better equipped to manage their emotions. This ignited a passion within me—a desire to share the transformative power of yoga with everyone.

Unfortunately, yoga wasn't readily accessible at the time. Studios were expensive, and the knowledge needed to be more widespread. But the desire to share this gift was stronger than the obstacles. I packed my bags and set off for an ashram in Virginia, determined to immerse myself in the ancient tradition.

There, I learned the true meaning of yoga – it wasn't just about physical postures, but a holistic path to self-realization. It encompassed physical practice, breathwork, meditation, ethical living, and selfless service. This concept of selfless service resonated deeply with me. I had spent years helping others in my job, but now I yearned to share yoga's transformative power in a way that was accessible to everyone.

This dream manifested in the form of the Traditional Yoga Society (TYS) and Shakti & Bhakti – a non-profit dedicated to making yoga accessible regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or gender. We offer free yoga classes, workshops, and kirtans (devotional chanting) here.

Our philosophy is simple: authentic happiness comes from serving others. We believe that by dedicating ourselves to the practice and sharing it freely, we can create a ripple effect of positive change in the world.

Today, my life revolves around yoga and service. My days are filled with yoga practice, teaching classes, hiking with my partner and furry four-legged boys, cooking nourishing meals, singing kirtans, and learning from yogic scriptures. It's a life filled with purpose, passion, and joy.

This journey hasn't always been smooth. There were challenges, like the harrowing experience with my ex-partner, who tested my strength and resilience. But even through those dark times, my yoga practice served as an anchor, a source of inner strength and unwavering faith.

My story is a testament to the transformative power of yoga. It's a path open to everyone, regardless of background or experience. If you're searching for greater peace, happiness, and a sense of connection, I invite you to explore the world of yoga. It might just be the missing piece you've been searching for.