Skip to main content

Community Feature : October 2019

Author : Susan Wilvert

When I was asked to share my story, I was initially hesitant.  Being from a broken home and the events in my life that occurred because of this, I thought through the WHY of sharing my story. I realized that there may be someone else out there who needs to hear this, so I decided to bare my soul in hopes this may be the message that inspires one person from “I can’t” to “I will”. 

When I started practicing at PYC I had no idea it would help me to overcome my personal struggles with addiction and give me the strength to see it through.  A little bit about myself;  I come from an abusive childhood and alcoholism runs deep in the veins of my family. I never knew my father or grandfather but from what I understand they both passed of cirrhosis of the liver.

Yoga Community Feature - October 2019

 

I lost my brother, Ross, 3 years ago. He had been sober for 10 years with the help of AA but sadly passed due to a stroke at 52 years of age. Since my brother’s passing, my mother has moved in with us.  Although things have settled down now, initially the memories from my childhood weighed heavily on me and I was unwilling to forgive. Looking back, I can now see that I have actually survived the horrors, and with the help of this practice, I am gaining more and more courage, clarity and confidence. Power Yoga has been instrumental in giving me the strength I need to carry on mentally, emotionally and physically. It has also given me a sense of belonging, a sense of purpose and validates all that I wholeheartedly believe in.  

 

One of the most impressive ways in which the practice on my mat has reflected in my personal life has simply been, “letting go”. I am leaning into what is scary, uncomfortable and “hard” and practicing the art of surrender. This journey is one I am willing to take, due to the sense of empowerment, peace and spirituality I acquire in each and every class.

 

The physical practice, the asana of yoga, seems to calm my central nervous system and get rid of the residual angst I carry around with me. The sense of equilibrium it gives me is euphoric, unshakeable – really! I am also grateful for the relationships I am forming with some of my instructors, whose encouragement, love and support means the world me. 

 

I’ve recently become a part of the Energy Exchange program and aspire to teach one day, but for now I am enjoying getting to know the team and members of PYC in a more intimate way.  Like everyone, I am a work in progress and fully appreciate the guidance, support and positive reinforcement from PYC & the Leaside community. I will continue to pursue this incredible passion as long as I possibly can and will relish it for the gift that it truly is. I am eternally grateful for Power Yoga Canada. Thank you.