"2 years ago my brother’s lifeless body was found hanging in the basement of our house. He left this world never to be seen again, & it’s by far the most traumatic thing I’ve ever had to & still do experience
I laid with my father in the middle of the road in complete darkness, holding his hand while he screamed at the sky for my brother. I watched my mother go into shock and stare out the window for the entire day, refusing to speak or come to terms. I watched no one say a word when we were asked to pick out our favorite casket for him. I watched my entire family fall apart
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I spent every day bawling my eyes out, stuffing the covers in my mouth because my cries were so loud. I barely graduated high school, I even began turning to drugs and alcohol. I fell into a deep depression and fought for my life every single day. I broke down at the sight of ambulances that led me to horrible flashbacks and nightmares of the reality of losing my best friend that afternoon
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I spent my Friday nights in the cemetery because sitting at my brothers grave sounded better than being with friends. I was so lost, some days I still am
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Saying yoga saved me is an understatement. My mat was the only place I could peacefully cry and release the horrible images that rest inside my head every day. Breath and meditation allowed me to visualize my brother floating among the cosmos, happy and finally home
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The yoga community has provided me a safe space to know I am not alone, and a voice to let others know they aren’t alone either
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The comfort and strength I’ve found within myself, because of yoga, has allowed me to conquer every day and become a light for myself and others. It has allowed me to be reborn and find peace in the chaos
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Yoga saved my life and my entire soul"🙏