"My story starts unusually because I fell in love not only with the practice, but also with my first teacher. Unfortunately, it became the most toxic relationship I’ve even been in & drove me to a place where I was feeling so small & weak that I couldn’t let it go"
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Meet Michalina @mysiallek sharing her #ashtangasavedmylife story as part of a series highlighting the inspirational work of @trinifoundation bringing yoga & tuition scholarships to those fighting addiction. These are her words💚
. "My experience with Ashtanga started about 5 years ago & I never knew it was possible to be addicted to a person, the one you think you love, but now I know it’s as dangerous as addiction to drugs or alcohol
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It took me a long time to realise that I needed to change my life & cut her off completely. It wasn’t easy to find the strength because I didn’t believe in myself. I fell apart. I couldn’t eat, I felt sick every time I tried. I drank because it numbed feelings. I was locked in my darkness. I was lonely, sad, helpless, & too scared to ask for help. There was a time I couldn’t stand myself & I didn’t want to live anymore
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For months, Ashtanga was the only thing that kept me alive, even if it sometimes reminded me of things & persons I wanted to forget. I was a total mess, so I practiced. I didn’t realise that until I met @taylorhuntyoga & his own story resonated strongly
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I met Taylor a few times at his European workshops. Then I flew to the U.S. to practice at @ashtangacbus. He became my teacher & mentor. Since following his direction, I’ve changed most of my old habits. I stopped drinking & began taking care of myself. I became calmer. more focused. Daily practice taught me how to stop running from my problems, how to let go of what no longer serves me, how to be present, face fear even if it’s really hard. I started believing in myself again, confronting the bullshit my mind is telling me
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I now teach & share my story with others. I’ve seen how inspiring & helpful Ashtanga can be. I’ve met people who came back from darkness to beat their own demons & I see how strong they became. We are like one big family across the planet 💚
