Peri's Story - Yoga and Service

It’s the night before I leave on my adventure. Everyday is an adventure, but this one comes to me with intention and real purpose. I’ve been putting my ducks in row for the past month, making lists, checking off lists, asking myself what do I want to bring on this trip? What do I need? The answer is not much. I have all I could ever want and I already have everything I need. Willingness, courage, love and open heart. The possibilities are endless with these packed in my spirit suitcase, and I vow to consciously choose this truth everyday on my journey. As I sit at my dining room table, I look above my vision board to the word COMMUNITY. I chose this word because of what it holds. A reminder of what I believe to be one of the most important truths of our existence. It is that we are all interconnected, and walk this journey together. When we recognize that we are not alone, and we join with our brothers and sisters with love ANYTHING is possible.

I met Dana volunteering for the RED PROJECT and naturally gravitated towards her infectious nature. It didn’t take long for us to find out that we were both yogis, and within twenty minutes we were doing hand stands outside of the restaurant to promote the cause. She shared with me what her beloved EMBODYGR was all about, and instantly I new I had to be apart of it. It was very serendipitous that the universe brought me to this community. I knew from day one while writing on my big red balloon it was exactly where I was suppose to be. My heart is always full around the beautiful tribe that Dana and we have collectively created. It is a blessing I wish for all people to experience. Through the practice of yoga we come back to ourselves, and when we come back to ourselves, our miracle begins to unfold. This is when we can truly live from a place of real compassion and be of service to others. I believe we have responsibility to fill our cups, so that we may give freely. That is why the EMBODYGR mantra resonates, FEEL BETTER DO GOOD!
Yoga is truly my destiny. I knew it from my very first class at the age of 16. I was laying there in savasana thinking “YES, HERE I AM!!!” It’s been quite the ride, because as I’m sure you all have experienced, Yoga can move you through a lot of different emotions. God knows I’ve been that girl ugly crying after a hip opening class many times. I love a good cry though, bring it on. When I starting pursuing my certification, it scared the shit out of me. Years later as a teacher, I’m still scared shitless. I’ve learned though that is a good sign because most of my greatest accomplishments involved in some way facing my greatest fears. As my lovely friend says, fear is teacher. There’s a thought! If something scares you, DO IT!!!
I could write novels about my journey to yoga and my continued journey through its infinite lessons, but I must rest my head and wake to the adventure!
I carry you all with me. I send you love and light in all you do. Thank you for walking this journey with me.
Namaste,
PERI JILL