September is National Yoga Month

I’m Briana, a yoga teacher and also work with The Yoga Pillow to support operations. September is National Yoga Month and for me, it's a time to reflect on what calls me to the practice. I started practicing Yoga in 2015 as a means to prevent other injuries. It wasn't love at first pose. In fact, I didn't enjoy many of my first classes. They were SLOW compared to a HIIT, SPIN or Pilates class. 

It wasn't until I built better awareness in my own body, was able to quiet the thoughts in my mind, and actually began using my breath to fuel my practice that I started to enjoy yoga.  

I remember hearing a cue from an instructor to continue lengthening my spine in supine twist to help further my spinal rotation. The analogy she used was to think of my spine like a towel, and as you ring out the towel, you both twist and lengthen. My body understood. To me, this was a new super power, understanding the small nuances and changes I could make in my body and being in control of those movements. 

In 2025, I decided to get my 200 HR RYT, which is just the technical way of saying I decided to get teaching certified. Even if you don't want to become an instructor, participating in a certification program is a great way to build on your own yoga vernacular, learn about new poses, and how to improve your own personal practice. For me, it's been nothing short of life changing. It gave me the courage to start a new chapter, and begin to live on my own terms. 

At The Yoga Pillow, we celebrate and support fellow instructors and teachers all year long by offering a 40% instructor discount here.