Lily Dougher’s
Yoga intention
For Yoga Teacher Training
AT GreenerPostures
With Jacqui Bonwell
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Since I was a little girl I have looked at the world curiously. I love the challenges that come my way and the boulders that block my path. I have struggled to make choices and seconded guessed myself. I even regret at times. Though, I will always be proud of the day that I walked into my first yoga class. I was 11 yrs old with eyes full of inquisitiveness. There was a beautiful garden and an open gate with a sign welcoming me. Mind you, I am from a small town in NC where I would wonder the streets, knowing I would be home for dinner. So, after I walked through that gate into a place where I was asked to join, to sit and just be me, find me, learn me. Or at least try.
I have always considered yoga a part of me. Even in the moments of life where I was ‘too busy’ or mainly distracted. I can come back to my practice on the mat, even if I have been gone for months, and feel warmth, a joy, inspiration, inviting me back to where I know I should be. Yoga for me is like that warm breeze off the salty ocean. It can soothe my soul just thinking about it.
It’s a mind, body, and soul adventure for me.
Yoga brings it together….
I have worked with kids, and adults of all ages through outdoor education. When I lead overnight trips we would wake up in the morning before breakfast and practice yoga. It amazed me how on Monday night most of those kids would complain about waking up at 630am to ‘do something weird called yoga’. Then to them hoping that they would have enough time on Friday morning to practice yoga before they go home. I love to share and teach others that yoga is for everyone, anyone. But the most exciting thing is when I teach myself new ways to teach other people, especially people that thought they would never try it. I try to challenge myself to learn new techniques, new stories, new sequences in order to give just a little bit of relief to other people. So that when they started to roll up their matt after, they would feel just a little bit better be it in one or all mind, body and spirit.
I have taken many yoga classes throughout my life. When someone asked me what type of yoga I practice I would usually say “all kinds”. I was never one for limiting myself to one type of yoga because every time I went to a different class I loved yoga that much more. I learned that much more. I have always wanted to learn more and gain the knowledge to teach yoga. Years ago when I first moved up to Maine I investigated taking a YTT at Kripalu. I was at cross roads of trying to play the part in society, to get that paycheck, or following my heart while struggling to keep a roof over my head.
So, through twists and turns I finally found a balance. Of course it took awhile. I am now in Nursing school and bought a house in South Portland with the man I love. I am thankful to have my sisters and brother just minuets down the road.
I am happy for the time I have wandered and thankful to be where I am now. When I found Greener Postures in my backyard, through people I love, I knew, I felt that this is where I should be.
Once I took Jacqui’s class it was confirmed, in my soul, it is now, it is here. This is the teacher that will help me to grow and allow me to bring my practice off the matt and into the world. For growth, for love and for strength. I know I followed the road that was intended, that my path allowed for growth and perspective. I am so excited to incorporate yoga and nursing. I feel that they both will allow balance and healing through each other. I can be a better nurse through yoga and I can be a better yoga teacher through nursing. I intend to learn as much as I can throughout this training, to open myself, my heart, so that I can spread the joy, the strength and love in this world.
Namaste……………………….
