Hi, my name is Tony, a certified Yoga Instructor, Health Coach, and a Licensed Massage Therapist. I have been in healthcare for many years, but it was not until I visited a yoga retreat center May, 2019 that my perspective completely changed.
I spent 9 years in the army and it taught me a very rigid and specific way to do things. As the saying goes, “There is the right way, the wrong way, and the army way.” Of course, that perspective served me quite well while I was in, but that changed once I got back into civilian life.
I got out of the army specifically to pursue a career in massage therapy. I started to understand the importance of physical health and how massage can help an overall healthy lifestyle. This led me to pursue other “healthy habits” with the intention of my own growth in becoming healthier.
I picked up running and started to train for a marathon, which over time became a very important part of my life. Eventually, I trained to become a Certified Health Coach. This opened my eyes to how nutrition and even mental state affected overall health, and helped me to be a better runner.
A friend invited me to my first yoga class several years ago. I would occasionally visit a yoga studio if someone invited me or if there was a special deal. But it did not seem to hold my interest as much as running had. I visited Amrit Yoga Institute for the first time in May 2019, which really opened my eyes to what yoga is really all about. It is not just a system of exercise that challenges you physically. It is much more than becoming more flexible. It goes way beyond calming your mind and meditating. It is definitely all those things and much more. In the next few weeks, I visited Amrit Yoga Institute several times. I joined a local studio and attended classes regularly, and just could not seem to get enough. I started to understand the notion of “yoga off the mat”. The lessons that you learn on the mat are applicable to the rest of your life.
Within a few months I started Yoga Teacher Training which took me on a deeper dive, than just attending classes. At the time, I had not really considered actually teaching, it was more about personal development, that ongoing journey of improving myself. I had heard from several people how yoga had changed their life; I completely agree with that sentiment. Through the physical postures, breath work, meditation, and over all philosophy, yoga has helped me become more resilient to the ups and downs of life. I am more patient in the face of adversity. I can stay calmer when facing stressful situations. It has even helped me be a stronger runner.
Yoga, meditation, running, and other mindfulness practices can have such a positive impact on every aspect of life. My journey has brought me to the mat and the trails, and the lessons I have learned in both has had a profound effect on everything I do! My wish is that yoga will do the same for you. Namaste and happy trails!
Blog written by: Tony Hanneken
