As part of our commitment to personalize our practice at Pica & Associates, I’ve taken up the task of writing a biweekly blog. My aim is to keep these posts light-hearted while providing personal anecdotes, contemporary perspectives, and clinical insights that support not only your therapy process but also your broader journey through life. I truly value your feedback and encourage you to share your thoughts with me.

My journey into the world of yoga began in 2010. As someone who often feels anxious about trying new things, stepping into a hot yoga class was a considerable challenge due to my unfamiliarity with yoga and my natural lack of flexibility. Needless to say, I struggled immensely. Requiring extra attention from the instructor and numerous modifications to the poses, I eagerly awaited the final savasana, seeing it as my respite. A key lesson from that experience: if the heat becomes overwhelming, it's better to stay seated rather than leaving the room. Once you step out, it's much harder to return. That was a piece of advice I wish I had followed sooner.

Years of practice deepened my understanding of yoga's benefits. It took time, but I eventually learned to pay attention to my breathing—a fundamental aspect I had taken for granted. Focusing on my breath helped ground my thoughts and brought a new level of mindfulness to my daily life.

Interestingly, I found the final savasana—the pose of total relaxation—to be the most challenging. It tested my ability to calm a racing mind, something I had always struggled with. Over time, however, I began to appreciate yoga for enhancing my mind/body connection, improving my awareness of breathing patterns, and helping me overcome self-consciousness. It also introduced me to a community of accepting individuals.

For anyone who has never tried yoga, especially those dealing with anxiety, feeling stuck in comfort zones, or feeling disconnected from their bodies, I highly recommend giving it a try. Yoga teaches us to embrace mindful stillness and bodily awareness—elements often overlooked in Western culture.

Yoga studios are now ubiquitous, so finding one near you should be easy. Approach it with an open mind and remember, no one is judging you. Everyone is focused on their own practice. Your mat is there for YOU.