You & Your Yoga Mat - Interview with Yogi

Today, I want to share with you a conversation with Sherry Pefine - Yoga teacher in training, life long best friend, and an incredible source of inspiration. For years, I've had the pleasure of having conversations just like the one below with Sherry. It's how I've picked myself up from being down, and it's how she's done the same for herself for over 10 years. That's why I wanted to share her voice with you. Join us as we talk about how yoga can change the way you see yourself, but maybe more importantly, how you appreciate yourself...



What made you decide to become a yoga instructor?

This was something that I've wanted to do now for about four years. I felt that my practice had plateaued some and wanted to take it up a notch, and was really uncertain if I would teach or not, to me this would be something personal in my practice and in my everyday life. However, here I sit more than half way through my training and am eager to get out there and "get my hands" on people! Yoga has helped me in so many areas in my life. It never failed me. It has given me strength when I thought that I didn't have any, and also grounded me when I got ahead of myself. It's this constant state of flux that has helped me see things for what they are, good, bad and ugly (you get the point), but it's helped me channel my energy and allowed me to really focus on what it is that needs my attention NOW. This is the message that I want to help spread. I think it's so important for people to find that within themselves. I just find it to be so beneficial in everyday living.

How has yoga shaped your body perception and how has this changed over time?

Like most women, I've always been WAY too hard on myself. Nothing seemed good enough. "I'll just lose 5-10lbs and everything will be so much better. I'll be so much happier." And then what, I could conquer the world? I mean come on, it's just ridiculous, and these were some, I say some because there were and sometimes are worse thoughts that run through my head. But really, what good comes out of putting yourself down? Nothing. By practicing yoga, I've learned to ease up on myself and not take things too seriously. I've also become much more grateful for my body & amazed at what it can actually do!!

How has yoga influenced your eating habits, if at all?

Health and nutrition have always been a huge interest of mine. I'm all about it. I tend to think that my eating habits are quite normal. I try not to deprive myself, but I'm also mindful of the foods that I put into my body. Yoga has definitely had a role in that. By practicing yoga I've gained this sense of inner awareness which has helped me in all aspects of my life. I know of the foods that my body can tolerate and am also more sensitive to the foods that I can't.
Through out your self-exploration via yoga, what is the most surprising thing you've learned about yourself and learned to love?

Interestingly enough, I've realized that I'm much stronger than I ever thought I was, physically, mentally and emotionally. My practice is solid and I feel strong. I think at some point I was ashamed to admit this, but I've learned to embrace it.

What is it about yoga that makes us so much more mindful of ourselves? Why is it important to be mindful of ourselves and of our choices?

During a practice, it's you & your mat. No distractions, you're strictly focusing on your posture, the position of your body & most importantly your breath. This requires such a focus that you may not even be aware of at the time, but the more you practice the more this comes to the for front. You start to pay attention to the details. By noticing these subtle changes, you begin to make better choices in your life. This is important because life should be lived fully, being true to yourself & others.

Thank you, Sherry! You are amazing! Once Sherry finishes her yoga teacher training, we will be sure to let you Guiltless readers know where you can find her classes! Be well & mindful, and enjoy the day.