There are silver linings to be found during this pandemic and this is a powerful one. Today I am writing about one of the greatest blessings in my life, Holy Yoga of CT. Strengthening our immune system is our best defense and HYCT offers a Holistic approach that helps to strengthen you physically and spiritually. Now, due to the innovations made by the owners in the last couple of months anyone, anywhere can sign up and try their classes through Zoom.

I found HYCT when I was 30 years old. I was looking to get back in shape after having had brain surgery on an aneurysm and I was too afraid to do my regular exercise. I found an ad for a HYCT workshop in the church bulletin and against all of my natural desire to not participate in group activities I decided to try it out. The workshop sparked my interest in yoga and in exploring and deepening my relationship with God. I got so much more out of it than I anticipated.

I wish that I had journaled my growth since the beginning of my yoga journey with HYCT because it was so profound. It was not only physical strength, balance and flexibility that I gained. I did things physically that I never thought I would be able to do after my surgery, but more than that my spirit was healed. I went from being so sad, hopeless and ungrateful to being in such a good place that I am actually able to effectively help others through their struggles. These remarkable women have helped me through loss, grief, trials I never imagined I would be up against and inspired me to go back to school to follow my dreams of a career in food (thank you, Toni!).

The most incredible experience that I have had was on the 5 year anniversary of my father’s death. I was missing my dad and went in to my regular 9:15 class with Beverly. I didn’t say anything to anyone about the anniversary. So you understand Holy Yoga, the instructors start each class with a message. The message might be a scripture, a reading or just one word/idea that they carry through the class. This particular day Beverly’s message throughout class was about Abba, God as our father. At the end of class during savasana she said to imagine God, our father, right in front of you… what would you say, what would he say to you… In that moment I saw my father’s face and felt him in my presence in such a way that I couldn’t get the vision to go away when I opened my eyes. It was the most cathartic experience I have ever had. I felt so amazing after that class, like I had just seen my father after 5 years. He wasn’t deteriorated from cancer, he was healthy and happy and it gave me so much peace, more peace than I had felt in the 8 years since he was diagnosed.

During this pandemic HYCT has been there for their students like always, perhaps even more. I am only able to take one class per week (Saturday morning Power!!), but they also have a couple of weekday lunch flows on their Facebook group that you can go back and do whenever you have time. I am still participating in the weekly Soul Care Circles and a bible study. They have many other classes during the week and also offer two mini meditations Tuesday/Thursday mornings that are so beautiful.

I think this is such a unique opportunity that so many more people are able to enjoy the experience of HYCT through Zoom classes and calls. If you are in need of a workout, a stretch, some peace and clarity in your life I urge you to check out HYCT, you will be so happy that you did.