My Yoga Journey: A Path to Transformation and Empowerment
Through sharing my personal yoga journey, I aspire to inspire at least one person to embrace a healthier, happier life—emotionally and physically. I encourage individuals to pursue their dreams, practice kindness towards themselves, persevere in the face of challenges, and extend support to others along the way.
Reflecting on my life ten years ago, I would have adamantly claimed that my activities outside of horse riding had no impact on my riding and training. How wrong I was. In 2016, while aimlessly scrolling through Facebook, I stumbled upon an advertisement for a six-week, 200-hour yoga teacher training in Queensland. Despite my previous lack of interest in yoga, something compelled me to embark on this transformative experience. Immersing myself in the training opened my eyes to the profound connection between our emotional well-being and physical practices.
The saying, "you become your environment," resonates deeply with me. Although I understood this concept intellectually, it took time for me to truly grasp its implications and make necessary changes. During my six weeks in Queensland, surrounded by supportive, joyful individuals, I realized I wanted to cultivate those positive relationships in my life.
Upon returning home, I faced the challenging reality that my surroundings hadn’t changed as significantly as I had. Just weeks after my return, my mother was hospitalized and diagnosed with terminal cancer, which completely altered my priorities. My initial enthusiasm for teaching yoga diminished as I focused on being there for her during her difficult journey. Despite her advanced diagnosis, we pursued alternative treatments, including an alkaline diet and regular vitamin C infusions, which allowed her to live for two and a half additional years.
While prioritizing my mother's care was understandable, her passing left me feeling lost and uncertain about my future. In hindsight, I realize I could have continued building on my yoga journey while supporting her, but grief can overshadow our aspirations.
As I navigated life after my mother's death, I dedicated myself to assisting my father with his business, again putting my own aspirations aside. Shortly thereafter, he re married disowning me and leaving me with a very large debt and mess to clean up, all while being in a toxic relationship that mirrored unhealthy familial dynamics. It is often said that daughters attract partners reminiscent of their fathers, and I discovered this to be true in my case. Only after removing these negative influences from my life was I able to recognize their detrimental impact on my mindset, particularly in my horse training.
Fast forward a few years—I transitioned from a partnership and familial relationships characterized by bad temper, manipulation, and emotional abuse to a space of relief and freedom. The moment I distanced myself from toxicity, I experienced a remarkable shift. My first competition post-transition resulted in victories in both categories I entered—a testament to the power of reclaiming one’s energy.
The essence of my message is clear: the quality of your relationships can profoundly affect your energy, whether positive or negative. I learned that after years of allowing toxic individuals into my life, I must now be discerning about who receives my time and energy. If you have ambitions for your equestrian pursuits and personal growth, ensure your environment is conducive to success, surrounded by uplifting individuals. Sometimes, the realization of toxicity only becomes apparent after stepping away from the situation.
I often emphasize the importance of "awareness." This is where yoga has been instrumental over the past decade, serving as my guiding light. It has heightened my awareness of how I move, respond to situations, and allow others to treat me. This mindfulness extends to my relationship with my horse, fostering mutual respect and understanding—an essential foundation for growth as an equestrian.
Despite the adversities I've faced, I am immensely grateful for this period in my life, as it has rekindled my passions for yoga, movement, and horses. Additionally, I have attracted a remarkable partner who believes in me even more than I believe in myself, nurturing a soulful connection I had only dreamed about. This journey has also helped me forge meaningful friendships with women who provide genuine support and encouragement.
Ultimately, my goal is to help as many people as possible, motivating them to grow, challenge themselves, achieve their goals, and foster happy, healthy relationships—with themselves and their horses.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope it inspires you to continuously seek growth and cultivate awareness in your life.
Warmly,
Jade xxx
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