I have suffered with anxiety, childhood trauma, unhealthy relationships, parenting, money and self worth my entire life.  I know that to suffer is human, and sometimes I’ve been extra human. 

I’ve never felt very comfortable anywhere, never felt like I belonged or fit in and as a result, have always pushed myself and those around me. It seems obvious to me, that life, full of its natural ups and downs, changes and growths, can only be navigated through, happily, by using all our senses as a guide. There is no external road map for our personal journey on this planet – it is only within. Anything I have ever done while ignoring my feelings, needs or true self – has bitten me in the ass.

I used to run, like a lot. Ultramarathons were my jam and my sanctuary.  Thirty miles on a Sunday was an actual thing in my life.  I realized, at some point, that I wasn’t training to win or even race, but rather, running was meditative for me.  Breathing while clinging to trails surrounded by nature, was where I felt at home and at peace.  It was the only time I wasn’t holding my breathe. Running helped me to deal with my anxiety, but it also kept me busy and distracted.  I was signing up for physical pain in order to avoid my emotional one. I would check out from my life and hide in my runs. As my anxiety and unhappiness ramped up, so would my miles until eventually I wasn’t getting far enough away from either one.

In 2013, I set out to heal, to find my purpose and to return to my whole true self – to love myself.

My journey began with finding Ayurveda, which took my pre-existing devotion to nutrition and the healing power of food, to the next level.  My well being became more to me than a pant size.

Yoga intrigued me, but when I first tried it back in early 2000, I hated it. (Of course I did). The stillness and quiet robbed me of all my distractions and denial, so I resisted it – and kept running, until now.

Ayurveda is a sister science of yoga. Together they bring ways to heal, cleanse and rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit.

So about 5 years ago, my husband (partner at the time) nudged me into trying yoga (again) and meditation. The more I practiced, the more I started to unravel, and my life started to make sense.  Shortly after having my fifth child, I found Ashtanga Yoga and Metta Meditation and I cracked wide open.  I was meeting myself for the first time.

Ashtanga Yoga grounded me. Those early classes were my first experiences with purposeful, active meditation.  My body began to tell me my story.

My practice keeps evolving in subtle ways, as do I, and I invite you to share in my journey, while you begin or nurture your own.

I completed my 200 hr YTT at Hart Yoga in Frankfort followed by an intensive Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training with Manju Jois, son of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, in Chicago.

Follow me on instagram @mimi.projovic