My journey into yoga didn't start with fancy poses or trendy studios; it began as a lifeline, a way to escape the chaos that life had thrown my way. Watching my loved ones succumb to the unintentional abuse of their bodies, whether through harmful substances or sedentary lifestyles, opened my eyes to the urgent need for a more conscious connection to our choices. The impact on my family, from my grandpa battling lung cancer to my mom's struggles with alcoholism, highlighted the stark reality of our disconnected wellness. My personal struggles, from battling anxiety as a gay man in rural Minnesota to surviving a tumultuous relationship marked by assault and trauma, brought me to a point where I lost touch with myself. It wasn't until I found solace in yoga that I started truly healing. The practice became a beacon, guiding me out of numbness and trauma, offering a path to self-love and forgiveness. This transformative experience ignited a passion in me to become a yoga therapist. I recognize the profound power of yoga in addressing both physical and mental discomfort, and I want to share that healing journey with others. I've witnessed the transformative impact of yoga on my life, and now, with the world in need of such healing, I'm ready to dive back into the education, science, and philosophy that first captivated me. Through my own journey of overcoming extensive trauma, I've come to believe in the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of committed inner work. I want to be the guide I never had for someone else's journey, offering support and understanding as they navigate their own path to healing and self-discovery.