My Story: Embracing Emotional Intelligence and Yoga on a Journey of Healing and Empowerment

This is my story of personal growth and the incredible power of Yoga and emotional intelligence that changed my life. It is a story that begins with feelings of disconnection and inadequacy, but ultimately leads to a profound sense of wholeness and purpose. My hope is that by sharing my experiences, I can inspire and support others on their own journey towards embracing Yoga and self awareness to live their best lives.

As a playful and creative child growing up in a high-achieving, academically focused family, I always felt like I didn't quite fit in. I carried a deep sense of disconnection, constantly searching for my place in the world. In my twenties, I sought solace in substances and immersed myself in the vibrant Rave Era, desperately trying to fill the void within me. However, everything changed in my thirties when I stumbled upon a book called "Emotional Intelligence" by Daniel Goleman.

The realisation that intelligence extended beyond academics to include emotional intelligence was a revelation. I began to understand that emotional intelligence was a powerful tool for personal growth and overall well-being. It sparked a desire within me to break free from unhealthy relationships and prioritise my emotional well-being, but as I moved from one unhealthy relationship to another I soon realised that I lacked the necessary skills to do so, this was because I was emotionally illiterate the starting point for Emotional Intelligence.

Life took me on a different path when I became a Paramedic at the age of thirty. While I loved my job, I didn't fully grasp how exposure to high level trauma could impact emotional well-being. Eventually I found myself on the verge of burnout. It was during this challenging time that I started a journey of self-reflection and reevaluation.

When I reached the age of 40, I discovered Yoga, a revelation that came after years of working irregular shifts and sporadic exercise routines. I began exploring the full range of movement my body was capable of, I initially felt discomfort, but soon enough, I found solace and joy in my practice. Yoga became a sanctuary, a sacred space where I could reconnect with my body and emotions, breaking free from the stagnation of feeling "stuck". Through various yoga trainings and practices, I delved deeper into its philosophy and realised the profound connection between yoga and emotional intelligence. Deepening my exploration and discovering the Eight Limbs of Yoga, I saw how they aligned with cultivating emotional balance and overall well-being.

Life surely has a way of testing us. When I unexpectedly lost my Dad, my world fell apart. Grief resurrected old wounds, intensifying my need for healing. Seeking support, I was drawn to talk therapy, and this led to a year-long journey of unforgettable therapy sessions. Slowly but surely, I began to process my grief, explore my emotions, set boundaries, reparent myself, and emerge as a stronger version of myself than I had ever been.

Yoga played an integral role in my healing journey, enabling me to deepen my mind-body connection, discern my emotions, identify my needs, uncover my body's signals, and nurture myself physically through movement. This added an entirely new dimension to my yoga practice.

Through my personal healing journey, I discovered the power that emerges from the combination of emotional intelligence and yoga. By integrating my knowledge of yoga with the insights gained from talk therapy, my life has become significantly more balanced, emotionally regulated, and infused with happiness amidst life's challenges.

I do not blame myself or anyone else for the trajectory of my life. We are all imperfectly perfect beings doing our best with the tools we have. But I firmly believe that we all have the power to self-inquire, learn the tools from emotional intelligence, and become better communicators and role models for future generations.

In conclusion, let us remember that the power to transform our lives resides within us, regardless of age or past experiences. It is never too late to rewrite our stories, heal our wounds, and forge a path towards a brighter future. The invaluable teachings of Yoga and Emotional Intelligence offer us the lessons we may have missed along lifes journey. If you are ready to embrace emotional intelligence and find profound wholeness through the beautiful practice of yoga I invite you to book a discovery call with me at www.eqyogi.com