I was at Target with a friend and couldn’t wait to leave. 

That terrifying feeling that the world was closing in on me and feeling out of my control.

My chest getting tighter and tighter like my heart was being squeezed and racing to escape.

I thought I knew what anxiety was. I'd experienced it before…

But that was nothing like this.

This was scary.

I didn't know what to do.

I called a friend who I knew had experienced panic attacks before and she confirmed that was indeed what was happening with me. 

I took some slow, conscious breaths. The panic began to retreat.

Yoga didn't magically make it disappear.

But it gave me tools.

Tools to come back into my body.

To breathe.

To notice what was happening instead of being completely swept away by it.

And slowly, I found my way through.

Like a fine wine, it's taken some time to develop. I didn't find something that clicked and really had me coming back for more for 16 years. 

But something must have kept me curious enough to keep trying because I still fondly remember my first 6-week course with Steve in Nova Scotia back in 1997.  As a single mom, his classes brought much-needed moments of respite… I even eagerly bought the VHS tape at the end with hopes of replicating those moments of peace at home…

I am so grateful I kept dabbling throughout the busy years while moving cities and countries, meeting the love of my life and blending our families, two teenagers and a six-year-old at the time. 

...thanks to a cute little hot power yoga studio in Florida called Go Yoga. It was there that I was encouraged to become a 200-hour certified yoga teacher. 

And then go onto take a Therapeutic Yin Yoga certification, Prenatal Yoga Training and attend numerous more workshops to fuel my newfound curiosity and passion.

Without my practice, I honestly don't know how I would have made it through that intense period of anxiety in 2025. 

After experiencing that and watching so many people I love struggle with anxiety too, I feel called to share what I've learned, but don't worry, we'll be taking a slower, gentler, more accessible yin approach than my fiery power yoga days.

That's what this space is about.

Finding your way back to yourself when life feels overwhelming.

If you're anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected or simply longing for a little more peace…

I want you to know something.

I see you.

I've been there.

And we're in this together.

Welcome.

Allyson 🤍