After reading the article The Joy Formula I was inspired to branch out of my regular anusara flow, Anjali Restorative and Hot Power Fusion classes. This week I am going to my first Ashtanga yoga class. And maybe one day I will have the ability to experience an acro yoga class.

I was truly inspired by this video.  The flow is beautiful and the cooperation is remarkable.

I’m nowhere near this level of expertise but I’m learning that yoga is about positivity. Believing that I can strengthen my core and balance. Believing that I can hold a pose for ten seconds longer. Believing that I can focus only on my asana and hold my gaze. And believing that I can reach the highest level of practice that I wish to reach.

Watching acro yoga has inspired me to feel this positivity.

All too often we tell ourselves “I can’t.”  I can’t be flexible. I can’t do a shoulder stand. I can’t get this or that job. I can’t… I can’t… I can’t.

I have found that my yoga practice in the classroom translates into my daily life. A positive mind, a positive attitude and a willingness to fall and learn has made me a stronger person, both physically and emotionally.

Yoga has made me a better person.

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Allison Barocas is an undergraduate Senior at the University of Colorado at Boulder, majoring in environmental studies and currently interning with elephant journal. Allison was born and raised on Long Island, New York and completed high school in Knoxville, Tennessee. She loves to spend her free time outdoors, going to concerts, running around Denver and traveling.