My name is Yana and I'm a 25-year-old Russian native who moved to the States about five years ago. I've been living here ever since with my family. They're all amazing people, especially my mom - she's such a great cook! I grew up in Russia where yoga was always part of our lives, even from a young age. My mom used to take me and my sisters to these traditional Russian dance classes where we'd learn how to do all sorts of moves that would eventually become an integral part of yoga practice.

I remember when I first started practicing yoga it felt so magical! You know how people say that it's like being connected with your own body? For real, though - there's this whole sense of oneness and harmony that happens when you're in perfect alignment. Of course, it wasn't easy at first. There were times where my muscles would ache after class or I'd feel like I just wanted to give up altogether... But something about it kept me going.

As time went by, yoga started to become such an integral part of my daily routine that I found myself naturally gravitating towards it even when I wasn't in class. Before long, people started noticing these changes within me - not just physically but mentally as well. They'd say things like 'you seem more relaxed' or 'what happened? You used to be so anxious all the time!' And honestly? It was like a whole new world opened up for me!

Fast-forward a few years later... Now I'm working towards becoming certified in teaching yoga! It's pretty surreal thinking about it actually - how far we've come. What do you think? Want to hear more about my journey or share some of your own experiences with yoga?