Stop The Earth
October 26 – That’s How We Bend.

John and Melynda are joined by guest, Janel McLaughlin, Yoga Instructor. This is the first time on the show where the hosts are challenged by someone who has different ideas. The discussion flows from goat yoga to alternative medicine vs western medicine. An example of how people with some opposing viewpoints can have a respectful dialogue and come out still friendly.

Janel - Yoga Instructor I grew up on a farm approximately 25 miles north of a midwestern town in South Dakota. When I was a kid I don't even think I had ever heard of the word Yoga. One thing that I was very familiar with, even with a small class of 10, was body shaming and bullying. I was teased terribly about my body as a kid. I had no control over any of it and there was no one around to stop it. I was the oldest of 3 and I was left to fend for myself. This caused many problems in my childhood. I was angry and aggressive. I couldn't build bonds or friendships with people. I was a loner for most of my youth. As adulthood came for me I tried many dangerous and unhealthy ways to try and lose weight. Pills, drugs, diets, concoctions, that would maybe help me lose a few pounds but the weight would never stay off. This lead me down a very slippery slope that almost took my life. In 2014 Yoga came in to my life. It was by accident. I hadn't signed up for a class to go and "check it out." It came to me in a women’s retreat as one of the last activities of the day. The experience I had on my mat changed the course of events that have led up to today.

I felt absolutely wonderful on my mat. Moving and stretching in to my body felt like a whole new experience. I had zero exercise in my life before this day. After that day I made a commitment to start showing up to Yoga at least once a week. I continued on this journey and I felt changes starting to happen in my life. I felt myself coming alive for the first time. I had found a place to "let that shit go". With only a couple of years of practice under my belt I decided to take the teacher training. It was one of the best decisions of my life. I decided that even though I had lost some weight with the practice, and that was great, I was still a bigger girl, and I wanted to show the world that anybody can do yoga. ANY BODY. Since I have become a 200 HR Certified Teacher I have had the opportunity to teach people from age 9 to 90.

I have mothers bring their daughters to my classes. I have taught 90 year old great grandmothers chair Yoga at assisted living centers. I am showing the world that anyone can do Yoga. It is not just for the "bendies" or the size 2 woman that you see so much on social media and especially Instagram. Yoga is for everyone and there are modifications for everyone. I have been teaching the last two years at a non profit Yoga studio. I have recently spread my wings to my own studio space and am offering classes there on Thursday evenings from 5:30-6:30 and from 7-8. This is a Gentle Yoga class. This class is called "Let that Shit Go". I will continue to educate myself on my Yoga journey as there is much to learn and know. I have realized though that it is not the most important aspect of Yoga.

The most important aspect to me is being in community. To find a place where you are loved and accepted exactly as you are. Being in union with oneself, and teaching the student the same. Today I am ok with who I am. The struggle is over for self acceptance and self love. I have forgiven my bullies and I have forgiven myself for all the torture I put my mind and body through. It is about sharing that gift with others now. I learned to love myself again through Yoga. It's been an amazing journey so far and I can't wait to see where else it will take me.

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