Stories from the Noon Crew: Caleigh
Afew years ago I was in my ‘dream job’ as a nurse; working in ahigh-paced, high stakes, and adrenaline-filled environment. I thrivedoff of it and prided myself in my role. But as I settled in just a fewyears after graduation, I realized that I was completely burnt out. Ihad actually even contemplated leaving the profession entirely. I hadseen terrible things, participated in difficult conversations, and caredfor critically ill children. Amidst the dark times, I witnessedmiracles as well and marveled at the advances of modern medicine and thestrength and resolve of my pediatric patients, as well as the courageof their families. But the ‘dream job’ had changed for me and I wasn’thandling the difficult things as well as I had in the past. I wasanxious coming into work and prayed nothing terrible would come in offof the helicopter or through the emergency department. I was depletedfrom giving so much and not caring for myself.
Atravel nurse seeing what shape I was in encouraged me to attend a yogaclass with her. I was hooked pretty much right away. I got an unlimitedmembership and tried to get to class as much as I could. As I found myyoga practice, a few things changed. My energy level improved, myanxiety lessened, and I felt great. But as I began to be more reflectivein mind and aware of my body I realized the depth to which I wascarrying my stress and taking work home with me. I knew there were somethings I wasn’t going to be able to change even through yoga. My yogapractice gave me the awareness I needed and strength to make a change. Iswitched nursing units giving myself a chance to heal and becomestronger.
Aftergraduating college, I didn’t have any organized sports teams and it hadbeen many years since I had done martial arts. I had a void ofexercise, community, and area to focus my energy. My career was all Iwas focused on and it was draining me. I needed something and thatsomething was yoga. However, it became so much more than a sport orhobby. It became a spiritual guide, a therapist in a broad sense of theterm, a community, and a healthy release. I have healed immensely andgrown stronger in mind and body. I took the jump rather early in my yogapractice to take a teacher training and I am so glad that I did. I haveRYT 200 hours training in vinyasa yoga.
Myhope as a yoga teacher is to help people find and sustain a healthylifestyle through yoga. The yoga philosophy, physical asanas,meditation, and breath work fuel, empower, and guide a healthy person inspirit, mind, and body. It can be frustrating as a nurse working in ahospital setting because many times we are only able to put small bandaids over the existing gaping wounds that are chronic illness. We don’talways have the time to teach, coach, and empower people in theirhealth. As a yoga teacher, I feel I am able to participate inpreventative health. I look forward to learning more as a yoga teacherand embracing integrative health in my nursing career.
Theintention behind my classes as I sequence and reflect on themes is tofoster health. I embrace the style of vinyasa yoga linking breath tomovement to create a meditative yoga flow. I strive to create atherapeutic environment, releasing tension and stress while encouragingand empowering students throughout the strength building and challengingparts of class. I hope to help students to find a joyful yoga practiceand become more mindful and resilient yogis in yoga practice and inlife.
-Caleigh