When asked what gift he wanted for his birthday, the yogi replied:  “I wish no gifts, only presence.”  ~Author Unknown

How often are you really aware of how present you are? Usually, I am doing two things and thinking about another 50! But when I come to yoga, I just focus on what I am doing in the moment–I try to not get ahead of myself, too, and just feel each moment.

What I love about practicing yoga is that I get so many opportunities to really focus. Some classes I choose to focus on my foundation or my breath, and other times it’s all about opening and creating space. Each time, I try to bring what I have learned from the last practice and grow from that place.

As the quote says, being present is truly a gift. For me, yoga is a present to myself to slow down, unwind, and breathe. It helps me stay focused when I am in half moon, and when I leave the studio, I am more aware and more in tune with the world around me.