Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla Smith.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Karla. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I first came across Yoga in 2008 when I was in Massage Therapy School, actually. It was tough, but alluring. I couldn’t get through a whole hour that first time, nor for the first few months that I dabbled around with it. On many occasions I’d stop practicing for several months, but interestingly enough, I turned to yoga whenever I’d encounter a time of emotional suffering in life. Practicing Yoga got me through so many hard times, that I decided to dedicate myself to practicing not only when I needed healing, or to process emotions, but when things are good. You see, I have PTSD from 2 past relationships that were abusive. Not only that, but I’ve struggled with anxiety. I suffered through over a year of severe depression due to the separation and divorce with my ex-husband. If not for Yoga, I’d be taking meds daily. Xanax or Klonopin. I don’t take any pharmaceuticals because yoga practice literally helps me cope with life. Dedicating at least 4 hours a week (typically 7 hours), has made me into a calmer person, a better listener, and keeps me sane. After practicing, I feel like I can actually handle things. I can face the ups and downs of Life with some sense of peace and motivation. It’s been my saving grace. I don’t know how I’d get by without it. That’s why I love to share it with anyone who is interested. Everyone has their own ways of coping with life, but if it has benefited my life experience this much, maybe it can serve you too!
Has it been a smooth road?
Yoga doesn’t make you a better person. There are just as many self-righteous people who practice yoga as any other group of people who do a common thing (bartender, engineer, doctor, and parent). There are always those who are kind and humble and those who aren’t no matter where you go or what you do.
Yoga does change the way you experience life, though. It opens up a space mentally, emotionally where you can reflect on your feelings, behaviors, and reactions make me a better person but it made me understand giving up one desire for attainment of another… to sacrifice an hour of comfort on the couch and, instead, do yoga for that time (which was a struggle for me because I wasn’t flexible or strong), then feel calmer and happier afterwards. It felt good to feel like I accomplished something.
Changing my appearance to feel accepted, liked, and attractive was what I started off wanting. That was my initial goal. Little did I know the complete transformation I’d undergo in every aspect of my life.
Overcoming physical struggle has shown me that I have the fortitude to overcome life’s struggles.
Breathing through physical discomfort to get through and keep going has taught me to breathe through emotional discomfort in life. To keep living.
The 9 years it has taken to come this far have taught me patience.
I learned that letting go and starting over are okay. Recovering, self-nurture, and healing take time. Making mistakes, giving up, falling down, looking like an idiot are okay. Recommitting to the same path or choosing a different path are okay.
I feel more powerful than I have ever felt before.
From the misunderstood, self-hating, suicidal girl struggling with mental illness I have been reborn. I love myself and feel more connected to life. I have confidence, self-esteem. And that, THAT has made all the difference.
Thank you past 9+ years, everyone who was in them, and everything I learned. Even through pain.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Beans Are Life Yoga story. Tell us more about the business.
I teach my own unique style of Vinyasa yoga. I’m proud of the amazing yoga communities that have formed from the classes I teach. I love watching them bond and grow together. It’s because of the people that come regularly that I love doing what I do. I feel so happy seeing their faces because we’ve become like family. The sense of community and respect for each other is really important to me. Plus, getting their feedback at the end of class is so rewarding and fulfilling!
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
To be blunt, I don’t think about that kind of stuff. I’m just so content enjoying what I’m doing right now.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @beansarelifeyoga
- Facebook: @beansarelife
Image Credit:
SNAP Fitness in Peachtree City, LivFitness in Kirkwood, Iron Root Studio in Grant Park
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