By: Heather Mincieli, Owner Trinity Yoga

I’ve had this same conversation multiple times with people who’ve known me for over five years.  When I tell them what I’m up to, they respond with “You’re a… yoga teacher now?”.  Usually there is a long pause mid-sentence and then a tone of disbelief in their words when they finally finish.  I always respond with a big smile and say “Yes, I am a yoga teacher, and now we both know that yoga actually works”. Why is this yoga idea so incredulous to my cohorts?  I am on the spectrum, the Type A end of the spectrum.

For those of you unfamiliar with this concept, Type A’s:

• Are typical high achievers and great at multi-tasking unrelated duties and jobs.
• Are constantly in a race to achieve higher goals. When goals are attained, they set much loftier aspirations. It is impossible to rest on their laurels.
• Feel like time is an opponent  and will work their butts off to exhaustion.
• Have a severe sense of urgency that makes them edgy. Relaxation is difficult.
• Need to compete. If there is no obvious competition, one is created.
• Are driven people, usually self-driven. Stress levels are generally high.

I am so proud of myself when I leave a conversation and have interrupted the person once or twice.  It means I stopped myself the other 97 times.

People, it is hard to be Type A.  I graduated in four years instead of the recommended five for my bachelor’s degree in Music, worked full time, sang with the Dallas Symphony Chorus and simultaneously completed my Master’s in Business Administration in a year and a half.  Earned four promotions in six years landing me in a window office with the biggest client and biggest book of business in my department.  This last promotion is when I realized, not all promotions are good.  The stress was unreal.  After trying for quite some time, I finally got pregnant and my baby came several weeks early because I had hypertension and preeclampsia due to the previously mentioned stress and my unhealthy lifestyle up to that point.  I ended up having postpartum depression because, why not? When it rains, it pours.  During baby’s nap time one day, I had a “come to Jesus” moment and internalized the absolute fact that something in my life had to change or I would miss out.

I had a boss for several years, one I liked that was smart and supported me, and was a lot like me in personality and life choices.  She was the age of my parents and actually shares a birthday with my dad.  She was healthy and active and youthful, even with all the stress.  Guess what, she did yoga.  I saw a yoga class at the gym I was going to, so I thought I’d give it a try.

I lucked out and started in a class where the teacher welcomed beginners yet taught at an intermediate level with suggested modifications.  I was successful, and you know that’s important to me.  I could do it AND there was always something more to strive toward.  I was becoming more flexible, working out those hamstrings, my feet stopped hurting.  Hallelujah, miracle of miracles, I just thought pain was a part of my life- nope! I started doing inversions and released the tension in my neck where I stored my stress. Wow, that was a big one, thank you shoulder stand to plow pose.

One of my favorite things about yoga is that no one yells at you.  They are motivating, not demanding.  It’s not, drop and give me 20! It’s a ton of chaturangas in between poses for an hour.  If today is not your day, modify.  If you feel great, jump back into high plank position and then float those feet to your hands.  I still did 20 push-ups sans the yelling.

I now own and operate Trinity Yoga based in Carrollton, Texas.  We have a weekly all-levels class that are available to anyone at any age.  No judgement, no pressure, no super tight pants required. I’ve got people holding on to walls for dancers pose during balance and others standing on their heads during inversions. We also like our events and Vino & Vinyasa is a favorite.  It’s a night starting with an all levels yoga practice followed by a wine tasting led by a knowledgeable wine steward. Snacks are included, BYO Mat. This event delivers a healthy balance of wine, yoga and friends. Mommy & Me Yoga brings some strategies to help your little ones learn how to calm themselves down. Kids will learn yoga poses and relaxation techniques through storytelling, pretending, active play and watching mom as the ultimate model. Mommy will learn some kiddie partner poses to make her strong as well.

For Spring 2020, we’ll be doing a Get-Away Retreat to New Braunfels, Texas at a farmhouse chic home on rural property.  There’s a bunk room, open kitchen and comfortable accommodations.  It’s definitely a glamping versus roughing it type of atmosphere.  There will be yoga, of course, sessions on nutrition, cooking demo’s and plenty of fun to go around.  Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or online @trinityyoga.life for the schedule of events and to reserve your spot.

Yoga works, friends.  You’ll be nicer after yoga. You’ll be tired and invigorated, more patient with yourself and with others.  Trust me, I’m a Type A.  Come check it out!  www.facebook.com/trinityyoga.life/