By Sarah Cook This morning, as we settled into our 8:00 a.m. yoga class, Zelinda asked how those of us who had increased the frequency of yoga practice with the 40-day challenge felt. Contrary to my personality, I did not speak up because I was saving my deep thoughts (think Jack Handey) for this blog. But, then someone bought it up…that feeling of addiction…how much she misses class on the days she does not make it. Dr. George A. Sheehan, noted physician, runner, and author once said, “We may think there is willpower involved, but more likely... change is due to want power. Wanting the new addiction more than the old one. Wanting the new me in preference to the person I am now.”

So, the once yoga-hating type-A me has a new fixation…just what yoga class can I manage to get to today? I even had a vision this morning while laying in bed trying to motivate myself to get to that 8:00 a.m. class that I would declutter my bedroom enough to have space to leave a mat and props out and practice at home (unlikely on so many levels). But, it has not all been smooth sailing.

As Zelinda warned, the increased yoga stirred up a lot of emotions…and for me, that was especially true on the heels of a rough holiday and a year filled with death and illness in my extended family. Then, suddenly, I realized I had found my emotional center again. Not sure where it had gone or just how long it had been running rampant, but I know it has been a long time since I felt this way. As I said to my best friend, I actually have found a little bit of inner peace…which is so unlike me.

Zelinda often says that yoga will change your life. I’m starting to believe it is true. And believe me, change is not only wanted and warranted, but long overdue. So bring on week 3 of the 40-day challenge!

Sarah Cook is a Senior Product Marketing Consultant for Dell Storage. Opinions expressed here are her own.