Warrior Pose: How Yoga Literally Saved My Life

When people think of yoga, they often picture serenity, calmness, and relaxation. While those aspects are undoubtedly part of the practice, there is a deeper and more transformative side to yoga that many may not realize. Yoga has the power to not only improve physical health but also heal and save lives. For me, the warrior pose became a lifeline during my darkest moments.

Warrior pose, or Virabhadrasana, is a fundamental yoga pose that symbolizes strength, courage, and resilience. It is a standing pose that requires balance, stability, and focus. The pose involves grounding the back foot, bending the front knee, and extending the arms outstretched above the head. The posture resembles a warrior ready to engage in battle, and that is exactly how it made me feel.

Warrior Pose: How Yoga (Literally) Saved My Life

by Brad Willis (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1894 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	386 pages

FREE

Like many others, I had stumbled upon yoga during a time of desperation. Battling anxiety, depression, and a sense of hopelessness, I felt like I was drowning in my own despair. Seeking solace, I decided to give yoga a try. Little did I know that this decision would change the course of my life.

The Power of Warrior Pose

Every morning, I would roll out my yoga mat and assume the warrior pose. It became my refuge, my safe place amid chaos. As I held the pose, I could feel the strength building within me. The physical act of grounding my back foot and extending my arms upwards instilled a sense of empowerment, reminding me of my own resilience.

But Warrior Pose was much more than just a physical exercise. It taught me the power of mindfulness. As I focused on my breath and honed my concentration, I became more present in the moment. The worries and anxieties that consumed my mind began to fade away, even if just for a brief period. It was during these fleeting moments that I realized the true potential of yoga to heal.

Through regular practice, I started to notice tangible changes in both my body and mind. Physically, my muscles became toned and stronger. I felt a surge of energy throughout the day, and my overall flexibility improved. Mentally, my mind became clearer, and the fog of negativity lifted. I found myself more capable of handling stress and navigating through difficult emotions.

Yoga as a Lifeline

It wasn't long before I realized that yoga had become my lifeline. During my yoga practice, I experienced a meditative bliss that allowed me to escape the turmoil in my mind. It became my daily ritual to find solace, and through this ritual, I discovered a sense of purpose.

As I delved deeper into my yoga journey, I sought guidance from experienced instructors who introduced me to various yoga styles and philosophies. I learned that yoga is not just about the physical postures but also encompasses breath control, meditation, and self-reflection. It became a holistic practice that extended beyond the confines of a mat.

I became passionate about spreading the healing benefits of yoga to others who may be facing their own battles. I embarked on a yoga teacher training program, eager to share my knowledge and experiences. Witnessing the transformation in my students' lives reaffirmed the power and importance of this ancient practice.

A Journey of Self-Discovery

Warrior pose continues to be a constant presence in my life. It serves as a reminder of my strength and resilience during challenging times. Through my yoga practice, I have come to understand that life is a delicate balance of strength and surrender. Sometimes, we need to be warriors, fighting against our inner demons, and sometimes, we need to surrender and let go.

Yoga has catapulted me on a journey of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and self-love. It has taught me that I am not defined by my struggles, but rather by my ability to rise above them. It has given me the tools to cultivate a positive mindset, find inner peace, and reframe my perspective on life.

Closing Thoughts

Warrior pose, in all its glory, has become much more than a physical posture to me. It embodies strength, determination, and the power to overcome adversity. I am eternally grateful to yoga for saving my life and showing me the path to healing and self-growth.

If you find yourself in a dark place, consider exploring the transformative power of yoga. Embrace the warrior within you, and let the practice guide you towards a life of strength, resilience, and inner peace.

Warrior Pose: How Yoga (Literally) Saved My Life

by Brad Willis (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1894 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	386 pages

FREE

From covering the front lines of the Gulf War to investigating Colombian drug lords to living with freedom fighters in the mountains of Afghanistan, war correspondent Brad Willis was accustomed to risk. But when mortal danger came, it was from an unexpected direction.

At the pinnacle of his career, a broken back and failed surgery left Willis permanently disabled and condemned to life in a body brace. Then came a diagnosis of terminal, stage IV throat cancer.

At his 50th birthday party, friends gathered around Willis, who was crippled, almost mute, depressed, strung out on narcotic medications, and dying. Halfway through the celebration Willis realized the party's true purpose—his friends were there to say goodbye.

Everyone knew Willis was on his way out...everyone except his 2-year-old son, who urged, “Get up, Daddy!"

His son's words ringing in his ears, Willis chose to abandon Western medicine and embrace the most esoteric practices of Yoga to heal his body, mind, and soul—ridding himself of cancer and fully restoring his back. As a symbol of his journey, he took the spiritual name Bhava Ram, which stands for “Living from the Heart."

Warrior Pose is an adventure chronicling some of the most momentous events of our time through a journalist's eyes, an unforgettable story about the power of love between father and son, and a transformational journey of self-healing, inner peace, and wholeness.