“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure”—Marianne Williamson
I am fascinated by the stories people tell. Without fail, after hearing an inspiring storyteller I am always left energized and motivated to—do something! The intention behind this site is to highlight community members who have been transformed by yoga. Equally, I am interested in sharing the stories of people who do not necessarily have a formal yoga practice, but embody the multiple aspects of yoga whether they called it “yoga” or not.
Although I am intrigued by stories and storytellers, I often shy away from telling my own story. 
When we share our story we open ourselves to this vulnerable space of possible judgment and criticism. What is ironic is that many times our biggest critic is the Self. Exactly what, or shall I say Who are we really afraid of? Just recently friends, students, and colleagues have mentioned to me that they love reading about new Yogis in the Community; however, they immediately ask, “When are we going to see more of you?”
I feel like my journey begins with each new day; however, I do recall the moment I decided to give yoga a try. My first year at Spelman College was certainly a transition as I moved from a suburb in Dayton, Ohio to Atlanta, Georgia. Many people warned me of the “freshman 15″; however, they did not alert me of the freshman fifty. 
At my largest I was a size 16 and weighed about 200 pounds. Let me be clear that in no way am I equating these numbers to being unhealthy for someone else; however, I knew that I was not at my healthiest.
Anxiety, poor eating habits, and a sedentary lifestyle led to my rapid weight gain and I felt out of control. Like most women who want a quick fix when it comes to weight loss, I looked to countless crash diets, experimented with absurd “cleanses” (that did nothing but piss me off), and tried ridiculous work out contraptions including Suzanne Somer’s thighmaster. Let’s just say it didn’t work for me.
Fortunately, I was surrounded by amazing and supportive friends who contributed to an unforgettable and life-changing experience in Atlanta.
Danica,Chelsea,Michael,Misty,& Marco
Although I appeared to be quite happy and confident on the outside, I was frustrated and running out of options on the inside. I remember the exact moment I gave up on changing my situation as I ate three Snicker bars in my dorm room in the middle of the night. I remember thinking to myself, “It won’t make any difference. This is who I am.” At that point I accepted my situation and relinquished all power to my food addiction that seemed to always be triggered by stress.
When I meet students for the first time who struggle with their health I am often met with, “You have no idea what it is like”. Although I may not understand their particular story, I do know mine. I know what is like to be told in my early 20s that my cholesteroI is too high. I know what it is like to be unable to keep up with my active mother during a brisk walk in the park. It has been a slow and steady process that has not happened over night. I am so grateful for my path, the teachings, and my teachers. Had it not been for my experience with my weight, yoga may have never entered my life. It is through my yoga practice that I am able to connect with a Source greater than me. Through yoga I am able to tap into my light and recognize light within others.
I will continue to share my story as it progresses as well as the details of how I lost weight by practicing yoga, changing my eating habits, and getting closer to the Divine energy both within and around me. I will also share how yoga helps me work through obstacles and past traumatic events in my life. Just as the beautiful lotus flower grows in the midst of stagnant and muddy water, I learn how to take a less than desirable experience and transform it into something beautiful through the discipline and balance I learn when I practice yoga.
Lotus Flower Mudra for Prosperity
I am looking forward to digging in my crates of photos from yesteryear and reflecting on the steps taken to arrive where I am today. I am equally excited about reflecting on how yoga influences me both on the mat and throughout this world! Be sure to register for the mailing list if you wish to receive this weekly blog -or- fill out this contact form if you are interested in sharing your story!
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Wow Chelsea. The most beautiful part about this story is that throughout all of your physical change your beautiful spirit, from the day I met you, has remained the same. Your story is so inspirational and I know it will continue inspiring those around you. Love you sis!!!
Sherri Berry (your gnarley line sis)
Thanks LS!!! It really helps to have beautiful people like you in my life. I am so grateful!!!Love you too.
Hey Chelesea, this story is so touching and I think most women who could say a version of this story. We all seem to look to food in times of anxiety, either over eat or restrict it. What a beautiful description of your progression from that struggle weight+anxiety to health+happiness + soul connectedness. Thank you for sharing. You are one the most gentle and talented yoga teachers I have ever know. Namaste’
Callahan! I LOVE our walks together. Your spirit is so full of light! Just in this short time you have inspired me to live life to the fullest! Thank you so much for your support, your energy, and your wisdom. I am so fortunate to know you! See you in the am!!! Love you Callahan!
Hey Sis!
This was amazing and inspiring! As you know, I was always a string bean until I got to college. I gained that “Freshman 15+” and have kept it on ever since. After having a baby, the weight just piled on even more. I am at a point in my life where I want to be healthy again and this, “Your Story”, just gave me the motivation I needed! Thank you for the 25+ years of friendship, sisterhood, love and inspiration! I am proud of you! Love ya! K
You are beautiful and now I am crying.
You got it Kenny P! I love you so much!
Mentor for Life, I cried when I read this. You are so beautiful inside and out. You SHOULD be afraid of your light because it is blinding. Ma Jaya once told me that you wouldnt see your darkness if you didnt have so much light. WHen you can see what other people see in you, you will be the most amazing teacher and you already are.
Love love love,
Isvari
Love you Mentor! And my kidney loop loves you too!
Keep nourishing your authentic inner literacy and watch as your outer story brilliantly brightens. I feel so honored to know you.
Love,
Cheryl
Cheryl! I am so excited about our work together! Go Grounded! Love you
Thank you Chelsea for sharing your personal journey! We all have one & as you share yours it helps me remember this.
~Namaste
Susan
I would love to share yours on here Susan! I am so happy we experienced Grounded training together! Hope to see you again soon.
That was wonderful Chelsea, just when I thought I couldn’t love you anymore you give me yet another reason. I have even more appreciation for you. While you were always fabulous because I do remember you then you beauty is even more compelling because what you did to evolve it.
I love you so much Amika! You have no idea how much you have inspired me.
Chelsea!
Wow! You have always been such an inspiration to me. Your inner peace and joyful spirit have shone through since the day we met. Although it has been years since our paths have crossed, I still consider you a dear friend. You ignited a desire for yoga in me that has gone unmet since my last yoga session with you. You are truly a gifted teacher. No matter where I try and practice yoga NO ONE has been able to give me what you did through your classes! I’m so proud of you for following your love and passion. As soon as my little one is old enough to free up some of my time I WILL be back!
Love, Peace and Blessings to you,
Courtney Campbell
Ms. Campbell! THANK YOU. I miss you so much! I am so excited about your new chapter in life. Yoga is always here, and so am I. Let me know when you want to practice, or just take a walk
I love you so much sis!
Chelsea;
I am honored that I will able to say for all eternity that you were my first yoga teacher. I am even more honored that the Divine chose you–just for me (I use a lot of hyphens to
)
Thank you for allowing us to share with you as you unveil your story. Thank you for the patience in class. Thank you for the sweet inspiration here on your blog.
Finally, I saw Danica in one of your photos–I love Danica and hope she is doing great. Please hug her for me if you see her first.
Namaste . . .
Ms. Pollie! Isn’t the Universe do Divine! I am so happy our paths have crossed again, and in such a meaningful way! I look forward to our journey together. See you soon! YOU ARE SO BEAUTIFUL!!!
Chelsea, my beautiful friend, my sister. Your evolution has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. I’m so blessed to have journeyed with you from our Freshwoman days at Spelman to our thrilling thirties.
Thank you for sharing your remarkable story and for always having the courage to simply be… YOU. You ARE powerful beyond measure. Keep striving! I love you so much. -V
V- I don’t think I say it enough, but you have been an integral part to my journey. You have been so supportive and encouraging throughout our friendship. From our days of you cooking healthy meals and packing my lunch for the Spelman/Morehouse fashion shows to walks in the park with T. I love you so much dear sister!
Chelsea, This is an amazing and inspiring story. It gives me a boost of hope and strength for me to continue on my journey back to my self. Thanks for stepping up and sharing this and being the bright light that you are.
Judi,
You inspire me. Thank you for your endless support!
You truly inspire me! Keep sharing and shining and we will continue to reflect you love and light. Infinite LOVE!
Thanks Ashiya! Namaste
My beautiful cousin-both inside and out. So proud of you! I will never forget the words you said to me at our aunt’s funeral in 2004 when one of our relatives condemned me about my weight gain. Just having you tell me to disregard her and “be there” for me meant a lot. Love u so much.
Leah
I love you too Ahleeya. You are a beautiful human being and I am so proud to be your cousin. Never forget that you are filled with light and so very blessed, it reminds me to remember the same
! I can’t wait to see you soon!
Very inspiring!!
Let’s continue to inspire each other! Thanks for reading!
We shall…proceed…and continue…to ROCK THE HOUSE!
Psi Phi Deuce ’97!!!
Very Ispiring, very positive and a wonderful tool for other women who are needy.
Can you say, “blast from the past!” That photo took me ALL THE WAY back! So proud of all of your accomplishments, Chels!
You have been a driving force and inspiration Danica. Thank you for always supporting me. I am so grateful for our very special friendship. Love you!