I’m Shawn McMann and I’ve been practicing yoga consistently since November 2012 when I was dragged to a hot Vinyassa flow class and today I have attended more than 700 yoga classes. Initially, yoga was an alternate way to try and get into better shape but it soon revealed many more benefits for me. It became my refuge and a place to recharge and clear my mind. I often joke about my OCD but in reality OCD and hyperactivity are difficult challenges to try to live normally with and the yoga mat has become a salvation for me and a way to become more productive in all other aspects of my life. I find I now plan my weekly schedule around my yoga classes so I don’t miss out. The most obvious way yoga has changed me is when I learned to take my practice away from the mat. I know I’m much more calm, focused and patient now when confronted with long lines, bad traffic, difficult clients etc. In December 2013 I took Michellene Kandert up on another challenge to commit to a daily practice and I cannot stress enough how exponential all the benefits become.
A couple things you may not know about me, I’m a survivor of malignant cancer and a massive car accident. You may have seen the tattoo on my neck, it signifies the two bullets I’ve dodged. Also, that on my birthday in 2011, I made a decision to change my life in all aspects. I went through a tough time personally and reached the point where I needed to change or I would not survive any longer. I gave up drinking and dedicated myself to a full mental and physical transformation. I look back and can't believe how I looked at the time I made my decision, 260 pounds and the embodiment of unhealthy and unhappy living. I owe a huge debt to the many ways yoga has played a part in getting me to where I eventually plan to be!
I've been called "Bullet" or "Bullethead" by close friends and teammates for thirty years, but recently it has taken on a much deeper meaning for me, representing the bullets I've dodged to get to this point in my life!! I intend to use this space to chronicle my journey to my goal of YTT Blissology teacher training in May 2016..
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