We are very lucky here at Cohabitaire to have so many incredible contributors, and our latest is no exception. I’m extra proud to introduce my gorgeous and fabulous sister, Rhiane, who joins the ranks as our resident Yoga writer…. show your love and leave a comment for Rhiane below…

Image © Steve Pratt

As a kid, I spent most of my time upside down. I cartwheeled instead of walked. I did handstands on any upright surface and I could backflip the length of our backyard. Many a breakable came to its shattering death at my whizzing limbs.

As I got older and the child like acrobatics were replaced by the more usual weights workout or a run around the block – I kinda missed being upside down.

I’d read about this Yoga buzz in glossy magazines and watched Madonna credit Bikram for her new body and contortion like dancing in her film clips, but with no access to any type of class, I had to settle with a half hearted stretch after a treadmill (yawn) session.

After a move to the city, high on my priority list was Yoga. I started with Bikram. Instantly I was hooked. I knew Yoga was something I had been looking for my whole life.

I left my first class elated, with space in my joints and feeling like my lungs had doubled in size. I was euphoric!

While I loved the mental challenge that came with practicing in 40 degree heat, Bikram lacked a certain something that I couldn’t put my finger on until I tried Vinyasa yoga…. filled with music and chanting and candles and un-regimented variation!!

Fast forward three years to today and I feel more connected with my practice than ever.

I’m part way through my teacher training and signed up for the 40 day revolution, Yep, that’s right – 40 days of Vinyasa Power yoga, meditation and continuing the journey I started… well, way back when I was hanging upside down as a kid.

I’m even giving acro yoga a go…. but that’s a whole other story!

So I’m 2 weeks into the 6 week challenge and each week I go between wondering why the hell I’m putting myself through nine hours of yoga a week to feeling absolute peace and oneness with the world…. I’ll keep you posted on how it goes on the other side.

One thing I do know for certain is that I can’t imagine a life without yoga.

About Rhiane Schroder

Rhiane is a Sydney based hair stylist, make up artist, perfumista and cat lover. With Australian Idol, X-Factor and New York fashion week under her belt, she is currently completing her Yoga teacher training.