I knew the research. I knew the practices. I knew the power of this work. And then, I got cancer.

In a yoga class the group is bound together by the experience of doing the practice. There is evidence to suggest that people who attend support groups for cancer are likely to survive longer, which indicates the positive effects of being able to communicate to others what you are going through. ,

I’ve been both the teacher and the person with cancer. And I know how much your words can either bring comfort and connection—or unintentionally create distance, shame, or hurt. We don’t need to have perfect answers. But we do need to tread gently, speak mindfully, and stay present.

In the beginning, it’s easy to look around and think, “She’s more flexible,” or “He knows way more than I do.” But everyone’s on their own path. Some people might have been practicing yoga for a decade. Others might have only just stopped calling it “downward doggy.” (Actually I still call it that)