Three weeks ago I hesitantly stepped into a room for my very first yoga class. For years, I’ve always wanted to try it but am one of those people who prefer not to do something like that alone. It was probably in September when I first met my friend Amanda who asked if I was interested in attending a class with her. Months passed and I never actually took advantage of the opportunity. Boy, am I ever glad that I finally did.

In college, I could have taken classes for a minimal cost but created excuse after excuse not to. Yeah, that’s typical Jana. Same goes for the gym, although I have to hand it to myself for the few months out of the three-and-a-half years that I did go.

I’ll admit that I don’t know much about yoga and its beginnings or teachings or anything about it at all really, but what I do know is I was meant to practice yoga. Simply giving myself two hours to do nothing but breathe and work on improving mental and physical health is exactly what my life needs. Not to mention, it’s rather wonderful not to think about a single thought or thing or problem for the duration of the session.

Leaving that first class at Elevation Yoga Studio in Bethlehem–which was free, I might add–left me gushing with excitement and enthusiasm for this newfound journey. For $110, I chose a 10-class pass good for life and have promised myself to go once a week. Even better, proceeds from that fee benefit The Save Darfur Coalition and other good causes locally and globally.

It’s hard to explain through a blog entry how amazing I find yoga. I know it’s not for everyone, but if you’ve never tried it you should. There are several places throughout the Valley that offer a free class for first-timers. You have nothing to lose, and who knows, maybe you’ll end up loving it just like me.