How my 6-figure salary deepened my yoga practice

Close your eyes and picture this. Wait... continue reading, then close your eyes and picture this: You're in your late 20's or early 30's and thriving in your career. In fact, thriving is an understatement. You landed your first 6-figure job offer at the age of 29 working for one of the most respected and beloved film directors of our time. You travel all over the country shooting commercials for the biggest brands in the world, and your rolodex is filled with high-profile industry contacts. You live in a luxury high-rise, drive foreign luxury cars, and carry luxury bags.

Sounds nice right?

Now, picture this: You've moved to New York, San Francisco, Detroit, and Chicago for your career. Each move damaging (and ultimately ending) successful relationships. You can rarely enjoy your coveted 6-figure salary because you work no less than 10-12 hour days. You can't remember the last time you slept 8-hours straight, because for some reason, between the hours of 3am-6am is when your brain decides to create to-do lists. Over. And over. And over. You've missed so many of your family's and friend's events that the invites have stopped coming. Finally, room service salmon has become your weekly highlight. Ok confession...ordering room service is actually one of my favorite things in the world but let’s pretend it sucks in this scenario.

Sounds less nice right?

Now, one last time, picture this: After reaching the height of your career, you walk into your ad agency to learn that would be your last day. A loss of business resulted in yours and your team's termination.

*DUN DUN DUNNNNN*

Yes, after traveling, sacrificing time with family, and ending romantic relationships, I was let go. Now, I had been laid-off previously. It's par for the course in my industry. Normally, I would immediately reach out to my contacts and land my next role within a couple of weeks. However, this time felt differently. I wasn't filled with panic and fear. As I walked out of the agency, I felt biggest weight lift from my shoulders. I was instantly happier and at peace. I wasn't worried about bills, the embarrassment that comes with being let go, or concerned about my next move. I felt....free....

The next day, I received an email from HR saying the severance I negotiated was approved. It wasn't a lot, but more than enough to cover the yoga teach training I saw posted at the downtown Chicago studio where I attended weekly classes. And get this, it was starting the next week. Just enough time for me to enroll, but not long enough for me to talk myself out of it.

Throughout the (intense) 4-month-long training, I had never felt more present, more connected to God, and more sure that I was doing exactly what I should be doing. Shortly following the completion of YTT (yoga teacher training), I landed a yoga job.

Six months later, I decided to go back to advertising, but this time, corporate growth wasn't the goal. Internal and spiritual growth was. What's more, I set my eyes on helping others access the same peace (i.e., mindfulness) I felt, and I do feel, each time I practice yoga.

So, there you have it, that’s how my 6-figure salary deepened my yoga practice.

Ok, confession: I'm back to traveling like crazy, shooting commercials for top brands, and making a lot of money (I know it's taboo to talk about money, but you want the real deal right?). BUT I also have my eyes fixed on God and the ultimate goal. What's the goal, you ask?

C'mon....I can't give it all away in one blog post. You'll just have to continue rocking with me to find out.

xoxo

-Dee