Monica Dey in a yoga studio in Oakville, Ont.Wyatt Lowry
Yoga has been a transformative practice for Monica Dey, a 42-year-old clinical resource nurse in Ontario’s Halton Region. Ms. Dey initially turned to yoga in 2016 during a stressful time in her life, but it was during the COVID-19 pandemic that she fully recognized yoga’s profound impact on her physical, mental and emotional well-being.
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Here is Ms. Dey on how yoga has helped her cultivate inner calm and balance:
As a nurse, the pandemic brought unprecedented challenges. Every day brought new fears, constant changes and a sense of isolation that was hard to shake. It was during this time that yoga became my anchor. Even though our classes moved entirely online, the sense of community provided by my yoga studio was crucial. The familiar faces and voices on the screen, the routine of logging in for class – it all helped me feel connected when the world seemed to be falling apart.
The five pillars of vinyasa yoga – breath, vinyasa (flow), bandhas (internal locks), heat and drishti (focus) – became more than just elements of my practice; they became tools for navigating my daily life. Breath, for instance, became my go-to technique for staying calm and present, especially when dealing with multiple tasks and emergencies at work. The concept of heat in yoga translated well to the high-energy, fast-paced environment of the hospital.
I remember a specific incident at work when I had to handle a critical patient call. Thanks to my yoga practice, I remained calm and focused throughout the situation. Yoga has strengthened my ability to quickly regain control of my thoughts and avoid spiralling into stress, which has been invaluable in my job.
Yoga has also become my time to fill my own cup and recharge. As a single mom to two teenagers, a caregiver for my parents and a person with a demanding job, finding time for myself is challenging. I’ve made yoga a non-negotiable part of my routine. It’s my way of being my own biggest cheerleader, of taking care of myself so I can be more present and effective in other areas of my life.
The yoga studio has become more than just a place to practice; it’s become a sanctuary. During a particularly difficult time when I was going through a custody battle and facing financial stress, the yoga community provided invaluable support. The sense of camaraderie, the physical benefits of the practice and the routine itself gave me an escape from my anxiety and a way to ground myself.
Our yoga retreats to Nicaragua have been another source of personal growth and rejuvenation. The uninterrupted time for yoga – without bothering about drop-offs and pick-ups or meal prep and other chores – has been incredibly empowering and refreshing.
I’ve been doing yoga teacher training, and one exercise was particularly eye-opening. We were asked to list all our roles and then question whether they defined us or if we defined them. This exercise made me realize that my true identity isn’t tied to my external roles – as a nurse, a mother, a daughter – but to my inherent completeness and worth. This understanding has been transformative.
Yoga has also allowed me to explore my creative side. When the owner of the studio offered me the opportunity to manage the studio’s social media, I saw it as a chance to share the broader benefits of yoga with others. It’s become a way for me to express myself creatively while staying accountable to my practice and helping others see how yoga extends beyond the mat and into daily life.
The practice of hot yoga, in particular, has special significance for me. It’s not just about the physical challenge of working through the heat; it’s deeply connected to cultural and spiritual elements. The heat reminds me of the concept of ‘tapas’ in Sanskrit and the symbolism of Shiva as Nataraja, dancing in a circle of fire. It represents the constant process of renewal, of letting go of what no longer serves us.
I’m filled with gratitude for how yoga has helped me better my life in countless ways. It’s given me tools to manage stress, a community to lean on, a way to explore my creativity, and most importantly, a deeper understanding of myself. Yoga has taught me that I am complete and whole, regardless of my external roles and responsibilities. This realization is my true wealth, and it’s something I carry with me every day, on and off the mat.