It's difficult to explain the experience I had at Rachel Brathen's The Happiness Tour, because it was one of the most incredible events of my life, and I'm just trying to figure out how to put it into words for you. On the day of the event, I arrived early and got in line. There were already people waiting and we all sat outside in the cold waiting for the doors to open. I was freezing but I wanted a good spot for my mat! I ended up being about 5 rows back and right in the center, which was perfect for me. I didn't want to be in the front or totally in the back. I had no idea what to expect, I just knew that the woman who inspired me to start yoga was going to be teaching me soon. And that felt amazing.

Have you ever been in a room full of people, all chatting and moving around, when someone else walks in and the entire feeling of the room changes? When Rachel walked into the room, it lit up. Everyone smiled. Her presence was tangible. You could feel her happiness and free spirit fill the room. She is beautiful and positive and real. She challenged us and encouraged us and cussed and made us laugh. She was everything I never knew I wanted in a yoga teacher.

Rachel just released her book, Yoga Girl, and this was essentially a book tour. But she explained to us that she didn't want to do a traditional book-signing tour where you just stand in line and have her sign your copy of the book, moving along without being truly noticed. This was a million times better. She gave a fun little introduction and we laughed at her dog, Ringo, who had on a turtle neck sweater, then we had about an hour of yoga class.

This was unlike any yoga class I've ever taken, or probably will ever take again. There were easily over 100 people in the Cannery Ballroom, which was beautiful. It was all wooden and warm with chandeliers and big windows. Our mats were rolled out just a few inches apart, so even if you were strangers, you were forced to make friends quickly, which ended up being awesome. The whole atmosphere was a lot more energetic and laid back than some yoga classes. Like you would expect of a yoga class, Rachel played traditional meditation/yoga music, but she also played hip hop and Ed Sheeran. We did serious, meditative poses, but also fun ones and giggled a lot. It felt okay to fall over or out of a pose. No one was judging or worrying about you. They were just in their own moment, in their own practice.

My favorite poses of the class were Rachel's variations on a couple of classic poses. First, we were doing reclined twists, where you have your knees over to one side of your body and extend your opposite arm. Because we were so close, Rachel told us to just rest our hands on our neighbors. So we were all touching each others' shoulders or heads or arms. The girl next to me even joked about trying not to grab my boob. We were all laughing and having the best time, while still sweating our asses off. The other cool pose was a version of Tree and Warrior III that was awesome. We started in a standing split, then moved up into Tree pose. While standing in Tree, we wrapped our arms around each other, so we were all kind of side-hugging, and then moved straight into Warrior III. So we were all holding onto each other, bent over, standing on one leg. It was actually a little easier holding onto each other because we had more support for the balance. We were all sweaty and gross and no one cared.

We had an extra long Savasana at the end, which is always wonderful. I even learned that the reason you roll to your right side after Savasana is because your heart is on your left, and when "rising from the dead" or Corpse Pose, you want to rise up heart first. I had always wondered about that in previous yoga classes, and Rachel taught me.

After the yoga class portion of the event, Rachel opened up the room for questions or comments. Her husband, Dennis, carried the microphone around for people to use and Ringo walked around to be loved on. Several people shared deep, intimate things about themselves and cried. Others just had simple questions for Rachel. It was moving listening to people open up and share things with Rachel and a room full of strangers. If that doesn't bring you closer, I don't know what does. And I honestly think that Rachel remembers it all. She's connected to you and listening to you.

Then, she allowed each person who wanted to hug and meet her personally to do so. She didn't allow selfies or posed photos because she said it just takes too long and takes us out of the moment. I totally get that. So I waited to meet and hug her. I introduced myself and told her she is the reason I started yoga. I told her I wrote about her on my blog like a year ago, and it's still one of my most-read posts. And then I found myself telling her about Corey. Her best friend was ripped from her life the same way Corey was ripped from mine, and I don't remember exactly what I said, but I must have felt like I needed to tell her that. I know what that feels like and it helped me in a weird way knowing someone might understand that feeling. Oh, and she signed my yoga mat.

When I walked into the event, I had a lot on my mind. I was self-conscious about my outfit (silly, I know), and the fact that I'm pretty out of practice with my yoga. Were the other people here going to be total yogis that can do handstands and Crow? I was unsure about what was ahead of me and because I came alone, I didn't have anyone to chat with while I waited in line. I had been to four different book stores while in Nashville, looking for Rachel's book before the event, with no luck. I wasn't sure if she would have them for sale at the event, and I wanted to get it signed. Then I arrived and saw people sitting in line with their books, reading them and sharing the information with each other while we waited. I felt alone and like a bad fan. Plus, I had forgotten to print out my ticket and was unsure if they would accept looking at my email confirmation. I didn't have my own book! Or my ticket printed! And I felt like my tank top was too tight! I was kind of a mess. But that all changed once I got inside the ballroom.

They did accept my digital ticket, as well as like 50 other peoples'. They were selling books that were already signed. And I wasn't the only one who was out of practice. I looked around and realized that any insecurities about my body or yoga ability should be left alone. There were women of all shapes and sizes, in all types of clothing, plus some burly men that were braving this event with their wives or girlfriends. We may have all reached that point on different paths, but we were all there for the same reason — to meet and take a class with someone who truly inspired us.

Rachel encouraged us to let things go throughout the class. If it no longer serves you, let it go. If it's creating tension and stress, let it go. If you are trying to control something that you can't control, let it go. Live in this moment, right now. Be happy with yourself, right now. You are good enough, right now.

I devoured half of Rachel's book on the drive home. She writes about her life and crazy upbringing and how she found herself in this yogi life. She encourages you to stop trying to be a certain way and just be who you are. Realize that you are enough. Rachel's motto is "Do no harm, but take no shit." That is so perfect, right? Be kind and loving and positive, but don't let people walk all over you or beat you down. Be driven in your dreams. Don't let anyone get in your way of happiness. These are the things I need reminded of on a daily basis.

During Savasana, my mind did wander a bit. It usually does. I was thinking about work and things I needed to do, how late we would be getting back to Huntington. Then my mind went to highlights of my life, like the big parts were flashing before me. My wedding. Dancing in the kitchen with my siblings. My nephews being born. Corey passing away. Kyle holding me in bed. The feelings of loss and happiness and excitement and fear. I don't think I had some epiphany or view into the true meaning of life. I don't know why my mind decided to flash certain things in my head during meditation and Corpse Pose. Maybe it's because there was an energy in the room that promoted meaningfulness and those are the most meaningful things to me. I don't know for sure, but I do know that when I opened my eyes, things were a little clearer. A lot clearer. Clearer than they've been for a long time.

via The Cannery Ballroom and Mindy Jenks

I'll leave you with this thought: if you don't do yoga, you should try. And if you have the chance to attend an event with Rachel Brathen, do it. Trust me.