PTSD Awareness Month – A Personal Story of My Journey with Yoga

Discovering Unconditional Love

Hi, my name is Adrian Vallace and I discovered yoga for the first time about 10 years ago, during my awakening era. I came across a video that was talking about the power of the third eye, which really ‘’caught my eye’’, :))

That video led me to a Buddhist guided meditation technique with singing bowls. I remember even now as it was yesterday, I was in a crossed legged meditation pose but with my spiritual energy I saw myself swinging back and forth at the sound of the bowl ringing rhythm. And so, I slowly started coming across yoga videos online and my journey started.

And it was followed by another video/documentary that encouraged my awareness into trying to become vegetarian. I came to discover that I could be more flexible both physically and mentally if I were to start practicing yoga and quit eating meat, which turned out to be true and it has improved my life ever since.

It hasn’t always been easy, because at the time I was fighting with alcohol, drugs, victim mentality and debt as well as being neurodivergent. And I could never understand why I could never keep up a consistency in life, whether it was yoga, a job, or a relationship. I was living with ADHD and traces of PTSD, without me being aware of it which made my life a living hell at times when I was dealing with the lowest of energies such as guilt and shame. But I never gave up.

Before too long I realized how meditation helps me to emotionally regulate myself and be more in control of my life.

And one of the biggest factors as to why I haven’t given up on my yoga journey was because within my second year of practice I had followed a six-month daily yoga program including weekends, which has helped me straighten my back because I had a hump on my shoulders for years.  Which I felt was mostly connected to my abandonment wound, from my childhood trauma. And so, through raising my awareness and deep practices of yoga and meditation I managed to heal myself. It has been a laborious journey at times but filled with love.

My present biggest challenge is patience, and in today’s fast paced world I know that I’m not alone. But what keeps me grounded and present is Yin yoga because it’s really allowing me to evolve through my challenge of not having patience due to my ADHD brain. It’s because I must sit tight in the pose without moving and keeping the focus on my breath.

Yoga is about community and connection, and I wish to be able to guide and inspire as many people as possible, to share the love and positive energy through my practices.

Yoga is not just an exercise to become flexible, it’s a way of life. We practice yoga daily when we eat, when we walk, when we clean the house, when we cook and share and when we practice being kind and a grateful human being. And much more…

I will forever be grateful for the fact that I discovered yoga and that I was shown this amazing path by others who benefited in their turn from it, I am grateful for the lessons that I learned along the way, and I invite you to reflect on your journey and share it with the world. Because I am sure that you have an amazing story and I would love to hear it, learn from it and maybe become friends. So here I am keeping the legacy alive.

As I reflect on my journey with yoga, I’m filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and humility. What started as a simple curiosity has blossomed into a profound and transformative experience that has touched every aspect of my life.

Through the ups and downs, the triumphs and challenges, yoga has been my steadfast companion, guiding me towards greater self-awareness, resilience, and inner peace. It has taught me the power of presence, the beauty of surrender, and the importance of listening to the whispers of my heart.

As I continue to walk this path, I am reminded that yoga is not just a practice but a way of life—a journey of self-discovery, growth, and connection. It is a reminder to embrace each moment with grace and gratitude, to cultivate compassion for myself and others, and to live with intention and authenticity.

To all who have accompanied me on this journey, I extend my deepest gratitude. Whether you’re a fellow yogi, a supportive friend, or a curious soul seeking inspiration, know that you have played a part in my evolution, and for that, I am truly grateful.

As I take a moment to bow in reverence to the light within us all, I am filled with hope and excitement for the chapters yet to unfold. May we continue to walk this path together, with open hearts and minds, embracing the serenity that resides within and around us.

Namaste.

Adrian teaches weekly on YogaVibes.com Livestream and has pre-recorded content under Experiences.

If you feel you may be experiencing PTSD please check out YogaVibes 2-hour June events with Roshonda Thomas.

If you’d like to continue the conversation with Adrian, share your own experiences, or simply connect further, you are invited to reach out to his social media channels. You can find him @universalfreedom33.  Where you can continue to share stories, insights, and moments of growth together.

As well as if you would like to learn more about personal development you can find Adrian’s book ‘’The Secrets of Personal Development’’ on amazon or on his site Universalfreedom33