The Magic of Yoga - Real People, Real Healing

True Stories of Improved Health Through Yoga

Julia Collins
Owner and Founder
Soul Society Yoga

Yoga is magic—but not the kind that pulls rabbits out of hats. It’s the kind that quietly, consistently transforms lives in ways that feel nothing short of miraculous. Here at Soul Society Yoga, I get to witness this magic unfold every day.

Many of our members come to yoga seeking relief—sometimes from stress, sometimes from physical pain, sometimes just for an hour of peace in their otherwise hectic lives. But what happens after a month or two of consistent practice is something even they don’t expect.

Today, I’m sharing four real-life stories of Soul Society members’ improved health and wellbeing. I have decided to keep their identities anonymous, as these are stories simply shared with me before or after class in a comment of gratitude or excitement that a doctors visit went so well. However, I did obtain permission to share these stories which are a big part of why we do what we do here at Soul Society Yoga.

Good-Bye Shoulder Pain

One of our members, a man in his 50s, has been battling bursitis in his shoulder. Physical therapy had helped, but the relief was temporary. When he committed to regular yoga practice at Soul Society, the pain started easing in a way that felt lasting.

“I think my shoulder feels better doing yoga than when I was doing PT,” he shared with me after class one day. Now, he’s eagerly awaiting the arrival of our cold plunge and Halosauna, confident that these additions will only deepen his healing.

Blood Pressure Under Control

Two members have experienced improved blood pressure. One woman in her late 60s was diagnosed with high blood pressure. Instead of just relying on medication, she made the decision to take control of her health in a holistic way.

At least twice a week, she attends our yin and gentle yoga classes, moving with intention, breathing deeply, and allowing her body to reset.

“Every time I step onto my mat, I feel stress melt away,” she told me. “I know this practice is keeping my blood pressure where it needs to be.”

Another woman recently shared with me that although her blood pressure was previously within a healthy range, it’s improved even more since she started yoga at Soul Society.

“My blood pressure was 102 over 64 at my last check up. My doctor asked what I’m doing to keep it so low and I told her, ‘yoga.’ She said, ‘Keep doing it!’” the member told me.

Even attending class just once a week during a busy January has lowered her blood pressure. She says she’s excited to come more frequently to experience more benefits.

Lower Triglycerides, Lower Heart Disease Risk

And then there’s one of our newer members—a woman who joined Soul Society not too long ago but dove in headfirst. She comes to class almost daily, flowing through 9:30 heated vinyasa, grounding herself in unheated gentle yoga, stretching deeply in yin, and balancing it all out in vinyin.

Before she started yoga, her doctor warned her about her high triglycerides. But after just a short time practicing with us, her latest bloodwork showed that triglyceride levels had dropped by over 200 points.

“The only thing I’ve really changed is coming to yoga regularly,” she told me. “It’s a strong correlation.”

High triglycerides can be dangerous because they increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and pancreatitis and increase inflamation throughout the body. When levels are too high, they can contribute to hardening of the arteries, leading to cardiovascular complications. By incorporating regular movement, mindfulness, and deep breathing, yoga can support heart health and help regulate these levels naturally.

Real People, Real Healing

These aren’t just stories. These are real people, finding real healing through this practice. And this is why I love what we do at Soul Society Yoga. It’s not just about the movement—it’s about the breath, the stillness, the mind-body connection, and the commitment to showing up for yourself.

I am endlessly grateful to witness these transformations, and I know these are just a few of the countless stories unfolding within our community. If you’ve been wondering what yoga could do for you, let this be your nudge. Start where you are. Breathe. Move. And trust that the magic will meet you there.

Julia Collins, E-RYT 500 and owner of award-winning Soul Society Yoga brings two decades of movement practice, yogic study, and teaching to her classes. Julia has been influenced by many gifted and compassionate teachers along her yoga and spiritual path. She is certified by Joseph LePage in Integrative Yoga Therapy and Restorative Yoga, Jimmy Barkan in Hot Vinyasa, Cindy Lunsford in Hot 26 (Bikram) and Yin, and Life Changing Energy as a Certified Sound Healer. Additionally, her sound healing is greatly influenced by Austin Shook of Alignment Sound Energy. 

Julia follows the Bhakti path of yoga – the yoga of loving and heartfulness — and frequently attends retreats and classes that nurture her spiritual practice. 

Julia has been a freelance writer and editor for the past 15 years, contributing to companies such as Salesforce, Blackboard (now Anthology), Erickson Senior Living, EverFi, HSS, Labster, and more.

She lives on Kent Island, in Maryland, with her husband, Dan; two children, Kingsley and Will; and two dogs, Belle and Woody.