Yesterday morning I took a yoga class. FINALLY. Had it really been four years since my last downward dog? Somehow, going for a run or heading to the gym for my trusted circuit routine always seemed to take precedence. Besides, I had no idea where my old yoga mat was. Wasn’t that a good enough excuse? Then suddenly, “all things yoga” started appearing in my life. A local paper had a six page spread on the many amazing benefits of this ancient (now modern) practice; not one but three friends told me on separate occasions how they had just started taking yoga . . . and how AMAZING it made them feel. It was then that I decided to give it a try – again. I knew my weak core and unstretched limbs needed help. Desperately. So I called up my friend (a recent convert) and asked her if I could join her at her next class.
Anamaria told me I would sweat. I didn’t believe her. But sweat I did. More than I ever do on my three-mile runs, even in the heat of summer. More than I ever do during my circuit routine, even when I push myself to increase the weights. But this was different. Cleansing. Healing. Breathing. Listening to my inner voice. The instructor, who had the most beautiful sculpted body (even in her late 40′s/early 50′s), was kind enough to see I was a novice and told me to go at my own pace. Not to compare myself to anyone else in the class. Though I hid in the corner, she occasionally came over to gently push my body one way or another to help me get the right pose. I felt like I was in the right place at just the right time.
When I got home, I told my kids that I had just taken a yoga class and how challenging it was. Yoga? Challenging? Isn’t it about meditation and relaxation? Well yes, but so SO much more. Yoga is wonderful because it combines the physical, spiritual, and mental all into one.
This brings up a couple of questions.
- Has anyone been inspired, transformed, enlightened by practicing yoga?
- Have you challenged yourself with anything new recently in your fitness routine?