For a while now, I have felt a nudge to start doing yoga. Not yoga with a DVD at home, but actually getting myself to a yoga studio and learning how to do it correctly. After visiting my girls in Utah, all 3 of whom do yoga, I felt the push even more. After I did a little research, I found a studio here in town, with a beginner's class, and taught by a woman I was slightly acquainted with.
Now, I am not some young, flexible woman. I am middle aged, and stiff (much stiffer it turns out than I realized until I started really learning yoga) and I'm not the skinniest person in town. I was pretty apprehensive about starting, but also knew that if I didn't do it now, it might not ever happen. So I summoned my courage, talked to Teresa and signed up for the class. It was an introduction to Ashtanga Yoga. Once a week for 4 weeks. I could do four weeks, right?
After the first day, (or I should say, the morning after the first day), I wasn't sure I would ever walk normally again. My hamstrings were SORE! My arms were SORE! My back got SORE because I was walking weirdly bc of my sore hamstrings! It was rough. Luckily, by the next class, my body felt a little bit back to normal, and I went again, and again, and again. I made it through all 4 classes and lived to tell about it.
Suffice to say, I really love doing yoga. I love how I feel when I do it, I love how it makes my body feel after I'm done - sort of a combination of soreness and a feeling I've really accomplished something. And savasana! Love it! I love it even more now that I can lay there and not wonder when it will be time to get up because it is such a foreign feeling to be laying on the floor, concentrating on breathing and relaxing my body and letting all thoughts leave my mind as soon as they enter! Aren't I supposed to be doing something during that time? Yes, concentrating on breathing and relaxing and letting all thoughts leave my mind as soon as they enter! Wonderful!!
Many poses are beyond my ability! Marichyasana? I may get that next year, if I'm really lucky. Full lotus? I'm getting there, but not quite yet. Even my downward dog is usually lacking. But, a major breakthrough occured last week, and I have to share my acheivement with you!
I can do a headstand.
I had been trying for a few weeks, and although both Teresa and Joanna said I would just "pop right up" when I am ready, I didn't believe them. I'm pretty sure telling your students something just to make them not feel like a loser is NOT the yogi way! :) but I still didn't believe them.
I was determined to keep trying though, and inbetween yard work 2 Saturdays ago I kept trying. I used the wall, and what do you know. I got myself up, and I wasn't using the wall for balance once I got up. Then I decided I would try without the wall, and guess what? I "popped right up" (pop is being used pretty loosely), but I got up and could stay up! I was so excited!!! I made Kristin and Trevor both watch while I did one later that day! (I could tell they were both surprised and impressed!) And here's the other part, I can still do it!
So, I am pretty sure I will not post any more pictures of yoga poses by yours truly (well, maybe Marichyasana, if I ever get it), but indulge me while I share the following photo with you! (And in case you are wondering, yes, I love my crazy yoga pants!!!)
Namaste...
