As a rule, I only use one exclamation point except for random super excited texts to my boyfriend, sister, and Ed.
But that is how I feel about yoga.
Either sophomore or junior year of high school, I began attending classes with my friend Bethany. She’s always been much better at it. Began yoga on her own, doing yoga both outside of class and on a generally regular basis when not taking classes. (Appropriately, she is in the process of being a yoga teacher.)
(That brought my brain to the awesome music ab-destroying classes as taught by my friend Liz, which led to thinking about pole dancing classes…but I’ll just leave that awkward tangent at that.)
I’m pretty sure I was hooked before my first class was complete. I had a blast. I’ve always been inflexible; it’s a family trait. But learning how to move, push my body, and play around? It was a done deal.
In high school, I took classes regularly enough to get to the point of being able to touch my toes. At college, my attendance was a hit or miss. I always started the semester off strong…
So, about a month ago, I finally went into the workout place that’s within walking distance of my apartment. (One of the few that isn’t about hot yoga. Too freaking many of those.) The owner gave a free class, and I’ve been going weekly ever since! Sunday early morning and Wednesdays super early. Seriously, I get up before 7 AM for yoga.
This is probably going to come out very zen or something, but my favorite part of yoga is just being. You push yourself, but not beyond your limits. You’re cool with wherever you are at in your practice.
My favorite yoga buzz phrase of the moment is adjusting to the new normal. I’m working on my posture, and it’s a matter of adjusting to the new normal. These are both things that I want to apply outside class. Slow but steady improvements, and less self-inflicted stress.
…which specifically, perhaps, I should apply to my sleep habits. Hooray for sleep all day Sundays!
