Yoga

I have to admit that I thought yoga was somewhat overrated. So many people talk about it as a lifestyle, and as a way of doing things. I had figured that it would be some cool exercise to get into and, perhaps as a side-effect, be something that could have an effect on the way I lead my life, simply because I was healthier.

Yesterday evening, I went to my first yoga class. It was a bikram class, in which we practiced 26 poses in a heated room. Now, one could think that poses are not much of anything. They're methods of stretching and balancing and gaining strength. Yes, I would agree with that, considering I got a workout from it, but my favorite part was the practice of centering between each and every pose. The shaking muscles and strain that I would feel a moment before would be gone. The focus that takes place is quite remarkable-- you have to think about anything else aside from that which causes you discomfort in the present moment, whether it's the heat, the pain, the strain... it's what the breathing is for. I like being reminded to breathe; I feel as though I forget sometime and take it for granted. But, using that as a focus point and as a centering mechanism is a crucial piece of everyday life that just anyone can use, whether or not one is in a yoga class.

Non-attachment. Being present in the self. Things I need to practice and introduce to my way of living.

I got back from the class physically relaxed, exhausted and energized, all at the same time. I felt ready to accomplish whatever came my way, but also ready to stretch out and go to sleep. I haven't felt that physically worked out in a very long time, and it was wonderful. So wonderful, in fact, that I'm going back to do it again this afternoon.

Welcome to my life, yoga!