Yes, I’m aware that my blog still looks like Christmas threw up all over. I’ll get around to it. Then again our Christmas tree is still up… yea, I have a problem with letting go.
ANYWAY.
On Saturday morning, I went to my very first yoga class in Old Town Alexandria, at Radiance Yoga.
I wasn’t sure what to expect. I signed up for a beginners series of Flow Yoga classes that runs for 8 weeks. I figured there would be bending and Om-ing and chi-ing. I’d probably learn to bend into some pose called Congress of the Wombat or Preaching Pony.
As pumped as I was to get started, I was also pretty nervous. As I finally owned up to recently, I’m not exactly comfortable with myself physically. And the thought of being in a room full of people who were potentially in better shape or more adept at Yoga than I would be… ugh. Seriously, I would cringe at the thought of people contorting themselves in beautiful ways while I stand there, unable to do anything.
I’m going to be blunt. There were things I could not do. There were moments where I did things that hurt. There were even a couple of instances where I was questioning whether I should even be there.
(This is the part where I get word-vomity about hokey stuff like ‘empowerment’ and ‘goals’.)
(I love parenthetical asides.)
For all of the things I couldn’t do, however, I was blown away by the things I could do. The little victories far outweighed what I couldn’t do. I could balance myself. I could move somewhat gracefully. I was even able to hold certain poses that I didn’t think I could hold; although the Downward Dog can kiss my ass. For real.
What’s funny is that the website doesn’t tell you what week in the 8-week sequence you’re in when you sign up. And of course, I wasn’t smart enough to notice that omission. I just clicked away and happily gave them my money. It turns out that it was Week THREE. So after we do what’s apparently our warm-up, the real class began.
‘I know you’ve been working with Colby on sun salutations and a lot of the other basics, so let’s get right into Warrior poses.’
Yea, no. I didn’t know anything about sun salutations or any of the other basics. But given that I was in the front row and too nervous to not do something, I went with it.
And I’m so glad I did.
At the end of the class, our teacher actually found out that I had unwittingly signed up when I had never taken yoga before. And she was genuinely taken aback. She said to me, ‘Really? You were great with your poses! I can’t believe you’ve never done yoga before!’
I was so happy to hear that. I get compliments on a lot of things, but nothing having to do with anything active. It felt so good to hear that affirmation. It was a really tough class. That was another thing. Yoga brings forth images of relaxation and meditation. It’s extremely physical and a lot of fun.
Patrick and I met up for lunch afterward at a place I’ve been going to since middle school — Southside 815. As we sat there, I was definitely feeling sore in ways I had never felt sore before, but it was almost like a glow. I chowed down on my veggie scramble (and side of veggies, since I love to be redundant), and talked to him about how I felt after class.
It wasn’t just the physical aspect of it, but the mental aspect of it as well. I don’t think I have ever actually listened to my body before. I’ve never emptied my mind. I’ve never tried to center myself. Before I actually explored the option of yoga, those types of ideas seemed a bit silly to me.
As soon as we got home, I signed up for my next class for this upcoming Saturday morning.
I’m completely nervous, but excited for the challenge. I’m still not that bendy. I am woefully out of shape. I have got to work on my breathing. But still, I love this feeling of knowing I found something that I really enjoy. I love knowing that I’m going to benefit from this, get better at it, and (in the long run) feel really good about myself.
In other news, it’s freezing outside. And I’m going for a run tonight. And I’m probably going to die of death.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Yoga, so far, is the only form of exercise I truly, truly enjoy each and every time I do it. Back in Miami, I was one of those die-hard regulars that did 3 classes a week, and oh man, did it show. I was still fat, but I was (much more) limber, I was calm, and I felt peaceful– all the time.
Not living in Miami removed a lot of the mental reasons I went to yoga, but my body is missing it.
I’m so glad you liked it.
Yay! I need to get going to yoga again. I am so bad. Steve is taking a class this spring, and he has class Monday night, which is when I was going to yoga…so, this is good, we will both be at class! Maybe you and I can go together sometime?
I’m so glad you like it! I’ve been going for maybe 5 or so years. Can’t bring myself to be totally hard core and go every day (or even several times a week), but when I do go, I kick myself for not getting there more often. And you’ll get more limber as time goes on. Before you know it, you’ll be loving down dog
I adore yoga. I’m so glad you tried it and liked it! When I keep up with my practice, I see big changes in myself, physically and otherwise
yay! seems everyone’s doing yoga these days. glad to hear you enjoyed it
i took two classes and decided it wasn’t for me. but i’m slowly starting to change my mind. mostly for hot yoga…
christmas is still up at my place, too. i “just haven’t found the time” to put it all away
I love this post, and i love your spirit. I’m so glad you liked the Yoga!! Keep it up!