I had just gotten back on my feet after having my third child, and really, really wanted to get back in shape. When I was handed the flyer for local yoga classes, hosted by the YWCA, I thought, “Why not?”
I figured I could surely handle some ‘easy yoga’, and maybe I could get toned up in time for the big family reunion we had at the beach every year. I signed up for twice weekly yoga workouts on the spot.
It turns out that you have to have a lot of physical balance to practice yoga. Physical balance doesn’t exactly describe me. It would be kind to merely say I have two left feet; in reality, it’s like I have two left sides.
I don’t remember how many times I picked myself up off the floor, cheeks burning, in that first class. I kept expecting somebody to laugh, but no-one did. By the time class was over, I was sore from head to toe and had a new respect for so called ‘relaxing’ yoga. Stubborn, I vowed to see the month out.
After four weeks of lessons, I was beginning to enjoy myself. I was sorry to see the class end, but the instructor told me they had an advanced class at the fitness health club not far from my home. That clinched it. I was officially a yoga nut!
Now I get up each morning before anyone else is awake, and jog down six blocks for my morning yoga classes. I enjoy the quiet discipline, and the companionship I get from my fellow practitioners! We meet on weekends at the park in nice weather, and practice to the sounds of nature.
At home, I use yoga to center myself when I am about to lose it. It’s my own personal version of counting to ten. As I close my eyes, arms spreading and one leg bending at the knee, my kids know it’s time to shape up.
“Watch out! She’s doing the crane again!”
I am laughing so much!!!! I can totally see falling over, I am not very co-ordinated myself.
I found out that the YWCA near me has an exercise dance routine, and I just love it - it doesn’t mean I have to be too balanced, and I get a great workout!