Same story, different day

I hesitate to report that yoga has once again kicked my ass and that I am very in touch with my body today. I’m sure I’ll eventually get over the newness of yoga and start talking about something else. Last night was my fourth practice and it was hard. No room in my head for any spare thoughts, just trying to follow each direction and remember each separate part: active toes, tuck tailbone, pull in my tummy, relaxed neck, roll shoulders, pull down shoulder blades, press the knees together, breathe. The breathing and the relaxed neck are the most often neglected. At one point Sarah said, “It’s okay to hate me right now.” The comment didn’t even register at first; I was concentrating so hard on the pose and all the specific body contortions.

Yoga is turning out completely different than I expected. After the first few practices I assumed that I would eventually get stronger and more confident and then practice would turn more meditative, but what I found out last night is that it never gets easy. That is the point, pushing and exploring your edges. When I can do something with confidence I’ll push into something new. So instead of finding some fuzzy la-la sort of hippy mellow, I’m completely present within the moment; within my body. I am sure I’ll learn a lot more as I explore this, but that’s what I figured out last night.

Sarah is teaching a Park District Forrest Yoga class starting in January. I sent in my registration form today. I’m not a resident, so my form won’t be processed until a couple weeks after the residents; I hope I get in the class. The cost is about half the yoga studio price. Only 60 minutes, but I’m sure there will still be much kicking of ass. (Did I mention how aware of my upper abs I am today? Ouch.)

Comments

[Karen]

I always glance at your books and I noticed What Should I do With My Life? I read that one and while it wasn't what I expected - not all of the people who made big changes walked away "finding their calling" - it was more about mustering up courage to make the change and showing how, often, it was a series of small changes. Anyway - what did you think of it?

[Dodi]

That book is in my "to read" pile. I read something by this author online and found it really thought provoking. I ordered the book at the same time as a friend. She started it before me and said it wasn't as good as she hoped and didn't go much beyond what we'd already read. So it hasn't been too high on my priorities.