my first yogaIt had to happen. I'd been toying with the idea of attending a yoga class at the gym. So tonight, I did it. Dixie was supposed to accompany me, but it didn't work out that way. I went - alone.
They don't explain what is about to happen. They don't tell you where the mats are. Since I didn't know where to access the correct mats, and I didn't bring my own, I ended up choosing the wrong kind. It took me a while to realize that. At least they had that ambient, weird music on - the stuff I play when I want to zone out. I sat down and crossed my legs. Class started. The instructor asked us new folks to identify ourselves. Dutifully, I raised my hand. She smiled and told me to try my best and if I just wanted to observe that would be OK.
Then I realized I was the only person wearing shoes.
I went to remove my shoes, and then I remembered that I had been pretty liberal with the Gold Bond Foot Powder. I remembered that as lots of white powder and white powder dust began falling out of my shoes and off of my socks. I removed my socks. Once I got adjusted, I realized that now I was the only person seated. Soon after that I realized that I am not very flexible. Or strong. Or balanced.
And so it went on like that for an hour - constantly behind and struggling with everything being a mirror image - having some real trouble with right and left. But in the end, I felt like maybe I had started a helpful journey. It was difficult enough that I feel it may be worth getting sort of good at. We'll see.
Then I left and ran for half an hour. I don't know it that ruined the effect of the yoga or not, but it sure felt good.
Then I came home and killed fruit flies by drowning them in a glass of wine. You'll have to ask Dixie about that one.
Later,
G
Comments (9)
GReggoyoga - I would pay for such a class! I'm sure you did just fine, apart from the shoes/powder/mats issues. We do yoga in preschool and it is pretty funny - those kids are sooooo flexible; I'm doing good when I can touch my toes!
Oh Greggo, you know every one was watching you and soon enough they'll be doing it your way. It will be the cool thing to not be flexible, or strong or balanced.
I got ya beat on one thing, I have always been constantly behind and have always had trouble telling my right from my left
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I practice Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga pretty regularly, like maybe 3 or 4 classes a week at the studio. Sometimes I'll go to the one in my gym but I tend to like the studio better because its much more relaxing. But I'm always excited when someone tries it for the first time because I love it so much. I love bringing newbs to classes and showing them how crazy it can be, especially when they've been discounting it as less than exercise. :)
Keep going, you'll see improvement. When I started almost a year ago I couldn't do anything compared to what I can do now.
Good Luck!
I have to tell you.... I've done yoga FOREVER and used to BEG Russell (my ex husband) to do it with me. He was a big guy and laughed in my face. But eventually, he committed to a daily yoga practice. At first, he couldn't do ANY of it... eventually, he got ADDICTED. He still practices to this day. He said it made him a better basketball player and just downright felt awesome... which anyone who is committed knows. Eventually you get good enough where you need NO INSTRUCTOR. That's when I felt best. And empowered. And at peace. Keep at it!
@Giraffney - thank you for the encouragment...i'm planning on hanging in there.
@EmpressTangent - that's cool. i could tell from this one experience that there will be tremendous benefits. i'm looking forward to getting much better.
way to go!!
It's tougher than it looks, huh?You just reminded me that I forgot to go to yoga on Friday. :( Oh well.
Bob would be proud.
And I am too.
A guy I worked with went to a Bikram Yoga class - it wiped him out and he's an MMA aficionado and stays very fit.
I salute you!