Back to yoga …

A friend of mine is dedicated to his practice.  He is the closest thing to a “yogi” that I know – other than you, my lawyer friend turned yoga instructor.   He and I had lunch in July and he challenged me to doing something specific in my next yoga class (I’ll fill you in if I ever try it — I didn’t yesterday).  Sadly, I didn’t go to yoga all summer.  Recently we had lunch again. “Did you go to yoga and do what I said?”  “No,”  I sheepishly replied.  In true yogi fashion, he didn’t judge me (well, I’m not sure if he judged me but he didn’t say it out loud).  So yesterday, with his request in the back of my mind, and my aging body … I  finally went back to yoga.

Here’s the deal with me and yoga.  I’m ok with the darker room.  I’m fine with my own  sweat (hot yoga).  I like holding poses and I have my own mat.  I don’t like the smells coming from other people.  I don’t like their noises.  And, I really don’t like having to try to clear my mind and focus on my breathing.   With running and swimming I have constant mind chatter.  I can argue with myself, solve my life’s problems and deal with the kids (all in my mind, of course).  With yoga, I want to do the same thing.  I want to think about what I need at the grocery store, some issue at work, laundry, dishes …. Yes – essentially I want to multi-task (in my mind) in yoga class!

How do you all do it?  I’m not even sure I can clear my mind at all, let alone  in a room full of sweating people who are standing much too close and moving in ways I have never been able to move.  And, allow me to admit right now:  At the end, when we are supposed to “slow our breathing down,” I have all I can do to avoid looking at the clock and counting the ceiling tiles (I think I actually am counting the tiles!).

Be that as it may, I went back to yoga yesterday.  I lasted with a clear mind for about 32 seconds – the rest was chatter.  It was fantastic!  I’m going back this week.  Maybe I’ll make it a minute!

Have a clear-minded day!