Yoga Story #158

I forgot to rely this Yoga Related story:

I headed over to the South Side this afternoon for a noon yoga class at AY at the corner of 15th and East Carson (if you're looking for a studio to start at, I TOTALLY recommend the hot yoga classes at Amazing Yoga.  These people are seriously incredible individuals.  Anyway...).

After class, I made like a classy Pittsburgh Dame and headed over to The Carson City Saloon.  While I enjoyed my blackened salmon steak and 2 glasses of water, a gentleman in his 50s started chatting me up. Still dazed and in an awesome mood from class, I obliged by making conversation.  He asked why I looked like I just got out of a pool.  I told him about Hot Yoga's benefits, etc.

A few moments later, I told him I was turning 30 in just a few months.  His eyes opened like saucers.  "You're kidding me!!  Well, I guess that yoga shit really works."

:)

A Beginner's Love Letter to Yoga

My blog today wasnt written by me. But I read this just a moment ago and honestly cried. Its exactly how i feel.

A Beginner's Love Letter to Yoga

Dear Yoga,

I know, I know, we were just on the mat together, but there's something I'd like to say before we meet again tomorrow.

We live in a world that loves to tell me what to do with my body. From parents to teachers to government to doctors and dentists and personal trainers to television to the backs of cereal boxes, for Pete's sake.

Every day, someone tells me what and what not to eat (yes to quinoa, no to ice cream - thanks for that), when and when not to eat (every two hours, only when I'm hungry), what numbers I have to know (cholesterol, blood pressure, BMI), what behavior is acceptable (don't sing on the subway), what I must buy to be attractive (that is so last year), what hours I must work to prove my worth (lots and lots), what performance I've got to give every day to be worthwhile to someone else (always on, always 100%).

None of this feels like me.

So, yoga, thanks for encouraging me to show up when it feels right, to do what feels wonderful and within my chosen limits (my choice!), to challenge myself when I care to, and to rest in Child's Pose whenever I want. Thanks for encouraging and not demanding. Thanks for the joy you give back, whether I'm with you for five minutes or an hour and a half.  

I love the way you make me laugh more easily, like myself more with every pose, and remind me with every practice of the beautiful, glowing-faced wonder I am. 

Thanks for the way you make me feel like I just swallowed sunlight. I hope we're together for as long as that sun shines,

Kristin

PS don't worry, Pens season is just around the corner. :)