I have never been a person who wasn't clumsy. I'm learning there's a different between clumsy and coordination.
I've been bowling since I was 10 years old; that takes coordination.
I've been increasing the pace of my running cadence both on a treadmill, as well as outside; that takes coordination.
I can be walking on a flat surface, in flat shoes and trip; I'm just clumsy.
Kristine suggested that I go with her and her boyfriend, Matt, to Hot Vinyasa Yoga after Fitness class one Wednesday. I ignored the notion at first. I thought "Uh, I will have already worked out for an hour, nope." Then I thought more "Uh, yoga is when people stand on their heads and balance on one foot, nope." Then I thought even more "Why not, she hadn't steered me wrong yet, the worst that happens is I hurt myself."
Had I ever done yoga before? Nope. Well, I did once stand on the Wii Balance Board and did something that I do not even recall now, but I'm pretty sure I looked ridiculous and until now it was left unspoken, as if it never happened. Had I ever even considered doing yoga before? Nope. Did I really know anything about yoga? Nope. And did I know anything about Hot Vinyasa Yoga? Nope, only that it sounded sweaty.
And so it was coined 'Yoga Date Night'.
I went in, with apprehension. Matt was kind enough to set up my yoga mat, block, and strap for me so I could just settle in. I was nervous. People brought their own mats and looked intense. I had just worked out, was a little tired, and pretty sure I had no idea what was in store for me.
Like with everything else so far on this journey, I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, some people really do stand on their heads. I internally think "Yeah, that's not happening, but good for you." Yet externally I stared in awe. The fluidity of their movements was graceful. They were poised. They looked peaceful.
I did as best as I could, and the really fascinating part of the class was that the instructor, Mary, gives options. If something is uncomfortable, or rather as she says "Not in your practice", another option is given. I was brought back to childhood with Choose Your Own Adventure Books! The parallel for me was one in the same that night. I felt free. I felt, dare I say, relaxed.
The class is a Hot Vinyasa Yoga course so it is a tad 'toasty' we shall say in there, but I wouldn't consider it to be 'hot' by any means. The heat seemed to relax my body and before I knew it I was taking part in positions called 'Pigeon Pose' and 'Dolphin Pose'. I was doing freakin' yoga!
When it came time for our 'flow' from one post and movement to the next I was delighted that this is allowed at your own pace and comfort. I'll admit I forgot what I was supposed to do, but looked to a neighbor and got right in. Once again I thought "I'm doing freakin' yoga!"
Before I knew it the hour was up. It was 9pm. I was relaxed. I was energized. I felt no tension in my neck or shoulders. I couldn't wait to tell people all about yoga, and I had no cares in the world if they asked, because just 24 hours prior I knew nothing of yoga, and I was already looking forward to Yoga Date Night the following week.
I may have coordination and still be clumsy, but come on, I can do freakin' yoga now!
I've been bowling since I was 10 years old; that takes coordination.
I've been increasing the pace of my running cadence both on a treadmill, as well as outside; that takes coordination.
I can be walking on a flat surface, in flat shoes and trip; I'm just clumsy.
Kristine suggested that I go with her and her boyfriend, Matt, to Hot Vinyasa Yoga after Fitness class one Wednesday. I ignored the notion at first. I thought "Uh, I will have already worked out for an hour, nope." Then I thought more "Uh, yoga is when people stand on their heads and balance on one foot, nope." Then I thought even more "Why not, she hadn't steered me wrong yet, the worst that happens is I hurt myself."
Had I ever done yoga before? Nope. Well, I did once stand on the Wii Balance Board and did something that I do not even recall now, but I'm pretty sure I looked ridiculous and until now it was left unspoken, as if it never happened. Had I ever even considered doing yoga before? Nope. Did I really know anything about yoga? Nope. And did I know anything about Hot Vinyasa Yoga? Nope, only that it sounded sweaty.
And so it was coined 'Yoga Date Night'.
I went in, with apprehension. Matt was kind enough to set up my yoga mat, block, and strap for me so I could just settle in. I was nervous. People brought their own mats and looked intense. I had just worked out, was a little tired, and pretty sure I had no idea what was in store for me.
Like with everything else so far on this journey, I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, some people really do stand on their heads. I internally think "Yeah, that's not happening, but good for you." Yet externally I stared in awe. The fluidity of their movements was graceful. They were poised. They looked peaceful.
I did as best as I could, and the really fascinating part of the class was that the instructor, Mary, gives options. If something is uncomfortable, or rather as she says "Not in your practice", another option is given. I was brought back to childhood with Choose Your Own Adventure Books! The parallel for me was one in the same that night. I felt free. I felt, dare I say, relaxed.
The class is a Hot Vinyasa Yoga course so it is a tad 'toasty' we shall say in there, but I wouldn't consider it to be 'hot' by any means. The heat seemed to relax my body and before I knew it I was taking part in positions called 'Pigeon Pose' and 'Dolphin Pose'. I was doing freakin' yoga!
When it came time for our 'flow' from one post and movement to the next I was delighted that this is allowed at your own pace and comfort. I'll admit I forgot what I was supposed to do, but looked to a neighbor and got right in. Once again I thought "I'm doing freakin' yoga!"
Before I knew it the hour was up. It was 9pm. I was relaxed. I was energized. I felt no tension in my neck or shoulders. I couldn't wait to tell people all about yoga, and I had no cares in the world if they asked, because just 24 hours prior I knew nothing of yoga, and I was already looking forward to Yoga Date Night the following week.
I may have coordination and still be clumsy, but come on, I can do freakin' yoga now!
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