So I’m a beginner Yogi. I like that. I like the sound of it. I like the feel of it. I like the calmness. I like pretty much everything about it. 

Now that’s saying a lot coming from someone who has tried yoga on and off for several years. What ‘on and off’ means really is that I attended a few classes over the past 5 years and walked away each time wondering what the big shakes were. Are these people really serious? Let’s get a move on, people! Where’s the rush? Where’s the power? Where’s the finish line?  I guess I just wasn’t in the right place at the right time. 

All along however, I have known full well the tremendous benefits it would provide for me. Pretty much like my relationship with meditation, I knew it was the secret to so much, however I insisted on resisting. I should have had that as a bumper sticker, “I insist on resisting!” But no more. One of my New Year’s resolutions was to ‘get into Yoga’ as I recently conquered the meditation hurdle and have gradually overcome the need for speed and excess. I want balance. I want grace. I want peace. I want strength. I found it in Yoga.

I took it on with a vengeance. I joined a local Yoga studio and went for the unlimited monthly deal. Knowing how much I love a bargain I thought that ought to do it. And it did. I’ve been going 3-4 times a week for a few months now and I have seen a tremendous difference in my balance and strength in my swimming and running regimens. I’m training for my first triathlon and can honestly say that my yoga practice has been the most beneficial part of that training.

I’ve noticed a marked improvement in my abilities since first starting and I truly love the peaceful atmosphere and the quiet time with my breath and my body. I don’t compete with anyone in class and I listen with my full attention. I’ve learned so much. My favorite part is that last 5 minutes in ‘corpse pose’ where I am fully relaxed and at peace. Those are the best meditations I have.

Yoga is a gift. It allows you to spend some quality time with your magnificent inner and outer self. It has balanced my life and lifted my spirit.

Namaste!