*During this year's challenge, my plan is to reflect on a slice of my life from that day, or the day before, and write about it. No theme to tie my writing together this year, no plans ahead of time. Just glimpses into slices of my days. Not having a plan is a very uncomfortable place for me, both as a person and a writer, so fingers crossed for the 13 remaining days!*
Come to your mat.
These were the words that welcomed me back to yoga after a 3 month absence. Between the holidays, spending the month of January in Naples, a rib injury in February that prevented me from twisting, I had to put yoga on hold for those 3 months. It was so nice to be back this morning.
Set an intention for your practice today.
As Carol, the instructor, spoke these words, it helped me bring focus to the next 75 minutes. It allowed me to be mindful about what I wanted to take away from the class. Today, I wanted to focus on balance, strength, and flexibility - both physically and mentally. The idea of knowing what you want to take away from the practice of yoga, really allows you to set a goal for achievement.
Our breath practice will be 4-7-8.
As I sat on my mat, Carol led our class in today's breath practice. Inhale for the count of 4, hold for the count of 7, and exhale for the count of 8. Becoming aware of breathing, and practicing that awareness, is a critical part of my yoga practice. This work on breathing always brings with it a sense of calm.
Listen to your body.
We were reminded several times during class, to listen to our individual bodies. If a certain move or flow was not in our comfort zone today, that was okay. Do what you can, working at your individual level.
Thank you for practicing with me today. Namaste.
As I left class today, I was so grateful for the gift of time to come to my mat, set an intention, breathe, and listen to my body.
I feel like the lessons I learned today in yoga would be very applicable to life as well.
I, too, have been away from yoga for too long, and your slice has encouraged me to roll out my mat this week, so thank you for that. I love how your writing progressed as a yoga class does. Fabulous format!
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to do yoga. This last summer I found a video and did it at home. When school started I made a commitment to get up a bit early and start each day with the routine. So far, I haven't missed a school day! It's pretty short, but I swear I feel better. One of these days I will do it for 75 minutes. How decadent!
ReplyDeleteBreathing practice is something that I know from experience that I can do and that benefits me immensely. You've inspired me to try 4-7-8 and to do more research. Thanks for that encouragement.
ReplyDeleteYour post makes me want to try a yoga class someday. I've done yoga with a friend who led some classes at our church while she was in training. My favorite part of class was when she played the bells. So relaxing.
ReplyDeleteI have never tried yoga. I keep thinking I might like to try it, but so far that hasn't happened. Maybe someday.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you were able to get back to the mat! I don't know what I would do, how I would live, without my daily yoga practice. I haven't really thought about life lessons from the mat, but maybe there's a slice in that for me too. Thanks for this calming read!
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