Yoga to Go
As I progressed through week three, it occurred to me that I’d been out of town for about a third of the time that I’ve been doing yoga. My crazy schedule has given me a unique perspective on exactly how transportable yoga is. All I need is some non-restrictive clothing and I’m good to go. And the significance of that, to me, is more than just the fact that it’s an easy activity to pack for. Yoga feels unencumbered, which makes it seem so much more organic then the other physical pursuits I’ve tried over the years. So many activities that we embrace for our health require so much stuff. Even running, which isn’t exactly a gear intensive activity, requires a particular type of shoe. There’s something so amazing about just using your body without the distraction of equipment. Which isn’t to say I don’t like the strap and the mat and the blocks. I do. And when I’m practicing at home in the space I’ve set aside, I use them. But I don’t need them—and that’s empowering.
As for the practice itself, after three weeks I feel like I can do the poses that I know how to do well. I’m starting to feel my way through the practice instead of thinking my way through the practice. And I can honestly say I love it. But I also know that there is a universe of yoga that I haven’t even glimpsed yet. And while I’m excited to explore, I’m also afraid that the confidence that I'm starting to build will be crushed beneath the weight of all the things that I don’t know how to do.
Comments
you are doing great
keep up the good work
the blood pressure is very important
Posted by: pat | January 17, 2007 10:25 PM
Don't be afraid. Just realize that Yoga is a "practice", you are never done learning...I have been practicing for 5 years and am still a student. This is all about you and your progress! Keep up the good work! My husband just began practicing with me last week and it is very cool to see him starting something that I love so much!!!
Posted by: Kristie | January 18, 2007 12:50 AM
You are great Leah! Keep feeling your way through the practice...that's how you learn to use your intuition and overcome your fear of unknown. There is a lot to know but it's all organic and it will come. You & your yoga will transform together. Namaste, Meredith
Posted by: Meredith | January 18, 2007 03:17 PM
Leah, your fear of what you think you don't know is based on a supposition of the future so this is an excellent opportunity for you to practice being in the moment. All of the more difficult asanas have a simpler starting point and so you just start there and keep building your practice, adding more challenge as your body is able to accept it. Try to stay out of that judgemental frame of mind of having to "do it right" the first time. Very few of us are ever able to do it perfectly at first.
Posted by: Colleen | January 18, 2007 05:20 PM
I think your right, sometimes in our Weight Loss Journey (aka the quest for the perfect weight loss idea) We purchase hordes of movies, straps, lounger's etc. that collect dust after the excitement wears off.
How do you remember what order to do your poses in? ~ Hunny
Posted by: Hunny Johnson | January 18, 2007 10:55 PM
Explore, one thing at a time. There is so much to yoga, but also there is only as much as you need there to be. Just meaning you have to learn to crawl before you run, enjoy each phase, each step. Your story is inspiring. :)
Posted by: Winter | January 19, 2007 05:27 AM
Leah, I picked up this yoga magazine for the first time the other day. I saw your article and I decided to give it a try. Tonight was my very first Yoga class and I fell in love! keep up the good work.
Posted by: Jessica Riddle | January 20, 2007 06:01 AM
I, too, like the simplicity of yoga gear, but I would still like to find a mat that folds into a suitcase!
Posted by: Mary | January 20, 2007 01:40 PM
CONGRATULATIONS ON FINDING THE PATH TO YOGA.
YOGA HAS BEEN MY BEST FRIEND. BEEN THERE THROUGH THE BEST OF TIMES AND WORST. YOGA HAS NEVER LET ME DOWN. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
NAMASTE!
LESLIE
Posted by: Leslie | January 22, 2007 03:18 AM