Last night I had a completely different experience with yoga.
I went to a studio in the city, led by a warm and very spiritual instructor named Paz. He was the first male yoga instructor I’ve ever had and it made for a different and really interesting energy in the class. We held the poses for a really long time and recovered in savasana for long periods after each pose as well. There was not a single down dog and instead of the focus being on sweating and pushing and working out, it was on serenity and calmness and meditation.
I found it amazing. The poses were difficult enough that they demanded the attention of my entire body which made it harder for my mind to wander and I found myself achieving some peace in my breathing. It was also a long enough class the energy of the people around me in the room had a chance to calm and focus as well. By the end of the class when we OMed together I think the harmony was one of the most beautiful I’ve experienced.
Although I’m headed back to hot yoga this evening, I will carry a lot of what I did last night into the rest of my week. I definitely feel more at peace today.
I have been reading your posts and curiously reading about yoga and stuff. We come from opposite sides of the tracks
. I thrive on the adrenaline rush of soccer and watch my body’s degradation from the wear and tear of playing goalkeeper while at the same time going bipolar when we aren’t winning. You seem to be so serene and peaceful I almost cannot fathom that. Very very interesting!
Hi Dave,
Believe me when I tell you that the calmness is something I’ve discovered much more recently. I lived my 20 much the same way you describe, seeing adrenaline, living to go fast and win.
Those elements are still within me I have just found a sense of balance and peace in more serene endeavors like biking and yoga. Don’t get me wrong though, I have an appointment next week to be fitted for new contact lenses so I can get in some snowboarding before the season ends!
Jill