YOGI me YOGI you

So the next exercise class I try is Power Yoga.  Now, I must admit, I’m a hold-out!  I’ve heard for years about the benefits of Yoga.  We’ve all had them drilled into our psyche since Madonna subscribed in the early 90’s.  (It always astonishes me that I can talk in increments of multiple decades!)  You know … how cleansing breaths and gentle stretches can  clear your mind, ground you, and de-stress you, at the same time it increases your ability to enjoy sex – who WOULDN’T want to practice?  But, I have remained a skeptic because the whole idea of candles in a dark room with barefooted strangers in convoluted poses  makes me question how you can call this exercise.  I personally like to sweat and feel my muscles fight back when I’m exercising.  But … I finally gave in, due to my quest to find the right  routine for staying fit in my rearranged life.  And guess what?

I LOVED IT!

The instructor was almost ethereal in the dim lights – with that soothing voice and calming message about being in the place that was right for you – and listening to your body.  The candles actually worked – honest to God – you really do escape for that moment in time.  I discovered two things I’d like to share:

1)  The power of touch is amazing.  I bent and stretched and rested and  posed – and felt amazingly peaceful by the time we lay in repose to reflect and regroup before the lights went up and we rejoined the hustle and bustle outside.  My eyes were closed so I didn’t expect it when the instructor lay her hands on my shoulders from behind and pushed them gently to the floor.  Wow – it felt amazingly good.  And then she rubbed her hands together and around my “space” and spread the aura of this wonderful relaxing aroma.  I could have lay there for hours!

The idea that after that entire hour of pushing myself and my body to its limits – the yogi way – the thing that felt the best was when someone else put pressure on my muscles – and touched me.  It made me think of the power of touch.  We ALL have that power – and do we use it enough?  An old friend had visited me that morning, before class … because she was in need of an ear.  I remembered at that moment that I had cradled the back of her head in my hand as I hugged her good-bye – and was glad I did.  That tiny touch said so much more than just a hug.  Again … do we all realize the comfort or the power of touch?  It’s so easy to use – and free!

2)  The Yoga instructor in all her wisdom instructed us in those last calming moments of meditation to “go to the place where YOU find joy”.  Oh my!  Top my surprise … I actually had a hard time identifying that place.  My peaceful and relaxed mind suddenly became neurotic searching for a place I could label as such.   I hadn’t ever really thought of any place like that … did I have a joyous place to go to or not?  If not … why not?  Was there something wrong with my life?  Or was there something right – that I couldn’t identify ONE place that gave me joy.  I struggled to visualize a cherished vacation spot, or a comfortable corner of my home, or even the warmth of the solid relationship I have with my husband … but nothing worked.  I didn’t feel joyous!  

The word joy is  actually beautiful, but very intense.  An intense happiness that is clear and perfect.   Not much in life is perfect.  But most of life is there to enjoy!  I’m game for that … to enjoy life – in its entirety!  And often!  And maybe … if I go often enough – to this peaceful place called Yoga class, I’ll find a “joyful” place eventually I can escape to.

Maybe you can too.

1 comment February 5, 2011

Put on your Boots!

So, I say … routines and ruts have been given a bad rap!  My life may have been predictable, and borderline boring before … but the “change is good for the soul” and the “Just DO it” advice is for suckers! 

Only kidding!  But I have to say, the energy and adjustment that is required to restore the balance and rhythm after a major life change at this age is WAY underestimated.  EVERYTHING changes!  Even something as minor as your exercise routine.  That may seem like a small thing to some of you, but if it does …. you’re wrong.  If it does, you may not have one.  If not … you need to get one!  EVERYONE needs to exercise.  The older you get, the more you need to.

I used to exercise EVERY morning of my life – had a set routine at home – and had the results to show for it.  Then I took a new job, and completely changed my life.  I have no routine anymore, because my schedule is completely varied and I have to get up so early on the days I work early, there is no way in HELL I could add the time to work out in the morning.  So … I’m out of shape, cranky, and ready to try something new.   It’s mind-boggling how much NOT working out affects you, when you are used to working out.  And I seriously DON”T want to get used to NOT working out.  It’s amazing how fast Mid-lifers lose muscle tone and motivation when not working out regularly.  I’ve BEEN THERE – I KNOW!  So … the answer …

BOOT CAMP!

I think perhaps it’s a nod to self-punishment, but it also just may be the beginning of a new fitness routine for me.  I tried it today for the first time.  It was actually fun.  I made it through – smiled all the way home, felt awesome and only had to ice my shoulder for an hour and a half afterward.  Of course, my metabolism was so cranked up I ate for 3 hours straight upon returning home, but … I’m sure the calories were singed and won’t add bulk.  It made eating the sub sandwich, cookies and chips more enjoyable, actually.  ALWAYS look at the positive!

Anyway … now I’m into trying all the different kinds of classes and fitting them in whenever I can with my crazy schedule.  Spinning, yoga, pilates, kick-boxing, zumba … you name it!  I’m willing to try it.  Point is … what used to work, doesn’t anymore.  So, now I have to change it up (even though I didn’t want to) – it’s important to react to your own needs in life.  You need to listen to yourself and do what is necessary to maintain your balance, your well-being and your rhythm in life.  I CAN’T not exercise … so I have to find a way to fit it in.  So … GI Jane … Look out!!!

Add a comment January 29, 2011