thoughts on yoga.

Three years ago, I took one 30-minute yoga class and I felt more relaxed than I had in... a long time. It was then that I decided I wanted to take another class, maybe even practice yoga regularly? But I never did. For many reasons. Or excuses: Timing, self-consciousness, lack of money. 

And then, through luck or fate or whatever you want to call it, a new friend was teaching a small class at my school, literally right beside my apartment building. How could I not sign up?

So, beginning in March, every Monday evening for 12 weeks, I practiced yoga. And I loved it.

I never missed a class, even though I was tempted to skip a few times—on the days I was tired, not feeling well, didn't want to be seen in tight clothing. You know.

In fact, there was one week I really wasn't feeling well (scratchy throat, achy and tired body, mentally) and I was debating whether or not I should go. I went and I think it might have been my best class. Other than a couple of coughs, I forgot that I had been feeling sick and I was able to focus better than any other time. (My scratchy throat started bothering me again just a little while after the class.)

I am a sweaty person. So it comes to no surprise to me, although it did a bit to my friends and the instructor (it wasn't hot yoga), that I sweat during class. (Not a lot, but more than my classmates I'm pretty sure.) But what I like about yoga (one of many things, that is), is that by the end of the session, after the cool-down, I'm not sweaty anymore. So in the future, I think I could do yoga on a lunch break and still look okay without having to shower.

I'm surprised at how good I am at it. I'm more flexible than I realized. I've always been able to bend over and touch the floor while my legs were straight, but I could never touch my nose to my legs while doing so. After the 3rd class, I could!

But I realized I need to work on my balance.

And relaxing. Woah, relaxing. My mind wanders and I have a hard time taking deep, relaxing, focused breaths.

I was usually a bit sore the next day, but not in a bad way. It felt good. I always felt amazing at the end of the hour and 15 minute workout.

It's the most difficult and most relaxing workout I've ever done. I'm in love.

P.S. For someone who hates wearing socks (like me!), this is the perfect workout!