Friday morning I took my first yoga class in years. I went into it with confidence and giddiness. I was going to start strengthening my body. I thought yoga would help me with stretches and concentration. Actually, I don’t know what I thought now that I sit here writing about it. I just went in there believing that I could get something out of it…a wholeness of sort. The hour and a half was wonderful. It was “gentle yoga” – whatever that means because I got to a point I couldn’t feel anything but pain. As a matter of fact I ended the last poses by remaining in the child’s pose while everyone else was in some sort of constriction. I didn’t have it in me. I was breathing heavier than any hiking I’ve done up these mountains. I was pooped. My favorite part of the yoga class was the last 10 minutes of meditation. Hey, I am up for that any time!Now, like any physical modality that moves energy through the body, this yoga session kicked my immune system to the curve. I have been purging from different directions of my body. Saturday morning started with headaches and the sniffles, (and other stuff that doesn't need explanation). Sunday brought the aches and pains, the congestion and the body tension. I mean, let’s face it the yoga was more like a private session with Yoda commanding my body to loosen up and let go in order to reach the truth of who I am. My body has been releasing toxins in ways that I don't care to describe. Even emotional blockages have opened up just a bit. I can still hear the petite yoga teacher in my head instructing to “breathe in..hold it...ahhh, exhale! One more time....”My best friend asked me yesterday if I was going back next Friday. Absolutely, let’s get it all out! Let’s see what else is inside this body that is trapped and creating blockage. Let’s get this physical body to align with the spiritual one and whatever else yoga does. I am on board. I will just keep stocking up on tissues, migraine and cold medicine, toilet paper, and whatever else is needed to continue purging. I am in for the long haul. I have to believe that I can withstand myself for an hour and a half doing “gentle” exercises and breathing. I can do this. I know I can. It might take some time but the end result is… well, I will get back to you on that!Just like the storm outside this morning due to Hurricane Sandy, my body is going through its own detox. It is pulling and pushing and swirling in distress. I hear the wind chimes dancing chaotically to the heavy winds. I hear the earth breathing, holding it, and exhaling as if it was doing an intense yoga pose. Every so often there is silence and then it picks up again in fury. My body seems to be in rhythmic mode with the weather.I believe that our finest moments usually occur when we are in discomfort. That’s why we exercise and push our bodies to crazy measures of challenges. It is all about stepping out of our ruts and finding a ground to firmly stand on. Yoga, hiking, cycling, etc. create a space inside that pushes our spirits to twist and turn, but eventually find peace. The happy hormones take over and we feel a sense of completeness and wholeness. That’s what the earth seems to be doing with this crazy weather. This storm is preparing us for moving inward. It provides time for us to be with those we love and ourselves.So, while I remain snuggled up with tissues under my nose I wish you comfort and peace wherever you are. If you are near the storm’s way please take time to be gentle with yourself. Be safe. This too shall pass. Have a wonderful day!
