What I've Learned From Yoga

Well hello again! Glad to have you back. Hope I didn’t almost scare you away last week but I was just keepin’ it real bruh.

Do you see this weeks blog photo? Pretty profesh huh? Trying to class it up a little bit around here. Do you like it? Or do you prefer my word vomit to be rough around the edges? Comment below, I would like your opinion.

So being that 2018 kinda has me in a New Year, New Me mentality I finally bit the bullet and signed up for Yoga. I have been talking about it for over a year now but always found a reason not to go. I always had something I had to get done and just couldn’t make it. Well, this year I said oh no it’s time to go. So I bought a Groupon…..as we sometimes do and I have attended 6 classes so far. Go me!

I have really been wanting to take Yoga for a few reasons;

1.       I need the stretch and to work on my mobility. I do not do that enough on my own and I know it will improve the work I put in at the gym.

2.       Stress Management. These days my mind is all over the place and I can never seem to be completely present in any one moment which adds even more stress to my daily stress. Stress on stress on stress.

3.       Group classes. Oh, how I miss them. I used to take all kinds of classes and I am still friends with the instructor who taught a majority of those classes. They are fun, interactive and you don’t really have to think about what you need to do because the instructor tells you. Win win!

Since joining a Yoga studio I have learned a thing or two.....or more.

1.     I am more flexible than I thought and have good balance

Granted, I still have a lot of mobility work to do but I was generally impressed with myself during my first class. 

2.    Yoga is come as you are

Now, I can only speak for myself and the Yoga Studio I have been attending but I just feel like once I walk through the door it is a judgement free zone. Doesn’t matter what you wear, how you look, what size you are, how loud you sigh or even if you win at posing. It’s neutral territory. I carry insecurities from my toes to my nose but once I’m there my focus shifts to my practice. It’s pretty liberating. 

3.    I don’t know how to breath

It is truly amazing to me, after these past few weeks attending yoga, that I have lived this long. I have no idea how to breathe! Through out the class you are supposed to pay attention to your breath and use your breath to help you through each pose. Well, anything outside of the shallow breathing I’m used to and I feel like I’m gasping for air! WTF! I ran a marathon, and I can’t take a deep breath?! I have some work to do. 

4.    The atmosphere really sets the tone for your practice

I have taken yoga classes in the past. This is the first time, however, that I have been consistent. I took a class or two in college…really don’t remember them. I’ve dabbled in Yoga DVDs, I’ve taken classes out doors and I have taken a few classes at a local gym. The difference with where I am taking yoga now is the atmosphere. I find when I do Yoga at home I am easily distracted and can only think about getting it over with, so I can take care of things around the house. Taking Yoga outside was nice but when it’s held next to a parking area, hearing the cars drive by doesn’t allow your mind to fully be present their either. When I took classes at my gym there was no dimming of the lights, so it was so bright and plus, you could hear the thumping of the gym floor music, clanging of weights and just the normal hustle and bustle of fellow gym goers. It was next to impossible to relax the mind and body with all of that going on. Where’s the zen my friend? Not at a Globo gym that’s for sure.    

Where I am now the studio is quaint. The color scheme is warm and inviting and it smells of incense (not typically my thing but it suites this environment.) The lighting is a low glow at all times. When I walk in I feel as though my body lets out a sigh and whatever baggage I have from the day gets left at the door for the time being.

Finally, what I have learned is that I really needed this. Not only for the mobility/flexibility work but for the mental relief. Ask anyone, I don’t stop. My philosophy is work first then play. I have this need to make sure all of my “chores” are done before I will even consider doing something fun or relaxing. Man, my mom was lucky to have me growing up……I’m disciplined AF! I mean what other teen do you know sets their own bed time to make sure they get their daily recommended 8 hours? Not to mention getting home from school and doing my homework before I went out to play?! What’s wrong with me 😊 Yah, that was me…..and still is. LOL.

Now-a-days, even going out to dinner can seem inconvenient to me if I haven’t cleaned the house yet or I need to do laundry or pack my food for the next day. I have a hard time doing absolutely nothing. No matter what, I can find something that needs to be done. With Yoga, you have to succumb to the process, to the practice. My favorite part is the end. I mean, I LOVE the class, I just get the most out of the end. It’s called something fancy but don’t ask me to repeat it because I will butcher the word for sure!  The lights are dimmed further, we lie on our backs and the music is lowered until it’s almost nonexistent and we are just there. Although I have never meditated….you know, ‘cuz I can’t sit still, I imagine in those moments at the end of class that is pretty close to what mediation is like. And I have to tell ya, it’s refreshing. To empty my mind, if even for a few moments……::sigh:: To know that it is possible, in those moments I am fully relaxed.

What do you do to relax or practice self-care? Better yet, how do you clear your mind from the noise of daily life and how often do you incorporate these practices? I would love to read what you have to say! Please comment below, comment on Instagram or send me an e-mail.

Have a great weekend….Ommmmmmmmmmm.