Despite its popularity across my social media news feeds, I’ve never tried Yoga. I think I’ve determined why, and it has to do with libraries. When I was a kid, I used to get into trouble at libraries. There was something about being in an environment where you’re supposed to be quiet and respectful that seemed to bring out the worst in me.
As a kid, I ran away from Sunday school. I got the giggles during any type of quiet time. And more than once I was caught dashing through the halls of the Greene County Public Library on some type of indoor parkour mission. I just hated the idea of being trapped inside somewhere where I had to be quiet.
But when my friend Kelly invited me to join her for Yoga class as part of my October challenge, I had to say yes. Besides, Kelly is an adventurous and outgoing law enforcement officer who rides horses on the side. If she could do it, so could I.
When I arrived, the yoga studio was dim and there was soft music playing. I signed up and looked into the yoga room with slight unease. Candles were lit. Everyone was quiet, wearing yoga pants and tank tops, and some were already on their mats stretching.
Then the door opened and Kelly breezed in, preceded by the unmistakable scent of horse manure and reminding me once more why we are friends. She was in full barn clothes, splattered from head to toe, running late from cleaning out the stalls. This was when I knew I could do a yoga class.
We both laughed, grabbed mats and straps, and settled in for the class.
Yoga, I discovered, is a fantastic way to get back in touch with your own body. It draws your attention to muscles you’d forgotten about and causes you to focus on using them or stretching them. As a dancer, I loved the poses that activate your core and force you to balance yourself. We also planked so often that my back and arms – still sore from rock climbing! – were starting to cry.
Yoga is highly methodical, and that in and of itself is a challenge worth pursuing. Doing things methodically, with purpose and thought, is difficult but worthwhile. We moved slowly and purposely through the poses, from sun salutation to warrior to cobra.
Afterward I felt thoroughly stretched and much more in tune with myself physically. And although I had trouble relaxing during the class, I nearly fell asleep during the relaxation pose.
I thanked Kelly for inviting me, and for sticking around despite the challenge of doing just about any yoga pose in jeans. Adventure number three was complete.