I was able to finally go back to my weekly yoga class this past weekend! It was amazing.
Remember when I hurt my leg while hiking in Colorado a month ago? Well, I’ve been taking care not to re-injure myself, and I was afraid too many warrior or low-lunge poses would aggravate my leg. Last week, I was finally feeling confident that I could head back to class—and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
This week marks the beginning of my 12th year of teaching! The start of a new school year, a busy teaching schedule, classes at IIN for my health coaching certification, and a desire to continue blogging have me a little anxious and stressed.
But as I walked home from yoga on Saturday morning, I noticed how centered and focused I felt. I am thrilled to be back and thankful to be reminded of how much I need yoga.
The funny thing is that I really did not enjoy yoga when I first tried it. I forced myself to go for a little while, but it didn’t stick. Maybe I matured a bit, or maybe I was just more accepting and comfortable with what yoga is, but when I gave it a second try, I fell in love. Saturday provided a gentle reminder of why I now love yoga:
- It provides a time for me to s-l-o-w-d-o-w-n. I’m not the best at slowing down—I’m a go, go, go person, and that’s not always a good thing.
- I’m reminded to focus on my body and my breathing. These are two things I believe can provide valuable insight into your health and wellbeing.
- I love to run, bike and strength train. Yoga helps me create and maintain balance–both in strength and flexibility.
- Pigeon Pose. Need I say more?
- My yoga teacher always reminds us that “it’s just you and your mat” and “your mat is your island–find your comfort zone–and do what works for you”. There is no competition, no judgement, and all I have to do is work on no distractions.
- Meditation is a valuable restorative practice, but I just can’t get the hang of it. However, I do believe Sun Salutations get me close to that state of mind.
Source: pinterest.com via Michelle on Pinterest
If you practice yoga, what’s your favorite pose? If you don’t, is there a particular reason? Have a great day! Namaste!
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It has taken me a long time to get to a place where I enjoy Yoga. Actually, I always enjoy it, especially right after a session but I always feel as if I should be doing something to burn calories(lots of them) so Yoga always goes on the back burner. It is so relaxing, I really need to try to work it into my routine once a week.
I know exactly what you’re describing . . . it’s taken me awhile to come around!
My favorite pose is child’s pose! I feel so calm and a part of the earth when I do it.
True–that pose is soooo calming!
I love yoga. I have recently gotten really into and it was the best decision of my life.
Yay! Good for you!
You know I’m just like you with the GO GO GO and I love my ZWOW’s but I did try The Dailey Method this summer. It’s “a unique combination of ballet barre work, reconditioning, muscle strengthening, yoga and orthopedic exercises”…and of course I took that straight off the summary page hehe but it was a lot of fun and not as boring as I found yoga to be. Of course I haven’t been back since that first time since I’ve been doing my own workouts but I would definitely go back. We could do it together, maybe hit up a weekend class sometime
That would be fun to try sometime! I’m in!
I am a combination of this: “It provides a time for me to s-l-o-w-d-o-w-n. I’m not the best at slowing down—I’m a go, go, go person, and that’s not always a good thing.”
and this: “I always feel as if I should be doing something to burn calories(lots of them) so Yoga always goes on the back burner.”
Needless to say, it took me a LONG time to come around to yoga. Now, I do it for emotional reasons. And for pigeon
Amen (to pigeon pose)!!!
12 years of teaching – that’s awesome! I haven’t been to yoga in forever. I used to go every Wednesday and Saturday, but now I have my biggest loser workouts. It took me a while to get used to yoga too, but now I love it. It’s such a good stretch!
This is a loaded question girl! My answer it two-fold; when I’m taking yoga, I love hip openers. I’m a runner and forget to stretch afterwards so those poses that really open up my hips, quads, and hammy’s are beneficial.
When I’m teaching yoga, I gravitate more towards standing, flowing poses and sequences so the participants are strengthening their body and increasing their heart rate. I always end the class with core work, inversions, and deep stretches!
I totally agree with the hip openers–and how great they are for us runners. Sounds like I’d love to take one of your classes though!
I have tired yoga before but for me there was a little to much stomach in my way so I wasn’t enjoying it…or even relaxing. But it is something that I want to try again in a little while, once I lose a few more pounds. Mainly because I am horrible at remembering to stretch after working out, and if I go to yoga I am stretching!
When you feel ready, give it another shot! It’s also a great way to tone up, and work on balance and flexibility.
I know what you mean about a full plate! I also am headed back to school with a 5 month old (after being home with him for 5 months) and a desire to continue blogging. I’m just trying to stay calm, find some time to work in my yoga, and take it one day at a time. I know September will be rocky, but it always smooths out by October. Keep yoga-ing!
Yikes–you do know what I’m talking about!!! You’re right with “one day at a time”!
I’ve never been to Willow Yoga. Have you tried Pulsation Yoga in AH? I went once. I typically go to Total Body Yoga in Mundelein.
I have been to Pulsation! It was very nice as well. But Willow Yoga is my “regular” place!