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June 28, 2008
Prayer Twist
No, it's not the Saturday night singles' dance at the local mega church, it's something we did in yoga class today. I definitely took the hardest class I've had so far. They say "All Levels" on the Vinyasas on the schedule, but they do suggest some strength and cardio endurance. I definitely have both, otherwise I'd just fall over, but this one was really hard. I was clearly the only beginner in the class, and the teacher gave me a lot of modifications so I could work within my level. I really enjoyed it, and I definitely got a workout.
It was funny... the teacher was giving modifications and kept suggesting changes to Abby. But looking at me. Eventually it dawned on me that she was talking to me. I could have corrected her, but it was late enough in the class that it felt weird to say something about it. Then I decided that I kinda like being called Abby. It's a cute name. I knew an Abby in high school. And guess what? She was Canadian! In contemplating whether or not Abby can be my yoga name, I am reminded of that piece on "This American Life" where the woman telling the story, upon learning that she was to choose a Goth name, named herself "Becky."
I feel like the various parts of my body are competing with each other for which can be the least flexible. First, it was the hips. Today, my shoulders were incredibly tense and kept wanting to climb up to my ears. The back of my calves are always tense, no doubt a result of years of wearing heels. I'm sure my nose will find a way to hold tension. The long term benefits of doing yoga and Pilates are so obvious that I'm surprised that there aren't more life-extensionists who are into it. Maintaining mobility is so important. I'm actually surprised it took me this long to figure it out!
This is probably pretty obvious, but I noticed today that in our various poses, we look a lot like the gods and goddesses and happy dancing people in Indian art, which I've always loved. "I get it! They're doing yoga!" Aha! I thought they just danced that way. Walk like a Hindu... if you can.
Posted by april at June 28, 2008 9:42 AM
Comments
Calves-- me too.
Posted by: Marti at July 1, 2008 6:23 AM