Yoga Zen

I really love yoga. In fact, I don't know why I don't do it more often, or haven't really been "into" it much.

I just started doing it again, following a simple program that's filmed here. It's repetitive and not really challenging in any way, but I enjoy it. Why? I've been doing a lot of cardio, running and climbing on my treadmill but also pounding the pavement outside. My body sometimes feels a little tight afterwards, and the yoga really helps to stretch it out. I can actually physically feel the tension leaaving.

My favourite part, honestly? The end where I get to just lay there and concentrate on my breath. This program also has a few minutes of meditation time. I'm amazed that I'm able to have ZERO thoughts in my brain, and just focus on my breathing going in and out. I seem to really need this practice, and I've been sleeping better and deeper. (well, except when my kids wake me up several times a night.)

I took a class many years ago and really enjoyed it. It was a small class at the local college. Now, I'm not the "New Age" type so sometimes some of the Yogini talk that goes on is a bit weird for me. I just want to stretch my body and increase my flexibility. Maybe I'm immature, but some of the "touchy/feely" stuff makes me giggle.

One class, as we were doing some pose or another, someone tooted. Pretty loudly. Now, generally most people just ignore that and don't talk about it, right? Well, the teacher went on and on about how it's natural and normal and I can't even remember what else. Why can't I remember? Me, with the photographic memory? What she said is fuzzy because I was cracking up, hard core.

I took the class with a friend who luckily was as immature as I was. We both lay on our mats, shaking and trying not to laugh out loud. At one point, I had to put my towel on my face. I was trying not to make any noise, so I was just twitching and shaking on my mat. I am pretty sure my friend at the time did a few snorts. It was awful!!! You know when you aren't supposed to laugh, and it makes you nervous, and then you laugh more? Ya, that. That was me. I was contemplating having to get up and actually run out of the room!!! It was bad.

So, I'd love to try a class again, but I'm nervous. It's been many years and maybe I wouldn't react like that.....but knowing me? I probably would!

Hmm, maybe it's more Zen for me to just keep searching for the perfect DVD and find my practice at home.

Any suggestions?