The Mat and Me
Not too long ago, I was in a dark place, and all I knew was stress. That is, until my mom let some light into my life and asked me if I wanted to start doing yoga with her. I’d never done yoga before, but I am sure grateful I practice it now. I attend Holy (not hot) Yoga every Tuesday, and my mom’s co-worker is the instructor.
I was really nervous at first because there were lots of elders who obviously knew their way around a mat; but after I got going, I felt brand new. Now, I can’t live without yoga. It has definitely helped my flexibility and my mental health.
I feel rejuvenated after every practice. I get in my car in some sort of yoga trance. My body tingles with calmness and I feel like I’m floating. I think the word for it is “zen.” Yoga helps me to find my zen.
In my life, it’s always go-go-go and never stop to take a breath. Breathing is a crucial part of yoga and finding your zen. I am still learning how to breathe while going through yoga flows, a fluent routine of given poses. However, I do find my breath in meditation more easily.
There’s something about being so still, noticing for once every sensation in your body, and focusing on only one thing: your breath. Your breath, your pace, your rhythm. Feeling the cool air come in through your nose, and feeling it leave through your mouth warm. Since I often multitask, meditation helps me to find calm by focusing on only one action and paying attention to what’s happening here and now.
Also, I’m not incredibly religious, but hearing the different Proverbs the instructor recites reminds me of how good life is. It brings back the warm feeling in my heart. Even the simplest quotes bring me back to feeling joyful and thankful for anything that comes my way, good or bad. For example, the instructor talked about gratitude last session and declared this “The Summer of Gratitude.” It made me realize that I take a lot of things for granted, such as the support from my loved ones and different resources I have around me that I may abuse.
That being said, I am now trying to be more aware of each situation and each day, to cherish what I have because it will all be gone one day.
As far as the physical aspects of yoga go, it’s another form of exercise for me. I get to stretch my mind and my body. I really enjoy the warrior poses, such as Warrior I, Warrior II and Reverse Warrior. I also love the Pigeon Pose and Happy Baby. My goal is to successfully hold Crow Pose and Grasshopper Pose.
Yoga gives me physical vibes that are like no other. When going through flows, I feel a sense of power because of my freedom to go at my own pace. No matter what pose I’m holding, taking a moment to really feel the pull in my muscles and any tension in my body is tranquilizing.
Holding, noticing, acknowledging, embracing.
I was really nervous at first because there were lots of elders who obviously knew their way around a mat; but after I got going, I felt brand new. Now, I can’t live without yoga. It has definitely helped my flexibility and my mental health.
I feel rejuvenated after every practice. I get in my car in some sort of yoga trance. My body tingles with calmness and I feel like I’m floating. I think the word for it is “zen.” Yoga helps me to find my zen.
In my life, it’s always go-go-go and never stop to take a breath. Breathing is a crucial part of yoga and finding your zen. I am still learning how to breathe while going through yoga flows, a fluent routine of given poses. However, I do find my breath in meditation more easily.
There’s something about being so still, noticing for once every sensation in your body, and focusing on only one thing: your breath. Your breath, your pace, your rhythm. Feeling the cool air come in through your nose, and feeling it leave through your mouth warm. Since I often multitask, meditation helps me to find calm by focusing on only one action and paying attention to what’s happening here and now.
Also, I’m not incredibly religious, but hearing the different Proverbs the instructor recites reminds me of how good life is. It brings back the warm feeling in my heart. Even the simplest quotes bring me back to feeling joyful and thankful for anything that comes my way, good or bad. For example, the instructor talked about gratitude last session and declared this “The Summer of Gratitude.” It made me realize that I take a lot of things for granted, such as the support from my loved ones and different resources I have around me that I may abuse.
That being said, I am now trying to be more aware of each situation and each day, to cherish what I have because it will all be gone one day.
As far as the physical aspects of yoga go, it’s another form of exercise for me. I get to stretch my mind and my body. I really enjoy the warrior poses, such as Warrior I, Warrior II and Reverse Warrior. I also love the Pigeon Pose and Happy Baby. My goal is to successfully hold Crow Pose and Grasshopper Pose.
Yoga gives me physical vibes that are like no other. When going through flows, I feel a sense of power because of my freedom to go at my own pace. No matter what pose I’m holding, taking a moment to really feel the pull in my muscles and any tension in my body is tranquilizing.
Holding, noticing, acknowledging, embracing.