Sunrise Salutations

With my curious heart and nervous mind, I wander into the large, dim room. The walls are made of mirrors, and soft music waves through the room. Renee, my instructor, smiles and points to where I can borrow a yoga mat. I take it and hold it like I would a security blanket. I unroll the long, thin, gentle mat down and sit on it. Feeling self-conscious I glance to see what other people are doing. Noticing I'm the only one with my shoes and socks on, I casually take them off and throw them off to the side.

Now that I was in the room, I was eager for the lesson to start. Yoga has been a subject of my curiosity for quite a long time. I'm fascinated by the culture of it. From what I've read and heard of the practice, it not only does wonders for the body- but your mind. For years I held myself back from trying anything like this. I have never been very flexible. Before and after workouts, I stretch mildly (if I even stretch). I think the only time I truly take time to stretch is before and after I run a half marathon. Another reason why I held myself back was due to my ego pulling me back. For years ego told me a person had to be fit to practice yoga, I wouldn't succeed, I don't have time, blah blah blah. What was I trying to protect myself from? Finally I see those were silly excuses. Fit to do yoga? That's how some people become fit!

So, why now? My heart told me to. Once I realized there are no jobs available this semester, I started thinking about what else I can do with my time? Suddenly my heart put yoga in my thoughts and I became so excited! Why NOT now?! I found a class that fits my schedule and I signed up for it!


Renee began with breathing practices and eased the class into positions. After warming up, she showed us a routine of moves (called Sun Salutations). Performing these moves is intended to wake up and energize the body. It's also a way to "honor", "adore", or "bow to" light. In many cultures, light is a symbol of consciousness and self-illumination. What we're doing it adoring the light and letting it in. One thing I LOVE (even though I am loving everything about yoga so far), is Sun Salutations always begins and ends with joined hands touching the heart (mudra)... this is because the heart is what can see the truth! Beautiful!

I am extremely excited to see where yoga takes my mind and body. I am grateful for another opportunity to open myself up to the world!