I tried Yoga many times (as most probably a lot of people)- especially during the past few years. But it did not really work for me. My ambitions and goals in the past years have been different and not matching with Yoga. I wanted to stay fit and loose calories fast, so I discovered trail running for me.
It was the perfect mix of nature, mediation and workout. It helped me to reach my weight goal and to feel great. My joints and my back on the contrary were not always pleased with my chosen sport. And in winter, when it's getting dark early, I sometimes Iost my bravery to go into the forest at or after dawn. Often that was the only time to run due to my work and kids activities. So slowly but surely I did less and less.
But somehow there was still this urge of doing something that "completes" me and fitness centres or personal trainings did not hook me up. Yes I would love to look fresh and young with muscles at the right places and a perfect BMI. Who wouldn't? But feeling the age crawling slowly but consistently into my body and on top not being upset enough with my mirror image, I had not enough drive to extensive training and got more and more lazy. I missed doing something good to me.
Giving meditations and Singing bowl massages to others, equipped me with an open mind to the asian way of living.
What exactly is Yoga? I started reading and informing myself. It is not a sport. It is much more, it is an attitude towards life.
In short, it is a healthy mix of exercising, breathing, dieting (in the meaning of proper nutrition), relaxation and meditation. A whole journey to be mindful with yourself and others.
But where to start?
I might have a lot of questions! Where do I find the right yoga studio or teacher for me? How far do I want to take it? Where do I get easy to swallow information? Sometimes the answer is so close to us.
My best friend and soul sister Antje Lewerenz has her own business #WaterEarthAir on the beautiful Island of Gozo. She is a (Free)Diving instructor and Yoga teacher. We know each other since about 25 years - since we both have been young and ambitious in our starting careers.
I never considered her to be my yoga teacher as she is so far away. But life changes at the moment around us. We move closer together and overcome physical and geometrical boarders through technology. If my kids can do home schooling via ZOOM, I can do Yoga with Antje via ZOOM as well.
I started easily and carefully by sneaking into one of her Senior Chair Yoga classes. I mean, I have
not done any sports for a long time (due to my winter running pause) and considered myself as a senior with over 50.
Surprisingly it did so good to me. As said, Yoga is not one single thing. The breathing, connecting to myself, moving my body and respecting silence - all this from my office chair. It was an awesome experience. Taking some time for myself - having an appointment with myself -did something to me. I was calm and at the same time it started a whole process in me. What do I envision for my future? Big questions and the answers still far. But I left the session with a great feeling.
Next step was the Hatha Yoga class with her. Will I like it or will I fall out? It seemed I am able to
follow the instructions and poses and again, the breathing and stillness in combination with core exersises felt good. Although my body aches still after each lesson, my soul does not.
Now I took it to the next level - Yoga with a twist! I got introduced to some animals, such as the Dolphin, the Cobra I believe a version of the craw and the crocodile. Not sure if I will make friends with the Craw and the dolphin soon, but the crocodile was my immediately favourite. (LOL)
In the meantime I am doing 3-4 times yoga per week and even try to repeat some poses by myself.
I love the expression "having an appointment with myself". This is something I never did, or I never thought this way. Yes I was running, watching Netflix, taking a bath, playing my instruments or listened to music. But often I felt guilty when I was caught doing nothing. And I never thought about taking an appointment with MYSELF. I hope Antje will help me and accompany me on my new path. Without her, I might not be able to do that.
Let's see where this journey will get me. My short term goal is not to forget breathing when I am in my poses.
Your Pe
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