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Sunday, May 15, 2011

I'd Almost Forgotten

There's nothing like going back to yoga after almost two weeks gone.

Thought number one? I used to be stronger.

Thought number two? Jesus Martha is it hot in here...

I could go on; and so, of course, I will.

I discovered some things this afternoon, whilst tipping this way and that in a heated room. For instance, I recalled how much I enjoy my forehead on the mat. There's something about it that feels good. I'm not going to look at it too closely. If I am soothed by resting my head on the ground, let's let it be.

I also noticed that the free shoes at the doors have switched from boots to three-inch heels and tennis shoes at various levels of practicality. I found several pair I really liked but they didn't come in my size.

No, the footwear at the doors is not really free.

I noticed, too, that there seem to be far more men in the class than they're used to be. I'm against this. I have significant proof that men sweat swamps around their mats, that clusters of more men than, oh, one lead to pools of brackish water that may invade your personal space.

They also smell funny.

Mostly what I noticed, however, came after the class: the all-over, deep down relaxation.

Now that is why I practice yoga.

Holy Hannah, I feel like a million bucks.

29 comments:

Sioux Roslawski said...

You almost make it sound alluring, and I've resisted yoga for decades...

But the brackish water invading my personal space? Yuck!

Douglas said...

My ex-wife sweated a lot more than me.

I like yoga... especially the frozen chocolate and any with fruit at the bottom.

The Jules said...

Explains the friction burns on your forehead.

Leenie said...

Something about stretching until you can hear bones pop, until you can feel the blood finally find its way into the numb edges, air pushing all the way into the bottom of the lungs and, yes, the forehead on the mat that makes it worth the effort.

Yes, and males sweat a lot and smell funny.

light208 said...

Sounds... interesting. I like the idea of yoga but actually getting started with it is something different. At least you feel good even if you have to risk the brackish water - but what's life without a little risk ;)

Indigo Roth said...

Hey Pearl! A million dollars?! Can you lend me ten til payday? Indigo x

Simply Suthern said...

The swamp goes good with Amos Moses.

BB said...

When and if I ever get to getting some help for my pinched nerves and myriad of other physical issues, I want to begin with physical therapy because so much of my muscles and hamstrings are too tight but eventually would like to find yoga for older people. It's a bit down the road but I believe it's beneficial for staying healthy now that I've hit the 50 mark.

Drake Sigar said...

We just attend to watch you women in compromising positions.

Bretthead said...

Is it true that you have to learn how to control yourself from passing gas while doing all those awkward positions?

pilgrimchick said...

Sounds like a great Yoga session. I understand the "smell" thing.

Pat said...

I've always found men a bore in yoga classes. They find it difficult to do certain things which involve the naughty bits and instead of keeping quiet about it so we can all concentrate, they bleat endlessly on.
Call me sexist - please - but I'm as affronted by a man in a yoga class as I am at the sight of a man in my hairdressers. Some place are sacrosanct
Oh for the days when ships were made of oak and men were made of steel.

24 Corners said...

You are probably ready for a nap by the time your forehead hits the mat....it's all that relaxing starting to take effect!
Way to yoga Pearl!!
xo J~

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I was on the fence about trying yoga again. After reading your post and Douglas' comment (frozen chocolate? Really?), I'm sold. Thanks, Pearl.
xoRobyn

jenny_o said...

People, what with the brackish water and the funny smells and the popping bones and the excessive heat, you're not making me want to try this anytime soon :)

Gigi said...

*They* do smell funny, don't they?

Cloudia said...

gotta try it...


Great to be BACK!

Warm Aloha from Honolulu

Comfort Spiral

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HermanTurnip said...

I'm what you would call a "extraneous sweater", and can attest to the fact that, yes, men sweat way too much. That is why I always wipe down the gym equipment after each use. I just wish all of the other "extraneous sweaters" felt the same way. I hate finding an open piece of equipment with a pool of water covering the seat.

Belle said...

I always feel better after going to the gym, but yoga is even better.

Crystal Pistol said...

Yoga is the nectar of the Gods, ain't it? I never feel so rightside up as when I'm upside down.

Men do smell funny, don't they? But then again, I've chanted and stretched next to a few women that brought tears to my eyes, so strong were the fumes.

The worst is when one feels the need to pass gas but is expected lie with legs outstretched. No butt clenching power, ya know?

Oh and the other worst is when someone in the class breaks wind with no regard for others. it's called AIT POLLUTION, PEOPLE! Look it up!

Crystal Pistol said...

*AIR.

Why do I never re-read what I have written until it's too late?! I've RUINED my joke. RUINED!

Flea said...

No yoga for me, thanks - I'm full.

Bought a pair of hot pink Crocs today. Hoping it will keep my teenaged boy from slipping them on before he goes out to hang with his friends. You wear a ladies eleven?

River said...

Yoga annoys me because I can't get to any of the local classes/sessions. They're always held when I'm at work or at night and I'm not walking the streets alone in the dark, that's for sure. One of the few times I wish I'd learned to drive...
I'll take it up when i retire.

Linda O'Connell said...

I bend and stretch and kick 'em high, but I never pass a donut by!

SunnyToast said...

I been dreaming to enroll to a yoga class but my work schedule wont cooperate and I hate it.

Bossy Betty said...

Shoot! They weren't free shoes after all????

Unknown said...

You've talked me into cracking the plastic on the yoga for beginners DVD that I purchased months ago at Target.

Anonymous said...

Ooooohhhhh. I need to go to that class!

Anonymous said...

You are brave! I don't think I could do a co-ed yoga class. BTW, we're you doing Bikram's yoga? Apparently that's the yoga they do with the heat jacked up like you are in a sauna. Haven't tried that type of yoga yet. - G