For mind, body, and spirit

Maybe it was my own insecurity but I was sure that my entry into the HOT yoga class resulted in more than a few questioning looks. I found a spot, and took a few deep breaths as I rolled out my yoga mat. This was certainly a class necessitating the packing away of any and all uncertainties.

I sifted through my spiritual bag of tricks and located my long-forgotten meditation tools. Looking around the room, I created a safe haven for self-discovery, healing, and the good hard work out that I’d been craving. Then I closed my eyes and did the same with my body.

It seemed like it took an act of faith to get to this class. I’d managed to secure a ride home for YaYa and planned to head over straight from the office. But as luck would have it, my mat was still in the garage where I’d put it prior to heading to the airport last week. It seemed unlikely that I’d have enough time to go home to retrieve it on time for class. Yet, somehow, I did.

Here I was sitting on my mat, listening to the fountain flowing, and breathing in the moist hot air, while the yogis around me settled things in their own space. I gave myself a brief pep talk. “Breathe deep, Julie. Relax and be HERE.” And as I did I felt my body settle in a little more. I collected up the bits of energy I’d left at work, at the Air Force base, in the airports, and everywhere else I’d gotten stuck. Then, I let go of (if only for the 1 ½ hour class) my troubles, exhaustion, and any notion that I was unfit or otherwise ill prepared for the class. Just like that, I found comfort in just being… ME.

The class itself was kick-butt awesome! When I wasn’t slipping and sliding on my sweat soaked mat, I surprised even myself at what I could do. I actually caught myself admiring my ability to hold the far-fetched poses we were guided to hold. Arm stretched towards the heavens, core strong and determined, my body showed it’s appreciation with a complete release of sweat. Gobs and gobs of flowing (not dripping) sweat across the entirety of my muscular body.

I emerged from class invigorated and thankful that I had enough havingness and belief in myself to get past the obstacles (physical and mental) and let it manifest.