“practice”

Last night, when I opted for some evening ashtanga practice after a midday run, I groaned with the first forward bend. “That’s why they call it ‘practice'” I thought.

Clearly my body needed a little more practice in going with the flow of my busy lifestyle.

By the time I found time to run it was at the heat of the day. It didn’t matter though. My body rejoiced at the gift of being able to get out of the office stillness and move. I found a meditation like calmness as I watched the trees pass by, and felt the ground under foot. Running! Oh, how I do love running!

But as I approached my turnaround point, I either lost focus or energy. My consciousness returned when my right big toe slammed into a big rock. OW! Pick up your feet, Julie! I kept on moving and soon was crossing over the river of rocks (no water). Once again, my awareness of my body came rushing back as the arch of my foot met the sharp edge of an unfriendly rock. OWIE!

I ran on.Thankfully, the return trip was uneventful.

Hours later, the arch of my foot is still begging for some TLC. Apparently, ashtanga is not what it had in mind. My hamstrings and glutes think likewise. But I have my heart set on limbering up. At the end of this warm day, my back deck, with the cool breeze blowing, provides an inviting place to roll out my mat. So I urge my body along – slowly – until if finally succumbs to my persistence and melts.

 In the end, my body thanks me for not letting up. This is good for I have plans to start my day with a 6 AM spinning class