You may have guessed by my last post (on running) that my back is coming around. In addition to the Foundation Training, I am slowly returning to my other activities. At this point, I’ve gone on a two-hour bike ride, taking a kick-ass spinning class, run three times, done a bit of strength work (modified pull ups and push ups), and done a few yoga classes at the studio including two of the hot vinyasa classes that I love.
Like this time last year, I’m back front and center under the heater vent, with my other heat-thriving cohorts. The mirror allows me to check my alignment visually; it’s a nice compliment to the internal check I do as I practice.
Instead of trying to follow every verbal cue we are given (as I understand it), I keep in mind the basic principles I’ve learned about the spine’s natural curves (separate from the scoliosis) and am careful to maintain proper alignment as I move through the poses. As I do this, my mind flashes back to various assists given to me in the past. “In your case, Julie, you might not want to curl your tailbone under. You seem to lose your lordotic curve when you do that in this pose.” I try not to say, “Ah-ha!” out loud for I am blown away by the strength that comes along with maintaining the integrity of the spine.
With strength comes more stability and balance. I am finding my way into poses I could not do well before. Yet there remain others, such as tree pose, which I am as unstable as a tree in fierce wind storm. The main thing is that [knock wood] I am progressing without pain. In time, my tree will grow roots and it too will find strength to withstand the elements. For now, I am encouraged by what I can do once again.