I’ve never been very flexible. In grade school sitting criss-cross applesauce was a challenge that I just gave up on. In High School during the Presidential fitness test, I passed everything but the sit-and-reach. All I needed to get was one inch past my toes. I tried 4 times and my best result was zero…the first time I had ever touched my toes.
I can’t remember the first time I heard about yoga, but I remember falling instantly in love with it. The connection of mind, body and spirit as one and just BEing had major appeal. It would be years and years before I would actually try Yoga. I, like lots of people, got stuck in the stories that we tell ourself. For years I had told myself that I wasn’t flexible, how could I yoga if I can’t even touch my toes?
The first time I tried Yoga was in my house via the talented Jillian Michaels DVD: Yoga Meltdown. I’ll admit, it wasn’t what I had expected Yoga to be but it was intense and fun all the same. At the end of one of the sections, Jillian confesses she’s not that flexible, my brain’s wheels started turning; if she can do Yoga, so can I. I started practicing regularly after that and couldn’t believe the improvements that had happened in such a short time!
When I took my first live class I felt comfortable enough with the basics that I wasn’t nervous at all. It helped that I had some of my girlfriends with and ONE of them just knew she would let a fart slip. After that ice was broken there really wasn’t anything to be afraid of and I have been hooked ever since.
This year, I wanted to make Yoga a main focus. I want to master a couple poses that I have been struggling with since the beginning of my time. The poses include but are not limited to: Lotus Pose, The Wheel and Upside Down Seal. Thirteen days into the New Year and I haven’t seen much progress. Progress takes time though, right?
This is true:
While I may not be flexible (yet) and sitting criss-cross is still challenging but I’m making progress, every single day. My kids practice with me and I have high hopes that they will not have flexibility problems.
Here is to a year of progress!
Namaste, Much Love,
Jes xox0