Having practiced yoga intermittently for several years, I can confidently say that while I have engaged with the poses and concepts, I haven’t quite mastered the essence of yoga itself. I genuinely enjoy the practice and appreciate how it makes me feel, yet I often struggle with the fundamentals. My breathing is inconsistent—I find myself inhaling when I should be exhaling and sometimes holding my breath entirely, which is counterproductive. Most troubling of all, I often fail to stay present in the moment, a key focus of yoga. Instead of centering on my breath and energy flow, my thoughts drift to mundane concerns.
As the instructor encourages us to concentrate on our breathing and leave outside distractions behind, I can’t help but think… Did I hear my stomach growl? I really am hungry. What’s in the fridge at home? Is there enough gas in my car? How much money do I need to fill up? What time does the football game start? Who are we even playing this week? I know I’m a terrible fan, yet college football is so exciting to me. Maybe I should consider going back to school. Oh, and laundry—there’s a mountain of it waiting for me. I can’t wait to move to a bigger place.
Breathe in… Speaking of which, I really need to invest in more yoga clothes. I wonder if I could find some at the thrift store? Oh wait, Goodwill isn’t the best option. I should check out the consignment shops instead. Where did that one go that used to be just down the street? And there goes my stomach again! Ah, those baby carrots and yogurt dip I have at home are calling my name. Is this really what I want? Yoga is making me more aware of my diet. Baby carrots with yogurt and a pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream—lunch and dinner sorted out right there. Boom.
Why don’t I ever eat before class? This is an endless cycle. Great, here I am, the classic hungry woman who can’t stop thinking about snacks. Don’t judge me, fit folks; I’m really just contemplating baby carrots. And I really ought to buy my own yoga mat. It’s silly to keep borrowing one. They’re only about $6 at Target—I need to take care of that.
And now, on to child’s pose… Oh, how I adore this position! Yes, stretch it out. I am feeling remarkably flexible today. My spine is extending through my fingertips. Speaking of spines, I need to look up that finishing move in Mortal Kombat later. Which character is it that rips out the spine? That’s some serious skill. The guys would get a kick out of it. Is that too violent? I grew up playing video games, and I’m not a killer—yet! If I don’t eat soon, who knows…
Now we move to proud warrior… Heck yes, I’m a proud warrior! I’ve got this in the bag. Tomorrow is going to be a different story, though—I’ll definitely feel sore. This is just the introduction to yoga? I’m relieved I didn’t dive into power yoga; that would probably wipe me out. What time is it? Oh yeah, I have apples back at home too.
Next up is tree pose. Really feel your feet grounding like roots… Look at me, my foot is a root! I should wear my glasses in here to appreciate how great I look. I AM a magnificent tree. I should really focus and breathe like they say and just BE in this moment. But oh, the hunger is creeping back in. This studio is beautiful; I love that mural. Does it have a deeper meaning, or is it just a pretty decoration? Maybe I should inquire.
Now we lie on our backs to mentally scan our bodies and fully relax… THIS is the moment I cherish. This pose—flat on my back with my hands at my sides and palms up, just breathing—this is something I’ve mastered over time.
Breathe in… and out…
Namaste.
Nailed it.
This piece was originally published on March 23, 2015.
For those interested in exploring more about home insemination, check out this comprehensive guide on artificial insemination. If you’re concerned about fertility, you might also find valuable insights on anemia, while questions about insurance can be addressed through this fertility insurance resource.
In summary, yoga is a journey filled with distractions and self-discovery. While I grapple with my thoughts and physical limitations, I find joy in the practice and a deeper understanding of my body and mind.