Journey of Transformation

Tonight, I was invited to a my very first Yoga class (thank you Anume2010). I was "Gung ho and ready to go!" Absolutely hyped about my first class. There were actually a few things that excited me...

First: I was meeting my first SPARK Buddy in person (Anume2010) I have to admit, we stumbled across each others pages, I wrote about her in my Something to Ponder Blog on Friday, and three days later, I am going to a Yoga class with her. Anume, thank you for inviting me, it was a pleasure meeting you!

Second: I have fantasized about learning Tai-Chi for some time. I thought, yoga could do for now.

Third: I was going to attend a Yoga class, WOW!

So I arrive, just as excited as ever and ready to participate. I walk in, there are instructors at the door greeting me with a smile, very good sign :) The instructor teaching class introduces himself and guides me down the hall... giving me all the details, women dressing room on the right, leave all personal items in locker room, use the bathroom, take water in class, here's a towel for your matt, grab a matt in the back of class and find a place to set up and I will be in in a few minutes, just relax until I arrive.

I walk into a dark room, where is the back of class, there are people everywhere, oh man, its Hot in here... is that humidity? Okay, just be quite, be careful and please, whatever you do Steph... don't step on anyone. I find the mat and walk around aimlessly looking for a place to settle down, but where. I begin to take a seat an the instructor enters. He introduces himself and has us move around from people we know, this is a journey for yourself... wow, this sounds good. This isn't a place to compete with others, it is about becoming a better you, strengthening yourself and focusing on you. I am loving the sound of this class.

We spent a bit of time listening to our instructor, he told us of his journey, he himself was over 400 pounds when he began Yoga and has lost over 130 pounds in the last year by performing Yoga only... oh my, this can happen for me to. I am still excited, I felt strong and proud to be there, it was warm but it was very comfortable.

After we had the opportunity to introduce ourselves, we begin, YOGA is NO JOKE! YOGA is very strenuous, our instructor gently encouraged us and helped us with modifications, oh yes! I needed several modifications. Every once and a while, Anume2010 and I smiled at one another in the mirror. There were a few times, I actually felt dizzy and thought I could faint, I sat down as the instructor told us previously.

We practiced for about 45 minutes, before it was said and done, oh my goodness, I was drenched in sweat, I was beat and so ready to just get out of the hot room. Before our instructor released us, he asked if we would return. I had to seriously consider this, part of me wanted to say no, this isn't for me but I know that I can find so much strength if I continue this.... oh geez, everyone is class is saying they will return... I agree that I will as well. After class, our instructor gave us Electrolytes to help restore some of our energy, minerals and vitamins lost during our workout.

I have to admit, the only thing I was excited about after class was that class was over, I was worn out. It wasn't' like Cardio Dance or Zumba where I feel in LOVE with the first session and couldn't wait to go back, this was very hard grueling work.

Anume and I are going back for part two, this will be a complete 90 minute session, the instructor encouraged us to return and reminded us to rest when we needed it. He stayed behind and answered several of our questions. Which, I appreciated.

On my drive home, I could feel my muscles, there was actual soreness from several of the poses we held during our class, I could feel my thighs, glutes, back and stomach... more so my obliques. They are sore, oh, I do hope I can move tomorrow.

I honestly, could not lose a wink of sleep if I never went back, but I know where I am right now, I must go back. I am on a journey, I want to be healthier mentally and physically, Yoga promises to do both.

When I got home, I began to do a little research and the first thing I read is something from a woman who admits she is overweight and is interested in trying Yoga, the woman's friends say she should wait until she loses weight before trying however a Yoga instructor encouraged her to begin now, let me share what hit me most:

"The point is that yoga helps us find balance in all areas of our lives; we're not supposed to arrive in yoga class as a fait accompli. We're supposed to show up ready to take a journey of transformation, whatever that may be. Everyone comes to the mat with a different imbalance, but everyone is working on something, and it is the act of getting on the mat that points us in the right direction. "

So, I began a journey on 01-01-10 which I called my journey to overcoming obesity and my addiction to food. I am on a journey of transformation... all though Yoga does not have me doing back flips, I think I should give it a real try, keep going and see how truly I can transform.