Maybe I am flexible...

A few weeks ago, yoga and I crossed paths for the first time. Looking for a way to stretch and become stronger, it seemed like a good option. Except for the visual I had of me as a permanent pretzel. Flexibility has never been a strong presence in my life. Physically or otherwise.

The first class was free. After a week of emails between the teacher and myself (and the promise of the first class being free), I went. With much trepidation. Truly. And a lot of prayer. While I was after the stretch and the strength, the dive into eastern mysticism wasn't part of the agenda.

The class lived up to its name: Gentle Yoga was indeed gentler than expected. And also much more difficult than I'd imagined. No unyielding pretzel poses. Nothing I wasn't able to get out of once I got into them. Sweat was part of the experience, which was a welcome surprise.

Upon leaving the class, I felt pleasantly flushed, very "worked out" and very "in touch" with the ground. A nice nap would have been the perfect touch. Ahhhhh.

The next morning, I could barely move. Yeowch.

The second gentle yoga class happened today. The class was different. Harder, I think. We struck a warrior pose. Then a warrior II pose. As sweat dripped from my brow, I tilted my ankles in, held my poses, relaxed my shoulders, tilted my pelvic core and engaged my muscles. My head hurt a little from thinking of so much at once. I have to say, as Jean (our yoga instructor) made her rounds through the class, she only readjusted my pose once. I felt like the smart kid in the class. Silly, I know.

And then, as we utilized straps, and toe tilts and back flats and blocks for a particular taxing pose, the instructor said, "Kris, you don't need the strap. You can easily grab your foot. You are really flexible." As I reached for my foot, comfortably grabbed the side of my foot, I thought, "Have I always been able to do this? Hello, Mr. Foot!" It was a proud and unexpected moment.

The class closes with some floor time and a lavender sachet of goodness on my eyes. It was wonderful and difficult and cleansing. There's no chanting and mediting in this particilar class - but when we do relaxation, I do concentrate on praying. Not humming or touching base with my inner self. :)

I'm curious to see how the limbs are feeling in the morning. We have six miles to hit in the early hours...should I try it in the warrior pose?

:) Happy Easter!