yogi bear: update

I did it!  I went to a real Yoga class.  It was scary for the first fifteen minutes, as it went something like this:

Me: "Hi, I'd like to sign up for a yoga class."

Yoga Lady: "Great, have you been here before?"

Me: "Nope, my first time ever doing Yoga."

Yoga Lady: "How wonderful!  Welcome!  Just sign in here."

Me: "Do I need to purchase a mat or anything?"

Yoga Lady: "Not all all, we have everything you need.  We provide mats, straps, blocks and blankets for you."

Me: {complete stunned silence.  Um, straps?  Blocks?}

Yoga Lady: {clearly a reaction to seeing my face} "Oh my gosh!  I'm sorry, that must have sounded so intimidating!  Don't worry, she'll show you how to use everything."

Me: "Great?"  {what the hell am I doing here?}

Then I took off my shoes and stepped into this adorable yet tiny studio.  People were all laid out on their mats already and I felt so incredibly awkward because I didn't know what to do.  Should I stretch like that guy?  Should I lay down and close my eyes like that girl?  Should I instagram a picture of my mat?

I decided to save the instagram for later and found a spot on the floor and just sat there.  A nice man asked me if this was my first time {what am I wearing a sign or something?} and we softly chatted for a few seconds.  He told me that I was going to love it.  He was right.

We got started shortly thereafter, and a few minutes in I could tell that I was going to like this!  My fears subsided as I focused on breathing and over the course of the next 90 minutes, I tried my best to give myself over to the practice of yoga.

As I walked out of the studio, I literally felt two inches taller.  I felt like smiling, so I did.  I felt quiet, like the to-do list constantly running in my head had been put on silent.  I walked out of there taller, happier and calmer.

I am proud that I threw myself into something new and came out feeling great about it.  In fact, I've already gone a second time this week.

We often get so comfortable in our daily lives and routines that we forget to stretch our boundaries, step outside our comfort zone and challenge ourselves.  I'm glad I had this little reminder that it really does feel amazing to challenge yourself to something new.

I hope this inspires you to do the same.  When you do, tell me all about it!  I'd love to hear your stories.

XO,
J