Downward Dog and A Few Other Things I Learned in Beginner's Yoga Class
I’m pleased to say that I met at least one of my goals From “My Fall To Do List” blog post. I started taking a beginner’s yoga class about six weeks ago. I was interested in trying yoga because I had a few stressful situations that I was dealing with. I’m working on addressing problems head on and not avoiding them. (Remember my boundaries post? If not, click here.) Addressing my problems brings a sense of accomplishment, but it can also be nerve-racking. I felt yoga would be a good part of my wellness plan. Yoga helps with stress, meditation, mindfullness and reducing anxiety. I picked a location close to home, resarched the cost and beginners’ class schedule, and gave it a shot.
Here’s what I learned in six weeks:
Solo is sometimes the way.
The best way for me to build a healthy habit is to set my mind to it and not let anything get in the way of me being consistent. That means sometimes going to things alone. I’ve gotten better at this, but it’s still tough. I wrote about this in my post “Get Comfortable With Yourself” I love having a buddy accompany me to activities, especially when doing stuff the first time, but as adults, our sometimes schedules just don’t always match. After trying the first class, I realized, hey I can do this. It’’s important to me and I can show up, for myself, by myself.I can survive being in the “spotlight.”
I’m using spotlight loosely… What I really mean is I’m not all the way in the back of the class by the cubbies. I’m notorious for sitting in the back of any class and being quiet. I never took yoga before, so I wasn’t familiar with the various yoga poses. A lightbulb came on, and I told myself “Stephanie, this is a beginners‘ yoga class, everyone is a novice. You can barely see or hear in the back. Girl, go up front and get your money’s worth”. After doing the first class, each week I moved to an available spot closer to the instructor. Guess what? I didn’t die. I actually got better and more confident. I wasn’t perfect, but I also didn’t care as much.
Quiet time is golden.
I already knew this, but there was something different about getting up to go to yoga. Setting an intention to have a dedicated hour or two to myself is one of the best things I could have done. I look forward to blocking out everything that I’m obsessing over. I’ve also made it a habit to take myself out for a quick meal afterwards. That’s another goal accomplished! Peaceful time has become a priority.
I’m so glad I started taking yoga classes. My goal is to try to incorporate it on a daily basis at home, as well as going to class. Have you tried yoga? If so, what types, and how has it changed you?