My Downward Facing Dog Days

So, I’m about 4 months deep into my yoga practice. I started out once a week. I’m now up to two to three times per week and would be more if it weren’t for my hour commute. I started out more confident than I thought because my instructor started a beginner class, in which we were all newbies. She moved slowly and gave us much needed support. I’m learning primarily Iyengar, which seems to fit me perfectly. Anything that even borders on vigorous makes me anxious, so I found a great deal of peace in the calming yet strong practice of Iyengar.

Now, I can fondly look back at postures I gasped at 4 months ago because, although still a real challenge, I am much more confident in my stance. That being said, it’s taken me 4 whole months to perfect downward facing dog. One of the most common yoga postures had beat me down into doubt. Every class I would do my mental check...shoulders, tailbone, spine, legs...yet every class my instructor subtly adjusted me, as I couldn’t relax into what I visualized in my mind. Then, last Saturday, without thinking about my checks, without anticipating an adjustment, I smoothly rose into a perfect down dog. I knew it was perfect because it felt perfect. I do admit a moment of doubt, that quickly subsided as my instructor walked towards me, and passed without stopping by my side. I now understand the passion some have for the posture, fortunately for me, it was a small journey of self acceptance and confidence.

We can all sike ourselves out, especially when we want something so badly. The difference for me, is that I had to stop wanting it and start feeling it. Now I just have to keep my palms from sweating. Slip.

Welcome...

For now, I've decided to share current interests. My current blog is more to express my view and observations about life, but I wanted a separate place to share my experiences in yoga, religion, meditation, healing and health. I want to share with others, the information I'm trying to hard to apsorb.