Yoga and Relationships

This weekend marked an important realization - I can't do hot yoga two days in a row.  It's just not possible.  I had developed this theory after my very first class, and today my theory was proven to be what researchers call valid.  I thought I was tough, I thought I was invincible, my body told me otherwise.


My friend and I tackled a weekend of fun with some Bikram yoga.  We went to the 8am session Saturday and Noon today.  During the noon session, only minutes into the class, I had the thought of just picking up my mat and leaving the room - I just physically couldn't do it.  My friend was very astute and asked after our 2nd posture if I wasn't feeling well... we still had 24 more postures to go and we were in 100 degree heat.


Somehow we made it through and I'm alive to tell the tale. I actually am very proud of myself for mentally toughing it out.  After class, my friend and I were discussing how terrible we felt this during class and we couldn't help but to draw upon the parallels of hot yoga and relationships.  Confused?  Let me explain..


Hot yoga (specifically Bikram Yoga):
You walk into a sweltering room.  You think.... not so bad.  You lay down on your mat, waiting for the class to begin.  The instructor comes into the room and we begin a familiar series of poses, fluidly moving with a guided script.  As we begin, sweat begins to pour.  I mean pour (I literally looked like I jumped into a pool after today's class).  You then begin to question why you decided to come to the class.  You then remember that you have gotten through the class before and know what to expect.  If you keep calm and focused, you'll get through the class.  Then, somehow, through shear determination, you reach the final Savasana.  You leave the room with a soaked through towel and a smile, knowing you just did the inevitable.  You immediately feel the rush of adrenaline and contemplate when you will go back for more. Repeat.


My thoughts on Relationships: 
You walk into a room.  You catch someone's eye (or at least this is always how it works out in the movies) and it turns into a lovely time of getting to know one another.  You begin to learn the cute quirks of the other person and maybe their vices.  You think of when you want to spend time with this individual.  You also tend to disagree with this person on occasion and although the fighting isn't ideal, you know how to work through it.  There may be moments when you want to throw in the towel, but you know that through perseverance and determination you'll get through it.  You resolve the conflict.  You feel happy about where you are at that day with your relationship.  You wonder how long this feeling will last until the next hiccup will occur. Repeat. (except for the always walking into a room and catching someone's eye part...)


We often contemplate at times why we put ourselves in these situations.  We think that the grass is always greener on the other side.  I could have up and left yoga today, but I didn't because I know the overall benefits it provides me.  Relationships at times can be a pain in the butt (I've experience a lot of that), but there can be moments of joy that keep us wanting more, or keep us wanting to go back. But what we do know, is that through some perseverance and a little hard work, in the end it's worth it.


[Note: Know that this can be perceived negatively for an unhealthy relationship - thinking we know how to fix things to make it better instead of recognition when to actually throw that towel in. That's a whole other blog post in its entirety.]  

A Moment of Nostolgia

Do you ever have those moments of nostalgia that bring you back to your childhood?  For me, it can be when I'm playing certain board games, or even eating a certain treat that I enjoyed growing up.  Another way that I am brought back is through the magical power of Disney.  That's right, folks. Disney owns the world and is the staple of American childhood.


This past weekend, I was fortunate to have a date night with a friend of mine from college.  She too shares in the love of Disney as she thought at a young age that she was able to control the wind like our gal Pocahontas.  So, when I suggested after dinner to head to the movies to see Beauty and the Beast in 3D, it was a go.  Now, since I can remember, I've loved Beauty and the Beast.  I don't know why exactly, partially because my big sister liked it so much, but also because it's just a remarkable story - learning to love people for who they are instead of what they are. Now, that is a bit sappy, which is not my style, but it is Disney after all.


Now, the film originally came out in 1991 when I was 4 years old.  So really, I don't fully remember that first experience of going to the theater and seeing the actual movie on the big screen.  That's why I love that Disney has been releasing some of it's classics in 3D. (Side Note: I absolutely love Lion King as well, so I was also excited for that to be re-released).  Being in the theater - which also, I think it's a funny concept that we pay a lot of money to sit in a dark room in silence to watch something that we will eventually be able to watch at home - was an epic experience.  Nothing like watching it on my little 22" TV.  And as the credits rolled and we were singing the Celine Dion version of "Beauty and the Beast," I felt like I was back as that 4 year old, excited for the newest Disney classic.

Half Tops are Fresh?

This morning while at the gym, I bore witness to something that I have never seriously seen in person.... a half top. And not just any half top... a male half top.  This guy was wearing a neon yellow tee cut right across the middle to reveal his abdomen.  To top off the look - he wore biker shorts.  


My only half top encounter prior to this occasion happened back in the day when I lived in Pure Michigan.  A friend of mine from back home had a t-shirt that once read, "half tops are fresh."  It had an image of a man wearing a half top on it.  He then made the shirt itself a half top - irony at its finest.  And that individual now works for Funny or Die.  Totally makes sense.  


And this isn't the only interesting expression in clothing I've noticed while working on my fitness.  Since I've been on my yoga kick, I've noticed plenty of interesting outfits while at the studio.  When you're in a room of approximately 100 degrees (once again, I wish I was joking), you tend to be a minimalist when it comes to clothing.  My favorite fashionista: Tiger Short Man.  This man dons a large fro sometimes worn completely picked out, other times worn half up - and short shorts with a tiger design.  He is amazing.  He is my favorite.  


Both Half Top Man and Tiger Short Man prove that the gym serves as another venue for one to express themselves through clothing.  So what if a half top looks a bit out of place and tiger shorts went out of style in the 80s?  It's a free country - dress how you want.  

Today, I Became a Yogi

Today was a great day.  Why, you may ask?  Well, it's because, today, I became a yogi.  And no, I'm not talking about a bear.  And in some respect, the phrase makes me think of a bat/bar mitzvah.... Ok, back to what I'm really talking about.  And that folks is YOGA.  Not just any type of yoga, Bikram Yoga.  Or, as some like to call it hot yoga.

Holistic methods have always been of interest to me, as I even minored in Holistic Health in college.  Often times in these courses, we were able to do yoga or participate in guided imagery.  I've done other forms of yoga before, but nothing like this.

Bikram is a method of yoga that focuses on 26 various poses coupled with warm air to increase blood circulation.  And they don't just mean warm, they mean hot.  Like 100 degrees hot.  I'm seriously not joking.  The belief is that heat = perspiration = detoxification.  

 

Yes, I chose to enter into a very hot room and practice my flexibility and balance.  And it was awesome.  And also probably one of the most challenging workouts I've had in a while.  If you want to get an accurate depiction of what a hot yoga experience is like, read this Craigs List Ad. A friend had shared this link with me a while back, it basically was an ad someone wrote to sell their yoga mat for $1.  Really, what they created was a stream of consciousness ad.  Doesn't hurt that it's hilarious.

Moral of the story is: if you're looking for a New Year's resolution, try Bikram.  Not only is it a great experience, it's also a great way to stay warm in these chilly winter months.