Inspiration
Thanks for sharing my morning coffee with me.
Today, for the first time, I spent an hour in a big hot yoga studio alone. I am fortunate to practice at a wonderful studio almost daily, but have always been there either as student or teacher, the room filled with bodies and souls.
Alone, I started my practice slowly, tentatively, almost self-consciously. Gradually, my movements became bigger, my breaths deeper, filling up the space. Soon I was creating new sequences, changing up rhythms, almost dancing; taking risks, falling over, laughing, getting up and doing it again. I felt wonderful, playing like a kid, sweat dripping. To mash up that well-worn phrase, I was doing yoga like no one was watching.
Isn't that what we who practice yoga aspire to---our own practice on our own mat? Yes, I know, easier said than done. Now I want to seek out that freedom and playfulness again--in solo practice, in class, and (gasp) even off the mat.
Life has thrown me some challenges lately, and I realize I have allowed myself to shrink inward. I have become more self-conscious and cautious, not wanting to fall on my face or be hurt again. My challenge is to push past those self-imposed boundaries in my practice and in my life. With a smile. This solo blog is a first step.