yoga

doing yoga does wonders to your body...yet more importantly to your mind.

i've been participating in yoga for about 9 months now since rie has introduced it to me.  it was something i had never thought i would be doing ever in my life.  i've only had a snippet of an opinion on what it was about before doing it.  my impression of it was - stretch and breath and stand motionless.  i had laughed about it when she asked me if i would like to join her in going to a 2 hour class.   my thoughts were, "how fun and beneficial will it be to stand for 2 hours breathing and standing on one leg?"  however, i took two steps back and tried to bring an open mind to the notion.  i'll try and eat something i have never had before.  i'll listen to a political discussion and try to hear what both oppositions have to say.  and last but not least, i'll give yoga chance to let me in on what the benefits may be...in any.

well, all i can say is, before you form your own opinion on what it is before you have tried it...give it a try.  it's one of the best things you can do not only for your body, but for your mind as well.  it's not about stretching your self to death or standing on one toe to show that you can look like a gymnast.  it's about learning the limits of your body and mind and educating yourself on how to handle adruous situations while being completely calm and composed.  of course, you never are completely comfortable doing yogo.  there is pain and a major challenge.  it is however, the attempt and path we take to reach this calm and relaxed state of mind that makes it fun and worthwhile.  the teacher often reiterates, "it's the mind you need to focus...the physical benefits come secondary."  i am begining to delve into this thought process and am realizing that it is the mind that controls EVERYTHING in your life.  your body finds a way to naturally follow.

give it a shot if you've never done it.  you might like it.