What do I wear? Do I need shoes? I don’t own a mat! Do I need a mat? Should I bring water to drink? Do I need to cleanse my aura before I arrive? These were just some of the questions I asked the yoga instructor/owner before attending my very first class yesterday so that I could come prepared (OK, I didn’t ask her the last question). Still, she probably thought I was some kind of nut-job but hey – I’m a planner, and we planners need to know these things so we can worry about other, more important things!
I cannot begin to tell you how nervous I was. Remember what it was like in high school when you had to give a speech in Public Speaking class? Yeah, it was that kind of nervous. In fact, the only reasons I didn’t back out was because I had pre-paid for a month of classes, and because I told all of you that I was taking Wednesday’s class. Turns out, money and the thought of disappointing others are great-big manipulators! lol
As I walked in, there was another beginner who was filling out some paperwork. Whew! I thought. I’m not the only newbie here! While Liz, who was our instructor (as well as the owner) was checking the other gals in, her mother Tina led me to a series of cubbyholes where I was to put my shoes. She then led me into the studio which was dimly lit, with mirrors on one end of the room. Soothing music was being played in the background. Along one wall were a series of mats, bolsters, blocks and long, black straps. What on earth do we need straps for? Just what kind of class is this? I thought, as I quickly grabbed the closest mat and went to pick out a spot. I unrolled my mat in the center of the room, sat down, and waited. Soon, the room was filled with about 10 students, ranging in ages from late 20’s to late 50’s.
I’m going to stop here for a second and tell you that I had three major reasons for deciding to take yoga classes. First, I wanted to reduce my anxiety and bring a sense of calm to my life. Second, I wanted to strengthen my lower back which as most of you know has been giving me grief for years. And third, I wanted to meet new people. Now that my first class is over, I should mention something I now know: if you’re looking to socialize – yoga class isn’t the kind of place where people are chatty. As people filed into the studio, I looked around to make eye contact with several students and even attempted to make a little small talk but quickly realized that everyone was busy preparing their minds and bodies for the class and didn’t want to be disturbed. Some people started stretching, while a few others sat on their mats cross-legged with their eyes closed, and even a couple of people laid on their backs while listening to the music overhead. I probably should have expected this, but honestly, I had no idea what to expect so I have to plead ignorance on this one. I commenced with stretching and tried to look like I knew what I was doing.
The first 20 minutes of class consisted of learning about the proper way to breathe, the proper way to sit and the proper way of holding poses. It was at that time I started thinking to myself, ‘Why am I paying for this? I could get a DVD and do this at home.’
It wasn’t until I was over half way through class before I started truly noticing the benefits of being in a class environment. The room oozed with relaxation because of the lighting, the calming voice of the instructor and the soothing music. While focusing on my breathing and holding my poses, somewhere within that timeframe the outside world just disappeared.
The last 5 minutes of class we were instructed to lay on our backs with our eyes closed. Liz lowered the lights to near darkness and encouraged us to focus on complete relaxation, beginning with the tip of the head all the way down to our feet. It was here, she said, that we would reap all of the benefits of that day’s class. We’d walk out feeling relaxed yet energized. She was right. When I left class I felt calm and focused, and what’s remarkable is, that feeling lasted for hours.
I also realized that I was wrong, too. For me personally, I’d never have that kind of benefit by doing yoga at home. In class I didn’t have the dogs begging for attention; there was no phone ringing; no distracting thoughts like, I should really be doing laundry instead; no anticipation of a disruption. Within that studio was my time. For me alone.
So there you have it. Comfort Zone Challenge Operation Yoga was a success. In fact, I signed up for another class this evening called Gentle Yoga. I was told that as a beginner I would fit right in.
And before I end today…a BIG thanks to all of you for your encouragement in helping me see this challenge through. Your words are carefully read and reflected on when they appear in the comments section of my posts, and I want you to know that your support really helped me make that first step through the door.
~Ellen
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I’m so smiling at this! You went. And… you even liked it. It took me several tries to like yoga. (Maybe I already shared that. I think so.) I agree with you about the home thing. I’ve tried DVDs and it just isn’t the same. But for me there is also more motivation, always, in a group. BTW – some yoga classes do bring out chatties, but before and after.
I was so excited to hear how things went for you! To be honest I was worried- “what if she hated it”? Whew! I am really proud of you for going outside your comfort zone. It is not an easy thing to do! What a beautiful description you gave of class. Makes me want to go take a class myself( I am not sure if I would like it or not) I am so glad that you were able to have a worry free hour that was just for you!
Oh- if you want to socialize- I have noticed that the people that are going in and coming out of Zumba class are VERY chatty!!!
Your description was so spot on that I relaxed just reading about it! It’s pretty darned amazing, isn’t it? Yes, you could probably get the physical part of yoga at home but the real benefit is the mental relaxation and the calming that comes with a class such as this.
I will caution you that some classes do have a more fitness bend to them. Not every class is like the one you described – which is fine – but having a class like yours is priceless, I believe. Good job! Go you!
What a wonderful experience. I totally agree with the realization that going to a class is YOUR time, and will not be interupted by anything (as is the case at home). I’m right there with you!
Enjoy your class tonight!
So glad you loved it. You just might have found a new love!
make sure you are always well warmed before doing any stretching. so walking in ‘cold’ and then stretching before class is a NO. this is especially true for you ( and me ) because of our backs. But it is true for everyone. I have had yoga instructors who were very good warm up people (the best one had us dance, which is not a very zen thing on first glance, but it is a great warm up and a great way to let go). If yoga instructor is not good warm up, WALK before class with arms swinging.
yoga is wonderful (for those of us with anxiety especially)
I am absolutely thrilled that you enjoyed your class!
Roxie is right, some yoga teachers are really into “fitness” and their attitude can strangely make you feel like you’re back in high school gym class (do I hear a resounding “yeccch”?). I’m so glad to hear that your teacher doesn’t belong to that school of thought.
Keep up the good work! Again, I have to say how happy I am for you!!
And in a few minutes, I’m going to do my own practice (and yes, I too feel that just practicing at home is not enough and, though important, does not give you the full benefit of having your teacher right there with you).
Way to go, Ellen! I’m a huge planner too so thank you for your very thorough yoga recap! I’ve only done hot yoga before and am looking forward to try some room temperature yoga. Like you, I very much enjoyed the time to myself without any outside world distractions! Have more fun at your class tonight! You’re a yogi now! (Or is it yogina?)
Way to go, Ellen! Glad you got so much out of it. It sounds like it’s a bit of what you need right now, so good for you for following through.
I hope the classes continue to help!
Hooray! I’m so glad your class experience was so positive! I often go back to beginners classes just to get a re-cap on the basics. I think I realized for this first time this year how important breathing is – sounds silly, but I’ve been able to do poses that I never thought I could do simply by calming my breath! I can’t wait to hear about gentle yoga!
So happy for you Ellen! I too have anxiety (and the insomnia and other difficulties that come with it) and have been told that yoga and meditation really help. You’ve inspired me once again. I’ll be checking my gym’s schedule for classes!
Yeah, hurray!! I knew you’d do it, but I’m so happy you enjoyed it.
I bet it’s kind of nice to know that you can stay in your own inner peace while you’re there. It may give you a great skill for being able to do that, when you choose to, out in the world.
I’ll have to think about that for my anxiety too.
It’s not like bracing oneself and withdrawing to make it through going out. It’s a much more empowered and centered way of feeling peaceful and yet “defended” (not the right word, but you get me, right?)
big hug!!!
Glad you enjoyed it Ellen! (I suspected you would!) Namaste!
I so want to do yoga! One day…
I’m so happy you not only followed through on your personal chalenge but that you also enjoyed it! I have purchased a one month “Goupon” to our local Hot Yoga Studio but have yet to attend. I’ve done Yoga at home and did a semester in college and it has always been a wonderful addition to my life style…I have no idea why I haven’t kept my practice up.
Your Comfort Zone Challenges inspire me…not only do I plan on making good use of my Groupon but I also spoke at our City Council meeting this past week. I had a HUGE anxiety attack when I was just jotting down notes the day before the meeting {heart palpations, sweating, hands shaking…all while just sitting at my computer alone}. I spoke during the open floor section, it was not a presentation to the council but me telling them how disappointed I am in how they are treating our Police Department. I was a sweaty, nervous mess but I did it…and I thought of you the whole time. Thank you so much for being an inspiration (even if you weren’t aware of your impact). xoxoxo
Yaaay! I’m so glad you enjoyed the experience!
I’ve only practiced yoga at home (so far), but one of the benefits of a studio environment would be to have someone to help with form corrections. That’s what will eventually get me into a class.
I cannot even begin to relay how proud I am of you! I am so beyond excited that you reaped (big time) the benefits of being in a class environment (despite the non-chatty participants) and even more excited that you signed up for another class already. You go! I’m so glad that you stepping out of your comfort zone resulted in amazing results!
Yay ! You went and conquered. I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed it! I agree the aura of the room encourages your body to relax, and most of all your mind! See it wasn’t that bad now was it
Nice one, Ellen! Yet another successful challenge. I’ve lost count at how many you’ve done now!
I really really enjoyed reading this post. I was so excited to see it and then to read it… Cackling over the aura. Yeah, still am. Funny girl. I am so happy for you. I like the sound of gentle yoga. And how awesome is it to have the relaxed feeling for hours afterwards. Maybe you have found a thing. A thing that you love AND works. And just for you.
Tell ya the timing could not be more perfect with all the banging that must be going on at your house.
I admire how you have become adventure girl. I feel inspired!
Hugzamillion.
I should try it. Sounds dreamy! Keep focused!
Yay! I love yoga and it sounds like you had a pretty good experience with it. Like you I was totally nervous the first time I went. What I love about yoga is that anybody, any age, any weight can participate. Some are bendier than others, but everyone can participate. I’m so happy you went. I really want to try a Zumba class but I’m a little nervous too. You just reminded me how freaked I was about yoga the first time, so I should totally do Zumba! Thanks for the motivation!
That’s it…I’m going back to yoga. I’m making it a priority. Thank you!!
Hi Ellen! I think the most important part of yoga class is to learn how to do the poses properly. I learned that when I started following all of the pointers for each pose that I got much more flexible. Short-cuts don’t work in yoga.
BTW, it took me about 4 months to do triangle pose without a block. So be kind with yourself and give yourself a chance to have a growing season of at least 6 months before you make any analysis of whether yoga is doing something for you. I noticed in the 5th and 6th month that I was getting much better at all of the poses. Now I can do all sorts of yoga poses well, including headstands and splits.
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