Thursday, April 29, 2010

Baby Steps

I know! I know! I'm starting off this yoga kick pretty slowly. I have yet to do ONE sun salutation since my decision to follow this path. But, this is not to say that I am not committed. In fact just today, I registered for Yoga Journal's 15th annual Yoga conference in Estes Park, CO.

Yep, September 23rd - September 26th, I'll be up in the Rockies breathing in that fresh mountain air and doing sun salutations to my hearts content. I've got 5 months to get going.

Now, to start picking classes for the conference...

Should I start with "Dancing with Shiva and Shakti" or "Backbends - Melt your heart. Blow your Mind"?

Actually, I will be starting Yoga classes next week. This week, I'm still doing my running since I've got a race on Saturday. The running won't stop because of the yoga, though. I'll just have to find the time to do both. Maybe there's a class on balance I can take, too...

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

There's no place like om ॐ


I've never been serious about Yoga before. Sure, I've taken some classes here and there, but I can't even tell you what an asana is. All I know is an old co-worker was named "Upasana" and if I hear the word asana during class, I think about her and wonder if she's named after a yoga position. If so, which one? Then my mind wanders, which is bad for yoga, right? Aren't we supposed to be focusing on something? Would focusing on my friend Upasana count?

Really, what is the deal with yoga? It just seems so relaxing. What kind of work out is that? I could relax just as well lying on my couch, eating a lil cutie ice cream soy sandwich while watching The Biggest Loser.

Also, how important is flexiblity to your health? I've never been able to touch my toes since high school without pain and at least 2 weeks of warm-up trying. But I still consider myself healthy. I've got an average BMI, low cholesterol and run at least 3 times a week. The only unhealthy thing about me is my penchant for things chocolate and my tendency to try out fad diets for two weeks at a time.

Well, I think it's time I uncover this mystery called yoga. During the next few months, join this budding Yogini on her journey to enlightenment. I'll be blogging about my thoughts and experiences as a beginner and help answer all those questions you were afraid to ask, or didn't know you even wanted to ask.