Monday, 06 October 2008
Yoga Schmoga
By Linda Carmi
“I know where you go, you go to yoga schmoga,” my husband sings out to me from his morning-read-the-paper massage chair. And, he is right. Four mornings a week, I am off to my special place for my time of peace and introspection.
Life in my community of age 55-plus, mostly retirees offers so many wonderful choices. One of my favorite choices is the yoga classes taught by three outstanding instructors with various numbers of years in their own practices and unique but complementary styles in teaching. I look forward to entering the clubhouse where usually twenty five to fifty, mostly women, but a few men, are milling around as we wait for the aerobics class ahead of us to end, so that we can scurry in and claim our spot on the floor with yoga mats.
Once inside, the instructor puts on the peaceful music to signal it is time to put aside the twitter of conversation and begin ascension to that peaceful place inside that comes as we stretch our bodies.
It doesn’t happen just by magic. My own practice has been quite a journey. I began with not a spiritual quest, but more for exercise and flexibility. I have achieved that, but so much more. With the undeniable changes to my body also comes the expansion of my mind to places that were unknown to me. I go to classes now, holding my secret inside me knowing that I will be transported to a place that is only for me.
Others can and may certainly have it too, but I love the feeling of knowing that I have sort of a “secret garden.” On the outside, I kibbitz with friends, but inside that studio surrounded by many, I float to a space that is only mine. Sometimes it is the only place and time when I can just be inside myself. For that special time I savor the benefits of stretching my body and opening my mind to new possibilities. I am so fortunate to have these classes that teach me so much.
In the beginning of my practice about five years ago, it was a struggle to coax my body into a pose. The growth I have achieved in my practice comes not only from learning the poses, but listening to my instructors share the philosophy of great yogis. I look forward to classes and now plan my life around the schedule of classes.
As I clear my mind of stray thoughts to make ready for Savasana, the feelings of profound gratitude appear so clearly to me. It’s as if a giant cloud floats above me with the words, “gratitude” perfectly formed by swirling white light. I am surprised that people around me don’t notice, though I am glad they don’t.
We don’t all know each other so closely, but there is a delightful aura of community. We all have at least fifty-five years of life experience behind us. We share the challenges and triumphs that are part of life with cards, announcements and pot-luck gatherings. In this place I have come to know and appreciate my neighbors.
You might guess that my yoga practice has become an integral part of life, and you would be correct. So, my husband playfully calls it yoga schmoga. That’s okay with me.
[EDITORIAL NOTE: All elders, 50 and older, are welcome to submit stories for this blog. Instructions are here.]
Posted by Ronni Bennett at 05:30 AM | Permalink | Email this post
Comments
You are raising the kundalini! You can achieve it with meditation, but the yoga is so good for the body too.
Posted by: kenju on Oct 6, 2008 9:47:54 AM
I have taken yoga classes on and off and can appreciate much of what you have shared. Reading your story gave me pleasure to go back and remember the wonderful feeling of Savasana. However, unless the instructor is correct for what you believe yoga can and should be, it does not work. I’ve had the good, the bad, and the in between. Presently, my work schedule does not permit me to attend the class with the “good” instructor. Thank you and keep enjoying.
Posted by: Claire Jean on Oct 6, 2008 10:34:10 AM
Linda – You have described your yoga experience beautifully. Since I turned 70, I have been going to yoga sessions three times a week. We have a vacation home on the coast of Maine, and on most early mornings, I go out on the deck, high above the Atlantic, and do my thing. When my grandchildren are visiting, they join in.
In spite of all this, I envy your spiritual experience. I do yoga because it makes me feel good physically. I am stronger and my balance and flexibility are the best they have been in years. I never could stick to traditional rote exercise routines. Yoga sessions are varied; each session is unique. - Sandy
Posted by: Brenton (Sandy) Dickson on Oct 6, 2008 11:50:17 AM
Namaste.
Did you know that some school in NY, I believe, is trying to get yoga thrown out of the whatever on the basis that it is a religion? Oh! Well!
Posted by: James J Henry Jr on Oct 6, 2008 2:21:01 PM
