Wednesday, October 17, 2007

One time yoga damsel turned yoga matron

Ever gone to a yoga class? I mean ever gone to a yoga class after a period of not going to one for a couple of months? Let me tell you...

I'll never again brag about being limber. Nope not one bit. I am a rubber band stretched just beyond her snapping point--but not snapping--just losing all of her elasticity like an old pair of, well all I can think of is, an old pair of underpants -- you get the point...

And, it all happened because I had to keep up with everyone else in class, that would be the yoga instructor wearing her cute pink yoga pants and hibiscus flower top, in what I can only assume is a size "0", and the 'girls' who were probably 18 to 20.

Yoga is supposed to help you focus, give you inner core strength and create a feeling of calm and peacefulness. That may just happen, but right now, in this moment, the focus is on pain, the inner core strength feels like I need help sitting up and calm and peaceful are coexisting only because I've taken more than my fair share of over the counter pain meds. And tonight might be a good night to drink...

Do I sound bitter? I don't mean to. I guess getting older is taking its toll on my ability to rationalize in a more mature way -- but wait -- if I'm mature, why can't I just accept that fact that, heck, I used to be young, now I'm not?

What does all of this say about me? I think it says I am way more competitive than I thought, that I can and did turn myself into a very proud pretzel but at what cost? (see above) And, was it worth it? (see above) Arrgghh!

The art of aging gracefully...I'm not there yet and you know, I'm not sure I want to...I don't think I'll do the pretzel thing again, though :-(

12 comments:

Amy Oscar said...

Hi Cindy - I can relate. I've been avoiding going back to yoga for months, ever since I attended a class--was it in June?--and, competing with everyone (did I meantion it was a seniors class, and I'm only 50?) I ended up in so much pain (the next day) that I had to stay home from work. Ouch. It had been about a year since the last attempt at a class--that time I'd given myself a migraine.

I am so disappointed. I love yoga, and used to practice two hours a day at home! Now Im afraid to do even a little stretching. Is it menopause? Am I drinking too much caffeine? Am I allergic to yoga?

Cindy said...

Hi Amy, Thanks for your post! I feel your pain :-) I love yoga, too but I continue to find excuses. The current goal is one class a week...of course, sore and achy muscles are not the best motivator regardless of intention! I've only practiced at home a handful of times, maybe that's the alternative ... food for thought
~cindy

Anonymous said...

I can relate to this... but I went into a Pilates class... you know where they strap your legs in and then say .... and your legs say something different.. You made me laugh about the outfits and size 0 this is so true... of course I am just jealous... keep on writting I hope this goes in I am having a little trouble getting the comment in.jo

Kelly Pollard said...

So true Cindy! I feel the same way, and I'm still IN my twenties!

Cindy said...

anonymous--I've not tried pilates but I hear great things about it. My daughter's old roommate used to have one of those machines in their dining room -- they are very strange to look at, aren't they? Thanks for your comments--I'm happy you were able to post...
~c

Cindy said...

Kelly
Thanks for posting. You give me hope -- maybe it's not old age after all -- just muscle memory loss.

Anonymous said...

First thing that comes to mind: YOGA is a 4 letter word.

When things were tough around here this past spring and summer, Missy, bless her heart, sent me a gift. A stress reliever yoga DVD... I tried it and nearly died! I couldn't move for days!

Now when I hear YOGA I equate it to...
YOGA = YO-GAtta be kidding me?
xo Heidi

Cindy said...

anonymous said
Boy, I can relate, but I must tell you -- yoga does calm my mind. it is a stress reliever when i do it. well, not the first time in months but after i get on a little 'roll' it help relieve stress. and i feel so good abut doing something for myself--it's a reminder that i matter!
~cindy

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing your experience in the painful world of fitness. Boy, can I relate! It seems so unfair that, just when you’re doing something good for your body, it rebels. I guess the couch potatoes are on to something!

SHE said...

fun read.. always something entertaining about other people's pain.

i read and smile, while you write and take aspirin

doesn't seem right does it.

i find exercise classes make me feel old and tired

but a few drinks and a dance floor

-21 forever!-

or at least until the next morning.

love and smiles, ~s.

Cindy said...

Thanks for visiting Mary Eileen~The rebelling body - hum, sounds like a good name for a book!
Bodies, I've decided have a mind of their own!
~cindy

Cindy said...

Sandra~
It's much more entertaining to read about someone else's pain than to endure your own, yes, you are right on the money! Maybe dancing would be better exercise--I wouldn't need to bend in half with head and hands on the floor nor do the moves I did as a cheerleader -- nearly splitting me in two :-)
~cindy