Throughout my life, I have tried many forms of exercise to help me be fit. Outside of track in high school, I found it difficult to stay active. Friends who enjoyed taking classes at the gym would recommend a class or two to tryout. The class I went to seemed to only have been for those with a history of dance. Fancy step platforms and energetic Barbie, motioning her hands to the right as she did a step, clap and kick to the other side. Wait. What? I’d go left as the others went right and punch when I should have kicked. I felt like Frankenstein. Encouraging words of you just have to keep coming and you’ll get the hang of it. Unfortunately, it wasn’t just that; I longed for something much different. One day while rummaging through the clearance bin at the department store a workout video caught my attention. The woman pictured looked strong, long and fit. The benefits of yoga listed seemed good enough to at least give it a try. For days I would just watch the two of them (the woman on front as well her fit male partner) demonstrate different poses. I finally joined them on our floor and gave a half attempt thinking “I’m no where near that flexible.”; but that didn’t stop me from trying again and again. I begin yoga with just the desire to have a lean, sculpted, strong body frame not fully knowing of all of the powerful benefits of healing. Not too long after I joined a gym where they offered yoga classes. I enjoyed it. There was something about just sitting there for moments, the lights were lower, and the only noise I could hear in the distance was the whirling of a few treadmills and cycles. We were guided to the breath and while at first it seemed odd I noticed that as I remained committed to this process I became more relaxed. I found myself able to do what the instructor had guided; tune out and really tune in. Instead of the stress I usually felt of everything going on around me, I released and allowed it all to dissipate in that moment. At the end of class I wanted to hug the instructor, but settled for a more traditional “Class was great! Thank you.” This was the first time I ever left a gym feeling so relax; yet the perfect amount of movement and breath work to signify a solid good workout had just taken place. So here are just a few of the reasons why after all these years I really still love yoga.
Keep moving. Stay healthy! Namaste Liability Disclaimer: Prior to beginning any level of physical activity such as yoga; it is advise that you see and/or consult your healthcare provider especially if you have a history of significant illnesses, health concern or previous injury. Always listen to your body. .
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Author
Love Talita Akana is a wife, mother, sister, and a friend. Over the years, she has shared guidance from the lessons she has learned. Grateful to be a vessel to assist others as a source of inspiration to touch another with what they learned to grow on their journey. This is Love. Archives
January 2021
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