Shiny, Happy People

If you’re a regular type of yogi and tend to practice at the same times you’ll probably notice when some brave soul is taking their first class. Whether they arrive super early or at the absolute last minute, there’s that slight hesitation at the door, a squaring of the shoulders, and a glance at the clock for reassurance. It’ll be over before I know it. I can leave if it all gets too much. It’s only yoga, how hard can it be? Please don’t let it be too hard. Why is everyone lying down? AND WHY ARE THERE SO MANY MIRRORS?! (I may be projecting here.)

We’ve all been there in some way; even if you’ve come from a bendy background your first class is your first class. It’s easy to forget how very strange it can seem, particularly if, for example, your introduction to yoga was a Bikram class that you didn’t realise is held in a studio heated to 40 degrees. I can’t breathe. I really, actually can’t breathe. How embarrassing, I’m probably going to die in lycra. Who sweats this much? I wish I could take everything off and rub ice cubes all over my body. (Again, projecting a bit.)

That’s why I get a real kick out of seeing someone new come back again. The mat and towel are now expertly unrolled. They stride in with confidence and position themselves at the front of the room. They may stretch a bit before class and start wearing the ubiquitous yogi uniform. Men take their tops off! (Because it really is hard to flow in a sweatshirt…) They sit taller and exude this magical yoga glow and you know they’re hooked.

And what is it that keeps us coming back for more? No matter what yoga style you’re into there’s something that’s got under your skin. Whether it happens in your first class or you persevere with that introductory offer, from the inside out, everything seems to come together and it just makes sense to continue. Even though you struggle and hurt, and then hurt some more, it becomes this crazy, amazing, necessary part of your life.

I’m not a teacher but they must love watching this transition. I know I do.

– Jane

©The Yoga Connection