Vinyasa

  I walk into the community room, find a spot and unroll my mat.  It’s 10 years old, I should replace it, but I really love it.  The tote bag goes on a chair at the side of the room.  Out cone the blocks (also ancient), the strap, the Mexican blanket, the yoga socks, the water bottle.  My wallet, phone and car keys remain in the bag,  Flip flops under the chair.  I take a few minutes to sit and breathe, set my intention, maybe do some stretching with the strap.

And then class begins, and we all chant “Om” before beginning our warmup stretches.  Soon we are doing the asanas, the poses.  Cat and cow.  Downward dog.  Baby cobra.  Mountain pose.  Warrior poses. Tree pose.  Triangle pose. Vinyasa yoga means flow, smooth transitions from pose to pose while focusing on the breath.  I struggle with mat work, I have no upper body strength.  And standing poses that challenge my balance …yeah, not easy.

By the time class comes to an end I am exhausted.  Shavasana (corpse pose) feels wonderful.  We sit up, do a few gentle stretches.  Hands to heart.  Namaste.

The mat gets rolled up, the socks and etc. are returned to the bag.   I am going to practice at home over the next few days but I’m really looking forward to class next week…