A yoga adventure...

As most of my family and friends know, I am on a kick of trying to get in better shape and to loose some weight. I have made a great effort to change my eating habits and an even better effort to work out regularly. I have never really been to any kind of exercise class, mostly due to the fact that I feel fat and ugly and would be embarrassed about my poor physical condition. That's what makes working out in the small apartment complex gym so appealing. I am usually in there all by myself and I like it that way. That's not to say that I am against exercising with a friend, sibling, child, or husband...I just don't like the idea of doing it around strangers. I hate the idea of being judged.

However, I recently discovered that one of the nurses I work with is in the process of becoming a yoga instructor, and another of my co-workers has actually been teaching yoga for a while. So, I asked them if they would consider teaching an informal/beginner class to some of the staff. Thankfully they agreed, very willingly actually. We had our first class tonight and I loved it. There were 7 of us in the class tonight, which is good because the room we were in is not very big. Myself and one other girl were the only ones who have never done yoga. I knew going into the experience that I would have a hard time with some of the poses, I recognise that I am not a very physically flexible person. But I was willing to give it my best effort.

They provided a very warm and accepting environment to learn in. I felt very comfortable with all of the attendees. They were all people I work with regularly, not all were nurses, but they all work in or with our department. I tried my very best to learn all of the poses and did attempt all of them, although, I was unable to actually do some of them very well. Part of my issue is I still have a somewhat weak left ankle. But I am willing to continue learning and trying.

The peacefulness of the class was amazing. It was exactly what I needed, especially today. I had the second phase of my root canal this morning and while I did better emotionally, I am very sore tonight. During the class I was able to take my mind off my mouth pain.

I can hardly wait for the next class. I just hope I am not working and will be able to attend. Overall, I am beginning to have a better self image...it is a process. I am learning a lot about myself, including how to love myself. I still have a long way to go, but I am getting there. I have so much to be thankful for in my life and I am learning to enjoy the small things. Mostly, I am thankful for my husband. He has done so much to encourage me and support me during this newest adventure in my life. And that's exactly how I am looking at all of this...a new adventure...not a chore...not an inconvienence...not something that is required of me. But rather, something new and exciting...fun to learn...a welcome challenge to improve myself.