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Ok, so that’s not my pristine silhouette basking in the sun while flawlessly performing the Warrior 2 yoga pose… but now I can imagine what it might feel like.

I was a yoga scoffer; the girls at work would do it after hours and I would stroll by just to toss them a “what the heck are you doing” smirk. But I like to think of myself as an open minded chap willing to try new things, so it becomes common that my commitment to that personal sentiment becomes challenged by unique opportunities. Yoga happened to be next on the list during my Christmas vacation. My Sister (Co Co) and Brother in Law (Big Mac) live out in Minnesota, I went to visit. My frugal (yet ambitious) sister trades her yoga expertise as an instructor for YMCA membership privileges. I was forced to go along with it as an act of support for my sister… and to keep up my “good guy” image.

My biggest concern was that I would not be able to hang with the other participants in the class, all women. I knew enough about yoga to know that it forced you into a lot of strange flexibility positions, would I be able to clasp my hands behind my back while doing a reverse Indian style squat? I am a fairly limber guy, but when pushed into my dormant winter months… inactivity allows my muscles to collapse into a near brittle state. Regardless, I was determined to attempt every position and body contortion that my sister presented to the rest of the class. I think I accomplished this personal goal, but not without my own inner dialogue of retreat contemplation during the longer “hold your leg out in mid air” positions.

We worked our way through a variety of positions… angry cat, lazy cow, low dog, high dog, upward facing snake, and on and on… then we got to a set of positions called Warrior. I have to admit, I felt dam cool in Warrior 2 pose… and I have to admit that the whole process and experience was incredibly satisfying; all the way down to the soothing music selections designed to promote inner piece and tranquility… I loved it. When it was over and I settled into my stillness pose, I was really happy and quite content… I could have fallen asleep. I have to attribute much of this favorable experience to my sister, she is not only my sister… but she is a good teacher and guide. The structure of the timing and pace was really helpful to move you through the process and help you to relax. I usually find myself in rebellious mode during most every organized group exercise… but there is something really freeing about just following directions… and this moment of yoga obedience was truly enjoyable… perhaps I can learn to like it…. I am so open minded.

Categories: Family, Experiments