Judging by the way I gush on about yoga (sometimes), most people would probably think I breeze through the classes and emerge floating on clouds.
I wish.
For the most part, each class has its own challenges and I usually end up pushing myself one way or another, whether it is holding a lunge deeper and longer or finally managing to hold a headstand by myself without a wall for support (that was me, today!).
While I generally try to embrace the challenges of class, I've realised I have gradually come to fear one style of yoga in particular - Bikram. This is probably one of the most famous styles of yoga, where a series of 26 poses are conducted in a hot room, typically for 90 minutes.
When I first started practicing yoga, I took this class quite frequently because it just felt so darn good to sweat and feel detoxed after class. But over time, some sort of mental block came up and I grew to fear the extreme heat, thinking that I would pass out midway. I began to second guess my ability to go through the series. So, I stopped going for Bikram class in favour of classes held in non-heated rooms.
But yoga, as with life, reflects a lot about a person. When you start to avoid something, it probably means that is exactly what you need to face up to. For me, it probably was the fear of being in a stressful environment where I would be stretched to the limit and implode on myself that led me to avoid this class. Come to think of it, this is exactly how I was beginning to feel at work!
So yesterday, for the first time in probably an entire year, I signed up for a Bikram class because it was high time I faced up to my fears. Sure, it was an abbreviated 60 minute class, but we still had to go through all 26 poses. The class was incredibly physically demanding and there were moments when I had trouble breathing from the heat and the exertion. Still, I got through the class and even improved on some of the poses.
What had changed was my mindset. I used to walk into class worrying about surviving the session. This time, I walked in accepting that it would be difficult but all I had to do was try my best and a personal achievement came out of it.
I hope I'll remember this little lesson I've learnt about not wanting to always be in control. Sometimes, you just gotta go with the flow. Let go, and let God.
Hello, I'm in my mid-twenties and I have joint problems. I was recommended to do Yoga and signed up for one. We were attempting to do hand stands at the first class and I'm pretty sure I stretched something. There's so many different kinds out there, maybe I signed up for the wrong one. Can you recommend something that is suitable for me?
ReplyDeleteOh, I love your beauty posts too! I always end up buying products but throwing them away because I realise they're not suitable for my skin. Sigh.
Thanks!
Hiya, thanks for dropping by! Just wondering if your joint problem is a pre-existing condition? If it is, you might want to check with a doctor to see what sort of physical activities you can do without injuring yourself further.
ReplyDeleteHandstands are definitely quite an advanced pose, and do exert quite a bit of pressure on your wrists and other arm joints, especially if you are a newcomer.
You didn't mention what style of yoga you signed up for but I would recommend that you start slow with beginner level classes. Ask the studio which of the classes are suitable for beginners before you sign up. Also, look out for classes with names such as hatha1, gentle yoga or yoga therapy, as these are typically catered to newcomers or those with certain physical conditions that prevents them from doing other more active exercises.
I am teaching a beginners class right now, email me at karendoes.blog@gmail.com if you would like more details :)
Also, bear in mind that you know your own limits best, so even if you are in a class setting, and there is something you can't do because of a physical condition, it is up to you to just take a step back and go slow :)
Thank you for the encouragement! I'm glad you enjoy reading my beauty posts and hopefully, they give you a bit more information on products that you may be interested in!
I hope this helps!