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The Fire of
Yoga
By D. E. Boone
August 15, 2000
Published November 2000
"Breathe into the bow pose,"
the instructor gently encouraged.
I struggled to maintain my position. At
first it was very difficult. On the mat
with my legs drawn back and feet raised
high. I could barely clutch my ankles and
keep my head up at the same time.
"Try to keep your chest off the mat,"
she instructed.
I felt my lower back loosen as I stretched
my spine. I inhaled deeply and tried to
focus. Each long deep breath I took ignited
a glowing fire within me. It flooded my
body with new sensations, sending waves
of energy throughout me. I could feel my
insides awakening. It actually felt good.
This both soothed and alarmed me. I had
been comfortable with feeling bad for too
long.
"Hold it, a little longer."
Beads of perspiration formed on my brow.
My muscles started to ache. Gasping, I looked
around the room and was relieved that no
one seemed to notice. Soon my breath gave
out. I was the only male in the room, yet,
most of the women held their poses with
relative ease. I knew that true growth required
change. Was I ready for this?
"Remember there is no competition
in yoga," I heard her warm voice say.
"If you are having problems, modify
your pose so that it is comfortable to you."
Frantically I looked left and noticed the
young women next to me. Apparently she was
exhausted and simply collapsed on her mat.
With no shame or embarrassment, she smiled
reassuringly at me. It must have shown on
my face that I'd had enough. That is when
I knew it was true. This was not a sporting
event. I began to feel comfortable. I could
do as much or as little as I wanted. I removed
all self induced pressures. Just then, my
body gave out. Almost amused, I fell face
first on the mat, savoring the moment.
It was my first yoga class. Led here by
my desire to quit smoking I was determined
to be healthy. It took tremendous effort.
Inspired by all the dedicated ladies in
my class, I stayed with the struggle. What
followed surprised me. I fell in love with
the practice of yoga. I became aware of
my body. I learned meditation and saw something
deeper in myself. I felt more energized
and more relaxed. I truly discovered the
mind/body connection.
Today, for the first time in my life, I
can hear the birds singing. I can actually
appreciate the flowers blooming. I am a
new person. Yoga alone is not a cure all,
but combined with dietary and lifestyle
changes, it can make a profound difference
in your life.
I still consider myself a beginner. I strive
for one class a week, along with daily practice
at home. Sometimes I don't want to do it.
Then I remember the words of my instructor:
"Yoga is successful when practiced
with devotion, over a long period of time."
It works.
Sometimes I take a few days off, just to
see. I notice a sharp decline in my mind
and body, when not doing yoga. I feel off
balanced. I feel lethargic. I never want
to go back to the days when feeling bad
was the norm.
All it takes to get started is one class.
It's just that simple. My first class lit
the fire of yoga inside of me. It warmed me
to the idea of greater harmony, balance and
well being through a series of postures, breath
of movement and inner awareness. That fire
still burns in me today.
D. E. Boone on D.E. Boone
I live in New York City. Every time I think
I have all the answers, someone changes the
questions. I am working on a novel and a play.
Of course, working a full time job, means
there is never enough hours in a day. I am
always growing, and trying to learn new things.
Writing allows me to be heard. If I write
something that touches you in any way, don't
hesitate to let me know. (via Feedback)
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