Some Saturdays I go to a magic yoga class. It is yin yoga in a warm room. The first time I went was right after the national tragedy in December. The instructor had us sit in a circle and concentrate on the flame of a candle. By the ending Savasana, I felt like I was floating through the universe, connected to all the bright stars in a sea of darkness.
If you have never experienced anything like this, I know it probably sounds out there. However, over the course of the last year, I have had a lot of out-there experiences. I now believe in the power of our bodies and minds. My visits to an incredible woman who does body work have cemented this belief. Magic is real, or if nothing else, we are powerful beyond comprehension.
Today as I lay in the dark, warm room, I was overwhelmed by gratitude for the woman who teaches the class. Each time I attend, she offers a little piece of herself, words of wisdom set to music I love. Half her playlist is on my computer. I don’t know her and she knows even less of me, but her words always seem to fit whatever my week has brought me.
This week, she talked about the healing power of yoga and how a regular practice makes this power available to us when we really need it. She talked about her own journey with MS and how yoga has been there for her– she is young and my heart goes out to her. A wonderful woman I used to work with, who also faithfully reads my blog, has battled MS for years. It is some serious stuff, but so is yoga.
As I held poses this afternoon, I let her words sink in. Lately, I have done yoga only once a week. I am good at doing yoga regularly when I have breaks from school, but I lose my momentum when life gets stressful, which is exactly when I need it most. Today my body felt weak as I moved through the poses. I hate feeling weak.
The resounding message that kept moving through my thoughts– I need to do yoga every day.
So, for the month of May, I have a goal. At least 30 minutes of yoga daily. I will go to studios, practice at home, stream classes, use books, practice in silence and with music. I will mix it up and be consistent because I realize I have no choice. I want to feel strong and healthy. Yoga is my secret. Will you join me?
We may not have the beach behind us, but at least a bit of team encouragement might help!
oliviaobryon 
I love this post and totally relate to the first paragraph. Yoga is a priority that we should make time for and it’s been a struggle for me to do that lately. Thanks for this.
Agreed! You better be asking me if I’ve been doing yoga daily every time you see me– hold me accountable, (and, I’ll do the same for you!). BTW… How is the blog progressing??
The magic yoga class sounds incredible. Unfortunately, I haven’t done any yoga in months and, as much as I’d like to do it, 30 minutes of yoga a day. Ergh. Not gonna happen. But I will definitely be pestering you to make sure you do it.
My yoga these days is my time on my bicycle.
It is amazing! And– I think whatever connects you mentally and physically is the same idea as yoga. Thirty minutes of anything a day for the entire month counts in my book 😀
Yes, I will join you. I am on my own personal challenge to do yoga every day, even if only for a little bit. I too find it hard to make time for myself, but when I do practice, I feel so much better, mentally, physically, emotionally. nicole
Awesome! You were definitely part of my inspiration. I’m with you that allowing yourself the space to practice for a little bit some days is really important. I’m excited for the month ahead, thanks again for the ideas!
[…] excited for a month of daily yoga practice. Hope you’ll join […]
“but I lose my momentum when life gets stressful, which is exactly when I need it most.” Same exact thing for myself and meditation.
Me too! I really want to meditate regularly but I end up convincing myself yoga or walking can do the same trick… When really they’re different activities 🙂
Hello Olivia:
Yes, I am still reading your blog religiously, and meant to answer this blog/email sooner. It is amazing to me that your yoga teachaer has MS; and great she can keep teaching yoga. I do go to my yoga classes, but not often enough, so your blog on Yoga May month was very timely for me. And, I was mentioned in your blog; thanks! I think you are wonderful too and I am glad I get to keep in touch with you via blogs!
Love, Elizabeth
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That’s great that you’re doing yoga, does it help? She recommended this beautiful book to me, Anatomy of the Spirit, I think you might appreciate it. And, I’m also grateful this has given us a way to stay in touch 🙂