In January, I decided (oh, let’s be honest, there was no
decision, it was a stupid, spontaneous whim) to try out a Hot Yoga studio
nearby. I probably should have figured
it was a mistake as soon as I walked in, positioned my mat in the back, and proceeded
to watch 20-something-year-old girls with rock hard, beach bodies come in and
put their mats in the front as close to the mirrors as possible (what was I thinking?). My second clue should have been the sweat
dripping down my face within the first five minutes. However uncomfortable, I stayed, nauseously
made my way through the first class in the sultry 105-110 degrees, 60%
humidity, and survived to go back a second time. I’ve been going two or three times a week,
not for a rock hard, beach body (I’m not stupid), but because I really need the
exercise of stretching, flexibility, and balance. So far, I can’t say I see much progress, but
I am learning some things about life in the process. Please be assured, this isn’t some Eastern
Mysticism kick, but lessons I’ve heard for years become much keener when it’s 110
degrees. So, here we go…
me to do more than I ever dreamed possible.
They tell us to fix our eyes on a point in the mirror, concentrate,
meditate, and then, and only then, slowly go into form. To achieve our goals, to find proper balance
in life, and make it through a difficult patch of God-stretching-me-outside-of-my-comfort zone also requires focus (the writer of Hebrews tells me to “fix my eyes on
Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith”), concentration (as I’ve
been studying through Romans, Paul often uses the term “mind-set”…we can’t
have a spirit-filled-set-mind without concentration), meditation (David reminds
us often in the Psalms of the great benefits of ruminating on the words of the
Lord). Once I get the hang of looking
hard at Jesus and not the rest of the world around me (especially in comparison),
gain a biblical mind-set, and meditate on truth, stretching out of my
much-loved, comfortable life in obedience to God’s direction becomes
possible…and, even enjoyable. I’m
actually amazed at things I can make this tired body do with focus,
concentration, meditation, and a step-by-step plan.
temperature for greatest growth (& stretch). Yes, it’s hot, humid, and I hate it…BUT
there’s a purpose for hot and humid. The
more they adjust the temperature and the heat flares up, the more flexible my
muscles become. Really! Some of the things I can do in that hot room,
I don’t seem to be able to accomplish at home where the temperatures are a
comfie, equitable 73 degrees. I’m amazed
at what I’m able to learn to do when it’s HOT.
Just so, I sometimes complain about the “heat” being turned up in my
life circumstances, I don’t like it, and it causes me to sweat…a lot. YET, I’m being reminded that in those times,
I’m able to do more than I ever thought or could imagine; I’m growing, learning,
teaching myself new skills all the time through the power of the Spirit who
indwells me.
right is critical for endurance.
Ever struggle to persevere, to stand steadfast, especially when you’re
struggling just to keep your head above water? It’s easy to get anxious, to lose “balance,”
and to stress over your situation (your ability, or inability, as the case may
be). However, learning to take a deep
breath (in and out through your nose), and relax in spite of the awkwardness, makes
steadfastness more doable, and with minimal anxiety.
are important for allowing the body to regroup and get at it again. That’s right.
I live for what they call “sabasthana” (dead man’s pose). Our instructors place a two minute rest right
smack dab in the middle of the class, and then they sprinkle them throughout
the remaining 45 minutes. After
contorting yourself into a pretzel, these few minutes are a gift from heaven
above. It’s amazing how two minutes flat
on your back, breathing deeply, can renew your energy to get at it again. Between the deep breathing and the resting,
my whole focus has changed by the end of the 90 minutes. Remember the Psalmists mandate to “Be
still…and know…” There’s a reason
that Sabbaths (not sabasthanas) are built into our routine. We NEED them regularly.
truth is that biblical truth is being
more deeply imbedded in me. I’m certain
it’s all my instructor can do to keep from busting out laughing at me as she
seriously goes through her script, but I keep reminding myself “I am not a
failure; I am a learner;” and…I’ve committed to four months of this torture.