You just never know...

 You just never know...

Hello again! Once again, long time, no write (but that will soon change....).

A couple of anecdotes before the big news:

Way back when (when I was actually practicing regularly), one of my regular customers had commented on how much weight I had lost and asked how I had accomplished it. When I explained about Bikram yoga, she remarked that she wasn't sure if she could do hot yoga, but the idea of doing yoga in some form seemed interesting to her.

Fast forward to this past October. I see her in the store. She is in workout gear and looks like she has just finished up at the fitness club. I inquired as to what she had been up to.

"Just finished yoga!", she said.

"That's great!", I replied. "What type?"

"The bendy, stretchy type."

I laughed out loud at this. Then she asked if I was still practicing. I had to say, "No. Not for a while now." 

"You need to go back. I was inspired by you. You can't let yourself stop now."

I was stunned. I managed to stammer a thank you and she went on her way.

You just never know who will hear your story and try something new for themselves.

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Things have been extra stressful at work. Holidays, inclement weather, and a new competitor down the street have put the microscope on myself and my co-workers. One day not too long ago, one of my compatriots pulled me aside to vent on a few things. After listening to her I offered a way to take five minutes and calm herself down:

"Heels and toes together. Interlock your fingers..." I walked her through Pranayama breathing (at least, as well as I could remember). We did five breaths together and she wondered at how GOOD it felt. She walked away smiling and able to return to the task at hand.

You just never know when you can use the smallest bit of knowledge to help someone in need...

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I was checking Facebook yesterday. There was a post from my old Bikram studio looking for people willing to clean the studio in exchange for free yoga.

Work-study is back!!!

I sent off an e-mail immediately. This afternoon I got the phone call.

I AM BACK!!!

I will work my first shift next week, but I can begin practicing immediately. First, though, I need to step up my hydration and be prepared for class. Physically, I've regressed to the point I was at when I took my first ever class. At 46, I'm a little worried I won't be able to get back to where I had progressed before. At least this time, I know what I'm in for.

You just never know when that second chance will appear. Don't let it slip by...

I am so excited about this!!

For the first time in FOREVER, I get to write about a real yoga practice. MY practice.

I can't wait!!!

Namaste.