The First Few Classes

So, now that we are reacquainted, just how is my practice looking after just over a year of inactivity?

Shockingly, not too bad!

However, just as shocking is which postures look better, and which ones look not as good.

For instance, when the studio closed last year, standing poses were extremely difficult. My backbends were slight. I was no where near being able to grab either foot in Standing Head to Knee. Separate Leg Stretching made my hips ache. Triangle Pose had become a nightmare. On the floor, however, I fared much better. Cobra, Fixed-firm, and Camel were relatively easy to get in and out of.

Now, however, these have reversed. I was stunned in my first class back when, in SH2K, I reached down, grabbed each foot easily, and even kicked out (at least a little)! Balancing Stick was easier... I still fell out but my breathing was much better. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to bend down in Standing Separate Leg Stretching... I was nowhere near getting my head to the floor, but the fact that it didn’t hurt as much was shocking. Even Triangle felt different. I didn’t stick it, but it felt easier. I felt lighter... as if divesting myself of all the stress of the past year in my personal life was paying immediate dividends in my practice. On the floor, however, it was harder. Locust was impossible - my elbows ached when pinning them beneath me. Fixed-Firm was rough - I could not go back to the floor. When I tried to get into Camel, the room started to spin and I came out of it immediately.

Thankfully, a couple of postures felt great. I stuck three of four Standing Bows, and Cobra felt fantastic! Overall I was happy with my breathing and my ability to keep still between poses.

As I write I have taken ten classes. It was probably class number seven before I could do Camel and it felt really good. Locust and Rabbit will take some time. My biggest problem is finding time to actually take class. I have worked 68 hours each of the last two weeks between my retail job and working part time at the studio. A couple of the staff and I were going to practice by ourselves between classes today but one couldn’t make it and I... well, I hurt my back this morning... making toast. No joke. I was making breakfast and when the toaster chimed, I leaned over to grab the toast... and started having back spasms... from making toast. Only I can get hurt making toast... We are going to try again next Sunday...

Next time: 90 vs 60

Peace.