How I did it: After a few months away, I actually injured my hip flexor in a yoga class, just at the moment when I was considering "Isn't yoga great in that it's impossible to hurt yourself". Goes to show that ego really gets in the way.
I like to experience different teachers' take on the poses, which are basically the same. That way, I always hear a new tidbit or image that really makes a difference in continually expanding my horizons.
Mechanically, I had gym membership that was otherwise wasted, and the gym is really on my way home, and there are several yoga classes that worked with my schedule. I would like to practice on my own (I also have a video), but the class really helps not only push myself and get corrections but also practice freeing myself from judgment. I didn't even realize what a negative attitude I have by default until we were asked to do a group pose (I groaned inwardly) and I felt myself surprised at how nice my classmate-strangers were. Feel and notice yourself--that is a gift, whether you find "good" or "bad" traits.

Oct 16, 2008, 01:12PM PDT | 0 comments | 2 cheers