Never in a thousand years did I ever consider Yoga. It was for people who ate granola and hugged trees. Not that I haven’t done both.

Yogi the Bear & Boo-boo

If you’re a committed ‘Yogi’, as I’ve heard them called, you probably can’t imagine life without your mat, blocks, and outfit. For my 60+ years, ‘Yogi’ has always been that charming brown cartoon bear on TV whose friend was “little Boo-boo”. Anyone who grew up in the 50’s and 60’s eating TV dinners and Frosted Flakes knows Yogi the Bear.

But now, after a few weeks of curiosity, open mind, and 40% commitment I’m finding myself on that thin mat, with those blocks. I can’t claim the outfit yet, but my daughter recently purchased a few yoga tops for me from Target that are cute as buttons to replace the leopard tank top I’d been wearing. Poor dear was so embarrassed by my attire. So without fail, at my next practice, I’ll be in the cute yoga top for all to witness.

I deserve no credit. It’s all about that bone density test.

Now don’t give me any credit. If truth be told, I’d still be walking my black lab, ‘Olive’, and claiming it my exercise, if it weren’t for that dang bone density test for my physical a few weeks ago. For the first time in 8 years, a specialist technician sat me down and actually showed me what was happening to my bones. Yup, not uncommon, and not hopeless.

“Forget losing those 5 pounds, and stop worrying about the calories in yogurt and cheese. You need to beef up on real calcium, not worthless supplements, take vitamin D3 everyday, and commit to some significant weight bearing exercise on a regular basis for 2 years. We highly recommend Yoga to turn these low numbers around.”

As luck would have it, the local studio is a block away. Now this lazy woman has no excuses.

6 Things to Know before starting Yoga

I highly recommend you try the Yoga deal. But here’re 6 things I wish someone had told me before I started:

1. There’s a whole ‘nother language to Yoga. I finally raised my hand after a “practice” (not called a ‘class’) and asked about that foreign word we all say at the end when we’re criss-cross-applesauce with our heads on our belly buttons (except me). Ah….. yes. Namaste. It’s kinda like ‘thank you’.
2. Yoga is all about breathing. Huh? I thought it was all those positions. Nope, it’s about how you breeeeeathe in those positions.
3. Yoga isn’t a competition, nor should you be concerned about keeping up with the woman next to you who’s balanced on one foot with the other leg in the air and both arms reaching for the stars pretending to be a tree. My concern is trying not to fall on my face when raising one heel off the ground and holding the wall next to me. Remember, it’s all about your body and your breathing. Not any one else’s.
4. ALL Yoga instructors are the nicest, friendliest, most welcoming, accepting people on the planet. No joke. They love and respect everyone who shows up, regardless of how you’re dressed, how much you weigh, or what you know about Yoga. And they thank you for giving them the honor of your presence. My kinda people.
5. Yoga is hard. You sweat. But at the same it’s slow. And there’s not an ounce of pressure to perform. The first time you feel lost. The second time you’re not quite as lost. And each time you curse less and less at those gosh darn “downward dogs”.
6. When all else fails, and you need a break, rest on your mat, with your knees bent and your head down. This is called ‘child’s pose’. I’ve mastered this well. Love resting.

Why on Earth start Yoga in your 60’s?

Believe it or not, after 6 or so ‘practices’ you actually start to feel stronger and more flexible. In addition, when I get outta bed each morning I’ve noticed I’m not as achy. I mean, what more do we want than to feel 10 years younger?

The way I figure it, since Yoga is over 5,000 years old, there must be something to it. We all think we’re so smart in 2019, but I’m starting to suspect if I open my mind to new stuff, I might learn something valuable, and possibly end up healthier and happier.

Talk about rewards from your UNcomfort zone! ~ Carol ♥