Namaste. I place my hands at my chest and bow. That’s how I begin my day.
Meditation has always been something that has made my life easier. Classes, tests and projects can take such a toll on the mind and body. I realized through sickness that taking care of yourself is the sole important thing in life. If I don’t take care of myself, I get this feeling in the pit of my stomach. All things seem impossible in that moment. Sometimes I meditate in bed before I get up for the day, and sometimes I meditate at a stoplight. There’s no single place to find your peace; it can be anywhere you want.
Yoga has been a form of meditation I’ve explored for years. The first day I walked into a small yoga studio in Franklin, I felt incredibly intimidated by this new activity, this new way of thinking that I was choosing to experience. Hoping to feel better, I explained to the yoga instructor that I wanted to de-stress and to slow my mind down. Thoughts raced through my head day and night – paying bills, walking the dog. Will I have time to work and do my homework before class? How am I going to sleep enough? Did I forget to eat? Anything and everything flashed in my mind. I wanted to feel the calm and hear the quiet.
The instructor ensured me I could find it there and suggested I give it a chance, so I said OK. I greeted the other people in the class. I immediately noticed how quiet everything was. Everyone spoke softly, and there was little movement. I could tell this was the source of peace for these people – as it soon would be for me.
My positive juices started flowing, and I was ready. We entered the class shoeless, jacketless and warm. The heater was on to keep our muscles loose and to help us breathe.
At the beginning of your journey in yoga, a teacher will teach you how to breathe. Yes, we all know how to breathe, but to relax and breathe deep down is something we sometimes forget to do. I took a breath through my nose and held it for five seconds. We did it a few times with our eyes closed to bring us to our quiet place. I didn’t know this at the time, but when air travels through your nose it’s warm. The warm air makes it easier to breathe slowly.
Concentrating on breathing properly took my mind off other stresses and away from the thoughts floating through my mind. Obviously, those other thoughts may be a distraction that could hinder mediation. But in that moment, I forgot about everything because I was so focused on breathing correctly and trying to please the teacher… and on geting my money’s worth. I’m a student, what can I say? I’m concerned about money, of course.
Speaking of money, yoga classes often have student discounts, especially at studios around campus. Sanctuary Yoga is just down the road. Classes are $13 with your student discount. Ask for Daphne if you call for more information. She’s a co-founder of SY and has over 11 years of teaching experience. Namaste.