I’m re-posting these articles (Yoga blog posts) for the new followers (thank you, I appreciate your support.)
For the people who’ve already read these posts, I hope you enjoy another read.
Just to update you all, things haven’t changed much in my meditation practices. The mind…she still wanders. I’m sure a lot of you are shocked at that revelation.
A few months ago, I decided to try anti-gravity yoga. Great fun until you injure your shoulder and are told to take up a less strenuous yoga class. I did love being upside down and pretending I was part of the Cirque de Soleil troop. However, I had to give up that class and at the anti-gravity yogini’s suggestion, I now attend a Hatha Yoga class.
Hatha Yoga is all about breathing exercises, meditating and gentle poses.
Okay, I can do that. Easy stuff. Right?
What the hell is a third eye?
I was off to Yoga class armed with a fierce determination to stay focused during the whole class. I was raring to go, equipped with the mandatory (and may I add, cool) yoga kit:
A sticky pink yoga mat—sticky as in sticks to the wooden floor. Not sticky as in—when a person smuggles in a smoothie instead of water inside their water bottle and said smoothie is accidentally knocked over. (It only happened to me once)
Two blocks—used to lean on, not to build a little bridge for any tiny ants that may have slipped into the room.
A bandage—don’t ask, it’s rather complicated.
A chiropractor on speed dial—–you can ask, but you won’t believe it.
My mind was in focus mode. My gear was all organized and I sat and waited for the Yogini to start the class.
I noticed Yogini got new tattoos on her arms. She now had what they called sleeves on each arm.
That must have hurt like a mother…wait, don’t let mind wander…stay focused.
I looked out the window in front of me, instead of trying to figure out what Yogini’s new tattoos symbolized.
As everyone was getting themselves organized, Yogini looked around and commented that there were many new faces.
Yogini has great powers of observation, because I hadn’t noticed any new members, but then again, I keep to myself in these classes…being an introvert and all.
Yogini asked if anyone had any questions before we started.
As you probably have all experienced, there’s always someone in any class that takes this question literally. Their expression usually looks like a question mark at all times.
Sure enough, the lady on my left raised her hand.
Cripes, lady, we’re not in school, just ask already. I have meditating and focusing to get into.
Yogini nodded to her and Ms. Question Mark started off by gushing on how much she loved Yogini’s methods and how this was the best class and…that’s when I. Checked. Out.
I thought about what I wanted to accomplish today, mentally making a check list.
That done, I focused on Yogini’s arms and her new tattoo’s, trying to figure out what they were.
There were stars (I think), a dinosaur (I think) and an upside down cross (I think).
One thing I did know for sure was that they were all the same color in different shades.
Blue.
The thing that looked like a dinosaur was a neon blue…okay, not neon, but I’d never seen a tattoo that bright.
The color reminded me of the Smurfs.
I know what you’re thinking; how do dinosaurs and Smurfs compute?
The Yoga studio is across the street from the movie complex and through one window I could see the huge posters advertising movies.
The Smurf Movie.
This got me thinking.
Should the Smurfs be a kid’s movie?
Think about it.
There’s a village filled with boy Smurfs, baby Smurf and Papa Smurf. Then you have Smurfette.
This is where it gets dicey…who is Baby Smurf’s baby daddy?
Hollywood needs to reevaluate what is deemed appropriate for children.
Ms. Question Mark interrupted my deep thoughts, when she said, “Thanks for the explanation.”
“As I said,” Yogini answered. “It’s nothing to worry about. It’s common and in time, it will pass.”
Huh? What’s common? What will pass?
Now, I’m curious.
“I sure hope so,” the woman with the matching Lululemon yoga outfit, mat and water bottle said. “We were talking about this before class, because it also happens to me.”
Ms. Lululemon smiled at Ms. Question Mark (BFF’s for sure), proud they talked about this. Whatever the hell this was.
“It was a good question,” Yogini said, and glanced around the room. “Anyone else find this a problem?”
I looked around and it seemed everyone was nodding.
Should I nod as well? Shit, what should I do? I’ll stand out if I don’t nod. I’ll be the only one who doesn’t find whatever the hell this is a problem if I don’t nod.
Dammit, why didn’t I pay attention? Damn Smurfs, it’s all their fault.
I don’t go in for sheep mentality, but I didn’t want Yogini to think I wasn’t paying attention. Again.
No, not only did I nod, I enthusiastically said, “Yes. It’s a real pain in the ass when that happens, isn’t it?” And smiled at Ms. Question Mark to let her know I understood her problem. (Which of course I had no frickin’ clue)
Ms. Question Mark shot me such a filthy look, that if looks could kill, I’d be crossing over toward the white light.
The Yogini said, “Oh, it’s the first time I ever heard that it caused pain.”
I kid you not; I heard a collective gasp and then more than a few people laugh.
Oh, shit, what the hell did I admit to?
Yogini then looked concerned. “We can discuss this in private after class.”
Yeah, like that’s going to happen. I’m running the hell out of here after class.
Some people were still chuckling and it was beginning to piss me off.
Well, actually, I was super pissed at myself for not having more patience to listen to Ms. Question Mark’s query.
Yogini asked us all to settle down and then started the class. “Close your eyes. Clear your mind. Inhale deeply. Hold your breath in for 60 seconds and focus your energy at the third eye and mentally chant ‘Ohmmmm.’”
What the hell is a third eye? Maybe that’s what they were asking about? How the hell do I chant Ohmmm, when I’m holding my breath for sixty seconds?
I know I live in the State of Confusion when attending these classes, but today I was residing in The Universe of Confusion.
I closed my eyes and chanted, “Ohmmmm…”
“Not out loud,” Ms. Question Mark said. “She said mentally chant.”
Then she clicked her tongue as if I was annoying her.
“Chant this.” (Did I say that out loud?)
“Take in your breaths from your core,” Yogini said. “Then slowly exhale.”
The BBF’S were really into this.
Ms. Lululemon sounded like she was starring in a porn flick.
Ms. Question Mark was going at it so loud that I was sure she’d be needing a cigarette after class (or chocolate covered jelly beans—because you know not everyone smokes after a good…..O….Ohhhmmm).
The lady next to Ms. Lululemon, kept turning around, staring at me, looking like she had a hard time keeping a straight face.
Why? I have no clue. I swear I did not express the above mentioned thoughts about the BFF’s out loud.
Yogini then instructed us to slowly stand and turn to the left.
As I did this, Ms. Question Mark turned her head and whispered, “I was asking a serious question about flatulence. You didn’t have to be sarcastic with your pain in the ass remark.”
F-L-A-T-U-L-A-N-C-E????
That’s what she was asking about?
Okay, let me stop here for a minute.
Those of you who know me, know that I can not, will not ever; say, type or even want to read the four-letter “F” word used for flatulence (it’s one of my quirks), much less participate in a discussion about it.
O.M.G. I said it was a pain in the ass!
I did not respond to Ms. Question Mark, except to indicate that she should turn to face the wall.
We were instructed to bend over slowly and walk our hands in front and be mindful of the person in front of us.
While doing this, I remembered the tail end of the conversation and Yogini’s answer of, “This too shall pass.”
I burst out laughing. Well, not the loud burst of laughter. The quiet laugh.
“It’s not funny,” Mrs. Question Mark said.
Obviously, I failed at the quiet laugh, since she heard me.
“It happens to many of us here,” Ms. Question Mark said. “Before class we were discussing it and we wanted to know when it would stop.”
“Doesn’t happen to me,” I said.
“Aren’t you special?”
Cripes, lady, how the hell do you pass anything with that stick up there, anyway? Lighten up.
“I apologize,” I said. “I was pretending to know what you were all talking about, because I wasn’t paying attention. I had no clue what the question was.”
“Right,” she said.
Now I’m wondering why didn’t Yogini tell her to shush it, like she does to me when I accidentally hum along with the irritating, supposedly soothing music? Just so you know, I think I jazz up that annoying music so people don’t fall asleep.
“Will you stop giggling,” Ms. Question Mark said.
“I’m facing your behind for this pose and you don’t find any of this funny?”
“No,” she said. “I don’t.”
“Okay, I’ll stop,” I said. “And I really am sorry. Can I buy you a smoothie after class to make up for it?”
“No thanks, just stop laughing. It isn’t funny.”
Seriously? She doesn’t find this funny?
I’m apologizing to her butt after the question she asked, and she can’t see the humor in this?
We continued with the poses, and I really did pay attention and managed not to fall over.
We were standing, doing the eagle pose, when the air in the room changed…as in…someone needs to open a window.
And fast.
The elderly woman in front of Ms. Question Mark turned and gave us both a wide smile and said, “See, when you get to be my age, you don’t question it or give a damn. Now that I’ve cleared out your sinuses, do some yoga and stop your yammering.”
Her friend (elderly woman number two) beside her nodded in agreement.
Elderly Woman Number Two obviously didn’t give a damn either.
It was like being plunked in the middle of that scene from Blazing Saddles.
Elderly Woman Number two cranked up a smile and said, “Breathe in ladies.”
NAMASTE.
Here are some of the things that go through my mind when we’re supposed to be meditating. Admit it, those of you who practice meditation and Yoga, you probably have these thoughts as well. Right?
“Warning! Asses directly in front of you may be closer than they appear.”
Okay, close eyes, clear mind. Here I go. . .
I’m thinking, why do they call it Jay walking? Who is Jay? Makes me think of a Jay bird and as far as I know, you can’t arrest a bird for flying through a red light.
Thinking of birds, who came up with, “Why did the chicken cross the road?” Has anyone ever witnessed a bunch of chickens cross the road?
Thinking that I’m going to have to Google the synonym for synonym when I get home. Curious to see if there’s such a thing.
Cripes, did the lady next to me not read the sign in the gym that says: No scent makes good sense? I think I’m going to puke.
Wait, did I just say that out loud? Shit. Okay, I can cover this up. I’ll smile and pretend it wasn’t me.
Time for the downward dog pose.
They really should have a sign in this room that says, “Warning! Asses directly in front of you may be closer than they appear.”
I’m such a bitch.
Time to sit, clear mind and meditate.
If an orange is called an orange because of its color, why don’t we call bananas, yellow? “I sliced yellow on my peanut butter and toast?” Nah, that doesn’t work. I get that.
Now, I’m hungry.
That guy’s yoga mat smells like grapes. Scratch and sniff yoga mats? That’s stupid.
Grapes. Now, I’m really hungry.
Major fail on the clearing of the mind, but at least I’m acting like I’m meditating.
Why do Pizza places promise to make and deliver the pizza in 30 minutes or less? Who wants half-baked pizza, driven by a maniac who could mow down an innocent bystander just so you can have pizza in 30 minutes?
Stop thinking about food! Keep pretending that you get this whole meditation thing.
Why do people say, “Little pitchers have big ears.” I’ve never seen a pitcher with any ears. Kids don’t look like jugs. While I’m thinking about it, I really hate it when men refer to boobs as jugs. It’s not like they’re full of beer.
That thought made me thirsty. I need to sneak in a water break. But then I’ll have to pee. Okay, back to clearing my mind and meditating.
Did the Yogini just say, “Breathe through your legs?”
What the hell is that supposed to mean?
Damn, I think I may have said that out loud?
Hmmm, maybe not. Yogini hasn’t reacted. Unless of course her eye roll was her Yoga-way of telling me to shut up. Back to my version of meditation.
Why is it called buttermilk? There is no butter in the milk.
Stop thinking about liquids.
Why do they call the Mexican Fast Food place, Taco Bell? Sounds like it should be a phone company. What does a bell have to do with tacos?
Again with the food thoughts. Stop.
When someone says, let’s agree to disagree, but what if I don’t want to agree with that? How would you answer?
The mouth breather next to me is getting on my nerves.
I know, I’m being a bitch again.
Why do men hate asking for directions? Okay, I know what you’re thinking: “Dumb question just like the rest of your nonsensical stream of consciousness blog.”
Bite me.
Did I say that out loud? Back to my relaxing yoga thoughts.
What time is it? Where’s the damn clock in this room? How much longer do I need to sit in this pose and breathe through…what did she say this time? “Concentrate on breathing through our toes?”
Seriously, lady, W.T.F?
Shit, I said that out loud.
Note to self: Next time place mat in the back of the room.
Yogini getting up and tiptoeing toward me.
Uhm, yeah, now’s a good time for that pee break.
Namaste…..Ohmmmm….
Where did the peanut go?
While clearing my mind and “meditating” during yoga class early one morning I glanced out the window and noticed a squirrel scurrying up a tree.
It led me to thinking about the peanut that used to sit on top of the Squirrel Peanut Butter jar. When you opened a new jar, there it was; a tasty, crunchy peanut.
It’s not there any more.
Where did it go?
Actually, where did Squirrel Peanut Butter go? I haven’t seen that brand on the shelf in a long time.
I made a mental note to do a quick Google search when I get home to find the missing peanut.
Gotta love Google. So many things to discover.
Gotta love these yoga, meditating classes.
I think they’re improving my concentration and helping me clear my mind and not think of anything but…wait, it’s Monday today, which means tomorrow is Tasty Tuesday. Need to think of a blog post.
Not right now though.
Meditating.
I stared out the window again. Where did the cinnamon colored squirrel go? The same fate as the peanut and it’s namesake peanut butter brand? That would be sad. Even though squirrels are little pains in the asses in our garden. I bet Cinnamon is probably sitting in the tree, looking in on us humans as we sit here, crossed leg, meditating and clearing our minds.
Which is what I’m doing.
Cinnamon is a cute name for the little rodent. It’s also such a versatile spice; you can use it in savory and sweet dishes (the spice not the squirrel, because that would be gross.)
Back to meditating.
I love sprinkling cinnamon on baked apples.
I still have a lot of apples left over from our apple picking outing. Note to self: make more apple sauce when I get home. It comes in handy when we’re having pork loin roast and I use it for baking. You can substitute apple sauce for butter.
Where was I? Oh, yes, I’m clearing my mind and thinking of the ocean, tranquility and…marshmallows.
There were a lot of miniature marshmallows leftover from yesterday’s Thanksgiving meal. Gotta love a holiday that allows you to sprinkle marshmallows over a sweet potato casserole.
That reminded me of the leftover sweet potatoes in my fridge.
Yes, I do believe I’ve got the hang of this Yoga meditating thing.
Clear the mind.
Yogini is advising us to think of calming sounds. The waves of the ocean. Birds chirping…cancel the birds. I don’t like birds. They scare me. I’ll think of a relaxing activity instead.
Baking cookies.
