I’ve decided to document my recent endeavor to do more Yoga. I bought an 8 week pass, and I am finishing up week one right now. The first class I took basically murdered me. I’ve been practicing Yoga on and off for 5 or 6 years, but it had been a while in-between, this time. I was having trouble not judging myself in a room full of beautiful people who are able to do headstands and full Eagles. My fat seems to get in the way in a handful of poses, and that really frustrates me. But, as I’ve been going every day since then, I’ve found my body becoming a little more forgiving, and my mind a lot more so. I’ve found this sense of calm that reaches me when I enter the space. Last night, I went to the restorative class, which is more Yin than Yang according to the teacher - whatever that means. The class before mine went long and I watched the packed 6pm class, probably 50 people in the small room, finish their practice with Shavasana. An older couple nearest the glass doors I was watching through held hands throughout this silent pose. I went into last night’s class then with a sense of promise and love for myself and my future. I’m a few hours away from a Ishta class, which I am new to. According to the website, “ISHTA Yoga is a combination of Ashtanga, Iyengar, Vini and other yoga techniques. Through a blend of Asana (physical postures), Pranayama (breath)and Tantra (mediatation).” I’m excited for it, feeling strong (though my muscles are exhausted) and optimistic today.