What Colour Is Your Yoga Mat?: Start Of My Yoga Journey

In the end of 2013 I set a goal for myself to try something new.  I chose to join a yoga studio.  Now, I've practiced yoga before in the confines of a rec center setting, but I knew I wanted something more.  I needed a place to challenge my physical and mental self and at the same time provide balance in my chaotic schedule.  I found this and more at Hari Om Yoga Studios in Langley, B.C.

When I joined in late December I told myself this was not going to be just one of those New years Resolutions that many people make and break after a few short months.  Weighing the cost of attending this studio and my time I knew I had to commit to a minimum of three sessions a week to make it worth while.  I wanted to experiment and see if this form of exercise was all I needed, as I had become bored at the gym- treadmills were not cutting it anymore.

I took my magenta hued mat and my classic Lulu attire and attended my first class, and I was hooked.  This gorgeous bamboo floored studio, with a large picture window over-looking a forest of trees invited me in, and the inclusive instructors and owners captured my heart.  I find myself going four times a week, and if I didn't have to work I'd be there more.

So what's with the colour of the mat?  Why is that important?  Well I don't think the colour of your mat matters, and it won't reveal anything about your personality, but it is one thing I observe in every class.  This is a good thing, as before I was more focused on how I measured up to the other yogis I practiced with instead of just focusing on my own practice.  And as the months have gone by I have trained myself to be more curious about the Easter Egg basket of colours I see while twisting into poses rather than competing with the people to twist the furthest.  I know now it isn't a competition and that everyone's body is different and we all have varying abilities.  Yoga is a journey without a destination as once you have mastered a pose it doesn't mean you are done.  You are never finished, since our bodies shift continuously our abilities to achieve more room to stretch and twist will vary.  One day you might be able to get into Winged Dragon pose and the next maybe Baby Dragon is all your body is up for.

Another thing I have realized is that my body has become stronger and leaner over these months.  I try to get in some cardio, from time to time, but I'm not obsessed with losing weight anymore.  I am becoming comfortable in my skin and celebrating my body for what it is now and yoga has done that for me.

And doing something for just me is something I'm lucky enough to do four times a week.  I'm fortunate to have the extra time to indulge in yoga in this particular way and that my husband is so supportive of me in doing this for just me.  I know not many women take the time every week to do something just for them, but if you could what would it be?  In a sense what colour is your mat, your thing you love to do alone, just for you?

The Wallflower Learns to Slightly Peel Herself Off The Sidelines

Lately I've been doing a lot of soul -searching and trying to figure out who I am and just being comfortable in my own skin.  With the help of a life coach I have begun to accept myself and push myself at the same time to become the person I want to be.  The latter months of 2013 proved to be more than stressful on my marriage and myself and I needed to get control.  When I started my journey with my life coach I didn't know the emotional impact it would have on me.  I had to ask myself some tough questions and my answers were tough pills to swallow.  The biggest realization for me was that I have a tough time asking for help partly because I don't want to be a burden on other people.  And not getting what I need is a result of that.  In addition to that I learned fear of the unknown and being out of control are learned conditions I have lived in for years. Then if you add the fact I am a shy and introverted person, it takes a lot for me to do things that seem easy or normal for a lot of people, such as: asking a store -clerk for help; driving to a place I've never been before; or trying a new activity.  These simple activities take a lot of self- talk and can be exhausting to think about so sometimes it's easier to not do them.

So after some sessions, which ended in January, and a big commitment to change on my part, I have been able to gain control and set goals for myself to be a more confident and extroverted person.  This better version of myself is crucial for my goals of getting in shape, living a more balanced life and the biggest one- publishing my book.

During this process I also discovered that introvert is not a bad word.  Growing up in a society that values extroverted people and choosing an extroverted  profession in education I had to become more extroverted in my professional realm, and sometimes in my social realm too.  But the truth is, I love being an introvert.  For the longest time guilt or moments of social awkwardness reigned over me as I felt the need to be an extrovert as that is "the norm", and not how I want to be.  Many people perceive you as being strange in a social setting to sit back and take in the scene.  Looking back now, I see that my dad is an introvert and when I observe him he sits quietly and then chimes in when the moment is right.  My natural response is to the same but I also can't stand the silence that can build in a conversation with a stranger, so I spend time before a big social gathering preparing questions to ask new people I meet to help keep the conversation going.  It can be tiring.

I also realize that I enjoy spending time in solitude.  My perfect weekend is just me and the novel I'm reading or the one I'm working on.  I also love just being alone with my thoughts.  My best creative ideas come from strolling in the wilderness, alone.  I also love shopping alone and exercising alone.  I think that is why I'm drawn to individual athletic pursuits, like walking, swimming, and yoga.  Yes I know I practice yoga in a studio full of people, but most times I focus on my me and my mat.

So what I'm figuring out is that it is okay to be an introvert but as long as my needs are being met, which means in certain settings I have to be extroverted.  And on the other hand it is okay to indulge my shy, quiet side too.  And after practicing some of my new techniques I feel I'm growing into the person I want to be.