Prana

artist: Lindsay Watson (she's lovely)
source: http://lindsayannewatson.tumblr.com/post/53786356320

When I had to start physical education in middle school, I hated it. I was never a runner, I understand that it's good for you, but I couldn't get into it. Let's face it, I fit the gender role of a female, and I don't care, there ain't nothing wrong with that. I don't like playing sports and I don't enjoy laps... I wish I did but my kinesthetics lie in dancing, yoga, pilates, a bit of a slower pace. That, or weight training.

My first year of high school I was in dance, a jazz dance for P.E. credit. It was cool, but it was with all the theater kids that I had nothing in common with. They took the class a bit too seriously and were too competitive, I wasn't.... I dropped it after the first semester. I picked up P.E. again my sophomore year. It was an aerobics class with one of my best and always fun friend, Aly. Now, this was the type of class I could hang with. We did circuits every couple of weeks. Abs, squats, kickboxing, pilates, steps, and, yes, yoga.

I experienced yoga for the first time when I was 15. I never turned back. It was finally a way to move my body that made sense to me, more than anything before. There was this peace that lifted an energy out of me that I never experienced before. People who are more sports activated often said yoga was too boring for them, they needed more of a burn. I can understand that, but, I felt that way about the typical activities, why were we always in such a rush? One of the most common traits I hear about people who don't really know me is how calm I am. I learned it from my nana and my mother. I am thankful they passed that down to me because it makes me feel like I am 0.01% closer to being the type of women they are. Anyway, I'm digressing, as always.

I'm still practicing and learning yoga, I'm by no means an expert and I don't think that one will ever master something that constantly forces you to challenge yourself. For me, yoga is a way of life, it calms and helps me keep myself centered. I end my practice in shavasana, corpse pose, one of the most humbling positions to put yourself in. A moment of vulnerability as you lie in a position that mirrors the lifeless, palms up, eyes closed, your mind silenced. I often see a white light while I have my eyes closed in this position, the highest form of euphoria I have ever experienced. I am able to meditate and feel a love radiate out of me. Beyond this, it taught me a sense of selflessness, a moment to send light and love to those who are in my life, have crossed my mind, and have left my life. I just want everyone to be doing well. I often say death has softened and humbled me, alongside with this, yoga has healed wounds that allowed me to expose my vulnerability in this. It has been my way of expression for nearly 9 years. I have wavered off the path of yoga many times through the past 9 years, but I always find my way back. It feels like home to me. Take care of yourself, radiate love, be kind. Namaste is often how the practice ends, and it is a way to express gratitude and thank someone for their kindness. How beautiful is that, appreciation for nothing but kindness. We don't always have to thank someone for the obvious, thank them for the hidden.