This morning I practiced in the front row. A couple laid their mats down next to mine. They both had very well toned, defined muscles, it was very obivous they frequented a gym regularly.
I was aware from the moment we took our first breaths that I was going to have to focus hard on finding my peace during the class. They were constantly wiping sweat, taking swigs from their water bottles, wiping sweat, moving around between poses, wiping sweat, leaving the room. I was willing them to stay still. To breathe through the sweat dripping down their faces. To focus on the moment. I had to keep bringing myself back to my practice, back to looking at my own eyes and form in the mirror, to avoid catching them out of the corner of my eye. I was eventually able to find my peace once we got to Balancing Stick pose. I had a strong class and got a nice thumbs up from the teacher.
I hope to see them in class again with some new found stillness and composure. And knowing that we all sweat in Bikram yoga. Sweat is one of the best side effects from being in the hot room.
7 comments:
It's nice to know that I'm not the only one who has a hard time with that. In one class yesterday, people were wiping themselves down and getting water between every posture. I was kind of freaking out. But I'm happy you found your peace. :)
Catherine, it's amazing how we can let someone else bother us that much. Hope your studio classes went well this weekend!
I think there's a balance between getting distracted by the little stuff and getting a little off-put by some bad yoga etiquette. I don't know if that qualifies as bad yoga etiquette, but you do have to draw the line somewhere :-) (I always find it funny when the macho tough guys decide to plunk down right in the front, and proceed to go "Holy $hIT, this is HARD."
E, I agree! I'm trying to get my brothers to come to class with me. They are both soccer and rugby players. I would love to have them admit to me that yoga is challenging and watch them suffer...just a little;)
Ahhh, the restless yogi syndrome. It's tough to sit still with your discomfort. We get there, eventually---but it takes a long time, doesn't it?!
Hannah, it definitely does take a while to get there, to just understand that in the long run it's easier to stay still. But the mind plays tricks on us!
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