I hadn’t been to a yoga class in a few weeks: my work schedule was out of control, I had a cold and cough that seemed to last forever, I was eating too much and feared I would not fit into my yoga pants. All of that became history today when I went to an early morning hot asana class.
I usually move into most warrior poses with ease and hold them for a few breaths. There is an effort but the body flows and enjoys the challenge. Not today. Muscles were already quivering at the start of the pose and my limbs felt oddly disconnected from my core. The stretches felt like an attempt to straighten limbs made of steel. I could barely keep up. I usually try to stay centered during yoga class, focusing on the strength and flexibility of my own body. Not today. My eyes ventured over to the two women nearest me and my comparing mind was immediately activated. They looked youthful, supple, strong, their bodies adapting to the postures with ease.
After class, one of the two women said that her face became so red during class that she hoped the teacher didn’t notice. She felt embarrassed. I said I thought redness of the face was a healthy sign and pallor of the face would be more disturbing to the teacher. I then confessed to both women how my body felt rigid and struggled with the poses. To which one of them responded with spontaneous kindness, “but you looked so good!”
This is why I love my fellow yogis. They show up as they are, embrace imperfection in the pursuit of physical and spiritual transformation, and give encouragement when it is most needed.