Yoga is life

Cactusflower

Pied Piper of Ponies
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I suck at meditation. My brain is always too busy, but, there's yoga. Yoga is as close as I get to meditation. When I'm in the studio, I'm completely focused on myself, on doing the positions and working hard. All that focus keeps my mind present in what I'm doing and not drifting away to it's usually nonsense.

I used to have a membership at my local studio for over a year until I lost my job over a year ago. I had to cancel, because I couldn't justify the expense. I didn't go for a whole year. Then, my studio offered me a whole month unlimited for $20, so I took it and went every day in Jan. Still not working, I decided to join their Energy Exchange program and it's amazing.

I work for three hours a week, cleaning the studio and I have unlimited free yoga. I had my first shift today and I haven't felt so happy in a long time.

I was actually pretty nervous about it. I had this fear that I would commit to work for four months and for some reason people would be miserable. It's all I've know for years. My jobs were dealing with jerks all day every day. I should have known it wouldn't be like that. What an incredible experience.

I have never seen a business that is run so well and so efficient. My orientation was the best work orientation I've ever had, as well. They have literally have EVERYTHING written down. The cleaning is extensive at my studio, which I love and they have checklists, pictures, instructions detailing every possible question you could have. I should have taken some photos, because it's that ridiculous. They use all non toxic cleaning supplies.

I can't say enough good things about my studio. This program came about because they believe in making yoga accessible to the community. They donate to local charities. They are community oriented. The classes sometimes have live or dj'ed music. It's like a religious experience.

Any other yoga fanatics out there?
 
Sounds like you've found your perfect niche! Huzzah!

I used to dabble in yoga, but with my knee injuries, I'm pretty much struggling to just walk at this time. However I find a lot of spiritual value in both Hindu and Shinto meditations (particularly the Sankskrit mantras like Om mani padme hum). I've always been particularly interested in the works of Buddha since I was young. I'm not religious, but I've mixed what I like into my spiritual life.
 
I've never tried yoga but always been intrigued. It seems like it would be a good way to relax and decompress while strengthening your body. I guess my hesitation has been finding a good place and making myself take the time to do it. Plus there is the cost and the fear that the place will be full of graceful, flexible, skinny women and I'll be huffing and puffing and rolling around like a corgi trying to catch it's tail LOL Maybe one day I'll branch out but I'm so glad you found a way to keep going to your place and being about to do what you enjoy without having to feel guilty about the costs. It's wonderful that it's run well too, I like a nice, organized tight ship!
 
You've got an awesome deal there. I really enjoy yoga with the right yogi. I can't really afford it unfortunately. I also would need a hiatus for the recovery from surgery, so can't do it now anyway. Someday I'll get a membership. Someday, if we ever get passports, maybe we could even join you! I'd love to regain my flexibility somewhat. I've gotten pretty good at meditating.

It sounds like you found a really great studio, too. I'm so happy for you!
 
I like yoga but have not been practicing consistently for a couple years. I started in college but was inconsistent after moving off campus and away from the rec center. I have since moved back to my hometown and have not found another class. The expense and schedule throws me off. It’s really not convenient for those that work full time. Can’t really come in at 10 am, my boss would frown at that. I also recently had a baby, so I am lucky if I remember to brush my teeth, let alone go to a 6 am yoga class that requires 20-30 minutes to travel to.

I do enjoy it at hone sometimes. I like Rodney Yee with Gaiam but I do have back issues that also limit my exercises. Really need to get back into a routine though.
 
I like yoga but have not been practicing consistently for a couple years. I started in college but was inconsistent after moving off campus and away from the rec center. I have since moved back to my hometown and have not found another class. The expense and schedule throws me off. It’s really not convenient for those that work full time. Can’t really come in at 10 am, my boss would frown at that. I also recently had a baby, so I am lucky if I remember to brush my teeth, let alone go to a 6 am yoga class that requires 20-30 minutes to travel to.

I do enjoy it at hone sometimes. I like Rodney Yee with Gaiam but I do have back issues that also limit my exercises. Really need to get back into a routine though.

With work and a baby, you need time for yourself too. I hope you are able to get back at it. I've been working with a back injury the last couple weeks and a shoulder injury before that. I find yoga way better than physio for me. My studio has classes all day from 6:15am to 9pm at night, which is great for people with crazy schedules. I've never tried the Gaiam. I do yoga at home sometimes, but I enjoy the heat at the studio.

I know yoga isn't for everyone, but it saved me a couple times. When I got into a miserable depression and didn't want to see or talk to anyone, I found I was able to tolerate being in room full of people at yoga, because it was silent and there were no expectations for me to say or do anything.
 
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With work and a baby, you need time for yourself too. I hope you are able to get back at it. I've been working with a back injury the last couple weeks and a shoulder injury before that. I find yoga way better than physio for me. My studio has classes all day from 6:15am to 9pm at night, which is great for people with crazy schedules. I've never tried the Gaiam. I do yoga at home sometimes, but I enjoy the heat at the studio.

I know yoga isn't for everyone, but it saved me a couple times. When I got into a miserable depression and didn't want to see or talk to anyone, I found I was able to tolerate being in room full of people at yoga, because it was silent and there were no expectations for me to say or do anything.

I agree that it's better than pt. It's got those added meditative and relaxation elements. I can't do it at home well either... something about the atmosphere with the right class. Plus, for me, I'm hardwired for ballet positions, so I like having someone there to make sure I'm not falling into the wrong positioning, since I really can't afford to hurt myself by doing it wrong.

I like yoga but have not been practicing consistently for a couple years. I started in college but was inconsistent after moving off campus and away from the rec center. I have since moved back to my hometown and have not found another class. The expense and schedule throws me off. It’s really not convenient for those that work full time. Can’t really come in at 10 am, my boss would frown at that. I also recently had a baby, so I am lucky if I remember to brush my teeth, let alone go to a 6 am yoga class that requires 20-30 minutes to travel to.

I do enjoy it at hone sometimes. I like Rodney Yee with Gaiam but I do have back issues that also limit my exercises. Really need to get back into a routine though.

I understand how busy life is with a little one... I can't say they ever stop. Cactusflower is right that you need to make a little pocket for self care/love every week or so. It's hard to do. I always want to be taking care of my girl and I have hyposomnia, so I do like to sleep when I get the chance. The only way I made it through her first two years was by sleeping when she did. Plus, you're working! I hope you have some people that you trust to help you sometimes.

Here in Washington state every hospital has support groups and mommy baby classes. Most of the churches have a day each week for moms to get together and they rotate who brings food, who watches the kids, etc. Plus the YMCA, out here at least, has scads of mommy/baby classes, the community centers do, too. They have yoga, water play/safety/areobics, zumba, and so many more. You might see if there's one you can go to together.

I wish I'd taken my girl to one... she was always just so hyper I never did. I also have major trust issues :oops: I could never find it in me to leave her in any kind of childcare. I cried so hard that first day of preschool after wishing her a good day. Four hours never took so long. o_O I'm blessed to be able to stay at home with her. I'm a loony, forever broke, and she misses out on a lot of group activities, but I get to be here for her. ;)
 
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