I have been going to hot yoga for a couple weeks now and oh my is it ever amazing! When I walked into the studio for the first time I was overcome by the beauty of the place. It was so sensual. It smelled, felt, looked, sounded and tasted beautiful. The taste was not by mouth but by soul. I longed to be there and take in all of it. All of what it had to offer. I was surrounded by a raw sense of grounded enlightenment. The class itself was overwhelming, at first, it has gotten easier since. I find it amazing the amount of meditation I have to do in order to get through a class. The mental task of going is almost as much as the physical. It starts at 6am when I am awoken by the soft subtle sounds of my alarm as I am gently carried from my dream state to a waking state of consciousness. I first fight with myself about getting out of my warm bed, but than I always remind myself how wonderful I will feel the rest of the day. I do this for myself and no one else. I get ready and then drive for thirty minutes to get to the studio. Once I am there I can’t wait to see what it- the palpable presence of the yogic energy- has to offer me that day. I go through the motions in a trance of introspective delight and hard work. I breathe through the physical pain and move beyond it because I know it is solely mind over matter. I get through it and before I know it the time for Savassana or “corpse pose” has arrived. I lay there imagining how my day will manifest and there is an underlying sense of accomplishment; a smile on my face and a glow in my heart and I can hardly wait for the next class. With deep reverance I whisper a meaningful Namaste’.
When we think of exercise often we think of running for miles; walking great hills; biking the distance. Maybe we think of swimming laps; jazzercise; jumping jacks and lifting weights. But do any of us think of the fun (and for some I understand these previous mentioned “duties” are fun) stuff? One of the most enjoyable ways, in my opinion, to get a great work out is to dance. One of those dances being West African dance.
I went to my first class in months yesterday and let me tell you I am feeling it, in more ways than one. An hour and a half of non-stop movement and non-stop fun! Not only were my legs and arms feeling it but my cheeks from smiling. This is a time when I can let it all go and be present with my time, because time is precious I want to remember it well. I was sweating like a triathlete with out the pressure of a race. If I am not dancing for exercise I am dancing for the pure pleasure of it… Deep inside knowing all the calories I’m burning in the meantime. Think of all the possibilities: guilt free gelato; sinless soy-delicious; care-free coffee and much more, anticipating that on Sunday I will have redeemed myself from the treats I enjoyed earlier in the week and I can start again on Monday!
Not to mention what a great way to start your week!
Did you know that hula hooping burns 50 calories per every 10 minutes? What a great way to exercise! Not only is it good for your body it is good for your soul and lets face it a healthy body is so much better with a healthy soul. Hula hoops are also an inexpensive way to exercise. No bank breaking gym fees every month and you can hoop in the privacy of your own home or take it to the park. It is also a great way to spend time with the kids and to interact with other people. Bring ‘em to parties and turn the place upside down! Hula hooping is also becoming the new rage in the dance community. Check out www.hoopnotica.com it’s a great place to find beginning and advanced level hula hoops and accessories as well as totally inspirational! So, bring back your childhood with a hula hoop and get your daily 30 minutes of exercise in a fun, uplifting and positive way!
Smile life is grand!