Strength

This past week I participated in a two-hour yoga session as part of a fundraiser for the YMCA.  Two hours of yoga might sound like a great excuse for a long nap with friends...but I can tell you it is anything but that.  We were treated to the guidance of five different and incredible teachers from the Y and each had their own style and approach to their practice.  It was a pretty surreal experience to be a part of such a meaningful class surrounded by so many other like-minded individuals.  And the whole time being focused on our practice in different ways.  What really stood out for me while the class progressed was the sense of strength that I felt from my body.  As I moved from one pose to another, the realization of just how physically strong and stable my body felt, and how naturally it seemed to move in and out of the various poses.  I realized in those moments that I had never really felt that before...sure you can look in the mirror and notice muscles or complete a workout and make the assumption or connection that you are strong or gaining strength.  But to actually FEEL it and recognize it was different.  It also made me realize that we don't often stop to give our bodies the credit that they deserve for the work that they do on a daily basis.  I can admit to my focus when it comes to physical activity being more on the next step, the next challenge, the next goal.  Not often do I stop for very long to appreciate the present when it comes to physical ability.  Perhaps it is because I don't come from a background where being physical fit or active was a natural state of being.  It has been a lot of work and grit that have allowed me to get to where I am physically and stubbornness and determination to continually work on improving. 
The yoga class wasn't all hard work; we did enjoy a wonderful restorative flow towards the end, and that was my opportunity to thank my body for its hard work and to give appreciation for the strength that it has developed over the years.  As I know that this physical strength has been a big contributor to the inner resolve that I have needed in order to travel to where I find myself these days. 

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