Blog on the Lillypad
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
 | A More Mellow Yoga
Following the chiropractor's advice regarding my knee pain, I stayed out of yoga class last Thursday night, and last night (Monday), I followed a routine of holding certain postures for just a ten count and then resting for a five count, and then holding them again, etc. I used the abbreviated system only for those postures that stress the right leg: one-legged balancing poses and the Warrior I and Warrior II poses with the right leg forward. |
Our current teacher is subbing for the regular teacher, and she was pretty careful to keep the right leg aligned for me on the bridge pose and any other pose where that right knee of mine starts to flare out. I was grateful for her concern.
But getting old definitely stinks. By the end of class I was a little down and felt a little guilty. For 20 years, taekwon do taught me (even beat it into me) that I must go harder to break through mental barriers.
I have to admit, not going all out feels almost shameful, like I'm cheating somebody or defrauding the teacher. I was a little embarrassed at the end of class: not only can I not do one single pose correctly, now I hang back at times.
However, by the time I got home, the post-yoga class euphoria had gathered itself around me like a cloud of incense. I felt stretched out and relaxed, and my knee wasn't hurting. All embarrassment gone, I cleaned up, got into soft pyjamas, and had soup and bread as a late night meal. Everything felt safe and good. My back felt terrific, and having the long-lingering pain removed by the constant stretching for an hour and a half is a consolation that cannot be equaled. Who cares if I stink at yoga and have to go slow? My back is better! I can shave my legs; I can pick stuff up off the floor; I can clean the bathtub, and I can tie my shoes quite easily now.
For the last week or so, the morning after class has found me drained, with twinges in the right knee and upper leg, and a general malaise. This morning I was a little drowsy but overall refreshed and happy. I suppose I have been pushing myself too hard. Moderation, moderation, moderation. It will take some adjusting on my part, but I will look at this new mindset as just one other aspect of learning yoga.
