While this wasn’t really a trip that included many ‘firsts’ one thing I was introduced to for the first time was Yoga. My host, Phong, has been practicing Yoga for some time and, while he claimed he was no expert, he knew a great deal more about it than I did.
I had always thought that Yoga was what vegans who wore loose fitting clothes and comfortable shoes did instead on watching TV. I’d also noticed that it seemed to be popular among middle aged ladies who drive Mercedes and BMW’s and call everyone darling. It didn’t really seem like my kind of thing, but I’ll try anything once.
Phong took me along to a free Yoga session at a shop called Lululemon in Camberwell, Melbourne. Our instructor was Lelda Kapsis, who apart from being a Yogaologist (or whatever they’re called) is also an actress and a voice over artist.
Pretty soon the room was full of people (and probably some vegans too!) all sitting dutifully on mats before Lelda. In her soft Australian voice overtone she welcomed us to the session then asked if anyone had any medical issues or injuries.
I glanced around the room wondering to myself why such a question would be required if all we were going to do was sit on a mat and pull the occasional funny pose. But, oh boy, my understanding of Yoga was way wrong! While softly spoken and clearly a spiritual kind of girl, there’s little doubt in my mind that Lelda could kick my ass in a gym with very little effort.
I thought Yoga was supposed to be relaxing and leave you feeling chilled out and one with mother earth. But instead, after just a few minutes of introductions and a few closed eye exercises, I was straining to point my butt to heaven while sending my dignity to hell.
It quickly became apparent to me that I was very likely the only Yoga virgin in the room. I probably should have figured that would be the case when the venue was a shop that sold yoga-inspired athletic apparel.
Lelda was giving great instructions explaining how to get into positions with funny names like the ‘Catcow,’ ‘Royal pigeon,’ and the ‘Deputy dog,’ or something like that, I can’t really remember. The problem was I was getting confused. Everything was happening so fast, amplifying my novice status, like playing xbox games with a teenager.
Confident I had gotten into my stride, and at least got the hang of the ‘Deputy dog’ position, I looked up to just check I was in unison with the class. It was then when I realised that I probably needed a ‘Yoga for dummies‘ class. I had the pose right, but had done it the other way to everyone else, they were all pointing left while I was pointing right. I shuffled to the correct pose while struggling to stifle the fit of giggles that was now consuming me.
All the meditation stuff we did between stretches and poses was going over my head as I couldn’t still my thoughts. All I could think of was that if this was being filmed I would very much stand out as the class idiot. The clumsy novice whose failure to figure out his left from right was the least of his problems.
The hour long session was probably not long enough for the vegans in the room, but for me it was quite enough. I’ve clearly got a lot to learn about meditation and Yoga, but at the very least the session was a fun experience and I’ll know what I’m getting myself into next time, and I’m sure there will be a next time.
—
Yoga for dummies
Meditation for Dummies
Naked Yoga!
Laughing Yoga
Zen Habits
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Wrote the following comment on Feb 12, 2010 at 7:07 pm
Funny post. You should try hot yoga Simon!
Wrote the following comment on Feb 12, 2010 at 8:05 pm
I was thinking of starting yoga as my range of movement is crap, and its good to have increased suppleness when doing other forms of training. Posture is very important too.
Apparently I have the worst flexibility in my hips that my trainer has ever seen, but we’re working on that :-)
Wrote the following comment on Feb 12, 2010 at 11:50 pm
I hope you stick at it Simon. I love yoga!
Wrote the following comment on Feb 13, 2010 at 12:23 pm
I am sure you were great Simon, it certainly sounds like you enjoyed the experience and had fun. That’s a great start!
Wrote the following comment on Feb 14, 2010 at 2:19 am
@ Will – You know Will, I found just the book for you… Yoga in Bed. If anyone knows of a book to allow me to do Yoga in my sleep then please share the link :-)
Wrote the following comment on Feb 14, 2010 at 2:03 pm
Oh no, I’m a stereotype. I’m love yoga and I am a vegan! lol.
Wrote the following comment on Feb 15, 2010 at 6:07 am
I have been doing yoga on and off for the past couple of years. Not my cup of tea, I am thinking of doing rollerderby (rosecityrollers.com). I need more action!
Wrote the following comment on Feb 16, 2010 at 10:48 am
U definitely should try hot yoga, that would be heaven for you, yoga in a really hot room ;)
Wrote the following comment on Feb 17, 2010 at 2:47 am
Maybe the spiritual stuff might not be your thing Simon, but controlling your breathing and increasing your flexibility might serve you well in other areas of your life… if you know what I mean ;-)
Wrote the following comment on Feb 17, 2010 at 2:52 am
I thought Yoga was smarter than your average bear, was always getting in trouble for stealing picnic baskets, and had a sidekick named BooBoo.
Admit it Simon, you have become a Hindu, what with your prayers to Ganesha, and your practice of Yoga. On top of that, I am pretty sure, amidst all the jewelry on your wrists, I have seen some prayer beads.
Here’s a mantra for you:
Owa
Tigoo
Siam
:-)
Wrote the following comment on Feb 17, 2010 at 12:48 pm
@ Missy (Melisa) – Rollerderby sounds like fun, but faced with that choice I might stick to the yoga myself.
@ Yolande – You know Phong and I were going to do some hot yoga (Is it me or does that just sounds wrong?) but I think I’m a while away from being ready to work out in a steam room!
@ Abby – Yes, I know exactly what you mean Abby and you’re right. It may well help me with my swimming.
@ Anthony – I laughed out loud when I read the comment about prayer bead jewelry. Why? Well take a look at this picture I just took of my wrist! :-)
Wrote the following comment on Feb 17, 2010 at 6:07 pm
This was fun to read. I’m a yoga teacher AND I eat meat… just so you know we’re not all “vegans who wear loose fitting clothes and comfortable shoes.” :-)
Wrote the following comment on Feb 20, 2010 at 10:35 pm
ha ha ha, wish I could have been there to see that!