like a virgin { savasana for the very first time }
I spent this past weekend in gloriously snowy Big Bear. My delicious boyfriend set it all up for my birthday. The beautiful thing about birthdays, is that you get goodies and wield power you normally wouldn’t/don’t. :) You can bet I take full advantage of this every year. For this birthday in particular, the power trip included talking the man into taking his first yoga class. (See! I only use my power for GOOD!)
I’ve been waiting years for him to share my love for yoga, or to at least try it. Let’s face it, you can’t try it without falling deeply in love and rapture. I knew he only needed a taste of it to get hooked.
We wound up being the only two people in the class (Spring means off-season in Big Bear = not many people in town), which thankfully made him much more comfortable. He was an incredible sport about the whole thing, even though he was nervous about trying something so different from his usual travels (weight lifting + running). I was amazed at how graceful he was. His Trikonasana was inspiring, he modifies poses to his level with innate keenness, and his ability to turn inward blew my mind.
The very best part, though, was seeing his face after Savasana. I haven’t seen him look that peaceful or that rested in quite some time. This was the best birthday present he could have given me. We are now able to share something that is so much a part of my soul.
There aren’t any words to describe having the chance to give yoga to the people you love. I’m starting to feel an inner shift: maybe I do want to teach. What I do know is that it will be part of my life’s mission to spread the beauty of yoga to those I know and love, and quite possibly to everyone else.
Tell me about your first time! Did yoga make you strong, make you bold, thaw out what was scared and cold? It does this every day for me. :)
photo credit: Westy 5oh
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soothsayer. illusion slayer. intj/mastermind. writer + artist + strategist + innovator. california born, city of angels bred. gypset world traveler. la face with an oakland booty. queen of the jungle who doesn't lose sleep over the opinions of sheep.
I really love this post, thank you so much for commenting on my blog so I could find you! Your whole blog is great and I love to read your personality…it just shines. Namaste,
Mandy
When I yoga found me 15 years ago there weren’t any studios where I was living & none of my friends practiced. I just had this voice in my head saying “yoga”. So I asked around & found a teacher who used apartment rec rooms for practice spaces.
The evening I took my first class it was like coming home – no turning back. I bought my first magic carpet that night & the rest is history!
I needed an easy PE credit in college.. it was either bowling or yoga. I chose yoga because I didn’t want to venture off-campus and lose my parking space.
I cried during Savasana for like the first 5 classes. I wasn’t sad, so I had no idea why on earth I couldn’t stop crying every class. I googled it and then couldn’t stop reading, trying new poses, etc.
BTW, I’ve made my husband do yoga with me on special occasions–Valentine’s Day and my birthday. He’s never going to be a yogi, but it’s SO cool to watch. I’ve definitely seen a different side come out of him in class the couple of times he’s gone… He’s a yogi. He just doesn’t know it.
When I first started teaching the wonderful husband came to my classes! It was so fun to have him there. He doesn’t come anymore. Boo! Glad you both got to share yoga!
I discovered yoga in my late twenties I was looking for a mind body connection and yoga gave it to it is my life style btw its so cool you got your boyfriend to do yoga
love your blog
Mandy – You made my day with that wonderful compliment. I’m so glad we’re friends now! :)
Meredith – That is the voice to listen to, for certain. It’s amazing how those little seeds show up, grow, and bloom with messages for us.
Erica – It breaks my heart to think of you crying in Savasana. How powerful that must have been for you and so brave of you to keep coming back and “doing the work”. As for the man stuff, I totally feel you. My boyfriend is like your husband – a yogi who will eventually know he is one. Hard to be patient while they find their way, though. I want to drag mine to every class w/me!
Babs – Aww, your husband is an amazing guy . So supportive! You’ve got to find a way to get him to come back. :)
Carrie – Hugs to you, my dear!