About two years ago, I started yoga at the studio I’m in now. I was in that dark period in between my separation and my divorce, living on my own for the first time in a mostly empty apartment and transitioning out of my management job. Toward the end of the class the teacher had us lay on our backs and relax our muscles and breathing. He asked us to visualize where we wanted to be. And as my mind quieted, I saw myself plunging off of the Walt Whitman Bridge.

That half-second flash disturbed me so much that I never went back.

Until last week.

Fifteen minutes into my hour long class last night, I didn’t think I’d make it. My muscles were shaking through every pose and the sweat trickled off of my forehead.

Twenty minutes into my hour long class last night, I stopped shaking and started breathing.

Fifty minutes into my hour long class last night, I lay on my back, quieting my breathing. Eyes closed, I could feel the warm evening sun shining on my sore but happy muscles through the studio’s windows, that bright crispy sunshine that portends the onset of autumn.

The instructor asked us to visualize where we wanted to be. And as my mind quieted, I saw that the only place I wanted to be was here. Here in this body, here in this wonderful, joyful life.

The dark times have passed and life grows more beautiful with every single day.

Namaste.

Posted at: 9:29 pm in General, Kim v. 3.0 Both comments and pings are currently closed.
Tags: depression,joy,yoga