Three days a week, my morning begins with a 5am run. I arrive home, get three kids under six (including three-year-old twins) out of bed, dressed, fed, on the bus (or in the car) and off to school. On my off-days, I’m up at the same hour, working before the wee ones arise.
My days are scheduled down to the minute with work, meetings, shuttling children to various destinations, and trying to remember deadlines, doctor appointments, and dinner plans.
I attempt to keep my calendar static, but it never stays that way. I try not to worry about the things I cannot control, like when my nanny’s grandmother died during the same week my son stayed home sick from school and I had a looming deadline, but I never stay nonplussed for long.
Bottom line? I run hard(ish). I work even harder. And I am stressed out.
A lot.
In the fall, as I was circling the drain of “Too-Much-On-My-Plate” despair, I sat down with Mind/Body Director Randi Lattimore to conduct this interview. Something she said while we were chatting hit home for me.
She said, “Yoga is for everyone.”
“That’s a nice thought, Randi. But yoga isn’t for me,” I said. “I’m too tightly wound. Yoga is for people who are more chill than I am. I can’t relax.”
Then I realized the irony in what I was saying.
And the next day, having never before taken a single yoga class, I enrolled in Yoga School, Midtown’s unique program for those new to the practice or those who have been away from it for awhile. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, which was something really important to me as a Type A, because why do something if you’re not going to do it exactly right? Who’s with me here?
Over the course of the four-week program, taught by the amazing Lindsay Hildreth, I learned:
Yoga School ended two months ago. I’ve practiced yoga almost every week since.
Starting the practice of yoga didn’t eliminate my stress. It’s still there, a product of a busy job, needy young children, and a calendar that’s always packed with responsibilities.
But it has taught me that when I’m in class, on my mat, being present within myself, it’s okay to let go for a little while.
Yoga has allowed me to relax and center my thoughts. To focus on my body and what it can do. To let my breathing guide my movement. To stretch my mind as well as my limbs. To embrace the hour of practice as my own, and to shut out the distractions and pressures that often circle me like wolves.
It’s not the high-energy, cardio-heavy workout I’m accustomed to. It’s still very hard for me to slow down, and to accept that my heart won’t be pounding and I won’t breathe heavily at the end of yoga class.
No, instead yoga is something entirely different. It helps me feel less anxious and more calm. Less like my busy life is spiraling out of control, and more like I am in charge of it, instead of the other way around.
And it’s helped my five-year-old daughter too, who in the fall finished her own first session of yoga at the club, through the Midtown Varsity program, and is starting her second this week. She adores yoga, and the lovely “Miss Jen” (Hess) who teaches it. The benefits of yoga for kids are numerous, including its ability to foster a bond with your three-year-old little sister.
Check out the schedule for Kids Yoga and other complimentary Midtown Varsity classes here.
The Winter Session of Yoga School begins next week. Morning, afternoon, and evening sessions are offered at a variety of times. Grab a registration form at the club, or contact Randi for more information at 585-461-2301 x103 or randi.lattimore@midtown.com.
Trust me on this: Randi is right. Yoga is for everyone, even scary Type A’s like me. If I can embrace (and love) yoga, then anyone can.
Yogis, please share with us. Why do you love yoga?
I am so heartened by how this piece emphasizes that Yoga does not only transform your tight hamstrings or back pain. It transforms your LIFE in lovely, unexpected, valuable ways that emanate out in concentric circles embracing everyone around you! LOVE the kids doing yoga pics – precious!!
I absolutely LOVE this blog! I too am a type A runner, mom to 3 active kids, juggling work projects etc etc etc. I am a self proclaimed adrenaline junky. I started yoga exactly a year ago as a new years resolution to take better care of this running body. Thanks to amazing instructors like Randi and Karyn, I found yoga good for my over all physical well being but SO MUCH MORE! It settles me down and helps me deal with all that life throws our way mentally, emotionally AND physically. I have kept up my yoga practice 3-4x/ week for an entire year and while I still keep up my running and cycling, I can’t imagine my life without yoga! I was just talking about Type A personalities and yoga the other day…… I was saying how good it is for people like us to go practice in a room with no mirrors, no competition and no judgement. Yoga has been a true gift in my life this past year and I plan to keep practicing as long as this body will let me!
My wonderful friend Sam (and 40 Days buddy) sent me this link. She had no idea that I had enrolled in Yoga School for Beginners. I’ve been practicing yoga for roughly 7 years. No matter. I enrolled with my husband (who is on his 4th or 5th Yoga School). Yoga School is something we can do together to reconnect with our bodies, our minds, and each other. Sometimes I think I know a little about yoga. But I’m really just a rookie – a beginner. Nothing more and nothing less.
Okay, you’ve convinced me. I never thought it would be for me either, but I might actually have to give it a go.
Thanks for the comments.
Aimee-Yoga really is transformative, and honestly, I never expected it to be. It is a great workout for helping tight/sore muscles, but for me, it’s about much more than that.
Missy-I love what you mentioned about Type As needing yoga because there’s no judgment and no competition. So very true. I would love to find time to take more classes. Right now I’m going once a week.
Kristine-I’m so glad your friend shared this post with you. Enjoy Yoga School with your husband.
Jamie-Give it a try. I didn’t think it was for me either. I was the world’s biggest skeptic. But if I can practice yoga and love it, I’m convinced anyone can.
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