Yoga Bear

OK Claudia. I did it. For the first time ever, I tried Yoga today.

This experience started out about 4 weeks ago as I was perusing the internet looking for venues of physical activity in my neighborhood. I discovered The Yoga Loft located in Woodland Hills, about a 15 minute drive from my front door. I was intrigued, and more so when I discovered that they had an on-line coupon good for unlimited classes for two weeks at a very favorable price. The final clincher was that Eric was interested in trying it out with me. Or should I say, Eric was interested in going, even more than I was interested in experimenting. He has done Yoga before and truly enjoys the experience.

We arrived promptly at 5 and was admitted into a lovely reception area by our teacher who's name escapes me. I would have taken pictures - assuming that they allow that activity - but the demise of my new camera is a topic for another post on another day. Lets just say that the room was appointed with wicker furniture, carved wooden screens and bookshelves, plants, incense, and fabrics very appropriate to the activity at hand. Nice.

Then we found out why the place is called "The Yoga Loft." The yoga happens in the loft! The class was 90 minutes and pleasant. I can't say that I was wild about it, but I did not dislike it at all. The positions - except for the ones requiring me to be on hands and knees which does not happen at all in my world - were easy and fairly reminiscent of the stretching poses that Richard has us do during his classes. Of course the music was very different, as was the atmosphere and intent.

The issue that I have is that I am a very nervous person at the best of times, and this evening I was particularly stressed. When forced to be still, I have a hard time controlling my mind and being in the present. In fact, I think that is the reason that I like crafting like spinning yarn and knitting and making jewelry so much. The tedium of the repetitive task settles me, and I've heard many other crafters say the same thing.

So rather than completely relaxing into the experience, I had to force my mind off of my worries many times. But I do admit that when I could concentrate solely on the breathing exercises and the movements, I did attain a certain state of relaxation and I did feel a little better on departure.

I have two weeks in which to play with this experience. I intend to use them well and figure out if this is an activity that I can pursue or whether I am not the right personality type. The class schedule says that anybody can do Yoga if they have an open heart and an open mind. I do have an open mind. I'm willing to consider the possibility that this may be good for me.

The rest will just have to take care of itself.

Dog Walk Sandwiches

Earlier this week on what was possibly the hottest day in spring (almost 100 degrees), I decided that it was time. Time for a Dog Walk Sandwich. That is what I call a dog walk sandwiched between two car rides.
The boys were obviously happy about this turn of events. They loaded up quite quickly and waited with anticipation for me to enter the car and take them to their favorite walking location... Lake Balboa.
Lake Balboa is a man made lake near where I live. It's run by the Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation, and is quite well kept.

Both dogs are in favor of the sidewalk that runs along the lake's edge all the way around.
They also enjoy their rest breaks... they're no spring chickens anymore to quote a man who lives in a condominium complex behind me.
And Sunny contemplates what a dinner of either duck, goose, or crane would taste like as he relaxes on the grass.
All in all, a nice way to get a little walking in.

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It's strange how you can look at something for a long time and not see what is there. Behold my water bottle!

Before you lecture me on the merits and downside of drinking out of hard plastic, yes I know that I am risking brain tumors and renal failure. I'll take my chances. But back to the story.

I picked up several of these "Yoga Water Bottles" on special at my local Whole Foods Market. I really liked them, not only for the colors, but for the images portrayed on them. I should only look like those chicks. But do I really want to?

Before this evening, I thought I saw a girl standing in the "Tree" position. But suddenly I realized. She's a double amputee balancing on a single peg leg.

And people thought I had guts for going to exercise class!