Flexibility

With my foot flexed and placed far higher up the wall than I ever intended it to go, my legs screaming with pain and my fingers firmly gripping my support ropes I realized that I'm not all that flexible. Not just in yoga class - when the stretches often make me feel like a pretzel that has hardened before completely formed - but also in my daily life. 

I like things the way I like them, and while I also like spontaneity it becomes challenging when too many things are out of place, or new. I feel stretched beyond where I can handle, physically and emotionally. With the marathon training, new school's for the kids, uncertainty about next school year, a new semester's work for me and Dave busy at his work I have to remember to stay loose and willing to to be flexible with my time and energy. 

Yoga focused on leg stretches, inversions and core work today. As my belly cried out for some relaxation I relished the challenge. My core is my new goal - a stronger core physically but also in life. When the core is strong your back feels better, you can hold yourself more aloft and you're less prone to injury. 

I look at my physical core as a reminder of the importance of my life core as well: my family. When the familial core is strong there is less injury, everyone feels better and heavy loads are easier to carry. We've turned off the TV, we've all started reading more, we've focused on building and playing together. While the training takes up a lot of my personal time it also allows Dave more time with the kids which is lovely for him and the children.

Everyone looked like they were hanging from the ceiling by their heads. I was along the far wall so I could see those throughout the room as we all practiced head stand. Perspective is a funny business and I smiled to see our teacher's feet walking by "upside down" on the ceiling. 

The lessons today were all important for me. Remember to strengthen the core, practice flexibility and never fear a new perspective. Such a lovely way to spend a Sunday.