Now that I have more time at my disposal, I’ve been setting small, attainable goals.

Things that have gone by the wayside are being addressed.

I’ve been slowly purging my house of the extra, the trash, the collected detritus that just gathered dust.

This process is ongoing.

Last month, I joined a gym, with the express purpose of taking classes. Specifically yoga.

I have the opportunity to go to yoga 3-4 times a week.

I’ve been running for several years, and I felt my lack of flexibility was my weak area.

As a child, I was a dancer from toddlerhood into high school.

Even at my most limber, it was hard to touch my toes. I’m tall, and my legs are disproportionately long. I’m not complaining about either fact, but they do lend themselves to tight hamstrings, and lower back strain.

I felt yoga could help. So last week, I began.

It’s an Ayurveda yoga class, and I’ve been loving it.

It’s such a complete experience to me. We start by putting away the stress and hurry of the day, and begin with a warm up.

Then we work through a series of poses. Always breathing slowly and deeply in through the nose, out through the mouth. Slowly expanding.

It takes a lot of modifications for me to practice yoga, but I knew this would be the case. Little by little, though, I make progress.

I’m old enough to not care if anyone is looking at me, not able to hold downward dog as many times as they can. I take each movement and breath deliberately. I turn off any stray negative thoughts. I listen to the Christian instrumental music, and I breathe.

At the end of class, we relax. It is wonderful after the strenuous series of poses.

For once, I am able to put my mind at rest, as well.

It turns out the yoga class is helping me mentally and physically.

I look forward to future flexibility…and continued peace.