Week Twenty: The prodigal daughter returns!
When sharing my journey of The Yoga Experiment, I had to have known that there would be a time where I wasn't going to be one hundred percent excited about it. But everyone has those things that they continue to do, to make sacrifices for, no matter what the challenge, just because they believe in them.
My husband, Joel, rides his bike to work and around town through the rain and snow. My friend, Lisa, volunteers for the rape crisis hotline, even though it means that she needs to stay home to sit by the phone during prime weekend night opportunities. My grandma collects cans from her neighbors to donate to the Shriners' Children's Hospitals. My friend, Lena, runs every day, and tries to eat local as much as she can.
I hope to eventually get to this point with my yoga practice, and after months of on-again-off-again, and lukewarm feelings about the endeavor, the bug has bitten me again, and I am euphoric. Tuesday morning, I returned to yoga after skipping classes for nearly two weeks. It was wonderful. You know how it is when you're really avoiding doing something for a long time, and the longer you are away from it, the harder it is to start back up; then you finally make yourself do it, and then afterward, you think to yourself "oh, that wasn't so bad, it was actually really great! Why did it take me so long?" Well, it was kind of like that. Now, after three days, I'm beginning to get back into the groove. My body forgives me. My ribs loosen so that I can breathe deeper, my ankles are starting to inch back down to the mat during downward dog. My cheeks are getting some color back; I feel pure. O yoga, I shall never forsake thee again!
In the coming weeks, I hope to offer some more variety here. You've heard lots from me and my opinions on yoga, I hope to profile other local yoginis so that I can ask them why they keep coming back to the mat. I will also feature some reviews of movies, music, and books that have meant something to me in these first crucial months. And of course, I will continue to give updates as to my progress. Thanks for sticking with me.
Namaste.
2 comments
Gillian, I’ve read every one of your yoga entries, and I don’t believe I’ve ever posted a word of encouragment. I’m glad you see you’re back on the mat.
Maybe you needed the break. Maybe your erratic feelings toward your practice was your mind’s (or spirit’s) way of saying it needed to work something out before continuing. Maybe this is why returning to class has been so smoothe for you.
Lena
“You know how it is when you’re really avoiding something…”
Yes! And now that you’ve published that I run every day, I should get back into it, eh?
Your ability to keep coming back to TYE with optimism and focus, even when you’ve taken long breaks, motivates me in many ways—not just running. You’re an extremely inspirational person, Gillian. I’m so happy you’ve been documenting your journey—thank you!
Most Recent Culture Comments
@Jason: You’re right about that. I get groceries at Schnucks (they carry what I buy, which I can’t say of any other single grocery store in town), and if they have a beer I’m in the market for it’s usually a quarter or two cheaper per 6-…
Best Neighborhood Bar (& Grill) : Urbana - My ‘hood- the ‘Boom! http://www.boomerangbarandgrill.com Go on a Wing Wednesday or Fish Friday, or see a band play some night. Local blue-collar Urbana terroir galore. My only beer snobbish gripe is lack of a pale hopped ale, but you…
The one thing that’s bothered me for a while about the Friar is that, for most commonly purchased adult beverages, you can actually walk down the strip mall to Schnucks and get them cheaper. It makes no sense, but there it is. I suspect it’s because Schnucks…
Maybe I complained enough in person. One time I even explained to the (wholly uninterested) clerk how to navigate the Illinois Statutes web page, and Savoy’s Municipal Code database I wouldn’t know because I only go there when I want to pay 30% more for anything, which is never.
@Rob: You seem to have the weirdest experiences. I’m in Friar Tuck every other week (don’t tell my mom that I’m a lush). They never fail to ask for my birth date but never my age, they never card afterwards, and they often allow me to use…
This column affords me a long-awaited opportunity. I’ve wanted to write my own column called Fuck You Friar Tuck Liquors. but I always thought it’d be too pithy. Here, I can say Fuck You Friar Tuck Liquors and not feel bothered to stretch it out to 750…
Ha! Exactly. You, sir, are welcome at the bar in My House.
Why wait ‘til 3 pm?
I’m excited to go tonight- should be very fun!
Most Recent Comments
The Alan Partridge lookalike on the right in the first small photo has nothing to condescend to anyone about. AH HA!
Snell and the little Hitlers of the neighborhood association need to chill out. Legitimate businesses should have the freedom to exist without having to endure the slings and arrows of ignorant and misguided opposition.
represent, Matt.
Yeah, I’d agree that Transporter Room 3 is the worst house venue I’ve ever seen.
Food trucks are the start-up, small businesses of the future for those unable to afford real estate. No surprise, that merchants who pay rent, utilities, and maintenance on a property would despise the traveling competition. Or developers who build more empty retail spaces would want to close…
Not so much far-right Tea Party as a balanced, moderate viewpoint between letting businesses succeed and protecting society with reasonable regulations. In spite of what the city reps are saying, the interpretation of policy on this issue certainly has changed. Letting a business start up under one…
I think it’s neat that SP has turned rightward, now espousing a Tea Party-style frustration with government regulations & taxes.
This makes me so sad. (Happy to live in Urbana, though!) Crave Truck has been a GREAT addition to the food choices in C-U, and it’d be a travesty to chase them away. This town should be supporting small businesses. I’m glad to hear that they’ll still…
*slow. clap.* Still offering no threat of intelligence…. I know I said I thought you should just write this whole column yourself next year, Isaac, but now that you’ve gone and taken a “part deux” run at it, I’d like to modify my request: Best Music 2013,…
Actually, it’s kind of nice, the quiet. John Heoffleur’s engaging commentary/dialogue is sorely missed, however. In lieu of someone intelligent saying something, I’ve compiled a list of Honourable Mentions: BEST ROCK BAND: Take Care ::these gentlemen have four completely different sets at their disposal right now (which…
What? Echo! (Echo!) Where’s the dischord and dissent?
This weekend will mark the first appearance of Kayla Brown’s Fire Doll Candle booth at the Market. Check it: http://www.facebook.com/firedollcandles
And without bloodshed. Sounds like the Savoy trustees aren’t as narrow-minded as some of their whiny pants constituents. Do you think quack Snell is already planning an asinine counterattack or is he still laying low after those “threats” against his person?
hey, if hair ain’t gon’ be over your head, my jokes may as well be.
Okay, almost 24 hours later and I finally got Issac’s Summer joke. I’m an idiot.
Excellent. I am glad sometimes American dreams are encouraged, rather than stifled.
Swap the dog for a fire pit and it sounds like you’re writing about my back yard. Very nice.
funny, as your summer begins, another Summer ends.
@Dan - Wow. Unfortunately, I have to refrain from further comment due to a previous employment relationship. But with that brief context you might be able to imagine possible comments or responses I could have.
Oh, by the way, the “Champaign County YMCA” no longer exists. The official name is now the “Stephens Family YMCA” (the website has not been updated, but check out the latest program guide). And no, it’s not just the name of the building. It’s the name of the organization.
Facebook
Twitter
Full Site
The Alan Partridge lookalike on the right in the first small photo has nothing to condescend to anyone about. AH HA!