This post isn’t about food or veganism per se, but to me, being vegan is about a quest for well-being, and not just the well-being of the animals or the planet, but the well-being of the self. Yoga has been done in Asia for centuries to improve one’s well-being, both physically and mentally.
I started taking yoga classes at school last week, having wanted to try it for ages. I’m not really into most types of exercise, especially anything strenuous, although I know fitness is important. Yoga was something that looked ideal, not only because of this, but also because of its roots in meditation, relaxation, and spirituality. I have an anxiety disorder, so I believe that yoga would do so much for my mental, as well as my physical well-being.
The class starts in the morning, and meets once a week, on Tuesdays, for an hour and a half.
We did several poses where we had to support our entire body weight on our legs, and I clearly have weak legs, because I couldn’t hold some of the poses for the entire length. When I left, my legs were so sore it was almost a challenge to walk. When I woke up the next day, my shoulders and neck were also sore. My instructor told us that it’s perfectly normal to feel sore the day after yoga practice, especially if we used muscles we’re not used to using. However, my legs are still sore, granted, not nearly as much as they were.
Another physical result I’ve noticed is that when holding some poses for a period of time, my feet and hands begin to fall asleep or get pins and needles. Also, I’ll notice my hands turning red when we’re holding a pose where I have to support myself on my hands. I’m guessing that this is because I have poor blood circulation. Is this normal? Will yoga help improve my circulation?
I’ve noticed that as I’ve been leaving yoga to continue on with my day, I’ve had cheery, energetic Celtic fiddle music in my head. I’m not exactly sure why that is. Perhaps its a sign that I, after having practiced the renewing aspects of yoga, feel like I have the energy to continue with my day? Perhaps I should pay more attention to my energy level on yoga days.
Speaking of music, does anyone have any favorite yoga music? My instructor plays some sort of sitar music, I think, which I really like. A lot of yoga mixes I’ve found on iTunes are too new age-y for my taste. Too many synthesized sounds and nature sound effects. I’m looking for something Asian-sounding, perhaps, like my instructor plays, or even something less obvious, like soft classical or Celtic music. What music do you like to do yoga to? I think finding a good soundtrack would further enhance the experience, be it how I frequently use music to aid in relaxation.
