1- Only Now.

The first class was at Mandala Yoga Community (MYC).

I stepped in to the building and conquered the stairs three at a time. I was cutting it close as it was a lunch-time class. I was reacquainted with Nick at the front counter and told him about my grand prize fortune. He let me know all was well and I was already in the computer, ready to go.

I felt a little self conscious as I looked into the Yoga room.  The room was already full and I was still in my street clothes... oh no, I was going to be that guy... stumbling in, late and trying to find a space to place my mat.

I rushed to the changing room, disrobed and dressed for success:  Hawaiian print, garish shorts and a black tee. When I returned to the Yoga room, the door was shut.  Was this a social faux pas to open the door, would I kindly be asked to leave, would I find a space in this sold-out show?  I was so in my head of the usual swirlings a stopped and laughed- 'this is yoga, where nothing is judged.'

In Buddhist meditation, the act of endless mental chatter is called monkey mind. That place we have all been or still go when we are not in the immediate moment. With three young boys, I tend to live in monkey mind.

I opened the door and found the only space on available. It was directly in front of the door. I mean directly.  It would actually be where an entry rug would be placed. Of course.

The instructor, Lucious, (pronounced 'Lou-shus', not slang for delicious) smiled and gave me the nod 'yep, that spot there will be just fine.' I was late,  everyone was prostrate, on their backs with eyes closed in a breathing exercise. I wasn't about to disrupt this moment so I took my place on my back with my head nearly grazing the door.  My heels were so close to the man in front of me, I think I could have stuck my big toes in his ears.  Clearly, that would not be in good form, we had yet to be introduced.

I relaxed into the mat and became aware of the wonderful vibe around me. The room was warm and full of rhythmic, soothing music. The low lighting bathed the rich wall colors, the wall hangings were of an Indian or Thai nature, softening the hard surfaces. All was sparse, inviting, simple, clean and relaxing...  Hey, I would like to have those candles at my house...  (bad monkey mind)

Lucious was already in his guiding practice, helping us to find a soft rhythm and bring our focus out of our heads and into breathing.

We moved through the class with ease and grace, several simple poses all of which I had done before.  I was thankful for the class being about flow and breathing.  It was the first class of my journey and to have it be so effortless was nice.

Yes it was centering.  I calmed my monkey a bit and found focus to be in the moment.  As we were in class, Lucious reminded us..' there is no future, there is no tomorrow, there is no past, only now.  This is the moment that matters.  It is all we have and we have it together. We are to go out into the world and be vessels of light to communicate with others. We are to be kind to each other and recognize the light within each other.... Namaste.'

This is the essence of Yoga I love.  This is the lightness of being that I wish to carry around all day in my caffeinated, overstressed, daddy-daycare, intense being.

My body felt more fluid, relaxed yet very alive.  The class was far less demanding than several of the classes I had taken before, but hey- I have 364 days ahead, no need to rush.

This week I have 3 more classes scheduled.. maybe I'll sneak in a fourth by Monday morning.

I love this path.


PS:
Sept 17th 2010 update.

I barely slept last night.  I was awake from midnight to 4:30am...  My body was a bit sore but thats not what kept me up.  I was simply, awake after about 3 hours of sleep.  I wonder if that is my usual sleeplessness of something associated with the class yesterday.  As of 11:00am this morning, I feel great and have all the focus/energy I need.

Thats all- just an awareness.