Lately I've sucked at life. And by that I mean that I've spent most of 2011 stressed out, irritable, and frequently overwhelmed. For the most part, I only have myself to blame: I over-schedule my life and then get overwhelmed when I can't take care of stuff like laundry, or cleaning our house. Most of the time, this overwhelming feeling is all in my head, and all I need is a little perspective. In an attempt to find this perspective (on what is hopefully a more regular basis), I have restarted my yoga practice (yet again!). Seriously, I've stopped and started so many times, but as a yoga instructor told me, I'm not the only one that does that, so at least that's something, right?
Anyway, as part of my attempt to reintroduce yoga to my life, clefoodgoddess and I joined a 3-week beginners yoga class at Puma Yoga. Our 3-week series ended a couple of weeks ago, but there is another series beginning in early April, so if you think you might want to explore yoga, you should definitely try it out.
Having been to a number of studios in Cleveland, here's what I really like about Puma Yoga:
1. Its not very big, so it has a really intimate feeling. And by intimate, I mean personal, not cramped.
2. Love the orange and yellow color scheme.
3. Its a hands-on studio, so if you're not comfortable with people touching you, this may not be the right space for you. That's not to say that they will not accommodate your no-touching request, but you don't get the same impact as a hands-on adjustment.
4. Minimal chanting. Maybe one per class. I'm not big on the chanting.
5. The studio is warm but not hot. You will get sweaty, but you're not going to feel like you're going to pass out. Also, it helps you stretch deeper.
6. The studio smells really good.
7. The instructors. Here's my thing about yoga: I like it for exercise and peace of mind. I'm not big on the "the universe is sending you a message" type spirituality. And I'm not big on excessive talking (shocking! I know, but its true). I like the instruction and direction, and maybe some explanation on the how/why of a pose, but that's about it. The instructors at Puma Yoga have a really nice verbal balance, and I REALLY REALLY like that.
So if you've been stressed out and generally feeling not like yourself, give yoga a try, and let me know what you think!!!
6 comments:
Looooove our yoga dates! and Puma Yoga is fantastic!
I'm super impressed with your ability to be so honest. And kudos to getting back out there and keep trying! Sometimes that's the hardest part. I really wish I could do the 3-week beginner's class, but I travel so much with work, I'd only be able to make one week. Thanks for the info, though. I had no idea this place existed. I love how it looks and the options they have. I'll be putting this at the top of my (de-stressing) to do list!
Shae: yay! Thanks for going with me!!
Smitten: Thanks for the encouragement!!! I definitely want to try the "Stretching your back" segment the next time it come around.
LIKE! I need to get back into it, as well!
I've been wanting to try yoga for so long! Thanks for the info!
I'm totally with you on the overscheduling and getting stressed out. I go and go and go and then I hit a wall and hibernate for a week. Not healthy! Much better to keep it balanced from the start. Just know that you're far from the only person who struggles with it!
I schedule myself way too much like you. The BF said it best "you don't know how to relax and you schedule every bit of your free time."
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