Confessions of a Grandma

I had tried "hot yoga" in Burlington a couple of times in a class that was referred to as "pre-beginner level." Last winter I had signed up at the YMCA her in Venice and took a yoga class there two to three times per week.  When a new yoga studio opened in the next town back in Vermont, I signed up for classes there.  I spent a year doing basic, beginning level yoga.  And I was feeling subtle differences in my level of flexibility and balance.  Subtle as in pretty slow. I thought that this winter, I would explore some alternative studios while in Venice.  I saw a hot yoga advertised.   Not hot yoga as in yoga poses done in a very warm room, but Bikram yoga.  I had the feeling my progress would get a jump start. Well, my flexibility will get a big boost or it will kill me.  If you want a real laugh check out the poses that are used routinely in the Bikram practice . Now that show what the ultimate goal might be-- not what you are expected ...

The prediction was for a rainy day, but it held off until evening.  It wasn't until around 5 that the wind started picking up and thunder storms started rolling through. I went to a yoga class at 6.  It was so hot and humid that there was really nothing sticky about my sticky mat.  I was sliding around in puddles of sweat.  I don't see myself ever taking one of those Bikram hot yoga classes. Not me, by the way. So the rain did nothing to cool things off, but it was a pleasant shower.  I am sure that I can hear the grass growing as I tap the keyboard.

I have signed up at the local YMCA, only about a mile from my house here, and I have started taking the beginner yoga classes.  I am really enjoying it very much--four classes under my belt so far.  Flexibility has never been my strength, but I can already feel a small difference and I am definitely more aware of my posture. They say that yoga is good for blood pressure and insomnia.  I really would be happy to find that to be true. My other "keep busy" tactic is to find a volunteer opportunity while I am in Florida.  I thought about the library since that is what I do at home, but then I found this place .  I went to a volunteer orientation today.  It is not far away although it is a little tricky to get there (Thank God for GPS!).  It is a very cool place.  I don't know what I will be asked to do.  I know it is a little mean spirited, but I do kind of hope that they give the shovel-horse-manure jobs to those who are court ordered to ...