I am a yogi

The definition of yogi is "one who practices yoga".  Or, in other circles, "An American baseball player, born 1925".  Today, I'm writing about the former.  I'll most likely never write about the latter (no offense, Yogi).

Obviously, there is a lot of information out there about yoga.  And I'm sure most of it is true.  Even if it is on the Internet.  I believe yoga is whatever you want it to be.  For me, it's a way to challenge myself physically, while helping me find ways to reduce my stress level.  While I understand there's an "awareness of your inner self" component, I had never, um, been aware.

I've been practicing yoga religiously since that first class I took 2 years ago.   I can now say with conviction that yoga is my thing.  It's challenging and relaxing at the same time.  It's exactly what someone like me needs. 

While I practice regularly at home, I like to take classes.  About a year ago, I found a yoga studio I truly love.  I go with friends, I go alone.  I just go.  I go to class with a few friends every Saturday morning.  It's early, but that's what's so great about it.  We come, we see, we conquer.  And then go for Starbucks after.  Bliss. 

Anyway, my studio partnered with some others in the area to put on this free yoga event last night.  So, my SIL and I decided we'd go.  Along with several hundreds of our closest yogi friends.  When would we have the chance again to practice outside the Rock Hall for free?

It was everything I had hoped for.  I know I'm totally drinking the Kool-Aid here, but I don't care.  We started out in shavasana, looking up at the stars.  My SIL and I were all, "Yeah, this is the coolest."  I closed my eyes and listened to the world around me.  I heard crickets and traffic and the wind blowing.  I got the goosebumps.  I was aware.

At one point in the evening, our instructor referred to us as yogis.  Before this night, I just thought of myself as someone who practices yoga.  But something switched on inside me (again, the Kool-Aid) and I agreed with her.  I am a yogi.

The rest of the class was similar to what we do.  Aside from me taking pictures of the crowd while in downward dog.  Details.  It was an event I'll have a hard time forgetting.  Even with my terrible memory.

I am a yogi.