just breathe

meet my good friend melissa.  her friendship is one of my favorite things i inherited in my marriage.  a couple of years ago she married my husband's brother-from-another-mother, bryant.  they are good people.

melissa is a yoga instructor.  and last night her yoga flow class kicked my butt.  in the very best way, of course.

you see, i am not one of those people who craves exercise.  i exercise out of necessity.  my idea of a fun work-out is a zumba class, because i get to shake what my momma gave me.  too bad zumba isn't byob because i am a much better dancer a few drinks in.

but i must admit, i love melissa's yoga classes for a few reasons:

a) she modifies poses based on your body's needs.  both hard-core yogis (my sister) and recreational yogis (me) are able to enjoy her class.

b) she plays great music.  no new-agey trance music to be found.  last night i heard ben harper, the flaming lips, and pearl jam, to name a few.  this is a deal-breaker for me.

c) it forces you to stop your mind for an hour and only concentrate on your body and it's needs/capabilities.  no time to think about your baby's spit-up when you are trying to balance on one leg. the only thing you have to worry about during that hour is remembering to breathe.

and last night, just as i was forgetting that crucial in-through-your-nose-out-through-your-mouth technique, like a mind reader, melissa played this:

she used to teach classes out of her home (below is a picture of me after i flooded her house with my sweat).  but now she teaches right up the street at white rock yoga.  like them on facebook, check out their website, come to a class. 

you'll see me there.  even though my ass hurts like a mother, i'll be back.