A number of months ago, I wrote about my desire for deep and meaningful friendships in my life. Little did I know that in a matter of a couple of months, I would feel fulfilled in a way that I never thought possible. The truth is, at the time, I didn’t really know what I was looking for, I only knew that something was missing. I have the world’s most wonderful husband, a couple of true friends that I have had for years and years, a couple of new friends that are building into lifelong friendships, I even have fulfilling work relationships. But still, something was missing. I deeply desired a circle of friends that would enrich my life with spirituality and emotional connection. Through my yogi friends, I have found that.
Yesterday, I went to an O’dark thirty yoga class and the challenge it provoked in me was unbearable. The class is at Solid Ground Yoga and is taught by Traysi. Traysi is known for her intense style and the memory of Arlene seeps out of every pore in her body. The first class that I took with her was so intense that it brought tears to my eyes and it left me afraid to practice with her again. After some thought, the reason I was afraid was because I know that by practicing with her, I can take my physical, my emotional and my spiritual practice to the next level. I felt that connection with her from the moment I laid eyes on her and yesterday, I was ready to embrace it.
I arrived to the class just a couple of minutes before it started and “my spot” was already taken. I placed my mat where I could and right away, I knew it wasn’t going to be pretty. The lady next to me was wearing perfume and too much of it. With each breath I took, it burned into my sinus’ eventually leading me to feel head achy and nauseas. We were holding poses for what felt like an eternity and each time Traysi instructed us to inhale, my brain told me to run. I envisioned myself sprinting through the doors and gasping for air. By the end, I felt as if I couldn’t physically go on. I felt aggravated, angry and sick. Why would one wear perfume to yoga at 5:45 am? Did she not know that she was ruining my yoga?
As with all other things in life, I knew that this class was burned into my mind for reasons I didn’t understand at the time. I wanted someone to feel compassion for my struggle and I needed understanding. I decided to write to Traysi and what unfolded with her response was beautiful. I opened up to her, I told her about my fears, that connection I felt towards her and of course, the perfume. She opened up to me, too, and made me feel at ease. Later in the day, I received another beautiful email from Deb expressing her heart and a blog comment from Linda. I opened my heart and my circle was forming around me. I think I was in that perfume infused class for a couple of reasons. It proved to me that I have strength and courage, it taught me to have patience and to send love instead to judge. But most of all, it taught me that once you open your heart and allow love in, it will all come full circle.
I think it’s awesome :) Every day is something new you’re learning about yourself, and I think that is part of this process.
brandi´s last blog ..Up and At ‘Em
Christie, every time you write about yoga, it makes me want to run out and take a class! Your experiences have showed me that yoga can open up so many doors… testing your strength, meeting new people, addressing fears, etc.
p.s. There was a woman next to me in class last night and she KEPT talking! Maybe not quite as irritating as heavy perfume, but irritating, nonetheless.
laura dishes´s last blog ..Patience is a Virtue
I like how you are able to take an upsetting incident and turn it around into a great lesson about yourself instead. It’s a very refreshing perspective.
And you are so making me want to get back into yoga!
Spiceaholic´s last blog ..A Thursday treat (or two!)
It drives me nuts when people wear perfume/cologne to the gym or a group exercise class. No one wants to breathe in perfume when they’re struggling to catch their breath anyway.
Great to hear that things have come around for you. :)
Elizabeth S. (The Dallas Celiac)´s last blog ..Grocery Trip