Our instructor is Yogi Clare, who looks like a little round Buddha. She has a round knot of gray hair on top of her head, round cheeks, and a round belly. I was chastised early on for talking too loudly to my neighbor. Apparently one is supposed to whisper during yoga, or better yet be calmly silent. Asking me to be silent is like asking me to touch my toes, but with practice I hope to be able to do both. If Yogi Clare can sit on the floor with her legs out straight and lean forward to grab her own feet, there is no reason why I can't get there, too.
We did some very simple stretching and poses. I am so not limber, and my balance isn't so great, either. Moving slowly and stretching gently is just what I need. Yogi Clare is quite encouraging and takes into account your current physical abilities. The class is called "gentle yoga" and is designed for those who may have physical limitations. One class member has MS, one has artificial knees, one has arthritis, and one is almost blind. I felt right at home.
I've been trying to do some of the moves at home. I know this is going to take practice. Once a week in class won't be enough for me to gain the strength and stability I want.
If you're considering yoga, but are afraid you're too old, too stiff or too type A, I say give it a try. You are not competing against anyone but yourself in yoga and you can move at your own pace.
Just remember to whisper.
Here is a little poem by Dorothy Parker that I love:
Ladies
The ladies men admire, I've heard,
Would shudder at a wicked word.
Their candle gives a single light;
They'd rather stay at home at night.
They do not keep awake till three,
Nor read erotic poetry.
They never sanction the impure,
Nor recognize an overture.
They shrink from powders and from paints...
So far, I've had no complaints.
