Exhale
The dim room is hushed as seven little dogs gradually get into their favorite
positions to spy on me. My ritual is always the same: I slip on white 100%
cotton baggy boxers and an oversized wife beater t-shirt. For white noise, I flip the box-fan dial over to the number two setting. Then I place a black-silk mask down and over my forehead just before inserting a soft pink plug snugly into my right ear. Now I’m ready.
Sauntering over to the television, I pop Yoga Zone into the DVD player. Cupping
my hands around the steaming hot virgin latte, I feel the warmth radiate up my
aching arms. As I sip the caffeine free drink, I ignore the disclaimer and
introductions because frankly, I am mentally preparing for Al & Lisa’s soothing
voices to guide me through a yoga session.
Undertones of soft music float in the air
as Al instructs the class to breathe-in.…deeply…while you stretch your arms up
and over your head. Ahh…it feels so
good. Now slowly ex-hale completely.
Al wants you to warm up with the downward
facing dog pose and then reach up towards the sky. Do you feel the heat begin
to radiate throughout your body? He notes that proper alignment is important
and he has you tilt your pelvis, just slightly.
However, the most important part is the breathing-in and then releasing the breath. Exhale. Al wants you to
be one with the breath.
On the other hand, Lisa has you listening
to the-breath as you do each pose. In
a whispering voice, she says. “It’s more important to exhale all the way and
let the inhale…take care of itself.”
I feel a calming quiver flow throughout my body as I relax each limb, allowing any
pain to escape.
I exhale and wonder where Yoga Zone was
videotaped. I hear wild birds chirrup
and highflying planes dip and soar in the background.
Exhale. Hear the healing of the breath.
Exhale again slowly and completely. Ex…hale…Ex…hale….
Oh, wait! Did I mention that I don’t
actually DO the yoga exercises? I simply
use this 20-minute session to put me to sleep. It works every time!
