You know its been awhile when your sweat smells like Barro’s…
Yes, this sounds gross. while diligently working to create space in my downward facing dog. Palms press evenly into the mat, heels inch toward the ground, belly draws in and head hangs down, gaze is to the wall behind you, etc, etc. (What is that smell?) I don’t usually smelly nasty when I work out, my body odor is actually mild and non-offensive. But today was a different story.
Is that Barro’s? Oh my gosh, I ate pizza last night. Seriously, so gross that I smell like Barro’s. Okay focus Mindy, focus on this beautiful and challenging pose. I am trying to remain present but all I can think of is how things have changed. I mean a lot of things. If you’re not a yogi, one thing you should know is that while practicing yoga, one goal is to leave everything else outside and focus on the present.
Needless to say, I was having a difficult time doing that. I remember when I practiced yoga at least 4 days a week, I looked great, and I felt great. Plus, I never smelled like a piece of pizza. What the heck? But I let life take control of me and all its circumstances. I also let my ego prevent me from jumping back in sooner.
So here I am, at 5:30 in the morning making things happen. About 20 minutes went on that I thought I smelled like pizza (bacon and pineapple) until it dawned on me. It WASN’T pizza. It was the frozen pineapple I ate on the way there. Whew! Thank God! I smell like frozen pineapple, not pizza. This was a real relief. Though I was able to return my thoughts back to my practice, I left with a few things on my mind.
- I practice yoga at the best studio in the East Valley (Sumit’s Yoga) and the women who teach, especially the owner, are the most non-judgmental gals around. I’ve been to studios where this isn’t the case so I consider myself very fortunate to have found this gem and the beauties who run it.
- Who cares what I smell like, look like, or feel like. The point is I’m doing it and my mentality needs to be this; no devil in hell can block me from pursuing what I love and regaining my health.
- This is what I love. One of my most favorite forms of exercise is hot yoga. It’s who I am. I even completed a teacher training and am technically a yoga teacher. Ladies, I’m going to yoga and getting my mojo back.
- Now, this is the meat and potatoes… What do I need to do to ensure I get to yoga?
Here is the answer to #4…
- Put it in my schedule/calendar and specifically make it the first thing I do in the morning before mini me wakes up
- Set my alarm, don’t hit snooze
- Prepare the day before- clothes, hydration, mat & towel are ready
- Go to bed early enough the night before so that It’s reasonable for me to wake up at 4:30 am to get it in
- Determine for the week how many times I’ll practice and DO it.
- Find a partner to do it with. The buddy system is powerful (this is wishful thinking but nothing is impossible) Any takers?
What does all this mean to you? I wonder how many other women have given up something they love since having kids. How many of you are putting your health and wellness to the side because you’re so consumed with the babes? I didn’t think I would and I did. I’m tired of not going to events because my clothes don’t fit well and I’m still waiting on fitting into what I have.
I’m missing out on life when I’m missing the time I designate to my health & fitness.
I want to encourage you to return to, or find the one thing that makes you feel and look great. Let go of all the reservations and fears you have that are holding you back (even if you smell like Barro’s). Fill your tank so you can fill the ones around you. I know it’s not easy but it is simple and you can do it, so can I!
