HOT YOGA

Everything is falling into places. Not random, but proper places.

The second week (of the first month of the new decade) ended on a high note. Barring any last-minute fickles, I may cap January at 138%. Great start to a promising year.

It wasn't all charts and dollar signs though. I tried something new this week.

A friend invited me to a free 2-week program in a newly-opened yoga studio near the office. First, I was hesitant. Not really into those things. Might get bored. I would rather be eating metals than doing some stretching and balancing acts. But guess, I am just too positive about this year that I am willing to try new things and venture into unchartered territories.

I arrived at the studio 3o minutes ahead of schedule. Curse to be an early bird! Got to engage in some shallow chit-chats. But it was difficult not to be smitten by their coolness. Good sign! Nirvana seemed to be within reach. People were just too light and chill.

They were cool but the room wasn't. It was heated to 40 degrees and I was sweating like a pig, panting like a lost puppy. This for 90 minutes?

But as we progressed into different ways of breathing (okay, puffing and wheezing!) and balancing (er, shaking?), I got deeper into stillness and tranquility. Heavily huffing. Legs and arms vigorously trembling. I could feel I was releasing some negative energy. Bad vibes gone. I was serenity. All in harmony.

I wasn't in trance. I was letting go of stress and throwing away anxiety. I have never breathed that deep and stretched that much. And I wasn't a perfect sight. Wobbly awkward and all.

Nevertheless, it was a great experience. Taking in so much oxygen was invigorating. Breath is spirit. The act of breathing is living.

Whoever said that was damn right!