Smooth out your aura

Last week I took my first yoga class ever, albeit, pre-natal yoga. Now, I have always been somewhat skeptical about yoga because I just don't really get all that New Age-y crap. But I read that book Eat Pray Love this year and I have to admit I grew a little curious. The protagonist just found so much peace through yoga and meditation, and heaven knows that I could use a little more calm in my life.

Additionally, I haven't been able to get much exercise since I have been pregnant. Now I will be the first to admit that I will always use any excuse to get out of a work out. Too long of a line for an eliptical at the gym - see ya! My toe hurts - I shouldn't take my walk! An episode of Friends that I miraculously haven't seen before - no sweating for me today! So, you can imagine that since I have been pregnant and tuckered out all the time, exercise hasn't been exactly a priority. I have tried to squeeze in the occasional leisurely stroll now and then, but that is about it. But I heard prenatal yoga felt great and was a less queer way to meet other cool pregnant moms than those creepy birthing classes, so I signed up.

I showed up to my first class last week at a local hospital and I was generally pleased with the experience. In case you don't know, yoga is HARD. I mean REALLY HARD. Yes, there is a lot of calming breathing and dim lights and chill music, but there is also a lot of stretching and holding awkward poses and even breaking a little bit of a sweat. All of that was well and good though and I got through the class pretty much unscathed. I wasn't the most uncoordinated, even though I fell down on the ground out of a squat at least twice.

The really amusing part of the whole experience was the instructor and her guidance. I will be the first to say that she really knows her stuff, has a very mellow presence and is immensely likable. She has been teaching prenatal yoga for years and she is also a doula. And she is chock full of granola-y instruction. Here is sampling of some of the things she said during class:

Give your self permission to be present
Your breath is your breath
Relax and smooth out your aura

She also had some fairly explicit instructions regarding kegel exercises and our collective perineum's, about which I couldn't help but giggle. After all, I am Brent's wife. You can't say the word "perineum" without me laughing like a sixth grader.

My favorite part of the class by far was the Final Relaxation. This is a heavenly experience where you lay on the floor in a completely dark room and the instructor says all these soothing things. It is really quite nice. I fell asleep both last week and this week. Which was slightly embarrassing - although I have no clue if anyone else even noticed.

The other good part was that there are some cool girls in the class and I am hoping to make some friends. Assuming of course that I have properly smoothed out my aura.