Morning exercise

Ok so I finally, FINALLY got my lazy ass out of be this morning (I realize it’s Sunday) and headed out to Bikram yoga. Oh yes, I willingly chose to and paid for the privilege of getting hot and sweaty in a room full of strangers by doing things with my body that aren’t normal.

(Yoga. Think yoga postures.)

I really find this class energizing because my mind has to shut off and focus on the activity at the moment. No to do lists, no referencing queries, no deadlines. Nothing. Lovely nothing for at least 90 minutes. My body was just aching to do something physical, like really be pushed to sweat it out. And I’m very glad I went. My head was a lot clearer today and I found that I could do all the postures in that 90 minute class. That happens usually after 3 or 4 weeks of regular attendance. I usually sit in a miserable puddle several times through the class as I can’t take the heat or didn’t drink enough. My instructor was rather impressed today, and he did say “You were really good in class today!”

From a teaching perspective getting praise is always awesome!!! Maybe I should do it more often in my classes?

Anyhow I’m a little more relaxed today. Especially my neck! No more painkillers today! Just got to get through this week with presentations and I can have a little more head room to get myself organised for this coming term. Or at least find time to start training for the 10km run!!!

The ordinary mess and disappointments

I’m reflecting on the film “Up in the Air” which left an impression on me.  (spoiler alert !!!) The fact that this film didn’t have a happy ending really, really made my night.  The file was, in many ways, so true to life that it was actually refreshing to see a film that had a bit of realism to it.  Ok so the fact that George Clooney is easy on the eyes (especially at his age, yum) is a bonus, and not very representative of the male population but other than that, his character doesn’t get that life – affirming epiphany and then everything is happy in the end.  Oh no, it’s messy.  And complicated.  And he remains even more alone than when he started. 

It made me think of my own life, the mess.  The litter of disappointments.  The struggles.  The upward slog towards what?  That’s the question.  Is there a point?  For me, I choose to have one.  To make sense of my experience.  To have a “point” to it all.  Whatever.  I believe that what I do in this life matters.  To what end, I don’t know.  I believe that it does in some way.  It has to. Some call it confidence.  Others call it delusion – whatever.  It is what I choose for my life.  That way, I think, I don’t remain alone but meet others along the way.  We travel for a while together on the same path.  Then we part, perhaps meet up again in the future.  Sometimes it’s just for that moment.  This isn’t about love or finding ”The One” (I don’t believe in it – another blog for another day).  It’s more about making a connection with others.  Anyone.  Someone.

A good sign for 2010

Ok perhaps not a sign of things to come, but a nice way to start off the new year.  I was standing at the crosswalk, on my way meet a mate at her flat for dinner, and was waiting to cross when I heard a “beep” from a car.  I turned to look but didn’t wave as I don’t know that many people with cars.  Anyhow it turns and pull up ahead of me and I’m thinking “I don’t think it’s me you’re looking for!” but then realize that it was as I was the only soul on the street.  So a little bit of panic rose up.

Car window rolled down and a cheery “Hello!” from the guy inside.  First thing he said was, ” I know this is odd, but when you see beauty on the street, you gotta respect it!”

Oh yeah! Work it

SO, forget wolf-whistles, chat up lines – to think that a guy took the time to pull over his car because of me (in a good way) was great.  I was flattered - floored really.  I don’t see myself as a honeytrap, so to speak.  but he was lovely nonetheless.  No numbers exchanged, or emails.  I had to let him down nicely, as he was lovely.  But we both went our separate ways feeling a little more positive about this year.