Hi! I’m Charlotte. Let’s do this.
In the past several months, I have started practicing yoga in earnest. I’ve flirted with it for upwards of six years, but only lately have I considered yoga to be more than over-complicated stretches and a way to wimp out of a more serious exercise class. However, as many sweaty hours have proven, the physical training rivals any strength building regime, with the additional benefit of flexibility (I can sit cross-legged in my office chair for hours now!) Although I have not delved too deeply into the spiritual side, it is impossible not to feel a bit of clarity and calm after a good class.
One very appealing aspect of yoga is that during sessions you are encouraged to practice non-violence against others and against yourself (“Ahimsa”.) This is hard concept to grasp for anyone who has ever played a competitive sport, worked out, or endured the torture of a spin class. Typically, pain = gain, but this is not the case in yoga. It can be very painful if you push yourself, but yoga isn’t about an end result. It’s about enjoying each practice in your way, without watching the other people in the class or even yourself in the mirror. And even though my body doesn’t feel like it was pummeled after every class, I still see consistent improvement.
If you like the cut of yoga’s jib, you should try to work on sun salutations. Full disclosure: I hate them. The poses are repetitive and strenuous. But they are a necessary evil, designed to develop your shoulders, back and legs to prepare for the fun stuff.
Go here for step-by-step instructions:
http://yoga.about.com/
Bonus: Classes are sometimes taught with the lights dimmed, the heat and
music up, and occasionally (depending on the instructor) lavender -
scented eye pillows. ftw!
The idea of home is a complicated one for me, even more so after this week’s turn of events. Is home where your bed is? Or maybe it’s the state in which you’re registered to vote? What about your permanent address? Or maybe it’s the place that you long for when you’re sick?
I’ll admit, I’ve been a bit of a wanderer in the ten years since graduating from high school. When businesses ask me for my previous three address I’m bound to screw them up. And right now I’m going through some nonsense with insurance companies, trying to save money while at the same time not committing insurance fraud. I’m really not trying to get sued by a national insurance company while on VISTA salary.
This insurance business is going to end with the driving of Violet (my van) from Vermont to North Dakota and flying back to VT–all in the period of four and half days. The idea of being home for Easter though is what propelled me to write today. This home is my parents’ house. The one I grew up in. The one I go to to celebrate Christmas. The one with the front porch where I love to sit and read during summer months. My parents’ home is where I am most at peace. It nourishes my soul and mind to be there. It reminds me of where I came from and who I am.
I am ridiculously excited to be going home so unexpectedly. I am even more excited that a good friend is going to experience “The Middle” for the first time in his life. I can show him around the frozen prairie and introduce him to the best pie in the entire world (found at Paula’s Cafe in Mayville). He’ll be able to experience my family celebrating Easter as well as a Lutheran Easter church service. We will dine on all things white (lefse, mashed potatoes, bread, cookies, etc) as well as my aunt’s pickles (which are delicious).
This return home coincides with my growing love and appreciation for the MidWest. I’ve found myself yearning to hear the howling wind outside while I’m snuggled up with a book and my mom. I miss the small town community where everyone waves at each other while driving (whether you know them or not). I want to live in that slow paced life that runs NoDak. But mostly I’m excited to go back because I consider my home to be North Dakota, where everything just makes sense.
While looking for images online, I came across this article posted in National Geographic about North Dakota. And here is how ABC News gave North Dakotans a chance to respond.
So…home. Where your body resides? Or your soul?
