Getting beyond a physical threshold As I was descending into the bowels of the Dupont Circle Metro station, I realized that I was not feeling as though I had been pulled through a wringer and hung out to dry for a couple of hours. I guess it's a sign that my body had gotten past the shellshock stage with my yoga. That does not mean that I have mastered anything. There are lots of poses today that I could not get into -- and it was a Yoga 1 class. I have plenty of weak points. But I am able to get through a class without feeling physically exhausted.

I've been thinking that I would like to attend a retreat -- not a full week one in an exotic location, just a weekend or one-day yoga retreat. I think it could help me get to the next level. Just 90 minutes a couple of times a week is not going to make up for years of tight muscles. I keep telling myself that I have to be patient with my body and my spirit. But a chance to focus on yoga for an extended period of time would allow me to start building the personal habits and mindset that could be transferred to a daily practice. I missed one retreat given by John Schumacher and Tara Brach, just one day of yoga and meditation -- exactly what I wanted, but it fell on weekend when I had to devote some time to my family. We have to keep things in balance.

I will have to keep my eye open for something. In the meantime, I need to take a quick class of meditation -- still flying by the seat of my pants. Several centers in the DC area offer starter help.

  ¶ 10:25 PM