There are some mornings when you wake up and really don't want to let the daylight in. But no matter how much you squeeze your eyes shut, the lightness of the day envelopes and brightens the cabin and you know that it is time to be getting your ass out of bed.
So here I was waking up after a restless incomplete sleep due to high winds and surgy rolls, a few too many aches and pains to want to count, and before I could even THINK, Dave (
ever helpful), said:
"You going to Yoga today m'luv?" Alls I wanted to do was groan my response in a pitiful and moaning type of no, I don't wanna... and you can't make me!
The Universe often touts that in order to get to where you want to be, you just have to take that first step "as if" (and perhaps, on some days, requires a second or eve third "as if" step...). And then the resulting momentum will carry you forward.
So I got up, "as if" I was going to go to Yoga. I got my Yoga clothes on (not without a moan and a groan), "as if" I was going to go to Yoga. I got my towel ready, and bottle of water ready, and my bug spray ready, "as if" I was going to go to Yoga class.
Then Dave saw me getting ready and made me a coffee, cause he knew I was leaving soon. And then he got in the dinghy, as it had rained alot during the night,
and emptied her of water (what a sweet guy he is!), cause he knew I was soon going to Yoga class.
I couldn't change my mind after all that now could I? So before I knew it, I was, indeed, going to Yoga Class.
I trudged up the hill that led into the Restaurant Area, where the tables were already moved to the side, and I was grateful that it was done. I smiled a thank you at the spot that was cleared for me, where some of the participants were in poses that on first sight, were already hurting my weary body.
And then we all stood. And smiled. A smile that tells the teacher, hello, we are present, we are here. Oh, and please start the class...
And that's when she waltzed in and took a spot there by the front of the class.
She is the white and yellow tabby cat that lives here in Secret Harbour Marina. Her name is Ti'Punch. She is always around, lounging on the chairs, walking to and fro like she owns the place, and she always, always, no matter what, comes to Yoga Class.
She's got her Asana's mastered,
see how well she has her paw extended?
Hmm, maybe I'll try this sideways plank - supposed to be good for the abs?
Takes great strength to just lie there, quite unconcerned, when that big human foot could hammer its heel down on her any second...
but the strength comes later... after the "as if".
And while grunting in my favourite Pigeon Pose, The Cat sauntered over and rubbed the top of her head along my hand and as I (tried) to bring my face towards the floor, exhaling, she lay down with a thump, right there under my nose and what could I do but inhale some very white fine cat fur. Ah-choo.
Cat Paws. Do you know how hard it is to hold in a sneeze while smiling and breathing and in the pigeon pose?
Inhale Deeply. And Pause. And I smiled as I remembered how I didn't feel much like coming to class. And how I was, at this very moment, so very glad to be here. And I stretched further and understood even more deeply and completely that each day is a chance to choose. To choose to smile and to laugh. And most importantly, like Ti'Punch, to remember to show up and to push yourself to do something new, or differently, or at least start your "as if" process... Who knows where you might end up? Exhale Completely. Smile. End of Yoga Cat Paws.
And when I returned back to
Banyan, there was Dave waiting for me, ready to grab the dinghy line, and help me on-board. And I smiled as I said, "Thank you m'dear. I think it's going to be a great day today..."
Note: Thank you to Monday's Yoga Class, led by Pierre-Yves (Umido) and to The Secret Harbour Marina Cat for the Inspiration for this post!!