Perspectives

My blog writing has gone on hiatus for a long while because of massive changes in my life, from the change of jobs to now a sudden influx of wedding confirmations from overseas friends who are making their way to Kuala Lumpur in January 2010.

It’s been a really hectic ride but I have to admit my life has never been anything BUT busy.

So it’s particularly amusing for me that my first ever post in months is about my personal observations in practicing yoga.

For friends who follow me on twitter, they would all know that I have just recently joined myoga at The Gardens, Midvalley. My first class was yesterday and boy was I struggling.

• It was a hot yoga class, where the workout is done in a heated room to allow for detox and a more vigorous routine
• My hands were shaking! Like it could barely bear my weight, showing how weak they were in the first place
• My legs were shaking so badly that after the routine was over, I could barely stand in front of my locker to grab my clothes
• I was getting dizzy, which happens when you’re either dehydrated or not used to the yoga routine
• Most importantly, I WAS OUT OF SHAPE!

It was a sad day for Rachel Lee.

A bit of background, I have been practicing yoga for a little over a year when I joined Pure Yoga in Causewaybay, Hong Kong (2007-2008). I was very fond of the studio and while it was crowded most of the times, they boasted a wide array of experienced instructors who were really good in their instructions.

When I returned to Malaysia, I did not immediately return to yoga because I was too preoccupied managing my personal life and transitioning back to Malaysian life. So after almost 8 months hiatus (it was more of 10 months), it is particularly painful returning to yoga.

Many people I know either do not understand yoga nor do they particularly respect it. I can relate to both because I was one of these people before curiosity got the better of me and I decided to give it a shot.

A few things happened:

• My health improved tremendously
• I lost a lot of weight. In fact in this aspect, I’m not sure if it’s my diet change or stress at work that really caused my massive drop in the pounds
• Flexibility is brilliant! I loved that my body felt more nimble and lighter
• Treats old injuries well and helps me with strengthening my back and weak ankles

If you read more about the benefits of yoga, you will get a myriad of other reasons but I’ll just state my own.

I should note that I’m practicing yoga only because I recognise it’s my most preferred way of keeping fit and healthy. It’s not for everyone and if you are either concerned religiously that it hampers your own personal faith or that it is not vigorous enough for you, then don’t do it!

As for me, it’s another painful few weeks until my body start adjusting to the poses again and I can be freed of these aches all over my body.