I bought a bike at a thrift shop yesterday. It was a bit impulsive and I was yoga-stoned but I did it anyway. I instantly did that thing where I start imagining all the things I’d do with my newfound mode of transportation; ride around the city, do a tour of the American River Trail, you know, all the things you’re supposed to do when you own a bike.

When I woke up this morning I hopped on my bike to go meet Jason for brunch and a kiki and even though it was only a mile away, I knew I had a long way to go before doing any of those awesome things I was daydreaming about.

Some good food, a trip to Target, and a nap later I found myself at Zuda for my daily practice. Once I stepped onto my mat I knew that this would be a good practice. I felt my heart open, my breath steady, and love pouring through my body. Each pose was challenging but there was a little extra in the tank. During svasana I felt a calling to do more. So I stayed for a second class.

I’ll pause here to say that whenever I do two classes in one day, the second one doesn’t always meet my expectations. I always seem to overdo it, expect too much from my body, push too much too fast, you know the drill. The start of this class wasn’t any different.

After the first three or four rounds of Sun A’s I dropped to my mat and just laid on my stomach. My breath was choppy, I’d lost connection to my intention, I was down for the count. I was ready to lay down for the rest of class. Then she said it. Lyndsey said, “This moment will never repeat itself. Will you show up for yourself? Your life depends on it.”

Writing those words brings shivers to my body. Such a simple but profound statement had awoken something inside me, my life depended on me. I found my breath, calmly restated my intention, and re-entered the physical practice.

It
Was
Amazing.

I felt invincible, like there was nothing I couldn’t do, like every pose was meant for me to express the love in my heart. I caught myself smiling throughout the rest of my practice.

I had awoken.