SUSTAINED ENERGY: HOT YOGA EXPERIENCE in KING WEST

Like the connection made when inserting a three prong plug into an electrical outlet, I firmly plant my stiff, widened fingers into the floor in front of my shoulders. The warm current rises up through my arms into my chest, expanding my lungs and opening my heart.

The tension in the back of my neck, that I have accumulated throughout the day flows from the top of my head as I position myself in a tabletop position. I carefully distribute my body weight for equal balance on both hands and knees. My spine lengthens and releases the pressure to my supporting core muscles and as I take my first deep inhalation breath, I awaken my tired cells with new oxygen. My exhalation disperses tension into the air. It evaporates towards the ceiling with the swelling heat in the room.

Hot yoga.

I repeat this movement a few more times to awaken my internal organs. I tune into my body again as the room temperature rises and my blood begins to flow like a river – open dam. I imagine myself moving with the current, inspired by the warmth of the sun on a summers’ day.

My pours respond to the heightened intensity in the room. The combination of motion and heat form beaded pearls of sweat forcing a stream towards the tip of my nose. Each drop from my body accumulates in a puddle beneath me, uninterrupted by movement or sound. I gaze with soft eyes beyond the bodies in front of me. I hear only a hum of breaths singing softly in unison around me.

A gentle rhythm guides my flow from one movement to the next. The words spoken by the master are gentle cues as he weaves between the different shapes of bodies held in static postures. Vaguely, I am aware of his presence. But I am being guided by my own inner voice, not his.

My journey is my own.

Rooted firmly into the floor, my toes are spread wide and gripping to steady my balance. Each muscle engages itself to hug my bones in place. My energy surges as I push myself to the edge of my own limits of strength and power. I grasp the pain with a deep inhalation. Exhale and let it go. I am able to move beyond.

Still. Static. Strong.

Each movement flows like a rolling tide.  Beginning with an underlying force of power within me, I focus on the shore. Deep within stirs a desire to reach my destiny. The surge drives my current and forces me beyond my own limitations. The energy created by movement and momentum thrusts me forwards towards the shore. And with the breaking of the surf onto the sand, I release.

Calm. Quiet. Peace.

The hot humid air envelops me like a blanketed cocoon. I am safe and protected from the elements. Here, I am no longer aware of time or space. I am no longer trapped in my mind. Thoughts flow like a gentle breeze, leaving room for new light to enter and energize. My mind’s eye sees only a bright illumination of the universe.

I am free.

Try a Hot Yoga Class at a Studio in King Blue’s Neighbourhood!
MOKSHA YOGA 577 Wellington Street West
TULA HOT YOGA 30 Duncan Street
YOGA TREE 140 Spadina Avenue
IMPRINT YOGA 101 Spadina Avenue