It's Sunday morning, and I'm going to yoga in few minutes, and I'm thinking about flexibility.
We all know that as we age, our body becomes less flexible. At the beginning of the yoga class my hips and hamstrings feel stuck. With every downward dog and warrior one it feels like flakes of concrete are sloughing off, allowing me to touch my toes and straighten my legs. I also think we can lose mental flexibility. When I was in my 20s, I moved apartments every year, lived in different states, travelled all summer. I porpoised in and out of situations elegantly, piling my stuff in the backseat of my car, ready for the next adventure. The transitions felt sleek and seamless. As I've gotten older, I've noticed how much harder transitions are. I changed jobs this year after 15 years in my same job, same building, same classroom. I'm surprised at how I haven't just danced into my new role, but have creakily and awkwardly stumbled around in it, feeling the concrete of my old routines and expectations encasing me. Even littler transitions are harder---the changing trimester, the day after a long break, Sundays. I don't feel the same ease from one moment to the next but sort of lurch, worrying about what I've given up and fretting about what the next moment will bring. Well seeking flexibility it is a practice worth doing. I have lived in the same neighborhood for nearly 20 years, I have the same friends, the same husband that I have had for many, many years. Life can wear a grove, but I guess, for me, taking risks, trying new things is what will hopefully keep me flexible and open, sliding into the next new adventure with joy and ease.
4 Comments
3/10/2019 06:17:30 am
Your post made me think. I too feel like I deal with transitions and change less gracefully than I once did. I like the comfort of my groove, but must not forget that transitions keep us young and flexible.
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Terje
3/10/2019 06:24:29 am
Yes. Physical and mental flexibility are cornerstones for a healthy life. Both need practice. I hope I will continue to do yoga when I am over 80.
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3/10/2019 07:15:00 am
What a great slice on the expanded meanings of flexibility. I have been taking yoga for the past few years to work on my range of motion and flexibility, maybe I need to also contemplate how I can keep flexibility in my thinking and cognitive range of motion! Thanks!!
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Danielle Metzler
3/10/2019 08:21:23 pm
I love your verbs! "Sloughing" and "porpoised!
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