From NOgi to Yogi

When I first came to California I tried Yoga. I went to a studio and I was the only guy besides the teacher. He was a somewhat ridiculous person like something out of a movie. I am not a flexible person, I don't think I have ever touched my toes. The other thing about me is that I am very much a fringe person. I tend to avoid group activities and prefer to be one on one with someone than in a group. If I am in a group I like to be in the back corner. I still have a lot of punk in me. Anyway, the teacher pulled me up in front of the class had me try the move which I couldn't do and told the class "This is what tight looks like". I didn't go back. In fact I became a devout NOgi I was into health, consciousness, meditation and no yoga. I would joke about how everyone in California goes wine tasting, wants to travel and does yoga. Me being someone who is interested in things that are different from the normal standard cookie cutter clone people that seem to permeate society. I wanted nothing to do with Yoga. 
Fast forward several years. Last fall I decided to give yoga another chance as I am older now and have very much realized that no one cares what I do. I had a great experience and after my yoga class last night I felt like this would be a fun thing to write about. 

I still like to be in the back corner, I always hope the instructor won't come correct me or bring me more props because I can't do the pose right. Not because I care but only because I can get into a head space where I want to really relax and I know that I'm not very flexible. I only go to the restorative classes. It has worked out that I can do crossfit come home eat and then do a restorative yoga class and it's the perfect balance of activities.  

The lesson for me here isn't just to not put all yoga in a bad box because of a one bad experience but also for me to keep pushing my comfort zones in different ways. 

If you haven't tried yoga give it a shot it can be great There are so many different types. If one doesn't do it for you try a different type. I'm so glad I'm no longer a NOgi.