On Monday night, after a long day at work, I decided that the best way to deal with my stress and what I can only describe as “glum feelings” was to attend a yoga class. Fortunately for me Prema Power Yoga in Marblehead offers a 7pm hot power class, which gave me plenty of time to get home, change and grab a quick snack before heading off to the studio.

From the moment I walked in the door I knew that I made the right decision. The calming atmosphere, warm temperature and serene music instantly brought a smile to my face that stayed in place for the entire hour long class. The instructor actually even encouraged us to “smile through the poses” so I felt right at home 🙂

The class was challenging, sweaty, spiritual and calming all at the same time. I truly love the detoxifying power of hot yoga and could feel the negativity, as well as bad energy, dripping out of my body. My mind and body were both working hard for that hour!

Finally, while in shavasana at the end of the class, the instructor chose a reading that really inspired me entitled, “Autobiography In Five Short Chapters” by Portia Nelson, that I couldn’t wait to share.

It goes:

Chapter I

I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.
I am lost… I am hopeless.
It isn’t my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.

Chapter II

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don’t see it.
I fall in again.
I can’t believe I am in this same place.
But it isn’t my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.

 Chapter III

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it there.
I still fall in… it’s a habit… but,
my eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.

 Chapter IV

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.

Chapter V

I walk down another street.

I encourage you all to take a minute to reflect on the above and try to find meaning in it for yourselves. Does it fit in your life story in any way? Can you relate to this evolution of thinking and can you apply it to a challenging aspect of your life? I know I can 😉

Namaste.