During one of our sprightly strolls between the bus stop in the plaza of Toledo and through the maze-like stone paths that lead us to the Fundacion (where we go to "school"), Amy and I stopped at the sight of a four letter word in a window that is the same in every language. YOGA. This tiny little organic, healthfood storefront--not any wider than my wingspan--advertised for yoga classes in a little room above the store and just so happened to have sessions Monday evenings. Conveniently one between my 3:30-4:45 and 7:45-9:00 pm classes. Yes, I am fortunate enough to have classes from 8:40 am to 9:00 pm on Mondays. But Mondays are going to be Mondays no matter how many classes you have, so you might as well have four right?
So today I packed some leggings, t-shirt and hoodie in my North Face backpack--the new essence of my being--and decided I was going to be adventurous. I was going to prove myself to do those things that I could only do while abroad, and take a yoga class in Spanish.
I don't know what it is, but I think that health food makes you happy. Any health food/organic store/restaurant I have ever been in has had workers that are just so care-free, radiant, and ready to help you. The young woman working in the little shop was more than happy to hear that I wanted to drop in for a session, and sent me up the stairs in the back of the shop (only a couple feet from the front entry way). One other woman, Belen, had begun rolling out her mat on the floor and was eager to learn all about me--my name (Cristina.. obviously), where I was from, what I was doing in Spain, how I liked it, what I was studying, how my day was, what I hoped to do during my time, etc. It was one of the first times in Spain that I really felt a connection to someone that lived the town and opened herself up to hearing about who I was, and not just brushing me off as a blonde, American girl. She told me the class was small, and was mostly older people, and that I would definitely be the little baby of the group. The instructor came up about 5 minutes later with the other 4 members of the class, three women and a man-- of course, it's Spain. I should have known I didn't need to be early, or even on time.
The instructor is literally picked out from a movie. She is gorgeous, and bubbly, and probably what all American boys dream of when they think of a Spanish woman. Lightly tanned, flawless skin, beautiful smile, long wavy brown hair brushed up into a ponytail. I know I probably sound ridiculous but seriously, I have a girl crush. I just want to be her! She gave me a big hug when she saw me and was so glad that I had dropped in on the class, and told me that if I had any questions that she would help me.
Yoga in Spanish is so much more beautiful than English, the way the instructions rolled off the instructors tongue seemed so much more naturally, breathless and effortless than in English. The class lasted over an hour, but it didn't drag one bit. It was a perfect reminder for me to enjoy the moments I have, reflect on myself and my body. So often we get caught up in worries of work, school, the future, decisions, what other people think about us, and what we think of ourselves. We really are just this one body, but we are given power through our mind, our soul, and our heart. This is something that can't be taught, but is a reminder that we should be given everyday, in every language, and in every culture. It's universal--we only have this one body, and this one life, but so many possibilities.
Anyway, safe to say, the whole experience was amazing. It was exactly what I needed--time away from the Fundacion, from school, from my computer, from my worries, and time to reflect, meditate, pray and be grateful. On top of all of that, I was able to communicate and bond with people that live in this city, and that were as eager to open their hearts as I was to them. It was amazing. I can't wait to go next week.
I hope that you all survived your Mondays, and are on to enjoy your tuesdays. I am off to read and crash for the night, but am thinking of you all in my dreams.
Besos.
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