No, it wasn’t nearly as traumatic as the last time I blogged about yoga, but it was definitely something I could obsess over.
When I arrived today, my favorite spot in the top right of the second row was open. I set up my scene (mat, towel, water bottle) and laid down. Then this lady, who is also a regular, came in and set up her scene right next to me. For some reason, I’d always thought this particular woman was cool. She’s in her forties, she looks good, and she kicks ass at yoga. Anyway, she was there for about two minutes, and then she got up and moved somewhere else.
SHE MOVED.
So, now I’m laying there, thinking, was that weird? Yes, I think it was. As a regular in that place, I know you come in, survey your options, and choose the best one. I like to be on an edge, in the second row, for example, but if that’s not available, I’ll take an end position in the first row. So, she came in, surveyed the scene, picked her spot, set up her mat and towel, started stretching… then moved?
What the hell? Do I stink? Do I do something irritating? Under the guise of a side stretch, I surrepticiously sniffed my armpit. It smelled fine. Then I sat down and did a feet together hip stretch and sniffed my feet. Nothing. I knew my breath was good because I had eaten an apple on the way there.
There are actually two people in class who I do everything in my power not to end up next to. There’s Fidget McWigglepants, whose nickname* says it all, and then there’s Big Man Huffnpuff. He’s this huge dude, with a barrel chest, who has a very distracting habit of holding his breath in poses and letting it out in explosive PUFFS.
Today’s experience made me glad I’ve never actually moved when I’ve found myself next to them. Besides, it not about them, it’s about me, and I should be able to zen past that shit.
I know it’s possible that her move had nothing to do with me, but I still think it’s weird. Fellow yogis? Your thoughts?
* I wonder if I have a nickname? Stinky McDirtyfeet? Self Absorbed Susan?
I wish I could stay at home all day and read your blog you are that good. I am hoping to find a kick ass yoga studio in Hong Kong, now that we have a nanny to help with child care. I miss you…hliv
p.s. I think you smell sensational.
Jumpy Jen? And that would be unnerving. Here’s hoping she just saw someone she meant to sit by and went thattaway … because I think the only time I’ve ever scooted in yoga is when a row of us got too close to each other that we feared tickling toes while doing the stretches. And that’s just not how I like my toes tickled …
Heather: You are so sweet, my dear. I bet you can definitely find some yoga in HK.
I MISS YOU SOOOOOOOO MUCH!
tacomachickadee: Hi! I’m telling you, it was weird. There seemed to be no advantage to the spot she moved to. I’ve decided I no longer think she is cool.
Self Absorbed Susan. Sniff.
Yes, but maybe it was something silly… like there’s a vent over the spot she chose and she doesn’t like the air blowing over her during the final cool down. (And she forgot until she got setup and started stretching.)
I’d say it’s all about her and not about you at all.
Ummm….Egocentric Agnes?
Oops! Hi Sheila! Sorry your comment didn’t get moderated for a couple of days.
That is an excellent point. I’m sure I’m just being dumb. (I hope!)