On the mat

I step on the mat feeling anxious and angry. The week I’m leaving behind was difficult and uncertainty will fill my week ahead. I start my favorite playlist and begin to breathe deeply. As I start to move, in familiar ways that stretch and strengthen various parts of my body, I focus on my tension filled upper back. I throw in some balance poses to challenge me and make sure my focus is on right now. And by the time “Here Comes the Sun” by Nina Simone finishes, the anger and anxiety has melted away. I feel rested, relaxed, and confident. It may not last long, but it’s the reason I keep getting on the mat.