Yoga

Today's muse: One Word. Today's word: Yoga

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Yoga

Legs crossed, back straight, eyes closed, she rested her hands on her knees, palms open to the universe. A silent call to the elements. A plea for calm.

Breath in. Breath out. Gently. Slowly.

The instructor’s voice swirled around her, carried her off to the white space, as she called it. White walls, white floor, white ceiling. Not unlike the padded room she longed to lie in. At least she’d be alone, with no one insisting she pay attention to them. And no one would mind if she screamed. There’s something quite cathartic about screaming, she decided.

Right. Focus.

Breath in. Breath out. Clear your mind.

She filled her lungs, a deep cleansing breath. Then a slow exhale to eliminate the toxins. She made a mental note to stop by the Municipal Office to pick up another green bin. After that, slip by the drycleaners to pick up John’s suit. Then swing by the daycare and pick up Cody.

Focus, girl.

Breath in. Breath out. Seek serenity.

The hypnotic voice carried her as she floated through her white landscape, weightless. Shit. Did I take the chicken out of the freezer? Maybe some mashed potatoes. And carrots. Yes. Carrots. With brown sugar.

Dammit! Focus.

Breath in. Breath out. Embrace tranquility.

The tension began to release in her shoulders, washed away as though she stood beneath a waterfall. She reminded herself to call the maintenance crew to come open the pool for the season. And sign up Cody for swimming lessons.

Breath in. Breath out. Absorb the peace.

Nothing like a yoga class to relieve the stress. Clear your mind, ease the tension.

Breath. Breath.

I’m breathing. I’m breathing. Alright, she conceded, I’m suffocating.