Warrior two position. Bharadvajas twist. Cat tilt pose marjariasana. Three-part breath, finally something I think I can do. If you’re like me, you’ve entertained the notion of taking a yoga class. I went so far as to take a class or two. After all, I did get a yoga mat for my birthday. It sounds great too . . . “I’m off to my yoga class.”

Well, again, if you’re like me, you’re just a tad out of shape and some of those yoga positions are, well, challenging. I might be able to get down on the mat, but who is going to help me up? I might be able to knot my legs into the lotus, but again, who will unfold me? Beginning a position on all fours; manageable, doing the stuff that comes after; not so much.

What I have learned from my foray into the world of hatha yoga is that it’s mainly about centering your spirit through breathing. That I can do. So can you. Although yoga is something I would like to master eventually, it is more important for me now to just relax, calm myself, and center my spirit. I can do that by sitting quietly in my favorite chair with music playing softly. Sit with me a moment or two.

1. Find a place to sit in a quiet room – chair, floor, pillow, or soft rug.
2. Close your eyes.
3. Take a few deep breaths: inhale for 3 seconds – hold your breath for 12 seconds and slowly breathe out for a count of 6 seconds.
4. Sit quietly for at least 1 minute (5 minutes is better!) and let your breath come naturally.
5. Open your eyes. You should feel relaxed and calm.
6. Do this daily.

This is not yoga and you still may want to take those classes. I know I plan to, but in the meantime, give yourself room to breathe.
-Sheena M. Carey