Yoga

 M introduced me to this. She's a passionate practitioner and in fact has even attended a teacher training course.

I could well comprehend the benefits. If I don't stretch before a workout, the pains (arising from tight muscles and tendons) are sure to afflict me. I saw Yoga as a well structured and extended stretching in its most fundamental form.

As one progresses, it is not just about stretching but also about strengthening especially the core muscles and in an a functional way. There were several sessions where my muscles felt the workout more from yoga then even the most strenuous gym sets.

M set me off in the direction but as we was away, she got me a few virtual teachers. First Boho beautiful whose workouts she was following and I tagged along. Boho was too advanced and she then introduced me to Lesley Fightmaster. I would say she was the one who "taught" me. 

There are three reasons why her lessons worked for me.

1. She had really good descriptions of what to do that even without looking at the screen, I could follow the various positions she was describing

2. She had a gentle soothing voice (well, they all have) but in her case, she also soothes by reminding us always that one doesn't have to be perfect and that was really heartening to here when I know I am twisted up wrongly

3. She had these most wonderful life quotes at the end of her session which somehow always spoke to me. I don't know how she finds these lines, always so apt. 

The reason I am writing about her is that she passed away suddenly and I thought of how she is a loss to the yoga community. In her own way, she has made the world a better place and just goes to show you don't need to be a world leader to do your part.

In the final video (recorded for thanksgiving week) just before her passing, it was about gratitude.

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary,
because it means you’ve made a difference.

It’s easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

~Author Unknown

I am thankful M introduced me to her videos. May her soul rest in peace