Tuesday, May 3, 2011

she loves the sunrise, no longer sees it with her sleeping eyes

i used to think i needed someone in front of me while i exercised. a lithe instructor. an enterprising college student making beer money teaching free cardio classes at the university gym. a woman in a sports bra and spandex, consoling me through my television, just a few more reps.

but this morning,  i woke early. i slipped on my flannel pants and fleece jacket. i read scripture on an old round, wooden table. the one passed down to me, with the drink rings, scratches and that one place i left the iron sit on for too long. i ate cheerios as i read, and drank pulp-less orange juice from a plastic cup splayed with my alma mater. i missed the pulp.

then i took my pilates mat outside. to our side porch. where the trees surround and our little white glider sits. there are still hooks in the ceiling where hanging baskets used to sway. and i laid my body down on the hot pink foam, and waited for the sun to come. and as i waited, i stretched. i moved. twisted. downward dogged. and i realized something:

the body knows. 

it just knows. how to move and free itself, work out those kinks and pops and aches. and yes, classes are wonderful, and there's certainly something to be said about the motivation of a group atmosphere. but there's also something about the way the sun bounces off an elm tree. the way the fading night swirls into the clouds. the way my thick blue socks felt against the pavement.

and the way i was reminded. of the beautiful, complex work of art that our bodies are. i vowed to get up early tomorrow morning, and do it all over again. yes. prayer, cheerios, and sunrise salutations. i think a girl could get used to this.

19 comments:

k said...

i liked reading this...it was reassuring somehow. and you're right.

Dee Paulino said...

morning workouts are so refreshing

Unknown said...

This sounds Fabulous!

Southhamsdarling said...

Lovely!

Brandi said...

I like how my trainer pushes me and the teachers in my class push me, but morning sun salutations I need to do more of. I'm sure my body would know precisely how to welcome the day.

Unknown said...

I sustained a super serious concussion at the end of last semester, and I'm still trying to make sense of my life as a non-athlete. [no more sports for me ever- major head aches and danger] things that don't elevate my heart rate are key, and i'm starting to see how nice they can be.

still an adjustment from pushing my body as far as it can go, but i'm getting there

Haley said...

that combination sounds better than perfect...rejuvenating, to the body and the spirit :)

kimbirdy said...

it's true, yoga {and similar things} have become just another business - classes you pay for with a teacher who is an "expert." but yoga has always been a spiritual practice for people around the world. a way to let go of pain, fear, doubt, and grow in peace, clarity, love. our bodies and souls were designed to work this way, the western world just lost touch with that at some point. this is a beautiful reminder for me too, so thank you for sharing this.

Nicole Dianne said...

this makes me want to do some stretching, you have such a way with words :)

Unknown said...

beautiful, darling :)

Anonymous said...

You are such a beautiful writer. I can see everything you are describing. Down to the rings on the table.

Ashley said...

this is awesome. I just found you... your newest follower :) i miss working out SO much. I used to run 6-20 miles/day and I tore my knee a month ago. Enjoy your free moving body!

DaisyGirl said...

I'm sure you'll enjoy your new morning routine! I go to the gym in the mornings and it's certainly a great way to start the day. But I have to admit, it's better to start the day in the Bible than in the gym.

Kaylia Payne said...

Wonderful! I wish I was in touch with my body, it sounds like an amazing experience.

erika said...

That sounds very nice.

Hannah {Culture Connoisseur} said...

I couldn't agree more. We humans always overthink things. A workout where you've let your body and soul lead the way...it makes you feel good and builds confidence in what we are capable of!

Some Korean Website Highjacker said...

beautiful Courtney, every moment and piece of the morning expresses such feeling - the body does know. so true! here's to many more of equal quality of life like this one was. ♥

pea ess: post is up, you'll notice a couple frame additions, those 2 pics were smaller so i added to them, hope it's okay for you doll, i am ever grateful you are sharing my space today. xo

Shay said...

Well said (and may I just tell you how much I missed your posts on my little hiatus!) This sounds so peaceful, I will need to try it!

Generic Cialis said...

It really sounds amazing.

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