I knew I was in trouble when I couldn't do the first pose — sitting cross-legged on the floor. My knees don't like that anymore. I quickly adapted a faux cross-legged position, one that put my legs farther out in the floor than the other students gathered in a circle around the instructor, John. And it went rather steadily downhill from there. When it came time to learn the crow or Bakasana position —balancing on arms with bent knees — I had to laugh.
I had taken a class with John before and remember it as challenging but fun. This time it was only challenging. Which raises the question, who has changed — John or me?
Both, I'd say. This was a more advanced class and John was subbing for it. But I've been ossifying, too, hardening into position. One hour of yoga didn't do much to dispel muscle stiffness, but it did help me see how much I need to strengthen and stretch. And this morning — ouch! — it's an easy lesson to remember!
(Crow position courtesy yogaoutfitters.com.)