Progress

For some people what I am about to share is not a big thing but I recently made a change in my practice that has taken me a long time, 4 years to achieve.

As a male, most people do not think that we have 'body issues'.

As my blog suggests, I am not your stereotypical yogi.

I have always been self conscious about my weight and body shape and size.

So for me, wearing a singlet and only occasionally taking it off during the floor series, when my next breath was likely to be my last (probably 3-4 times in 3 years) has been part of how I practice. There has been no pressure on me to take it off in class - we are all at various stages in our yoga journey.

I have made a more concerted effort in the last few months, along with my wife to eat cleaner and reduce my reliance on sugar.

I don't want to get into any debates on the pros and cons of sugar, no sugar, artificial sweeteners and the like. I have found a process that works for me and I seem to have dropped a little more fat from my frame.

Recently when we went to Wollongong I had been toying with the idea that I felt more comfortable with my body and weight. My wife suggested that as no one in Wollongong would probably know me, if I was ready I could practice 'topless'.

The first class was a shocker, I felt hot, nauseous and sat out quite a few postures - singlet still on.

Next class, I decided just before class to try a class with my shirt off...and I survived.

My name is Peter and it has now been 8 classes since I wore a singlet.....

It has been confronting to see myself and Bikram and his teachers are right...there is no where to hide...the truth stares back at me from the mirror....

But it also makes me now try harder - especially to suck my stomach in - and I see a new aspect to my practice. It is quite humbling, because my singlet could smooth over some of the flaws in my practice...but a middle aged man in just lycra yoga shorts equals no where to hide...the truth is there in front of me.

Progress...I wonder where this will take me next