My first surfboard arrived yesterday. I was giddy with excitement and amazed with the beauty of the board. This is going to be the surfboard where I really learn the art of surfing. I had the same excitement when I bought my first yoga mat years ago. That mat will always hold a special place in my heard because it’s where I became a “yogi”.
This morning was my first adventure with my new surfboard. When my fiance and I ran into the water and I got onto the new board, I immediately tipped to the left. Then I started to panic and tipped to the right, placing my feet into the water, which is a big mistake. I was incredibly unbalanced and didn’t know what to do. I had a similar experience with my first ever yoga class. I was middle of class and I couldn’t get into Tree Pose without falling over. I would tip to the right or the left and completely fall. I took a minute to myself on my new surfboard, and thought,” What do I do in yoga when I’m unbalanced? What do I do in Tree Pose to ground downward? I engage my core, look forward and breathe through it.”
I composed myself and started to breathe. It was then that I finally gained control of the board. It was the first time I was able to tell myself that I can do this. I started to paddle around the ocean and I even caught a wave, which was exhilarating and mind blowing at the same time. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the breath or my yoga training.
I wouldn’t label myself a “surfer” yet, but I definitely feel like a “yogi” surfing in the water.
Readers, I would love to know if you label yourself in yoga or any other sport? What constitutes a label for you?
~Namaste
Scrappy Yogi
Scrappy Yoga 