Today I gave myself the most wonderful gift: I began my personal yoga practice. Being an early riser, I was on my mat by 5:45, and thoroughly enjoyed myself til 6:30 when I thought I needed to stop and get ready for work. Tomorrow I'll plan for an hour, at least.

It was actually Syl who told me that the gift existed. I mean, I'd heard of "personal practice" but had no idea how amazing it could be. (Syl is Syl Carlson of Bodhi Yoga in Provo, Utah. I'm enrolled in the 200-hour teacher certification class that her studio offers, and personal practice hours are required.)

I'd tried in the past to practice at home but had always allowed myself to be distracted. Having the incentive of the class requirement helped, but being encouraged by Syl was what made it possible for me to see this morning's practice through.

Not only do I feel physically awake and relaxed from the Asana practice, but I feel an unusual lightness in my mind and spirit. Based on what Syl told us, I think that must stem from the time I spent being present - in the Present - unconscious of time (mostly) and free to follow where my body led me.

I will always love Laura Harper's classes and be profoundly grateful to her for introducing me to this discipline, but now I know that I can have the Joy that practice brings any time I want.