News-Record.com

Tried out meditation for the first time this past weekend. Was I in for a surprise. My wife suggested this would be a good, inexpensive way to relax and get the day off to a good start (She has a package deal at Yoga Cafe, so it's $9 per class), so I was game. First impressions? Some of what Tina Firesheets wrote in an article in today's News & Record nailed it on the head for me, particulary her describing it taking "a lot of effort to think of nothing. And to do nothing." Telling your mind to shut up for a 45-minute session? No mental movies? No planning your day? Recalling an unusually stressful day at the office? No way, Jose. And the pain. Yikes.

Margaret Baxter/News & Record
That surprised me the most. Sitting on a thin, Yoga mat, legs crossed, hurt. I didn't know what to do with my feet. They'd go numb. All I could think of as I looked around the room was that I am horribly out of shape. I should just get up and slink out of the room now before I start making moaning noises. But what was encouraging to hear was that I wasn't alone. Our instructor mentioned it's not unusual to experience pain. But foot cramps? Apparently, that's a new one because it surprised her when I asked her about it. She had a look of concern on her face. All righty then. Someone get an ambulance. Would I try it again? Maybe, believe it or not. I can see how this could be pretty cool if you get the hang of it. And I wasn't miserable the entire time. I enjoyed the part where we got to lay down, knees up (but as Tina said fighting sleep was an issue). Anyway, no pain, no gain, right? How about no pain in the wallet? Tina mentions they're having having meditation sessions for free (donations optional) Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, in Greensboro. Information: 379-1000.