Here is a wee article I wrote to the reader's column in the local newspaper. Of course, I thought of killing two to birds with one stone, and posting the article in the blog as well.
And to be honest, I struggled a fair bit with the translation, and it is not as smooth in English as it was in Finnish.
Anyway you will get the point.
Please do not take too seriously! ;)
I am struggling in the Asana in yoga class. My buttock is cramping and I can feel a pinch on my knee. I am feeling my right hip on my hand, trying to massage it. It feels like it might fall out at any given time.
20 other athletes have chosen the same yoga class with me. All of them looking aesthetic and graceful. The teacher is moving around the room and helping people to get deeper into the posture. ‘’Very good, sink down, a little deeper’’, he calls out.
Was that a compliment? I wonder. Can I still go lower? I peek at the neighbour Yogi under my armpit, while sweat drops are gliding over my face. Looks like we are performing a different Asana!
I can go lower, others can too!
Does that sound familiar? No? congratulations, you might already be enlightened.
If it does, you might have to start considering to practise yoga in the competitive level.
Yoga, this lately Westernised practise, builds up its devotees all over the world, even in Finland. Sullen Finnish citizen, who believe in the power of beer and sausage, are now unfolding their mats - together - for the great journey of self-search. Inner peace, open heart and ... all that stuff.
Sound great, doesn't it?
Or is that the real goal after all? Is it more of, who can open his/her heart fastest? Who has the clearest mind and who can get a foot behind the neck? Other foot on top, and Voila! Master of Yogi trophy won!
That is, what we call, a sport!
Fair play, blood, bruises and subtle cheating.
Having observed the yoga- movement in the yoga classes, Instagram and other social media - I am sure there would enough participants, to held up one or two Olympic Asanas.
We might even give a great opportunity to India, to gain back all that lost hope, and finally to win something in the Olympics as well.
..Not that Finland is any medal ''hoarder'' itself..