All 60 minutes of Slow Flow

on my back.

Not one supine twist,

didn’t sit up in chair pose,

no end-of-practice-hands-

over-the-heart-space-bow.

I listened to the teacher’s

flowing voice,

never realizing before

how she works it, bends it,

conducts her instrument –

our bodies.

Then lets them go.

I heard the breathing of the class –

a smooth synchronized

other-sound

that shattered

during transition

from High Plank to Chat Taranga.

The thuds and grinds of feet

on mats,

cracks of joints opening.

Singular sweat drops.

A cloudburst.

Grunts in Boat Pose,

cooing in Pigeon.

Is this yoga?  I felt the edge

in my mind’s voice.

Teachers invite us to listen

to our bodies.

My Body said, you need

to do this.

I will bring this listening

to my practice

on my feet,

on my knees,

on my back and

around to my life.

Love elephant and want to go steady?

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Editor: Catherine Monkman

Photo: Amy at Flickr