I’ve been active for a good portion of my life. Yet, in all of those years, surprisingly I rarely stretched. I don’t know why I never bothered. My guess is it originated out of pure laziness. As time went on, it became a bad habit that carried through the years. I only started stretching later in life after pulling a muscle. It took awhile to recover and as you get older, you don’t have that kind of time to waste. There’s nothing like limping around with a pulled muscle to slap a little sense into you.
I love when I have a big hearty laugh. That’s what I had when my brother in law suggested I try yoga. Bless him, he was only trying to be helpful. If I can’t touch my toes, there is no way I can do a downward dog. I don’t even know what a downward dog is, but it sounds difficult for someone whose muscles are wound up pretty tight. The thought sounds really really painful.
But he was persistent. As I get older, I’m becoming open to at least set aside my stubborn ways to listen. The more I learned about the positive effects of yoga, I’m surprised to admit I’m beginning to have a change of heart. Improved physical and mental health benefits? I like the efficiency of the two for one. Both of those birds could use a little help from a twofer stone right now. Heck, maybe one of these days I’ll be able to touch my toes. I can’t even imagine what color the sky is in that world. It might be worth a peek.
Speaking of two birds. . . The Counting Crows released Murder of One back in 1993. I’ve always liked the crow counting part of the lyrics.
Well, I dreamt I saw you walking
Up a hillside in the snow
Casting shadows on the winter sky
As you stood there counting crowsOne for sorrow, two for joy
– Murder of One
Three for girls, and four for boys
Five for silver, six for gold
Seven for a secret never to be told
This is a reference to a Mother Goose rhyme which came from an old superstition. It was said that your fortune was dependent upon how many blackbirds you see on your path.
– Songfacts
Interesting fact: a group of crows is called a murder. I’m not ready to say I’m waiting for a murder in my pathway just yet. Instead, I’ll take a few crows for my two for one stone and work my way up from there.
–
For a complete playlist, please click here.
For the Spotify playlist, please click here.
Blue morning, blue morning
Wrapped in strands of fist and bone
Curiosity, kitten
Doesn't have to mean you're on your own
You can look outside your window
He doesn't have to know
We can talk a while, baby
We can take it nice and slow
All your life is such a shame, shame, shame
All your love is just a dream, dream, dream
Well, are you happy where you're sleeping?
Does he keep you safe and warm?
Does he tell you when you're sorry?
Does he tell you when you're wrong?
Well, I've been watching you for hours
It's been years since we were born
We were perfect when we started
I've been wondering where we've gone
All your life is such a shame, shame, shame
All your love is just a dream, dream, dream
Well, I dreamt I saw you walking
Up a hillside in the snow
Casting shadows on the winter sky
As you stood there counting crows
One for sorrow, two for joy
Three for girls, and four for boys
Five for silver, six for gold
Seven for a secret never to be told
But there's a bird that nests inside you
Sleeping underneath your skin
Yeah, when you open up your wings to speak
I wish you'd let me in
All your life is such a shame, shame, shame
All your love is just a dream, dream, dream
Open up your eyes, you can see the flames, flames, flames
Of your wasted life, you should be ashamed
Yeah, you don't want to waste your life, baby
You don't wanna waste your life now, darling
You don't wanna waste your life, baby
You don't wanna waste your life now, darling
Oh, you don't wanna waste your life now, babe
I said, you don't wanna waste your life now, darling
Oh, you don't wanna waste your life now, baby
Oh, you don't wanna
You don't wanna waste your life now, darling
Change, change, change
Change, change, change
Change, change, change
I walk along these hillsides
In the summer 'neath the sunshine
I am feathered by the moonlight falling down on me
I said, I walk along these hillsides
In the summer 'neath the sunshine
I am feathered by the moonlight falling down on me
I said, I will walk along these hillsides
In the summer 'neath the sunshine
I am feathered by the moonlight falling down on me
I said, I will walk along these hillsides
In the summer 'neath the sunshine
I am feathered by the moonlight
Change, change, change
Change, change, change
Change, change, change
Oh, change, change, change
Oh, change, change, change
Change, change, change change
Change, change, change, change, change
I learned during my BRIEF time studying Tae Kwon Do just how important stretching is! I definitely want to check out Yoga.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m learning stretching really is a must. Yeah, yoga sounds good. I may give it a try
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting post
LikeLike
Stretching is so important. I also didn’t learn that lesson until I was older and in pain. I remember my 92-year-old grandma would stretch every morning. She was so flexible that she could literally fold her body in half to pick up something off the floor!
LikeLiked by 1 person
She is pretty inspiring!
LikeLike
i never stretch before a run, but i do run slowly until my muscles warm up. i love yoga! it sounds like you’re already practicing, but in case you aren’t aware, you can get yoga blocks to help with poses (so you don’t have to bend down so far). 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I haven’t tried it yet. I might give it a try!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yoga is a lot about the teacher. I never liked it before I found a great local teacher, who sadly ended her practice during Covid. I found this 15-minute video to be pretty close to her stretches, but sadly, without the spiritual aspect: https://youtu.be/OD3RFbcetIY?si=qE25LSTNHirDN8mO
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey there, thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mobility stretching is key, especially if you have stored trauma in your hips. I can’t really speak from experience because I too do not force myself to do the things I should, but I do highly suggest it.
I do really enjoy yoga, especially when deep breathing is incorporated. Starting with a “beginner yoga” or even “chair yoga” is helpful.
I am well aware I look like an idiot when practicing, but, I’m also well aware it removes some assholishness from my character after I do, and everyone is better off.
So, we bend, and we breathe, for the greater good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. I appreciate all your comments and suggestions. I like the idea of beginner yoga. And I’m ok about looking like an idiot. Sometimes it’s best to to check the ego at the door! Thanks again for the tips!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Give yoga a try. I’ve tried it several times… and never got into it. Ha! But everyone else seems to think that it’s wonderful. They can’t all be wrong. Right?
LikeLiked by 1 person
yoga + pilates ftw
LikeLiked by 1 person