Sunrise Gentle Yoga

5:30 am on Hawthorne Blvd is lonely. The cold seeps in like liquid, drenching my coat, my shoes, my socks, my very core. This isn't like the workout sessions on the water front where camaraderie (and a fast paced workout) warm your soul; this is the line 14 waiting game. A few lone motorists pass, their headlights somehow gloomy despite the pre-dawn dark that renders them necessary. I watch my breath rise from my face, staring with a fascination that is mostly unwarranted.

The bright yellow lights of public transportation fall slowly over the crest of the major boulevard and promise warmth as they roll to a stop at the corner of 19th; my stop. The ride into downtown is more crowded than expected, and moving to be the first out the door for a sprint to the nearest Max stop is a challenge. The stress builds as I get closer to the Rec Center, concerned about my ability to pick up a fitness course pass before they have disappeared. The line visible from the street is distressing, and my jog continues up the steps in time to watch the grate raised to admit the early risers into the center; not nearly enough to take up all the passes. In fact, none but myself even stop at the equipment window to pick up a pass.

My goal that cold Wednesday morning was a Yoga class. A class that I was able to attend, and that, to my surprise, was not full. Not even close to full.

The window of the fitness classroom faces the river. It faces Mt. Hood in the background. Watching the sun rise over the East of the city of Portland made the experience all the more centering as I worked on my yoga feet, downward dog, and plank pose.

I do believe I will be doing Yoga this coming Wednesday, as well.

Happy Sunday-ing.