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I dont want to go to yoga.

Id much rather stay put in my favorite corner of the couch because Ive finally arranged the pillows just right and buried myself in this blanket. I simply cannot fathom leaving this position to do a Sun Salutation.

Id much rather scroll through every single app on my phone. Ive already checked email, of course, but I still have not looked at the weather forecast for the rest of the month, or checked if Ive received any new LinkedIn messages in the last three hours, or if the money in my bank account is still there. There are many apps to check, you see. And I cant check them if Im in Warrior 3.

I dont want to go to yoga.

Id much rather think about the snacks in my pantry and debate sweet versus salty. Or maybe order delivery. Indian? Thai? Sushi? Ah, yes, theres far more pleasure found tip-toeing to find treats in the kitchen than in hearing the teacher say come into Pigeon.

Id much rather check out whats on Netflix. I mean, Ive watched everything already, but theres that series Ive been thinking about rewatching. And then there might be something new on Hulu or Apple TV+. After all, why go into Upward Bow when I could watch a new true crime show?

I dont want to go to yoga.

Id much rather see what multi-level marketing my high school nemesis is hustling on Facebook, watch my friends baby trying avocado on Instagram, or catch up on cat videos on TikTok. And look, a wedding! Forget Plank Pose; I must thoroughly assess the dress she chose.

Id much rather slow blink at my cat or have a staring contest. Sure, he has a 95 percent success rate, but Im really gunning to inflate my five percent. And doesnt science show that playing with your pet is a form of relaxation? Who then really needs breathwork and meditation?

I dont want to go to yoga.

Id much rather reorganize my closet. After all, a new season is coming and Ive had the itch to put clothes I no longer wear in a bag, put said bag into the trunk of my car, and wait seven more months before dropping the bag off for donation. And now that I see the options in my closet, Id much rather put on my sweats than a yoga mindset.

Id much rather practice Savasana from home. Underneath the covers, in my pjs, with my previously chosen snack. Besides, I can always ask Alexa to turn on a guided visualization so that I can stay, quite comfortably, in my state of stagnation.

I dont want to go to yoga.

Alas, Netflix just asked if I was still watching (the nerve!) and my neck is kind of hurting from looking down at my phone. The thought comes up sneakily, maybe I should go to yoga?

I look at my yoga mat, sitting lonely by the door, and think about the cold lavender-scented towels doled out after class. Would it really be so bad? I need to wash my hair anyway, so I may as well get all sweaty. I look to see if I can make it to class at 6:30. Google Maps tells me I can make it in twenty.

I didnt want to go to yoga.

The teacher asks us to think of an intention. My intention today is to return to my couch as soon as possible. But then they remind us to relax our shoulders and only then do I realize how much tension Ive been holding. And after a full day lounging in Couch Pose, I dont so much mind Chair Pose. And with my new yoga glow, it shows.

Now its after class, and I feel criminally fantastic. That neck ache? Gone! That anxiety that was snaking around my chest all week? Vanished! That pose Ive been trying to get into for months and months? Crushed it! And Im not one to gloat, but I felt pretty strong in Boat.

I didnt want to go to yoga.

But now? Im one happy lady heading home after Happy Baby. And you know what? Forget whats in my pantry or on TV. When I get back, Im going to fall asleep early and wake up for the 8:30.

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Feeling Like You Don't Want to Go to Yoga? Read This. - Yoga Journal