Growing Strong

Pushpita can hear the series of groans from all the way down the block as she rushes to the quaint yoga studio. It was once in a blue moon she would ever show up late, however a last minute Romeo just had to find the perfect flower for the girl he just had to woo that took out more energy than it should have. Young love was ridiculous, she’d never understand. Slipping into the door, Pushpita tiptoes her way through to the front of the class and imitates the position of the person next to her. “What a work out Debbie! Er, warm up. I can really feel it in my calves.”  

“Don’t think I didn’t see you sneaking in, Pushpita.” Debbie chided her without   even turning around. She could point out her favorite yoga student’s voice anywhere, even in a crowded yoga room. She stood straight from her earlier stretching position, leaning over towards the front grab one of the eco-friendly cleaning packet cloths. “Just for that you can help me clean up the mats before the next secession.” She held out the packet with a smile.

They look positively adorable to boot!

“W-What are you doing? Do you know how dangerous that is?”

[Patting his pockets for a moment, he eventually produces a notepad and starts scribbling something down.] “I have a colleague who should be able to render you some assistance. I will give you her name and telephone number.”

She waited patiently for him to finish writing. “Thank you.” A simple answer, not that she didn’t have her two cents to add to that. The sooner she was done with this guy, the better. “Would you know if she happens to be available now? I’d like the book as soon as possible.”

“Yeah, I was just asking, how much do you make for teaching people how to bend it not quite like Beckham but just close?”

“Excuse me?” She shot him a pointed look. “If you’re asking how I teach yoga then, quite strictly.”

My, my, Deb, I expected a better welcome than that.

And usually I get a notice before people show up at my door unannounced. What is it you want, Zach?

“I don’t think that’s what you were implying, but okay. Does it make me more impolite when I keep the shirt off?”

“Frankly yes. It’s indecent and frankly unsanitary in a market.”

“I have to admit, I can’t imagine Camden doing yoga, but I’ll suggest it. I know he’d like to meet you too, and he might just benefit out of it.” In the presence of her old friend, Holly’s head fell onto Debbie’s shoulder in a show of deep trust. “I’m so happy, it doesn’t seem real sometimes.” 

“Big lumbering guy? I’m sure Yoga would do wonders for him.” She chuckled, wrapping an arm around her old friend, around freya bundled close and cooing. “You deserve all of it, Holly. Every bit of that happiness. I’m so happy for you.”

[He actually looks like he’s considering that question.] “It is not within my area of expertise. Wrong continent. But the name does sound somewhat familiar. When was it written?”

She looked on peevishly at the man, but thought about it. “I’m not sure. It’s very old, I’m certain. Before the 15th century I think?”

“I figured it was a bit complicated - I’m one of those people that likes the logistics of everything; faith’s difficult for me to conceptualize sometimes, but I think that makes sense. A place of peace? That sounds nice. Have you considered putting it on a business card?” 

“Sorry to have loaded all that info on you. The most important thing is you take yoga as you see fit, but I try to encourage a positive attitude towards it. Hmm, not really.” She waved at the air, as if to wave around an idea. “ But I might consider it now. I usually do the bare minimum when it comes to anything business related. Honestly, I’m surprised my studios as successful as it is.”

“My job involves neither the tolerance of rudeness nor the answering of questions outside the realm of my research. Thankfully. And no, I do not know any David Sanford.”

“Then lets make this as quick and painless for both of us. No? I should’ve expected. Then in any case, would you know anything about a books on Hatha Yoga Paradipika. Specifically written by or about Svātmārāma?”

“Okay - well, nice to officially meet you Debbie,” she said, shaking her hand. “I actually do have a small question: What are the different types of yoga? I’m afraid the clinical definitions aren’t the most…informative, if that makes sense?” 

“That’s a bit of a loaded question, dear. The yoga that most westerners are familiar with is the Hatha Yoga, which is the kind I teach. Which basically sums up to the idea that a pure and physical body leads to a pure mind and energy. I like to approach it as a spiritual and life style teaching rather than a medical treatment. Because really, a lot of ‘yoga’ is derived from the ideas of spiritual teachings and philosophies that you’d associate with religions. If that helps clear anything up? Granted I don’t want you treating this as a religion or spiritual space, because it really isn’t. I’d rather it just be a place of peace for you.”

“Courtesy. An intriguing notion for you to request I espouse, after your interruption. But as that does not seem to have stopped you, did you need something?”

“Well I assume since it’s your job, it wouldn’t have killed you to spare a minute or two. But I digress. I’m looking for something, and someone. Separately. You wouldn’t happen too know a David Sanford, would you?”

“I can’t wait to rejoin, believe me.” She grinned, brightness practically pouring out of her. The sun could hardly compare. After all, she doubted the sun had ever held Freya in it’s arms. “It has been,” She nodded, a pang hitting her. “You know, with Freya, I’ve been so busy… I’m so lucky to have Camden. He’s been a saint, I’d be so swamped without him.” 

Her eyes and heart softened to her old friend. She placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, a small smile tugging on her lips. “You know both of you are always welcomed here. Three of you, if Camden would ever like to join. I’d love to meet him, he sounds very good for you. Both of you.”

“Oh, well, if you are certain you know my mind better than I myself do…”

“Not your mind, but your courtesy. But am I wrong in  that aspect too?”

“Oh no. I’m definitely new. I’m kind of late to my whole new year’s resolution but I figure better late than never.” Anna replied, shaking her hand. “What got you into this kind of training?”

“New years resolutions! I love those. Well you’re here now, Anna, so you’ve done more than most. I’ll be sure you keep you on track, okay?” She smiled, looking away with pinched brows. Its been such a long time since someone asked her that... “Well, I’ve always been athletic in a way. But there was a point in my life I just needed to turn around what I was doing and putting it towards something more...positive. That’s the short answer anyway.”