Stumbling Upon Unexpected Sacred Places

In an effort of embrace my 50th birthday and the reality of aging that has set in, I've recently joined my local YMCA.
     Enticed by the 8 minute drive from my house and the waived membership fee, I signed up on-line three weeks ago and went for the first time on President's Day. (NOTE: Not a fan of the gym.) When I pulled up that Monday, the parking lot was so full that even the overflow parking was full. I almost turned around and drove home, "I picked the wrong day to come here," I said to myself. Then a wiser inside-my-head voice said, "NO! You are going to park, get out of the car and at least walk into the building!"
     "Ok... Ok... OK!" my other inside-my-head voice succumbed.
     Like a kid walking into a new school for the first time (sometime I did several times as a child), I nervously entered the bright, warm open space of the Y. To my left I saw two child care rooms teaming with screams of delight and color -- it looked like so much fun. To my right were the basketball courts where folks of ages, shapes, sizes and colors were playing Pickle Ball (what is that?!?!?). Past the couch area (with coffee!), racketball courts upstairs to the Yoga rooms, past the cardio and weight machines -- I saw folks concentrating, meditating and gettin' fit and it felt welcoming!
     I choose a yoga class that was a bit challenging for a body that hasn't done much except walk the dog in almost four years. As a past yoga practitioner, at the end of the class, I thanked my body for its muscle memory and for the way that yoga gently and firms holds you cradled inside yourself. I was graced to meet my own body again. A sigh of relief... my body IS still here for me.
     It wasn't long before I stumbled upon a "Lose-It" team fitness challenge and felt very lucky to get one of the last spots open (even after registration had closed!). As a member of Team Teal, we work out every Friday with our trainer Sarah, who is supporting us in making food changes and challenging us to move our bodies for the goal of weight/inches lost... but in the end, to help us adopt awareness, choices and commitments for life-long wellness. (And, I've lost 2.5 pounds!)
     During the weeks I've grown more comfortable and confident at the Y, I began to reflect on the SACRED component of the Y itself. It has for me become, my Sabbath. When I am at the Y, I am just me, my body and my breath. I don't have to justify who I am by my work, my titles or my connections. No one comments on how much my workout shoes cost or what version of FitBit I'm using (a new toy which I must admit... I do love. And I have the cheapest one. It works great!). I love the freedom of being undefined and autonomous.
    The most beautiful thing about the Y is its diversity -  I am surrounded by skins colors, ages and abilities that find common ground in being together as incredibly unique individuals in community. Each one of us has different goals, energy and reasons for being there. In one of my yoga classes, there is a senior woman who often places her mat beside me. We've begun communicating with knowing smiles and assuring nods (I suspect she's hard of hearing). She often leaves her shoes on, does her own poses and sometimes leaves the class early... yet I am inspired by her commitment. I find myself wanting to sit beside her and in her presence. As we move separately, but together, I try to be very present to what we both bring to our practice. I find myself instantly in love with all she offers... and in her, I find my own rest and reassurance.
     My Friday "Lose-It" Team Teal group are my new loves -- a group of folks who have agreed to support each other in this 10 week journey. It is another place where my heart quiets down and my mind shuts off as my body rises up to carry me through squats, pushes and stretches that are very challenging (and sometimes uncomfortable). In pairs, we circuit train and sometimes it gets pretty serious (like we cannot barely breath serious). Yet my new friends make space with their very presence and bodies for me to bring all I can to the session. It is what I look forward to every week. I have an instant family held together by trust, vulnerability and sweat. Sacredness in unexpected places...
My cup runneth over. I love my local Y!!!