Writer's Cramp - 6-21-25

Being noticed in a Yoga class for all the wrong reasons has unexpected consequences

          Ashby entered the Yoga studio, his heart racing with excitement. He had seen the flyer for an advanced Yoga class taught by Michelle on the window of the local gym he passed by daily. Despite his friends' jibes and his lack of coordination, Ashby had convinced himself that with only his enthusiasm, he could be the star pupil for the woman whom he had always yearned.

          After greeting the class with a warm smile, Michelle's eyes scanned the room, noticing the new face in the front row beaming at her. She felt a twinge of sadness. The studio was filled with lithe, limber figures, contorting themselves into intricate poses that defied the laws of gravity. This newcomer, on the other hand, looked more like a pastry dough than a human pretzel.

          The class began with a series of Sun Salutations. Ashby tried to mimic the movements, his sweatshirt stretching over his bulging midriff with each deep bow. He stumbled through Downward Dogs and wobbled precariously in Warrior Poses. His breathing was loud and labored, a stark contrast to the serene, practiced breathing of the other students. With his concentration on his efforts, he didn't notice the class's gaze shift from their mats to him.

          Michelle tried her best to maintain her professional demeanor, offering corrections and encouragement in a calm, soothing voice. But as the exercises grew more complex, it became clear these were beyond his skills. During a highly challenging sequence involving a Scorpion pose, Ashby's arms gave way. He toppled over, taking three unfortunate souls with him. The sound of his impact was accompanied by a thunderous belch that echoed through the once-tranquil studio.

          The room froze for a moment before the tension cracked. Giggles from the back row grew into full-blown laughter. Ashby's face turned a deep shade of crimson as he lay prone on the floor. Two people did not laugh. Ashby and Michelle. Michelle's eyes widened into saucers of shock and horror. She clapped her hands sharply, silencing the room, "Let's take a water break."

          As the class dispersed, Ashby remained on the floor. He knew he hadn't made the best impression; however, he had come too far to give up now. He looked up at the retreating figure of Michelle.

          When the class finally finished, the students began to file out. Ashby waited until everyone had left, not wanting to face the embarrassment of exiting with them. He slowly gathered his things, his body aching in places he didn't know existed. Michelle emerged from her office with an expression of determination. She walked over to Ashby and stood beside him; her eyes filled with genuine concern. "Ashby," she began, "I know you're eager to learn, but this class isn't right for you. I think it's best if you try a beginner's class." She paused, gauging his reaction, then added, "But I'd be happy to give you some private lessons if you'd like."

          Ashby's eyes lit up at the offer. Despite the humiliation of the past hour, the prospect of one-on-one time with her was too tempting to pass up. Trying to appear cool despite the racing of his heart, he managed to croak out, "That would be amazing."

          Michelle nodded firmly. "Good. I'll call you tomorrow with the details." And with that, she turned and left the room. He had not only survived the advanced class but also earned a chance to work with Michelle. This was the universe's way of telling him that he did well.

          The next few days were a whirlwind of anticipation for Ashby. He practiced his breathing exercises at home and watched tutorials on the internet regarding basic Yoga poses. The day of his private lesson with Michelle finally arrived, and he entered the studio with newfound confidence.

          Michelle, dressed in her usual Yoga attire, greeted him with a smile. "Ready to get started?" she asked.

          Ashby took a deep breath and nodded. "I'll do my best," he said.

The private lesson began with gentle stretches and simple poses, but even basic poses eluded Ashby's grasp. Despite his intense efforts, his body remained uncooperative, and his coordination was still nonexistent. Still, Michelle remained patient, offering gentle corrections and encouragement with every wobble and grunt.

          As the hour passed, Ashby's determination never wavered. He was determined to succeed.

          Michelle noticed his demeanor and offered a sincere smile. "You know, Ashby, Yoga isn't just about touching your toes or standing on your head. It's about the journey of self-discovery and the acceptance of your limitations."

          Ashby felt a weight lift off his shoulders. He had been so focused on impressing her that he had never considered that. He took her words to heart and approached the rest of the session with a newfound sense of peace.

          The final pose of the lesson was the Corpse Pose, where students lie flat on their backs and allow their bodies to relax fully. As Ashby lay there, eyes closed, Michelle guided him through a calming meditation.

          When the meditation ended, Ashby slowly opened his eyes to find Michelle sitting beside him. "Remember, it's not about being the best in the class; it's about being the best for yourself."

          Ashby felt a warmth spread through his body, and for a brief moment, he thought there was something deeper here, something that might profoundly change his life.

          "This is where you truly start," she said. "And who knows, maybe one day you'll be teaching the class instead of taking it."

          Weeks later, after a particularly grueling class, Ashby found himself walking alongside Michelle to the parking lot. The stars were out, twinkling above like a thousand little smiles, and he knew he had to say something. "Michelle," he began, "I just wanted to thank you. You've changed my life in so many ways."

          Michelle looked at him, her eyes sparkling in the moonlight. "You're the one who did all the hard work. I just provided the space for you to grow."

Prompt: International Day of Yoga
Word Count: 995