This morning, like many Fridays, I attended a yoga class at a local studio. The class, called "Yoga Therapeutic," involves holding poses for several minutes, allowing for profound experiences in the body, tissues, and mind.

To explain, this practice combines myofascial release (MFR), slow and mindful movements, yin yoga, and meditation. I enjoy the class, the knowledgeable teacher, and the welcoming studio environment.

So here I am, preparing my props, mainly various balls. As I sat in the room, ready for class to begin, I reflected on the beauty of yoga practice: approaching with an open heart and a willingness to explore oneself, never knowing what each class would bring. Today’s session reminded me how quickly the mind can wander when the present moment is uncomfortable. I’m still amused by the inner dialogue I had during class.

We began the class, and in the first pose, I felt tightness in my body, but I breathed through it, observed, and released. When we moved the two medium balls to another area of the body, I immediately felt awkward and uncomfortable, not physically but mentally. I reminded myself that sensations are just sensations—direct experiences of the body in the present moment. I felt pressure and tingling and acknowledged them.

Sensations provide information about what is happening within. By paying attention, we can develop a greater awareness of our body's state. I reminded myself that sensations can be pleasant, neutral, or unpleasant. This one was definitely unpleasant -no kidding, and I stayed present without seeking a story beyond the sensation.

Despite my efforts, part of my mind, driven by ego, resisted and wandered to irrelevant thoughts. When we moved to the next pose, which we held for five minutes, I felt warmth instead of pressure or tingling. My mind wandered again, but this time I was aware. I engaged in an inner dialogue between ego and awareness.

“Wow, this sensation is intense, and I want to avoid it by thinking of something else.” 

“But the point is to be present in your body, right here, right now.” 

“Yeah, but I don’t like it.” 

“Where is your mind?” 

“It’s not in my body; it’s lost in thoughts to avoid discomfort.” 

“Is your wandering mind helping?” 

“Not really, it’s just distracting.” 

“So…” 

“So the goal is to inhabit my body right here, right now… Ok, ok, let’s focus on my body and breath… wait, I should write an article about this… everyone’s exhaling deeply…”

“Hello? Where is your mind?” 

“Not here, apparently. - inner laugh. Alright, back to breathing in, breathing out.”

Today, my focus was more challenged than usual, but I appreciated gently bringing it back to the present moment. The recurring question, “Where is my mind?” made me smile. It's fascinating to see how quickly the mind escapes from the present moment when it feels discomfort. Whether facing struggles such as grief, illness, loss, or trauma, the ego drives us away to think about past memories or long for the future—anywhere but the now. Yet, this is in the present moment, that we find freedom, peace, and higher consciousness. It is in the present moment that we resolve our struggles.

Driving home, I asked myself again, “Where is my mind?” and then started singing the Pixies’ song.