The sound of raindrops during yoga

There is nothing than can beat yoga for relaxation. I found my yoga teacher on the internet with a basic search, tried the class in January of this year, and have been hooked ever since. Ellen teaches yoga to mostly women 'of a certain age' in a grand studio built decades ago for a neighborhood ballet school. It sits directly in front of the house of the owner of the property. There are barres of both heights, a huge mirror on one long wall, incredible woodwork everywhere, ancient light fixtures, a tiny bathroom and even smaller kitchen off to one side.

As we filter into the room, shedding our shoes and outerwear along the way, schlepping (carrying) our mat, block, strap and blanket to our favorite spots, we all smile broadly at one another and catch up on each other's lives for a minute or two.

Ellen has a certain elegance about her, and it's my opinion that her gentle spirit drives the mood in the class - it's one of inclusiveness, support, understanding and comfort.

Certain yoga positions are maintained for a minute, quite a long time when your head is hanging low and your calf muscles are stretched for all they're worth. During those long moments the room is absolutely silent save for Ellen's soft voice reminding us how to position our bodies for maximum effect.

But tonight there was another sound - rain pouring down right outside the many windows. And as I moved my torso, legs and arms this way and that I listened carefully. I could almost hear the sound of giggling little girls dancing through the room without a care in the world.