I laid there in a center of gravity, being pressed against the mat getting ready to do the bhujangasana position. I neglected Bikram Yoga for months now, putting my move to a new ‘hood in New York, work, travel, my social life, and everything in-between before finding my center. It was to the point where I gradually evolved into a tight ball of tension. I knew Bikram Yoga would help me quiet the running checklist that consumed my mind, so on a Sunday morning, I combed through apps on my phone, looking for deals and discounts for nearby yoga studios. A few minutes later, and no discount in site within a 1.0 mile radius, I shrugged off my economical pursuits, and went to a popular, and unapologetically pricey, studio I was familiar with nearby.
One hour into our class, I found myself parallel to the ground, with my heart pounding outside of my chest, vibrating the yoga mat. Each pose had tested my body’s elasticity, and it was long overdue. As I laid there, ready for the bhujangasana, my heartbeat rhythmically rippled up to my ear, releasing new energy into my body. It was invigorating and instead of “sweating the small stuff” in that sauna-like studio, my mind was starting to clear up. It surfaced and drifted out of the studio, and traveled to one of the tallest mountains in the world. I pictured myself where I will be in two-weeks. Mount Kilimanjaro. I envisioned myself on Summit Day, arms around dusty shoulders, where there would be a group shot around the famous wooden sign placed at the roof of Africa. We would protrude cheesy smiles against the layers of dirt that caked our face, while we waited for the photo shots to be taken.
I want to freeze this experience into photos for two reasons:
The first one is to remember to continue to do something that matters. Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is a challenge that I am doing for charity. This fundraising experience will allow me to think of someone outside of myself and my needs. Several colleagues, friends, family members, and random acquaintances have been generous enough to donate to the cause, of which I am extremely grateful for. Our donations will support Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), which is an international development organization that is committed to helping the poorest regions of the world address issues spanning: HIV and AIDS, disability, participation and governance, secure livelihoods, education, health and well-being. I will have the opportunity to visit one such project and witness first-hand how VSO makes a difference in the fight against poverty.
Secondly, those photos will help me remember the inner initiative that got me there. Less talk and more do. In the past, I flirted with the idea of facing my fears, only to quickly recoil into my comfortable shell of complacency. This challenge has sparked an inner drive that would have typically been suffocated by routine and self-doubt. I am taking ownership of my life and want to take you along the journey.
As we moved on to our next pose, the yoga instructor said to give ourselves credit that we showed up today. Instead of carrying the idea of facing Bikram Yoga, we actually showed up and stared the challenge right in its sweaty face. She spoke to a packed studio of people that stretched and exhaled in unison. And although we all have our own lives and our own fears, it was inevitable that there was a sense of connection in that studio.
As I speak up and share my thoughts and experiences on my journey to Mount Kilimanjaro (and back!), I wish that it encourages you to remember that we are all in this together, that we must help one another, and to continue strengthening your own spine.
Shigei Gebremedhin is an American-born woman of Eritrean descent. She currently resides in New York City, working as a business consultant. She holds an MBA and BA from Michigan State University.
