1Nina signs up for a beginner yoga class at the community center.
2She has heard that yoga can ease the tension in her shoulders.
3The instructor greets everyone and asks about any old injuries.
4Nina mentions the stiffness she gets from sitting at a desk.
5The class begins with five minutes of quiet breathing.
6The instructor tells them to notice each inhale and exhale.
7At first Nina finds it hard to keep her mind from wandering.
8Gently, she brings her attention back to her breath.
9They move into simple poses that stretch the spine and hips.
10The instructor reminds them that yoga is not a competition.
11Nina cannot touch her toes, but nobody seems to care.
12She feels muscles waking up that she had forgotten about.
13Halfway through, her balance wobbles during a standing pose.
14The instructor smiles and says falling is part of learning.
15By the final relaxation, Nina feels surprisingly calm.
16She lies on the mat and lets her whole body rest.
17After class, her shoulders feel looser than they have in months.
18She drinks some water and chats with two friendly classmates.
19Nina books the next session before leaving the studio.
20Walking home, she realizes her mind feels quieter too.