Yoga has been one of my life’s pleasures for the past 25 years. It began as a form of physical exercise, shifted to a hobby and has transformed into a way of life. I recently discovered that yoga is more valuable than I could have imagined. In October 2026, I participated in a cultural competency course with the Fire Service Psychology Association. Per usual, I was the oldest participant. The “hands on” experience took place at the Portland, Oregon Fire Service training Center. Our day began by donning turnout gear. That included wearing ill-fitting (cut for men and too long) pants, a jacket, suspenders, belt, and a helmet. If you are familiar with turn out gear, you know it’s heavy and hot, especially if your body is working. We also had a 20lb air tank strapped to our backs. It’s important to note that the air cylinder and gear weighed at least 30 pounds.
Allow me to preface going through the maze by stating that we had the advantage of seeing each of the obstacles ahead of time and we were given some coaching on the best ways to maneuver. The first obstacle was to enter an oddly shaped opening cut out of a piece of wood. Maneuvering in and out of the shape required positioning the air cylinder and on shoulder to one side and slide and pivot onto my belly, climb up one side of a board and slide down a flat board positioned at a steep angle on the ground. Obstacle two was a narrow tunnel filled with dangling electrical wires that easily got hung up on your gear, especially the air cylinder. The trick was to shift the air cylinder to one side and scoot on your side body – the bottom arm helped to push your body, while the top arm was moving the wires. I stopped a couple of times to center myself and breathe. I also used my legs and feet for leverage and to push my body forward. Obstacle three was a corrugated metal tunnel that required you to scoot on your belly. This maneuver required you to use your arms as well as feet and legs to slide forward onto the belly.
This course was the most difficult physical challenge I’ve ever experienced. I successfully completed the obstacle course without feeling claustrophobic or emotionally overwhelmed by the small enclosed dark space. I was mostly impressed by my own strength, flexibility, agility and balance - all benefits of regular yoga practice. Most folks my age will not find themselves strapped to an air cylinder and crawling on the belly through a corrugated metal tunnel. It’s good to know that when the occasion presents itself, yogi’s are capable of meeting, even the most difficult of challenges.
It’s good to know that when the occasion presents itself, yogi’s are capable of meeting, even the most difficult of challenges.