One of the greatest feelings in the world is the feeling you get upon completion of Something. Anything. So I am beyond thrilled to have completed today the Bikram Yoga 30 Day Challenge. My personal goal was to do a class daily for 30 consecutive days and write a daily blog about the journey. And so on the 30th Day, I have completed 31 Bikram Yoga classes. One more than needed. I can't help myself for doing one more class than needed. Always the overachiever.
The main purpose of my daily blog has been to document the process, more for my benefit than anyone else's. It has been a surprising fringe benefit that so many of you have found inspiration in my daily words. I am forever grateful and profoundly humbled that you have chosen to share this journey with me.
As I mentioned on Day 1, I first did the 30 Day Challenge in 2004 so this is not my first go around. I wish I had documented in diary form that first Challenge because it would make for interesting comparisons. To say that this has been a challenge is to vastly underestimate the time commitment involved. But whatever sacrifices I have made to fit a daily Yoga practice and daily blog in, and they were many, have paled in comparison to all that this daily practice has given me.
The timing could not have been more perfect as we finish off 2011 and gear up for the New Year. In yesterday's class, the amazing instructor Kathryn, spoke about her favorite entertainer Michael Jackson. She vividly described one of MJ's concert rituals: A ritual I had never given much thought to. At the end of every concert, he would go center stage and throw his arms wide open...a symbolic gesture to let his fans know that his heart was wide open to them and that he was openly giving all his heart and love to the audience and in turn accepting and receiving all the love that was being sent back to him. She asked the class in the next posture which was Full Locust Pose/Poorna-Salabhasana to lift our arms up and open our hearts up in the same way that Michael Jackson used to. It was such a beautiful and enlightening moment that I almost wanted to cry. Because 30 days of Yoga has really opened my heart in every way. To all of you. To all of life. To all of the possibilities of a life connected to self and self reflection and a commitment to what is my ultimate life's purpose.
The questions I have received about my 30 Day journey have largely been limited to questions about the physical benefits of the practice. You will notice if you have been reading my daily blog that I've spent very little time talking about that because that has not really been the point of this Challenge. I will say, however, that physically I have made vast improvements in how I execute the postures. My posture is definitely more upright and many of my super tight areas have started to open up. I have a physically demanding job that requires me to execute repetitive movements all day and week. So YES, the Yoga has been great for my body. It's been a year where all that I do to my body has taken it's toll, so ending the year taking care of myself in a better way feels great!
It also just occurs to me as I'm writing this. Every year at this time, I always feel a profound sense of loss and pain. It was around this time in December of 2003 that my Mother entered the ICU for what would be her final few weeks. The Holidays are definitely not a favorite time of year for me. I didn't really fully understand this until now, but The Challenge came at exactly the right time. More importantly, as I write this, I'm having a major AHA moment as I realize the real reason for this Challenge.
Yoga is a productive way for me to grieve. It was my Mother's death in January of 2004 that led me to a Bikram Yoga practice and my first 30 Day Challenge. So it seems comforting, especially right now, to reconnect with my practice. They say everything has a time and a season. A beginning, a middle and an end. All that is now will cease to be. There really is only one "Now." 30 Days of Yoga has really taught me to appreciate the now and live in the moment. But it's also given me a place to acknowledge the grief and the loss and the pain.
The definition of Yoga that speaks the most to me is "Union". Union of Mind. Union of Body. Union of Spirit. In these 30 Days, I have found the perfect union. It has been many things. At times impossibly difficult and overwhelming and at times supremely satisfying and rewarding and most times it has been all those things simultaneously. Yin and Yang in perfect balance. It would not have been a Challenge without it. And I would not have wanted it to be any other way.
Namaste...
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Friday, December 16, 2011
Bikram Yoga 30 Day Challenge--Day 29: Friday, 12/16/11
So I must fully disclose that I have a secret! And here it is. Today on Day 29 I am on my way to my 30th class. YES! I have done 30 Bikram Yoga classes in 29 days. A few weeks ago, I did two classes in one day and therefore will officially be done with the 30 Day Challenge. And so TODAY my name will go up on the Bikram board as having completed the Challenge. YAY!!! I get a few more goodies for completing the Challenge but will explain all that in tomorrow's blog.
Even though I am done as of today, I will still do a Day 30 tomorrow because my actual personal Challenge was to do a class a day for 30 days. Which means tomorrow will be my last day on my 31st class. Feeling really good y'all...
Even though I am done as of today, I will still do a Day 30 tomorrow because my actual personal Challenge was to do a class a day for 30 days. Which means tomorrow will be my last day on my 31st class. Feeling really good y'all...
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Bikram Yoga 30 Day Challenge--Day 28: Thursday, 12/15/11
Day 28 of daily yoga done. After last night's inferno of a class (I swear that room was way hotter than 105 degrees), tonight we were back to some level of civility. It really was amazing for me tonight just to see how far I have progressed in the 4 weeks. I'm feeling GREAT about myself. Setting a goal and being this close to actualizing it is very exciting!!! Day 29...Here I Come!
Bikram Yoga 30 Day Challenge--Day 27: Wednesday, 12/14/11
Finally home at the midnight hour. Fresh from what will hopefully be my last 9:45pm Bikram Yoga class...ever! Another long day but got it done. The room was hotter than hell tonight. The last class of the evening is generally like a furnace. I was so happy to get done tonight. Let's just say the 90 minutes felt like 90 minutes. When 11:15pm finally dragged around, it felt soooo good. Again, I'm feeling so great having made it into the studio tonight and putting my time in. Always feeling better for just doing it. Always feeling better at the end of class than at the beginning.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Bikram Yoga 30 Day Challenge--Day 26: Tuesday, 12/13/11
On the 26th Day, it occurs to me that I have achieved what I set out to do with this Challenge. I have felt such a level of calmness in my practice and in my life. In the first few weeks of the Challenge, I was more observational about the practice and the Yoga. Now, I practice from an internal place that has very little to do with who else is in the room or even the instructor.
I am now able to just go to class and let the experience happen. It is so much easier to be in that space. The path of least resistance if you will. Of course, some of this is the joy that happens as you get closer to achieving a goal. I am thankful on this day that it feels so good to be nearing the home stretch.
Most of it, I think, is what happens when you make something a good habit. It becomes instinct. Part of who you have trained yourself to become. The execution becomes easier because you have done the work to build a solid foundation.
I am now able to just go to class and let the experience happen. It is so much easier to be in that space. The path of least resistance if you will. Of course, some of this is the joy that happens as you get closer to achieving a goal. I am thankful on this day that it feels so good to be nearing the home stretch.
Most of it, I think, is what happens when you make something a good habit. It becomes instinct. Part of who you have trained yourself to become. The execution becomes easier because you have done the work to build a solid foundation.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Bikram Yoga 30 Day Challenge--Day 25: Monday, 12/12/11
The closer you get to finishing something...anything...the more exciting it gets. And so on Day 25, I'm am enjoying where I am but looking forward to this Saturday. Day 30.
When I first started this Challenge, I wasn't quite sure how I was going to be able to fit in all this Yoga into a super busy schedule. But the truth of the matter really is that we have the ability to make the things happen that we choose to. I have scores of amazing moms in my classes who balance kids, husband, and a job but manage to make themselves and their workouts a priority.
We can do anything that we put our minds to!
When I first started this Challenge, I wasn't quite sure how I was going to be able to fit in all this Yoga into a super busy schedule. But the truth of the matter really is that we have the ability to make the things happen that we choose to. I have scores of amazing moms in my classes who balance kids, husband, and a job but manage to make themselves and their workouts a priority.
We can do anything that we put our minds to!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Bikram Yoga 30 Day Challenge--Day 24: Sunday, 12/11/11
I was having dinner with a friend of mine last night when the subject inevitably turned to "Why are you doing 30 days of Yoga?" Apparently even my friends are not reading my daily blog. So I figure that today, on Day 24, is a good a day as any to address that subject again.
Obviously, or maybe not so to you, I am not doing this Challenge as a physical thing. I teach classes 6 days a week. 25 classes a week to be exact. I'm a runner as well, although I have had to put that aside for the duration of this Challenge. I don't need or really want to do more "exercising". I am not trying to promote Bikram Yoga. I do believe that it is not a practice for everyone. You have to do the research and find a Yoga that speaks to who are individually.
From an exercise physiology perspective, I have some major issues with some of their verbiage. Every time an instructor says "lock your knees," I cringe. Locking's one knees is an invitation to ongoing knees issues and hamstring issues. I think that what they really mean is to engage your quads and inner thighs but Bikram dialogue doesn't really explain that. Another major pet peeve is "go beyond your flexibility. Push. Push. Push." This is ridiculous as well as dangerous. In a 105 degree room, you will automatically be more flexible than you should be and should never, ever, go beyond your flexibility. If anything, especially for newer practitioners, a little conservatism is called for.
Those things aside, I find it to be a good practice for me. I have been practicing on and off since 2004 and have been an athlete most of my life, so doing 30 days of daily yoga is something that my body can handle. I also did The Challenge in '04 so this is my second time around as I mentioned in my Day 1 blog.. I do not recommend that anyone without the proper foundation and yoga base should attempt a 30 Day Challenge.
So back to what my friend asked me. "Why?" The why can be found in my daily blogs over the last 24 days in detail. But in a nutshell, I'm doing this as a way to connect to my inner self and spirituality. A way to deepen my own Yoga practice. A way to take care of myself and my body on a daily basis. After the Challenge is over, I will go to a practice of 3-4 classes a week.
My point really is this. This 30 Day Challenge is about me and nothing else. It is my hope that in my daily blog posts, you will find something that is useful to you. You don't need to do Yoga or anything daily. Hopefully, you will see the larger picture of what I'm doing. Connection to self and to whom we really are is paramount. Whatever avenue you choose to maintain that connection is up to you.
That wraps it upon Day 24 on the mat. Looking forward to Day 25!
Obviously, or maybe not so to you, I am not doing this Challenge as a physical thing. I teach classes 6 days a week. 25 classes a week to be exact. I'm a runner as well, although I have had to put that aside for the duration of this Challenge. I don't need or really want to do more "exercising". I am not trying to promote Bikram Yoga. I do believe that it is not a practice for everyone. You have to do the research and find a Yoga that speaks to who are individually.
From an exercise physiology perspective, I have some major issues with some of their verbiage. Every time an instructor says "lock your knees," I cringe. Locking's one knees is an invitation to ongoing knees issues and hamstring issues. I think that what they really mean is to engage your quads and inner thighs but Bikram dialogue doesn't really explain that. Another major pet peeve is "go beyond your flexibility. Push. Push. Push." This is ridiculous as well as dangerous. In a 105 degree room, you will automatically be more flexible than you should be and should never, ever, go beyond your flexibility. If anything, especially for newer practitioners, a little conservatism is called for.
Those things aside, I find it to be a good practice for me. I have been practicing on and off since 2004 and have been an athlete most of my life, so doing 30 days of daily yoga is something that my body can handle. I also did The Challenge in '04 so this is my second time around as I mentioned in my Day 1 blog.. I do not recommend that anyone without the proper foundation and yoga base should attempt a 30 Day Challenge.
So back to what my friend asked me. "Why?" The why can be found in my daily blogs over the last 24 days in detail. But in a nutshell, I'm doing this as a way to connect to my inner self and spirituality. A way to deepen my own Yoga practice. A way to take care of myself and my body on a daily basis. After the Challenge is over, I will go to a practice of 3-4 classes a week.
My point really is this. This 30 Day Challenge is about me and nothing else. It is my hope that in my daily blog posts, you will find something that is useful to you. You don't need to do Yoga or anything daily. Hopefully, you will see the larger picture of what I'm doing. Connection to self and to whom we really are is paramount. Whatever avenue you choose to maintain that connection is up to you.
That wraps it upon Day 24 on the mat. Looking forward to Day 25!
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Bikram Yoga 30 Day Challenge--Day 23: Saturday, 12/10/11
Day 23 and not much to report. Another great class. Seems my body knows what to do. My mind is always more relaxed on my day off and so it was tonight. I'm also now in the final few days of The Challenge. One week to go. My hamstrings are a little tight. Doing Yoga everyday will do that to you. My back though is the most open it has been in years. Had an amazing dinner at Cafe Blossom after class. Their vegan chocolate cake is to die for. Final week...here I come!!!
Bikram Yoga 30 Day Challenge--Day 22: Friday, 12/9/11
One of my favorite things about Yoga is that it is such a community. You end up meeting the nicest people in a Yoga class. Whether it is at Jivamukti, Sonic Yoga or Bikram Yoga, the positive, infectious energy abounds.
Day 22 today and I have met some truly amazing people. I am drawn to their stories of how long they have been practicing yoga and how it has changed their lives. Our common bond of 90 minutes in a super hot room is literally and figuratively a melting pot. The conversations after class in the locker rooms are indeed priceless. It's one of my favorite parts of my new ritual.
This day comes and goes with ease. My enjoyment of the class, and the energy that surrounds me during class and after class. I soak it up and realize that it's always been there all along. It's always been there all along!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Bikram Yoga 30 Day Challenge--Day 21: Thursday, 12/8/11
I've been thinking about this all week. The concept of Yin Yang. Not so much the Western definition of Yin and Yang. But the traditional Taoist philosophy. One of the definitions I like of Yin Yang defines the principle as "complementary opposites that interact within a greater whole, as part of a dynamic system." For example, you cannot have the back of a hand without the front.
21 days in a Bikram Yoga room and I am struck by the complimentary opposite of Yoga practice. They say that everything has both Yin and Yang aspects. Light cannot exist without darkness. Pleasure cannot exist without pain. Enlightenment cannot exist without suffering. The more time I spend on the Yoga mat, I'm beginning to see that when I hit a "peak" in my practice that the natural order is for there to be the necessary "valley".
A few days in the valley though leads me to another peak tonight on Day 21. This day is made sweeter by the hours of sweat I have put in on the mat. I am learning so much about myself with each passing class that it's almost too much to articulate. It is a bit overwhelming.
Struggle does lead to progress and the progress feels awesome tonight. There is no better feeling in the world that knowing that you are aligned with who you really are. In the hot room on this particular night, it is as good as it gets. 21 days of highs and lows that produce this day of calmness and beauty. The real progress though is the recognition that the days this week when I was struggling were equally as beautiful. Because both Yin and Yang are equal. Understanding that makes it so much easier.
21 days in a Bikram Yoga room and I am struck by the complimentary opposite of Yoga practice. They say that everything has both Yin and Yang aspects. Light cannot exist without darkness. Pleasure cannot exist without pain. Enlightenment cannot exist without suffering. The more time I spend on the Yoga mat, I'm beginning to see that when I hit a "peak" in my practice that the natural order is for there to be the necessary "valley".
A few days in the valley though leads me to another peak tonight on Day 21. This day is made sweeter by the hours of sweat I have put in on the mat. I am learning so much about myself with each passing class that it's almost too much to articulate. It is a bit overwhelming.
Struggle does lead to progress and the progress feels awesome tonight. There is no better feeling in the world that knowing that you are aligned with who you really are. In the hot room on this particular night, it is as good as it gets. 21 days of highs and lows that produce this day of calmness and beauty. The real progress though is the recognition that the days this week when I was struggling were equally as beautiful. Because both Yin and Yang are equal. Understanding that makes it so much easier.
Bikram Yoga 30 Day Challenge--Day 20: Wednesday, 12/7/11
Expectations can be a tricky thing. So on Day 20, I am so exhausted from another full day of teaching my own classes...the Bikram Yoga studio is probably the last place I want to be. My last class has just ended. It's 8:30pm. The torrential downpour that's happening outside is not making this any easier. But oddly, I'm looking forward to the 9:45pm class. This is definitely a case of mind over body.
I decide that the only way I am going to be able to have a productive class is to have no expectations. To take it as it comes. I also decide that I need to operate from a place of least effort. To be so relaxed in the poses, that it requires me to practice with as much energy conservation as possible. The first 10 minutes of class are brutal. I have nothing to give physically. I'm tired. I'm tired. I'm tired!!!
But then my body starts to come alive. It is so used to the daily practice that habitually it knows what to do and where to go. I also don't have as many thoughts about anything tonight. I'm too tired to analyze which is turning out to be a good thing. I just go with the flow: a lesson I really could use in my own life.
I feel 100% better at the end of class. Somehow I've squeezed out day 20 managing my expectations on the mat. Way harder to manage my expectations off the mat but working on that one day at a time...
I decide that the only way I am going to be able to have a productive class is to have no expectations. To take it as it comes. I also decide that I need to operate from a place of least effort. To be so relaxed in the poses, that it requires me to practice with as much energy conservation as possible. The first 10 minutes of class are brutal. I have nothing to give physically. I'm tired. I'm tired. I'm tired!!!
But then my body starts to come alive. It is so used to the daily practice that habitually it knows what to do and where to go. I also don't have as many thoughts about anything tonight. I'm too tired to analyze which is turning out to be a good thing. I just go with the flow: a lesson I really could use in my own life.
I feel 100% better at the end of class. Somehow I've squeezed out day 20 managing my expectations on the mat. Way harder to manage my expectations off the mat but working on that one day at a time...
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Bikram Yoga 30 Day Challenge--Day 19: Tuesday, 12/6/11
Aaaah! Finally home. Taught 8 classes. Squeezed the yoga in. Exhausted!!! Quick Blog today y'all. After 3 amazing days... back to the struggle of the hot room today. Not a great class for me tonight but a really good one. I will take that on Day 19! I'm super thrilled to have made it happen today and looking forward to just relaxing for a quick minute with a well earned glass of wine and a quick dinner. Some days The Challenge is just to show up and put in the work. My body is definitely saying "Thank You" right now. Thank You for taking care of me tonight. Namaste....
Monday, December 5, 2011
Bikram Yoga 30 Day Challenge--Day 18: Monday, 12/5/11
I have to admit that I've never really understood why many of my super packed classes make people anxious. What's the big deal? Until it happens to me. Tonight's 7:30pm Bikram Yoga class on Day 18 of The Challenge. My original plan was to go to the 2pm class but decided against that as I had just given every last ounce of energy in my 12:30pm Cycling class and needed an afternoon break before the yoga. In all honesty, teaching packed classes works for me. Lots of energy. I LOVE a packed class!
In a Bikram Yoga situation...not so much. Sweaty people TOOCLOSETOME is making me very anxious. But then I remember that I have a game plan tonight. There are many things I can't control and this would be another one of them. I am going to get back to my original mindset and use this opportunity to be super focused and disciplined in my practice tonight. As close to zero distractions as I can with minimal wiping, water breaks, fixing my mat. Whatever. Tonight is the time to practice self control. What better way to do that than in a room full of sweaty people packed together like sardines?
And so class begins and I let nothing distract me from my focus on me, the breath, the instructor and the practice. For the first time ever, I only take one water break during the first hour of class. In the interest of full disclosure, I have done what I should today. I have properly hydrated all day long which cuts down the need for the extra water. But more importantly, I decide that I am not going to use the water as a way to disconnect from the practice. I do not fidget. I do not fix my mat even though it's wrinkling and it's kind of driving my idea of order crazy. I simply let it go.
Everything is working for me and then we're on the ground for the floor sequence which is the last 30 minutes of the 90 minute class. Suddenly the girl to my right who is THISCLOSETOME keeps looking the wrong way and directly at me. She's driving me crazeee! After a mini internal meltdown, I ignore her and realize that
I need to get back to myself and my practice. And back I am. I finish class feeling the best ever!!!!
The instructor Georgia and I are talking after class. She points out to me that packed classes are actually better for your yoga practice because it teaches you focus. She says that when there are so many people in a class, it cuts down on one's need to look around and become easily distracted. You have to limit your field of vision. This is why I LOVE LOVE LOVE Georgia! Right she is!
It is in fact easier to focus internally when we are forced into a scenario where we have no choice. More importantly, however, is that it teaches me that when there's chaos in my real world I need to do the same! Focus. Internalize. Connect To Self and Breath. It doesn't make me want to go back to a super crowded class anytime soon. But now I need to see if I can bring that same level of focus and discipline to my next class. Stay tuned!
In a Bikram Yoga situation...not so much. Sweaty people TOOCLOSETOME is making me very anxious. But then I remember that I have a game plan tonight. There are many things I can't control and this would be another one of them. I am going to get back to my original mindset and use this opportunity to be super focused and disciplined in my practice tonight. As close to zero distractions as I can with minimal wiping, water breaks, fixing my mat. Whatever. Tonight is the time to practice self control. What better way to do that than in a room full of sweaty people packed together like sardines?
And so class begins and I let nothing distract me from my focus on me, the breath, the instructor and the practice. For the first time ever, I only take one water break during the first hour of class. In the interest of full disclosure, I have done what I should today. I have properly hydrated all day long which cuts down the need for the extra water. But more importantly, I decide that I am not going to use the water as a way to disconnect from the practice. I do not fidget. I do not fix my mat even though it's wrinkling and it's kind of driving my idea of order crazy. I simply let it go.
Everything is working for me and then we're on the ground for the floor sequence which is the last 30 minutes of the 90 minute class. Suddenly the girl to my right who is THISCLOSETOME keeps looking the wrong way and directly at me. She's driving me crazeee! After a mini internal meltdown, I ignore her and realize that
I need to get back to myself and my practice. And back I am. I finish class feeling the best ever!!!!
The instructor Georgia and I are talking after class. She points out to me that packed classes are actually better for your yoga practice because it teaches you focus. She says that when there are so many people in a class, it cuts down on one's need to look around and become easily distracted. You have to limit your field of vision. This is why I LOVE LOVE LOVE Georgia! Right she is!
It is in fact easier to focus internally when we are forced into a scenario where we have no choice. More importantly, however, is that it teaches me that when there's chaos in my real world I need to do the same! Focus. Internalize. Connect To Self and Breath. It doesn't make me want to go back to a super crowded class anytime soon. But now I need to see if I can bring that same level of focus and discipline to my next class. Stay tuned!
Bikram Yoga 30 Day Challenge--Day 17: Sunday, 12/4/11
It's safe to say that I don't recall this ever happening before. On Day 17, I'm given another great gift. Another amazing class! I generally do not have 2 great workout days in a row so I'm extremely grateful for this moment as a start to the week.
Let's be clear. Class is still a struggle and it's still hard work. But today again I am managing the struggle with greater ease, patience and discipline. And then it happens. I'm a girl who prides myself on being ultra prepared for anything yet I somehow run out of water in class with 40 minutes to go. At first, I panic. Then I decide that I need to let it go. It will somehow be okay. You know what? It was more than okay. I finished class even better without the distraction of the water breaks I would normally take. I make a mental observation.
What in class is really based on what I want versus what I need? Obviously I need to drink water but how much of my water drinking is a break from the practice and a learned distraction? In what other ways are my wants getting in the way of what I truly need? This thought resonates so much with me that I take the entire night after class is over to ponder this. How can I begin to make more choices from a place of need instead of want? I decide to try it one day at a time. So as I'm going through my day today, I'm doing it more consciously. Deliberately asking myself " is this something that I merely want to do or is it something that I need to do?"
Let's be clear. Class is still a struggle and it's still hard work. But today again I am managing the struggle with greater ease, patience and discipline. And then it happens. I'm a girl who prides myself on being ultra prepared for anything yet I somehow run out of water in class with 40 minutes to go. At first, I panic. Then I decide that I need to let it go. It will somehow be okay. You know what? It was more than okay. I finished class even better without the distraction of the water breaks I would normally take. I make a mental observation.
What in class is really based on what I want versus what I need? Obviously I need to drink water but how much of my water drinking is a break from the practice and a learned distraction? In what other ways are my wants getting in the way of what I truly need? This thought resonates so much with me that I take the entire night after class is over to ponder this. How can I begin to make more choices from a place of need instead of want? I decide to try it one day at a time. So as I'm going through my day today, I'm doing it more consciously. Deliberately asking myself " is this something that I merely want to do or is it something that I need to do?"
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Bikram Yoga 30 Day Challenge--Day 16: 12/3/11
Sometimes it just happens. Not all the time. But every now and again, everything flows and happens easily. And so it was the case tonight. I try to really savor this when it happens. Day 16 in and things are starting to fit together nicely.
I notice while I'm sitting on the train today that I am naturally sitting up with great posture. For someone like me who spends a good portion of the day and week in the unforgiving cycling posture, this is a welcome fringe benefit of all the yoga. I do miss running though but something has to give temporarily in this 30 day pursuit. My body actually feels really great. More open. No aches. My hamstrings are noticeable tighter this week but that's probably from those deadlifts in class this week.
Saturdays is my one day off. I'm pretty sure that's why the yoga flows on Saturdays. My mind is clear and my schedule is clear. The only physical thing I have to focus on is yoga. It's the perfect place to be for someone like me who makes her living working at such a demanding physical level. I am so grateful for Saturdays. I have a deep appreciation for a day like today..
The truth is that all the days so far that have been a struggle have paved the way for this one day. I delight in this moment and savor it completely. I'm not quite sure how soon this will happen again. Honestly, I would not want it to happen again too soon. It's way more delicious if it happens as a reward for the hard work. We cannot really appreciate the light if there were no darkness. It is the contrast of experience that makes life such an extraordinary journey.
I notice while I'm sitting on the train today that I am naturally sitting up with great posture. For someone like me who spends a good portion of the day and week in the unforgiving cycling posture, this is a welcome fringe benefit of all the yoga. I do miss running though but something has to give temporarily in this 30 day pursuit. My body actually feels really great. More open. No aches. My hamstrings are noticeable tighter this week but that's probably from those deadlifts in class this week.
Saturdays is my one day off. I'm pretty sure that's why the yoga flows on Saturdays. My mind is clear and my schedule is clear. The only physical thing I have to focus on is yoga. It's the perfect place to be for someone like me who makes her living working at such a demanding physical level. I am so grateful for Saturdays. I have a deep appreciation for a day like today..
The truth is that all the days so far that have been a struggle have paved the way for this one day. I delight in this moment and savor it completely. I'm not quite sure how soon this will happen again. Honestly, I would not want it to happen again too soon. It's way more delicious if it happens as a reward for the hard work. We cannot really appreciate the light if there were no darkness. It is the contrast of experience that makes life such an extraordinary journey.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Bikram Yoga 30 Day Challenge--Day 15: Friday, 12/2/11
How long does it take to form a habit? They say anywhere from 21-28 days. So at Day 15, I am well on my way. It feels really good to be at the half way point!!!
There an old Buddhist saying. Something like "there's nothing good nor bad but thinking makes it so." Or maybe that was Shakespeare? It occurs to me today as I am in class for the 3rd time with my least favorite instructor that this is the Universe's way of teaching me tolerance, patience, and acceptance. That works for about 15 minutes and then I'm back where I started. I recognize though that I am a work in progress and this too will take time. If I can conquer those three things on the mat, I know that it will open up areas in my personal life as well.
I still am somewhat amazed at how each class is a reflection of who I am and where I am. Neither good nor bad. Just an observation. No judgement. Just self awareness. An awareness of what things I need to work on. Because the truth of the matter is that it is never about the other person. The other person exists to show us a mirror of who we really are. What pushes our buttons and why. Questions for me to work on as The 30 Day Challenge continues...
There an old Buddhist saying. Something like "there's nothing good nor bad but thinking makes it so." Or maybe that was Shakespeare? It occurs to me today as I am in class for the 3rd time with my least favorite instructor that this is the Universe's way of teaching me tolerance, patience, and acceptance. That works for about 15 minutes and then I'm back where I started. I recognize though that I am a work in progress and this too will take time. If I can conquer those three things on the mat, I know that it will open up areas in my personal life as well.
I still am somewhat amazed at how each class is a reflection of who I am and where I am. Neither good nor bad. Just an observation. No judgement. Just self awareness. An awareness of what things I need to work on. Because the truth of the matter is that it is never about the other person. The other person exists to show us a mirror of who we really are. What pushes our buttons and why. Questions for me to work on as The 30 Day Challenge continues...
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Bikram Yoga 30 Day Challenge--Day 14: 12/1/11
YES!!! Day 14. Two things happen today that I love. First, I'm done teaching at 1:30pm and second, my favorite Bikram Yoga teacher has a 2pm class down the street. Let me be very real. I'm exhausted. It's been a long week. The largest part of me wants to procrastinate and do the 8pm class. Luckily the other part of me realizes that if I get this done now, the rest of the day belongs to me and only me. So I head to the hot yoga studio.
And there's Georgia. I've talked about her before in my blog. This woman is a master. Amazing person. Amazing instructor. She commands your attention in a way that always brings out the best in everyone. Once I see her, I know that this will be another special experience. The midday classes are always fun at the midtown studio because it's always sprinkled with some Broadway dancers and other performers with freakish flexibility. It adds an extra element of excitement, focus and discipline to the workout. I count 4 guys with amazing bodies. A little eye candy doesn't hurt when you're in a 105 degree room for 90 minutes of semi torture.
I notice right away that everything about me is calmer. Knowing you're in great hands does have that effect I think. But almost at the midway point of the challenge, I'm learning the simple act of acceptance. It is what it is at any moment in a class like this. So instead fighting it, I go with the flow. I've been working on staying present, staying focused, finding the breath and letting go and seeing where the practice takes me with no expectations.
About half way through class, Georgia starts to discuss how our body is only a vessel for our Soul. "Everything changes" she says. "Only the Soul remains the same." Yoga practice is a way to clear away the cobwebs so that we can have greater clarity into who we really are.
Living in a city that is as energy consuming as New York and moving at the frenetic pace of my daily life had definitely taken its toll. How could I have lost the most important connection to who I am? But then I realize that it doesn't really matter how it happened. The past is the past. Everything around us does change. How willing am I to change? I do know this for sure. Change is so much easier when you have clarity.
And there's Georgia. I've talked about her before in my blog. This woman is a master. Amazing person. Amazing instructor. She commands your attention in a way that always brings out the best in everyone. Once I see her, I know that this will be another special experience. The midday classes are always fun at the midtown studio because it's always sprinkled with some Broadway dancers and other performers with freakish flexibility. It adds an extra element of excitement, focus and discipline to the workout. I count 4 guys with amazing bodies. A little eye candy doesn't hurt when you're in a 105 degree room for 90 minutes of semi torture.
I notice right away that everything about me is calmer. Knowing you're in great hands does have that effect I think. But almost at the midway point of the challenge, I'm learning the simple act of acceptance. It is what it is at any moment in a class like this. So instead fighting it, I go with the flow. I've been working on staying present, staying focused, finding the breath and letting go and seeing where the practice takes me with no expectations.
About half way through class, Georgia starts to discuss how our body is only a vessel for our Soul. "Everything changes" she says. "Only the Soul remains the same." Yoga practice is a way to clear away the cobwebs so that we can have greater clarity into who we really are.
Living in a city that is as energy consuming as New York and moving at the frenetic pace of my daily life had definitely taken its toll. How could I have lost the most important connection to who I am? But then I realize that it doesn't really matter how it happened. The past is the past. Everything around us does change. How willing am I to change? I do know this for sure. Change is so much easier when you have clarity.
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