Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Bikram Yoga 30 Day Challenge--Day 13: Wednesday, 11/30/11
Just getting home from 9:45pm Bikram class at upper west side studio. SO happy to be home sweet home. I have to be up in a few hours for an early morning start to Thursday so a very quick update blog tonight. Feeling really good although I definitely was exhausted when I got to class tonight. Took about 10-15 minutes for my body to get into a rhythm but was able to just let go and have a really good experience. At Day 13, I'm almost half way there!!! Still amazed at how it always feels better once I just get it done. Learning a lot about delayed gratification on the mat and off.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Bikram Yoga 30 Day Challenge--Day 12: Tuesday, 11/29/11
Day 12 was almost the day that didn't happen! The odds were kind of stacked against me. 4 hours sleep last night. No nap today. 8 class Tuesday. Where the hell was yoga going to fit into my day? Thankfully, there always is something special about Tuesdays. If you're going to teach 8 classes in a day, then these would be the ones to teach. From start to finish on Tuesdays, it's always an incredible day. But then there was a problem.
Done teaching at 8pm at Rockefeller Center EQUINOX. 8:30pm Bikram class at the 72nd street upper west side studio. Rain. No cab in site. 20 minutes to get to class. Not making Day #12 NOT an option...so I jump on the bus. And somehow miraculously I make it to the 8:30pm class.
You would think with all that drama that class would be a chore. But...the previous 11 days actually start to pay off as my body knows what to do and does it beautifully and efficiently. Maybe I'm delirious from the 105 degree heat in the studio, but my focus is the best it's been so far. Hard work still, but starting to see the payoffs.
To think that I almost missed this class. But I know myself well enough to know that I would have found a way to get here tonight. You see the thing is this. The most important promises to keep are the promises that you make to yourself. Letting yourself down should never be an option. Sometimes it takes some creativity to make it happen. But when you make it happen, the reward is always so sweet!
Done teaching at 8pm at Rockefeller Center EQUINOX. 8:30pm Bikram class at the 72nd street upper west side studio. Rain. No cab in site. 20 minutes to get to class. Not making Day #12 NOT an option...so I jump on the bus. And somehow miraculously I make it to the 8:30pm class.
You would think with all that drama that class would be a chore. But...the previous 11 days actually start to pay off as my body knows what to do and does it beautifully and efficiently. Maybe I'm delirious from the 105 degree heat in the studio, but my focus is the best it's been so far. Hard work still, but starting to see the payoffs.
To think that I almost missed this class. But I know myself well enough to know that I would have found a way to get here tonight. You see the thing is this. The most important promises to keep are the promises that you make to yourself. Letting yourself down should never be an option. Sometimes it takes some creativity to make it happen. But when you make it happen, the reward is always so sweet!
Bikram Yoga 30 Day Challenge--Day 11: Monday, 11/28/11
12:02am and just getting home from yoga! Quick blog y'all as I have to be up at 5:15am. Today at Day #11, I was just super happy to show up and put the work in. 9:45pm class on the upper west side. Super nice and dedicated group. You would have to be at that hour of the night. Great class tonight with a super sweet instructor. How this girl is this energetic this late, I'll never know. As I was leaving the studio at 11:30pm she will helping a student perfect a posture. LOVE her!!!
Shower. Quick "dinner" and then I need to get myself to bed. Lots of hard work tonight but sometimes it's all about showing up and putting the work in. You've got to trust that building a strong foundation is its own reward. And so it goes on Day 11!
Shower. Quick "dinner" and then I need to get myself to bed. Lots of hard work tonight but sometimes it's all about showing up and putting the work in. You've got to trust that building a strong foundation is its own reward. And so it goes on Day 11!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Bikram Yoga 30 Day Challenge--Day 10, Sunday, 11/27/11
Here's the thing. When you are doing anything for the long haul, I find it's so much easier to break it up into smaller pieces. A long term goal can seem overwhelming. But, smaller goals will give you a greater sense of achievement and keep you more focused and more excited about the whole process.
And so today, at Day# 10, I am 1/3 of the way through the Challenge!!! Habits are interesting. We know all too well how to develop a bad habit. Good habits can be a bit more challenging. Once you get into a rhythm though, things start to automatically become habitual. So I semi eagerly trot off to class.
If you've ever been to a Bikram Yoga class, there is almost always two things happening that you cannot control. Hirsute, shirtless men with stomachs hanging from their shorts and sick people blowing their noses endlessly through class. Both were again going on tonight (and class hadn't even started yet), but then the Hottie from yesterday's class came in and set up his mat in front of me. This class was starting to instantly pick up! The Hottie is interesting in that he never brings any water to class and has the focus of someone who has been practicing yoga all his life. If this is the body one gets from doing this every day, I'm definitely in!
For the second time, my least favorite instructor is subbing class so I know that unless I concentrate on myself, and the Hottie, the 90 minutes will feel endless. It doesn't help that half way through class the guy next to me is blowing his nose into his hand (EWWWWW!!!) and finally I lose it andhand toss him a box of tissues. Seriously?????????? BREATHE, BREATHE breathe, breathe....
This instructor does nothing to help my practice and everything to get in the way of it. Too much talking. Saying the wrong things. I do feel for her, because the hardest thing about being an instructor is sometimes getting out of our own way and letting the class happen. I fall short of that myself at times. And being on the receiving end of it is no fun. I'm miserable in this class but am getting a fast lesson on the things that I as an instructor need to work on.
And that's the thing about life. There is always a lesson in every situation. Many times we have to suffer to get to that truth. Many things do not come easily. The answers aren't always apparent. What makes us uncomfortable invariably exists to reflect back our own behavior. Note to self though. I've got to learn how the Hottie has such razor sharp focus and no need for water when he practices. Stay tuned!
And so today, at Day# 10, I am 1/3 of the way through the Challenge!!! Habits are interesting. We know all too well how to develop a bad habit. Good habits can be a bit more challenging. Once you get into a rhythm though, things start to automatically become habitual. So I semi eagerly trot off to class.
If you've ever been to a Bikram Yoga class, there is almost always two things happening that you cannot control. Hirsute, shirtless men with stomachs hanging from their shorts and sick people blowing their noses endlessly through class. Both were again going on tonight (and class hadn't even started yet), but then the Hottie from yesterday's class came in and set up his mat in front of me. This class was starting to instantly pick up! The Hottie is interesting in that he never brings any water to class and has the focus of someone who has been practicing yoga all his life. If this is the body one gets from doing this every day, I'm definitely in!
For the second time, my least favorite instructor is subbing class so I know that unless I concentrate on myself, and the Hottie, the 90 minutes will feel endless. It doesn't help that half way through class the guy next to me is blowing his nose into his hand (EWWWWW!!!) and finally I lose it and
This instructor does nothing to help my practice and everything to get in the way of it. Too much talking. Saying the wrong things. I do feel for her, because the hardest thing about being an instructor is sometimes getting out of our own way and letting the class happen. I fall short of that myself at times. And being on the receiving end of it is no fun. I'm miserable in this class but am getting a fast lesson on the things that I as an instructor need to work on.
And that's the thing about life. There is always a lesson in every situation. Many times we have to suffer to get to that truth. Many things do not come easily. The answers aren't always apparent. What makes us uncomfortable invariably exists to reflect back our own behavior. Note to self though. I've got to learn how the Hottie has such razor sharp focus and no need for water when he practices. Stay tuned!
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Bikram Yoga 30 Day Challenge--Day 9: Saturday, 11/26/11
Today has been one of those days. I've been fighting a cold for the last couple of weeks. I thought I was going to loose my voice several times on Wednesday while teaching classes. That minor issue aside, the last 3 days have been really great. There is nothing like time off from work. I have never been great about taking the necessary downtime for my body. Teaching 25 classes a week takes its physical and emotional toll very easily. I am definitely a bit of a workaholic so I'm really proud of myself for giving myself the gift of a few days off.
I feel physically fine now. Lots of dry coughing spells though. But my mind has been a little all over the place today. They say that over 90% of our thoughts are either about things that have already happened or things that have not yet happened. And that was the case for me today, until I made a decision to stop, breathe and let go. Amazing how our connection to self is through the breath. Once I could stop and just breathe I instantly started to have more clarity and serenity. I am trying to do a better job of staying in the moment. One day at a time.
Some days just the simple action of showing up is enough. And so it was that I decided that I was going to go to class with absolutely no expectations. Just let the practice happen. To let go of the process and the result and focus on the breath. Bikram Yoga class starts with what's called Pranayama Breathing which is a standing deep breathing exercise. It's never been my favorite part of class. Honestly more a chore than anything else. Tonight was the first time that I really took notice of what it means to begin class that way. I had been missing the point all these years. It was still a chore, but at least now I have an understanding of something that I need to work on in and out of class.
That wraps up Day 9!!! Again, I am ending the day feeling much better than when I started. Class tonight was what it was. Happy to have struggled and made it through the 90 minutes.
I feel physically fine now. Lots of dry coughing spells though. But my mind has been a little all over the place today. They say that over 90% of our thoughts are either about things that have already happened or things that have not yet happened. And that was the case for me today, until I made a decision to stop, breathe and let go. Amazing how our connection to self is through the breath. Once I could stop and just breathe I instantly started to have more clarity and serenity. I am trying to do a better job of staying in the moment. One day at a time.
Some days just the simple action of showing up is enough. And so it was that I decided that I was going to go to class with absolutely no expectations. Just let the practice happen. To let go of the process and the result and focus on the breath. Bikram Yoga class starts with what's called Pranayama Breathing which is a standing deep breathing exercise. It's never been my favorite part of class. Honestly more a chore than anything else. Tonight was the first time that I really took notice of what it means to begin class that way. I had been missing the point all these years. It was still a chore, but at least now I have an understanding of something that I need to work on in and out of class.
That wraps up Day 9!!! Again, I am ending the day feeling much better than when I started. Class tonight was what it was. Happy to have struggled and made it through the 90 minutes.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Bikram Yoga 30 Day Challenge--Day 8: Friday, 11/25/11
"Life Begins At The End Of Your Comfort Zone."-Neale Donald Walsch-
Here's the thing about my life. It's easy to be comfortable. So hard sometimes to move out of that space that feels good or that space that is familiar. And so on Day 8, I decide that whenever I'm feeling the smallest hint of comfort in class, I will take the opportunity to move out of that space.
The thing about a Daily Yoga Practice is that it forces you to start to see life differently. It's made certain things very clear to me. One of the benefits of yoga is that I clears away many of the things and feelings that are not true to who you authentically are. I've been able to hear my true inner voice more clearly because I'm in a space that I can listen. Without distraction. Funny how the answers are there if you just can be in a place where you are open to listening.
The first level of placing myself in discomfort in class is that I try to practice in the hottest space in the room. It really does force me to have to "fight" a lot harder in a class. The second level of discomfort for me today was to really push every posture to a place that was out of my comfort zone. So much work!
But here's the thing. We are all always capable of so much more that we imagine. And all this time in the hot yoga room is taking me to places both physically and spiritually that I didn't know were possible for me. Connecting to self or our center is so vital. It's been hard for me to do that over the last few years because I had convinced myself that I didn't have the time. Today I now choose that time and choosing that time has made all the difference in the world to me in only 8 short days.
Every minute of every day is an opportunity for me to choose differently and to experience life in a more meaningful way. A way that pushes me past my self inflicted set point. A way that moves me out of my comfort zone. A way that moves me closer to the life I truly desire.
Here's the thing about my life. It's easy to be comfortable. So hard sometimes to move out of that space that feels good or that space that is familiar. And so on Day 8, I decide that whenever I'm feeling the smallest hint of comfort in class, I will take the opportunity to move out of that space.
The thing about a Daily Yoga Practice is that it forces you to start to see life differently. It's made certain things very clear to me. One of the benefits of yoga is that I clears away many of the things and feelings that are not true to who you authentically are. I've been able to hear my true inner voice more clearly because I'm in a space that I can listen. Without distraction. Funny how the answers are there if you just can be in a place where you are open to listening.
The first level of placing myself in discomfort in class is that I try to practice in the hottest space in the room. It really does force me to have to "fight" a lot harder in a class. The second level of discomfort for me today was to really push every posture to a place that was out of my comfort zone. So much work!
But here's the thing. We are all always capable of so much more that we imagine. And all this time in the hot yoga room is taking me to places both physically and spiritually that I didn't know were possible for me. Connecting to self or our center is so vital. It's been hard for me to do that over the last few years because I had convinced myself that I didn't have the time. Today I now choose that time and choosing that time has made all the difference in the world to me in only 8 short days.
Every minute of every day is an opportunity for me to choose differently and to experience life in a more meaningful way. A way that pushes me past my self inflicted set point. A way that moves me out of my comfort zone. A way that moves me closer to the life I truly desire.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Bikram Yoga 30 Day Challenge--Day 7: Thursday, 11/24/11
I was feeling an amazing sense of accomplishment today on Day 7. The first major milestone. I was 25% of the way through the 30 Day Challenge. But then my Friend Sharon pointed out to me over Thanksgiving Dinner with her family that I hadn't reached the 25% mark yet. That would happen during tomorrow's class on Day 8. Allrighty then...tomorrow it is.
But for today, Thanksgiving Day, I have a lot to be Thankful for. Last Thanksgiving, I was "recovering" from a back spasm that forced me to take a couple of weeks off work and 9 months to feel good in my body again. For the first time in the past year, I can fully practice yoga again, run and teach classes without being in pain. That in itself is everything that I need today and everyday.
After 7 days of daily yoga, I'm more grateful than ever for the joy of movement. I'm breathing in life more deeply and more appreciatively. I'm getting more connected to who I really am and listening more closely to the voice that's always been there. More importantly, I'm giving myself a daily dose of the best kind of self love and self attention. I'm taking care of me!
But for today, Thanksgiving Day, I have a lot to be Thankful for. Last Thanksgiving, I was "recovering" from a back spasm that forced me to take a couple of weeks off work and 9 months to feel good in my body again. For the first time in the past year, I can fully practice yoga again, run and teach classes without being in pain. That in itself is everything that I need today and everyday.
After 7 days of daily yoga, I'm more grateful than ever for the joy of movement. I'm breathing in life more deeply and more appreciatively. I'm getting more connected to who I really am and listening more closely to the voice that's always been there. More importantly, I'm giving myself a daily dose of the best kind of self love and self attention. I'm taking care of me!
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