Count Your Blessings...Live Life to the Fullest

Last night I received a text message that one of my friends from years past has breast cancer. This piece of news is very grounding for me. This friend of mine happens to be a few years younger than me. And now she is battling the big "C". It brings to mind MYSELF. It is a wake-up call. so far, I am healthy. I am getting back to my regular Bikram Yoga practice after a 3-month hiatus. I make sure I do not lead a sedentary life. I laugh a lot. I tease. I do not sweat the small stuff. What about you? Are you counting your blessings? Are you living life to the fullest? 'Cause you never know. Life might throw a curve ball at you, and three strikes you're out. Good night, Mommy. I love you.

The Return of the Yogini

Welcome back to the rejuvenated ME. I took a 3 month break from yoga. It had come to a point where my life revolved around it--the time commitment, the financial commitment. I missed sleeping in on Sunday mornings. I missed just taking it easy. Preparing for a morning class starts the night before: I make sure I am well-hydrated with water, therefore I had to take it easy with the before-bedtime wine with the hubby. I make sure I have everything in my gym bag, so I don't have to scramble in the morning. I had grown tired of the yoga routine. But then, as soon as I quit practicing, my body went into yoga withdrawal mode. All of a sudden, I started to feel the aches and pains. My joints and muscles seized up. It seemed like my body started to panic. I have always been an active individual. I love sports. My Dad, who played tennis every Sunday, took me to the courts with him. I played softball and volleyball. Living in Victoria, one would always come across people doing their daily run. I would walk our dog every morning, and I would see people running. My sister-in-law runs, and I thought I should give it a try. She signed up for a yoga class for runners. I did the same. To date, I've been to two sessions. It was during these sessions that I started to REALLY miss Bikram Yoga. To be honest, I couldn't wait for the sessions to be over--eight more to go! I guess I am a Bikram Yoga loyalist. I have been back to the hot room three times. On my first day back, Pranayama breathing was torture. It didn't help that a few days prior I had somehow tweaked a muscle between my shoulder blades while shampooing my hair! Could you believe that? I could not look back at all! I was back to square one. Two and a half years of regular practice, going, going, soon to be gone it felt like. Surprisingly though, overall I was very satisfied with how the first class turned out. Three classes in, and I am so happy to be back. I couldn't wait to show up for my next class. I am learning to be more patient with myself. Slowly but surely I will get to where I was and further, as long as I don't push myself too hard. Good night, Mommy. I love you.