Body Aches: It's Hot Room Time!

I've been practicing Bikram Yoga since June 2009. My very first 90 minutes were overwhelmingly hot and sweaty. But nothing compares to what I felt after I left the hot room. I came back the next day, and the rest is history. My practice has been bouncing up and down for the past 4 years. I've done four 30-day challenges so far. At this point I am not up for another challenge. I would have to come to 6:00AM classes during the week to accomplish this, and I am not sure I am there right now. I have had 3-week absences from the hot room. Once of my friends said that I am a "binger and a purger." My excuse is that I am too tired to make the commitment. I just want to chill and not do anything once I get home. My work schedule has been killing me lately. But you know what, the body does not take immobility lightly. It needs to stretch and flex. The blood needs to circulate everywhere. The joints need to move, be used. When these things don't happen, it cries out. Loud. Suddenly, getting up in the morning is slow and painful. The muscles start seizing up. All of these happened to me this week. So despite the temptation to sleep in and chill out this weekend, I got up at 7:00AM and made my journey back to the hot room. I felt nervous, concerned that the absence will manifest itself by not performing well, by not being able to do the full expression of the postures. Surprisingly though, while some postures were challenging, overall my practice this weekend turned out great. There is nothing more exhilarating and energizing than a hot, sweaty, vigorous 90 minute yoga practice. My day is set. So there. If you have been absent from class, do not be afraid to come back and start over. No one else will judge you. The people around you have their own issues to get through. What's important is for you to be mindful of what your body is telling you. We need to slow down and look after ourselves. Once you've done that, you will touch the next person in a positive way. Namaste. Good day, Mommy. I love you.

Patience, Persistence, Perseverance

So if you have been following my recent posts, you would know about my bothersome right shoulder/neck area. Pranayama, first backward bend, and Camel have been no shows in the hot room for me. Today my practice turned out to be much, much better. Sort of back to "normal" for me. Pranayama was not a challenge, the first backward bend happened, as well as two sets of Camel. Right on the money! I practiced Yoga for Runners last night. So today marks two straight days of practice. Tomorrow will be Day 3. I'm not doing a 30-Day Challenge. Just merely taking advantage of 2 straight days off from work. Yoga does one good. I've experienced doing it everyday for 30 days and reveled in the results. I know what it feels to stop for 3 months, and how my body did not waste time "telling" me that it badly missed the practice. I am toying with the idea of practicing every other day, or every weekday and taking the weekend off. We'll see how it goes. Good night, Mommy. I love you.

5 Glorious Minutes of Savasana

Yesterday I practiced at 5:45PM. Not my usual time, but I felt I had to be in the hot room. My right shoulder/neck area has been out of whack lately. My doctor advised to keep stretching, as maybe a nerve is pinched. It was a hot class. Pranayama breathing again was out the door. My neck just would not stretch far back enough and I still couldn't keep my elbows above the heart. I kept on getting out of the whole posture. I was worried that the rest of the session will go down the drain. The Standing Series for me has always been touch and go, but the Floor Series is a whole different ball game. I always have more energy and success on the floor. I guess it's the 2-minute Savasana. I am still not drinking water during class. When the rest of the class is taking water after the Standing Series, I am already on my back enjoying Savasana. I have the whole 2 minutes to reap its benefits. When it's all over, I am ready to rock and roll on the floor. Yesterday, I was able to do the Camel Pose, although I had to get out of the posture a few seconds early. But I did it, and I am happy with that. When the class ended, I decided to stay in Savasana for a whole 5 minutes, instead of my usual 2 minutes. I counted 300 seconds, then left the room, and cooled down with my water before showering. When I got home, I had some dinner, and hydrated well. I am amazed at how my body felt renewed, like having a "reset" button pushed. Usually I feel so tired and ready to just lie down in bed and do nothing. Yet last night, and all of today, I felt more energized. I think it's that 5 glorious minutes of Savasana that made all the difference. Of course if one is on a tight schedule, this may not be possible, but 5 minutes is not really that long compared to having the rest of your day feeling like a million bucks! Just sayin'... Good night, Mommy. I love you.

Today, the Mind Won

I practiced at my home studio today, taking my usual 9:00AM class. It felt like a homecoming. It felt good when people notice that you haven't been around. When they asked where I've been, I said, "I quit practicing for 3 months." What have these 3 yoga-free months accomplished? While I relished sleeping in and being able to do other things, my body protested at once. Suddenly, the aches started to arise. I couldn't get out of bed without feeling sore. The worst part was that my body started to seize up, so much so that mundane everyday movements, like shampooing my hair, triggered painful tweaks in my muscles, or joints, or nerves. Right now, my shoulder/right upper back area hurts. Sometimes it is so bad that my right arm becomes numb. Today's practice "sucked" from the physical standpoint. In Pranayama, I couldn't look back and keep my elbows raised above the heart. The first backbend was impossible. My neck hurt so much that there was no way it was going to be stretched back. While I was happy with Standing Bow Pulling Pose, for the first time ever since I started practicing 3 years ago, I couldn't do the Camel Pose. All because of this sore neck. But today, the mind won. I listened to my body. While I know it was thankful that I am getting back to a regular practice again, it told me that I have to take it easy. While I was failing to do some postures that I had been able to do in the past, I willed my mind to accept what my practice was TODAY. Today is all that matters. Yesterday's already past, and who knows what tomorrow will bring? What I so love about my Bikram Yoga practice is that I achieve this sense of peace and acceptance even outside the hot room. Right now, the cold, grey, autumn-like weather is very unusual for Victoria. A lot of people are complaining about it. So what will one achieve by complaining about something that cannot be changed. Same with my practice. I had come so far in the past by practicing on a steady, regular basis. And then I quit. So now, I know what it's like to quit. So now I know that I must keep a steady pace. Maybe a daily practice at this point in my life will not happen, but one day, when life changes, I know I will practice everyday...for the most part. Namaste, friends. Good night, Mommy. I love you.

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.

Days 23 and 24 - The Body Speaks Out

I'm back to blogging. Been away for a while. Haven't had anything significant to write about.

My body has been crying out lately. It has been subjected to 22 days of yoga--I missed days 15 and 16 though--so I can't really blame it. It has been telling me to take it easy. I've been feeling some tweaky pains on my left side below the waist, from my hamstrings to my glutes. Any posture that involves stretching the hamstrings is a struggle, save for Standing Separate Leg Stretching where I can now touch the floor with my forehead, no problemo.

So today when I would normally attend the 6:00AM class, I decided to sleep in and go to the 9:00AM instead. Best decision made so far. In my mind, I totally rocked it. Worth noting was my Standing Bow Pulling Pose. I pushed past my edge, and tried to level my torso parallel to the floor with my leg kicking back and up towards the ceiling. When I reached that edge, I felt a tweak in my leg, and for a few seconds I was able to gain an inch or two maybe of depth. I did fall out, but boy, did that ever felt great! It is simply amazing how much one's body can achieve if you set your mind to it.

It has been a great Challenge. Although a part of me would like to get this done and over with, I have to admit that it will be very difficult to let go of the routine. My practice has come a long way, and it is very evident that one must keep a semblance of a routine in order to enjoy the benefits of this yoga. A friend once told me that I am a "binger and a purger"...I have to chuckle...what, an anorexic and bulimic yoga practitioner? I guess so, and we all know what the effects are of this. A consistent, regular practice is the key to a happy and healthy life.

Good night, Mommy. I love you. Namaste.

Day 10 Time Warp...from April 2011 and April 2010 Challenges

I thought I'd revisit my Day 10 posts from two previous Challenges. I practiced at 6:00AM today, and my body is still experiencing soreness and stiffness. I've also noticed that my left hip area is more sore than the right. I think I know what caused that. Whenever I do the Cobra Pose, my alignment is very skewed. If you happen to view my body from the ceiling, it's as if I am doing the Half Moon Pose with my arms along side my body instead of extended along side my head. It's no wonder that one side will be compensating for the other. Whenever I lift my legs for Bow Pose, my left foot is not raised as high as the right. I didn't know about this until a few months ago when one of the teachers came up to me and did the correction. While I am more conscious of it now, I still have quite a ways to go before it's fully corrected.

Other than this, I continue to feel 110% great after class. It doesn't matter what happens during class. Whether it's a rockin' class or a sucky class. I try my best to do the postures the right way and not be so hung up on depth. It is a great life lesson outside the hot room as well.

APRIL 2010

Today is Saturday, April 10th for Day 10 of my 30 Day Challenge. First class was at 7:30AM so I had the luxury of getting up at 6:15 instead of 5:15. I got to the studio at 6:50, and I was the first to arrive. Our instructor arrived 10 minutes later, and my buddy arrived soon after that. We parked our mats at our favourite spots, upper right corner right next to and in front of the mirrors. My buddy is doing the 101 Day Challenge, and tomorrow marks Day 101! So excited for her, and she said she'll keep going.

I had a great class today. I felt much more energised and able to do most of the postures to my liking. I pushed myself during the Standing Separate Leg Stretching Pose by not spreading my legs too far out to the side to try to touch my forehead to the floor. My Triangle Pose is a lot stronger today and I was able to sit down lower. My lower back has become a lot stronger as I was able to hold the Cobra Pose high enough with less pressure on my hands. For the first set of the Camel Pose I tried to keep my knees 6 inches apart and I felt a tremendous stretch at my lower back...such a great feeling afterwards!

After the final breathing exercise, I made it a point to stay in the room longer as I have been rushing out to get home soon after the week day classes ended. I leisurely drank my vitamin-fortified water while chatting with fellow yogis. When I went back to the change room, one of the ladies asked me if I was going to do a back-to-back. I replied, "Oh no!" thinking, "Are you kidding me?" By the way, a back-to-back is two straight classes in a row. I would've today, as I felt so good and strong. Maybe one day. I will chalk that one up as one of the challenges I will take on. When the 30 Day is done, I will do the 60 Day, then the 90...who knows I might go for the 101...then maybe Teacher Training...then still practicing at 80 years of age...oh, so much to look forward to! Namaste.

APRIL 2011

Finished really strong today! I practiced at 6:00AM, and today I worked the long shift--9:30AM-6:15PM. What did I get myself into? I was scheduled to finish at 3:15PM, but yesterday I was asked if I could work until 6:15PM. Only after I agreed to this that I then thought of what could become a very tiring day for me.

Before class started, and just after Teacher L. gave the newbies a few pointers on how to survive in the hot room, she looked over to the first row to her left, and addressed us as the "veterans". Veterans!?! I guess with almost 2 years of practice, I can hardly be called a newbie, right?

I would like to thank my yoga buddy J. for giving me a helpful tip on how to determine whether or not my legs are pointing straight towards the back of the room for the Spine Strengthening Series. After that correction from teacher O. yesterday, I am now very mindful of my alignment. Teacher L. also touched on the importance of alignment over depth.

So how do the first 10 days of the challenge feel? Well, here's the rundown:

1. My left bum cheek is sore. Sometimes Standing Head to Knee for the left leg is challenging for the first set.

2. I can't wait to get back to the hot room. Not that I am aiming to do a Back-to-Back or a Double anytime soon. All I'm saying is that I am thoroughly enjoying my practice.

3. Flexibility is definitely improving.

4. While I would love to gain depth in the posture, I am more mindful of alignment now.

5. Energy level is still on a high. I do "shut down" in the evening, though.

I am curious to find out how I will fare in the second trimester. I am aware that I might start to get tired and sore. I think I will review my posts from last year and do a comparison.

So Day 11 is in a few hours. I will be sleeping in an extra hour, as class starts at 7:00AM on weekends--still too early for most of my peeps at work. They still think I'm crazy to practice everyday at 6:00AM, then go to work. Surprisingly, I didn't feel tired at all today, after the workday was over. I am planning on going to bed early, though. I still love my sleep.

Good night, Mommy. I love you.

Day 9 - What It Boils Down To

Maybe you are wondering why in the world would I practice HOT yoga for 30 days straight. Oh, did you know that I go to the 6:00AM classes 4 days each week? I see those eyes rolling, that jaw dropping.

I guess I am a yogaholic. A yoga junkie. Oh, I am also a yoga pusher because I take every opportunity to convince you to try it. In June 2009, as I am wrapping up an Iyengar yoga session that I signed up for, I heard about Bikram Yoga. I decided to try it despite some unfavourable comments about how hot it is, how hard it is, how unsanitary it is with all the body smells, sweat, hair on the floor, etc., etc. I thought, I will judge with my own eyes.

My first class was a Karma Class. It was cheap drop-in night, admission by donation. Naturally, it was busier. Hotter. Humid like hell. I didn't leave the room. It was quite an experience. Yes it was hard, but I was amazed at how great I felt afterwards. I knew I had a great workout, but I wasn't panting like crazy. Needless to say, I was hooked from day 1.

More than 2 years later, I am still here. This is my third 30 Day Challenge. I did not plan to do one again after April--I vowed to do my own challenge every April as a tribute to my mother. But the sign-up sheet beckoned to me. And I responded. I am enjoying my journey. That's what it boils down to.

Good night, Mommy. I love you.

Day 8 - The Curveball

Haha, yesterday my post was about the uphill climb. How Day 7 turned out to be a great practice. Well, what do you know, today it was quite the opposite. Maybe because I've had a two day break from 6:00AM classes, and have been "spoiled" by the 3:45PM and 8:00AM classes? Was it the Keema Curry I had for dinner last night?

Who knows? All I know is that this morning, my arms felt like lead in Pranayama breathing. During the second set, I couldn't hold my arms up high without wishing it was over. Half Moon, Backbend, Hands to Feet, and Awkward Poses were write-offs in my book. My Eagle Pose was my consolation; I maintained the posture for both sets. It was a slow uphill climb from then on.

Letting go. After class, that's what I did. I had Day 8 in my pocket. It wasn't the best class, but what really counts is how the rest of my day went, and how I went about with my day. I had an awesome day. 'Nuff said.

Good night, Mommy. I love you.

Day 7 - Uphill Climb

I'm on a roll. Day 7 finished strong today. Couldn't ask for a better practice. I practiced beside an old friend whom I met during my newbie days at a seminar led by Ren Soriano, a senior teacher from LA. There was great energy in class at 8:00AM, the very first class of the day. When most people are probably sleeping in or enjoying their very first cup of coffee or tea for the day, or out for a walk or a jog, there we were, 30 Day Challengers among regular practitioners who opted to be in the hot room sweating and stretching to the beat of the Bikram drum.

It's early days of the challenge. For me, it has been a uphill climb. I am aware that there will be days when I might have a setback. I have done this twice before. You would never know what your body will throw at you. It could be a curve ball, or it could be a base hit. You could be out, or you could run straight home. Whatever your practice offers you, take it with an open mind, and then let go and move on to the next one. What could be worse? For me, it would have to be not trying my best and never knowing what possibilities could happen. This yoga has proven to be a workout not just for my body, but also for my mind. A total workout.

Good night, Mommy. I love you.

Day 6 - Never Felt Hotter, Never Felt Better

Great energy at the 3:45PM class today. Getting into the hot room just a few minutes before class started meant that I would have to take whatever spot is left. I was right up very close to the podium, more to the left side of the room (the HOTTER side).

And what a HOT class that was! By the time the Floor Series got underway, I was sweating more than usual, and my face was red as a cooked lobster. Still waterless during class after 19 months, the thought that I may have to break this abstinence crossed my mind a few times. All that monkey mind could think about was a nice ice-cold vessel of coconut water!

I survived the heat, the humidity, the practice. More breakthroughs happened today. The ones worth mentioning are:

1. I locked my knees in Hands to Feet Pose. I had been feeling dizzy during the first couple of days of the challenge, but today, success!

2. Eagle Pose is getting stronger and a lot more stable than before.

3. Trikanasana, for the first time in a while, has been solid on both sets. The knees still hurt a little bit, but I am now able to hold the posture without collapsing.

I felt very, very pleased with my practice today. I guess 1/5 of the challenge is out of the way. Deserving of that ice-cold coconut water after class. Ahhhhh....

Good night, Mommy. I love you.

Day 5 - Breakthrough

I didn't have a perfect class this morning, but it was the best class ever since I started the challenge on Monday. Day 5 I would label a "breakthrough" for the following reasons:

1. Strong Pranayama = for a 6:00AM class where I have to haul myself out of bed at 5:20AM to get ready, having a strong Pranayama IS worth a lot!

2. I didn't feel dizzy during Hands to Feet Pose, and I am a few inches away from locking my knees with my face pressed against my legs and chest pressed to my thighs.

3. I was able to hold the Eagle Pose for 1 FULL set = I used to fall out on both of them!

4. I was able to hold Balancing Stick for 1/4 set = I couldn't hold 2 full sets at all!

5. My Trikanasana is getting stronger for 1 set = because I had been putting too much weight on the bent knee, I had been falling out of the posture as it hurt too much. I discovered that if I try to focus on stretching up and down more, there is less pressure on my knees.

6. My Toe Stand is getting stronger everyday. I am now able to balance with both hands in Namaskar, and my balancing foot does not hurt as much doing so.

Notice how the Standing Series is more challenging for me than the Floor Series. Known as the warm-up postures before the TRUE yoga, i.e. the Floor Series, I believe these postures were tailor made to wake up the body. Maybe the reason why I do better with the Floor Series is because by that time my body has already been through the wringer.

I appreciate the little corrections and words of encouragement that teacher L. consistently does during her classes. Thank you! I truly believe she pays very close attention to each student, and never fails to acknowledge the efforts we all put in.

Although I was up when it was still dark, worked a full day, came home to get dinner ready, I still feel energized and not tired at all. My day at work was very busy, I met a lot of clients, there were a few challenges, but I was able to muster through thanks to the energy that my practice today had given me. I was very reluctant in the past to go the 6:00AM classes on days when I had to work a 9 hour shift, but today's practice proved that this yoga will give you energy to get you through a tough day.

Good night, Mommy. I love you.

Day 2, Day 3, Day 4 - What A Difference Three Straight Days Make!

I have no posts for Days 2 and 3. I didn't have much to report. Feeling stiff, dizzy, and sore pretty much summed up those days. Both were 6:00AM practices; inasmuch as timing wise, it IS the best class to get into as you get your practice in first thing when everyone else is asleep! Your day is set. At least for me. It is definitely not my best practice, BUT nothing compares to having a great workout first thing in the morning. For the remainder of my day I have so much energy, I walk like I am 10 feet tall--my posture is pretty admirable these days--and my overall disposition is summed up by one word: CALM.

Today, due my schedule, I couldn't go to the 6:00AM. I managed to squeak into the 3:45PM class, right after work. Oh I just hate driving to the studio in a rush, worrying whether or not I can find a parking spot pronto, getting into my yoga outfit, all in the space of 15 minutes!!! But I made it in time. So on with the program.

Oh what a great Pranayama I had, but boy, I truly sucked at Hands to Feet and Awkward. My arms felt like lead, and my legs were crampy. I used to rock these postures. BUT! I managed to hold the Eagle Pose longer than usual. I usually fall out before it ends, but I managed to hold it together for a set.

What a difference 3 consecutive days of practice make! I touched my forehead to the floor for the first time in months! Since my sporadic practice started in the summer, I had lost valuable depth in a lot of the postures. It just goes to show that flexibility is not a prerequisite to yoga. It is the goal in yoga. That is what you will achieve in yoga. It WILL happen. It's only a matter of when.

Good night, Mommy. I love you.

Day 1 - Let's Get This Party Started

...and how it started! I made it to the 6:00AM, and it wasn't difficult for me to get up early this morning. I guess I've psyched myself up enough and I made sure I had plenty of sleep. The night cap with the hubby had to be put aside, though :(

I had a rough start. I was stiff--at 6:00AM this IS a given. I felt dizzy a few times. My hips wouldn't open for Trikanasana. I couldn't keep the posture steady the whole time. I was focused on making sure my alignment was correct, and resigned myself to the fact that even if I kept falling out, at least I tried to keep proper alignment. My knees are still buckling during the Awkward Poses. I fared much better during the Floor Series. I always do anyway. I guess getting warmed up during the Standing Series helps.

I have been very careful not to push myself too hard these days as I haven't been consistent with my practice during the summer months. The main reason why I signed up for the challenge this month is so I can get myself back on track again. No need to rush things. There's plenty of time for that. Like the rest of my lifetime.

Good night, Mommy. I love you.

Eve of the 30

I was determined to practice today, to prepare myself for 30 straight days of yoga starting tomorrow. The yoga does not scare me; it's the reality and necessity of having to get up at 5:20AM on most days to make it to the 6:00AM class. It is so hard for me to leave the comfort of my bed at such an early hour, despite the fact that I am a morning person.

Today, I felt stiff. I was very surprised that my knees have not been cooperating during Fixed Firm Pose lately. They feel like they need a good lubrication, in order for my feet to stay put beside my hips. I used to do the Awkward Pose quite well, but my knees have been buckling and my balance has been out of sorts.

Hopefully, I will be back on track again. Our instructor this morning hit the nail on the head when she said that sometimes we don't feel like practicing, as we are tired, we don't have the time, or just plain we don't feel like it. But, think of the feeling you will get AFTER the class is over. Oh I know all about that feeling. It's the reason why I have been coming back again and again to that hot room for the past 27 months.

Good night, Mommy. I love you.

Psyching Up for the 30

My name is on the list. Starting on Monday, September 26th, I will be embarking on my 3rd 30 Day Challenge. I had originally planned on doing one every year during the month of April, but upon seeing the sign-up list on my studio's board, I couldn't help but join. My practice has been erratic since the summer. This inconsistency has resulted in many steps back, instead of strides ahead. The yoga itself, for me, is easy. It's finding the time that is a bigger challenge. Schedules and commitments get in the way. I know that the 6:00AM classes are my saviour in this regard, but I have been avoiding them lately. I just love my bed too much to leave it that early!

Today at practice, I was relieved to find a spot at the back beside the door. For the first time, in my two-year practice, I decided to wear crops to class. I was a little concerned about overheating, but thankfully it didn't happen. I had a bad case of the dizzies today. It happened, it wasn't pleasant, but I let it go.

The rest of my day went really well. I had almost forgotten how 90 minutes in that hot room sets up the rest of my day perfectly. It's time to get my groove back.

Good night, Mommy. I love you.

Checking Back In

Summer is almost over. It took a while for it to get going. July was pretty much a write-off as far as sun lovers go, but for me, well, it didn't really bother me. It's pretty much out of my control. That's Mother Nature for ya. She throws curve balls too.

My yoga practice has taken a vacation. I wanted to keep the momentum going, but life outside the yoga studio took over. My practice has been off and on, off and on. The thing that I dread about an inconsistent practice is the starting over part. You get to where you want to be, then you stop, then you start again, and now you're back to square one. The hips need to be opened yet again, the hamstrings need to be stretched again, the balance has to be regained, etc., etc. The one posture that keeps going despite these absences is my Camel. I can still hold the Camel the entire time...for both sets. Yes, even if it's Mr. Suggestion at the helm :) Oh, and the water bottle is still waiting for me in the changeroom instead of keeping me company during class. It is amazing how not being distracted by taking water during class helps keep the mind focused on the tasks at hand.

While my practice has been sporadic lately, I still check in once in a while. I know this is okay. It is MY practice, after all.

Good night, Mommy. I love you.

Stirring Things Up A Bit

Today I decided to skip the 9:00AM and instead practice at 1:45PM. Normally I prefer to get my practice in as early as possible, but today, even after having my bag packed and ready to go for 9:00AM, I decided to skip that and instead have my morning coffee, a good breakfast, and a nap before doing a few chores and heading out for the 1:45PM class.

I enjoyed this change. I had a great class. The room's temperature was just right. Teacher C. was awesome as always. There was great energy in the room. I had a few chit-chats before and after class. Glorious sunshine outside the studio. The Vancouver Canucks got clobbered by the Boston Bruins last night, super-duper bummer of a game, but well, there's always tomorrow which I hope they'll win so they'd come home and hopefully win the Cup on Friday. GO CANUCKS GO!!!

Anyway, going back to yoga, it's good to stir things up a bit, in order to challenge the body, and get it out of its comfort zone. A challenge is always good for the soul. Change is good. If it doesn't turn out the way you want it to, there's always tomorrow. Namaste.

Good night, Mommy. I love you.

Savasana Reward

For my 6:00AM practice today I decided to enjoy my final Savasana. Typically I would rush out the door as soon as teacher says "Namaste". I wanted to secure a shower spot ahead of the other yogis whom I know would be rushing off to work. Last night, I visited senior teacher Ida Ripley's blog and one of the topics she wrote about was Savasana. She mentioned that we should take the opportunity to reward ourselves with the final Savasana after a grueling 90 minute practice. One to two minutes of complete relaxation will do a body wonders, and one to two minutes delay will not be a huge impact on one's schedule. Lightbulb moment for me. Yes, why not devote two minutes of my time to my body and mind. So what if I have to wait for a shower spot to come up. Everybody's rushing out of there to get to work on time anyway. So, there I was this morning, taking a 5-minute Savasana. The bonus was, class ended two minutes early so I even had time to have my water after class before heading for the shower. I noticed that my body had enough time to recover and stop sweating. On previous occasions, even after showering, I was still sweating so much that I felt like I had to jump in the shower again.

So, from now on, I will not take final Savasana for granted again.

Good night, Mommy. I love you.