I forgot to write a new post for yesterday's practice! Haha, it was go-go-go after arriving home from my 7:30AM class. Better late than never, so here it is.
Posture of the Day aka Most Improved Posture:
Floor Bow = I was able to kick higher and at the same time lift my upper body higher. Peeking at myself in the mirror, I saw that I haven't achieved the "U" shape--more like a fat, squatty "U". Now do I remember what I did to achieve that? I will know the answer at my next practice!
It was another very HOT 90 minute practice. The fans weren't turned on the whole, entire time! I was so thankful that I have my monkey mind under control. But, towards the last maybe 15 minutes of the class, I was so ready to leave. I could feel my energy disintegrating. After I had my shower, I was still sweating! But I think I brought it on myself. I don't think I hydrated well enough the evening before. I went to bed really late. Better prepping next time, that's for sure!
Good night, Mommy. I love you.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
On a rare Saturday day off, I looked forward to my second practice of the week. I anticipated a much improved one today, with the dreaded "first-day-back-after-being-away-for-11-days" delegated to the history books, so to speak. After going through Pranayama without a hitch, I knew it would be a good one today.
The Standing Series was okay, but then again, it seems that I fare better at the Floor Series. I am guessing it's because my knees are not as strong as they should be. I was pretty active in sports, particularly volleyball, and I wonder how much damage my knee joints incurred with those sudden stops and jumps. But, as I am intent on practicing this yoga until I can no longer stand, I am confident that my knees will eventually regain their strength. One thing I have noticed is how much back strength I have gained since I started my practice a year ago. I was very pleased with my Full Locust today. Who would have thought that a few centimetres of improvement would matter so much? Or holding a posture a few seconds longer would elicit a feeling of fulfillment?
During the 2-minute Savasana, I thought about my mother, whom I miss so much. I take the opportunity to think about her during this time, as there is nothing else that would distract me. It is just the two of us. Life goes on; mine is quite busy with work and raising a family. I sometimes forget to acknowledge her when life passes by so quickly. And so, during Savasana, I offer her a few precious seconds to let her know that I will always cherish her memory.
Good night, Mommy. I love you.
The Standing Series was okay, but then again, it seems that I fare better at the Floor Series. I am guessing it's because my knees are not as strong as they should be. I was pretty active in sports, particularly volleyball, and I wonder how much damage my knee joints incurred with those sudden stops and jumps. But, as I am intent on practicing this yoga until I can no longer stand, I am confident that my knees will eventually regain their strength. One thing I have noticed is how much back strength I have gained since I started my practice a year ago. I was very pleased with my Full Locust today. Who would have thought that a few centimetres of improvement would matter so much? Or holding a posture a few seconds longer would elicit a feeling of fulfillment?
During the 2-minute Savasana, I thought about my mother, whom I miss so much. I take the opportunity to think about her during this time, as there is nothing else that would distract me. It is just the two of us. Life goes on; mine is quite busy with work and raising a family. I sometimes forget to acknowledge her when life passes by so quickly. And so, during Savasana, I offer her a few precious seconds to let her know that I will always cherish her memory.
Good night, Mommy. I love you.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010 - Payback for 11 Days of No Yoga!
Yes, I was AWOL from yoga for 11 days. I just didn't feel like going. I did not want to leave my bed for the 6:00AM class during the week. I didn't even get up for the 7:30AM class for the past two Sundays. I have no excuses; I suffered from a spell of being sedentary.
So today, being a Wednesday and my regular day off, I vowed to resume my practice. I had the pleasure in meeting a new teacher, Christian, whom I heard is from Vancouver. He was great! Great energy, lots of laughs, lots of jokes, and lots and lots of encouragement and words of wisdom. Oh but OMG!!!it was a HOT one today (later I learned the thermostat registered at 117 degrees at the end of the class!!!). It was a very busy class, and there were only a few inches between me and my neighbours. I was out of breath towards the end of the first set of Pranayama, and all throughout the second set as well. I tanked during the second set of Standing Bow Pulling, I only managed one leg, yes, ONE LEG (basically 1/2 of the first set) of Balancing Stick. I just tanked during the Standing Series...period. The 2 minute Savasana was such a welcome respite! I thought about leaving the room, AND fetching my water bottle. Staying in the room has never been an issue for me, ever, and now, I was pretty close to making that escape. I've stopped drinking during class for the past 3 months. But you know, the mind is a powerful thing, and I could have allowed it to rule over me. It was telling me to leave, to go and get that water bottle, to have some fresh air and cool down. But then I thought, I've come this far, why leave now? By leaving the room, I would have thrown away today's practice. I needed to come today. For the past week, I could feel my body protesting already. Every morning when I wake up, then get up to start my day, I don't feel as alive as I would like to. I don't remember feeling this way when I was doing the 30 Day Challenge. Back then I felt rejuvenated, alive AND kicking. I need to feel that way again.
The thing with this yoga is, when it is all over, you just feel absolutely great! Somehow you are rewarded with this, and so you should, after being in that hot room for 90 minutes. And this great feeling lasts and lasts, keeps you coming back for more. Yes, even if sometimes you don't feel like coming. But you do return.
Good night, Mommy. I love you.
So today, being a Wednesday and my regular day off, I vowed to resume my practice. I had the pleasure in meeting a new teacher, Christian, whom I heard is from Vancouver. He was great! Great energy, lots of laughs, lots of jokes, and lots and lots of encouragement and words of wisdom. Oh but OMG!!!it was a HOT one today (later I learned the thermostat registered at 117 degrees at the end of the class!!!). It was a very busy class, and there were only a few inches between me and my neighbours. I was out of breath towards the end of the first set of Pranayama, and all throughout the second set as well. I tanked during the second set of Standing Bow Pulling, I only managed one leg, yes, ONE LEG (basically 1/2 of the first set) of Balancing Stick. I just tanked during the Standing Series...period. The 2 minute Savasana was such a welcome respite! I thought about leaving the room, AND fetching my water bottle. Staying in the room has never been an issue for me, ever, and now, I was pretty close to making that escape. I've stopped drinking during class for the past 3 months. But you know, the mind is a powerful thing, and I could have allowed it to rule over me. It was telling me to leave, to go and get that water bottle, to have some fresh air and cool down. But then I thought, I've come this far, why leave now? By leaving the room, I would have thrown away today's practice. I needed to come today. For the past week, I could feel my body protesting already. Every morning when I wake up, then get up to start my day, I don't feel as alive as I would like to. I don't remember feeling this way when I was doing the 30 Day Challenge. Back then I felt rejuvenated, alive AND kicking. I need to feel that way again.
The thing with this yoga is, when it is all over, you just feel absolutely great! Somehow you are rewarded with this, and so you should, after being in that hot room for 90 minutes. And this great feeling lasts and lasts, keeps you coming back for more. Yes, even if sometimes you don't feel like coming. But you do return.
Good night, Mommy. I love you.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010 = 'Twas a Sweaty, Hot One!
With two days rest, a great lunch of chicken souvlaki and grapes PLUS lots of water during the day, I was determined to have a great class right after work. I made it to class early enough so I wasn't rushing. It wasn't a busy class either. It was such a gorgeous day, and the temperature was high enough on the way over that I felt warmed up so to speak.
I had a great Pranayama, but boy, was I sweating right from the get go. I pretty much rocked the standing series. But as soon as I got to the floor, I suddenly felt hot, REALLY hot. My face was very red, I felt as if I am overheating. During the 2-minute savasana, my eyes were getting stung by the salty sweat that just kept running down. How does that happen, when I am lying down? You can just imagine how much I was sweating then. When I looked at myself in the mirror, my eyes were just bloodshot! The thing that really perplexed me was that when I spread my arms out for the Full Locust, the floor felt COLD. It never felt like that before. It kinda freaked me out, seriously (my daughter says I sound like a teenager!). Second set of Camel took my breath away, I needed a few moments of rest before I was able to lie down for savasana. I was so pooped out, I kept thinking about my water bottle. If I had that bottle inside the room with me I would have broken my resolve and taken a few sips. It didn't help that the fans weren't turned on.
As soon as Aleya ended the class and left the room, I immediately got up and left. I was so relieved to feel the cool shower and the peppermint soap. Ahhhhhhhh...
I got home, happy to be with my hubby and daughter, had leftovers for supper, and soon we will be watching a movie in our rec room. I am ready for that ice-cold beer and a few munchies. I had my yoga, I have my family with me.
Life is good...I feel very blessed.
Good night, Mommy. I love you.
I had a great Pranayama, but boy, was I sweating right from the get go. I pretty much rocked the standing series. But as soon as I got to the floor, I suddenly felt hot, REALLY hot. My face was very red, I felt as if I am overheating. During the 2-minute savasana, my eyes were getting stung by the salty sweat that just kept running down. How does that happen, when I am lying down? You can just imagine how much I was sweating then. When I looked at myself in the mirror, my eyes were just bloodshot! The thing that really perplexed me was that when I spread my arms out for the Full Locust, the floor felt COLD. It never felt like that before. It kinda freaked me out, seriously (my daughter says I sound like a teenager!). Second set of Camel took my breath away, I needed a few moments of rest before I was able to lie down for savasana. I was so pooped out, I kept thinking about my water bottle. If I had that bottle inside the room with me I would have broken my resolve and taken a few sips. It didn't help that the fans weren't turned on.
As soon as Aleya ended the class and left the room, I immediately got up and left. I was so relieved to feel the cool shower and the peppermint soap. Ahhhhhhhh...
I got home, happy to be with my hubby and daughter, had leftovers for supper, and soon we will be watching a movie in our rec room. I am ready for that ice-cold beer and a few munchies. I had my yoga, I have my family with me.
Life is good...I feel very blessed.
Good night, Mommy. I love you.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010 = Going Great Guns at 9:30AM
Two days off from yoga, and I'm back. Two days of rest, of not pulling and stretching these poor muscles feels good. I've decided to forego my 6:00AM practice and instead showed up for the 9:30. It feels great to have some chatty time with my friends before what I anticipate to be another great class with Peter at the helm.
Pranayama went really well. I tried my best to hold my stomach in on the exhale which I find challenging. Reason being is I am consciously keeping my weight on my heels, pushing my hips forward, AND keeping my stomach in--that's a lot to keep track of. During Half Moon, I am pleased to be able to keep my arms stretched and glued slightly behind my ears, thereby opening my chest more. I am still challenged by keeping my hips in one line while keeping the shoulder that's down more forward. My back bends are pretty good, and I am just about THERE with Hands to Feet pose. Standing Head to Knee is way better today; I am able to hold my leg parallel longer this time. I think you can pretty much figure out that my standing series rocked today.
The floor series went well, too. My most improved floor pose for today would be the Floor Bow. It really helps to keep your eyes glued to the ceiling, and to keep them looking way back. Your legs will follow their lead and as long as you keep kicking, the closer you will get to looking like a bow.
So there you have it. I am really convinced that there should be a day of rest in between practices...until the next 30 Day Challenge! :)
Good night, Mommy. I love you.
Pranayama went really well. I tried my best to hold my stomach in on the exhale which I find challenging. Reason being is I am consciously keeping my weight on my heels, pushing my hips forward, AND keeping my stomach in--that's a lot to keep track of. During Half Moon, I am pleased to be able to keep my arms stretched and glued slightly behind my ears, thereby opening my chest more. I am still challenged by keeping my hips in one line while keeping the shoulder that's down more forward. My back bends are pretty good, and I am just about THERE with Hands to Feet pose. Standing Head to Knee is way better today; I am able to hold my leg parallel longer this time. I think you can pretty much figure out that my standing series rocked today.
The floor series went well, too. My most improved floor pose for today would be the Floor Bow. It really helps to keep your eyes glued to the ceiling, and to keep them looking way back. Your legs will follow their lead and as long as you keep kicking, the closer you will get to looking like a bow.
So there you have it. I am really convinced that there should be a day of rest in between practices...until the next 30 Day Challenge! :)
Good night, Mommy. I love you.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010 = Mommy's 40th Day
Today, I forgot about ME, and instead I focused on my mother. This day marks the 40th day since she passed away. You might ask, what the significance of 40 days is. It is a belief in my culture that after the 40th day, the soul of a loved one will be crossing over to Heaven. During these 40 days, we also refrain from wearing bright colours as this is also considered the mourning period. I have limited my wardrobe to black, white, brown, beige, tan, deep purple, navy blue. Some people do this for a year. I remember Mommy wearing nothing but the above (save for the purple) when my Lolo (her father, my grandfather) passed away many years ago.
When we arrived in Nanaimo, it was pouring buckets. I thought, oh dear, it's going to be a soggy visit to the cemetery. But once we got there, it was glorious sunshine. I'm thinking that Mommy must have a lot of pull with the Gods to stop the rain. It stayed that way until we left her, then the clouds started to roll in again. I said a little prayer that it won't be a rainy drive home to Victoria. It wasn't.
Thank you, Mommy. I miss you so much, and I am very sad that you're gone, that I won't ever kiss your lovely face every time I visit you. But I take comfort from knowing that you will always be with us, the family whom you loved and cherished with all your heart.
Good night, Mommy. I love you.
When we arrived in Nanaimo, it was pouring buckets. I thought, oh dear, it's going to be a soggy visit to the cemetery. But once we got there, it was glorious sunshine. I'm thinking that Mommy must have a lot of pull with the Gods to stop the rain. It stayed that way until we left her, then the clouds started to roll in again. I said a little prayer that it won't be a rainy drive home to Victoria. It wasn't.
Thank you, Mommy. I miss you so much, and I am very sad that you're gone, that I won't ever kiss your lovely face every time I visit you. But I take comfort from knowing that you will always be with us, the family whom you loved and cherished with all your heart.
Good night, Mommy. I love you.
Sunday, June 6, 2010 = A Year and A Day of Hot Yoga Keeps the Doctor Away
I drafted this post yesterday, but was stymied by the sudden service interruption by blogger.com. So here's my "day old" post.
Touch wood, I have been feeling very well since I began practising Bikram Yoga a year ago. I sleep better, I haven't had a stiff neck, and all in all, I just feel like a million bucks. Mind you, my body feels sore everyday, but it's a soreness that you definitely can endure. It's my bum cheeks that are taking all the beating, from being stretched in Hands to Feet, Standing Head to Knee, Standing Bow Pulling, and Balancing Stick. I definitely perform better when I take a day of rest. Right now I am contemplating on whether I should take a break from daily practice by resting the day after, then practising again on the next. I am also thinking that IF I decide to continue my daily practice, I should probably attend an afternoon or evening class so I have the whole day to limber up. Yesterday I practised in the afternoon, and today I practised first thing in the morning. Yesterday I rocked, today I sorta rocked. Que sera, sera.
Good night, Mommy. I love you.
Touch wood, I have been feeling very well since I began practising Bikram Yoga a year ago. I sleep better, I haven't had a stiff neck, and all in all, I just feel like a million bucks. Mind you, my body feels sore everyday, but it's a soreness that you definitely can endure. It's my bum cheeks that are taking all the beating, from being stretched in Hands to Feet, Standing Head to Knee, Standing Bow Pulling, and Balancing Stick. I definitely perform better when I take a day of rest. Right now I am contemplating on whether I should take a break from daily practice by resting the day after, then practising again on the next. I am also thinking that IF I decide to continue my daily practice, I should probably attend an afternoon or evening class so I have the whole day to limber up. Yesterday I practised in the afternoon, and today I practised first thing in the morning. Yesterday I rocked, today I sorta rocked. Que sera, sera.
Good night, Mommy. I love you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)