Hello Friends. Remember me? Yeah, it's me Rob - the guy who used to have a blog about yoga, meditation and the like.
It's been quite a while since last posted (almost 2 full months...AH!) and truth be told things have been kind of challenging. I really spread myself thin and forgot about important things like healthy eating and sleep - all while trying to do an overly zealous yoga practice and work three jobs! Well my body taught me a lesson on that one. Two illnesses later (including the beloved H1N1 or Swine Flu as it's affectionately known!) and after about a month of feeling quite like crap I think I'm ready to start treating myself right again!
So that's what's been going on with my body in general. On my spiritual front I've maintained an "adequate" yoga practice in the midst of all this, but it certainly hasn't been every day. Actually it's been pretty sparse. Maybe 2-3 times a week. Certainly not ideal.
I HAVE been quite consistent with my meditation, and that's where things got really interesting. So just a little background before I go a bit off the deep end, I've been reading a lot of Daniel Ingram lately. He's a REALLY hardcore Buddhist writer who talks really in depth about the stages of enlightenment and deep states of meditation. After reading his thoughts about the stages on insight (which BTW aren't his invention, they're based on the original Pali cannon of Theravada Buddhism) a lot of my mental process of late started to make more sense.
Without getting too esoteric, suffice it to say there was much Dukkha in my practice and life, which I think partially manifested in my two illnesses. Everyday tasks seemed almost impossible and I dreaded getting up to go to work. Even yoga seemed unenjoyable. I couldn't sit still for meditation. This finally culminated (after my 1st sickness) with the most intense body cramps in my neck and shoulders that appeared for no obvious reason. I could barely move. And amazingly, all of this is described perfectly in the stages of awakening. And I'll also add that all of this happened BEFORE I even read about it so it's not as if I was manifesting it after the fact. But after reading about this stage and his encouragement to keep just keep going, keep practicing, no matter how hard it is I was able to break on through and remember why I'm doing all this in the fist place. I recommitted to a serious sitting practice and have regained some sense of balance.
Well, with a little determination and evaluation of my lifestyle I think that I'm ready to move on. I've settled into a more calm part of the "Dark Night" (equanimity perhaps?) and am regaining my lust for life. I've rediscover the joys of healthy eating and remember how important it is to my yogic lifestyle! I still have a lot of work to do in my progress, but I think that with some patient determination I can learn to manage this phase and my practice, etc. without destroying my personal life and health.
More importantly to you guys I've also reevaluated how I want to use this blog. I still want to write about my process and commit to a year of solid and truly dedicated yoga practice. What I absolutely want to eliminate is the ideal of trying to practice each and every day and the counting of the number of days. I realized that my practice had gotten WAY too goal oriented and this is the exact opposite of Yoga! So from now on I will write several times a week in here, certainly about Yoga, but I really want to expand the scope a bit. I'm really tired of focusing on the physical "Oh my hamstrings were tight today." "Pose X was really easy". This is a: boring and b: kind of misses the point in my opinion.
Henceforth I'm going to use this blog as a general discussion on the whole of yogic life for me over the year. This will include talks on meditation, healthy eating (recipes, etc.!), philosophy and yes, even my asana practice. I think I'll have a lot more to talk about and this will keep things much more interesting. I'll be sure to keep it true to the original focus, but I think having a broader spectrum will encourage me to write more. I hope you agree!
It's great to be back guys. Much metta, etc. from me to you!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Heather - Days Forty-four thru Fifty-four
I feel like it has been an eon since I wrote here. But I looked back and my last entry wasn't even two weeks ago. That is still too long to go, but not as bad as I thought...considering....
I have just spent the last two weeks working sixty hours, barely seeing my home except to sleep on four of the seven days, trying to work on my relationship, and get at least six hours of sleep a night with varying degrees of success. I am frankly exhausted. I have been practicing - Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Yin, but not daily. In some ways I feel like a failure to this blog. But the truth is I took on this challenge in order to deepen my practice of yoga and develop a stronger understanding of my life and body and mind so that I could create a better balance of work, spiritual endeavor, and human relationships. Unfortunately, my first two months have been more about watching how out of balance my life really is - ironically. I obviously spend A LOT of time working. Sixty hours is way too much, but I have been working about 45 minimum for much too long and without a regular weekly day off - ever. The days I get off are the ones I take off to go somewhere or do other things like yoga workshops, visit family, etc. And much of the rest of my time is spent one of three ways:
1. With my boyfriend (yay!), but even he is so busy we have to schedule ahead to make a date - and it is a weekly commitment that we have set up together.
2. traveling between jobs, home, practice, the boyfriend's
3. sleeping.
I rarely see my friends anymore, I am not able to get in a daily practice because I am so exhausted so often, and I don't have ANY time to grocery shop or cook so that I can eat foods that fill me with energy and nourishment. I want to emphasize that I am not whining here. I am just coming to realize that my life is not going the exact direction I need and want it to. And before I was just trying to get through on a daily basis, making schedules that I was too exhausted to follow through on and not knowing exactly what to do to fix anything and feeling a little lost. But this past week has been some revelations for me. I had a meeting with the owner of my yoga studio where I teach and work and we came to the conclusion that working the desk may not be supporting my teaching and practicing. So I am going to step down in November, increase my hours at Starbucks, and practice more, teach more and have a real day off each week. I am nervous and excited. The money is good right now. But in my heart, it isn't worth the sacrifices I am having to make.
Another exciting endeavor is a workshop I am taking with Kate O'Donnell, my Ashtanga teacher. She has been working with and studying Ayurveda for quite some time and has graciously set up a fall and spring workshop series to offer guidance on all things yogic that aren't covered deeply in an asana class including an organized cleanse. It started this morning and we were set up with learning neti and nasya, toungue scraping, some simple hatha yoga, and nodi sodana. We discussed, lightly, doshas, and food. This week is the prep week of cutting out or at least down things like meat, dairy, caffeine, refined sugars and flours. The cleanse is the 9-day Kichiri cleanse. She is asking that we decide if we can do 9 days or make a decision in advance of how many days (4 being a minimum) that we can commit to. I look forward to this month and the journey within the journey I am taking. This month will not only be about cleansing the body, but about cleansing my life and clearing it of the obstacles that stand in the way of health and happiness. What a life!!!
So, as hard as this is for me to say, maybe the initial rules that I set for myself need to be thrown out. This is indeed 365 days of yoga, but not 365 days of asana. Maybe it will become 10 months of asana or 9 or six or two, but I can promise that I am putting yoga into practice everyday whether it is the added patience in a difficult personal encounter, a period of seated meditation, a yoga class or self-practice or some time for personal reflection and evaluation.
Wishing you hapPiness and metta from a little dot in the universe called Boston,
Heather
I have just spent the last two weeks working sixty hours, barely seeing my home except to sleep on four of the seven days, trying to work on my relationship, and get at least six hours of sleep a night with varying degrees of success. I am frankly exhausted. I have been practicing - Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Yin, but not daily. In some ways I feel like a failure to this blog. But the truth is I took on this challenge in order to deepen my practice of yoga and develop a stronger understanding of my life and body and mind so that I could create a better balance of work, spiritual endeavor, and human relationships. Unfortunately, my first two months have been more about watching how out of balance my life really is - ironically. I obviously spend A LOT of time working. Sixty hours is way too much, but I have been working about 45 minimum for much too long and without a regular weekly day off - ever. The days I get off are the ones I take off to go somewhere or do other things like yoga workshops, visit family, etc. And much of the rest of my time is spent one of three ways:
1. With my boyfriend (yay!), but even he is so busy we have to schedule ahead to make a date - and it is a weekly commitment that we have set up together.
2. traveling between jobs, home, practice, the boyfriend's
3. sleeping.
I rarely see my friends anymore, I am not able to get in a daily practice because I am so exhausted so often, and I don't have ANY time to grocery shop or cook so that I can eat foods that fill me with energy and nourishment. I want to emphasize that I am not whining here. I am just coming to realize that my life is not going the exact direction I need and want it to. And before I was just trying to get through on a daily basis, making schedules that I was too exhausted to follow through on and not knowing exactly what to do to fix anything and feeling a little lost. But this past week has been some revelations for me. I had a meeting with the owner of my yoga studio where I teach and work and we came to the conclusion that working the desk may not be supporting my teaching and practicing. So I am going to step down in November, increase my hours at Starbucks, and practice more, teach more and have a real day off each week. I am nervous and excited. The money is good right now. But in my heart, it isn't worth the sacrifices I am having to make.
Another exciting endeavor is a workshop I am taking with Kate O'Donnell, my Ashtanga teacher. She has been working with and studying Ayurveda for quite some time and has graciously set up a fall and spring workshop series to offer guidance on all things yogic that aren't covered deeply in an asana class including an organized cleanse. It started this morning and we were set up with learning neti and nasya, toungue scraping, some simple hatha yoga, and nodi sodana. We discussed, lightly, doshas, and food. This week is the prep week of cutting out or at least down things like meat, dairy, caffeine, refined sugars and flours. The cleanse is the 9-day Kichiri cleanse. She is asking that we decide if we can do 9 days or make a decision in advance of how many days (4 being a minimum) that we can commit to. I look forward to this month and the journey within the journey I am taking. This month will not only be about cleansing the body, but about cleansing my life and clearing it of the obstacles that stand in the way of health and happiness. What a life!!!
So, as hard as this is for me to say, maybe the initial rules that I set for myself need to be thrown out. This is indeed 365 days of yoga, but not 365 days of asana. Maybe it will become 10 months of asana or 9 or six or two, but I can promise that I am putting yoga into practice everyday whether it is the added patience in a difficult personal encounter, a period of seated meditation, a yoga class or self-practice or some time for personal reflection and evaluation.
Wishing you hapPiness and metta from a little dot in the universe called Boston,
Heather
Friday, October 2, 2009
Rob - Day 37: Yin
Well, I actually woke up in plenty of time for Led Primary this morning. But something just wasn't right. I was tired, but not groggy tired. I could really feel it in my body that it was stretched thin. I've been busy busy busy and my body was telling me to chill out. This could only mean on thing - YIN!
I rolled out the mat at home for the first time in a little while for some AM Yin. I popped on a Dharma talk by Rodney Smith about mindfulness of the body and proceeded to practice for about an hour. Afterward I did a relatively short sit (About 20 mins) but dropped in really deep! My mind felt very calm and still.
I'm super glad I opted for Yin today. I can definitely tell that I've had an excess of Yang going on today and I needed to balance it out. I've been neglecting the calmer side of my practice quite a bit so I think I need to renew my efforts on that end.
Not too much to report otherwise other that I'm feeling really balanced and calm. I'm a little concerned about when I'm going to practice this weekend as I have a LOT going on. I guess that's an issue for another time though...
I rolled out the mat at home for the first time in a little while for some AM Yin. I popped on a Dharma talk by Rodney Smith about mindfulness of the body and proceeded to practice for about an hour. Afterward I did a relatively short sit (About 20 mins) but dropped in really deep! My mind felt very calm and still.
I'm super glad I opted for Yin today. I can definitely tell that I've had an excess of Yang going on today and I needed to balance it out. I've been neglecting the calmer side of my practice quite a bit so I think I need to renew my efforts on that end.
Not too much to report otherwise other that I'm feeling really balanced and calm. I'm a little concerned about when I'm going to practice this weekend as I have a LOT going on. I guess that's an issue for another time though...
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Rob - Rest Day: On Music And Life
So throughout this process I've yet to do any great deal of reflection on how this practice affects my outside life. I guess it's been enough of a change just delving so deep into my practice. Well yesterday, after my generally wonky practice, I got reminded just why I'm doing this. Well, at least one of the many reasons.
I haven't really mentioned much about it but at this point my life is focused into two main areas, yoga and music. Whenever I'm not busy doing yoga related activities there's a 90% chance I'm doing a music related activity. My day job is as Head of Publicity at a music promotions company. I own a small business that does recording/production and also sells recorded music and publishing. On top of that I play bass in a band and compose my own music. I play (in approximate order of proficiency) bass, drums, guitar, piano and voice. I also live in a house with five other musicians. So as you can see music is a HUGE part of my life.
But back to relating this to yoga. Since I first started practicing years ago I noticed the profound affect that my yoga had on my music. I noticed that my instrumental skills increased technically and that I would be suddenly infused with new ideas. I also found a direct parallel between the discipline of yoga practice and the discipline of practicing an instrument. In both cases the more you give the more you get back (to a point of course). To top this off, the confidence and ease that I've learned from yoga has all but eliminated my once immense stage anxiety. I used to tense up horribly on stage but now I let loose and have SO Much fun!
At first I wasn't really sure why all this, but after a few years I think I've gained some insights as to why. Music really is a form of meditation. Years before I became "spiritual" I can recall getting absorbed in my music, coming into incredible flow states. Time seemed to disappear as I connected with my instrument and just let the sounds come out. Since then, as I've learned the incredible focus of yoga and meditation my musical abilities have exploded. The flow state has become a regular occurrence.
So to come back to yesterday, a common passtime in my house is to have open jams in our basement. This is great because most of us play more than one instrument so it gives us a chance to switch it up and play different things. Last night I sat down on the piano (not my main instrument) and JUST PLAYED. Normally I'm a bit hesitant and uncertain, but yesterday my fingers just knew where to go. I made up great chord progressions and melody lines. Most importantly I just let it go. It was wonderful.
After some time my little brother (who lives with me) got tired of playing drums and stepped down. I enthusiastically took his place (drums are my favorite instrument to play). Now if ever there was an instrument that yoga is made to help it's drums. Since starting this project my skills on the drum kit have gotten infinitely better. It really makes sense if you think about it. Asana is all about isolating different parts of your body and making them do independent things in support of each other. Playing drums is just the same! As on the keys I just let it go on the drums. And it was wonderful!
Since starting this practice project I've noticed more and more times like these. Even if I'm not spending as much time practicing my music somehow my time spent practicing yoga compensates for it. It's a strange but incredible correlation.
To summarize and tie this all together, yoga will take whatever you're passionate about it life and help you realize it to its fullest potential. For me this is music. In India music is traditionally taught in the same Guru-Disciple paradigm as yoga is traditionally taught. When a student takes up an instrument it is a life's devotion and is immensely spiritual. Lately I've come to see the logic to this parallel and have been approaching my music, yoga and life as a spiritual devotion.
I think that I will continue to expound on this music parallel as the year goes on. It certainly seems relevant and is absolutely important to me.
Wishing you all happiness and good fortune!
I haven't really mentioned much about it but at this point my life is focused into two main areas, yoga and music. Whenever I'm not busy doing yoga related activities there's a 90% chance I'm doing a music related activity. My day job is as Head of Publicity at a music promotions company. I own a small business that does recording/production and also sells recorded music and publishing. On top of that I play bass in a band and compose my own music. I play (in approximate order of proficiency) bass, drums, guitar, piano and voice. I also live in a house with five other musicians. So as you can see music is a HUGE part of my life.
But back to relating this to yoga. Since I first started practicing years ago I noticed the profound affect that my yoga had on my music. I noticed that my instrumental skills increased technically and that I would be suddenly infused with new ideas. I also found a direct parallel between the discipline of yoga practice and the discipline of practicing an instrument. In both cases the more you give the more you get back (to a point of course). To top this off, the confidence and ease that I've learned from yoga has all but eliminated my once immense stage anxiety. I used to tense up horribly on stage but now I let loose and have SO Much fun!
At first I wasn't really sure why all this, but after a few years I think I've gained some insights as to why. Music really is a form of meditation. Years before I became "spiritual" I can recall getting absorbed in my music, coming into incredible flow states. Time seemed to disappear as I connected with my instrument and just let the sounds come out. Since then, as I've learned the incredible focus of yoga and meditation my musical abilities have exploded. The flow state has become a regular occurrence.
So to come back to yesterday, a common passtime in my house is to have open jams in our basement. This is great because most of us play more than one instrument so it gives us a chance to switch it up and play different things. Last night I sat down on the piano (not my main instrument) and JUST PLAYED. Normally I'm a bit hesitant and uncertain, but yesterday my fingers just knew where to go. I made up great chord progressions and melody lines. Most importantly I just let it go. It was wonderful.
After some time my little brother (who lives with me) got tired of playing drums and stepped down. I enthusiastically took his place (drums are my favorite instrument to play). Now if ever there was an instrument that yoga is made to help it's drums. Since starting this project my skills on the drum kit have gotten infinitely better. It really makes sense if you think about it. Asana is all about isolating different parts of your body and making them do independent things in support of each other. Playing drums is just the same! As on the keys I just let it go on the drums. And it was wonderful!
Since starting this practice project I've noticed more and more times like these. Even if I'm not spending as much time practicing my music somehow my time spent practicing yoga compensates for it. It's a strange but incredible correlation.
To summarize and tie this all together, yoga will take whatever you're passionate about it life and help you realize it to its fullest potential. For me this is music. In India music is traditionally taught in the same Guru-Disciple paradigm as yoga is traditionally taught. When a student takes up an instrument it is a life's devotion and is immensely spiritual. Lately I've come to see the logic to this parallel and have been approaching my music, yoga and life as a spiritual devotion.
I think that I will continue to expound on this music parallel as the year goes on. It certainly seems relevant and is absolutely important to me.
Wishing you all happiness and good fortune!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Heather - Days Thirty-Seven thru Forty-Three
One LONG ladies holiday for me. I have to confess, I found it better on many of the days over the last week to not practice at all. This particular cycle was VERY rough, I worked a fifty-five hour week and was exhausted and in pain much of the time. My yoga was sleeping as much as possible, (please don't think this is a cop out, most of the time I am annoyed that my practice has to stop, but this time it NEEDED to). There were three days I did practice, however. I did a short yin practice one night, a longer restorative practice one day, and then the practice I would like to talk about was REALLY fun for me. It was on Sunday. One of the newer yogis in our studio, Tara, was dealing with the same issue I was and I was mentioning to her how I wanted to practice, but wasn't going to due to my predicament. She was curious, so I explained to her about energy flows and abstaining from over stressing the body or inversions. I told her I was going to practice, and I wanted to move, but that I was going to work on designing some sun salutations without the forward folds and down dogs. I invited her to join me, if she wished and she did. So we started off with some cool VERY restorative work: viparita karani (legs up the wall) is a particularly strongly recommended pose for those on their periods. We did some supported supta badha konasana with the bolster under the length of the spine, and then worked our way through some slow warming suns sans the inversions. Basically, in involves moving from utkatasana (chair pose) to high plank without the uttanasana (standing forward fold), moving through the vinyasa, and landing in child's pose rather than adho mukha svanasana. It is an unnecessary element, but if you want a little more warming, or just really like jumping around, then go for the jump backs and jumps ups - as long as you stay low. After a few modified A's, we added the virabadrasanas, etc. etc. Then we moved through a relatively brief lunge series, opening up the shoulders with binds, opening up the quads, etc, etc. We concluded with a long beautiful svasana with lots of props.
A couple of thoughts here: I chose, intentionally to avoid poses like twisted chair, or any twisting poses that forced the abdomen into the leg. I don't think there is anything necessarily wrong with doing this, but if you feel bloated, or crampy, as I did, you may find this to be unfavorable. But twisting away from the abdomen, such as putting the body in a lunge with the right leg foward, setting the right hand down on the inside of the bent leg and opening the body to the left side by reaching that left arm up to the ceiling.
Also, in order to honor that downward flow, avoid mula bandha. So, you can do ab work, if you can practice it without engaging mula bandha. If you don't know what I am talking about, there is a good chance you don't engage it anyway, so don't worry about it. =)
So....surrender. That is what the last week has been trying to teach me, I think. It is a strong reminder that women are blessed with that nature is not in our control, that our bodies rule us, no matter what we have the ability to do to it with our diet and exercise and other habits, our bodies get the final say. We can eat whatever we want, knowing we will get fat or thin, run as hard as we want knowing we will sweat and pant, snort coke knowing that we will deteriorate our nasal passages, but we can't choose how long that will take, and we can't make it stop. All we can do is learn our own bodies by listening and experimenting - though not so much with drugs, please. ;) Yoga is many things, and one of those things is the art of developing your ability to hear your wisdom - please notice I did not say develop your own wisdom. Your body already knows what it needs, wants, and doesn't need. In our society we get pulled into the dramas and spectacle of everything around us. We get caught up in the requests and desires of our loved ones, bosses, friends. We get lost in sense desires and grasping and aversion and it takes time and practice and devotion to go deep and listen beyond the chattering monkey mind.
WishinG you happiness and metta from a little dot in the universe called Boston,
Heather
A couple of thoughts here: I chose, intentionally to avoid poses like twisted chair, or any twisting poses that forced the abdomen into the leg. I don't think there is anything necessarily wrong with doing this, but if you feel bloated, or crampy, as I did, you may find this to be unfavorable. But twisting away from the abdomen, such as putting the body in a lunge with the right leg foward, setting the right hand down on the inside of the bent leg and opening the body to the left side by reaching that left arm up to the ceiling.
Also, in order to honor that downward flow, avoid mula bandha. So, you can do ab work, if you can practice it without engaging mula bandha. If you don't know what I am talking about, there is a good chance you don't engage it anyway, so don't worry about it. =)
So....surrender. That is what the last week has been trying to teach me, I think. It is a strong reminder that women are blessed with that nature is not in our control, that our bodies rule us, no matter what we have the ability to do to it with our diet and exercise and other habits, our bodies get the final say. We can eat whatever we want, knowing we will get fat or thin, run as hard as we want knowing we will sweat and pant, snort coke knowing that we will deteriorate our nasal passages, but we can't choose how long that will take, and we can't make it stop. All we can do is learn our own bodies by listening and experimenting - though not so much with drugs, please. ;) Yoga is many things, and one of those things is the art of developing your ability to hear your wisdom - please notice I did not say develop your own wisdom. Your body already knows what it needs, wants, and doesn't need. In our society we get pulled into the dramas and spectacle of everything around us. We get caught up in the requests and desires of our loved ones, bosses, friends. We get lost in sense desires and grasping and aversion and it takes time and practice and devotion to go deep and listen beyond the chattering monkey mind.
WishinG you happiness and metta from a little dot in the universe called Boston,
Heather
Rob - Day 36: Mysore
As promised, here for a daily entry! I set a repeating reminder on my To-Do program to make sure that I do this every day so hopefully I'll be much more consistent.
So last night I went to bed early. REALLY early. Like 8:30-9. I wanted to make sure I had enough mojo for the morning practice. It kinda worked I guess. I'm really not sure what's going on with my system right now. Obviously I got enough sleep, but I was still really tired. Probably some of this was left over from my intense led 1/2 Primary class on Monday which I followed with Heather's Yin class. I hadn't done the double header in a while and it was kinda intense. But I was really sore and tired even two days later! Also, the seasons are starting to obviously change now which is always a bit of a shock to my system.
My practice today felt sloppy, unfocused. My hamstrings were really tight and sore. I had trouble keeping focus even for the five breaths per pose. By the end I was quite tired and skipped out past Navasana. I didn't even have enough strength for Urvha Danurasana and ended up doing bridge! I let myself really go in Savasana. I borderline slept, which I guess is what I needed. I followed with a few rounds of Nadi Shodhana which definitely calmed me down a bit.
So what does this tell me..? Well, honestly I'm not quite sure. Maybe it was just an off day. By now (just after noon) I'm feeling a lot better and I'm glad I practiced even if I felt a bit wonky during and just after. I think we'll just let this one go at face value.
So last night I went to bed early. REALLY early. Like 8:30-9. I wanted to make sure I had enough mojo for the morning practice. It kinda worked I guess. I'm really not sure what's going on with my system right now. Obviously I got enough sleep, but I was still really tired. Probably some of this was left over from my intense led 1/2 Primary class on Monday which I followed with Heather's Yin class. I hadn't done the double header in a while and it was kinda intense. But I was really sore and tired even two days later! Also, the seasons are starting to obviously change now which is always a bit of a shock to my system.
My practice today felt sloppy, unfocused. My hamstrings were really tight and sore. I had trouble keeping focus even for the five breaths per pose. By the end I was quite tired and skipped out past Navasana. I didn't even have enough strength for Urvha Danurasana and ended up doing bridge! I let myself really go in Savasana. I borderline slept, which I guess is what I needed. I followed with a few rounds of Nadi Shodhana which definitely calmed me down a bit.
So what does this tell me..? Well, honestly I'm not quite sure. Maybe it was just an off day. By now (just after noon) I'm feeling a lot better and I'm glad I practiced even if I felt a bit wonky during and just after. I think we'll just let this one go at face value.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Rob - Days 33-35: Patterns
I'm beginning to figure out where I tend to fall off the train. This week, and last, I missed practice on Thursday and Friday. See what I've come to realize that while an evening practice is possible, it's tough. I'm best served by making sure that I make it to Mysore in the morning.
Thursday is the toughie. I sign in the Mysore class at the studio and then head straight to work. By the time I come home I'm exhausted and have no strength or motivation to practice. I think I'm going to hold on to Thursday as my optional day of rest. I mean, it's not completely keeping with the original intent of this project. However the MAIN intent of the project was to observe the process of a consistent practice. With that being said I've observed that I really need that day both for the sake of my schedule and my body. But Friday is another matter. If I'm going to take Thursday as rest I'm going to need to be vigilant about making it to Friday Primary class.
So what does this all have to do with patterns? Well, I've realized that my challenges with those days (Friday specifically) have come from my complacency with my diet. Now many would argue that I'm healthy, and sadly by American standards I'm way healthier than the rest. I maintain a Vegan diet and try to avoid processed food, etc. However since this experiment began and my schedule's gotten booked I've really fallen back into some bad habits. This has created a drag on my system which makes it hard to wake up in the morning even when I go to bed early and thus miss morning practice.
Mainly I've stopped cooking and have relied on prepared foods. Now this isn't necessarily all bad but its expensive and greatly increases my chances of eating crap. Confession: I've been eating at Burger King (GASP!) more often than I would care to (which is not at all). They have a Veggie Burger and my roomies go there a lot so it's an easy choice. I've also been neglecting to eat enough fresh veggies mainly due to my not preparing my own food.
So what am I going to do? Well, the cooking is going to be a bit of a challenge but it's something I'm going to work towards fitting into my schedule. In terms of prepared foods I'm going to stick to the least processed, highest quality foods I can get. Probably mainly from TJ's and Whole Foods.
I'm also making a conscious effort to eat less. It's so easy when we follow a Vegan or other healthy diet to go out of control with portions. Now I'm not trying to lose weight. It would probably be really unhealthy for my weight to drop any lower. What I am going to work greatly on is eating smaller portions of healthier foods. I've really come to realize how much big portions of caloricaly dense foods slow me down. The past few days I've been monitoring portions and only eating till I'm full. I already feel much better.
I may expand on this as I progress but I think those two steps are a great place to start.
Now what does this have to do with my practice? Well, EVERYTHING! I have forgotten how instrumental the entire diet and outside life is to a successful practice. Sure, I've been doing my Asana and getting great results. But I know deep down that by implementing these bigger changes my other practices will be greatly assisted. I'll feel better and actually have the energy to practice every day (or almost every day at least).
Just to check in. Asana is going swimmingly. I'm progressing very steadily I would say. This is the first time I've ever been so consistent for so long and I can definitely tell. I won't go into too many details, I'll save for a later post.
Another project: renewing my Dharma Practice (It's also going great but I'll also save that for another blog entry)
Final Project: Get back to writing on here every day! I have so much to talk about and it really helps me check in and keep focus.
Stay tuned for the continued evolution of this process. And if you're one of my friends, either real life or online, please help keep an eye on me! One of the main reasons I started this blog was so that I would have public accountability. I love hearing from you guys and appreciate all your support!
Thursday is the toughie. I sign in the Mysore class at the studio and then head straight to work. By the time I come home I'm exhausted and have no strength or motivation to practice. I think I'm going to hold on to Thursday as my optional day of rest. I mean, it's not completely keeping with the original intent of this project. However the MAIN intent of the project was to observe the process of a consistent practice. With that being said I've observed that I really need that day both for the sake of my schedule and my body. But Friday is another matter. If I'm going to take Thursday as rest I'm going to need to be vigilant about making it to Friday Primary class.
So what does this all have to do with patterns? Well, I've realized that my challenges with those days (Friday specifically) have come from my complacency with my diet. Now many would argue that I'm healthy, and sadly by American standards I'm way healthier than the rest. I maintain a Vegan diet and try to avoid processed food, etc. However since this experiment began and my schedule's gotten booked I've really fallen back into some bad habits. This has created a drag on my system which makes it hard to wake up in the morning even when I go to bed early and thus miss morning practice.
Mainly I've stopped cooking and have relied on prepared foods. Now this isn't necessarily all bad but its expensive and greatly increases my chances of eating crap. Confession: I've been eating at Burger King (GASP!) more often than I would care to (which is not at all). They have a Veggie Burger and my roomies go there a lot so it's an easy choice. I've also been neglecting to eat enough fresh veggies mainly due to my not preparing my own food.
So what am I going to do? Well, the cooking is going to be a bit of a challenge but it's something I'm going to work towards fitting into my schedule. In terms of prepared foods I'm going to stick to the least processed, highest quality foods I can get. Probably mainly from TJ's and Whole Foods.
I'm also making a conscious effort to eat less. It's so easy when we follow a Vegan or other healthy diet to go out of control with portions. Now I'm not trying to lose weight. It would probably be really unhealthy for my weight to drop any lower. What I am going to work greatly on is eating smaller portions of healthier foods. I've really come to realize how much big portions of caloricaly dense foods slow me down. The past few days I've been monitoring portions and only eating till I'm full. I already feel much better.
I may expand on this as I progress but I think those two steps are a great place to start.
Now what does this have to do with my practice? Well, EVERYTHING! I have forgotten how instrumental the entire diet and outside life is to a successful practice. Sure, I've been doing my Asana and getting great results. But I know deep down that by implementing these bigger changes my other practices will be greatly assisted. I'll feel better and actually have the energy to practice every day (or almost every day at least).
Just to check in. Asana is going swimmingly. I'm progressing very steadily I would say. This is the first time I've ever been so consistent for so long and I can definitely tell. I won't go into too many details, I'll save for a later post.
Another project: renewing my Dharma Practice (It's also going great but I'll also save that for another blog entry)
Final Project: Get back to writing on here every day! I have so much to talk about and it really helps me check in and keep focus.
Stay tuned for the continued evolution of this process. And if you're one of my friends, either real life or online, please help keep an eye on me! One of the main reasons I started this blog was so that I would have public accountability. I love hearing from you guys and appreciate all your support!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Rob - Days 24-32: THERE'S JUST NOT ENOUGH TIME!
Hello friends, yogis and countryfolk. I've missed you guys and feel bad that I have been so absent, especially with how much has been going on in my practice!
I've really just been quite swamped with my work and teacher training. I learned a lesson last week about poor scheduling and admittedly my practice fell off for a couple days. I've compensated my count accordingly.
Oh yeah, it's been over a month either way! Amazing. And honestly it's working. I feel my yoga on a much deeper level than a little over 30 days ago. Of course I must attribute most of that to my training.
The YogaWorks method is such a departure from my typical Ashtanga practice that it's really shown me a completely different side of what the practice can be. There's an intense focus on alignment and most holds are upwards of 30 seconds. This coupled with a bit of vinyasa leads to a really intense practice. Oh yeah. And Natasha has us going for about 2 1/2 hours each time!
The days after I've been super tired, but once I recover I've been noticing new openings in my body. On top of this I have such a deeper awareness of alignment has completely changed my approach. I've done my regular Mysore practice a few times and felt in to my skeletal alignment in a new way. Basically what I've realized is that here to the majority of my focus was on "forcing" my tighter regions to open using mainly muscles, and the wrong ones at that. By aligning my bones neatly and engaging the correct muscles I've been able to come far deeper into many poses while simultaneously using less energy and having more focus on my breath! Hooray!
The single most beneficial teaching I've found is a proper Tadasana in ALL of my poses. By engaging my quads, lifting my arches, and in some cases aligning my pelvis properly I've found that I'm much more stable and can fold much deeper. This is surprisingly effective in the many forward folds in primary. To my amazement by engaging a proper Tadasana in the straight leg I'm able to straighten it nearly completely and fold almost completely flat. So it appears the much of my perceived hamstring curse was actually just poorly executed postures. I really mean this in a non-judgmental way. I'm so happy to be progressing based on execution and not by force!
And as if that weren't enough... I'm also finding that by proper aligning in poses I seem to be receiving much more energizing effects from them. I'm far less tired after practice and feel a deeper connection and sensitivity to the world. The awareness that I'm developing in the poses is helping my with my everyday awareness.
When I made this blog the Sanskrit words on the top that I chose are the second Yoga Sutra - "Yoga Citta Vritti Nirodhah". Roughly translated (and we discussed this in training as well) this means that Yoga enables one to still the mind and achieve an even focus (HA - that's the Rob Phillips version at least). I'm really starting to see how a physical practice of Asana can be so catalytic towards a spiritual and mindness practice.
Wow, that's a lot for one post.
And think, I'm only just over a month in. Where will I be in 11 more.....? :)
I've really just been quite swamped with my work and teacher training. I learned a lesson last week about poor scheduling and admittedly my practice fell off for a couple days. I've compensated my count accordingly.
Oh yeah, it's been over a month either way! Amazing. And honestly it's working. I feel my yoga on a much deeper level than a little over 30 days ago. Of course I must attribute most of that to my training.
The YogaWorks method is such a departure from my typical Ashtanga practice that it's really shown me a completely different side of what the practice can be. There's an intense focus on alignment and most holds are upwards of 30 seconds. This coupled with a bit of vinyasa leads to a really intense practice. Oh yeah. And Natasha has us going for about 2 1/2 hours each time!
The days after I've been super tired, but once I recover I've been noticing new openings in my body. On top of this I have such a deeper awareness of alignment has completely changed my approach. I've done my regular Mysore practice a few times and felt in to my skeletal alignment in a new way. Basically what I've realized is that here to the majority of my focus was on "forcing" my tighter regions to open using mainly muscles, and the wrong ones at that. By aligning my bones neatly and engaging the correct muscles I've been able to come far deeper into many poses while simultaneously using less energy and having more focus on my breath! Hooray!
The single most beneficial teaching I've found is a proper Tadasana in ALL of my poses. By engaging my quads, lifting my arches, and in some cases aligning my pelvis properly I've found that I'm much more stable and can fold much deeper. This is surprisingly effective in the many forward folds in primary. To my amazement by engaging a proper Tadasana in the straight leg I'm able to straighten it nearly completely and fold almost completely flat. So it appears the much of my perceived hamstring curse was actually just poorly executed postures. I really mean this in a non-judgmental way. I'm so happy to be progressing based on execution and not by force!
And as if that weren't enough... I'm also finding that by proper aligning in poses I seem to be receiving much more energizing effects from them. I'm far less tired after practice and feel a deeper connection and sensitivity to the world. The awareness that I'm developing in the poses is helping my with my everyday awareness.
When I made this blog the Sanskrit words on the top that I chose are the second Yoga Sutra - "Yoga Citta Vritti Nirodhah". Roughly translated (and we discussed this in training as well) this means that Yoga enables one to still the mind and achieve an even focus (HA - that's the Rob Phillips version at least). I'm really starting to see how a physical practice of Asana can be so catalytic towards a spiritual and mindness practice.
Wow, that's a lot for one post.
And think, I'm only just over a month in. Where will I be in 11 more.....? :)
Monday, September 21, 2009
Heather - Day Thirty-Six
Today was a rough day...sigh...I have a boyfriend of six months who I love very much and we just had our first little - not fight - ugly spot. Without going into detail, things were said, stories got spinning in my head and I had a crappy day - as well as he. But I can tell you, I did NOT feel like practicing yoga. I went to two meditation classes where I did little but think about the situation and still I NEEDED to practice so after the second meditation class, taught admirably by our dear Rob, I bit the bullet and took Ashtanga. I was doing....OK....while my own practice is usually an almost complete primary, I made it to Janu sirsasana B before I needed to come to child's pose and just breathe. I stayed there through all the marichiasanas and came to some milder backbends and the closing poses. Because Ashtanga's focus is meant to be the breath, I chose to come to child's pose when my breath was becoming unmanageable due to emotion. I have had emotional practices before and usually I feel better at the end. But I knew that I wouldn't feel better until I talked to the boyfriend face to face. So, after practicing and teaching, I did so.
I think having to move on with my life when all I wanted to do was crawl into a hole, or the arms of my boyfriend, was useful. It was never easy, but I am glad I had the yoga to disperse some of the tension and to find some level of acceptance with how I was feeling, rather than continuing to wish for it to change.
Of course, everything between the two of us is fine. We are great communicators with one another and we resolved the little problem before it could become an issue.
Thank-you yoga!
WishinG you happiness and metta from a little dot in the universe called Boston,
Heather
I think having to move on with my life when all I wanted to do was crawl into a hole, or the arms of my boyfriend, was useful. It was never easy, but I am glad I had the yoga to disperse some of the tension and to find some level of acceptance with how I was feeling, rather than continuing to wish for it to change.
Of course, everything between the two of us is fine. We are great communicators with one another and we resolved the little problem before it could become an issue.
Thank-you yoga!
WishinG you happiness and metta from a little dot in the universe called Boston,
Heather
Heather - Days Thirty-Two - Thirty Five
I went away over the weekend for my birthday. I went to Chicago (Naperville, really) to meet my aunt, mother, and cousin's wife for a girl's weekend out. Though none of my family members are regular (if ever) yoga practioners I was determined (as it was my birthday) to get to a class everyday!
Thursday I got to the airport super early, so I changed into my yoga clothes and found a quiet corner near my gate, laid out my mat and did an hour of Yin - well, I added a headstand just because I love inverting and was really feeling it. I slipped into my iPod world and had a much better flight for it!
While in Chicago I did manage to take yoga on Friday and Saturday. On Friday I visited Universal Spirit. A pretty little space, has hosted WAH! in the past. They offer yoga to all ages - children's classes, seniors' classes, pre/post natal and focus on Hatha styles. The class I took was at 8am on Friday. I have never taken a Hatha class and the desciption of this class said that we would warm up with a few suns, move through some standing and proceed to seated. That was not the case. Generally, the class was uneven in its offerings. I would take class there again, but probably not with the same teacher. I do believe, however, that she is a good teacher, she just didn't align with what I wanted out of a yoga class.
On Saturday morning, 8:15, I took my first Baptiste Power Yoga class at Power Your Om, also in Naperville. I was a little nervous, due to the reputation that that style has, and was very happy to have gone. It was to the point, there was no teacher opening chatting, just pose and go. The teacher really took the opportunity to encourage mindfulness while we were sweating it out on our mats. The sequencing was logical and simple. I would definitely go back or even try Baptiste here in its homeland!
On Sunday, it was a little airport yoga and then home to teach that evening.
Before going I searched high and low for a Mysore or Ashtanga studio. And I considered just doing self-practice at the hotel, but the floor in the gym wasn't conducive to a yoga mat and there was carpeting in the hotel room. So what I learned was that yoga - on some level - is yoga. It doesn't matter who is teaching, or how warm the room is, or whether you are sweating like crazy or chilling out in badha konasana over a bolster. Your practice is always in your hands and no teacher can make you do any pose or go to any depth that you don't choose to do. Yoga is for listening to your own body and while we have teachers that are like the finger pointing to the moon, it is our job to not get caught up in the hand, but to follow it's direction and know the moon with our own eyes.
Wishing you hapPiness and metta from a little dot in the universe called Boston,
Heather
Thursday I got to the airport super early, so I changed into my yoga clothes and found a quiet corner near my gate, laid out my mat and did an hour of Yin - well, I added a headstand just because I love inverting and was really feeling it. I slipped into my iPod world and had a much better flight for it!
While in Chicago I did manage to take yoga on Friday and Saturday. On Friday I visited Universal Spirit. A pretty little space, has hosted WAH! in the past. They offer yoga to all ages - children's classes, seniors' classes, pre/post natal and focus on Hatha styles. The class I took was at 8am on Friday. I have never taken a Hatha class and the desciption of this class said that we would warm up with a few suns, move through some standing and proceed to seated. That was not the case. Generally, the class was uneven in its offerings. I would take class there again, but probably not with the same teacher. I do believe, however, that she is a good teacher, she just didn't align with what I wanted out of a yoga class.
On Saturday morning, 8:15, I took my first Baptiste Power Yoga class at Power Your Om, also in Naperville. I was a little nervous, due to the reputation that that style has, and was very happy to have gone. It was to the point, there was no teacher opening chatting, just pose and go. The teacher really took the opportunity to encourage mindfulness while we were sweating it out on our mats. The sequencing was logical and simple. I would definitely go back or even try Baptiste here in its homeland!
On Sunday, it was a little airport yoga and then home to teach that evening.
Before going I searched high and low for a Mysore or Ashtanga studio. And I considered just doing self-practice at the hotel, but the floor in the gym wasn't conducive to a yoga mat and there was carpeting in the hotel room. So what I learned was that yoga - on some level - is yoga. It doesn't matter who is teaching, or how warm the room is, or whether you are sweating like crazy or chilling out in badha konasana over a bolster. Your practice is always in your hands and no teacher can make you do any pose or go to any depth that you don't choose to do. Yoga is for listening to your own body and while we have teachers that are like the finger pointing to the moon, it is our job to not get caught up in the hand, but to follow it's direction and know the moon with our own eyes.
Wishing you hapPiness and metta from a little dot in the universe called Boston,
Heather
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Heather - Days Twenty-Six - Twenty-Eight: David Swenson!!!!!
David. Swenson.
O. M. G.
L. M. A. O.
For those of you who aren't as familiar with David Swenson, he is a big name teacher in the Ashtanga world and he is HILARIOUS!!! We were very honored at Back Bay Yoga to have him for a weekend of 6 workshops followed by a week of teacher training, which, I am sad to say that I have not had the opportunity to partake due to scheduling conflicts. I hope to next time around, for sure!
I can't even quite begin to explain the joy of practicing in a room of so many dedicated Ashtangis. We did a full primary on Saturday morning and, admittedly, by the second or third Sun B, I am usually feeling eager for the standing poses. But Saturday morning, it felt soooo easy - the WHOLE primary, relatively speaking. The energy in the room was so focused and everyone was working so hard. It was electric and I almost felt afterward like my body practiced for me rather me making my body go through practice. It was sensational! I started giggling in svasana because I was so euphoric.
And he made it so easy with his voice and general attitude. This is not to say that my body wasn't sore or tired later on, but it didn't feel like a struggle at some of the places that I often struggle - whether it be with my ego or my body. Everything was OK. I am going to definitely try my best to keep that in my practice!
As I write this, I realize that I could spend thousands of words trying to explain everything I learned in this series of workshops from Mr. Swenson. There are just a few problems with attempting to take on such a thing. One, if you weren't there you won't really be able to grasp exactly what he was saying because his classes were dependent so much on the experience of what he was talking about. Two, I am not a co-author or collaborator, so I am not even sure how much of his stuff I should actually share without his permission. Three, as I practice in my life everything I think I have learned from him will have a totally different perspective, so I can guarantee that I don't have a very full understanding of the information covered.
Let me just highlight what I found really noteworthy. He emphasized something that I have always tried to bring to my practice. Someone asked him about meditating and his own practices. He said an actual seated practice is not part of the Ashtanga prescription, but that most teacher do some sort of seated practice independently of the Ashtanga practice. Then he said it: The thing that just solidifies what I have instinctually felt for a long time, but no one has ever said quite so directly. The practice, the movement, is itself a form of meditation - in motion. The striving of trying to get into this posture or that posture shouldn't be the focus. Breath, concentration, deep listening, the union of mind, body, heart - those things are yoga. Strength, flexibility, stamina, increased health, even a quiet mind are all side benefits of yoga. No one NEEDS to be able to do a full split or stand on their hands. The physical demands of a human existence don't require anything that fancy. So whether it takes someone one week or one year or ten years or never to be able to bind in marichasana D, it doesn't matter. It is a fun goal and something that as you work toward it can have visible results. But true yoga is for learning patience, surrender, acceptance, and universality. For me, it is learning that inner peace isn't dependent on and doesn't necessarily result in ideal external situations. It is learning to walk your path with diginity and delight - to set goals with intention and honesty, but work towards them with sincerity and flexibility. Yoga is learning to know that no one is special because everyone is special and that we all struggle and strive, laugh and learn, and have our ugly moments and our beautiful ones.
Thank-you David Swenson!
WishIng you happiness and metta from a little dot in the universe called Boston,
Heather
O. M. G.
L. M. A. O.
For those of you who aren't as familiar with David Swenson, he is a big name teacher in the Ashtanga world and he is HILARIOUS!!! We were very honored at Back Bay Yoga to have him for a weekend of 6 workshops followed by a week of teacher training, which, I am sad to say that I have not had the opportunity to partake due to scheduling conflicts. I hope to next time around, for sure!
I can't even quite begin to explain the joy of practicing in a room of so many dedicated Ashtangis. We did a full primary on Saturday morning and, admittedly, by the second or third Sun B, I am usually feeling eager for the standing poses. But Saturday morning, it felt soooo easy - the WHOLE primary, relatively speaking. The energy in the room was so focused and everyone was working so hard. It was electric and I almost felt afterward like my body practiced for me rather me making my body go through practice. It was sensational! I started giggling in svasana because I was so euphoric.
And he made it so easy with his voice and general attitude. This is not to say that my body wasn't sore or tired later on, but it didn't feel like a struggle at some of the places that I often struggle - whether it be with my ego or my body. Everything was OK. I am going to definitely try my best to keep that in my practice!
As I write this, I realize that I could spend thousands of words trying to explain everything I learned in this series of workshops from Mr. Swenson. There are just a few problems with attempting to take on such a thing. One, if you weren't there you won't really be able to grasp exactly what he was saying because his classes were dependent so much on the experience of what he was talking about. Two, I am not a co-author or collaborator, so I am not even sure how much of his stuff I should actually share without his permission. Three, as I practice in my life everything I think I have learned from him will have a totally different perspective, so I can guarantee that I don't have a very full understanding of the information covered.
Let me just highlight what I found really noteworthy. He emphasized something that I have always tried to bring to my practice. Someone asked him about meditating and his own practices. He said an actual seated practice is not part of the Ashtanga prescription, but that most teacher do some sort of seated practice independently of the Ashtanga practice. Then he said it: The thing that just solidifies what I have instinctually felt for a long time, but no one has ever said quite so directly. The practice, the movement, is itself a form of meditation - in motion. The striving of trying to get into this posture or that posture shouldn't be the focus. Breath, concentration, deep listening, the union of mind, body, heart - those things are yoga. Strength, flexibility, stamina, increased health, even a quiet mind are all side benefits of yoga. No one NEEDS to be able to do a full split or stand on their hands. The physical demands of a human existence don't require anything that fancy. So whether it takes someone one week or one year or ten years or never to be able to bind in marichasana D, it doesn't matter. It is a fun goal and something that as you work toward it can have visible results. But true yoga is for learning patience, surrender, acceptance, and universality. For me, it is learning that inner peace isn't dependent on and doesn't necessarily result in ideal external situations. It is learning to walk your path with diginity and delight - to set goals with intention and honesty, but work towards them with sincerity and flexibility. Yoga is learning to know that no one is special because everyone is special and that we all struggle and strive, laugh and learn, and have our ugly moments and our beautiful ones.
Thank-you David Swenson!
WishIng you happiness and metta from a little dot in the universe called Boston,
Heather
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Rob - Day 23: YogaWorks Teacher Training Day 1!
Well the big day finally arrived! What day is that? You know, the one I've been talking about since the first day of this blog. My first day of teacher training! This really could be like 3 posts but maybe I'll keep it simple for now.
So, where to begin. Well. For starters it's a big group. 42 aspiring teachers and advanced practitioners in all. For those of you not familiar with Back Bay Yoga that's a really tight fit for the sun room (where the training is being held). But it turned out to be mostly manageable. We staggered mats so we were even able to spread our arms during sun salutes and such.
I don't believed I mentioned this previously but I'm taking the training on scholarship (AMAZING) which means that I have to help with the sign in and administration of the course. As such I was relegated to what is probably the least desirable spot in the room. I had to watch out from hitting my arm on the window to my left and my head on the wall in fron of me. Did this deter from my experience. Hell no it didn't!
I feel like I learned more in that first day than in a month of practice. What I'm coming to realize is how little I know about alignment. Fortunately for me the YogaWorks method is ALL about alignment and correct posture. I'm sure that by the end of this all my practice and understanding will have skyrocketed to an amazing level.
Funny anecdote for the day: Natasha taught us proper forward folding technique using a Barbie doll. Now this is funny in and of itself. What makes this story hilarious is that not only did she demo with the Barbie, but she had cut its hair to the exact same cut as hers. So we watched the doll demo, and then her demo. Needless to say the juxtaposition was hysterical.
Tomorrow's day two! Stay tuned.
So, where to begin. Well. For starters it's a big group. 42 aspiring teachers and advanced practitioners in all. For those of you not familiar with Back Bay Yoga that's a really tight fit for the sun room (where the training is being held). But it turned out to be mostly manageable. We staggered mats so we were even able to spread our arms during sun salutes and such.
I don't believed I mentioned this previously but I'm taking the training on scholarship (AMAZING) which means that I have to help with the sign in and administration of the course. As such I was relegated to what is probably the least desirable spot in the room. I had to watch out from hitting my arm on the window to my left and my head on the wall in fron of me. Did this deter from my experience. Hell no it didn't!
I feel like I learned more in that first day than in a month of practice. What I'm coming to realize is how little I know about alignment. Fortunately for me the YogaWorks method is ALL about alignment and correct posture. I'm sure that by the end of this all my practice and understanding will have skyrocketed to an amazing level.
Funny anecdote for the day: Natasha taught us proper forward folding technique using a Barbie doll. Now this is funny in and of itself. What makes this story hilarious is that not only did she demo with the Barbie, but she had cut its hair to the exact same cut as hers. So we watched the doll demo, and then her demo. Needless to say the juxtaposition was hysterical.
Tomorrow's day two! Stay tuned.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Rob - Day 22: MSM (Meditation Slow-Flow Meditation)
Having learned from my mistakes I made a valiant effort to get some sort of active practice in this morning. Unfortunately my cycle has not completely recovered (it's on it's way though) so I didn't make it to led primary this morning.
I did however make it to the meditation cushion, then the mat, and then back to the cushion. Basically self-explanatory. For the Yoga part I did a little free form flow. Some sun salutes, a few standing poses and that's about it. The asana part was only about half an hour but the whole cycle was about 1:15. I feel pretty good about it.
When I was at work I reminded myself why I do an active practice in the morning. I'm so much more focused and on point. Rest assured yoga friends, I will not be missing my practices henceforth. And tomorrow. Well tomorrows a pretty damn big day.
I did however make it to the meditation cushion, then the mat, and then back to the cushion. Basically self-explanatory. For the Yoga part I did a little free form flow. Some sun salutes, a few standing poses and that's about it. The asana part was only about half an hour but the whole cycle was about 1:15. I feel pretty good about it.
When I was at work I reminded myself why I do an active practice in the morning. I'm so much more focused and on point. Rest assured yoga friends, I will not be missing my practices henceforth. And tomorrow. Well tomorrows a pretty damn big day.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Rob - Days 22-23: FAIL! Okay, not really.
And then I lost my momentum...
Well, I guess this is an epic fail in terms of the commitment but I'm really okay with it. Both Wednesday and Thursday I didn't practice. I've thought about it a bit and came to some realizations why. NOT excuses mind you. But reasons why. I feel that learning from our mistakes and continually improving is a far more important part of Yoga than any asana practice anyways.
So what are the reasons? Well it all goes back to the Labor Day weekend. While I think it was a wise choice to stick to a more Yin practice at that point I definitely lost my momentum and drive for my yang practice. I also stayed out really late AND drank on Sunday, effectively undoing my sleep cycle. This meant that I was in no state to wake up for Mysore. I've realized that with the current state of my schedule I'm going to have to make every effort to make it to practice in the morning otherwise I won't have the time or the ambition to do a proper yang practice. I guess for the time being I'll have to forsake the late night shenanigans. Sorry crazy friends, looks like you're going to have to find me during daylight hours from now on.
Well, I guess this is an epic fail in terms of the commitment but I'm really okay with it. Both Wednesday and Thursday I didn't practice. I've thought about it a bit and came to some realizations why. NOT excuses mind you. But reasons why. I feel that learning from our mistakes and continually improving is a far more important part of Yoga than any asana practice anyways.
So what are the reasons? Well it all goes back to the Labor Day weekend. While I think it was a wise choice to stick to a more Yin practice at that point I definitely lost my momentum and drive for my yang practice. I also stayed out really late AND drank on Sunday, effectively undoing my sleep cycle. This meant that I was in no state to wake up for Mysore. I've realized that with the current state of my schedule I'm going to have to make every effort to make it to practice in the morning otherwise I won't have the time or the ambition to do a proper yang practice. I guess for the time being I'll have to forsake the late night shenanigans. Sorry crazy friends, looks like you're going to have to find me during daylight hours from now on.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Heather - Day Sixteen thru Twenty: Moon Days: the plight of the woman...
Guys! If you are squeamish about women's issues, then don't read this blog.
Menstruation. In the Ashtanga system women are expected to not practice while they are menstruating. Most say the reason is that a woman's natural energy flow at that time is downward, and she shouldn't upset that - particularly with inversions - which even standing forward folds and downward facing dogs are considered to be. It is also true, myself included, that it taxes the body while it is purifying itself. It is believed that the blood that leaves the body is particularly filled with toxins and impurities of which the kidneys are gladly getting rid. Therefore, putting the body through such a rigorous practice only exhausts the body in a way that is not beneficial. So...there you have it - the main reasons I have found why female Ashtangis do not and/or are encouraged not to practice during their cycles.
Not completely trusting this, early in my yoga life, I began to interview trusted teachers and long-time practioners of Ashtanga AND other styles. It seems, in my limited research, that yoginis outside of Ashtanga and Iyengar do not buy into or adhere to this notion of resting during their cycle. A couple of teachers from one tradition half-jokingly said, "Yoga was invented by men and the only reason women are told not to practice is because a long time ago men thought if women went upside down, they would bleed from their eyeballs." However, Patricia Walden contributed much of the writing to a wonderful book about yoga for women entitled: The Woman's Book of Yoga and Health: A Lifelong Guide to Wellness; I also took her class in Cambridge once and observed a student completely propped up and doing long restorative holds while the rest of the class continued through a beginning Iyengar sequence. In both places it is clear from her actions and words that she supports a restful, restorative practice during a woman's monthly cycle. Many of the practioners outside of Ashtanga that I spoke with said that they had been practicing at all times for years and never had a problem and felt fine. Inside the practice, one teacher and fellow student said, "yoga works us on subtle energetic levels before we may be able to sense them. It is better to be safe than sorry and, besides, is this a practice for a few years, or a lifetime?"
So, for me, I listen to my body and try to respect tradition in combination. If I am feeling really physically tired as often happens in the week before, I skip a couple of days. I also refrain from practice on the first three days. After that, depending on how I feel, I go to practice and do a shorter, modified sequence: I skip backbends and full upside down inversions. I do do the forward folds and down dogs, however.
I also have to say that I experimented for three months with practicing everyday and honestly? My cramps were far less severe (and I have pretty severe ones) and sometimes, I just felt sooo much better after sweating it out. Inversions felt great - they always do anyway. But I kept going back to what my friend Anna had said about subtle energy. I DO want to practice for a lifetime. I also know that there are days when I did do the practice regardless and felt worse for it. Maybe it is a crapshoot, maybe it is meaningless either way. Maybe it is just an antiquated tradition. But, in some people's minds, so is vacation and siesta or afternoon tea. The point is, I have been raised in a society where developping an inner awareness takes A LOT of work. It is not honored or glorified by western culture - if it ever was. And just as the eight limbs of yoga are a process of moving from the external to the internal until all is united, I have faith in the notion that if I practice, all will come - not the "all" I expect or envision, and certainly not when I want (which is sooner rather than later) - and for me, all will be welcome!
WisHing you happiness and from a little dot in the universe called Boston,
Heather
Menstruation. In the Ashtanga system women are expected to not practice while they are menstruating. Most say the reason is that a woman's natural energy flow at that time is downward, and she shouldn't upset that - particularly with inversions - which even standing forward folds and downward facing dogs are considered to be. It is also true, myself included, that it taxes the body while it is purifying itself. It is believed that the blood that leaves the body is particularly filled with toxins and impurities of which the kidneys are gladly getting rid. Therefore, putting the body through such a rigorous practice only exhausts the body in a way that is not beneficial. So...there you have it - the main reasons I have found why female Ashtangis do not and/or are encouraged not to practice during their cycles.
Not completely trusting this, early in my yoga life, I began to interview trusted teachers and long-time practioners of Ashtanga AND other styles. It seems, in my limited research, that yoginis outside of Ashtanga and Iyengar do not buy into or adhere to this notion of resting during their cycle. A couple of teachers from one tradition half-jokingly said, "Yoga was invented by men and the only reason women are told not to practice is because a long time ago men thought if women went upside down, they would bleed from their eyeballs." However, Patricia Walden contributed much of the writing to a wonderful book about yoga for women entitled: The Woman's Book of Yoga and Health: A Lifelong Guide to Wellness; I also took her class in Cambridge once and observed a student completely propped up and doing long restorative holds while the rest of the class continued through a beginning Iyengar sequence. In both places it is clear from her actions and words that she supports a restful, restorative practice during a woman's monthly cycle. Many of the practioners outside of Ashtanga that I spoke with said that they had been practicing at all times for years and never had a problem and felt fine. Inside the practice, one teacher and fellow student said, "yoga works us on subtle energetic levels before we may be able to sense them. It is better to be safe than sorry and, besides, is this a practice for a few years, or a lifetime?"
So, for me, I listen to my body and try to respect tradition in combination. If I am feeling really physically tired as often happens in the week before, I skip a couple of days. I also refrain from practice on the first three days. After that, depending on how I feel, I go to practice and do a shorter, modified sequence: I skip backbends and full upside down inversions. I do do the forward folds and down dogs, however.
I also have to say that I experimented for three months with practicing everyday and honestly? My cramps were far less severe (and I have pretty severe ones) and sometimes, I just felt sooo much better after sweating it out. Inversions felt great - they always do anyway. But I kept going back to what my friend Anna had said about subtle energy. I DO want to practice for a lifetime. I also know that there are days when I did do the practice regardless and felt worse for it. Maybe it is a crapshoot, maybe it is meaningless either way. Maybe it is just an antiquated tradition. But, in some people's minds, so is vacation and siesta or afternoon tea. The point is, I have been raised in a society where developping an inner awareness takes A LOT of work. It is not honored or glorified by western culture - if it ever was. And just as the eight limbs of yoga are a process of moving from the external to the internal until all is united, I have faith in the notion that if I practice, all will come - not the "all" I expect or envision, and certainly not when I want (which is sooner rather than later) - and for me, all will be welcome!
WisHing you happiness and from a little dot in the universe called Boston,
Heather
Heather Day Seven thru Fourteen: Part Two
Car Yoga.
While on vacation, (a road trip from Boston to Iowa), we spent a total of 42 hours in the car just to get from one place to the other. So I put together a 45 minute car yin yoga flow - not to be done while driving mind you, but definitely to be done with the seatbelt on. Safety first!!! Keep in mind a sweaty flow isn't really possible and probably not advisable in such a small space, but making some time to open up those parts of your body that get crunched from hours of sitting is a welcome prospect. So, here it is:
For the hips/groin, start with at least five minutes of square pose on each side. You can fold forward and actually lay your face on the dashboard, or push the seat all the way back so you may fold deeper.
Believe it or not, you CAN do saddle - which is the best and most accessible way I can think of to open the front of those hip flexors that get so used to being bent in a seated position. Lay the seat down, sit on your heels facing the front of the car(if you had to unbuckle to get there, rebuckle) and lay back. Depending on the capability of your specific car to lay down, you may have varying depths of saddle at your disposal - but you don't need a deep pose to reap the benefits.
Then, turn around (unbuckling and rebuckling when necessary) and lay down on your stomach. You can come onto your elbows for sphinx pose here. When I did it, my legs from my knees down were dangling off the front edge of the seat. My knees didn't really enjoy that, so I bent them and rested the tops of my feet on the dash. That really intensified the back bend, so I actually ended up laying back down on my chest and still got a GREAT back bend.
Then readjust to bring your knees onto the seat and your hips to your heels (perhaps allowing your feet to dangle off the edge of the seat and come into childs pose.
Another great way to re-open the back body is to sit down like normal in the seat and spread your knees as wide as you can and fold forward as deeply as possible - trying, without straining, to lay as much of your belly on the space or seat between your legs. Make sure that your head dangles and your neck is released.
Next you can lay down. Drawing one leg up at a time(straight or maybe slightly bent) you can come into supta padhangustasana. If you are flexy you can hold onto your toe, if not, find the appropriate angle that gives you that nice hamstring stretch and rest your foot on the ceiling of the car. *for you ashtangis out there, there will obviously be NO opening to the side in this pose! =)* Your resting leg may either be on the dash or you could put your foot on the floor of the car.
From here you can also work with paschimotanasana. Rest both feet on the floor or on the dash and come into a nice forward fold over your legs.
You can also do janu sirsasana in the car believe it or not! Just sit sideways in the passenger seat facing the driver to bend your left leg and facing the passenger window to bend your right leg. You then extend your other leg toward the floor of the car, folding over the extended leg. It is GREAT!!!!
For svasana, just lay back, find the most comfortable laying down posture you can, close your eyes and be proud of yourself for doing yoga in the car!!!
Wishing you happiness and mettA from a little dot in the universe called Boston,
Heather
While on vacation, (a road trip from Boston to Iowa), we spent a total of 42 hours in the car just to get from one place to the other. So I put together a 45 minute car yin yoga flow - not to be done while driving mind you, but definitely to be done with the seatbelt on. Safety first!!! Keep in mind a sweaty flow isn't really possible and probably not advisable in such a small space, but making some time to open up those parts of your body that get crunched from hours of sitting is a welcome prospect. So, here it is:
For the hips/groin, start with at least five minutes of square pose on each side. You can fold forward and actually lay your face on the dashboard, or push the seat all the way back so you may fold deeper.
Believe it or not, you CAN do saddle - which is the best and most accessible way I can think of to open the front of those hip flexors that get so used to being bent in a seated position. Lay the seat down, sit on your heels facing the front of the car(if you had to unbuckle to get there, rebuckle) and lay back. Depending on the capability of your specific car to lay down, you may have varying depths of saddle at your disposal - but you don't need a deep pose to reap the benefits.
Then, turn around (unbuckling and rebuckling when necessary) and lay down on your stomach. You can come onto your elbows for sphinx pose here. When I did it, my legs from my knees down were dangling off the front edge of the seat. My knees didn't really enjoy that, so I bent them and rested the tops of my feet on the dash. That really intensified the back bend, so I actually ended up laying back down on my chest and still got a GREAT back bend.
Then readjust to bring your knees onto the seat and your hips to your heels (perhaps allowing your feet to dangle off the edge of the seat and come into childs pose.
Another great way to re-open the back body is to sit down like normal in the seat and spread your knees as wide as you can and fold forward as deeply as possible - trying, without straining, to lay as much of your belly on the space or seat between your legs. Make sure that your head dangles and your neck is released.
Next you can lay down. Drawing one leg up at a time(straight or maybe slightly bent) you can come into supta padhangustasana. If you are flexy you can hold onto your toe, if not, find the appropriate angle that gives you that nice hamstring stretch and rest your foot on the ceiling of the car. *for you ashtangis out there, there will obviously be NO opening to the side in this pose! =)* Your resting leg may either be on the dash or you could put your foot on the floor of the car.
From here you can also work with paschimotanasana. Rest both feet on the floor or on the dash and come into a nice forward fold over your legs.
You can also do janu sirsasana in the car believe it or not! Just sit sideways in the passenger seat facing the driver to bend your left leg and facing the passenger window to bend your right leg. You then extend your other leg toward the floor of the car, folding over the extended leg. It is GREAT!!!!
For svasana, just lay back, find the most comfortable laying down posture you can, close your eyes and be proud of yourself for doing yoga in the car!!!
Wishing you happiness and mettA from a little dot in the universe called Boston,
Heather
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Rob - Day 21: Mini-Yin(i)
3 weeks! I almost can't believe it...
I celebrated the occassion with the most anticlimactic practice ever. I just did about 1/2 hour of Yin poses before I went to be. Really nothing exciting to report at all. Just checking in for the day. Hope all is well out in Yoga Land!
Also, I took this quiz from Yoga Journal. I took it a little while ago and it said that I'm a "Spritual Snob" but this this time I got a more favorable result:
I celebrated the occassion with the most anticlimactic practice ever. I just did about 1/2 hour of Yin poses before I went to be. Really nothing exciting to report at all. Just checking in for the day. Hope all is well out in Yoga Land!
Also, I took this quiz from Yoga Journal. I took it a little while ago and it said that I'm a "Spritual Snob" but this this time I got a more favorable result:
A Balanced YogiYou love your friends unconditionally and accept them for who they are no |
| Take the Yoga Journal Yoga Snob Quiz! |
Monday, September 7, 2009
Rob - Day 20: Yin - Labor Day
One aspect of blogging that I haven't explored as of yet is writing an entry IMMEDIATELY after practice. Well, here it is! I literally rose from savasana and came here to write this. I feel kinda magical right now. But more on that later.
Today is Labor Day and the weather was more than cooperative. All around this weekend was spectacular and restful. Exactly what I needed. I'm really digging the cool weather. I think it's mellowing out some of my excessive fire from the summer because I'm feeling much more mellow.
There was no Mysore this morning because the studio was closed so I slept in really late after my slightly debauchery evening last night. I think my body needed a little rest after an intense two weeks of practice so I'm feeling okay about easing on the active practice.
Today I continued the cleaning process of the house, this time enlisting the help of the roommates. We're decluttering the house and frankly I couldn't be any happier about it. Right now I'm trying to approach my life in a real minimalist fashion, especially with my living space. YAY ZEN LIVING!
So I had originally intended to got to Heather's Yin class tonight but instead I opted to practice at home. (Sorry Heather!) I felt that his would give me the chance to get to bed a bed earlier and start off the work week with a fresh battery. And tonight I did it up! I don't know why I hadn't thought of this earlier, but I have several hundred tealights and some awesome holders. In my newly cleaned room I set up a few, put on Steve Roaches' Mantram (really cool ambient music with light percussion) and proceeded to do this Yin sequence:
And I think I'm off to bed after a wonderful and relaxing weekend...
Today is Labor Day and the weather was more than cooperative. All around this weekend was spectacular and restful. Exactly what I needed. I'm really digging the cool weather. I think it's mellowing out some of my excessive fire from the summer because I'm feeling much more mellow.
There was no Mysore this morning because the studio was closed so I slept in really late after my slightly debauchery evening last night. I think my body needed a little rest after an intense two weeks of practice so I'm feeling okay about easing on the active practice.
Today I continued the cleaning process of the house, this time enlisting the help of the roommates. We're decluttering the house and frankly I couldn't be any happier about it. Right now I'm trying to approach my life in a real minimalist fashion, especially with my living space. YAY ZEN LIVING!
So I had originally intended to got to Heather's Yin class tonight but instead I opted to practice at home. (Sorry Heather!) I felt that his would give me the chance to get to bed a bed earlier and start off the work week with a fresh battery. And tonight I did it up! I don't know why I hadn't thought of this earlier, but I have several hundred tealights and some awesome holders. In my newly cleaned room I set up a few, put on Steve Roaches' Mantram (really cool ambient music with light percussion) and proceeded to do this Yin sequence:
Butterfly 5 minsAhhhhhhhhh. It worked. For those of you readers at home I highly recommend this sequence.
Downward Dog 1 min
Dragon Left Leg Forward 5 mins
Pigeon Left Leg Forward 5 mins
1/2 Butterfly Right Leg Forward 5 mins
Childs Pose 3 Mins
Downward Dog 1 Min
Dragon Right Leg Forward 5 mins
Pigeon Right Leg Forward 5 mins
1/2 Butterfly Left Leg Forward 5 mins
Downward Dog 1 Min
Supta Padangusthasana w/strap 5 mins/side
Twisted Root 5 mins/side
Savasana 10 mins
And I think I'm off to bed after a wonderful and relaxing weekend...
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Rob - Day 19: Vinyasa
Oh Boston. Sometimes I loathe you and the weather which you spout, but this weekend you've been SO kind. It's been cool and sunny and I LOVE it! Fall is definitely my favorite season and this Labor Day weekend has been such a kind welcome to the autumn.
So due to the holiday Mysore this morning was a self practice. I've been really letting myself take it easy these past few days so I eschewed my morning practice for the day. I slept in a bit a cleaned up my room. I always forget just how much having a clean environment supports having a clean mind. I feel so much more calm and collected when my space is in order. I'm definitely going to make a consistent effort to maintain the cleanliness around here. It's so much more yogic anyways, right?
So after a day of cleaning I was quite tired and thinking of doing another home practice. But it was SO nice outside that I decided to head downtown and take Vinyasa with Nicoline. Given the holiday weekend and the splendid weather I assumed that it would be hard to find a spot so I left super early. For whatever reason I found a spot on the first go around, within a few blocks of the studio. This seems to be the case consistently and I really don't know why. I guess I have good "Parking Karma?" I was really thankful for the extra time. I spent about a half hour walking through the public garden, soaking up the sun and delightfully cool air.
Class too was quite lovely. Nicoline's classes are always really flowing and calming, even though they can be quite challenging at times. She often integrates QiGong like movements in the poses which is a great way to feel your PranaQi outside the body. Even though Ashtanga is still my main practice I'm finding within this commitment that doing a little "cross-training" is pretty beneficial. It gives me a chance to get into different poses that aren't part of my regular practice.
After class I went out with friends. Since the studio is closed in the morning on Monday for Labor Day I decided to stay out much later than I normally would and even (TISK TISK) had a few drinks. I don't know if it's the daily practice or what but my tolerance is GONE. I only had three drinks spread out over several hours but I was quite tipsy. Definitely something to be mindful of especially given my Fifth Precept (I'm a practicing Buddhist). But I had a great time and it's probably worthwhile for me not to get too caught up in my routine and OCCASIONALLY act my own age (26...not 66) :).
So due to the holiday Mysore this morning was a self practice. I've been really letting myself take it easy these past few days so I eschewed my morning practice for the day. I slept in a bit a cleaned up my room. I always forget just how much having a clean environment supports having a clean mind. I feel so much more calm and collected when my space is in order. I'm definitely going to make a consistent effort to maintain the cleanliness around here. It's so much more yogic anyways, right?
So after a day of cleaning I was quite tired and thinking of doing another home practice. But it was SO nice outside that I decided to head downtown and take Vinyasa with Nicoline. Given the holiday weekend and the splendid weather I assumed that it would be hard to find a spot so I left super early. For whatever reason I found a spot on the first go around, within a few blocks of the studio. This seems to be the case consistently and I really don't know why. I guess I have good "Parking Karma?" I was really thankful for the extra time. I spent about a half hour walking through the public garden, soaking up the sun and delightfully cool air.
Class too was quite lovely. Nicoline's classes are always really flowing and calming, even though they can be quite challenging at times. She often integrates QiGong like movements in the poses which is a great way to feel your PranaQi outside the body. Even though Ashtanga is still my main practice I'm finding within this commitment that doing a little "cross-training" is pretty beneficial. It gives me a chance to get into different poses that aren't part of my regular practice.
After class I went out with friends. Since the studio is closed in the morning on Monday for Labor Day I decided to stay out much later than I normally would and even (TISK TISK) had a few drinks. I don't know if it's the daily practice or what but my tolerance is GONE. I only had three drinks spread out over several hours but I was quite tipsy. Definitely something to be mindful of especially given my Fifth Precept (I'm a practicing Buddhist). But I had a great time and it's probably worthwhile for me not to get too caught up in my routine and OCCASIONALLY act my own age (26...not 66) :).
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Rob - Day 18: Yin
So it's labor day weekend and was feeling quite ready for the impending break. I slept in fairly late and putzed around for a while. Then I remembered my rewarding experience yesterday so I reluctantly dragged myself to the mat knowing that by the time I was done that I would feel much better.
Pretty typical practice really. Lately I've been trying to focus on my hamstrings alot in my Yin practice to support my Ashtanga practice. I'm hoping that the repeated attention will help me in all those forward fold and especially Supta Kurmasana, which is currently the last pose in my practice and a truly POOR execution thereof if I do say so myself. So I've been trying to do Supta Padangusthasana with a strap every time I do Yin and sometimes before I go to bed too. There's already been palpable effects in my practice and even in my daily life. Just walking around I can feel my legs as being straighter and more limber. Awesome!
I found these slightly distasteful yet very amusing examples of "Drunk Yoga" online so I'll leave you with this for the day:
PS: Those of you in the know will recognize Natasha Rizopoulos from the picture on the left. I start my Teacher Training with her in just a week. YEEEEEEES!
Pretty typical practice really. Lately I've been trying to focus on my hamstrings alot in my Yin practice to support my Ashtanga practice. I'm hoping that the repeated attention will help me in all those forward fold and especially Supta Kurmasana, which is currently the last pose in my practice and a truly POOR execution thereof if I do say so myself. So I've been trying to do Supta Padangusthasana with a strap every time I do Yin and sometimes before I go to bed too. There's already been palpable effects in my practice and even in my daily life. Just walking around I can feel my legs as being straighter and more limber. Awesome!
I found these slightly distasteful yet very amusing examples of "Drunk Yoga" online so I'll leave you with this for the day:
PS: Those of you in the know will recognize Natasha Rizopoulos from the picture on the left. I start my Teacher Training with her in just a week. YEEEEEEES!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Rob - Day 17: Full Moon/Yin
Ah, got to sleep in a little bit this morning as per the full moon. Something I've noticed when I practice at home is that it's much harder to get moving. With Mysore as long as I push myself enough to get out the door it's all smooth sailing from there. When I'm at home its much more of a challenge to get myself to the mat.
So on this particular moon day I told myself that all I had to do was a 1/2 hour of yin and then my commitment for the day would be all set. But man, for some reason in my first pose (Wide Kneed Child's Pose) I felt absorbed into the mat in a state of relaxed bliss. Ahhhhhh. From there I proceeded to do a full 1:15 practice quite happily. And it was quite grand!
Lesson Learned: JUST DO IT! Once you beat the battle to get on the mat it's smooth sailing from there. But I already knew that, didn't I?
Namaste, Om Shanti, etc.!
So on this particular moon day I told myself that all I had to do was a 1/2 hour of yin and then my commitment for the day would be all set. But man, for some reason in my first pose (Wide Kneed Child's Pose) I felt absorbed into the mat in a state of relaxed bliss. Ahhhhhh. From there I proceeded to do a full 1:15 practice quite happily. And it was quite grand!
Lesson Learned: JUST DO IT! Once you beat the battle to get on the mat it's smooth sailing from there. But I already knew that, didn't I?
Namaste, Om Shanti, etc.!
Heather - Days Seven thru Fourteen: Part One
Hey Everyone!!!
It has been too long since I made an entry here, but here is why: I was on vacation and came back just in time to move. So I am not going to try to put in an entry for each day that I was gone, just sum up the experiences I have been having.
RMV Yoga.
You wouldn't think it was possible, but yoga can be done ANYWHERE!!! The story goes a little like this: I rented a car in my name but in order to pick it up, I needed a license. It turns out that not only had mine expired last year (don't really need one in Boston) but I had lost it as well, so I needed to get my driving record from Missouri (where my old license was from). Got all that squared away, double and TRIPLE checked to make sure I had the right list of documents in order to get a license. Got up bright and early Monday morning to do the evil work of waiting at the RMV where they seem to universally take pleasure in making you wait as long as possible to find out that you don't have the right documents even when you double and TRIPLE checked them with the list on the wall. After two hours I discovered this fact first hand. My proof of residence was not acceptable (don't get me started, I followed the wall posting rule to. the. letter.). So the quickest way for me to get what I needed was to register to vote - been there done that, got some paper work to prove it - an hour later I am good! I return to the wretched RMV to take a new number and wait, this time without my wonderful and entertaining boyfriend to keep me company. So it was yoga. Mind you, I was in a dress, so I wasn't doing standing forward folds or wide leg ANYthing. Mostly I was seated on the bench and opening the hips with Yin Yoga pose called square pose. I also found that seated like normal in the chair and bending forward between my own legs is calming like child's pose. Standing backbends work really nicely too to re-open the front body after being seated. But, be warned there are a ton of people, so you don't want to be flailing around creating discomfort for others or drawing too much attention. Mostly at the RMV, it was meditative effort to keep me from screaming at the RMV for killing my first whole day of vacation when I have had only two other days off in the last two months! So to sum up recipe style - here is what I whipped up:
"How NOT to lose your mind at the RMV" Yoga Flow:
1. Begin with a comfortable seated posture: in a chair, or perhaps against a wall. Close your eyes (but not your ears so that you don't miss your number being called). Breath and try to center your attention on where your body is coming into contact with the chair, floor, wall, etc, etc. Be there for a few minutes, really allow your focus to come inward - allowing all other sounds and movements to become periphery. Don't shut anything out, but maybe let it become part of the background of your present experience. Once you feel truly grounded you can allow your eyes to open, but keep your focus soft and low.
Remember, no matter how sucky it is for you to be stuck at the RMV, everyone else feels just as annoyed, anxious, frustrated, and is just as busy with the other demands of their lives - including the RMV employees. If you can bring some peace to your own mind, then you will be like a drop in the proverbial pond and a tiny bit of that peace will move like a subtle wave through the crowd. Perhaps VERY subtley, but peace nonetheless. =)
2. Then move into square pose (for not-so-flexible people try simple cross legged, right leg in front first. for REALLY flexible people, you could also try half or full lotus - but only if you know what you are doing): Right leg on top first and fold forward. Stay for at least five minutes - you don't have to fold deeply let it be a natural, gravitational fold - don't muscle your cold body into some deep forward fold. If you have room twist to the left. Once that is done switch sides and repeat the same sequence. If you feel this in either knee at any time, DO NOT PROCEED. Knee sensation is NEVER good. Don't forget to breathe!
3A. If you are on a chair, uncross your legs, open them as wide as the chair will allow and fold yourself - at the hip - over your legs. Really allow your body to come to rest as deeply as possible without using muscle to force it. Nod and shake your head around gently to make sure that your neck is relaxed. Stay there for awhile, like I said, I find this to be very soothing. Don't forget to breathe!
3B. If you are on the floor, come to child's pose if there is room, but be sure to rest your head on the backs of your hands rather than the floor for obvious reasons. Don't forget to breathe!
3C. If there is not that kind of room, stand up and bend over for an easy rag doll - keeping your knees as bent as you like them. This should NOT be a muscled hamstring stretch. Just let your body come forward as nature allows - be kind to yourself as the RMV never will be! =P Release your neck like mentioned above. Don't stay here more than a couple of minutes though, you need blood all the way through your body. Don't forget to breathe!
In any of the last three poses, when done, roll up slowly vertabrae by vertabrae on an inhale.
4. Once that is finished move back to upright If you are not already standing, come to standing. Set your feet somewhere between three inches and hips width apart - whatever makes you feel solid and grounded. Bring your attention into your feet. (Take your shoes off if you can or if you dare!) Really try to feel for the four corners of your feet. Get solid, grounded, rooted then do a mental scan up through your feet. Feel energy moving the up the insides of your ankles, shins, knees, thighs, through your pelvic root to your tailbone. As you move through the awareness of your spine, begin to feel the energy lifting, stacking each vertabrae on top of the one below it, allow your body to shift as you breathe and maintain awareness. Feel your spine gently lift and even straighten a bit as your tailbone drops, your shoulder blades fall down your back and your chin drops. Don't forget to breathe!
5. Once you come to that relaxed and "dignified posture," you can work towards a small, standing backbend. Place your hands just below the small of your back - the back of your hips, really, or just above the butt. Now, from here, still grounding into your feet and engaging your legs, use your hands to keep your lower back long and stretch up (not back). Really work toward a sense of pulling out of your hips and reaching for the ceiling with your heart (not your shoulders). We aren't going for a deep back bend here, just something that opens the heart and gives the ribs some space. So on the first try don't bend back, just lift and feel into your body. Do this two or three times for three to five full rounds of breath. Each time you may work into a slightly deeper back bend, but not by sacrificing the length in your lower back. Engage your abdominals! Don't forget to breathe!
6. Carefully come up to straight on an inhale then take some sort of gentle forward fold: rag doll with knees strongly bent, child's pose, or seated in a chair and folding from the hips. Once there, take three full, deep inhales into your lower back. Use your air to expand just that area. Then you can return to normal breathing.
Don't forget to breathe!
7. When you are ready come back to upright whether standing or sitting and come to some sort of supported seated if possible, or at least lean against a wall while standing. Find a way to bring as much of a svasana like feel to your mind and body as possible. Give yourself a face massage, rub out your neck, do some shoulder rolls, give yourself a hand massage. Something I love is to draw - ever so lightly - long lines with one fingernail over the surface of the inside of my lower arm. It is a light, pleasing tickle that can be very soothing - at least to me! Or maybe sit or stand in meditation with your eyes mostly or completely closed. Whatever you do, remain aware of the numbers being called out - don't miss your long awaited turn!!!
****Words of Advice for this type of practice****
-Remember to stay aware. You need to respect the limited space of those around you. You also need to not get so zen that you don't here or see your number called out.
-Use your cell phone or watch to time your poses. Don't just think you will know how long to stay in a pose. The anxious energy around you and perhaps within you will make time seem much longer. Your mind and body deserve the time!
-If people talk to you, be as friendly as you wish. Tell them what you are doing, invite them to join, or if you don't feel so extroverted, be politely short.
-Shutting out any aspect of your experience of the present moment closes you off to what is actually happening in your life in the now. There are no distractions in this practice: the poses, the breathing, the body scanning, the smells, sounds, thoughts, judgements, interactions, etc. All is included in your life right now. Include it. Observe it. Embrace it!
Wishing you happiness and mettA from a little dot in the universe called Boston,
Heather
PS. Stay tuned for Car Yoga! I had two thirteen hour and two nine hour drives to get to and from Iowa last week and the stuff I discovered to be car and seatbelt friendly will blow your mind!!!
It has been too long since I made an entry here, but here is why: I was on vacation and came back just in time to move. So I am not going to try to put in an entry for each day that I was gone, just sum up the experiences I have been having.
RMV Yoga.
You wouldn't think it was possible, but yoga can be done ANYWHERE!!! The story goes a little like this: I rented a car in my name but in order to pick it up, I needed a license. It turns out that not only had mine expired last year (don't really need one in Boston) but I had lost it as well, so I needed to get my driving record from Missouri (where my old license was from). Got all that squared away, double and TRIPLE checked to make sure I had the right list of documents in order to get a license. Got up bright and early Monday morning to do the evil work of waiting at the RMV where they seem to universally take pleasure in making you wait as long as possible to find out that you don't have the right documents even when you double and TRIPLE checked them with the list on the wall. After two hours I discovered this fact first hand. My proof of residence was not acceptable (don't get me started, I followed the wall posting rule to. the. letter.). So the quickest way for me to get what I needed was to register to vote - been there done that, got some paper work to prove it - an hour later I am good! I return to the wretched RMV to take a new number and wait, this time without my wonderful and entertaining boyfriend to keep me company. So it was yoga. Mind you, I was in a dress, so I wasn't doing standing forward folds or wide leg ANYthing. Mostly I was seated on the bench and opening the hips with Yin Yoga pose called square pose. I also found that seated like normal in the chair and bending forward between my own legs is calming like child's pose. Standing backbends work really nicely too to re-open the front body after being seated. But, be warned there are a ton of people, so you don't want to be flailing around creating discomfort for others or drawing too much attention. Mostly at the RMV, it was meditative effort to keep me from screaming at the RMV for killing my first whole day of vacation when I have had only two other days off in the last two months! So to sum up recipe style - here is what I whipped up:
"How NOT to lose your mind at the RMV" Yoga Flow:
1. Begin with a comfortable seated posture: in a chair, or perhaps against a wall. Close your eyes (but not your ears so that you don't miss your number being called). Breath and try to center your attention on where your body is coming into contact with the chair, floor, wall, etc, etc. Be there for a few minutes, really allow your focus to come inward - allowing all other sounds and movements to become periphery. Don't shut anything out, but maybe let it become part of the background of your present experience. Once you feel truly grounded you can allow your eyes to open, but keep your focus soft and low.
Remember, no matter how sucky it is for you to be stuck at the RMV, everyone else feels just as annoyed, anxious, frustrated, and is just as busy with the other demands of their lives - including the RMV employees. If you can bring some peace to your own mind, then you will be like a drop in the proverbial pond and a tiny bit of that peace will move like a subtle wave through the crowd. Perhaps VERY subtley, but peace nonetheless. =)
2. Then move into square pose (for not-so-flexible people try simple cross legged, right leg in front first. for REALLY flexible people, you could also try half or full lotus - but only if you know what you are doing): Right leg on top first and fold forward. Stay for at least five minutes - you don't have to fold deeply let it be a natural, gravitational fold - don't muscle your cold body into some deep forward fold. If you have room twist to the left. Once that is done switch sides and repeat the same sequence. If you feel this in either knee at any time, DO NOT PROCEED. Knee sensation is NEVER good. Don't forget to breathe!
3A. If you are on a chair, uncross your legs, open them as wide as the chair will allow and fold yourself - at the hip - over your legs. Really allow your body to come to rest as deeply as possible without using muscle to force it. Nod and shake your head around gently to make sure that your neck is relaxed. Stay there for awhile, like I said, I find this to be very soothing. Don't forget to breathe!
3B. If you are on the floor, come to child's pose if there is room, but be sure to rest your head on the backs of your hands rather than the floor for obvious reasons. Don't forget to breathe!
3C. If there is not that kind of room, stand up and bend over for an easy rag doll - keeping your knees as bent as you like them. This should NOT be a muscled hamstring stretch. Just let your body come forward as nature allows - be kind to yourself as the RMV never will be! =P Release your neck like mentioned above. Don't stay here more than a couple of minutes though, you need blood all the way through your body. Don't forget to breathe!
In any of the last three poses, when done, roll up slowly vertabrae by vertabrae on an inhale.
4. Once that is finished move back to upright If you are not already standing, come to standing. Set your feet somewhere between three inches and hips width apart - whatever makes you feel solid and grounded. Bring your attention into your feet. (Take your shoes off if you can or if you dare!) Really try to feel for the four corners of your feet. Get solid, grounded, rooted then do a mental scan up through your feet. Feel energy moving the up the insides of your ankles, shins, knees, thighs, through your pelvic root to your tailbone. As you move through the awareness of your spine, begin to feel the energy lifting, stacking each vertabrae on top of the one below it, allow your body to shift as you breathe and maintain awareness. Feel your spine gently lift and even straighten a bit as your tailbone drops, your shoulder blades fall down your back and your chin drops. Don't forget to breathe!
5. Once you come to that relaxed and "dignified posture," you can work towards a small, standing backbend. Place your hands just below the small of your back - the back of your hips, really, or just above the butt. Now, from here, still grounding into your feet and engaging your legs, use your hands to keep your lower back long and stretch up (not back). Really work toward a sense of pulling out of your hips and reaching for the ceiling with your heart (not your shoulders). We aren't going for a deep back bend here, just something that opens the heart and gives the ribs some space. So on the first try don't bend back, just lift and feel into your body. Do this two or three times for three to five full rounds of breath. Each time you may work into a slightly deeper back bend, but not by sacrificing the length in your lower back. Engage your abdominals! Don't forget to breathe!
6. Carefully come up to straight on an inhale then take some sort of gentle forward fold: rag doll with knees strongly bent, child's pose, or seated in a chair and folding from the hips. Once there, take three full, deep inhales into your lower back. Use your air to expand just that area. Then you can return to normal breathing.
Don't forget to breathe!
7. When you are ready come back to upright whether standing or sitting and come to some sort of supported seated if possible, or at least lean against a wall while standing. Find a way to bring as much of a svasana like feel to your mind and body as possible. Give yourself a face massage, rub out your neck, do some shoulder rolls, give yourself a hand massage. Something I love is to draw - ever so lightly - long lines with one fingernail over the surface of the inside of my lower arm. It is a light, pleasing tickle that can be very soothing - at least to me! Or maybe sit or stand in meditation with your eyes mostly or completely closed. Whatever you do, remain aware of the numbers being called out - don't miss your long awaited turn!!!
****Words of Advice for this type of practice****
-Remember to stay aware. You need to respect the limited space of those around you. You also need to not get so zen that you don't here or see your number called out.
-Use your cell phone or watch to time your poses. Don't just think you will know how long to stay in a pose. The anxious energy around you and perhaps within you will make time seem much longer. Your mind and body deserve the time!
-If people talk to you, be as friendly as you wish. Tell them what you are doing, invite them to join, or if you don't feel so extroverted, be politely short.
-Shutting out any aspect of your experience of the present moment closes you off to what is actually happening in your life in the now. There are no distractions in this practice: the poses, the breathing, the body scanning, the smells, sounds, thoughts, judgements, interactions, etc. All is included in your life right now. Include it. Observe it. Embrace it!
Wishing you happiness and mettA from a little dot in the universe called Boston,
Heather
PS. Stay tuned for Car Yoga! I had two thirteen hour and two nine hour drives to get to and from Iowa last week and the stuff I discovered to be car and seatbelt friendly will blow your mind!!!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Rob -Day 17: OOOPS! I did it again.
Okay, so maybe it's time to be a bit more realistic about this whole process.
Yesterday, as last Thursday I was busy from 5:30am-9pm. And of course this left me with little to no time to practice. Sure I could have busted out a few poses before I went to bed but that was really the last thing I wanted to do at that point. I really feel as part of this process that quality is as important as quantity. Frankly I don't don't feel like (as David Swenson would say) just "making an asana out of myself." Maybe I should make Thursdays an optional day of rest? My schedule's so busy those days that that may be a good option. Of course I'll make my best effort but sometimes it just might not be possible. At least I know that this is happening out of a literal lack of time and not any lack of discipline on my part. I guess that's all I can really hope for!
I'd love to hear if you guys have any thoughts or suggestions on the matter.
Namaste, Om Shanti, etc.!
Yesterday, as last Thursday I was busy from 5:30am-9pm. And of course this left me with little to no time to practice. Sure I could have busted out a few poses before I went to bed but that was really the last thing I wanted to do at that point. I really feel as part of this process that quality is as important as quantity. Frankly I don't don't feel like (as David Swenson would say) just "making an asana out of myself." Maybe I should make Thursdays an optional day of rest? My schedule's so busy those days that that may be a good option. Of course I'll make my best effort but sometimes it just might not be possible. At least I know that this is happening out of a literal lack of time and not any lack of discipline on my part. I guess that's all I can really hope for!
I'd love to hear if you guys have any thoughts or suggestions on the matter.
Namaste, Om Shanti, etc.!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Rob - Fear Not Blogosphere - I'm Still Here! - Day 16 - Mysore
Hello World! I will confess that I have been neglecting this blog for the past week or so, but fear not! My practice has remained...well...for the most part. Last Thursday I was busy from 4:30am to 9:30pm and was unable to practice. I figure this is a worthy excuse so rather than beat myself up I just hit the mat the next morning. I've skipped that day on my day counter for accuracies sake.
I don't think it will be of benefit to backlog the days so long after the fact so I'll just pick up again with today. A quick aside though. It's been over two weeks! Holy cow! (I don't normally use this expression but somehow it seems a bit yogic, yes?) I'm definitely feeling the benefits of consistency each day in my mind, body and spirit. I have more energy and more equanimity with what the world tosses at me. This is really important since I've just started a new full-time, much higher stress job (the reason I haven't posted in so long). I'm really glad I've made this commitment at such a transitional time in my life. I'm finding it immensely helpful thus far.
I made it to Mysore practice this morning feeling more limber than ever. As I've dove into my practice I can feel the opening in my body, even if it does come with some soreness and the occasional tiredness. Today as I was jumping though and around I felt really light and graceful. I'm also noticing that I am aware of more parts of my body than I used to be. For example in utthita hasta padangusthasana I no longer focus on the stretch in the extended leg but instead focus on the grounded leg. It feels almost as if my leg is attached directly into the floor. Pretty cool stuff if you ask me!
This journey is already about 5% underway and already I'm feeling amazing effects in my practice and life. Lord only knows where I'll be when I reach 100%. Also, starting next weekend I'll be throwing a little gasoline on the fires of my practice. I'm starting a 200 Hour YogaWorks Teacher Training with Natasha Rizopoulos. Needless to say this will definitely make the experiment more interesting!
Also, I found this awesome article on Huffington Post about the history of Asana. It's likely to be a bit of an eye opener for some of the yoga snobs out there:
I don't think it will be of benefit to backlog the days so long after the fact so I'll just pick up again with today. A quick aside though. It's been over two weeks! Holy cow! (I don't normally use this expression but somehow it seems a bit yogic, yes?) I'm definitely feeling the benefits of consistency each day in my mind, body and spirit. I have more energy and more equanimity with what the world tosses at me. This is really important since I've just started a new full-time, much higher stress job (the reason I haven't posted in so long). I'm really glad I've made this commitment at such a transitional time in my life. I'm finding it immensely helpful thus far.
I made it to Mysore practice this morning feeling more limber than ever. As I've dove into my practice I can feel the opening in my body, even if it does come with some soreness and the occasional tiredness. Today as I was jumping though and around I felt really light and graceful. I'm also noticing that I am aware of more parts of my body than I used to be. For example in utthita hasta padangusthasana I no longer focus on the stretch in the extended leg but instead focus on the grounded leg. It feels almost as if my leg is attached directly into the floor. Pretty cool stuff if you ask me!
This journey is already about 5% underway and already I'm feeling amazing effects in my practice and life. Lord only knows where I'll be when I reach 100%. Also, starting next weekend I'll be throwing a little gasoline on the fires of my practice. I'm starting a 200 Hour YogaWorks Teacher Training with Natasha Rizopoulos. Needless to say this will definitely make the experiment more interesting!
Also, I found this awesome article on Huffington Post about the history of Asana. It's likely to be a bit of an eye opener for some of the yoga snobs out there:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sadie-nardini/your-yoga-poses-arent-500_b_272821.html
Namaste, Om Shanti, Etc.!
Namaste, Om Shanti, Etc.!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Heather - Day Six
Ashtang- aaaaaahhhh. =) This is the first time in awhile, where I felt like I had the energy to do the practice before I started. Even though I worked a full eight and half hours today before practicing, I felt revved up. I believe in part due to the consequences of practicing everyday, the energy is starting to build so that I actually DO have the vigor I want and so desperately need. Today was even a stressful day at work at many moments and I didn't feel completely beat up by the end - again, I think in large part thanks to daily practice. However, I didn't push it. I only did about 70 minutes of practice. I have a TON of packing to do tonight and tomorrow to get ready for my move on August 31st, but I am also leaving tomorrow for a hard-earned week's vacation to see my family tomorrow. So, I don't want to push it, I still have many, many activities calling out for energy and attention. One great word of advice that Anna Neuman, a fellow Ashtangi, gave me when I was still new to the practice and resistant to abstaining from practice during personal moon days and days of rest in general was that I had to consider whether this was a practice I wanted to do the rest of my life or if I wanted to do it just for a little while. If I was looking to make this part of my existence, then missing days for rest when needed was not merely OK, but it is part of the practice. So, as I work to not live from the perspective of my all or nothing tendency, I have to remember, that I don't have to do a full Mysore practice every day. I don't have to even do a dynamic practice every single day. What I have to do is learn to listen to my body and assess my time and priorities balance so that I can learn how not to tip the scales in favor of one thing while ignoring or sacrificing others. When I am honest I tend to do that. I think: "Oh, if I can't do a full 90 minute yoga practice, then I can't really do one at all, or if I can't sit for at least half an hour then it isn't worth the time to sit at all." I am a pro at doing that! But I am working to correct that. It doesn't serve me. It makes my life's goals one of two things: nearly impossible, or so all consuming that I have to hone my life to just one or two things and miss out on the richness of so many experiences that I am fortunate to have offered to me and be involved in. That's not to say if a person were to want a simple life that that is unacceptable or not a full life, but for me, life is like a wild growing field. There are so many different grasses, flowers, bugs, and animals that grow there, live there, or at least come to visit and I want to be there to observe, experience, and receive every single one with every bit of my passion, enthusiasm and attention!
Wishing you happinEss and metta from a little dot in the universe called Boston,
Heather
Wishing you happinEss and metta from a little dot in the universe called Boston,
Heather
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Heather - Day Five
Again, I found myself resisting a yoga practice today. The combination of the working so much of late, heat and a more recent habit of laziness had a big pull on my inclinations today. I intended to get up and take Lynne Begier's 9:30am class, but nixed that to lounge around with my boyfriend in the a.m. before teaching restorative. I knew I would have time to just do a good Ashstanga practice after working the desk and before leaving to go home. But by the end of my shift I felt tired. I decided to go home. When I got home I fought my instinct to make dinner and curl up with my book and set myself up with a dharma talk by Ajahn Brahm and a good, hour long Yin practice. Again, as before, I felt more awake and energized. I apparently made the right choice of practice. Yay me!!!
I actually listened to a talk with the title: self-discipline. I thought it was appropriate since I was so mentally resistant to pursuing the discipline I had set up for myself. Ajahn Brahm talked about how one should use positive self-reinforcement. For example, if you get up in the morning when your alarm goes off, reward yourself with an extra bit of breakfast or a pat on the back or something. He encourages this rather than what most of us do which is bemoan and mentally punish ourselves for hitting that snooze a couple of times rather than just getting up and sitting or making breakfast or reading the paper, etc, etc... He you are going to train yourself into the habits you want by rewarding them rather than just falling into the negativity inducing mental states that steal your energy and make developing good habits even harder.
So, I am eating chocolate chip cookies. While the yoga itself is a great reward, I decided that I am going to positively reward my choice to carry out my commitment to this 365 day challenge.
WishinG you happiness, metta, and cookies of your very own from a little dot in the universe called Boston,
Heather
I actually listened to a talk with the title: self-discipline. I thought it was appropriate since I was so mentally resistant to pursuing the discipline I had set up for myself. Ajahn Brahm talked about how one should use positive self-reinforcement. For example, if you get up in the morning when your alarm goes off, reward yourself with an extra bit of breakfast or a pat on the back or something. He encourages this rather than what most of us do which is bemoan and mentally punish ourselves for hitting that snooze a couple of times rather than just getting up and sitting or making breakfast or reading the paper, etc, etc... He you are going to train yourself into the habits you want by rewarding them rather than just falling into the negativity inducing mental states that steal your energy and make developing good habits even harder.
So, I am eating chocolate chip cookies. While the yoga itself is a great reward, I decided that I am going to positively reward my choice to carry out my commitment to this 365 day challenge.
WishinG you happiness, metta, and cookies of your very own from a little dot in the universe called Boston,
Heather
Rob - Day 6: Meditation/Yin/Teddy Ruxpin!?
Ahhhh...sleep. Went to bed at 9pm woke up at 8:30am. What a beautiful thing. I feel like I took the appropriate measures to recover from my slightly excessive previous day because I feel quite alright today. I took further measures to balance my excess of yang with my practice today.
First I hit the cushion for almost a full hour of meditation - about 10 mins of metta followed by 45 mins of insight practice. It was quite lovely actually. I hadn't really noticed before today but my sits have been much shorter of late - only about 20 mins or so. I almost forgot how much more clear the mind becomes during longer sits. I think that I will need to try to set aside more time for at least a few longer sits per week. I used to get an hour with my group once a week but sadly my old Sangha has dissolved for reasons that I won't discuss on this blog. I guess the good news is starting in September none other than Heather and I will be starting a new meditation group at our yoga studio. Stay tuned for details!
I followed this by a little over an hour of self Yin. Here is the sequence I did:
But all told it was a lovely day. I'm feeling quite rested and ready to get back to a more vigorous practice tomorrow morning.
Namaste/Om Shanti to all the fly Yogis/Yoginis out in blog land!
First I hit the cushion for almost a full hour of meditation - about 10 mins of metta followed by 45 mins of insight practice. It was quite lovely actually. I hadn't really noticed before today but my sits have been much shorter of late - only about 20 mins or so. I almost forgot how much more clear the mind becomes during longer sits. I think that I will need to try to set aside more time for at least a few longer sits per week. I used to get an hour with my group once a week but sadly my old Sangha has dissolved for reasons that I won't discuss on this blog. I guess the good news is starting in September none other than Heather and I will be starting a new meditation group at our yoga studio. Stay tuned for details!
I followed this by a little over an hour of self Yin. Here is the sequence I did:
Wide Kneed Child's Pose - 5 minsAs you can see most of the focus was on front hips and hamstrings. Somehow this felt like just what I needed. I practiced in complete silence which was a nice change. Normally at home I put on some sort of ambient music. One funny side note - for no apparent reason the theme from Teddy Ruxpin got in my head while I was laying in Savasana. What the hell!?
Wide Kneed Child's Pose w/Twist - 4 mins/side
1/2 Saddle - 4 mins/side
Full Saddle - 5 mins
Child's/Laying On Stomach - 3 mins
1/2 Butterfly - 4 mins
Dragonfly Twist - 4 mins/side
Dragonfly - 5 mins
Twisted Root - 5 mins/side
Savasana - 10 mins
But all told it was a lovely day. I'm feeling quite rested and ready to get back to a more vigorous practice tomorrow morning.
Namaste/Om Shanti to all the fly Yogis/Yoginis out in blog land!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Heather - Day Four : For Real!
Partially due to exhaustion and partially due to schedule-based necessity, I did a small restorative practice today: svasana, cat/cow, brief downdog, pigeon, child's pose, (yin-style) butterfly, svasana. I forget the immense energizing value of a restorative practice when you are tired. How could I when Josh Summers, my Yin teacher training teacher, said that an indication of your energy levels and the appropriate activity is determined when you are tired by how you feel after a yang or yin class: meaning if you are MORE tired after a yang class then you were truly tired, if you were MORE tired after a yin class then you had stagnated energy that needed to be moved around, like in a yang class. The reverse is also true. I wouldn't go so far as to say I am brimming with fresh energy, but I don't feel like I could just drop at any second. I will definitely sleep fantastically tonight!
As I write this, I am thinking about how all my posts to date have had some sort of reflective theme to them. To be honest, I am running dry tonight. Maybe it is just the exhaustion, or it is just not being in as reflective of a mood. The only thing I want to accomplish with this blog as I move through my days is honesty. I admit there was a part of me that tried to find a way to twist my activities on Thursday in such a way that could be argued as yoga, and I guess I did that while talking about being present with my day and current company. But in my heart, though I know yoga is only one-eighth asana, I knew that when I made this commitment I was committing to 365 days of asana. I have already committed my entire life to the practice of the whole of yoga - at least as much as I can manage in this lifetime!
Wishing you happinEss and metta from a little dot in the universe called Boston,
Heather
As I write this, I am thinking about how all my posts to date have had some sort of reflective theme to them. To be honest, I am running dry tonight. Maybe it is just the exhaustion, or it is just not being in as reflective of a mood. The only thing I want to accomplish with this blog as I move through my days is honesty. I admit there was a part of me that tried to find a way to twist my activities on Thursday in such a way that could be argued as yoga, and I guess I did that while talking about being present with my day and current company. But in my heart, though I know yoga is only one-eighth asana, I knew that when I made this commitment I was committing to 365 days of asana. I have already committed my entire life to the practice of the whole of yoga - at least as much as I can manage in this lifetime!
Wishing you happinEss and metta from a little dot in the universe called Boston,
Heather
Rob - Day 5: So THAT'S why I'm doing this!
Somehow, without my even realizing it, I stayed up for 23 hours yesterday. I woke up at 4 for my job at the Yoga Studio and didn't get to bed until about 3. The reason I was up so late was because My Band had a show and I was out until the bar closed. By the time I got home I was still so wound up that I needed to stay up a little longer to cool down. Somehow this didn't seem to phase me too bad at the time, but today I am TIRED. I'm not even sure how I'm writing this right now. I anticipate a very early bedtime today to recalibrate the batteries a bit. How is it that my two loves in life have completely different schedules and largely different values!? I think I'll save deeper analysis of this for some later posts.
So despite my tired state I managed to make it to an awesome workshop at my studio on the Koshas, Sublte Body and Chakras with Barbara Benagh. She's one of the most experienced teachers in Boston (over 30 years!) and if I'm not mistaken her studio was one of the first in the city. Needless to say she knows her stuff. I went to her workshop last month which was Part 1 on the Subtle Body. It dealt mainly with prana and the vayus which admittedly I still have a lot to learn about.
The one today dove head first into the chakras. Without recounting the exact details of what was discussed I think I'll focus more on their implications for me. With this whole commitment thing going on and with the way our lives are in modern society it's way too easy to get wrapped up in the physical practice. Don't get me wrong, their are amazing physical benefits to yoga and meditation. But when it comes down to it Yoga as it's practiced today a modern invention and has little to do with the classical texts. I'm super glad I went to this workshop so early in my quest because I think it put me back on target. No matter what amazing physical changes happen to me over the next 360 days I need to remind myself that this is a journey of self discovery with powerful spiritual implications. Awesome.
So despite my tired state I managed to make it to an awesome workshop at my studio on the Koshas, Sublte Body and Chakras with Barbara Benagh. She's one of the most experienced teachers in Boston (over 30 years!) and if I'm not mistaken her studio was one of the first in the city. Needless to say she knows her stuff. I went to her workshop last month which was Part 1 on the Subtle Body. It dealt mainly with prana and the vayus which admittedly I still have a lot to learn about.
The one today dove head first into the chakras. Without recounting the exact details of what was discussed I think I'll focus more on their implications for me. With this whole commitment thing going on and with the way our lives are in modern society it's way too easy to get wrapped up in the physical practice. Don't get me wrong, their are amazing physical benefits to yoga and meditation. But when it comes down to it Yoga as it's practiced today a modern invention and has little to do with the classical texts. I'm super glad I went to this workshop so early in my quest because I think it put me back on target. No matter what amazing physical changes happen to me over the next 360 days I need to remind myself that this is a journey of self discovery with powerful spiritual implications. Awesome.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Heather - Day Four: A Hiccup
I have done the unthinkable: I missed my yoga practice yesterday. I did not voluntarily skip it, however. I had an actual day off from all jobs yesterday, so I agreed to go to Connecticut with my boyfriend (George Woods of the band Birds in the Woods)for his gig. We thought we would be leaving around three or four. Then his booker got him a radio spot at the last minute and he told me Wednesday night that we would have to be in CT by noon. I thought OK, no problem, I will take my mat and practice in New Haven between the radio spot and the gig which wasn't until 9pm. Well, by the time I got to his place Wed. night, he had not received confirmation that he had the radio spot, so we weren't going to have to get up the morning and leave right away. I thought, "great, I will do a nice yin practice at his place, maybe he can join me..." Well just about the time we were waking up, he got a call saying that they wanted him to get to New Haven ASAP for the radio show. So, there was barely time to take a shower. I still planned on doing yoga somewhere, maybe in a park, or find a class or something. We got there after FOUR HOURS. It is a trip that normally takes about two, but there was a traffic jam and so there was a stretch of road about 12 miles long that took us two of those hours to cross. A runner could have run it faster! But I did not fear, I still had confidence that there would be time for yoga. When we got to the radio station, they made us wait almost 45 minutes before putting my boyfriend on. By this time, my head was starting to kill me and I was starving as I had not had the time to make breakfast before we had to get on the road. So we found some food and went to the park. I couldn't practice right away, I had eaten too much and my headache remained. We had about an hour before we needed to be at the venue for set up. Now I was starting to get nervous. We set up, and he asked me to man the merchandise table. Then he didn't play until 11pm....sigh....so, after a set and breakdown, we got on the road somewhere around 12:30. I still had a pretty bad headache. I walked into my apartment at 3:06. I was out by 3:15 and had to be working at my yoga studio by 9am. If I had known the day of events was going to include the radio spot, I could have planned the yoga accordingly, or at least left George to it while I went to the park and practiced, but it always seemed like there was going to be a little time until there just wasn't.
I am disappointed. There are a lot of shoulda, woulda, coulda's running through my mind today. But the truth is, life is just sometimes unpredictable and I always learn best by making mistakes. So rather than start over I am going to chalk it up to life and count Friday as Day Four. After all, meditation and yoga are practices, in large part, of learning the art of starting over in every moment and treating every moment as new with "don't know mind," right? So, maybe my yoga practice yesterday was to be present for my life as it played out. We come to our mats to streamline our lives for a little bit on a daily basis in order to cultivate and strengthen our ability to listen deeply to our own needs. But yoga doesn't exist in a vaccuum. Hopefully, what happens on the mat doesn't stay on the mat. So all the presence we learn on the mat is something we can take into our lives. The more deeply we can listen to ourselves and respond with compassion, the bigger our capacity becomes to listen deeply to others and respond to them with compassion. My yoga was to be present with my boyfriend. It was a beautiful warm day, full of fun and great music, and hope for his career, and I got to spend a WHOLE day with him. We are both so busy so we were very lucky to have that, and while part of me looked for any opportunity to practice, most of me was just able to be there, without regret, and with a heart full of gratitude to enjoy my life as it was in the moment.
WishIng you happiness and metta from a little dot in the universe called Boston,
Heather
PS. As a side note, I want to add one more change. My meditation teacher, whom I have been studying under for nearly two years now, has gently suggested to me at various times that I might want to try reading no dharma books or yoga books for a set amount of time. This, he explains, would give the chance to work with bare experience and not, as we both know is my tendency, use reading as a checkpoint to make sure I am "getting it right." As a read-a-holic, the very thought horrifies me. As someone who knows I am a read-a-holic, the idea intrigues me, so as an added challenge, I have decided that for this 365 days, I will practice asana everyday, but abstain from reading about it. I will continue to read other things, mostly for current issues sorts of information and - gasp! - for pleasure. So my idea to use "Meditations from the Mat" is officially nixed, though I invite and encourage anyone else to pick it up and use it for inspiration in their own practice whether you have taken up the cause of 365 days or some other commitment.
I am disappointed. There are a lot of shoulda, woulda, coulda's running through my mind today. But the truth is, life is just sometimes unpredictable and I always learn best by making mistakes. So rather than start over I am going to chalk it up to life and count Friday as Day Four. After all, meditation and yoga are practices, in large part, of learning the art of starting over in every moment and treating every moment as new with "don't know mind," right? So, maybe my yoga practice yesterday was to be present for my life as it played out. We come to our mats to streamline our lives for a little bit on a daily basis in order to cultivate and strengthen our ability to listen deeply to our own needs. But yoga doesn't exist in a vaccuum. Hopefully, what happens on the mat doesn't stay on the mat. So all the presence we learn on the mat is something we can take into our lives. The more deeply we can listen to ourselves and respond with compassion, the bigger our capacity becomes to listen deeply to others and respond to them with compassion. My yoga was to be present with my boyfriend. It was a beautiful warm day, full of fun and great music, and hope for his career, and I got to spend a WHOLE day with him. We are both so busy so we were very lucky to have that, and while part of me looked for any opportunity to practice, most of me was just able to be there, without regret, and with a heart full of gratitude to enjoy my life as it was in the moment.
WishIng you happiness and metta from a little dot in the universe called Boston,
Heather
PS. As a side note, I want to add one more change. My meditation teacher, whom I have been studying under for nearly two years now, has gently suggested to me at various times that I might want to try reading no dharma books or yoga books for a set amount of time. This, he explains, would give the chance to work with bare experience and not, as we both know is my tendency, use reading as a checkpoint to make sure I am "getting it right." As a read-a-holic, the very thought horrifies me. As someone who knows I am a read-a-holic, the idea intrigues me, so as an added challenge, I have decided that for this 365 days, I will practice asana everyday, but abstain from reading about it. I will continue to read other things, mostly for current issues sorts of information and - gasp! - for pleasure. So my idea to use "Meditations from the Mat" is officially nixed, though I invite and encourage anyone else to pick it up and use it for inspiration in their own practice whether you have taken up the cause of 365 days or some other commitment.
Rob - Day 4: NEW MOON - Simple Yin and Some Reflections
Now I've had many a debate with yogis of different styles about the importance of moon days. The skeptics argue that millions of "renegade" yogis from non-ashtanga styles practice on moon days without any ill effect. And I suppose to some extent they're right. I've yet to see an exploded head, broken limb or complete PranaQi meltdown from such behavior. But for ME at least, I definitely tend to feel really wonky when I practice on them. Also, given Mr. Jois's knowledge and the level of refinement of the Ashtanga system I'd tend to say that he's probably onto something...
But as per my commitment I did hit the mat today, although very lightly. I did about 30 mins of freestyle Yin at home to limber up a bit. Still, and I'm not sure if this was the moon or what, I was VERY restless and felt a bit off afterward. Certainly not my typical post-yin mellow vibe.
I think I'm already starting to notice the effects of the consistent practice. Whenever I practice regularly, especially with Ashtanga, I tend to have much more energy. This morning I woke up at 4 more or less ready to go, despite the fact that I felt like I slept much lighter than usual. The thing that I must be mindful of is that sometimes I have TOO much energy. It's like the Prana's all spinning around with nowhere to go. I'm sure that over the next year I'll get a feel for how to properly contain this and adjust my practice accordingly.
Tomorrow promises to be a VERY yogic today. I'm going to a teacher's workshop with Barbara Benagh about the subtle body and chakras. Exciting! I'll be sure to let you know all about it in my next post.
Still, I do have to say that it's tough to make it to the mat with wonderful articles on Huffington Post expounding the Top 10 Reasons NOT To Do Yoga! :)
Om Shanti Gangstas!
But as per my commitment I did hit the mat today, although very lightly. I did about 30 mins of freestyle Yin at home to limber up a bit. Still, and I'm not sure if this was the moon or what, I was VERY restless and felt a bit off afterward. Certainly not my typical post-yin mellow vibe.
I think I'm already starting to notice the effects of the consistent practice. Whenever I practice regularly, especially with Ashtanga, I tend to have much more energy. This morning I woke up at 4 more or less ready to go, despite the fact that I felt like I slept much lighter than usual. The thing that I must be mindful of is that sometimes I have TOO much energy. It's like the Prana's all spinning around with nowhere to go. I'm sure that over the next year I'll get a feel for how to properly contain this and adjust my practice accordingly.
Tomorrow promises to be a VERY yogic today. I'm going to a teacher's workshop with Barbara Benagh about the subtle body and chakras. Exciting! I'll be sure to let you know all about it in my next post.
Still, I do have to say that it's tough to make it to the mat with wonderful articles on Huffington Post expounding the Top 10 Reasons NOT To Do Yoga! :)
Om Shanti Gangstas!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Heather - Day Three
Last night was a late night, so when my alarm went off at 5:30am for Mysore, I felt sick - literally. I knew I needed to stay in bed. So I got up around eight and got a ton of stuff done this morning online. I came into the yoga studio early just so I could do a yoga practice. I did a shortened Ashtanga practice - about an hour.
Let me just speak honestly here. After not having a daily Mysore practice for several months, it is HARD!!! Especially when I am a little tired, a little hungry and have a memory of how my Mysore practice USED to be! My shoulders were burning in the first few down dogs, my hamstrings and hips are relatively tight (relative to what I am used to). And my mind is not as focused. I heard many inner voices saying, "Ugh," "I don't wanna...," "This sucks," "You suck," "I hate this," and the sneakier, "Just do four suns instead of five this time," "Skip this pose this time, you'll do it next time," But I did not react to my thoughts. I listened and responded. I reminded myself that the later regret I would have would not be worth the temporary physical relief I would have not doing that fifth sun salutation. And I tried to listen, to really hear what those voices had to say. Instead of just ignoring them or pushing them deeper down inside me, I tried to reside alongside with them. If yoga and meditation has taught me anything in the last couple of years - it is definitely that I have no control over the thoughts and feelings coming in and out of my head and that if I push them away or hide from them they are more likely to come up in a bigger, louder way, and at a less convenient time than if I just say OK and allow them to say what they have to say.
And now, I am cooling off from my sweaty good time. I am working the front desk at my yoga studio and I feel more at peace knowing that I didn't win or lose a battle today, but I averted it altogether simply by acting on the knowledge that my thoughts don't have to define my actions.
Wishing you happIness and metta from a little dot in the universe called Boston,
Heather
Let me just speak honestly here. After not having a daily Mysore practice for several months, it is HARD!!! Especially when I am a little tired, a little hungry and have a memory of how my Mysore practice USED to be! My shoulders were burning in the first few down dogs, my hamstrings and hips are relatively tight (relative to what I am used to). And my mind is not as focused. I heard many inner voices saying, "Ugh," "I don't wanna...," "This sucks," "You suck," "I hate this," and the sneakier, "Just do four suns instead of five this time," "Skip this pose this time, you'll do it next time," But I did not react to my thoughts. I listened and responded. I reminded myself that the later regret I would have would not be worth the temporary physical relief I would have not doing that fifth sun salutation. And I tried to listen, to really hear what those voices had to say. Instead of just ignoring them or pushing them deeper down inside me, I tried to reside alongside with them. If yoga and meditation has taught me anything in the last couple of years - it is definitely that I have no control over the thoughts and feelings coming in and out of my head and that if I push them away or hide from them they are more likely to come up in a bigger, louder way, and at a less convenient time than if I just say OK and allow them to say what they have to say.
And now, I am cooling off from my sweaty good time. I am working the front desk at my yoga studio and I feel more at peace knowing that I didn't win or lose a battle today, but I averted it altogether simply by acting on the knowledge that my thoughts don't have to define my actions.
Wishing you happIness and metta from a little dot in the universe called Boston,
Heather
Rob - Day 3: Mysore(? Heck yes I am!)
This morning was rough!
This blog is definitely the only reason that I actually made it this morning. Under regular circumstances I would have turned off my alarm and gone RIGHT back to sleep. I guess that means that the commitment is doing it's job though.
I really can't express how groggy I was this morning. I felt kinda like a zombie wandering around in search of brains. I hit the cushion for ten mins of "metta" practice. I think describing it as such is a bit of a misnomer though. It was more like:
"may I be safe. May I be happy. May I...ooooh I have to do blah blah later...oh yeah...metta...why am I doing metta? Why am I up? This is lame...FOCUS ROB...okaaaaaaay...May I be healthy..."
So by the end of the 10 mins I decided that attempting to do some vipassana would result in me sleeping sitting up and that would not be advisable. Instead I opted to try some walking in my living/dining room. I'd actually never done that at home, only on retreat. If you can imagine this only extended the Zombie like feelings as I crept slowly back and forth.
But yes, I wasn't going to stop there. I made it all the way to the studio for my morning Mysore practice. This is really the sorest and most tired I've felt on the mat in a LONG time. I guess it's just the karma for my shoddy few weeks catching up with me. My hamstrings were super sore and definitely tighter than yesterday. This is odd cause normally they progressively open more with each successive practice. I felt like I weighed a million pounds and each jumpback was quite an undertaking. By the end I copped out and stopped at Navasana. (My current practice stops at Supta Kurmasana)
I definitely fell asleep in Savasana. That's okay though. I think it gave all the PranaQi a chance to properly circulate cause as I'm writing this I feel like I've got my mojo back.
I'm pretty darn glad that tomorrow is a New Moon. As per the commitment I'll still practice, but as per Ashtanga tradition I'll hold of on vinyasa. I'm think maybe some lazy Yin/Restorative will suit me just right.
Check in tomorrow to find out exactly what happens!
This blog is definitely the only reason that I actually made it this morning. Under regular circumstances I would have turned off my alarm and gone RIGHT back to sleep. I guess that means that the commitment is doing it's job though.
I really can't express how groggy I was this morning. I felt kinda like a zombie wandering around in search of brains. I hit the cushion for ten mins of "metta" practice. I think describing it as such is a bit of a misnomer though. It was more like:
"may I be safe. May I be happy. May I...ooooh I have to do blah blah later...oh yeah...metta...why am I doing metta? Why am I up? This is lame...FOCUS ROB...okaaaaaaay...May I be healthy..."
So by the end of the 10 mins I decided that attempting to do some vipassana would result in me sleeping sitting up and that would not be advisable. Instead I opted to try some walking in my living/dining room. I'd actually never done that at home, only on retreat. If you can imagine this only extended the Zombie like feelings as I crept slowly back and forth.
But yes, I wasn't going to stop there. I made it all the way to the studio for my morning Mysore practice. This is really the sorest and most tired I've felt on the mat in a LONG time. I guess it's just the karma for my shoddy few weeks catching up with me. My hamstrings were super sore and definitely tighter than yesterday. This is odd cause normally they progressively open more with each successive practice. I felt like I weighed a million pounds and each jumpback was quite an undertaking. By the end I copped out and stopped at Navasana. (My current practice stops at Supta Kurmasana)
I definitely fell asleep in Savasana. That's okay though. I think it gave all the PranaQi a chance to properly circulate cause as I'm writing this I feel like I've got my mojo back.
I'm pretty darn glad that tomorrow is a New Moon. As per the commitment I'll still practice, but as per Ashtanga tradition I'll hold of on vinyasa. I'm think maybe some lazy Yin/Restorative will suit me just right.
Check in tomorrow to find out exactly what happens!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Heather - Day Two
Today may have been the hardest day of all. I just DID not want to practice after working all day. Mostly because I found out that my license has been suspended for five years now unbeknownst to me due to a speeding ticket I don't even remember getting. It was a VERY expensive ticket! So after spending almost three hours trying to figure out what happened and get it all arranged, I was a little down and definitely in the mood to pacify myself with episodes of South Park or phone conversations with friends and family rather than practice even thirty minutes of yoga!
But I did it. My hamstrings and quads were begging me for attention - being a little sore from the day before and after all, I had made a commitment: I wasn't about to call it quits on the second day for goodness sake!
So I put on a short dharma talk by Ajahn Sucitto which was really more of a guided meditation centered in the breath and proceeded through about thirty minutes of yin yoga. Honestly? It was a relief. Physically, mentally, emotionally, I felt better, more at ease afterwards. I think I slept better as well, though I usually don't have problems with sleep anyway. I was glad I did it regardless of the trepidation and laziness I was feeling so strongly at the time. It is amazing, how, even when we know it to be true from past experience, we can forget how much better healthy habits make us feel. It is so seductive and easy to fall back on the little habits of mindless TV, a cigarette, or a hot fudge sundae we have or have had to lean on in the past for comfort or convenience when it seems like too much effort to address the true needs of our bodies, minds, and spirits.
WishinG you happiness and metta from a little dot in the universe called Boston,
Heather
But I did it. My hamstrings and quads were begging me for attention - being a little sore from the day before and after all, I had made a commitment: I wasn't about to call it quits on the second day for goodness sake!
So I put on a short dharma talk by Ajahn Sucitto which was really more of a guided meditation centered in the breath and proceeded through about thirty minutes of yin yoga. Honestly? It was a relief. Physically, mentally, emotionally, I felt better, more at ease afterwards. I think I slept better as well, though I usually don't have problems with sleep anyway. I was glad I did it regardless of the trepidation and laziness I was feeling so strongly at the time. It is amazing, how, even when we know it to be true from past experience, we can forget how much better healthy habits make us feel. It is so seductive and easy to fall back on the little habits of mindless TV, a cigarette, or a hot fudge sundae we have or have had to lean on in the past for comfort or convenience when it seems like too much effort to address the true needs of our bodies, minds, and spirits.
WishinG you happiness and metta from a little dot in the universe called Boston,
Heather
Rob - Day 2: Mysore
I'm much better prepared for today's post so I should have more details/relevant information.
As I mentioned before, my practice has been a bit off. Needless to say waking up at 5 was a bit of a challenge, but somehow I managed to do it. In a groggy state I made it to my cushion for 10 mins of Metta and 20 mins of vipassana.
By the time I was ready to head out to the Shala I give in to my nagging hunger and eat a banana. Yes, technically against the rules but I could tell that my blood sugar would prefer it that way.
And yes, Ashtanga is not an easy practice to dive back into. It's not like it had been an exorbitantly long time. I think I had practiced something like 2-3 times in the past 3 weeks. But somehow that first day back felt like it had been much longer. My breath was really rough and uneven and my hamstrings were really tight. I suspect the food in my stomach was at least partly to blame for the rough breathing. But with a little perseverance I made it through and as is always the case I was glad I did. I even got some strong adjustments in Prasarita Padottanasana C and Urdhva Dhanurasana.
And so wraps up day two. I'm sure as I warm into this the posts will become more interesting. But for now I'll keep it simple.
As I mentioned before, my practice has been a bit off. Needless to say waking up at 5 was a bit of a challenge, but somehow I managed to do it. In a groggy state I made it to my cushion for 10 mins of Metta and 20 mins of vipassana.
By the time I was ready to head out to the Shala I give in to my nagging hunger and eat a banana. Yes, technically against the rules but I could tell that my blood sugar would prefer it that way.
And yes, Ashtanga is not an easy practice to dive back into. It's not like it had been an exorbitantly long time. I think I had practiced something like 2-3 times in the past 3 weeks. But somehow that first day back felt like it had been much longer. My breath was really rough and uneven and my hamstrings were really tight. I suspect the food in my stomach was at least partly to blame for the rough breathing. But with a little perseverance I made it through and as is always the case I was glad I did. I even got some strong adjustments in Prasarita Padottanasana C and Urdhva Dhanurasana.
And so wraps up day two. I'm sure as I warm into this the posts will become more interesting. But for now I'll keep it simple.
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