I love hot tea. I don't drink it as often as I would/should. Especially in the summer. But with the recent revelation my Rheumatologist has had (he's drank the Ayurvedic kool-aid), I'm thinking I should give my hot teas a second chance at changing my life. See, Dr. P. is quite the skeptic, pretty conservative, and comes from old school medicine. "That eastern medicine new age crap is for hippies!" But he's recently done a lot of research on Ayurveda and has consulted with peeps at the Chopra Institute. So all I'm saying is, if Dr. P. thinks this lifestyle has changed his life and has value, I'm inclined to jump on board too.
After some research, I realized that some of the stuff I already enjoy in moderation are in line with Ayurvedic treatments. Turmeric is one of my favorite spices and who knew all of the awesome healing powers it apparently possesses! The Schizandra (or Schisandra) berry is another thing. I love the White Schizandra tea from Zhi Tea, but I had no idea that it could be a massive boost to my metabolic system. Go metabolism! Speed up, old friend!
Therefore, through my research and with some encouragement from Dr. P. I've settled on a few things that I can do to see if really my body will change in a positive way. Enter 40-Day Challenge #2. For the next 40 days I will be doing the following:
~ Starting every single day with a cup of Oolong Tea (my fave is the Dong Ding Oolong at Zhi Tea)
~ Have a Zrii shake at lunch every work day, free days on the weekend.
~ Have a cup of White Schizandra Tea mid-afternoon every day.
In other news, the yoga journey continues. I'm hitting about 2 classes a week, also I do a few sun salutations every night or morning. I'm also going to start reading Christina Sell's two books. Her first one is Yoga From the Inside Out: Making Peace with Your Body Through Yoga. I'm excited to read it because, let's be honest, if there was anything I learned from the first 40-day challenge it's that I NEED to make peace with my insides. Guts, soul...all of it. Her brand new book (not even in stores yet, but I got it online) is My Body is a Temple. Because, hells yeah I want my body to be a temple! Isn't that one of my ultimate goals? To see myself this way? YES.
I'm excited to share this next journey with you. Please feel free to ask questions, leave comments, etc.
Namaste.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Creating Good Habits
I found an interesting article on how long it takes to form a habit. You can read it here.
Yoga Yoga started the 40 Day Challenge on the belief that a new habit takes 40 days to form. This article eased my mind around a little stress I created internally during the challenge. What if I miss classes? (I did.) What if 40 days isn't enough? (It was.) How much change can I really make in 40 days?
That last question was the one mistake I feel I made in starting this challenge. The point of the challenge is to make one single change in every day life, consistently, to create a good, new habit. I, in true Megan fashion, took on the task of too many challenges at one time. It wasn't just going to class that I decided to change. It was also saying I would meditate every day. I would blog every day. I would read about yoga every day. I would tweet about yoga every day. All of this. Every. Single. Day.
Impossible. I can hardly fit all I want to in every day already. This challenge was very much an "eyes bigger than my stomach" situation. The above mentioned article stated that in their research, forming a new habit could take anywhere from 18-254 days. I feel like I hit my yoga habit around day 21. It was a day I felt really good about what I had been doing and knew that not continuing the practice was not an option for me. Yoga felt, and continues to feel, like a way of life for me. A way to live my life every day. Now that's a habit!
All of the other stuff I wanted to challenge myself to do can still happen. I am reading The Secret Power of Yoga every day now, because I feel, for me, it's very important to continue to learn the "how and why" of yoga. I have committed to continue blogging about this journey because I am excited about all of the experiences and feel motivated to share them. There won't be a blog post every day, because a habit doesn't have to be an every day occurrence, as long as it's consistent and, well, habitual.
On another note, someone asked me today what poses I thought were solving my life-long multiple chin issue. To that person, and to you all, I promise you it is Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog.) This is the pose that works basically every muscle in your body, including those in the neck. I will also warn you that it is addicting. It doesn't seem so at first, but once you get the hang of it, it feels SO good. The whole body stretches...pure awesomeness. Try to learn it today (here's a link) or even better, try out YogaGlo.com and find some beginner's classes that do Sun Salutations. The poses that take you into and out of Dog make it even more awesome.
Namaste.
Yoga Yoga started the 40 Day Challenge on the belief that a new habit takes 40 days to form. This article eased my mind around a little stress I created internally during the challenge. What if I miss classes? (I did.) What if 40 days isn't enough? (It was.) How much change can I really make in 40 days?
That last question was the one mistake I feel I made in starting this challenge. The point of the challenge is to make one single change in every day life, consistently, to create a good, new habit. I, in true Megan fashion, took on the task of too many challenges at one time. It wasn't just going to class that I decided to change. It was also saying I would meditate every day. I would blog every day. I would read about yoga every day. I would tweet about yoga every day. All of this. Every. Single. Day.
Impossible. I can hardly fit all I want to in every day already. This challenge was very much an "eyes bigger than my stomach" situation. The above mentioned article stated that in their research, forming a new habit could take anywhere from 18-254 days. I feel like I hit my yoga habit around day 21. It was a day I felt really good about what I had been doing and knew that not continuing the practice was not an option for me. Yoga felt, and continues to feel, like a way of life for me. A way to live my life every day. Now that's a habit!
All of the other stuff I wanted to challenge myself to do can still happen. I am reading The Secret Power of Yoga every day now, because I feel, for me, it's very important to continue to learn the "how and why" of yoga. I have committed to continue blogging about this journey because I am excited about all of the experiences and feel motivated to share them. There won't be a blog post every day, because a habit doesn't have to be an every day occurrence, as long as it's consistent and, well, habitual.
On another note, someone asked me today what poses I thought were solving my life-long multiple chin issue. To that person, and to you all, I promise you it is Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog.) This is the pose that works basically every muscle in your body, including those in the neck. I will also warn you that it is addicting. It doesn't seem so at first, but once you get the hang of it, it feels SO good. The whole body stretches...pure awesomeness. Try to learn it today (here's a link) or even better, try out YogaGlo.com and find some beginner's classes that do Sun Salutations. The poses that take you into and out of Dog make it even more awesome.
Namaste.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Day 37
Can you even believe it's been 37 days?! I cannot. I feel like I just did my first class less than a week ago. Which is fun, because every time I go to a class it's like it is new to me in some ways, though some ways not. I'm always learning something new, though. This past weekend, I stumbled into a Hatha Star class taught by Kim, who teaches Anusara Yoga. In short, I ended up (on purpose) with my hands on the ground and my feet on the wall behind me, above my head and waist. It was AWESOME. It looked something like this, though not as graceful. :)
I'm changing the focus of this blog slightly because, obviously, this journey isn't just for 40 days. I really enjoy sharing what I learn along the way and I know that my learning has only just begun so this blog will continue on after Day 40. Just now I feel like I'm getting into a routine of what classes I want to go to when and which instructors seem to be the best fit for me. I've also had this insane craving to start running, which I've never done before (and have always despised the idea of), however there's a VERY large community of runners who yoga or yogis who run online and in Austin. We'll see where this new itch takes me.
Friday is the 40th day of the challenge and although I haven't been to an actual class everyday, I've found a way to practice Yoga in some Sutra form, everyday. And it really has made an incredible difference in my life. Stay tuned for Day 40 when I list all of the changes I've noticed!
Namaste.
I'm changing the focus of this blog slightly because, obviously, this journey isn't just for 40 days. I really enjoy sharing what I learn along the way and I know that my learning has only just begun so this blog will continue on after Day 40. Just now I feel like I'm getting into a routine of what classes I want to go to when and which instructors seem to be the best fit for me. I've also had this insane craving to start running, which I've never done before (and have always despised the idea of), however there's a VERY large community of runners who yoga or yogis who run online and in Austin. We'll see where this new itch takes me.
Friday is the 40th day of the challenge and although I haven't been to an actual class everyday, I've found a way to practice Yoga in some Sutra form, everyday. And it really has made an incredible difference in my life. Stay tuned for Day 40 when I list all of the changes I've noticed!
Namaste.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Back From Sabbatical
I obviously took a break from blogging. I also took a break in my 40-day challenge.
RA is really a manic disease. While most of the time I feel great and something like yoga only does an RA body good, out of nowhere this disease can bring me down. Hard. And during this challenge I had been on SUCH a high, feeling so great and proud of my body for pushing through, I wasn't really prepared for what this 40-day challenge would look like if I had a flare ( a bout of disease symptoms). But I did have a flare and I dealt with it the best way I know how. Sleeping 10-15 hours a day and battling on-going fatigue plus joint cramps is never fun, but I've gotten through it and I'm on the upswing. Getting back into classes just in time for the 3rd and last leg of this race.
There are some great Yoga resources out there to support me (and YOU!) when getting to class just isn't an option. Below are some fantastic ways to continue a yoga practice, whether it is Asanas, Meditation, Visualization or just Education.
YogaGlo.com: YogaGlo is an online community of classes you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home. It's extremely affordable and there are SO MANY classes to choose from, led by truly amazing yoga teachers. If you're thinking about Yoga but are unsure if it's for you, try this affordable option and take the opportunity to try as many different classes as you have time for.
Yoga Journal: Yoga Journal is like the NPR of Yoga. Anything you'd like to know about it can be found here, including articles and updates, plus inspiring stories. When I talk abut Asanas, I usually link it to a pose on Yoga Journal because their pictures and instruction are so easy to understand.
Snatum Kaur: Snatum Kaur's voice is nothing short of magical. This music can truly transform a yoga practice of Asana and/or Meditation. Her lifelong (literally) yoga journey is amazing and inspiring and can be read here. I would encourage anyone seeking healing and practice through music to purchase some of her music.
Spirit Voyage: Spirit Voyage is the music mega-store of Yoga and Meditation music. Plus, you can find other cool yoga stuff there too, such a clothes and props. Great choices and affordable prices!
The Secret Power of Yoga: A great read that has joined me in this 40-day challenge. This book is special because it is the first time a woman has translated the Yoga Sutras. A very inspiring and uplifting read, Secret Power is a great way to understand the "how and why" of Yoga.
Going To Pieces Without Falling Apart: Someone gave me this book 15 years ago and it still sits next to my bed, there when I need a little perspective. Going to Pieces Without Falling Apart: A Buddhist Perspective on Wholeness by Dr. Mark Epstein is not a book intended to convert you to Buddhism. Rather, it serves more as a guide on how to live life more wholly, to forgive ourselves when we fail and to find valuable lessons in everything we do, even the mistakes. LOVE THIS BOOK. While it's not about Yoga directly, it is a great guide to creating a mindset of peace and understanding, both assets to any Yoga practice.
Thank you for your patience during my journey and for continuing to follow it, bumps in the road and all. I hope you are inspired to find a little peace and understanding in your life and feel like you have a good handful of resources to do so!
Namaste.
RA is really a manic disease. While most of the time I feel great and something like yoga only does an RA body good, out of nowhere this disease can bring me down. Hard. And during this challenge I had been on SUCH a high, feeling so great and proud of my body for pushing through, I wasn't really prepared for what this 40-day challenge would look like if I had a flare ( a bout of disease symptoms). But I did have a flare and I dealt with it the best way I know how. Sleeping 10-15 hours a day and battling on-going fatigue plus joint cramps is never fun, but I've gotten through it and I'm on the upswing. Getting back into classes just in time for the 3rd and last leg of this race.
There are some great Yoga resources out there to support me (and YOU!) when getting to class just isn't an option. Below are some fantastic ways to continue a yoga practice, whether it is Asanas, Meditation, Visualization or just Education.
YogaGlo.com: YogaGlo is an online community of classes you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home. It's extremely affordable and there are SO MANY classes to choose from, led by truly amazing yoga teachers. If you're thinking about Yoga but are unsure if it's for you, try this affordable option and take the opportunity to try as many different classes as you have time for.
Yoga Journal: Yoga Journal is like the NPR of Yoga. Anything you'd like to know about it can be found here, including articles and updates, plus inspiring stories. When I talk abut Asanas, I usually link it to a pose on Yoga Journal because their pictures and instruction are so easy to understand.
Snatum Kaur: Snatum Kaur's voice is nothing short of magical. This music can truly transform a yoga practice of Asana and/or Meditation. Her lifelong (literally) yoga journey is amazing and inspiring and can be read here. I would encourage anyone seeking healing and practice through music to purchase some of her music.
Spirit Voyage: Spirit Voyage is the music mega-store of Yoga and Meditation music. Plus, you can find other cool yoga stuff there too, such a clothes and props. Great choices and affordable prices!
The Secret Power of Yoga: A great read that has joined me in this 40-day challenge. This book is special because it is the first time a woman has translated the Yoga Sutras. A very inspiring and uplifting read, Secret Power is a great way to understand the "how and why" of Yoga.
Going To Pieces Without Falling Apart: Someone gave me this book 15 years ago and it still sits next to my bed, there when I need a little perspective. Going to Pieces Without Falling Apart: A Buddhist Perspective on Wholeness by Dr. Mark Epstein is not a book intended to convert you to Buddhism. Rather, it serves more as a guide on how to live life more wholly, to forgive ourselves when we fail and to find valuable lessons in everything we do, even the mistakes. LOVE THIS BOOK. While it's not about Yoga directly, it is a great guide to creating a mindset of peace and understanding, both assets to any Yoga practice.
Thank you for your patience during my journey and for continuing to follow it, bumps in the road and all. I hope you are inspired to find a little peace and understanding in your life and feel like you have a good handful of resources to do so!
Namaste.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Big Expectations and Little Victories: Part 2
What's not a good idea is holding all of this newly discovered mental suitcase full of previously mentioned emotions inside. I didn't know really who to talk to about it, but of course and as usual, the Universe took care of that for me. A conversation with my co-worker/friend/fellow yoga gal Meredith turned into a really awesome conversation about my yoga journey and all of these crazy emotions and doubts I'm having. Meredith had the insight and wisdom I really needed and we had a very real and raw conversation. Best thing that could have happened to me mid-journey.
Meredith helped me see that I need to quash these "big expectations" I set for myself and learn to celebrate the "little victories." I do this, you see. I set massive expectations for myself. And I almost always experience serious letdowns as a result. Yoga, through Meredith, has finally taught me that this is a ridiculous ritual (insanity, anyone?), a mad cycle I continue to put myself through. And if not for yoga, I may have not learned this valuable lesson. Over the last few days, since our conversation, I realized all of the little victories I had missed celebrating without some sort of "but, still" of dissapointment attached. So, I made a list:
1) I can do Pigeon Pose. I can do Pigeon Pose!
2) I did 108 Sun Salutations in Zilker Park. Go me!
3) I am sleeping better.
4) My clothes are fitting better.
5) This is a BIG one, especially those of you who have known me for a very long time. My double-chin-itis is cured. This has been a long, long battle. (Yoga can heal chin fat. I am living proof. Can I get an Amen?!)
Even better, I now really only have two expectations going forward in this journey now. One: Yoga will continue to change and mold me, slowly but surely and when and how it is supposed to. Two: I know there will be little victories and I WILL celebrate them!
Namaste.
Meredith helped me see that I need to quash these "big expectations" I set for myself and learn to celebrate the "little victories." I do this, you see. I set massive expectations for myself. And I almost always experience serious letdowns as a result. Yoga, through Meredith, has finally taught me that this is a ridiculous ritual (insanity, anyone?), a mad cycle I continue to put myself through. And if not for yoga, I may have not learned this valuable lesson. Over the last few days, since our conversation, I realized all of the little victories I had missed celebrating without some sort of "but, still" of dissapointment attached. So, I made a list:
1) I can do Pigeon Pose. I can do Pigeon Pose!
2) I did 108 Sun Salutations in Zilker Park. Go me!
3) I am sleeping better.
4) My clothes are fitting better.
5) This is a BIG one, especially those of you who have known me for a very long time. My double-chin-itis is cured. This has been a long, long battle. (Yoga can heal chin fat. I am living proof. Can I get an Amen?!)
Even better, I now really only have two expectations going forward in this journey now. One: Yoga will continue to change and mold me, slowly but surely and when and how it is supposed to. Two: I know there will be little victories and I WILL celebrate them!
Namaste.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Big Expectations and Little Victories: Part 1
Monday night's Yoga Nidra really put a kink in my plans. My 40-day plan, that is.
For the first half of this challenge, I had done a pretty good job of putting aside my doubt and frustration, choosing my intentions at the beginning of class carefully (it is almost always "I am here for me"), and ignoring a growing sadness in my chest, a dissappointment in myself. You see, it's been a long time since I've had to learn something new and practice patience in the length of time it takes to learn something new. I grew up a dancer and for years I danced and I was good at it. I was so young when I started, I don't remember struggling to be good at it. I played a musical instrument almost my entire childhood and though I struggled sometimes, for the mostly part it came quite naturally to me. Same with the work in my adult life. When I fell into the work I have done for 12 years now, I knew it was meant for me and even with the detours I've taken, it's always been a second nature.
I feel like yoga is right for me. I have the same sense as I did as a dancer, a musician and now a fundraiser. But yoga. Yoga is a completely opposite practice of anything else I've done. It is learned differently, in ways my body and mind have never been exposed to. It is the first big life-altering thing I've done that feels right in my soul, but my body doesn't seem to follow. In other words, this learning curve is much bigger than anything else I've learned in life. It's bigger than me, bigger than life itself.
Like I've said before, we're told and we read that one person cannot achieve perfection in yoga in their lifetime. And while I love the idea of always being a student of yoga, never being bored, falling into the same mundane routine, always learning something new that is rewarding and fulfilling, I have found myself at a hard point in this practice. Yoga Nidra got in my head. It got in my HEAD. And while I realize this is the purpose of it, I couldn't have anticipated the effects of it after just one class.
My regular Tuesday beginner's series class was really tough on me. I felt off, overwhelmed, distracted. It was also the night we were taught Camel Pose (Ustrasana). The camel pose opens up the Heart Chakra and is associated with love and inner emotions (hope, fear, despair, envy, compassion, anger.) According to Lexi Yoga, camel pose results in "a rush of enporphins and a flush of emotions." I hadn't even moved into the modified, prop-supported camel pose fully when I felt a very unfamiliar and overwhelming feeling in my chest and had to pull myself out and sit in child's pose while the rest of class practiced camel pose. Intense.
In previous posts, I've written about a few emotional experiences I've had so far, such as with the gong. But what is happening right now isn't a one-time thing. It's as if there are many layers to this journey and before Yoga Nidra, I'd barely scratched the surface. Yoga Nidra peeled back a really thick layer that was hiding self-doubt, regret, fear, and dissapointment.
To be continued...
For the first half of this challenge, I had done a pretty good job of putting aside my doubt and frustration, choosing my intentions at the beginning of class carefully (it is almost always "I am here for me"), and ignoring a growing sadness in my chest, a dissappointment in myself. You see, it's been a long time since I've had to learn something new and practice patience in the length of time it takes to learn something new. I grew up a dancer and for years I danced and I was good at it. I was so young when I started, I don't remember struggling to be good at it. I played a musical instrument almost my entire childhood and though I struggled sometimes, for the mostly part it came quite naturally to me. Same with the work in my adult life. When I fell into the work I have done for 12 years now, I knew it was meant for me and even with the detours I've taken, it's always been a second nature.
I feel like yoga is right for me. I have the same sense as I did as a dancer, a musician and now a fundraiser. But yoga. Yoga is a completely opposite practice of anything else I've done. It is learned differently, in ways my body and mind have never been exposed to. It is the first big life-altering thing I've done that feels right in my soul, but my body doesn't seem to follow. In other words, this learning curve is much bigger than anything else I've learned in life. It's bigger than me, bigger than life itself.
Like I've said before, we're told and we read that one person cannot achieve perfection in yoga in their lifetime. And while I love the idea of always being a student of yoga, never being bored, falling into the same mundane routine, always learning something new that is rewarding and fulfilling, I have found myself at a hard point in this practice. Yoga Nidra got in my head. It got in my HEAD. And while I realize this is the purpose of it, I couldn't have anticipated the effects of it after just one class.
My regular Tuesday beginner's series class was really tough on me. I felt off, overwhelmed, distracted. It was also the night we were taught Camel Pose (Ustrasana). The camel pose opens up the Heart Chakra and is associated with love and inner emotions (hope, fear, despair, envy, compassion, anger.) According to Lexi Yoga, camel pose results in "a rush of enporphins and a flush of emotions." I hadn't even moved into the modified, prop-supported camel pose fully when I felt a very unfamiliar and overwhelming feeling in my chest and had to pull myself out and sit in child's pose while the rest of class practiced camel pose. Intense.
In previous posts, I've written about a few emotional experiences I've had so far, such as with the gong. But what is happening right now isn't a one-time thing. It's as if there are many layers to this journey and before Yoga Nidra, I'd barely scratched the surface. Yoga Nidra peeled back a really thick layer that was hiding self-doubt, regret, fear, and dissapointment.
To be continued...
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Yoga Nidra
Sunday's 108 Sun Salutation practice left me in massive pain. Sore muscles and sore other things I didn't know COULD be sore. Ouch. Lifting a glass to drink water was painful. But at the same time I felt fantastic, accomplished and I had this constant urge to do half Sun Salutations. And while that's all well and good, I knew I needed to quiet my mind and my body.
Day 15 I went to my first Yoga Nidra class. Yoga Nidra is a guided meditation done mostly while laying on the back in a prop supported Savasana. What I didn't expect, but experienced and now understand, is that Yoga Nidra is an extremely personal and private experience. So all I will say about last night's class is this:
1) I finally understand what the books and yoga teachers mean when they say yoga isn't just a physical practice; that I can be "practicing" yoga without asanas.
2) I had an amazing experience in class and look forward to going each week to deepen my Yoga Nidra practice.
I hope you are all well and taking good care of yourself. Whatever you've chosen to change in your life for 40 days and beyond, may you be supported, motivated, and loved.
Namaste.
Day 15 I went to my first Yoga Nidra class. Yoga Nidra is a guided meditation done mostly while laying on the back in a prop supported Savasana. What I didn't expect, but experienced and now understand, is that Yoga Nidra is an extremely personal and private experience. So all I will say about last night's class is this:
1) I finally understand what the books and yoga teachers mean when they say yoga isn't just a physical practice; that I can be "practicing" yoga without asanas.
2) I had an amazing experience in class and look forward to going each week to deepen my Yoga Nidra practice.
I hope you are all well and taking good care of yourself. Whatever you've chosen to change in your life for 40 days and beyond, may you be supported, motivated, and loved.
Namaste.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Day 13 and Day 14
Day 13:
Yesterday I woke up ripe with flared joints carried over from the stress of Thursday. On Friday, I took a "nap" for nearly 6 hours and followed that up with heavy sleep for another 9 hours. Needless to say, I was wiped out. So it was no surprise that my body wasn't feeling hip to the yoga challenge, but I wanted to go to a class. Luckily, there was a Restorative Yoga class late in the afternoon.
I had never been to one of these classes, though I had an idea of what it would be like. It was way more of what my body needed than I could have imagined. The class was guided through really great restorative poses, our bodies supported by props while we stayed in a pose for an extended amount of time. What really made the class special, though...that would be Everitt. This adorable, sweet man was so respectful of our bodies, totally aware that each of us was there to give our bodies a well-deserved break. He had a menagerie of metal bowls, each with their own tone which he played while we were in pose. When class was over, I felt AMAZING. This class was a big "DUH" for me. All of this yoga can take it's toll on a gal, but this class is a remedy for all the pulling and stretching and dancing around I put myself through each week. So I made an adjustment to my weekly schedule and though I'll miss Libby's a.m. class at the South location, I know this class will be exactly what I need to keep me going and prepare me for the days ahead.
Day 14:
Thank you Universe for Restorative Yoga! Without it I am certain I would not have been able to accomplish what I did today. 108 Sun Salutations. That's right. One Hundred and Eight. Actually, I had to stop a few times to rest and fix my hair (it was windy!), so I probably completed 106.
What an invigorating experience! It was a small group that met in Zilker Park across from Barton Springs pool and of the 4 students, one was me, two were my friends, and another girl plus the guide. Our guide was fantastic! She was so kind and encouraging to all of us. She did a few adjustments on me when in Downward-Facing Dog pose, which I totally appreciate. And at the end in Savasana, she laid a lavender eye pillow on our eyes and then went around to each of us to give our shoulders and neck and nice stretch. I'm glad my gals were there to do it with me (Meredith and Narissa, you girls rocked it!) and I look forward to doing it again. Side Note: My legs still feel like jelly and my arms feel like they are going to fall off my body. :)
About 108 Sun Salutations:
The number 108 is considered a sacred number in Hinduism and yoga. It is also the number of beads on a mala (plus the guru bead), the distance connecting the earth, moon, and sun, and in India, there are 108 sacred sites (pithas.) Also in yoga, there are 108 sacred parts of the body (marma points.)
A Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar) is a series of poses almost always beginning and ending in Mountain Pose (Tadasana.) When doing 108, the series may be exactly the same each time, or they can be changed up a little bit with the instruction of a guide. Here's a video example of a Sun Salutation.
Namaste.
Yesterday I woke up ripe with flared joints carried over from the stress of Thursday. On Friday, I took a "nap" for nearly 6 hours and followed that up with heavy sleep for another 9 hours. Needless to say, I was wiped out. So it was no surprise that my body wasn't feeling hip to the yoga challenge, but I wanted to go to a class. Luckily, there was a Restorative Yoga class late in the afternoon.
I had never been to one of these classes, though I had an idea of what it would be like. It was way more of what my body needed than I could have imagined. The class was guided through really great restorative poses, our bodies supported by props while we stayed in a pose for an extended amount of time. What really made the class special, though...that would be Everitt. This adorable, sweet man was so respectful of our bodies, totally aware that each of us was there to give our bodies a well-deserved break. He had a menagerie of metal bowls, each with their own tone which he played while we were in pose. When class was over, I felt AMAZING. This class was a big "DUH" for me. All of this yoga can take it's toll on a gal, but this class is a remedy for all the pulling and stretching and dancing around I put myself through each week. So I made an adjustment to my weekly schedule and though I'll miss Libby's a.m. class at the South location, I know this class will be exactly what I need to keep me going and prepare me for the days ahead.
Day 14:
Thank you Universe for Restorative Yoga! Without it I am certain I would not have been able to accomplish what I did today. 108 Sun Salutations. That's right. One Hundred and Eight. Actually, I had to stop a few times to rest and fix my hair (it was windy!), so I probably completed 106.
What an invigorating experience! It was a small group that met in Zilker Park across from Barton Springs pool and of the 4 students, one was me, two were my friends, and another girl plus the guide. Our guide was fantastic! She was so kind and encouraging to all of us. She did a few adjustments on me when in Downward-Facing Dog pose, which I totally appreciate. And at the end in Savasana, she laid a lavender eye pillow on our eyes and then went around to each of us to give our shoulders and neck and nice stretch. I'm glad my gals were there to do it with me (Meredith and Narissa, you girls rocked it!) and I look forward to doing it again. Side Note: My legs still feel like jelly and my arms feel like they are going to fall off my body. :)
About 108 Sun Salutations:
The number 108 is considered a sacred number in Hinduism and yoga. It is also the number of beads on a mala (plus the guru bead), the distance connecting the earth, moon, and sun, and in India, there are 108 sacred sites (pithas.) Also in yoga, there are 108 sacred parts of the body (marma points.)
A Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar) is a series of poses almost always beginning and ending in Mountain Pose (Tadasana.) When doing 108, the series may be exactly the same each time, or they can be changed up a little bit with the instruction of a guide. Here's a video example of a Sun Salutation.
Namaste.
Friday, March 18, 2011
All About Guru Karam
On Wednesday I went to Kundalini of Sound again. I really just want to take a few minutes to talk about Guru Karam.
Guru Karam is a wonderfully wacky woman. She and Mehtab founded Yoga Yoga. They are, in a sense, our yoga mom and pop. What she brings to class is something unique from any other yoga teacher I've ever met. She giggles. She smiles. BIG. She has a talent for balancing fun with seriousness. I adore her.
Her best attribute, other than being a totally rad Kundalini teacher, is her laugh. She does it a lot. And it's never annoying or out of place. It's always in response to how crazy something may seem, though it's purposeful and makes sense. For example, in class on Wednesday she played this crazy fast Indian music and we danced like maniacs. Total free form. She laughed explaining what we were going to do which really set the tone for making the dance our own and using it as a tool to release everything we'd been holding on to. Several students had an emotional release. It was awesome.
Kundalini of Sound is a very different class from Hatha Yoga or any yoga class you might see on an episode of Sex and The City or Friends. There are chanting meditations, singing, and that super awesome gong. It's also a serious workout as poses are easy but quick and repetitive. It's definitely my most favorite class of the week. It really is for all levels and so if you'd like to spice up your yoga practice, I hope you'll join me!
Thank you, Guru Karam, for fostering an amazing yoga community in Austin for so long and for sharing your love of yoga with all of us through your smile and laughter.
Namaste.
Guru Karam is a wonderfully wacky woman. She and Mehtab founded Yoga Yoga. They are, in a sense, our yoga mom and pop. What she brings to class is something unique from any other yoga teacher I've ever met. She giggles. She smiles. BIG. She has a talent for balancing fun with seriousness. I adore her.
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| Guru Karam (via yogayoga.com) |
Kundalini of Sound is a very different class from Hatha Yoga or any yoga class you might see on an episode of Sex and The City or Friends. There are chanting meditations, singing, and that super awesome gong. It's also a serious workout as poses are easy but quick and repetitive. It's definitely my most favorite class of the week. It really is for all levels and so if you'd like to spice up your yoga practice, I hope you'll join me!
Thank you, Guru Karam, for fostering an amazing yoga community in Austin for so long and for sharing your love of yoga with all of us through your smile and laughter.
Namaste.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Day 11 -or- The Day I Cried Through Yoga Class
Today was a shit day. It's my blog. I can say shit.
Someone I care about really hurt my heart and all day I carried that pain with me. I cried all day at work and I HATE crying at work. By the end of the day, I was trying to come up with excuses to not go to yoga class. I didn't want to be around people. I wanted beers, maybe a cigarette. Driving home I remembered that this was one of the classes in my beginner's series I had missed last session. So I went.
The stress of the day caused a flare in my joints. Downward-facing dog made my wrists feel like they were going to crack in half. Tree pose was a massive FAIL. My lips were trembling like a little child who lost their blankie while I was trying to not cry. Then we did the Pigeon Pose. Oh, Pigeon Pose, how you slay me. I lost it. I could not stop those tears. The thing about Pigeon Pose is, you're there for quiet a while. It's a very emotionally detoxing pose. I guess it served it's purpose for me, but I'm fairly certain Matt (the new guy from a couple of posts back) thought I was a little nuts. I saw him glance at me. (Sorry, Matt!)
I don't feel better and my heart still hurts. But yoga was there for me when I needed it, even though I didn't want it. What I wanted was a night full of beers and cigarettes. What I needed was yoga. I remember this quote, but I don't remember where I read it:
"The universe will give us exactly what we need, exactly when we need it."
Namaste.
Someone I care about really hurt my heart and all day I carried that pain with me. I cried all day at work and I HATE crying at work. By the end of the day, I was trying to come up with excuses to not go to yoga class. I didn't want to be around people. I wanted beers, maybe a cigarette. Driving home I remembered that this was one of the classes in my beginner's series I had missed last session. So I went.
The stress of the day caused a flare in my joints. Downward-facing dog made my wrists feel like they were going to crack in half. Tree pose was a massive FAIL. My lips were trembling like a little child who lost their blankie while I was trying to not cry. Then we did the Pigeon Pose. Oh, Pigeon Pose, how you slay me. I lost it. I could not stop those tears. The thing about Pigeon Pose is, you're there for quiet a while. It's a very emotionally detoxing pose. I guess it served it's purpose for me, but I'm fairly certain Matt (the new guy from a couple of posts back) thought I was a little nuts. I saw him glance at me. (Sorry, Matt!)
I don't feel better and my heart still hurts. But yoga was there for me when I needed it, even though I didn't want it. What I wanted was a night full of beers and cigarettes. What I needed was yoga. I remember this quote, but I don't remember where I read it:
"The universe will give us exactly what we need, exactly when we need it."
Namaste.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Day 9 -or- The Day I Taught Someone Something
Last night was a beginner's series class, usually taught by Mollie but we had a sub because Mollie's getting married. Congrats Mollie!
Class was good and I learned a few things from our sub Karlie. Karlie teaches a different style of yoga and so having learned most fundamentals from Mollie thus far, I was a little thrown off. But Karlie is a talker and shared a lot insight and talked about the Sutras, which I really like. Love knowing the "whys" of yoga.
After I walked into class and set up my mat and props, a nice guy rolled out his mat next to me and asked if he could ask for my help. He explained that he missed the first two classes of the series and this was his first yoga class ever. So I explained the props to him and talked to him a little about what we learned in the first class. Luckily, I also had an extra set of the handouts from classes 1 and 2 so I gave them to him.
He was right next to me and so during practice I was very aware that he might be looking to me for how to do poses. I put a lot of unnecessary pressure on myself. I fell twice. I somehow cut my toe and had to leave class for a band aid. It wasn't until Savasana I realized that the Universe had honored me with an opportunity to help out someone else also on their own special yoga journey. When Karlie prompted us to show ourselves gratitude for coming to practice and opening our minds to yoga, I also thanked the Universe for allowing me to share my little knowledge with the lovely man next to me and promised to not let it weigh me down the next time.
I know very little about the entire practice of yoga. As I learned last night, people can practice yoga all of their life and never do an Asana (pose.) Yoga means "to unite" in most translations and is a combination of physical, mental, and verbal disciplines. Knowing this about yoga simply reminds me, once again, that I will always be a student of yoga. There is so much to know about this practice, my lifetime could never be long enough. Last night was an opportunity to transfer my passion and my experience to another, and this blog serves that same purpose.
I may have not said thank you enough for allowing me to share with you this journey. You don't have to be here reading this, but you are and I am grateful for you.
Namaste.
Class was good and I learned a few things from our sub Karlie. Karlie teaches a different style of yoga and so having learned most fundamentals from Mollie thus far, I was a little thrown off. But Karlie is a talker and shared a lot insight and talked about the Sutras, which I really like. Love knowing the "whys" of yoga.
After I walked into class and set up my mat and props, a nice guy rolled out his mat next to me and asked if he could ask for my help. He explained that he missed the first two classes of the series and this was his first yoga class ever. So I explained the props to him and talked to him a little about what we learned in the first class. Luckily, I also had an extra set of the handouts from classes 1 and 2 so I gave them to him.
He was right next to me and so during practice I was very aware that he might be looking to me for how to do poses. I put a lot of unnecessary pressure on myself. I fell twice. I somehow cut my toe and had to leave class for a band aid. It wasn't until Savasana I realized that the Universe had honored me with an opportunity to help out someone else also on their own special yoga journey. When Karlie prompted us to show ourselves gratitude for coming to practice and opening our minds to yoga, I also thanked the Universe for allowing me to share my little knowledge with the lovely man next to me and promised to not let it weigh me down the next time.
I know very little about the entire practice of yoga. As I learned last night, people can practice yoga all of their life and never do an Asana (pose.) Yoga means "to unite" in most translations and is a combination of physical, mental, and verbal disciplines. Knowing this about yoga simply reminds me, once again, that I will always be a student of yoga. There is so much to know about this practice, my lifetime could never be long enough. Last night was an opportunity to transfer my passion and my experience to another, and this blog serves that same purpose.
I may have not said thank you enough for allowing me to share with you this journey. You don't have to be here reading this, but you are and I am grateful for you.
Namaste.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Day 8 -or- The Day I Discovered Pigeon Pose
As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I went to my first Hatha class last night. My beginner's series with Mollie is a Hatha class and I've also gone to Hatha Star (on-going beginner classes), but this was the first class of Hatha Yoga where I knew going into it I wouldn't have as much instruction and things would move along a little "faster."
Whoa. Is faster even the right word? This class, led by Hannah, was awesome and kicked my ass, but it was faster, harder and sweatier than any of my classes that came before it. I think I did Downward-Facing Dog, or Adho Muhka Svanasana, more in this class than I've ever done in my life. -A side note: I really look forward to the day when, in Downward-Facing Dog, my heels touch all the way to the ground. I digress. - Things were going along nicely and I was smart enough to set up shop in the back of class so I could get a full view of other students in poses to help me along (I'm normally the geek student in the front row.) Then two things happened:
1) Warrior III (Virabhadrasana III) - The first pose in Hatha I had not yet seen or attempted. Warrior I and Warrior II? Yes and yes. Love them. Feel confident I'm doing them right. But Warrior III, oh my. I thought I was going to fall on my head. I took the suggestion from Hannah to only do half Warrior III and leave my arms on the ground. But now I've issued myself a challenge, baby. I will dominate Warrior III!
2) Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana) - What the heck is Pigeon Pose? I heard this "Now we'll move into Pigeon Pose." I thought I heard her incorrectly, but she said it again and I saw the gal in front of me do this wonky thing with her right leg and I thought "Oh no. No way. My body doesn't do that." Perhaps Hannah picked up on my panic, for she started explaining how to do the pose and Holy Pigeon Pose, Batman! This pose was MADE for me. I have over-extending joints in my knees, elbows and hips so getting my hips to do this was no problem. Once I found the right place for all of my limbs, it was really quite comfortable. Win!
Tonight is another beginner's series and I'm excited to continue these classes for the next three weeks as I learn the most basic and fundamental poses and "whys" of Hatha Yoga. But I will definitely keep going to Hannah's Monday night Hatha class because I know I can do it and that I will be challenged to push myself further. I gave myself a big pat on the back last night. :)
Namaste.
Whoa. Is faster even the right word? This class, led by Hannah, was awesome and kicked my ass, but it was faster, harder and sweatier than any of my classes that came before it. I think I did Downward-Facing Dog, or Adho Muhka Svanasana, more in this class than I've ever done in my life. -A side note: I really look forward to the day when, in Downward-Facing Dog, my heels touch all the way to the ground. I digress. - Things were going along nicely and I was smart enough to set up shop in the back of class so I could get a full view of other students in poses to help me along (I'm normally the geek student in the front row.) Then two things happened:
1) Warrior III (Virabhadrasana III) - The first pose in Hatha I had not yet seen or attempted. Warrior I and Warrior II? Yes and yes. Love them. Feel confident I'm doing them right. But Warrior III, oh my. I thought I was going to fall on my head. I took the suggestion from Hannah to only do half Warrior III and leave my arms on the ground. But now I've issued myself a challenge, baby. I will dominate Warrior III!
2) Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana) - What the heck is Pigeon Pose? I heard this "Now we'll move into Pigeon Pose." I thought I heard her incorrectly, but she said it again and I saw the gal in front of me do this wonky thing with her right leg and I thought "Oh no. No way. My body doesn't do that." Perhaps Hannah picked up on my panic, for she started explaining how to do the pose and Holy Pigeon Pose, Batman! This pose was MADE for me. I have over-extending joints in my knees, elbows and hips so getting my hips to do this was no problem. Once I found the right place for all of my limbs, it was really quite comfortable. Win!
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| Pigeon Pose |
Namaste.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Lube Juice and the Freaky Horoscope
I'm heading out to my first Hatha Yoga class. And by that, I mean it's not a beginner's class. I'm a little nervous, but Meredith says I can do it! (#thankslady.)
But first I wanted to blog a little, because I didn't have a chance to yesterday. First, about the "lube juice." It's a name for a little pre-yoga concoction I created to keep my tummy from growling during practice. We're told by our instructors and in books to not eat before practice. Mollie says to try to not eat 3 hours before practice. For me, this is difficult because my classes are in the evening and I like to eat dinner early. Enter "lube juice." I thought I'd come up with something that was minimal, but filling and also has the added benefit of lubing my joints to make the practice go a little smoother. (For those of you who don't know, I have Rheumatoid Arthritis...it's important for me to keep these joints nice and lubed!) Here's the recipe:
Pre-Yoga Lube Juice:
1/2 cup of fresh blueberries
3 ounces of MonaVie "Active"
1 cup of Greek yogurt with honey (My favorite is Greek Gods)
1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
*Put it all together in a blender and blend until smooth
The blueberries are loaded with antioxidants, always good for you. The greek yogurt is, well, delicious and gives this blend the substance it needs to taste delicious. Turmeric has amazing anti-inflammatory properties. MonaVie is an acai berry juice blend with all kinds of yummy stuff in it, good for your joints. (Big thanks to Amy W. for keeping me stocked with MonaVie!)
On another note, this was my horoscope today:
Instead of attempting to convince others that your plan is a solid one today, spend time examining your weaknesses to understand how they may be forcing you to overcompensate. Rather than focusing on your own progress, see what you can learn from others without trying to one-up them. Although you are willing to jump into the fray again, remember that coming out ahead is less important than turning every moment into another chapter in your journey of self-discovery.
Loud and clear, Universe. Loud. And. Clear.
Namaste.
But first I wanted to blog a little, because I didn't have a chance to yesterday. First, about the "lube juice." It's a name for a little pre-yoga concoction I created to keep my tummy from growling during practice. We're told by our instructors and in books to not eat before practice. Mollie says to try to not eat 3 hours before practice. For me, this is difficult because my classes are in the evening and I like to eat dinner early. Enter "lube juice." I thought I'd come up with something that was minimal, but filling and also has the added benefit of lubing my joints to make the practice go a little smoother. (For those of you who don't know, I have Rheumatoid Arthritis...it's important for me to keep these joints nice and lubed!) Here's the recipe:
Pre-Yoga Lube Juice:
1/2 cup of fresh blueberries
3 ounces of MonaVie "Active"
1 cup of Greek yogurt with honey (My favorite is Greek Gods)
1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
*Put it all together in a blender and blend until smooth
The blueberries are loaded with antioxidants, always good for you. The greek yogurt is, well, delicious and gives this blend the substance it needs to taste delicious. Turmeric has amazing anti-inflammatory properties. MonaVie is an acai berry juice blend with all kinds of yummy stuff in it, good for your joints. (Big thanks to Amy W. for keeping me stocked with MonaVie!)
On another note, this was my horoscope today:
Instead of attempting to convince others that your plan is a solid one today, spend time examining your weaknesses to understand how they may be forcing you to overcompensate. Rather than focusing on your own progress, see what you can learn from others without trying to one-up them. Although you are willing to jump into the fray again, remember that coming out ahead is less important than turning every moment into another chapter in your journey of self-discovery.
Loud and clear, Universe. Loud. And. Clear.
Namaste.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Anjali Mudra and Libby D.
I've talked about Savasana a couple of times. It is one of my two favorite parts of Yoga. My other favorite is Anjali Mundra.
In Hatha Yoga, Anjali Mudra begins and ends the practice. Anjali (to honor, celebrate) is a salutation and Mudra (seal) seals your relationship with the Divine. Therefore, Anjali Mudra is also known as the Salutation Seal. Seated in Siddhasana (Perfect Pose, my preference) or standing in Tadasana (Mountain pose), the palms are pressed together at the heart center, with the thumbs pressed slightly against the chest. The hands are pressed firmly together, without allowing one hand to dominate the other. The head is bowed slightly towards the heart, creating a lengthening in the neck and spine. With the eyes closed, a few deep breaths are taken. When in Anjali Mudra at the beginning of practice, it's the time to set the intention of your practice. For me, my intention is always the same. With my eyes closed, I say to myself, "I am here for me. I am here for me."
I love Anjali Mudra. I love Anjali Mudra. I LOVE Anjali Mudra. It induces a meditative state of awareness. There is a strength I am able to draw from it that makes my heart feel bigger than any other part of me. It's a radiating energy which sets an amazing, powerful, motivating tone for practice regardless of how I felt before I walked in the door.
On another note, I think I've found my favorite teacher. In beginner's series, the teacher will talk about how different each teacher is and that most students will figure out who they connect with best and attend mostly their classes. For me, that person is Libby D. Libby has an amazing and magnetic spirit. Her instruction is clear and heartfelt; it is so easy to realize how much she loves yoga, loves teaching and how greatly she respects each student and their individual interest in yoga. Two of my classes each week are with her. I'm already excited about Monday class!
In Hatha Yoga, Anjali Mudra begins and ends the practice. Anjali (to honor, celebrate) is a salutation and Mudra (seal) seals your relationship with the Divine. Therefore, Anjali Mudra is also known as the Salutation Seal. Seated in Siddhasana (Perfect Pose, my preference) or standing in Tadasana (Mountain pose), the palms are pressed together at the heart center, with the thumbs pressed slightly against the chest. The hands are pressed firmly together, without allowing one hand to dominate the other. The head is bowed slightly towards the heart, creating a lengthening in the neck and spine. With the eyes closed, a few deep breaths are taken. When in Anjali Mudra at the beginning of practice, it's the time to set the intention of your practice. For me, my intention is always the same. With my eyes closed, I say to myself, "I am here for me. I am here for me."
I love Anjali Mudra. I love Anjali Mudra. I LOVE Anjali Mudra. It induces a meditative state of awareness. There is a strength I am able to draw from it that makes my heart feel bigger than any other part of me. It's a radiating energy which sets an amazing, powerful, motivating tone for practice regardless of how I felt before I walked in the door.
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| Anjali Mudra (not me, but isn't she adorable?) |
Friday, March 11, 2011
Day 4
Yesterday I missed class.
Actually, I didn't miss it. I had to make a very difficult and emotional decision not to go. I wanted to go so badly, but my body was saying "no way, mama." I was shaking so much that I couldn't even text message. Driving was pretty scary. I was exhausted beyond the point of sleep. This body was detoxing. I knew I wouldn't make it 5 minutes in class.
Luckily in my morning meditation I took time to do Cat Pose (Bidalasana) and Cow Pose (Bitilasana) and I sat half of my still time in Child's Pose (Balasana.) And on Mehtab's 40 Ways list, #15 says to visualize doing yoga if we're sick. So as I lay in bed last night, I closed my eyes and did the poses I knew I could visualize without getting them wrong.
I slept so peacefully. And today my body feels ready to continue this journey.
Evey yoga teacher is different. They teach differently, have different philosophies, and even their poses slightly differ. But every teacher, EVERY one, will say to listen to your body. I'm so glad I did because I know it was the right thing for my practice.
On another note, and speaking of Child's Pose (Balasana), if you're in need of relaxation and want to try a yoga pose, I would highly suggest Balasana. The link above has great directions on how to do it. Then, I'd suggest spending some time in Savasana, which I mentioned briefly in my post Day 3. Be sure to pull out a few blankets to support your knees and back!
Namaste.
Actually, I didn't miss it. I had to make a very difficult and emotional decision not to go. I wanted to go so badly, but my body was saying "no way, mama." I was shaking so much that I couldn't even text message. Driving was pretty scary. I was exhausted beyond the point of sleep. This body was detoxing. I knew I wouldn't make it 5 minutes in class.
Luckily in my morning meditation I took time to do Cat Pose (Bidalasana) and Cow Pose (Bitilasana) and I sat half of my still time in Child's Pose (Balasana.) And on Mehtab's 40 Ways list, #15 says to visualize doing yoga if we're sick. So as I lay in bed last night, I closed my eyes and did the poses I knew I could visualize without getting them wrong.
I slept so peacefully. And today my body feels ready to continue this journey.
Evey yoga teacher is different. They teach differently, have different philosophies, and even their poses slightly differ. But every teacher, EVERY one, will say to listen to your body. I'm so glad I did because I know it was the right thing for my practice.
On another note, and speaking of Child's Pose (Balasana), if you're in need of relaxation and want to try a yoga pose, I would highly suggest Balasana. The link above has great directions on how to do it. Then, I'd suggest spending some time in Savasana, which I mentioned briefly in my post Day 3. Be sure to pull out a few blankets to support your knees and back!
Namaste.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Day 3 -or- The Day Yoga Kicked My Ass
I came this close (" ") to not going to class last night. It was a hurried day, a frustrating day, an exhausting day and I thought maybe my body needed a break. I knew I wouldn't be able to make the class I had intended to because it was at another location farther from my house. So, I looked at the schedule of my usual studio and the only class I could conceivably do without looking like a lost fool was Kundalini of Sound. I called the studio on my way home and asked if the class for an option for all levels and was told that it's an advanced class but newbies attend all of the time. I resided to go to the class if I got home in time to change and get there without being late.
About 8 years ago I practiced Kundalini Yoga for a year, once or twice a week beginners classes. Until last night, I didn't have much recollection about the classes.
I arrived at the studio and watched the people who were walking into the class. They all had extra stuff: blankets, double mats and these fuzzy sheep skin mats. I decided to wait outside class for Guru Karam. She taught my classes 8 years ago and I wanted to check in with her to see if she thought it was a good fit for me. Her response? "Oh, yeah, You'll be fine! C'mon. C'mon now. Come in, it's fine!" (perhaps you can imagine my hesitation and her needing to coax me into the room.)
And it was fine. Kundalini was like riding a bicycle. Only a bicycle on a track with lots and lots of big, steep hills. Kundalini is all about matching the breath with repetitive motions, motions that engage multiple muscles and joints. It's intense. Last night's class was all about the digestive system (read: abdominal muscles.) We also did two meditations with chants (AWESOME).
But then, as we prepared for Savasana (also known as Corpse Pose or Resting Pose), Guru Karam said the "G" word. Gong. Even typing it I have to catch my breath. When she said she'd be playing the gong during Savasana, I suddenly remembered the power that gong had over me 8 years ago, which was also a very transformational time in my life. The gong is used in Kundalini yoga to facilitate the movement of Prana (vital life energy) through the body for healing.
Everyday I find affirmation that I am doing exactly what I need to be doing for myself during this 40 day journey.
My eyes welled up with tears before the gong even started. But on that first sound, tears started flowing from my eyes and I could not stop. The sound was so radiating and I felt it move through me starting at my heart center and vibrating like a raindrop in a pond throughout my whole body from the very middle to all of the very tips of all of me. And as we laid there for 10 minutes, I let the gong guide me through months of sadness, loss, worry, anger, and fear. Words I couldn't find before suddenly were right there with me. I was able to silently articulate my gratefulness to my father-in-law, my sweet kitty Henry, and my dear, dear dog Tucker for allowing me to be a part of their life while they were on this earth. These past few months have brought us such loss and I didn't know how to deal with all of it. I don't know how that gong does it, but it brings healing. And last night I started to heal.
Talk about being in the right place at the right time. After the fiascoes of yesterday (still unhappy about that flat tire, Universe) I realize it was all a build up to prepare me for Kundalini class. I'm adding this class to my weekly schedule because I see its value in my journey. And also because the gong is like Lay's Chips ("you can't eat just one,") but without all of the fat and calories.
At the end of a Kundalini class, everyone sings Long Time Sun:
May the long time sun shine upon you
All love surround you
And the pure light that is within you
Guide your way on.
Namaste.
About 8 years ago I practiced Kundalini Yoga for a year, once or twice a week beginners classes. Until last night, I didn't have much recollection about the classes.
I arrived at the studio and watched the people who were walking into the class. They all had extra stuff: blankets, double mats and these fuzzy sheep skin mats. I decided to wait outside class for Guru Karam. She taught my classes 8 years ago and I wanted to check in with her to see if she thought it was a good fit for me. Her response? "Oh, yeah, You'll be fine! C'mon. C'mon now. Come in, it's fine!" (perhaps you can imagine my hesitation and her needing to coax me into the room.)
And it was fine. Kundalini was like riding a bicycle. Only a bicycle on a track with lots and lots of big, steep hills. Kundalini is all about matching the breath with repetitive motions, motions that engage multiple muscles and joints. It's intense. Last night's class was all about the digestive system (read: abdominal muscles.) We also did two meditations with chants (AWESOME).
But then, as we prepared for Savasana (also known as Corpse Pose or Resting Pose), Guru Karam said the "G" word. Gong. Even typing it I have to catch my breath. When she said she'd be playing the gong during Savasana, I suddenly remembered the power that gong had over me 8 years ago, which was also a very transformational time in my life. The gong is used in Kundalini yoga to facilitate the movement of Prana (vital life energy) through the body for healing.
Everyday I find affirmation that I am doing exactly what I need to be doing for myself during this 40 day journey.
My eyes welled up with tears before the gong even started. But on that first sound, tears started flowing from my eyes and I could not stop. The sound was so radiating and I felt it move through me starting at my heart center and vibrating like a raindrop in a pond throughout my whole body from the very middle to all of the very tips of all of me. And as we laid there for 10 minutes, I let the gong guide me through months of sadness, loss, worry, anger, and fear. Words I couldn't find before suddenly were right there with me. I was able to silently articulate my gratefulness to my father-in-law, my sweet kitty Henry, and my dear, dear dog Tucker for allowing me to be a part of their life while they were on this earth. These past few months have brought us such loss and I didn't know how to deal with all of it. I don't know how that gong does it, but it brings healing. And last night I started to heal.
Talk about being in the right place at the right time. After the fiascoes of yesterday (still unhappy about that flat tire, Universe) I realize it was all a build up to prepare me for Kundalini class. I'm adding this class to my weekly schedule because I see its value in my journey. And also because the gong is like Lay's Chips ("you can't eat just one,") but without all of the fat and calories.
At the end of a Kundalini class, everyone sings Long Time Sun:
May the long time sun shine upon you
All love surround you
And the pure light that is within you
Guide your way on.
Namaste.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
The Universe is Against Me
At least that's what it feels like.
I guess I had the expectation that starting a solid yoga/meditation practice would be smooth as silk. I am realizing very quickly that I did not factor in the emotional and physical challenges I may encounter, or that little bumps in the road which would normally occur would seem mountainous during this time of transition. As if ever a flat tire on MoPac was considered a "little bump."
This post is mostly about how body and mind are quickly (or perhaps not quickly enough) adjusting to these changes.
My sleep is affected. When I went to sleep last night, I noticed I was shaky, like when I've been really sleep deprived or have low blood sugar. I felt the same way when I woke up this morning. And although my internal alarm clock went off at 7am, I stayed in bed another half hour to give my body extra time to adjust and relax. I did my meditation and half way through tears started streaming down my face and I was overcome with sadness. This same thing happened to me last night too, when I was in the middle of doing nothing and thinking about nothing inparticular. I decided to spend the remainder of my time meditating on these feelings and by the end, I decided the emotions behind the tears and sadness felt like I was in mourning. I am familiar with the emotion and certainly with recent happenings over the last few months, I am not surprised by my need to mourn in my own way and in my own time. But what I think is actually happening is that my subconscious mind is taking this opportunity to "detox", if you will, all of the stuff I've stored there and not yet dealt with. And I'm convinced that the physical stuff I'm experiencing (shaking and fatigue) are side effects of the emotional dumping my subconscious mind (or my second mind) is doing.
We read that yoga is really so much more than the physical Asanas. There is a spiritual-emotional component which is bigger that the sum of all other parts of yoga and to understand its affect before we experience it is impossible. It is why when during this new practice of yoga and meditation everything seems bigger, badder, and more complicated than it really is, that our bodies begin to detox not only the toxicity of our physical self, but also our emotional self.
My biggest lesson today is this: When I wake up shaky, cry during meditation, change my outfit three times, and have a flat tire on MoPac: even though it feels like it, the universe is actually NOT against me. It's there saying "I'm here to support you when everything seems mountainous. You'll never be met with more than you can handle. In the end, you'll be stronger."
And to the Universe I say, "Thanks for being there for me, Universe. But I'm pretty sure you could have gotten your point across without the flat tire."
Namaste.
I guess I had the expectation that starting a solid yoga/meditation practice would be smooth as silk. I am realizing very quickly that I did not factor in the emotional and physical challenges I may encounter, or that little bumps in the road which would normally occur would seem mountainous during this time of transition. As if ever a flat tire on MoPac was considered a "little bump."
This post is mostly about how body and mind are quickly (or perhaps not quickly enough) adjusting to these changes.
My sleep is affected. When I went to sleep last night, I noticed I was shaky, like when I've been really sleep deprived or have low blood sugar. I felt the same way when I woke up this morning. And although my internal alarm clock went off at 7am, I stayed in bed another half hour to give my body extra time to adjust and relax. I did my meditation and half way through tears started streaming down my face and I was overcome with sadness. This same thing happened to me last night too, when I was in the middle of doing nothing and thinking about nothing inparticular. I decided to spend the remainder of my time meditating on these feelings and by the end, I decided the emotions behind the tears and sadness felt like I was in mourning. I am familiar with the emotion and certainly with recent happenings over the last few months, I am not surprised by my need to mourn in my own way and in my own time. But what I think is actually happening is that my subconscious mind is taking this opportunity to "detox", if you will, all of the stuff I've stored there and not yet dealt with. And I'm convinced that the physical stuff I'm experiencing (shaking and fatigue) are side effects of the emotional dumping my subconscious mind (or my second mind) is doing.
We read that yoga is really so much more than the physical Asanas. There is a spiritual-emotional component which is bigger that the sum of all other parts of yoga and to understand its affect before we experience it is impossible. It is why when during this new practice of yoga and meditation everything seems bigger, badder, and more complicated than it really is, that our bodies begin to detox not only the toxicity of our physical self, but also our emotional self.
My biggest lesson today is this: When I wake up shaky, cry during meditation, change my outfit three times, and have a flat tire on MoPac: even though it feels like it, the universe is actually NOT against me. It's there saying "I'm here to support you when everything seems mountainous. You'll never be met with more than you can handle. In the end, you'll be stronger."
And to the Universe I say, "Thanks for being there for me, Universe. But I'm pretty sure you could have gotten your point across without the flat tire."
Namaste.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Day Two
I started my morning with an 11 minute meditation. Yes!
I went to class on Day Two. Yes!
And that's all I have to say about that.
I'm also reading a book during the 40 Days. The Secret Power of Yoga, by Nischala Joy Devi, feeds my most fundamental need to understand the "why" behind everything. The entire philosophy of yoga is based on Yoga Sutras. Devi translates each Sutra from a feminine perspective making understanding the "why" behind yoga easy to relate to. She also shares meditations and suggested practices to help integrate the Sutras into the new yogic lifestyle.
Tonight, I share with you a simple meditation from her book and invite you to sit on your bed in comfortable position, with your hands joined at your heart and allow your mind to repeat these words 2-3 times before going to sleep:
The Divine is the essence of all knowledge, wisdom, and love. Knowledge, wisdom, and love are the omnipresent teachers, in all beings.
Namaste.
I went to class on Day Two. Yes!
And that's all I have to say about that.
I'm also reading a book during the 40 Days. The Secret Power of Yoga, by Nischala Joy Devi, feeds my most fundamental need to understand the "why" behind everything. The entire philosophy of yoga is based on Yoga Sutras. Devi translates each Sutra from a feminine perspective making understanding the "why" behind yoga easy to relate to. She also shares meditations and suggested practices to help integrate the Sutras into the new yogic lifestyle.
Tonight, I share with you a simple meditation from her book and invite you to sit on your bed in comfortable position, with your hands joined at your heart and allow your mind to repeat these words 2-3 times before going to sleep:
The Divine is the essence of all knowledge, wisdom, and love. Knowledge, wisdom, and love are the omnipresent teachers, in all beings.
Namaste.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Day One
I feel amazing.
This morning I felt the opposite of amazing. From the moment my alarm went off at 6:45am, the universe was testing me. Testing my commitment to this 40-day journey. When the alarm went off, I felt completely unrested. It reminded me of the restless night I'd had. I hit the snooze button until 7:30, completely ignoring the fact that I needed to leave the house by 8am, and not before I completed an 11 minute meditation.
I motivated myself enough to sit still in meditation for 1 minute. I left the house, hair wet, at 8:05. I sat in traffic on MoPac, then had to stop by the office because I left paperwork there that I needed for my 9am dr. appt. Arrived at my appt. at 9:01am. When I turned in my new patient paperwork, I was asked for my insurance card. I realized my wallet was missing. Went back to my car, found the wallet, handed over the goods. Thankfully, the appointment was good and the doctor was really great. (Need a good allergist? I know one!)
At work, the day dragged on. On my mind all day was that I HAD to go to yoga class, akin to feeling like I HAD to go to the dentist. I was exhausted, I had a ton of work to get done, and what I really wanted to do was go home, put on pjs and watch Gilmore Girls reruns. My mind was jumbled with overwhelming thoughts of all the things that needed to be accomplished at work and at home.
"I am paying for these yoga classes." That's what I reminded myself. So, I changed into yoga clothes at the office, asked Erin to take a "before" picture of me so I could compare on day 40. And off to Day One I went.
Class was crowded. I happened to be in that one spot with just enough room around me that I need to move to accommodate the people who came in late. I shifted my mat at least 3 times, the 3rd time for a sweaty, stinky girl who came in with all her bike gear. I felt grr. I couldn't find my center.
Our teacher, Lizzy, started the class with a funny from a book she's reading about Zen lifestyle. It was, actually, funny. I felt a little weight lift from me with my silent chuckle. She then started talking about the 40-day challenge and what she was planning to do for 40 days. She asked the class to sign up for it and I felt good about already committing myself to the challenge. I took a moment to forgive myself for doubting my commitment all day and I felt grateful that I made the decision to come to class. We laid down on our backs for our first movement and I found my center. The crowded room was suddenly empty and I was there by myself. Just me and the instructor's voice.
Tonight in class I realized that today's theme was forgiveness. It's okay that I didn't do everything I set out to. I didn't starting reading my book (more on that tomorrow), I didn't get in 11 minutes of meditation. I have time to make these things happen. But I did go to class. And I'll go tomorrow and the 38 days after that.
I feel amazing. Namaste.
This morning I felt the opposite of amazing. From the moment my alarm went off at 6:45am, the universe was testing me. Testing my commitment to this 40-day journey. When the alarm went off, I felt completely unrested. It reminded me of the restless night I'd had. I hit the snooze button until 7:30, completely ignoring the fact that I needed to leave the house by 8am, and not before I completed an 11 minute meditation.
I motivated myself enough to sit still in meditation for 1 minute. I left the house, hair wet, at 8:05. I sat in traffic on MoPac, then had to stop by the office because I left paperwork there that I needed for my 9am dr. appt. Arrived at my appt. at 9:01am. When I turned in my new patient paperwork, I was asked for my insurance card. I realized my wallet was missing. Went back to my car, found the wallet, handed over the goods. Thankfully, the appointment was good and the doctor was really great. (Need a good allergist? I know one!)
At work, the day dragged on. On my mind all day was that I HAD to go to yoga class, akin to feeling like I HAD to go to the dentist. I was exhausted, I had a ton of work to get done, and what I really wanted to do was go home, put on pjs and watch Gilmore Girls reruns. My mind was jumbled with overwhelming thoughts of all the things that needed to be accomplished at work and at home.
"I am paying for these yoga classes." That's what I reminded myself. So, I changed into yoga clothes at the office, asked Erin to take a "before" picture of me so I could compare on day 40. And off to Day One I went.
Class was crowded. I happened to be in that one spot with just enough room around me that I need to move to accommodate the people who came in late. I shifted my mat at least 3 times, the 3rd time for a sweaty, stinky girl who came in with all her bike gear. I felt grr. I couldn't find my center.
Our teacher, Lizzy, started the class with a funny from a book she's reading about Zen lifestyle. It was, actually, funny. I felt a little weight lift from me with my silent chuckle. She then started talking about the 40-day challenge and what she was planning to do for 40 days. She asked the class to sign up for it and I felt good about already committing myself to the challenge. I took a moment to forgive myself for doubting my commitment all day and I felt grateful that I made the decision to come to class. We laid down on our backs for our first movement and I found my center. The crowded room was suddenly empty and I was there by myself. Just me and the instructor's voice.
Tonight in class I realized that today's theme was forgiveness. It's okay that I didn't do everything I set out to. I didn't starting reading my book (more on that tomorrow), I didn't get in 11 minutes of meditation. I have time to make these things happen. But I did go to class. And I'll go tomorrow and the 38 days after that.
I feel amazing. Namaste.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Mala Beads
Mala beads, also called Japa Malas or Tibetan Buddist Malas, are a strand of beads often used in meditation practice.
The mala is held with gentleness and respect, generally in the left hand. One bead is counted for each recitation of the mantra, beginning with the first bead after the "guru" bead- the larger, more decorative bead at the mala's end. The first bead is held between the index finger and thumb, and with each count the thumb pulls another bead in place over the index finger.After completing a full circuit of the mala, the practitioner flips the mala around 180 degrees (this takes practice to accomplish) and continues as before, in reverse order. One aims to avoid passing over the "guru" bead, as doing so is symbolically like stepping over one's teacher.
Malas are made with 108, 27, 21 or 19 beads. They are used to count prayers or mantras. Buddhists use counters to keep track of how many times around a mala they have counted. Malas made of wood are the most common, but other popular beads are made of amethyst, lotus seed and bone.
My mala is amethyst. I chose it specifically for the stone's purpose, which is to bring detoxification to the emotional self, especially resolving issues of anger and anxiety. Amethyst is considered a master healing stone, evoking spiritual awareness as well as physical and mental healing.
The Tibetan Mala Shop has a lovely variety of mala beads. I look forward to ordering another strand soon, which will be the Carnelian with honeystone.
The mala is held with gentleness and respect, generally in the left hand. One bead is counted for each recitation of the mantra, beginning with the first bead after the "guru" bead- the larger, more decorative bead at the mala's end. The first bead is held between the index finger and thumb, and with each count the thumb pulls another bead in place over the index finger.After completing a full circuit of the mala, the practitioner flips the mala around 180 degrees (this takes practice to accomplish) and continues as before, in reverse order. One aims to avoid passing over the "guru" bead, as doing so is symbolically like stepping over one's teacher.
Malas are made with 108, 27, 21 or 19 beads. They are used to count prayers or mantras. Buddhists use counters to keep track of how many times around a mala they have counted. Malas made of wood are the most common, but other popular beads are made of amethyst, lotus seed and bone.
My mala is amethyst. I chose it specifically for the stone's purpose, which is to bring detoxification to the emotional self, especially resolving issues of anger and anxiety. Amethyst is considered a master healing stone, evoking spiritual awareness as well as physical and mental healing.
 |
| My amethyst mala beads |
The Tibetan Mala Shop has a lovely variety of mala beads. I look forward to ordering another strand soon, which will be the Carnelian with honeystone.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
40 Ways To Do 40 Days
When I signed up for the 40-Day Yoga Challenge on the Yoga Yoga website, a letter from Mehtab (founder of Yoga Yoga) followed. I'd like to share it with you all.
40 Ways to Do 40 Days
by Mehtab, Founder
The idea behind our 40-Day Challenge at Yoga Yoga is to change your life in 40 days through a consistent practice of yoga. When you can apply yourself to anything for a 40-day period, you can create a powerful new habit. It’s a psychological fact and a long spiritual tradition.
And while we all may begin this life-changing journey with enthusiasm, there will be bumps along the way. Sign up for our latest Challenge here!
Here are some hints and suggestions to do your 40 days with 40 ways!
1. Start today.
2. Mark off days on a calendar.
3. Set up a daily email reminder on your computer.
4. Make a note card that says “Yoga” – put it on your pillow after you get up.
5. Get someone to be your 40-day yoga practice friend.
6. Make another positive change in your life at the same time (diet, exercise, etc.)
7. Create a routine, same time every day.
8. Reward yourself at the end of each week.
9. Talk about it (Facebook it!) so people will ask you how you are doing with it.
10. Read an inspiring book over the 40-days.
11. Visualize what you will be like after 40 days and write it down.
12. Write in a journal every day.
13. Keep it fresh, vary the setting.
14. Do it especially when you are traveling or away from home.
15. If you get sick, spend the time visualizing that you are doing your yoga.
16. Be realistic, set a small goal you know you can reach and then exceed.
17. Know you will hit a wall and be prepared to climb over it.
18. Watch for how your mind will try to trick you.
19. Be grateful.
20. Take the results into the real world.
21. All excuses are self-abuses.
22. Inspire someone else to do it.
23. Put a note in your car or on your computer – remind yourself of your higher self.
24. If you miss one day, never miss the next day.
25. If you miss one day, do it twice the next day.
26. If you miss one day, add a day.
27. If you miss one day, do another 40 days.
28. Document your avoidance behavior.
29. Take a picture of yourself after every week – before and after 40 days!
30. Remember why you did this in the first place.
31. Pray.
32. Laugh.
33. Remember it’s okay to feel bad when you are trying to be better.
34. Never negotiate with your mind – command it.
35. Not having the time is not acceptable.
36. Idiots think – saints do.
37. Keep up and you will be kept up
38. Think about your next 40 days.
39. The victory in life comes from winning the small battles.
40. Don’t stop
Friday, March 4, 2011
Namaste? Yes.
"Namaste" is something that is said aloud at the end of a yoga class by all participants. I believe it's important to understand what Namaste means, but also who it's being said to. When you say Namaste, know that you are giving something to yourself, to your instructor, the students around you and to the universe.
Wikipedia has an excellent entry on Namaste, including several meanings or translations. This one is my favorite and I plan to use it as my morning meditation for the first 5 days of the challenge:
"I honor the place in you in which the entire Universe dwells, I honor the place in you which is of Love, of Integrity, of Wisdom and of Peace. When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, we are One."
Wikipedia has an excellent entry on Namaste, including several meanings or translations. This one is my favorite and I plan to use it as my morning meditation for the first 5 days of the challenge:
"I honor the place in you in which the entire Universe dwells, I honor the place in you which is of Love, of Integrity, of Wisdom and of Peace. When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, we are One."
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Welcome To My 40-Day Yoga Journey
This blog will follow my journey through a 40-day yoga challenge that begins March 7th. Every day I will write about my class experience, what I meditate on, how my body and mind are responding to the changes, how my diet is affected, and feedback from those around me on what changes they see in me, if any. I will also post suggested meditations, poses with how-to links, reading materials, and music, among other favorites.
Though the challenge officially starts on March 7th at Yoga Yoga, I've already begun my yoga practice. Previously and over the last 10 years, I've dabbled in Kundalini Yoga. However, I see this process as a fresh start, beginning with Hatha Yoga. I want to do it all "by the books", learn every fundamental I can and create something that can be a life-long process. What I love most about yoga is that one can never master the practice in their own lifetime. This means I will always be learning and growing in my practice and knowing myself, this is something I need.
Please accept my gratitude for your important role in my journey. Namaste.
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