I feel fantastic! Today's after effects were the best so far. My energy has improved, the headaches are gone, there is definitely more kick in my step. Today's class was the 60th day in a row for a fellow classmate, Cynthia. This was her final practice in the 60 days challenge, 60 days, and I thought 30 was going to be tough.
I met her on day one and she inspired me to make that two block trek back the next day. Now, even in her absence, I will continue to be inspired. I am mostly in awe of her, because not only did she commit to 60 days of Bikram yoga, but she committed to 60 days of yoga, never having practiced yoga before! It is people like Cynthia who continue to renew my practice, and my love for yoga (which ever kind I am currently practicing.)
Aside from the AWEsomeness of Cynthia, today's class was filled with wonderful insight from our instructor, Derek. He uses the space between postures to fill the heart and mind with wisdom from his soul. As a fellow yoga instructor, some of the analogies and stories I use in a similar way throughout my teaching. It is a gift every time he shares these thoughts with us, and they are so rich because they come from a place of practice. Anyone can repeat the words, but they have so much meaning coming from a place of pure truth. I found his words resonated deeply today and for that I am very grateful. Namaste
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Friday, June 11, 2010
Day Four
Today was a day filled with yoga. I love Thursday's most of all because it is when I get to teach. I teach a gentle yoga basics class at noon and an all levels flow at 7:15pm. The inbetween time is usually difficult to fill, as I don't want to escape the good yoga vibes from one class to the other. Today it was easier since I had a Bikram class from 4:30-6pm.
What about that schedule did I think was going to be easy!?! It takes a lot of energy to teach a yoga class, and it takes even more energy to practice Bikram. I also rode my bike 3 miles and back to teach my first class, gave up by the end of the day and drove the car. (I am trying to ride my bike everywhere in a 5 mile radius for the summer for less impact.) I was reminded today by a saying my mom has been repeating, necessarily, to me lately, "You can not give from an empty well."
Well, I think my well was just full enough- maybe more towards the depleting side by the time I sorely crawled into bed. Was this me making up for all my "lack of effort" this past week, or perhaps me feeling good enough in my body and mind to push it to the limit?
As far as the Bikram class, the only real insight I had was after moving from the standing series to the floor series. I realized that through this practice, my body and mind were working so diligently that my spirit was able to soar freely, unrestricted for 90 minutes. It wasn't an overwhelming feeling, but one that turned the corners of my mouth upward for a second, until I started thinking about this damned heat again!
What about that schedule did I think was going to be easy!?! It takes a lot of energy to teach a yoga class, and it takes even more energy to practice Bikram. I also rode my bike 3 miles and back to teach my first class, gave up by the end of the day and drove the car. (I am trying to ride my bike everywhere in a 5 mile radius for the summer for less impact.) I was reminded today by a saying my mom has been repeating, necessarily, to me lately, "You can not give from an empty well."
Well, I think my well was just full enough- maybe more towards the depleting side by the time I sorely crawled into bed. Was this me making up for all my "lack of effort" this past week, or perhaps me feeling good enough in my body and mind to push it to the limit?
As far as the Bikram class, the only real insight I had was after moving from the standing series to the floor series. I realized that through this practice, my body and mind were working so diligently that my spirit was able to soar freely, unrestricted for 90 minutes. It wasn't an overwhelming feeling, but one that turned the corners of my mouth upward for a second, until I started thinking about this damned heat again!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Day Two
Yep, I went back.
I walked the two blocks this morning with a small feeling of dread. A little smaller than I would have imagined, knowing the heat that I was about to encounter. I also walked with a little kick in my step, anxious to experience what was about to happen.
I was greeted warmly (no pun intended) by the teacher as I came through the front door. As I made my way out of the locker room and into the practice room, I noticed very little hesitation, only a quick stop at the water fountain for one last sip of cold water. I unrolled my mat, and as I did, it was as if I was unrolling my mind. Without having done a single posture my mind grew quiet and I laid in Savasana thinking of how calm I had immediately become.
Well, what comes next is the standard 26 postures done twice, sweat dripping down places sweat doesn't normally drip for an hour and a half. Today seemed easy if compared to yesterday, like my body had given up control over itself and just was more accepting of the practice. I wouldn't say gracefully, but maybe I moved in and out of postures more mindfully than before. My breath was noticeably deeper and I didn't get as hot- even though the temperature was exactly the same. There were many more people in the room which helped to move the energy around. At the same time, it tugged on the ego a bit with the help of the wall to wall mirrors. It is a fine line for using that mirror to stare at yourself and to stare into yourself, a line I crossed over and over throughout class.
After class, I noticed myself walking a little slower, enjoying the two blocks back in a much different light than the walk to. I felt a deeper sense of gratitude than I have in a while, which is part of what I have been missing so much. My body feels refreshed and renewed and my mind is alert and focused.
The best news is, I didn't curse in class at all.
I walked the two blocks this morning with a small feeling of dread. A little smaller than I would have imagined, knowing the heat that I was about to encounter. I also walked with a little kick in my step, anxious to experience what was about to happen.
I was greeted warmly (no pun intended) by the teacher as I came through the front door. As I made my way out of the locker room and into the practice room, I noticed very little hesitation, only a quick stop at the water fountain for one last sip of cold water. I unrolled my mat, and as I did, it was as if I was unrolling my mind. Without having done a single posture my mind grew quiet and I laid in Savasana thinking of how calm I had immediately become.
Well, what comes next is the standard 26 postures done twice, sweat dripping down places sweat doesn't normally drip for an hour and a half. Today seemed easy if compared to yesterday, like my body had given up control over itself and just was more accepting of the practice. I wouldn't say gracefully, but maybe I moved in and out of postures more mindfully than before. My breath was noticeably deeper and I didn't get as hot- even though the temperature was exactly the same. There were many more people in the room which helped to move the energy around. At the same time, it tugged on the ego a bit with the help of the wall to wall mirrors. It is a fine line for using that mirror to stare at yourself and to stare into yourself, a line I crossed over and over throughout class.
After class, I noticed myself walking a little slower, enjoying the two blocks back in a much different light than the walk to. I felt a deeper sense of gratitude than I have in a while, which is part of what I have been missing so much. My body feels refreshed and renewed and my mind is alert and focused.
The best news is, I didn't curse in class at all.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Day One
I knew this was going to be a challenge. I am now certain of how big a challenge it will be for me. Halfway through the class I thought to myself, "how can I cancel this 30 day pass without hurting anyone's feelings," and "what the fuck have I gotten myself into?" (Yes, I sometimes curse in my head) Other than the mental challenges that arose throughout the course of the 90 min sequence, were the extreme physical challenges that I experienced. I felt nauseous, felt like blacking out, felt really overheated, and at times I felt like punching something. Other times I felt strong, empowered, powerful and radiant. What a strange combination of thoughts.
Even with all these thoughts however, my mind felt calm, or at least calmer. (Imagine all the thoughts I have when I'm not practicing yoga!)
Now as I write this- just 30 minutes after having left class, I feel cleansed, refreshed, energized, focused and calm. I feel reconnected to my body- through a very vigorous practice. It feels somewhat like appreciating the sun because of the rain.
Halfway through class I was going to cancel my 30 day pass, but I think I will stick to my plan and show up again tomorrow.
Even with all these thoughts however, my mind felt calm, or at least calmer. (Imagine all the thoughts I have when I'm not practicing yoga!)
Now as I write this- just 30 minutes after having left class, I feel cleansed, refreshed, energized, focused and calm. I feel reconnected to my body- through a very vigorous practice. It feels somewhat like appreciating the sun because of the rain.
Halfway through class I was going to cancel my 30 day pass, but I think I will stick to my plan and show up again tomorrow.
30 days
Ah, the summer in Savannah. For me, it means a build up of heat, sweat, sometimes suffering. I always feel an intense need for change around this time. It repeats itself every year, a bubbling up feeling, a need for adventure, or something extreme so that I can feel truly alive. I have felt like a visitor in my own body the past month, ungrounded, disconnected, which is characteristic of my Vata dosha. In my work, I have been truly blessed to be able to work from home and set my own hours. I am so grateful for this. By being able to set my own hours, I have thrown myself 'off course' and have no routine, which I crave. It is time for some balance.
I had a dream that I did Bikram Yoga for 30 days.
When I woke up, I thought that 30 days of Bikram is a crazy idea, did I have a dream or a nightmare? I have only tried it once, and had very mixed feelings. The more I thought about this idea, the more I remembered from that first class. After class, I felt more energized (naturally) than I have ever felt in my life. I felt completely renewed and refreshed. Best of all, my sacrum pain was gone. As I started thinking about the positive effects of this class, I remembered they were all after the fact, not during. The aspects of the class that I didn't like so much was the 105 degree, hit you like a brick wall, heat. "Can I endure this extreme heat for 90 minutes?" was all I could think when I walked in. Well I did. And I think it is time for round two.
Well, round two through thirty. I think this is just the refresher I need. Hopefully this wont be a blood, sweat and tears battle, at least not the blood and tears part. I start this new adventure today at 9:30am, removing myself from expectation, to experience what this practice has to offer. I will be chronicling my new adventure on this blog that has been lonely for so long.
It is going to be a hot 30 days!
I had a dream that I did Bikram Yoga for 30 days.
When I woke up, I thought that 30 days of Bikram is a crazy idea, did I have a dream or a nightmare? I have only tried it once, and had very mixed feelings. The more I thought about this idea, the more I remembered from that first class. After class, I felt more energized (naturally) than I have ever felt in my life. I felt completely renewed and refreshed. Best of all, my sacrum pain was gone. As I started thinking about the positive effects of this class, I remembered they were all after the fact, not during. The aspects of the class that I didn't like so much was the 105 degree, hit you like a brick wall, heat. "Can I endure this extreme heat for 90 minutes?" was all I could think when I walked in. Well I did. And I think it is time for round two.
Well, round two through thirty. I think this is just the refresher I need. Hopefully this wont be a blood, sweat and tears battle, at least not the blood and tears part. I start this new adventure today at 9:30am, removing myself from expectation, to experience what this practice has to offer. I will be chronicling my new adventure on this blog that has been lonely for so long.
It is going to be a hot 30 days!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Inspiration
I just returned to the beautiful Sunny Slope Farm after the most wonderful yoga class. Jill Loftis, founder of Uttara Yoga in downtown Roanoke, led us through a heart opening and heart warming hatha flow. The space is utterly gorgeous, light beaming in through huge windows facing Kirk Ave. Wood floors that instantly root your feet into the ground, soothing music and a vibrant energy filled the room. At the closing of class, Jill passed around the 'quote bowl'. It was like a fortune cookie without the cookie. Mine was as follows:
Seek the wisdom that will untie your knot
Seek the path that demands your whole being
Leave that which is not, but appears to be
Seek that which is, but not apparent
-Rumi
I loved it, looking around the room, it appeared as if everyone else loved theirs too. The perfect ending to a perfect class. Namaste
Seek the wisdom that will untie your knot
Seek the path that demands your whole being
Leave that which is not, but appears to be
Seek that which is, but not apparent
-Rumi
I loved it, looking around the room, it appeared as if everyone else loved theirs too. The perfect ending to a perfect class. Namaste
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