Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Day 171

Sometimes my yoga life and my day-to-day life collide in uncomfortable ways.

I played ice hockey last night and for the first time in several games, we had a goaltender in net. Playing without a goalie is uncomfortable for the team - everyone must play more defensively - but it's particularly hard on the defence. When we're short on players it's usually the defensive line that takes the hit. This means three rotating defence and if there is no goalie, the three of us are on the ice constantly - no chance to sit down, drink water or rest.

But last night, we had a goaltender and for the first time in a long time, I was actually enjoying the game. So when one of the forwards suggested that we give up our goaltender for the second half of the game, I balked. This seemed to shock some people on my team. After all, I'm the yoga teacher, the Buddhist. I'm supposed to be all about random acts of kindness and compassion, right?

But here's the thing: hockey is hockey and yoga is yoga. Ice Hockey is a competitive sport and I enjoy having that place for competition on my life. I'm a good natured player - I play by the rules and I don't play dirty. But if there's an open net, make no mistake, I'll be shooting on it. Finals are in two weeks and our team is dead last in the league. We've lost nearly every single game.

Give me Karma Demerits if you like, but I have a competitive streak when it comes to hockey and I just wanted to win.

Today is a moon day, so ordinarily, I wouldn't be practising but I'm still in the midst of WoYoPracMo so practice I did. I hit the mat at my usual hour and did the full Primary Series. I was feeling open today, so bound in everything that's bindable for me. Today's Musical Sirsasana was Anita Baker's song 'Close to Me' (4 minutes, 11 seconds). Breakfast was blueberry yoghurt and half a banana. I did try to go skating, but it's snowing out and the Zamboni was going non-stop clearing, so I went home and walked the dog for a half hour.

The rest of my week is going to be incredibly busy. I'm half anticipating it, half dreading it.

4 comments:

Michelle said...

Blueberry yogurt and half a banana? Thats it? No wonder you have 0% body fat Kaivalya. ;)

Kaivalya said...

Michelle: Ah, but little do you know... My life is one, big, glorious snack. ;-) I had a large granny smith apple after I walked the dog, and some tea. Then I ate a handful of soya nuts while I checked email. Then I ate a bunch of baby carrots on the way to teach a class. Now I'm preparing a huge lunch.

I'm a grazer, so my calories are a bit spread out And, lest you think I don't indulge, there's a pint of Haagan Daz Vanilla Bean ice cream waiting for me in the freezer.

Since it's a Moon Day, I'll probably have a cupcake too!

Michelle said...

Hahahaha.

Mary said...

Haagan Daz Vanilla Bean...oohhh, now I forgot was I was going to write as a comment!