Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Day 235

Early morning practice: The Birthday Edition.

I'm 38 years old today! My buddy Chewbaka is back (uh oh!). I was suddenly and completely rendered clueless in handstand today - just could not get my hand-eye-arms-leg-feet co-ordination on board for that pose. It was really messy; I banged the back of my head against the wall. Even thinking about cookies didn't help. Argh!

Handstand! Please come back!

Besides that, it was a garden-variety, ordinary practice for me today. I tried what Jan suggested for the landing in Upavista Konasana, but no dice. I still bang my heels (ouch!). But I do appreciate any and all advice regarding this dilemma. Thanks, Jan, for commenting.

As far as the birthday thing goes, I'm feeling pretty good at 38. I don't feel any of the dread or depression that some of my friends seem to have about aging. The numbers are increasing, but I feel strong and healthy and I'm basically happy with where I'm at in my life. No big plans are afoot, for today at least. I'm generally not a big birthday celebrator. I have some vague idea of going out with a few friends and dancing on Saturday night, but nothing is set in stone.

Today, I teach five yoga classes and I'm delighted with the idea of spending my birthday with my students, doing something I love to do. It doesn't get much better than this!

A special request to all of you who read this: I think it would be really cool to hear from my Five Readers and all the other lurkers who I suspect are hanging around periodically. So go ahead, de-lurk, and say hello!

And then I'll blow out the candles ;-)

16 comments:

Yogamum said...

You're on my Google Reader so I always read, but don't always comment! I always love reading what you're up to.

Anonymous said...

OK fine, twist my rubber arm!

Happy Birthday!

Actually I have been meaning to comment because I think I used to go to the same soup kitchen you do. If it's the same place they serve 3 meals a week (two evening and one morning) and are mostly staffed by volunteer lawyers. I used to intermittently attend one of the evening sessions when I could duck out of work early, but then my hours increased and I haven't made it there since. Small world!

My yoga practice is going well. Finally going strong on the 6 days a week (it took a few months of good intentions to get to the point where I was actually doing that). Another recent change is that I'm practicing traditionally and after stopping at mari D for a while, thanks to some herculean adjustments I am now in supta kurmasana stasis, where my arms seem to be several inches too short! I appreciate the shorter practice while I build strength (I find 6 days to be much harder than 3 or 4) and I am totally loving my practice right now.

Have a great day! Sending you virtual b-day cookies.

Anonymous said...

May all of your wishes come true! Here's to a wonderful day and an even better year!

Anonymous said...

I'm a lurker but always enjoy reading about your practice and day to day happenings. I also like that you speak of Toronto since I'm also Canadian (Nova Scotia). Happy Birthday!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday!

Anonymous said...

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETY!!!
You're on my google reader as well!! I really enjoy your blog but you know that ;-)
Have a great birthday

Anonymous said...

Happy, happy, happy birtday! :-)

Jacqueline

Anonymous said...

I read every day since you inspire me to practice as often as I can (considering recently giving birth to a my son). I love your blog and I wish you a lovely birthday! HURRAY!

Charlie said...

Hi, I'm from the Great White North too and my birthday is tomorrow! Hope you have a great day. Your reference to "ice hockey" makes me smile. Is there any other kind?

Stellata said...

Hi!
Delurking to say "Happy Birthday!"
so,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Anonymous said...

I have commented occasionally and always follow your blog (as a matter of routine infact!).
Wishing you a very happy Birthday..

-KC (from Texas)

Anonymous said...

Happy, Happy Birthday :)
Nicki

judy said...

happy birthday! i love your blog!

re: UK...flex the ankles enthusiastically and keep your legs straight. ?

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday!
Your resilience, your practice and your ethos are a continuing inspiration to me. Sorry for lurking, it's just I can't think of comments most of the time :)
Sofia x

Anonymous said...

A Happy 38th!
I discovered your blog a few weeks ago. It's been fun to follow your experience through the primary series. I've been practicing Ashtanga for 5ish years but moved away from my teachers and practice buddies about a year ago. As I'm now a bit isolated from Ashtangis (not many where I live now) it's fun to read of similar experiences in practice...handstands come and go for me...nice to know it's not just me.
Great blog!
Christine

Mary said...

OMG - I missed your birthday! Sorry hon, I've been so up my own backside since I started studying. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I hope you had a beautiful, beautiful day :-) x