Hatha

I woke this morning with debilitating cramps, almost went back to bed, but decided to try meditating per my usual routine. Ah, the hubris!! Ha, ha! I lasted about 15 minute and went back to bed. I returned to it about an hour later, sitting on the futon with some back support. Not my best meditation, but at least I made the effort.

I didn't know it, but my morning was about to get a whole lot worse.

I decided I was feeling well enough to take the dog for a short walk. When we returned, the elevators in my apartment building were not running. I crumpled into a despairing heap on a bench in the lobby. A few minutes later, a neighbour strolled through from the stairwell and told me that the power to the entire building was out.

Not much I can do about that. I dragged myself up 15 flights of stairs, carrying Princess Fur, who refuses to walk up stairs. No electricity (read: no tea, no breakfast), no hot water (read: no hot bath). The power only came back on a few minutes ago. It will take ages for the hot water to work again. Good times.

I'm just annoyed because Sunday is my only day off and I had plans for a *fun* day. Instead, I'm stuck indoors, stinky and not feeling well! My inner-toddler wants to throw herself on the floor and writhe around in a good old-fashioned temper tantrum. *grumble*

I dug my Iyengar book ('Yoga: Path to Holistic Health) off the shelf this morning and looked up 'Menstrual Pain' in the 'Ailments' section. I was forced to buy this book for YTT. The updated volume is much nicer but this copy is okay, not that I use it a lot.

This sequence is nice, though. I modified it quite a bit (what are inversions doing in there, anyway!?) and this is what I came up with:

1) Baddha Konasana (Butterfly)
2) Upavista Konasana (Seated Wide Angle Forward Bend)
3) Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle)
4) Virasana (Hero's Pose)
5) Supta Virasana (Reclining Hero's Pose)
6) Supta Padangusthasana (Reclining Hamstring Stretch)
7) Tadasana/Urdva Hastasana (Mountain w/ Upward Reaching Arms)
8) Utthita Trikonasana (Triangle)
7) Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle)
8) Ardha Chandrasana (Half-Moon)
9) Prasarita Padottanasana A (Standing Wide Angle Forward Bend)
10) Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog)
11) Balasana (Child's Pose)
12) Savasana (Take Rest)

I did the version of Supta Padangusthasana that I regularly teach. It involves stretching the leg at centre, then to either side. One side offers a stretch across the pelvis and the other is a twist. Then use the strap to pull the femur (leg bone) firmly into the hip joint, keeping the leg very straight and making slow little circles on the ceiling with the foot. After a minute, change the direction of the circles, then release the leg. This action releases the Psoas and Iliacus muscles which are located deep in the pelvis.

I find that Supta Padangusthasana tends to soften the pain of my cramps. Supta Baddha Konasana is also good for this, particularly if I have a bolster to support my back.

It was hard to motivate myself today, but I'm glad I practised. I feel better for it.

Now, it's time to check on that hot water and see if I can salvage this day!