Thursday, November 12, 2009

Astanga

Yesterday day was long and tough. I wasn't happy with a single class that I taught and my body felt like it had been through a wringer. On the subway home, I had to keep repeating: “I'm kind to myself” because I was definitely NOT being kind to myself. I can be pretty self-critical when it comes to my teaching. After meditation, I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow and didn't budge until morning.

I woke up feeling sore and bone tired, I didn't want to get up. I wasn't sleepy-tired, my body was tired. Instead of falling asleep during my meditation, I was very distracted. I can't remember ever being so distracted during a meditation. It was like my brain was too numb to focus, so it wandered aimlessly, everywhere.

After a quick walk, I did a 60 minute Hatha practice: Lunar Flow with Lisa. I've been saving this one for a 'hard day.' This definitely qualified. I love the 60 minute version, as I thought I would. It's a perfect downshift class. During the class, I was actually moaning as I came into some of the poses, but I felt so much better afterward.

I laid on the mat for another 20 minutes, using the Acuball to smooth out the tight spots in my back, took a 30 minute nap, then a hot bath. Add some chai tea and I was feeling perky again.

YogaDownload has completely changed their web site - new look, new process, new stuff. In order to download classes, I now have to go through a 'shopping cart' process, which is a bit annoying. Also, the search function on the site is now terrible. I hope they improve it (or return to the functionality it previously had).

On the bright side, there are five new classes available and videos. For non-subscribers, there's a new pricing scheme with one-use and full download options.

Yesterday, I wrapped up my Astanga 'six day' week. Now that I have my sleep schedule regularized, I was curious how more Astanga would effect my energy levels. I'm delighted to be doing more Astanga this month, but I'm not sure if I can do a six day week regularly. If the way I felt this morning is any indication, full Primary on a regular basis may not be sustainable, at least not at the moment. I feel like I've depleted my energy stores significantly.

Perhaps a four or five day week would be more do-able...I'm still thinking on it. Maybe four days of full Primary, one day of half, one vinyasa day and one hatha day?

3 comments:

susananda said...

Or maybe you would just get used to it??

Michelle said...

I feel like I can only do 3 or 4 days of yoga a week myself. Other than that it is too draining.

Kaivalya said...

@Susananda
I thought about that. If I just carried on and toughed it out, I might adjust. But here's the thing: the physical exhaustion has had a negative impact on my teaching.

I teach 15 classes each week, most clustered into a three day period. If I'm worn out from my asana practice, I simply don't have the energy to give to my students.

This morning, I realised something very important: I practise yoga to teach.

New poses don't matter to me. I wouldn't mind if all I ever did was practice the Primary Series. If my asana practice helps me *grow* as a teacher, it's doing its job.

And if my daily asana practice is draining me, draining the energy I need for teaching, then I need to re-think it.

@Michelle
It sounds like you've found the 'magic forumla' that works for you, in your life. I'm really impressed with how you've re-launched your yoga asana practice and remained committed to it. :-)