Astanga

I'm still trying to reconcile my need for more sleep (9+ hours) with my desire to do my practice earlier in the morning like I used to. This morning I was awake by 6:30, but didn't start my practice until 8. It's hard to explain, but my practice just *feels* better, earlier.

Or maybe it's all in my head. At any rate, unless I can get to bed at 8:30 p.m., a 6:30 a.m. start isn't an option right now. As it is, I'm thinking of moving my meditation session to another part of the day because I feel like I'm doing too much in the mornings before practice.

I moved through my Primary and Intermediate very efficiently this morning. The serious futzing didn't start until backbends, but I moved though it.

Dropbacks were horrible this morning. I had no control and I was landing *hard*. On the last one, I tried to find a deeper 'hang' but instead I ended up landing too hard on my left hand and my wrist was complaining. I can't remember the last time that happened!

But I stood up smoothly and easily from the futon with hardly any effort. Go figure!

Today's Big Awesome was Sirsasana. I'm back to timing myself (I took a break from it last week). My biggest complaint about these long holds has been the pressure on my hands and fatigue in my arms. A fellow AshtangaDork advised me to work towards a light point of balance in the headstand. It's made all the difference! I think I may actually be ready for a 5 minute hold. Maybe tomorrow!

********************
This week, the 70s Yoga Ladies would like to offer you an alternative if you're suddenly struck with an attack of asthma.



In the event that your breathing is suddenly compromised, bring your hands into reverse Namaste, then smother yourself in a Persian rug! When you're not longer breathing, the exercise is complete!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad