Moon Day, so I skipped my Astanga practice and opted for a nice 60 minute vinyasa sequence from Yoga Download. This is one of my favourites: Hip Opening Yoga #2, 60 minutes with Lisa.
I love this class! I’ve now tried all five versions: 20 minutes, 30 minutes, two 45 minute versions and 60 minutes. I gave four of them five star ratings (I gave the 30 minute version a ‘3’ for some reason. Maybe I was in a bad mood that day).
I’m notoriously picky so this is pretty good. I’m still waiting for things to slow down workwise, which usually happens in March. I can’t believe how full this weekend was. I hardly had time to catch my breath!
The Internet Asks: Interesting Searches in My Access Stats
This week, the Internet seemed keen to start Astanga. Many of the searches in my Keywords were related to getting started or maintaining an Astanga Vinyasa Yoga practice. For fun, I put some of these into a nice little sequence (the search terms are bold):
1) I started astanga
Good on you! Now keep it up!
2) astanga my oh my
Yeah. I know. Feels great, doesn’t it?
3) astanga exhaustion
It gets easier, I promise. Keep breathing!
4) astanga hangover
Oh, that pain in your arms and shoulders? It will fade away in about a week. I heartily recommend the ‘hair of the dog’ (more Chaturanga) as an effective remedy.
Showing posts with label lisa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lisa. Show all posts
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Vinyasa
The moon looked pretty full last night! People were acting weird around the city. Weirdness in the subway, weirdness on the street, weirdness in my classes. And, predictably, the little kids in my afternoon class were bat-shit-crazy-NUTS. I decided to go along with it and came up with a CRAZY yoga class for them.
First, we ran around in circles screaming our heads off as we personified the Gunas. Screaming and running represented 'Rajas', falling dramatically to the floor in (fake; believe me, for the, it was fake) exhaustion was 'Tamas' and skipping around happily with goofy grins portrayed 'Sattva'.
Then we played this game where they ran around pell-mell until I shouted the name of a pose. As soon as every child was in that pose, I yelled RUN! And they did, until I called the next pose. This developed into a game of tag, where I couldn't shout the name of the next pose until I had personally 'tagged' every single child.
As we ran around, one little boy shouted with joy: "This is the best yoga EVER!" A future Ashtangi for sure!! :-D
By the end of the class, we were ALL exhausted.
My plan last night was to go to sleep early, as soon as I got back from my evening class. That didn't happen. I couldn't sleep because my next door neighbour decided to have a party. I live in an apartment building with *thick* walls so if I can hear noise through them, it's something seriously loud. There was this one woman who's voice was SO loud and piercing the I could hear EVERY word she was saying.
They sang the 'Happy Birthday' song half a dozen times, louder each time. Finally, the only thing that could drown them out (I didn't have any earplugs) was my noise reduction headphones coupled with brown noise on the iPod. I fell asleep but I think my sleep must have been affected because I've been tired all day. I laid down for a few minutes before lunch and I was asleep before my head hit the pillow.
Practice this morning was easy and mercifully short. I did a YogaDownload class, Hip Opening Flow #2 with Lisa, 45 minutes. I know I've said before, I really like this particular sequence. Today, I noticed how much I like the music and that's not always true of the YogaDownload classes.
I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by how quickly this day is speeding by and how little I've really accomplished. I'm also floored by the arrival of December (Seriously, is this year really approaching an end *already*?). I can't believe my pre-reg classes are ending.
On the bright side, this will give me some much-needed downtime going into the New Year.
First, we ran around in circles screaming our heads off as we personified the Gunas. Screaming and running represented 'Rajas', falling dramatically to the floor in (fake; believe me, for the, it was fake) exhaustion was 'Tamas' and skipping around happily with goofy grins portrayed 'Sattva'.
Then we played this game where they ran around pell-mell until I shouted the name of a pose. As soon as every child was in that pose, I yelled RUN! And they did, until I called the next pose. This developed into a game of tag, where I couldn't shout the name of the next pose until I had personally 'tagged' every single child.
As we ran around, one little boy shouted with joy: "This is the best yoga EVER!" A future Ashtangi for sure!! :-D
By the end of the class, we were ALL exhausted.
My plan last night was to go to sleep early, as soon as I got back from my evening class. That didn't happen. I couldn't sleep because my next door neighbour decided to have a party. I live in an apartment building with *thick* walls so if I can hear noise through them, it's something seriously loud. There was this one woman who's voice was SO loud and piercing the I could hear EVERY word she was saying.
They sang the 'Happy Birthday' song half a dozen times, louder each time. Finally, the only thing that could drown them out (I didn't have any earplugs) was my noise reduction headphones coupled with brown noise on the iPod. I fell asleep but I think my sleep must have been affected because I've been tired all day. I laid down for a few minutes before lunch and I was asleep before my head hit the pillow.
Practice this morning was easy and mercifully short. I did a YogaDownload class, Hip Opening Flow #2 with Lisa, 45 minutes. I know I've said before, I really like this particular sequence. Today, I noticed how much I like the music and that's not always true of the YogaDownload classes.
I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by how quickly this day is speeding by and how little I've really accomplished. I'm also floored by the arrival of December (Seriously, is this year really approaching an end *already*?). I can't believe my pre-reg classes are ending.
On the bright side, this will give me some much-needed downtime going into the New Year.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Vinyasa
Hi! I'm boring today. Boring, boring, boring! But that's okay. It's a Sunday and nobody reads this on Sunday (do you?)
And I haven't done yoga yet. But I will. I have Hip Opening Flow #2 (21 minutes with Lisa) queued up on my iTunes. Short and sweet for the laziest Sunday on record. I'm planning to hit the mat while the girlfriend watches a movie later.
She's at the grocery store right now and I'm enjoying the eerie silence of the house. I saw a cardinal outside the window this morning before I sat to meditate. It's gray, somber day out and it's getting darkish already at 3:30. I'm in a wintry mood.
I had big plans to do a solid Astanga practice this morning, but 'life's little dramas' got in the way. It's funny how my Astanga practice never seems to happen if I don't get up early to do it. I'm a creature of my routine; take away the routine and I flounder.
My excuse is sleep. I slept in because I was up late again last night. Then I took a long afternoon nap. To be honest, I'm *still* tired, but if I keep sleeping like this during the day, I won't sleep at night.
Goal for next week: return to a sane sleep schedule.
It's time for my regular weekly feature...
The Internet Asks
Some Sunday fun, pulled from the archives of my access stats. The Internet was not very inquisitive this week but there were a couple of interesting queries.
can you practice Ashtanga and Hatha at the same time?
Depends on what you mean by 'the same time'. I don't believe it's possible to do both styles in the same session because Astanga and Hatha each have a different pace and energy. But it's entirely possible to switch between styles and in a daily yoga practice, I think it's healthy to 'mix it up.'
ashtanga long hair
Uh, oh. Seane Corn strikes again!
Here's a little known fact: I used to have beautiful, thick, curly flowing long hair. Nearly to my waist! No joke! I cut it *very* short during yoga teacher training because it was interfering with my practice. I was sick of 'hair management' and yoga was more important to me. My friends were shocked and horrified and at least one person stopped speaking to me. People get riled up over the weirdest things! Hey, it's MY hair! (and it's back to being very short after this summer's longer hair experiment fell flat...literally).
31 flavours of shoulder openers + yoga
Ooooo! Kinda like Baskin Robbins, except it's pain instead of ice cream! YUMMY!
And I haven't done yoga yet. But I will. I have Hip Opening Flow #2 (21 minutes with Lisa) queued up on my iTunes. Short and sweet for the laziest Sunday on record. I'm planning to hit the mat while the girlfriend watches a movie later.
She's at the grocery store right now and I'm enjoying the eerie silence of the house. I saw a cardinal outside the window this morning before I sat to meditate. It's gray, somber day out and it's getting darkish already at 3:30. I'm in a wintry mood.
I had big plans to do a solid Astanga practice this morning, but 'life's little dramas' got in the way. It's funny how my Astanga practice never seems to happen if I don't get up early to do it. I'm a creature of my routine; take away the routine and I flounder.
My excuse is sleep. I slept in because I was up late again last night. Then I took a long afternoon nap. To be honest, I'm *still* tired, but if I keep sleeping like this during the day, I won't sleep at night.
Goal for next week: return to a sane sleep schedule.
It's time for my regular weekly feature...
The Internet Asks
Some Sunday fun, pulled from the archives of my access stats. The Internet was not very inquisitive this week but there were a couple of interesting queries.
can you practice Ashtanga and Hatha at the same time?
Depends on what you mean by 'the same time'. I don't believe it's possible to do both styles in the same session because Astanga and Hatha each have a different pace and energy. But it's entirely possible to switch between styles and in a daily yoga practice, I think it's healthy to 'mix it up.'
ashtanga long hair
Uh, oh. Seane Corn strikes again!
Here's a little known fact: I used to have beautiful, thick, curly flowing long hair. Nearly to my waist! No joke! I cut it *very* short during yoga teacher training because it was interfering with my practice. I was sick of 'hair management' and yoga was more important to me. My friends were shocked and horrified and at least one person stopped speaking to me. People get riled up over the weirdest things! Hey, it's MY hair! (and it's back to being very short after this summer's longer hair experiment fell flat...literally).
31 flavours of shoulder openers + yoga
Ooooo! Kinda like Baskin Robbins, except it's pain instead of ice cream! YUMMY!
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?
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?
Monday, November 2, 2009
Hatha
No Astanga today.
My low back is feeling cranky this morning and my mind was very scattered (I woke up on a the 'wrong side of the bed', I guess). After my meditation, I went for a walk and then opted for an easier yoga practice, Lunar Flow #1, 45 minutes with Lisa. This was a good choice, the perfect thing to soothe my back. I'm feeling a bit better.
I've tried the 20 minute and 30 minute versions of this one. This class added a few poses and expanded the 'moon salutations'. The practice started in Savasana and moved into a supine twist. The gentle moon salutations consisted of low lunges, down dog and cobra. Eka Pada Raj Kapotanasana (Pigeon; which I modified into a bound twist), was followed by Ardha Matsyendrasa (Half Lord of the Fishes), followed by lots of forward bends and a shoulderstand sequence at the end.
I have a feeling that the 60 minute version will prove to be a favourite. I'm saving it for a special occasion (like the next time I having a rotten day and need to be pampered with easy yoga).
Pet peeve: The instructor, Lisa, calls Karna Pidasana 'Deaf Man's Pose'. This just sounds WRONG. Politically incorrect, sexist, weird...something. I flinch every time she says it.
For the record, Karna Pidasana is translated as 'squeeze the ears pose' or sometimes, 'ear pressure pose'.
Anyway, there are no Deaf guys in this pose.
So I'm having an odd day. I don't feel like I 'fit' in my body. I had to pause my morning meditation to add air to the Mobile Meditator because I didn't feel like there was enough height to support my low back. Then I changed my mind and released some of the air. I felt like Goldilocks, trying to get it 'just right' (but at least it's adjustable, if I'm going to be all quirky about it).
Then, walking to the subway after my noon class, I felt like I was flopping around in my body, like it didn't belong to me. I spied my reflection in a glass surface and I looked as gangly and awkward as I felt.
No more classes today, thank goodness. Just a guitar lesson and ice hockey. You know, activities that require NO hand-eye co-ordination and body-awareness whatsoever. *eyeroll*
My low back is feeling cranky this morning and my mind was very scattered (I woke up on a the 'wrong side of the bed', I guess). After my meditation, I went for a walk and then opted for an easier yoga practice, Lunar Flow #1, 45 minutes with Lisa. This was a good choice, the perfect thing to soothe my back. I'm feeling a bit better.
I've tried the 20 minute and 30 minute versions of this one. This class added a few poses and expanded the 'moon salutations'. The practice started in Savasana and moved into a supine twist. The gentle moon salutations consisted of low lunges, down dog and cobra. Eka Pada Raj Kapotanasana (Pigeon; which I modified into a bound twist), was followed by Ardha Matsyendrasa (Half Lord of the Fishes), followed by lots of forward bends and a shoulderstand sequence at the end.
I have a feeling that the 60 minute version will prove to be a favourite. I'm saving it for a special occasion (like the next time I having a rotten day and need to be pampered with easy yoga).
Pet peeve: The instructor, Lisa, calls Karna Pidasana 'Deaf Man's Pose'. This just sounds WRONG. Politically incorrect, sexist, weird...something. I flinch every time she says it.
For the record, Karna Pidasana is translated as 'squeeze the ears pose' or sometimes, 'ear pressure pose'.
Anyway, there are no Deaf guys in this pose.
So I'm having an odd day. I don't feel like I 'fit' in my body. I had to pause my morning meditation to add air to the Mobile Meditator because I didn't feel like there was enough height to support my low back. Then I changed my mind and released some of the air. I felt like Goldilocks, trying to get it 'just right' (but at least it's adjustable, if I'm going to be all quirky about it).
Then, walking to the subway after my noon class, I felt like I was flopping around in my body, like it didn't belong to me. I spied my reflection in a glass surface and I looked as gangly and awkward as I felt.
No more classes today, thank goodness. Just a guitar lesson and ice hockey. You know, activities that require NO hand-eye co-ordination and body-awareness whatsoever. *eyeroll*
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Hatha
Tired, so tired! I'm still troubleshooting my circadian rhythm.
For the past two nights, I've gone to bed early and fallen asleep right away (if I read a book for a few minutes after meditation, it seems to 'reset my brain' and I fall asleep easily). But after a full 8 hours of sleep, I'm *still* tired. Yesterday, I didn't give in to the napping urge, but I did today. I napped for an hour. My noon class cancelled so I have an entire blissful day to lounge about and read. I teach noon classes six days a week, so this is a rare treat (Though I'm inwardly groaning about the lost cash - I was planning to use it for my subway pass).
More sleep? Regular naps? I'm already using the LiteBook regularly so it's probably not S.A.D. I hope I'm not coming down with a bug. H1N1 is beginning to pop up around the city. A 13-year-old boy died from it last week. It's scary, though in a remote, vague sort of way. Right now, it's scary the same way SARS was scary - lots of media hysteria and people wearing masks on the subway, but I'm not affected directly. That could change. Vaccinations start next week. I'm definitely going to get mine if it's not a huge wait. I've heard rumours of line-ups for this shot.
My morning routine was completely mixed up and turned around because I was too sleepy to meditate when I woke up. Instead, I walked the dog in the dark. I felt like a bit of a interloper, wandering through the streets of my neighbourhood, watching the families at their breakfast tables (or watching cartoons on T.V. before school). It was kind of nice, comforting. Yoga didn't happen until 11:00. I did Lunar Flow #1, 20 minutes with Lisa (really, 24 minutes).
Nice and easy and low-stress. This sequence reminds me of the 'sit down' class I regularly teach to my Hatha students. There are literally *no* standing poses and only a few Downward Facing Dogs. The one thing I would add to this sequence is a Fish Pose after the Shoulderstand series(I think the counterpose is particularly important). It's easy enough to stop the recording and sneak one in.
I'm looking forward to the rest of the day. I don't need to be anywhere until 4:30. I have big plans for yummy lunch, reading, and lots of knitting.
Last night, one of my students gave me this:
I'm going to enjoy it with my tea!
For the past two nights, I've gone to bed early and fallen asleep right away (if I read a book for a few minutes after meditation, it seems to 'reset my brain' and I fall asleep easily). But after a full 8 hours of sleep, I'm *still* tired. Yesterday, I didn't give in to the napping urge, but I did today. I napped for an hour. My noon class cancelled so I have an entire blissful day to lounge about and read. I teach noon classes six days a week, so this is a rare treat (Though I'm inwardly groaning about the lost cash - I was planning to use it for my subway pass).
More sleep? Regular naps? I'm already using the LiteBook regularly so it's probably not S.A.D. I hope I'm not coming down with a bug. H1N1 is beginning to pop up around the city. A 13-year-old boy died from it last week. It's scary, though in a remote, vague sort of way. Right now, it's scary the same way SARS was scary - lots of media hysteria and people wearing masks on the subway, but I'm not affected directly. That could change. Vaccinations start next week. I'm definitely going to get mine if it's not a huge wait. I've heard rumours of line-ups for this shot.
My morning routine was completely mixed up and turned around because I was too sleepy to meditate when I woke up. Instead, I walked the dog in the dark. I felt like a bit of a interloper, wandering through the streets of my neighbourhood, watching the families at their breakfast tables (or watching cartoons on T.V. before school). It was kind of nice, comforting. Yoga didn't happen until 11:00. I did Lunar Flow #1, 20 minutes with Lisa (really, 24 minutes).
Nice and easy and low-stress. This sequence reminds me of the 'sit down' class I regularly teach to my Hatha students. There are literally *no* standing poses and only a few Downward Facing Dogs. The one thing I would add to this sequence is a Fish Pose after the Shoulderstand series(I think the counterpose is particularly important). It's easy enough to stop the recording and sneak one in.
I'm looking forward to the rest of the day. I don't need to be anywhere until 4:30. I have big plans for yummy lunch, reading, and lots of knitting.
Last night, one of my students gave me this:
I'm going to enjoy it with my tea!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Hatha
My practice today was Lunar Flow #1, 30 minutes with Lisa (20 minute class is free). I was looking forward to something a bit easier today because I'm teaching so much this week.
This was billed as a 'flow' class, but it's really just Hatha, definitely a beginner level, very nice and easy. I was delighted to *start* the class in Savasana (and finish in Savasana too!). Lots of forward bending and hip opening with slow, easy transitions.
The poses were very restorative. The only thing that keeps this sequence from being an ideal option for Lady's Holiday is the inclusion of shoulderstand. But Lisa offers Viparita Karani as an alternative for that section.
The Yogic Jury seems to still be out on the issue of Viparita and menstruation. Some teachers insist that as an inversion, it should be avoided. Others recommend it for easing menstrual symptoms. Here's my take: Keep the sacrum on the floor, don't elevate the hips onto a bolster or pillow (as seen here) and you're good to go!
Heading out to teach now - hope it doesn't rain on me! Meditation post tomorrow!
This was billed as a 'flow' class, but it's really just Hatha, definitely a beginner level, very nice and easy. I was delighted to *start* the class in Savasana (and finish in Savasana too!). Lots of forward bending and hip opening with slow, easy transitions.
The poses were very restorative. The only thing that keeps this sequence from being an ideal option for Lady's Holiday is the inclusion of shoulderstand. But Lisa offers Viparita Karani as an alternative for that section.
The Yogic Jury seems to still be out on the issue of Viparita and menstruation. Some teachers insist that as an inversion, it should be avoided. Others recommend it for easing menstrual symptoms. Here's my take: Keep the sacrum on the floor, don't elevate the hips onto a bolster or pillow (as seen here) and you're good to go!
Heading out to teach now - hope it doesn't rain on me! Meditation post tomorrow!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Vinyasa
I'm in denial, but I think I need to brace myself and acknowledge the coming of winter.
II'm still wearing a jean jacket over my black hoody, instead of the down coat I really need. I certainly should have worn a scarf on my walk yesterday. Instead, I ignored my cold neck. And we're definitely moving into the last few weeks of good bicycling weather - my ears were so cold yesterday they were numb by the time I rolled in the door.
This morning? Frost on the lawn.
All joking aside, I really do love this time of year. Autumn is my favourite season and I don't mind the cooler temperatures. But I do hate being cold and I'm dreading the deep freeze of winter (at the same time, looking forward to outdoor ice to skate on!)
I did a short vinyasa practice today, Detox Yoga #1, 30 minutes, with Lisa. This sequence is new to me and I liked it a lot, though I think the 'intermediate' label is inaccurate for this one. It's definitely an 'advanced intermediate' level practice.
This week, I've been following my asana practice with 20 minutes of meditation. This seems to be really working for me, though the last few days have been 'sleepy' meditation sessions. I seem to have settled into 20 minute meditation sessions. This duration feels very comfortable for me.
II'm still wearing a jean jacket over my black hoody, instead of the down coat I really need. I certainly should have worn a scarf on my walk yesterday. Instead, I ignored my cold neck. And we're definitely moving into the last few weeks of good bicycling weather - my ears were so cold yesterday they were numb by the time I rolled in the door.
This morning? Frost on the lawn.
All joking aside, I really do love this time of year. Autumn is my favourite season and I don't mind the cooler temperatures. But I do hate being cold and I'm dreading the deep freeze of winter (at the same time, looking forward to outdoor ice to skate on!)
I did a short vinyasa practice today, Detox Yoga #1, 30 minutes, with Lisa. This sequence is new to me and I liked it a lot, though I think the 'intermediate' label is inaccurate for this one. It's definitely an 'advanced intermediate' level practice.
This week, I've been following my asana practice with 20 minutes of meditation. This seems to be really working for me, though the last few days have been 'sleepy' meditation sessions. I seem to have settled into 20 minute meditation sessions. This duration feels very comfortable for me.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Vinyasa
This morning was a bit 'hair of the dog'. I stumbled out of bed, directly to the floor and did a series of cat/dog tilts, downward dog, a few Chaturangas and Urdhva Mukha Svanasana, more cat/dog tilts and Balasana. Then I got up.
I know, know! Yesterday, I was all “I'm not sore! I'm not tired!” Today? I'm owning it: Sore and tired. Ouch and yawn. I've almost doubled my class load from this time last year, so it makes sense. Even daily yoga practice can't ward off the exhaustion of teaching 11 classes over the course of 3 days.
Today is a day off, but by next week, I'll be teaching on Fridays too. I'll be teaching 6 days a week. On the bright side, my financial situation is about to get a lot better and that's *good* news.
I love days like this. The rain started around noon, just after the dog and I returned from our walk. I've been sitting by the window, sipping tea, knitting, and goofing around way too much on the computer, but I'm allowed. :-)
I did about a half-hour of yoga, with an easy 25 minute flowing sequence I found on YogaDownload (Moon Salutations #1 with Lisa). I specifically looked for something labelled 'beginner'. It was exactly what I needed: flowing movement with lots of hip opening. I spent 5 minutes in Savasana at the end, then did my meditation.
My meditation practice is going well. I've meditated daily for the past 21 days. Some days, I feel like it's making a great impact on my life, others it just feels like more thing to check off the to-do list. But I've noticed a few odd coincidences that I can't explain away.
For example (I've mentioned this in a previous entry) I'm losing weight. Last week the girlfriend mentioned that I looked slimmer and I didn't believe her, but then I noticed it too. It's significant. I haven't weighed myself lately, but clothes don't lie: my pants are fitting again.
I've *have* been trying to choose healthier foods, but I've been doing *that* all summer with no success. The odd thing is, I haven't increased my exercise routine in any drastic way. In fact, I'm practising less (though teaching more) and I've cut my daily walks down to 20 minutes from an hour. My diet, on the whole, has generally been healthy - at least, the stuff I eat at home is. I have an insatiable sweet-tooth though - that's my major Food Issue. When I'm out and about, I have a tendency to buy treats.
But recently, I haven't been buying treats. It's not like I suddenly developed amazing self-control out of the blue, I'm just not hungry for treats. I'm *am* hungry, but I'm channeling that hunger into meals and healthy stuff instead of cookies and brownies and rice krispie squares. I could still buy that stuff if I wanted (and I still do on occasion), but I'm not doing it as often. I didn't make a conscious decision to lay off the sweet stuff, it just sort of happened.
Here's the reason I'm going on and on about this: I checked my receipts and the purchase of 'treats' dropped off right after I started meditating again. I've been meditating daily for 21 days and coincidentally, I've lost weight during that 21 days. I'm going to stop short of saying “Meditation made me lose weight” but this has certainly given me a pause. It appears that meditation has diminished my cravings for sugar and fat and all of those 'treats' that were so irresistible.
I'll keep you updated.
Second coincidence: I've recently started back into knitting in a big way. I spontaneously looked for a knitting class because I wanted to learn to knit a toque (that's Canadian for 'hat'). I've been knitting daily since then. I checked my journals. The last two times I've developed an interest in knitting both correspond with meditation practice. Freaky!!!
So there you have it, if my experience is any indication, meditating makes you lose weight and create woolen garments. Be warned!
I know, know! Yesterday, I was all “I'm not sore! I'm not tired!” Today? I'm owning it: Sore and tired. Ouch and yawn. I've almost doubled my class load from this time last year, so it makes sense. Even daily yoga practice can't ward off the exhaustion of teaching 11 classes over the course of 3 days.
Today is a day off, but by next week, I'll be teaching on Fridays too. I'll be teaching 6 days a week. On the bright side, my financial situation is about to get a lot better and that's *good* news.
I love days like this. The rain started around noon, just after the dog and I returned from our walk. I've been sitting by the window, sipping tea, knitting, and goofing around way too much on the computer, but I'm allowed. :-)
I did about a half-hour of yoga, with an easy 25 minute flowing sequence I found on YogaDownload (Moon Salutations #1 with Lisa). I specifically looked for something labelled 'beginner'. It was exactly what I needed: flowing movement with lots of hip opening. I spent 5 minutes in Savasana at the end, then did my meditation.
My meditation practice is going well. I've meditated daily for the past 21 days. Some days, I feel like it's making a great impact on my life, others it just feels like more thing to check off the to-do list. But I've noticed a few odd coincidences that I can't explain away.
For example (I've mentioned this in a previous entry) I'm losing weight. Last week the girlfriend mentioned that I looked slimmer and I didn't believe her, but then I noticed it too. It's significant. I haven't weighed myself lately, but clothes don't lie: my pants are fitting again.
I've *have* been trying to choose healthier foods, but I've been doing *that* all summer with no success. The odd thing is, I haven't increased my exercise routine in any drastic way. In fact, I'm practising less (though teaching more) and I've cut my daily walks down to 20 minutes from an hour. My diet, on the whole, has generally been healthy - at least, the stuff I eat at home is. I have an insatiable sweet-tooth though - that's my major Food Issue. When I'm out and about, I have a tendency to buy treats.
But recently, I haven't been buying treats. It's not like I suddenly developed amazing self-control out of the blue, I'm just not hungry for treats. I'm *am* hungry, but I'm channeling that hunger into meals and healthy stuff instead of cookies and brownies and rice krispie squares. I could still buy that stuff if I wanted (and I still do on occasion), but I'm not doing it as often. I didn't make a conscious decision to lay off the sweet stuff, it just sort of happened.
Here's the reason I'm going on and on about this: I checked my receipts and the purchase of 'treats' dropped off right after I started meditating again. I've been meditating daily for 21 days and coincidentally, I've lost weight during that 21 days. I'm going to stop short of saying “Meditation made me lose weight” but this has certainly given me a pause. It appears that meditation has diminished my cravings for sugar and fat and all of those 'treats' that were so irresistible.
I'll keep you updated.
Second coincidence: I've recently started back into knitting in a big way. I spontaneously looked for a knitting class because I wanted to learn to knit a toque (that's Canadian for 'hat'). I've been knitting daily since then. I checked my journals. The last two times I've developed an interest in knitting both correspond with meditation practice. Freaky!!!
So there you have it, if my experience is any indication, meditating makes you lose weight and create woolen garments. Be warned!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)