Unplugged

As I started to construct a new 'practice schedule' after completing my month at Hot Central, I knew one thing for certain: I wanted a day off, a real, genuine day OFF. Last year, I was teaching 7 days a week; there wasn't a single day that I wasn't doing something yoga related, whether teaching or a vigorous practice. It was wearing me out!

Late last year, I *finally* cleared my Sundays. With a work-free day available, I've decided that henceforth, Saturday will be a practice day and Sunday will a rest day (it's not the Astanga standard, but very little of my practice is these days). I often do a bit of yoga on my day off, but it's usually Yin or Restorative - something low key. I've decided that's allowable in my new scheme.

But I decided to add another, somewhat contentious, element to this day of rest: no work-work (business-related/cleaning/errands; with fun personal projects excepted) and NO INTERNET.

Originally, the plan was for 'no computers or internet' but since I've gone 'paperless', much of my life now revolves around the screen. My journaling is done on computer, my magazines live there and even many of the books and articles I read are electronic (what I can't get at the library, I buy on my Kindle).

As I moved through my Sunday, I was amazed by how often I referenced something on the iPad, even without Internet available. I keep a dream journal, jot down quotes, look up recipes, maintain a list of 'books read' and 'books I want to read', and use a meditation timer.

So, what did I actually DO with my work-and-internet-free day? Lots! I read, read, read, mostly. I finished *two* books and started two others, which kind of amazes me. I also took Princess Fur for two long walks, enjoyed a hot bath and visited my favourite South Indian restaurant for lunch. I cleaned out a bathroom cabinet, drank lots of decaffeinated-green-tea-chai and took an afternoon nap. I did some restorative yoga and meditated.

I broke my own rules and did a tiny bit of work that I had forgotten to finish yesterday and, of course, I'm writing this blog post. But frankly, I'm astounded by how much 'free time' I liberated simply by turning off the cellular connection on my iPad. No tweets, no RSS feeds, no email. I miss it, but I kinda don't miss it.

Verdict? It was great and I plan to make it a weekly event.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

GOTCHA!

Okay, jig's up! That State-of-the-Backbend photo? It wasn't me, of course. Those of you who thought it WAS get a gold star for having such faith in me. And I absolutely *loved* the comments! :-D I'm thinking that we may need to start an entire line of backbend-enhancing fashion accessories, starting with shiny pants.

For those of you scratching your head, this was a bit of a Astanga/Cybershala in-joke. My Urdhva Dhanur-doppleganger is none other than our lovely Susananda, from London, UK. She was visiting family in a nearby city and took the train into my burg (in a big snowstorm no less) to spend the day with me.

We had a SUCH great day! What do two Ashtangis with a bit of 'Mysore envy' do on a snow day? Why, go to Little India, of course! From the train station, we hopped on a streetcar and travelled eastward to my fav South Indian restaurant. We ate a yummy lunch, followed by hot chai, and talked and talked and talked. Then we did lots of shopping. When we'd had our fill of yoga books, statuettes and Indian kitsch, we went back to my 'shala' so Susan could meet Princess Fur.

By the way, that amazing backbend of hers was done COLD with hardly any preparation. Literally five minutes before, she was curled up on my blue futon, drinking tea and eating muffins! When she easily stood up (from the backbend, not from eating muffins), I was all gobsmacked, but of course that's just Susan, being AWESOME!




Of course, in keeping with the current meme, we had to take photos of our Indian food!

We started with Idly and Medhu Vada:



I had the Onion Masala Dosa (and in the background, you can see Susan's Mixed Vegetable Uthappam):



Half-way through our meal, we realised that we had neglected to EAT MORE CHAPATIS! so we asked for two:



The waiter came over and asked if we wanted chai after he had refilled our water jug for the second time. We had been sitting there for so long talking, I'm sure he wondered if we were ever planning to leave!

The only thing that could have made the day more perfect was the company of sweet Owl, but she's in Mysore (probably eating lots of Chapatis!). Next time, for sure.




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Practice reports...I'm still doing Bikram yoga. My shoulder if feeling much, much better. I'm hoping to add some Astanga this coming weekend. I miss the Primary Series!!!

Sunday: Cashew was teaching. Now that the holidays are over, there appears to be an actual schedule at this studio; I'm starting to see the same instructors on the same days. This is the second class I've taken with Cashew and it was crowded (I guess Sundays are busy after all!) And it was HOT in there. I seem to have adjusted to that, though. I was hot, but the heat didn't slow me down. I think I've learned to pace myself in these classes.

I had an epiphany in Shalabhasana. We're instructed to keep the hips down and press onto the shoulders (the pose is like Viparita Shalabhasana in Astanga). It sounds simple, but whenever I tried, I just pressed my shoulders down which didn't help a bit. But if I shift my weight, kind of slide my chest forward as I push my hands (which are underneath me) back, more weight shifts to the front.

Monday (today): Almond was teaching and the class was full, but didn't seem as crowded as the weekend. I like Almond for his consistency (he times the poses well and keeps a good pace going, with a minimum of chatter) and his feedback. When he gives a specific cue, he'll sometimes say "Nice adjustment' if it's carried out correctly. I've found this helpful because I'm not always sure that I'm doing what they want me to do.

Today, Almond kept calling the class 'team' (in Savasana: "Nice job, team!"). It made me giggle because it reminded me of hockey (and there's nothing further from an icy hockey arena than a hot yoga room!).

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Astanga

I was exhausted last night. For once, my brain was perfectly content to let go of Important! Thoughts! and just let me sleep right through the night. And that’s exactly what it was doing when I was awoken by an explosion, followed by sirens at 3:00 a.m. sharp. But I drifted back to sleep, only to be woken AGAIN by the sound of firecrackers (this sent poor Princess Fur into an tizzy - she retreated to the closet). But I rolled over and went back to sleep! And *that’s* when the car alarm sounded...and didn’t stop. For a solid half-hour.

I gave up. I poured myself a glass of coconut water opened a book. Eventually, the universe quieted and I could go back to sleep. But seriously, what are the odds?! I seem to be predestined to be awake every night at 3 a.m.!

At least I got eight full hours of sleep. That’s a first for the week! I’ve been averaging 5 hours per night, but not really feeling unusually tired. I’m usually fine during the morning and evening hours, but I hit some kind of wall in the afternoon when I feel exhausted. If I’m lucky, I can take an hour to nap. This is getting easier as my schedule eases off. Next week is my last really busy one for awhile. I’m looking forward to ‘summer hours’. Lots of me-time, yoga, books, and fun times with friends.

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The yoga week has started! This will be a six-day week for me, despite my home shala’s Moon Day on Friday. I’m taking my practice up to Shala North that day and bringing my shala-buddy with me. I’m looking forward to the change of scenery and the novelty of suffering through my backbends in a room full of completely different people.

Practice starts a bit later on Sundays. Today, it was much warmer than I’ve become accustomed to and the room was busier. Half-way through the standing poses, I was already dripping! I finally took off my tank top and tossed it aside. Modesty be damned! It was HOT in there!!!

My Primary Series is feeling really good these days and I find that it’s becoming very consistent from day to day. There haven’t been any big changes, but I’ve had a few small shifts.

Bhujapidasana keeps getting easier The exit isn’t always smooth, but coming into the pose with my chin on the floor feels natural and controlled now My feet are lifted (today, they were *really* lifted) and I feel almost comfortable for the five breath hold.

I still can’t believe my heels are lifted in Kurmasana. Every time I do it, I’m all “Wow, HOW am I doing this? This is AWESOME!” It was such a struggle for so long that I feel like throwing a little party every time it happens (Cake! Balloons!). I’m sure I’ll get over it eventually! :-D

I’m becoming hyper-aware of my Bandhas lately, everywhere in my practice. I finally figured out why I was finding Marichyasana A so bizarrely difficult. I wasn’t using enough Udiyana Bandha or abdominal strength to come forward! I was just sitting there, assuming that my bendy-bendy hamstrings would let me melt into that pose like butter. Nope! I simply had to work a bit harder.

And there’s something shifting in my jumpbacks. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but sometimes it feels like I’m being grabbed by the seat of my pants and lifted up just as I’m jumping back. Of course, it’s bandhas, bandhas, bandhas! It has to be! But I wish I could isolate exactly what I’m doing and how I’m doing it. Have you ever forgotten a name and had it on the very edge of your brain, but couldn’t conjure it up? That’s EXACTLY what this feels like. Every single jumpback, I’m trying to find ‘it’.

Backbends: I only did six (two sets of three), but I think I might have actually ‘suffered enough’ today. ;-)

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This afternoon, I decided I needed a break. I rode my little bicycle all the way out to Little India for some shopping and food fun.

I found a few really FUN books, stocked up on incense, and browsed around for about an hour. I was looking for a small, brass Durga to add to my spiritual posse. “One who can redeem in situations of utmost distress.” I actually saw an nice Durga a few weeks ago at the India shop in my neighbourhood, but didn’t buy it. Now I’m kicking myself!

So I’m putting it out there: Universe! Send me a Durga! I’m in distress! Especially in backbends!

I capped off the afternoon with a HUGE South Indian Thali at my favourite Little India restaurant. I ate it ALL by myself and now, I have a Buddha Belly. I hope I can still bind Mari D tomorrow!

Trust in Allah, but lock your bicycle!