Self practice today. My triangle pose was abominable! My kneecaps lock and bending seems impossible.
Saturday, 10 November 2012
Thursday, 8 November 2012
Day 93
Added a new pose today - triangle pose. I always thought I was fairly good at this one. Apparently not. The legs twist differently - funny, I always thought it was the torso that twisted. Plus my ribs stick up.
Finally got one foot in the air for handstand. The 90' angle with the feet on the wall was torture. Next week I go for the full upside down effect.
Finally got one foot in the air for handstand. The 90' angle with the feet on the wall was torture. Next week I go for the full upside down effect.
Thursday, 11 October 2012
Day 63 & Day 64
Day 63
Zip. Had prior appointment.
Day 64
There are days when you throw back the covers and are happy to climb out of bed. This was one of them. It might've had something to do with the nightmare involving swirling deadly whirlpools, little boys and the attraction children feel for water.
At any rate, I leapt out of bed, eager for my Mysore practice. Nothing new, but I can feel myself growing stronger. More graceful, no.
Zip. Had prior appointment.
Day 64
There are days when you throw back the covers and are happy to climb out of bed. This was one of them. It might've had something to do with the nightmare involving swirling deadly whirlpools, little boys and the attraction children feel for water.
At any rate, I leapt out of bed, eager for my Mysore practice. Nothing new, but I can feel myself growing stronger. More graceful, no.
Wednesday, 10 October 2012
Day 62
After 2 weeks away, I was both eager and a teeny bit afraid to get back on my mat again. The only bits of yoga I had done while I was away were a couple of legs-up-the-wall poses and some roll-the-golf-ball-under-the-foot warm-ups.
My arms trembled holding the plank pose for the 5 breathes in each of the 10 sequences of Sun Salutation A. The 5 Sun Salutation Bs were awkward and ungraceful. (Nothing that 5 years of practicing won't cure.) My towel kept shifting creating lumps under my feet.
For me, the best part is still the upside down poses of headstand and handstand. They gladden my heart as nothing else does.
My arms trembled holding the plank pose for the 5 breathes in each of the 10 sequences of Sun Salutation A. The 5 Sun Salutation Bs were awkward and ungraceful. (Nothing that 5 years of practicing won't cure.) My towel kept shifting creating lumps under my feet.
For me, the best part is still the upside down poses of headstand and handstand. They gladden my heart as nothing else does.
Tuesday, 2 October 2012
Tuesday, 25 September 2012
Day 48
This is my last Mysore class for a couple of weeks. I have morning commitments, my instructor will be away, blah, blah, blah.
The new warm-ups work very well. After torturing my foot with the golf ball (not quite so torturous anymore), then half-standing on the sandbag while leaning forward, then leg lifts on my back with the strap around my heel, my legs are more flexible and less strained. The 10 Sun Salutations A (holding plank for 5 breaths), and the 5 Sun Salutations B (no holding) are getting easier, although sweat still drips off me and onto the mat (ick!). In the toe-hold and palms-under-feet poses, I am not fighting fear as much (teeny tiny bit), for which I am grateful.
Having the headstand and handstand at the end is absolutely the most fun imaginable. The world would be a less pompous place if everyone did them and viewed their lives from that ridiculous angle.
The new warm-ups work very well. After torturing my foot with the golf ball (not quite so torturous anymore), then half-standing on the sandbag while leaning forward, then leg lifts on my back with the strap around my heel, my legs are more flexible and less strained. The 10 Sun Salutations A (holding plank for 5 breaths), and the 5 Sun Salutations B (no holding) are getting easier, although sweat still drips off me and onto the mat (ick!). In the toe-hold and palms-under-feet poses, I am not fighting fear as much (teeny tiny bit), for which I am grateful.
Having the headstand and handstand at the end is absolutely the most fun imaginable. The world would be a less pompous place if everyone did them and viewed their lives from that ridiculous angle.
Monday, 24 September 2012
Day 44, Day 45, Day 46 & Day 47
No practice Days 44 - 46. Sunshine, sand, and surf, I lived in the moment.
Day 47
Red letter day - handstand!!! Upside down, feet in the air, hands holding me up. Amazing fun!
My arms weren't as solid and strong as they were from yesteryear. Back then, there was never any doubt that I would hold myself up - the question was whether or not I would topple over. Today, the old arm muscles quivered a bit, but I did not collapse into a heap on the ground, so all was good. For the first one, S. helped and braced me. The second was a variation done with feet against the wall, legs making a right angle. This was backwards to my old way, but new decade, new way.
Of course I felt fear. The old monologue ran through the head - too old, too feeble, too awkward, etc. I did it anyway.
Day 47
Red letter day - handstand!!! Upside down, feet in the air, hands holding me up. Amazing fun!
My arms weren't as solid and strong as they were from yesteryear. Back then, there was never any doubt that I would hold myself up - the question was whether or not I would topple over. Today, the old arm muscles quivered a bit, but I did not collapse into a heap on the ground, so all was good. For the first one, S. helped and braced me. The second was a variation done with feet against the wall, legs making a right angle. This was backwards to my old way, but new decade, new way.
Of course I felt fear. The old monologue ran through the head - too old, too feeble, too awkward, etc. I did it anyway.
Thursday, 20 September 2012
Day 43
Today, I did Sun Salutations A & B! I've done them before in other yoga classes, but since I've been practicing Ashtanga. I will still have 10 Sun Salutations A (holding Plank position for 5 breathes), followed by 5 Sun Salutations B. I was pooped by the end of class.
Wednesday, 19 September 2012
Day 41 & Day 42
Day 41 (Sept 18, 2012)
No practice today; it was a self-declared rest day.
Day 42 (Sept 19, 2012)
Hands down, it was a fab day!
There's a clue in that first sentence. Did you get it? I had my hands flat on the mat today! Woohoo! One goal reached. (The head continues to avoid the shins, but hopefully they will grow close over time.)
On Day 1, the best I could do on the forward bend, with straight legs, was touch the very tips of my fingers to the mat. Over the weeks, my reach extended until I was able to put my fingers flat on the mat, but the palms were still airborne. Today palms were flat.
This minor miracle comes courtesy of two new warm-ups. The first involved rolling a golf ball under the sole of my foot. Owie! This "massage" relaxed a protective layer? ligament? that extends from the foot to the top of the head. After doing just one foot, I did a forward bend and could feel a difference with the legs. Thrilled, I tortured the other foot.
For the second warm-up, I placed a sandbag a short distance from a wall, and partially stood on it, elevating the front parts of my feet while my heels stayed on the mat. I pushed out with the heels, as if trying to rip the mat. My forearms and head rested against the wall. After a few minutes of this stretch, I moved the sandbag back a bit, and repeated the steps. I could really feel it in my calves.
After this, I did my regular heel-held-hostage-in-strap warm-up, and found my legs straightened without much difficulty. But the real proof was when I started the first Sun Salutation. Palms on mat. Bliss.
No practice today; it was a self-declared rest day.
Day 42 (Sept 19, 2012)
Hands down, it was a fab day!
There's a clue in that first sentence. Did you get it? I had my hands flat on the mat today! Woohoo! One goal reached. (The head continues to avoid the shins, but hopefully they will grow close over time.)
On Day 1, the best I could do on the forward bend, with straight legs, was touch the very tips of my fingers to the mat. Over the weeks, my reach extended until I was able to put my fingers flat on the mat, but the palms were still airborne. Today palms were flat.
This minor miracle comes courtesy of two new warm-ups. The first involved rolling a golf ball under the sole of my foot. Owie! This "massage" relaxed a protective layer? ligament? that extends from the foot to the top of the head. After doing just one foot, I did a forward bend and could feel a difference with the legs. Thrilled, I tortured the other foot.
For the second warm-up, I placed a sandbag a short distance from a wall, and partially stood on it, elevating the front parts of my feet while my heels stayed on the mat. I pushed out with the heels, as if trying to rip the mat. My forearms and head rested against the wall. After a few minutes of this stretch, I moved the sandbag back a bit, and repeated the steps. I could really feel it in my calves.
After this, I did my regular heel-held-hostage-in-strap warm-up, and found my legs straightened without much difficulty. But the real proof was when I started the first Sun Salutation. Palms on mat. Bliss.
Monday, 17 September 2012
Day 40
Solo practice today. The Shala is hosting classes, so Mysore is not an option for me today or tomorrow.
I miss the synergy of practicing in a group, even though we are all doing different things. The practice somehow feels more complete. And when I'm done, I'm done.
In a solo practice, when to begin is too open, too optional. If I have no appointments, it can happen pretty much any time. Sometimes I procrastinate all day. In an attempt to outsmart my procrastination, I put on my yoga gear first thing and don't change out of it until I have finished.
I miss the synergy of practicing in a group, even though we are all doing different things. The practice somehow feels more complete. And when I'm done, I'm done.
In a solo practice, when to begin is too open, too optional. If I have no appointments, it can happen pretty much any time. Sometimes I procrastinate all day. In an attempt to outsmart my procrastination, I put on my yoga gear first thing and don't change out of it until I have finished.
Sunday, 16 September 2012
Day 39
Home practice today. My hamstrings were very tight. Was fear shrinking their stretch-ability? Or genuine tightness?
Of course I battled fear. From the first time I bent over and discovered my fingertips did not flatten on the floor (oh-oh, how am I going to do the palms-under-feet pose?) to the very end, I argued with myself. It took 3 tries to get the palms-under-feet pose properly, but I really did not want to end the practice feeling crumby that I had avoided it.
All this hovering in plank position is making a difference in my arms. Woohoo - pipes!
Of course I battled fear. From the first time I bent over and discovered my fingertips did not flatten on the floor (oh-oh, how am I going to do the palms-under-feet pose?) to the very end, I argued with myself. It took 3 tries to get the palms-under-feet pose properly, but I really did not want to end the practice feeling crumby that I had avoided it.
All this hovering in plank position is making a difference in my arms. Woohoo - pipes!
Saturday, 15 September 2012
Day 38
Today is the Saturday rest day and a moon day. Double reasons of why I shouldn't practice today. Ahhhhhhhh....
Friday, 14 September 2012
Day 36 & Day 37
Day 36 (Sept 13, 2012)
No practice today due to inconvenient committments.
Day 37 (Sept 14, 2012)
Two practices today. The first, mid-morning, was just about as bad as bad could be. Fear ran amok and dominated my actions. Convinced I had tried "hard enough", I moved into Corpse Pose before I had finished. I lay there, feeling anything but restful, annoyed and angry with myself for letting fear win. Peace of mind only came when I promised myself I would do a second practice mid-afternoon.
Second practice was much better. The only good thing about the first practice was that I had held the new, harder plank position for the required 5 counts. (I'm working to lowering myself down, and to prepare, I had to bend my elbows 2" and squeeze them in and hold myself there for 5 breaths.) My arms were still mushy from the earlier workout, so this afternoon I held the new position for just one breath, which is the standard.
Then I moved into the toe holding and the palms-under-feet poses. This morning I was afraid my hamstrings would roll up like window blinds and wimped out. This afternoon, I worked through the fear.
With hindsight, I understand why I was afraid. These positions pull oddly on my body. Excuse my indelicateness, but bent over in the palms-under-feet pose, I feel a decided tug on my anus and v-gee-gee. It weirded me out. Once emotionally off-balance, fear swooped in to take over. This afternoon, I was prepared for the sensation, and just breathed through them. I am pleased to report all the internal parts of my body are still inside where they're supposed to be.
No practice today due to inconvenient committments.
Day 37 (Sept 14, 2012)
Two practices today. The first, mid-morning, was just about as bad as bad could be. Fear ran amok and dominated my actions. Convinced I had tried "hard enough", I moved into Corpse Pose before I had finished. I lay there, feeling anything but restful, annoyed and angry with myself for letting fear win. Peace of mind only came when I promised myself I would do a second practice mid-afternoon.
Second practice was much better. The only good thing about the first practice was that I had held the new, harder plank position for the required 5 counts. (I'm working to lowering myself down, and to prepare, I had to bend my elbows 2" and squeeze them in and hold myself there for 5 breaths.) My arms were still mushy from the earlier workout, so this afternoon I held the new position for just one breath, which is the standard.
Then I moved into the toe holding and the palms-under-feet poses. This morning I was afraid my hamstrings would roll up like window blinds and wimped out. This afternoon, I worked through the fear.
With hindsight, I understand why I was afraid. These positions pull oddly on my body. Excuse my indelicateness, but bent over in the palms-under-feet pose, I feel a decided tug on my anus and v-gee-gee. It weirded me out. Once emotionally off-balance, fear swooped in to take over. This afternoon, I was prepared for the sensation, and just breathed through them. I am pleased to report all the internal parts of my body are still inside where they're supposed to be.
Wednesday, 12 September 2012
Day 34 & Day 35
Day 34 (Sept 11, 2012)
Let's just skip over Day 34. I did.
Day 35 (Sept 12, 2012)
Mysore class complete with teacher. And a zillion students. Pretty much every available space was taken. I ended up in front of the fire exit door, next to a bump-out wall, which forced me into the centre part of the room.
Inconspicuous I was not. Too bad I wasn't the model yogini of grace and strength, an inspiration for all. Instead, if anyone was watching (which I'm sure they were not), they saw a sweaty lumpy woman trying to hold her toes.
Yes, hold my toes!!! I'm onto the standing positions! How exciting!
I am shocked at how afraid I am. Of everything new. I have to convince myself I am fine, I can do whatever. When I bent over, sliding my hands under my feet for the second pose in the Standing Sequence, I was afraid my hamstrings were going to sproing! out of my legs and roll up like curly ribbon. I pretended/thought it hurt (which was my fear, not an actual physiological response) and came out of the pose. I went right back into it again, and held it longer, but I was still a wee bit afraid. I'm afraid I can't do it, that I'll hurt myself, that I'm crazy for even trying.
Am I going to be like this for every new pose?
Let's just skip over Day 34. I did.
Day 35 (Sept 12, 2012)
Mysore class complete with teacher. And a zillion students. Pretty much every available space was taken. I ended up in front of the fire exit door, next to a bump-out wall, which forced me into the centre part of the room.
Inconspicuous I was not. Too bad I wasn't the model yogini of grace and strength, an inspiration for all. Instead, if anyone was watching (which I'm sure they were not), they saw a sweaty lumpy woman trying to hold her toes.
Yes, hold my toes!!! I'm onto the standing positions! How exciting!
I am shocked at how afraid I am. Of everything new. I have to convince myself I am fine, I can do whatever. When I bent over, sliding my hands under my feet for the second pose in the Standing Sequence, I was afraid my hamstrings were going to sproing! out of my legs and roll up like curly ribbon. I pretended/thought it hurt (which was my fear, not an actual physiological response) and came out of the pose. I went right back into it again, and held it longer, but I was still a wee bit afraid. I'm afraid I can't do it, that I'll hurt myself, that I'm crazy for even trying.
Am I going to be like this for every new pose?
Monday, 10 September 2012
Day 33
Disappointment of disappointments - no instructor today. And the substitute didn't show up either. (Oops, do I detect a miscommunication?)
One of the uber-early students must've opened the studio. Apparently, someone else was coming in later to lock up. In between, whoever showed up had the run of the place. (Insert image of yogis going berserk. Hard to picture, isn't it?) We were a dull group and did what we were supposed to.
Total bummer though - the relaxation in Corpse Pose at the end of the practice was missing. My brain paid attention to every squeak and bump, wondering who/what caused it and if I needed to do something. Of course not, but my mind felt like it had to constantly assess the situation.
One of the uber-early students must've opened the studio. Apparently, someone else was coming in later to lock up. In between, whoever showed up had the run of the place. (Insert image of yogis going berserk. Hard to picture, isn't it?) We were a dull group and did what we were supposed to.
Total bummer though - the relaxation in Corpse Pose at the end of the practice was missing. My brain paid attention to every squeak and bump, wondering who/what caused it and if I needed to do something. Of course not, but my mind felt like it had to constantly assess the situation.
Sunday, 9 September 2012
Days 29 - 32
Day 29 (Thurs, Sept 6, 2012)
The headache from Day 28 turned into intestinal distress. Who knew I was so full of it?
Day 30 (Fri, Sept 7, 2012)
Solo practice today. Fabulous session. Best of all was the sense of renewal during the final position, Corpse Pose. I conscientiously relaxed every part of my body, mentally soothing the sore spots, breathing into the area of focus. Afterwards, I had a shocking amount of energy.
Day 31 (Sat, Sept 8, 2012)
Rest day. Ahhhhh.
Day 32 (Sun, Sept 9, 2012)
Heavily scheduled day. No practice.
The headache from Day 28 turned into intestinal distress. Who knew I was so full of it?
Day 30 (Fri, Sept 7, 2012)
Solo practice today. Fabulous session. Best of all was the sense of renewal during the final position, Corpse Pose. I conscientiously relaxed every part of my body, mentally soothing the sore spots, breathing into the area of focus. Afterwards, I had a shocking amount of energy.
Day 31 (Sat, Sept 8, 2012)
Rest day. Ahhhhh.
Day 32 (Sun, Sept 9, 2012)
Heavily scheduled day. No practice.
Wednesday, 5 September 2012
Day 28
I woke up this morning with a mild dehydration headache. Not the best start to the morning but fixable. Eating and drinking has been a challenge for the past week as the kitchen is undergoing a complete renovation. No sink, no stove, no easy-peasy food prep.
The Mysore class went well. I managed (barely) to hold each plank position for 5 slow breathes for each of the 10 Sun Salutations. I had to pause between each of the last 4 sequences to find more energy. My arms were trembling by the time I was done.
My legs joined the chorus of trembling muscles after the lunges. I dropped into Child's Pose for a few minutes to recoup.
As always, the headstand was my delight. Every time I go upside down, I confront my fears: that I'm not advanced enough for this pose; that I'm too old/feeble/uncoordinated; that I'll hurt myself very, very badly. The mind plays many games. Even when I get into the pose, my brain tries to convince me to come out of it quickly because something might happen. Goodness, I'm risking enough by just going up - do I have to press my luck!?!
I am sad to say that fear wins, and I pop down before I'm ready. Yesterday I stayed up for 12 slow breathes. Today 20. I might not be able to shut up the negative voice, but I can count over it.
The Mysore class went well. I managed (barely) to hold each plank position for 5 slow breathes for each of the 10 Sun Salutations. I had to pause between each of the last 4 sequences to find more energy. My arms were trembling by the time I was done.
My legs joined the chorus of trembling muscles after the lunges. I dropped into Child's Pose for a few minutes to recoup.
As always, the headstand was my delight. Every time I go upside down, I confront my fears: that I'm not advanced enough for this pose; that I'm too old/feeble/uncoordinated; that I'll hurt myself very, very badly. The mind plays many games. Even when I get into the pose, my brain tries to convince me to come out of it quickly because something might happen. Goodness, I'm risking enough by just going up - do I have to press my luck!?!
I am sad to say that fear wins, and I pop down before I'm ready. Yesterday I stayed up for 12 slow breathes. Today 20. I might not be able to shut up the negative voice, but I can count over it.
Tuesday, 4 September 2012
Day 25, Day 26, and Day 27
Day 25
Goof off day. No good reason. Just didn't practice.
Day 26
Almost slid into 4 days in a row without practicing, but decided that would be foolish. Just before supper, I yanked on my gear and got to work. I don't know if it was the 3 days of rest, or the fact that my practice was later in the day, but my muscles cooperated nicely. The endorphins did their trick, and I was smiley and happy for the rest of the evening.
Day 27
Morning Mysore class today. My ready form of transportation was not available and I had to take the bus.
Today's microscopic addition to my routine was lengthening the time I'm in plank position to 5 breathes. While tucking the tush, softening the ribs, maintaining strong legs. The goal is to work towards lowering myself into push-up position before Up Dog.
Who knew I was missing a whole pose?
Goof off day. No good reason. Just didn't practice.
Day 26
Almost slid into 4 days in a row without practicing, but decided that would be foolish. Just before supper, I yanked on my gear and got to work. I don't know if it was the 3 days of rest, or the fact that my practice was later in the day, but my muscles cooperated nicely. The endorphins did their trick, and I was smiley and happy for the rest of the evening.
Day 27
Morning Mysore class today. My ready form of transportation was not available and I had to take the bus.
Today's microscopic addition to my routine was lengthening the time I'm in plank position to 5 breathes. While tucking the tush, softening the ribs, maintaining strong legs. The goal is to work towards lowering myself into push-up position before Up Dog.
Who knew I was missing a whole pose?
Saturday, 1 September 2012
Thursday, 30 August 2012
Day 21 & Day 22
Day 21
A doctor's appointment kept me from my Mysore class this morning. I found out my blood pressure is not good. It takes 3 elevated readings to get a diagnosis of hypertension. This was Black Mark #1.
How frustrating! I'm trying so hard to get my body functioning well. I sulked and felt sorry for myself. All day.
Day 22
Back at Mysore today. Before I began my practice, I told S about the results from yesterday's doctor's appointment. We discussed my practice, in particular the headstand, in relationship to the new medical information. The doctor did not prohibit the headstand, and S said the version I'm doing (with chairs as props) is the least blood pressure stressing, so I'm continuing.
As a precaution, S suggested laying on my right side for 30 seconds before and after the headstand segment. Apparently laying on the right side can lower blood pressure 20 points. Good to know.
A doctor's appointment kept me from my Mysore class this morning. I found out my blood pressure is not good. It takes 3 elevated readings to get a diagnosis of hypertension. This was Black Mark #1.
How frustrating! I'm trying so hard to get my body functioning well. I sulked and felt sorry for myself. All day.
Day 22
Back at Mysore today. Before I began my practice, I told S about the results from yesterday's doctor's appointment. We discussed my practice, in particular the headstand, in relationship to the new medical information. The doctor did not prohibit the headstand, and S said the version I'm doing (with chairs as props) is the least blood pressure stressing, so I'm continuing.
As a precaution, S suggested laying on my right side for 30 seconds before and after the headstand segment. Apparently laying on the right side can lower blood pressure 20 points. Good to know.
Tuesday, 28 August 2012
Day 20
Normally, I finish my session joyous and content, full of happy endorphins. I love yoga because how it makes me feel, inside and out.
The last few days, the aftermath hasn't been so positive. The perky reward is missing. At first, I just felt a little flat, the down side of neutral, but today I actually feel depressed. My body aches and my spirit fell. My happiness quotient is in the negatives.
Food and a short snooze usually raise my spirits, but not today.
I think I have a case of the yoga blues.
The last few days, the aftermath hasn't been so positive. The perky reward is missing. At first, I just felt a little flat, the down side of neutral, but today I actually feel depressed. My body aches and my spirit fell. My happiness quotient is in the negatives.
Food and a short snooze usually raise my spirits, but not today.
I think I have a case of the yoga blues.
Monday, 27 August 2012
Day 19
Today's practice more than made up for yesterday's lack of one. Yes I know it doesn't really works that way, and I'm rationalizing by pretending it is so. Do it or don't do it - either way, own it, T!
The studio had a substitute instructor today, HL. She worked with me on my Up-and-Down Dogs. Mine are quite clutsy, and she made them more fluid and effective. Then we worked on the lunges and footwork for Warrior.
My weakness is my thigh muscles. In every single pose, I struggle to tighten the quads and raise the kneecaps. This works just as long as I concentrate on the muscles, but as soon as my mind checks on the alignment of any other part of my body, the kneecaps slide down again. It's a constant up/down of the kneecaps. Pressing out with the heel is also a challenge, and I discovered how to use both legs to press out the one heel. Cool.
HL explained how important strong legs are, as they are the base/root for the standing poses. My quad muscles are under-utilized, as evident by the layer of fluff encasing my thighs. Fat is deposited in areas of low movement. With all these quad contractions, my thighs will slim down in no time.
The studio had a substitute instructor today, HL. She worked with me on my Up-and-Down Dogs. Mine are quite clutsy, and she made them more fluid and effective. Then we worked on the lunges and footwork for Warrior.
My weakness is my thigh muscles. In every single pose, I struggle to tighten the quads and raise the kneecaps. This works just as long as I concentrate on the muscles, but as soon as my mind checks on the alignment of any other part of my body, the kneecaps slide down again. It's a constant up/down of the kneecaps. Pressing out with the heel is also a challenge, and I discovered how to use both legs to press out the one heel. Cool.
HL explained how important strong legs are, as they are the base/root for the standing poses. My quad muscles are under-utilized, as evident by the layer of fluff encasing my thighs. Fat is deposited in areas of low movement. With all these quad contractions, my thighs will slim down in no time.
Sunday, 26 August 2012
Saturday, 25 August 2012
Day 17
Day of rest. After rereading my last post, I can see I'm in need of one. Tiredness infused a bitter flavour into that last post/practice.
Good news: The 3lbs I gained last weekend are now gone. My weight is exactly what it was 2 weeks ago when I started this adventure. I think that's good news....
Good news: The 3lbs I gained last weekend are now gone. My weight is exactly what it was 2 weeks ago when I started this adventure. I think that's good news....
Friday, 24 August 2012
Day 16
I struggled with today's practice. There wasn't a Mysore class and I was on my own, so that probably had a lot to do with it. I felt clumsy and awkward going through the Sun Salutations. My up-dog to down-dog sequence is a comedy routine of ungainliness. I had to work hard to make myself finish. Even so, I only did 5.
The only good part was Mountain Pose. For once, I felt rock solid and right. Of course, it was all downhill from there, but at least I had that one shining position.
The only good part was Mountain Pose. For once, I felt rock solid and right. Of course, it was all downhill from there, but at least I had that one shining position.
Thursday, 23 August 2012
Day 15
A-m-a-z-i-n-g day! Absolutely amazing!
Today, for the first time in 25-30 years, I did a headstand! Yes, a headstand. Me, the grandmother! The last time I did one, my girls were young (long before my son), and I put my legs high in the air to amuse them.
Full disclosure time: I used props - two chairs to be precise. They were placed, seats facing, about a neck's width apart from one another next to the wall. My head went beneath the seats, my shoulders rested on them, and my feet soared above them! Awesome, awesome, awesome!
The upside-down feeling, with the blood rushing to my head, used to make me laugh when I was young, and time has not diminished the joy. There's something about viewing the world the wrong way round that tickles my funny bone.
Standing on my head was my pie-in-the-sky goal for my next birthday in January. When my teacher, S., heard about my ambition, he said there was no reason we couldn't do it today. I nearly fell over. Today? Isn't my core too weak? Nope. S. assured me my core was plenty strong; it was the belief in my ability that was weak. He proceeded to prove it to me.
Talk about a major attitude adjustment. Instead of worrying that I'm too old/awkward/stiff/chubby for this style of yoga, I believe I can do it. Impossible though many of the postures may appear to be, I'm not ruling out any of the them yet!
Best of all, the pose has been assigned as part of my daily routine. Imagine, I'm required to hang upside down every day. Wowzers!
Today, for the first time in 25-30 years, I did a headstand! Yes, a headstand. Me, the grandmother! The last time I did one, my girls were young (long before my son), and I put my legs high in the air to amuse them.
Full disclosure time: I used props - two chairs to be precise. They were placed, seats facing, about a neck's width apart from one another next to the wall. My head went beneath the seats, my shoulders rested on them, and my feet soared above them! Awesome, awesome, awesome!
The upside-down feeling, with the blood rushing to my head, used to make me laugh when I was young, and time has not diminished the joy. There's something about viewing the world the wrong way round that tickles my funny bone.
Standing on my head was my pie-in-the-sky goal for my next birthday in January. When my teacher, S., heard about my ambition, he said there was no reason we couldn't do it today. I nearly fell over. Today? Isn't my core too weak? Nope. S. assured me my core was plenty strong; it was the belief in my ability that was weak. He proceeded to prove it to me.
Talk about a major attitude adjustment. Instead of worrying that I'm too old/awkward/stiff/chubby for this style of yoga, I believe I can do it. Impossible though many of the postures may appear to be, I'm not ruling out any of the them yet!
Best of all, the pose has been assigned as part of my daily routine. Imagine, I'm required to hang upside down every day. Wowzers!
Wednesday, 22 August 2012
Day 14
Time to celebrate!
Two weeks of ashtanga. I'm stronger and have more flexibility. However, I'm progressing as fast as a turtle walking uphill. Every day, I see the others doing neat poses, and I wish I could do them, too. I have to remind myself to have patience. If I practice, I will improve and get stronger and able to do more things. If I get frustrated, I will give up.
My legs and body are preparing for Warrior 1, although I'm not actually doing the pose. The Warrior 1 pose I did for 6 months was not quite right. Now when I lunge, my feet are further apart and my groin is lower. The arch of the back foot rises, and the heel presses into the floor. My ankles complain. I try not to let my lips join them.
Two weeks of ashtanga. I'm stronger and have more flexibility. However, I'm progressing as fast as a turtle walking uphill. Every day, I see the others doing neat poses, and I wish I could do them, too. I have to remind myself to have patience. If I practice, I will improve and get stronger and able to do more things. If I get frustrated, I will give up.
My legs and body are preparing for Warrior 1, although I'm not actually doing the pose. The Warrior 1 pose I did for 6 months was not quite right. Now when I lunge, my feet are further apart and my groin is lower. The arch of the back foot rises, and the heel presses into the floor. My ankles complain. I try not to let my lips join them.
Tuesday, 21 August 2012
Day 13
My thighs noticed today's 13th day of practice. They ached in the class. Imagine how they feel now.
Today I did a variation of the squat, where my back heel turns out. I've done this pose before but never like this. Lifting the back foot arch, pressing down with that heel, while staying with hips low and level was a challenge. Then I sat against the wall. It was embarrassing how short of time I could hang there.
This is my body's payback for ignoring it for so long. I used to be flexible. I used to be strong.
I will be again. But this time it's going to cost.
Today I did a variation of the squat, where my back heel turns out. I've done this pose before but never like this. Lifting the back foot arch, pressing down with that heel, while staying with hips low and level was a challenge. Then I sat against the wall. It was embarrassing how short of time I could hang there.
This is my body's payback for ignoring it for so long. I used to be flexible. I used to be strong.
I will be again. But this time it's going to cost.
Monday, 20 August 2012
Day 12
A dozen days of yoga. Today's practice was nothing spectacular, however I'm pleased to say I didn't decorate the floor as much as I did yesterday. I hope my career as a rug is over.
Bad news: Over the weekend, I noticed I've gained 3 lbs! How did that happen? My waist is getting flatter, so I thought the scale was heading down. It must be muscle mass.
Or extra hamstrings.
Bad news: Over the weekend, I noticed I've gained 3 lbs! How did that happen? My waist is getting flatter, so I thought the scale was heading down. It must be muscle mass.
Or extra hamstrings.
Sunday, 19 August 2012
Day 10 & 11
Day 10
Woke up early (4:15am) and just couldn't go back to sleep. After an hour of trying, I finally got up. By evening, my butt was dragging. As it was a rest day, I did not do much, just stretched my legs with the strap-around-the-heel posture.
Day 11
Could not wake up this morning. Finally exited the bed at 10am - it's been a long, long time since I slept in that late. Mid-afternoon I did my practice. Lying on the floor for the strap-around-the-heel stretch almost was my undoing, as I was lying down, so quiet, so peaceful....
Not even an optimist would label today's practice as stellar.
Woke up early (4:15am) and just couldn't go back to sleep. After an hour of trying, I finally got up. By evening, my butt was dragging. As it was a rest day, I did not do much, just stretched my legs with the strap-around-the-heel posture.
Day 11
Could not wake up this morning. Finally exited the bed at 10am - it's been a long, long time since I slept in that late. Mid-afternoon I did my practice. Lying on the floor for the strap-around-the-heel stretch almost was my undoing, as I was lying down, so quiet, so peaceful....
Not even an optimist would label today's practice as stellar.
Friday, 17 August 2012
Thursday, 16 August 2012
Day 8
Done. I got my butt to the Shala, and worked through my practice. The lunges really challenged the thighs. Ow.
Tomorrow is a moon day, and the next day is Saturday, typically the day of rest, and I am going to enjoy my two days off. I feel the need for a break.
Tomorrow is a moon day, and the next day is Saturday, typically the day of rest, and I am going to enjoy my two days off. I feel the need for a break.
Wednesday, 15 August 2012
Day 7
There were other lumpy, bumpy bodies at the Shala today! And one other not-so-young person. Who was the lumpiest/bumpiest and who was the oldest was not discussed. I imagine we all thought/hoped someone else was lumpier/bumpier and older. (Yes, yes, I know, a very unyogic thought.)
As a Mysore student, I have been given the honour of storing my mat at the Shala. That felt like being given the key to the executive washroom! My humble, homely, horrid el-cheapo mat is now snuggled up to all the others, bright purple against their tastefully subdued earth-tones. There's no accounting for taste. Mine clashes so nicely with the fuchsia mat towel I bought yesterday.
Today's practice: leg stretch with heel strap, forward bend with props, 10 Sun Saluations, lunges, 3 closing poses, corpse pose. Ahhhhh.
As a Mysore student, I have been given the honour of storing my mat at the Shala. That felt like being given the key to the executive washroom! My humble, homely, horrid el-cheapo mat is now snuggled up to all the others, bright purple against their tastefully subdued earth-tones. There's no accounting for taste. Mine clashes so nicely with the fuchsia mat towel I bought yesterday.
Today's practice: leg stretch with heel strap, forward bend with props, 10 Sun Saluations, lunges, 3 closing poses, corpse pose. Ahhhhh.
Tuesday, 14 August 2012
Day 6
Yesterday's nap, two Epsom salt soak baths, a glass of red wine, a 9:30pm bedtime, and I was ready to go this morning without any aches or pains. Yay!
Today's Mysore class was great. I started dripping sweat from strap-around-the-heel leg lifts onwards (in other words, right from the start). I worked so hard pressing up my heel and tightening the thigh muscles, my legs throbbed. It felt like my muscles were super-glued in place and only with supreme effort could I increase their range of motion.
A new addition to my practice: lunges. Thighs, thighs, thighs! Ow, ow, ow!
Once again, the studio was filled with women. Lithe, athletic women. Skinny, unlumpy women. I thought ashtanga typically had more male practitioners than female, but apparently not at this shala.
Today's Mysore class was great. I started dripping sweat from strap-around-the-heel leg lifts onwards (in other words, right from the start). I worked so hard pressing up my heel and tightening the thigh muscles, my legs throbbed. It felt like my muscles were super-glued in place and only with supreme effort could I increase their range of motion.
A new addition to my practice: lunges. Thighs, thighs, thighs! Ow, ow, ow!
Once again, the studio was filled with women. Lithe, athletic women. Skinny, unlumpy women. I thought ashtanga typically had more male practitioners than female, but apparently not at this shala.
Monday, 13 August 2012
Day 5
My resolve was tested today - I had to take the bus. In the rain.
Normally, my sweetheart of a husband drops me off on his way to work but this morning he had an early appointment in the opposite direction. I really didn't want to miss this Mysore class (it was my second), so Loser Cruiser it was. In the rain.
As I take the bus home, it's really no big deal, but it felt like a big deal. No easy, dry way of getting there. It's as if the Universe said, "Are you sure you want to take this class?"
So far, I've passed the tests of convenience (today's no instant transportation), and Thursday's intimidation (going into a new scary unknown environment alone, and exposing my lumpy, clumsy body to a studio full of lean, agile people). If the tingles in my aching thigh are any indication, tomorrow's test may be physical mobility.
Thursday's instructor was E. (an incredibly kind woman who made the scary initial visit as unintimidating as possible), who was substituting for S., today's instructor.
As the hamstrings in my legs were tight, I asked S. if it was all right if I stretched a little before showing him my Sun Salutations. Instead of doing my typical stretch, he taught me two new poses, which I quite like.
The first: lie on the floor with the feet against the wall. Raise one leg and loop a strap around the heel. Straighten that leg, engaging the thigh muscles and pressing upwards with the heel. The other foot presses firmly into the wall. Repeat with other leg. (It is shockingly hard to keep both legs doing what they were supposed to do!) S. explained that the point of the stretch is not to raise the leg as high as possible, but to continuously push upward with the heel.
The second: a forward bend, with thigh muscles engaged, and hands resting on blocks instead of the floor. S. explained that when the thigh muscles contracts, the hamstrings correspondingly loosens and elongates, which is easier on the body and works better than stretching the hamstring. Interesting.
Notice the engaged thigh muscles in both stretches? By the end of these two poses, my thighs were quivering like jello.
Then on to the Sun Salutations. Did you know you are supposed to keep the thigh muscles engaged, raising the knee caps for much of this sequence? It makes sense, since the contraction of the thigh muscle lengthens the hamstring. But oh my....
By the end of the practice, my thigh muscles were pudding. Absolute mush.
Normally, my sweetheart of a husband drops me off on his way to work but this morning he had an early appointment in the opposite direction. I really didn't want to miss this Mysore class (it was my second), so Loser Cruiser it was. In the rain.
As I take the bus home, it's really no big deal, but it felt like a big deal. No easy, dry way of getting there. It's as if the Universe said, "Are you sure you want to take this class?"
So far, I've passed the tests of convenience (today's no instant transportation), and Thursday's intimidation (going into a new scary unknown environment alone, and exposing my lumpy, clumsy body to a studio full of lean, agile people). If the tingles in my aching thigh are any indication, tomorrow's test may be physical mobility.
Thursday's instructor was E. (an incredibly kind woman who made the scary initial visit as unintimidating as possible), who was substituting for S., today's instructor.
As the hamstrings in my legs were tight, I asked S. if it was all right if I stretched a little before showing him my Sun Salutations. Instead of doing my typical stretch, he taught me two new poses, which I quite like.
The first: lie on the floor with the feet against the wall. Raise one leg and loop a strap around the heel. Straighten that leg, engaging the thigh muscles and pressing upwards with the heel. The other foot presses firmly into the wall. Repeat with other leg. (It is shockingly hard to keep both legs doing what they were supposed to do!) S. explained that the point of the stretch is not to raise the leg as high as possible, but to continuously push upward with the heel.
The second: a forward bend, with thigh muscles engaged, and hands resting on blocks instead of the floor. S. explained that when the thigh muscles contracts, the hamstrings correspondingly loosens and elongates, which is easier on the body and works better than stretching the hamstring. Interesting.
Notice the engaged thigh muscles in both stretches? By the end of these two poses, my thighs were quivering like jello.
Then on to the Sun Salutations. Did you know you are supposed to keep the thigh muscles engaged, raising the knee caps for much of this sequence? It makes sense, since the contraction of the thigh muscle lengthens the hamstring. But oh my....
By the end of the practice, my thigh muscles were pudding. Absolute mush.
Sunday, 12 August 2012
Day 4
I am pleased to announce I did not need the crane to help me out of bed this morning.
Today was another solo practice: the assigned 10 Sun Salutations with the 3 ending poses. Sadly, it's only Sun Salutation A and doesn't even include B. <sigh> I'd be more impatient except I can feel the effects of this truncated practice on my lumpy, inflexible body.
This is not my first flirt with yoga. When I was in my 20's, I practiced using Karin Zebroff's yoga books, but every pose came so easily (including headstands, handstands, and bridges), I thought there was no point. The joke's on me.
Seven months ago, I signed up for a beginner's yoga class and have been practicing ever since. Unfortunately, I haven't figured out how to encompass yoga in my lifestyle when I travel, so there have been notable gaps.
I came to Ashtanga in a roundabout way. By nature, I am a researcher. When I started the beginner's class, I promptly overwhelmed myself with books about yoga from the library. During that first gorging of information, I discovered the various schools of yoga and became smitten with ashtanga. I loved the idea of flowing poses, always in the same order. However, I was terribly intimidated by the sheer physical strength and agility needed to do some of the poses (this from a woman who can't touch her forehead to her knees in a foreward bend), so I shied away. But the idea wouldn't go away. Finally I decided to just go for it. So I am.
Tomorrow is my second Mysore class.
Today was another solo practice: the assigned 10 Sun Salutations with the 3 ending poses. Sadly, it's only Sun Salutation A and doesn't even include B. <sigh> I'd be more impatient except I can feel the effects of this truncated practice on my lumpy, inflexible body.
This is not my first flirt with yoga. When I was in my 20's, I practiced using Karin Zebroff's yoga books, but every pose came so easily (including headstands, handstands, and bridges), I thought there was no point. The joke's on me.
Seven months ago, I signed up for a beginner's yoga class and have been practicing ever since. Unfortunately, I haven't figured out how to encompass yoga in my lifestyle when I travel, so there have been notable gaps.
I came to Ashtanga in a roundabout way. By nature, I am a researcher. When I started the beginner's class, I promptly overwhelmed myself with books about yoga from the library. During that first gorging of information, I discovered the various schools of yoga and became smitten with ashtanga. I loved the idea of flowing poses, always in the same order. However, I was terribly intimidated by the sheer physical strength and agility needed to do some of the poses (this from a woman who can't touch her forehead to her knees in a foreward bend), so I shied away. But the idea wouldn't go away. Finally I decided to just go for it. So I am.
Tomorrow is my second Mysore class.
Saturday, 11 August 2012
Day 3
Saturday, the day of rest in Ashtanga. Yippee! I'm sad to say, after only 2 days of practice, I'm glad for the break.
Saturdays and Moon Days (full moon and no moon) are designated rest days. While I personally haven't noticed the effect of the moon cycle on my exercising body, I won't quibble about whether or not there is one. What I do agree with is having prescribed days, for keeners and slackers alike. One group would rarely take a break and the other would wimp out too frequently. In North American studios, it must be hard to have Saturday the designated rest day as that's a "free day" for many work-day people.
This upcoming week, I'll get two rest days in a row - New Moon on Friday followed by the Saturday rest day. Yippee!
Saturdays and Moon Days (full moon and no moon) are designated rest days. While I personally haven't noticed the effect of the moon cycle on my exercising body, I won't quibble about whether or not there is one. What I do agree with is having prescribed days, for keeners and slackers alike. One group would rarely take a break and the other would wimp out too frequently. In North American studios, it must be hard to have Saturday the designated rest day as that's a "free day" for many work-day people.
This upcoming week, I'll get two rest days in a row - New Moon on Friday followed by the Saturday rest day. Yippee!
Friday, 10 August 2012
Day 2
My abs were on fire when I woke up this morning! So were my shoulders! With all the grace of a beer bottle rolling off the table, I fell out of bed. Great start to the day....
The Shala does not have a Friday morning Mysore class (what a name!), so I was on my own for today's practice. Even though no one would know, I did my sequence: 10 Sun Salutations, the 3 closing moves, then rest. The rest is called Savasana or Shavasana, (aka corpse pose), and I felt half-dead as I lay there. After 5 minutes or so, I was ready to live again.
Mysore classes are named for the city of Mysore, India, home of Ashtanga yoga. When I first heard the name, cold sores and oozing wounds came to mind. (I was too ignorant to have heard of, much less visited, the city in India.) Now I think of it as the end product of my practice, as in My, am I sore. Or My sorest spot is my abs.
A Mysore class is not teacher-lead, although an instructor is present. It is self-lead, with each person going through the Ashtanga poses until he or she reaches his/her end point. My end point is the Sun Salutations. The instructor guides and corrects each student as necessary, and when the student is ready, teaches him/her a new pose. In Ashtanga, each pose builds upon the previous ones. The sequence is always the same, it's the stopping point that varies from person to person. An advanced practice can take hours to complete. Mine takes 40 minutes, including pauses for self pep-talks.
Today I concentrated on keeping my shoulders away from my ears. I was moderately successful. However I realized my forward bend (palms on floor beside feet, head touching knees) is nowhere close to right. Sigh. Darn the belly fluff and tight leg muscles!
The Shala does not have a Friday morning Mysore class (what a name!), so I was on my own for today's practice. Even though no one would know, I did my sequence: 10 Sun Salutations, the 3 closing moves, then rest. The rest is called Savasana or Shavasana, (aka corpse pose), and I felt half-dead as I lay there. After 5 minutes or so, I was ready to live again.
Mysore classes are named for the city of Mysore, India, home of Ashtanga yoga. When I first heard the name, cold sores and oozing wounds came to mind. (I was too ignorant to have heard of, much less visited, the city in India.) Now I think of it as the end product of my practice, as in My, am I sore. Or My sorest spot is my abs.
A Mysore class is not teacher-lead, although an instructor is present. It is self-lead, with each person going through the Ashtanga poses until he or she reaches his/her end point. My end point is the Sun Salutations. The instructor guides and corrects each student as necessary, and when the student is ready, teaches him/her a new pose. In Ashtanga, each pose builds upon the previous ones. The sequence is always the same, it's the stopping point that varies from person to person. An advanced practice can take hours to complete. Mine takes 40 minutes, including pauses for self pep-talks.
Today I concentrated on keeping my shoulders away from my ears. I was moderately successful. However I realized my forward bend (palms on floor beside feet, head touching knees) is nowhere close to right. Sigh. Darn the belly fluff and tight leg muscles!
Thursday, 9 August 2012
Day 1
So it begins, T's Amazing Ashtanga Yoga Adventure!
Q: What's so amazing?
A: That I'm starting this adventure at all.
I'm a chubby, out-of-shape, 50-something grandmother. Even though Ashtanga yoga is supposed to be for any age and any fitness level, anyone looking at the pose sequence can see that is physically demanding. This ain't no modified Yoga for Seniors. Not surprising, I was the oldest person in today's class. I can't help but wonder if I'm in over my head. This may be the shortest blog in history.
I am delighted to report, my practice went splendidly. I did the intro sequence, Sun Salutations, a dozen or so times, then moved on to the final 3 closing postures, then rest, then DONE. Sweat ran down me like I was a glass of ice water. Except I was hot.
The yoga studio isn't heated. That heat was generated internally, accelerated perhaps by the studio being on the third floor and the sultry August weather.
Today's take-away is my shoulders like to hunch near my ears. I will endeavor to do better tomorrow.
Q: What's so amazing?
A: That I'm starting this adventure at all.
I'm a chubby, out-of-shape, 50-something grandmother. Even though Ashtanga yoga is supposed to be for any age and any fitness level, anyone looking at the pose sequence can see that is physically demanding. This ain't no modified Yoga for Seniors. Not surprising, I was the oldest person in today's class. I can't help but wonder if I'm in over my head. This may be the shortest blog in history.
I am delighted to report, my practice went splendidly. I did the intro sequence, Sun Salutations, a dozen or so times, then moved on to the final 3 closing postures, then rest, then DONE. Sweat ran down me like I was a glass of ice water. Except I was hot.
The yoga studio isn't heated. That heat was generated internally, accelerated perhaps by the studio being on the third floor and the sultry August weather.
Today's take-away is my shoulders like to hunch near my ears. I will endeavor to do better tomorrow.
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