The last few days have gone quickly. Bank holiday weekend has seen a whirlwind of four classes as I count down to my holiday in three days. I've kept up a class to every day since the start of the challenge, with a couple of days off last week, but some doubles thrown in that evened out the number.
So that's 39 classes so far. I should make it up to 42, maybe 43 by the time I get on the plane and jet off to Brazil. I'm trying to get in as much yoga as possible before I go because of the anticipation that I'll be going without for a while (probably for 12 days). There's no Bikram studio, and only a few other studios listed in Rio. Probably I won't have time for it anyway, as there's quite a lot of activity planned already. But I know I'll miss it, and I'm actually slightly worried about not doing it for that long. I don't want to regress! I have the CD on my ipod so hopefully I will feel inspired to do that at least a few times.
It's quite possible that I've been having good classes the last few days because of the thought of not having easy access to yoga for a while. The last few days have been fun classes. Not necessarily because I've been doing my best postures, but just because I've been enjoying them lots.
Today I felt strong. I was still a little stiff from Advanced on Saturday, but I had the best class for a long time. I was actually falling out of the balancing postures a little, but was energised the whole way through. The posture I've noticed the biggest leap in since the challenge is Locust. All of a sudden my legs are up sooo much higher than they ever were before. I must admit I took a sneaky peak at the end of the second set today, as it felt like I was quite high up...and I was! I mean not vertical or anything, but it was significantly higher than I was a few months ago! That was one posture where I seemed to push and push for ages, and not progress before, until now. I think that's because of the challenge!
Amber and I met in the middle at the North studio yesterday, along with her other half, and had another good class with the funny lady teacher. We just had time for a juice afterwards, before I had to rush off. She's leaving soon, which is sad, as we've just started hanging out after class at our little juice cafe. A few months from now we'll both be living far apart and won't be able to do Advanced together anymore. She's doing TT next Spring, which I'd also love to do, but I think I'm more likely to go to the one after. I need to make a decision on that, but it needs to fit in with everything else happenning in my life! More on that later though...this has been a bit of a ramble and I have to eat!
Monday, 31 August 2009
Tuesday, 25 August 2009
The Breath
Hmm...I guess now I have to think of titles for my posts every time, rather than just falling back on the easy 'Day X' choice!!
I had a day off yesterday. I hadn't really intended to, but I took the lazy option rather than heading to the 7pm class after work. I wanted to see how it would feel to have a day off. Or at least that was what I told myself! Well anyway I felt lazy all evening, and restless. It was weird, after doing 32 classes in the last 31 days, to suddenly take a break. I probably had some extra energy that I could have done with using in a class.
Still the gap made today's class extra special! I was aching to get to class all day, still restless. I left work a little early to make the 6pm class with Nina, who'd said she was going to help me correct Balancing Stick next time she saw me.
Restless as I was, I wasn't sure how class would turn out after a day off. I know that sounds ridiculous. I mean it was only ONE day!! But I've really slipped into the routine of the daily practice, and not only that, but I've been enjoying it. So it didn't feel right to miss a day. When I got to class I felt like I hadn't been there for ages!
Today was hot. Very hot. Full, and tough. It was one of those days where you start to feel slightly lightheaded by or around Eagle. I wanted to have a good class so as soon as I had that feeling, I knew I had to turn my entire focus to my breath. As the Standing series progressed it was getting hotter and hotter, and I was feeling more dizziness. But by completely concentrating on my inhales and exhales I was able to complete every posture to a pretty good standard for me. Inhale for 8...exhale for 9....and so on.
Many people were sitting down, and at some points my heart was pounding so hard that I felt like it too, but I kept sending my mind back to my breath, and I was able to stay quite focused. It fascinates me how you can use the breath to focus your mind, and bring stillness. By Tree, I felt the posture calming me and my breath becoming more relaxed and slow. That posture is a godsend at that point in the series, when I'm often feeling ready to collapse. It has a beautiful calming effect.
It was a good class, and afterwards, as I was practising some other postures, Nina came up to me and got someone to help her correct me in Balancing Stick. She did the thing where they pull me from each end. It was the first time I'd had that done, and it definitely felt weird. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to stretch from fingers to toes quite that much on my own, but it did feel good!
I have to go to bed now, as I'm aiming to get up for the 6.45am class tomorrow. I hope I actually get up in time for it! The good thing about the challenge is that the motivation part is done for you, so when your alarm goes off at 6am youjust get up if you have to. Now the challenge is over I'm just hoping that I'll have enough motivation to drag myself out of bed at that hour! I need to find a new routine now I'm not doing the challenge anymore. It will be interesting to see what happens...
I had a day off yesterday. I hadn't really intended to, but I took the lazy option rather than heading to the 7pm class after work. I wanted to see how it would feel to have a day off. Or at least that was what I told myself! Well anyway I felt lazy all evening, and restless. It was weird, after doing 32 classes in the last 31 days, to suddenly take a break. I probably had some extra energy that I could have done with using in a class.
Still the gap made today's class extra special! I was aching to get to class all day, still restless. I left work a little early to make the 6pm class with Nina, who'd said she was going to help me correct Balancing Stick next time she saw me.
Restless as I was, I wasn't sure how class would turn out after a day off. I know that sounds ridiculous. I mean it was only ONE day!! But I've really slipped into the routine of the daily practice, and not only that, but I've been enjoying it. So it didn't feel right to miss a day. When I got to class I felt like I hadn't been there for ages!
Today was hot. Very hot. Full, and tough. It was one of those days where you start to feel slightly lightheaded by or around Eagle. I wanted to have a good class so as soon as I had that feeling, I knew I had to turn my entire focus to my breath. As the Standing series progressed it was getting hotter and hotter, and I was feeling more dizziness. But by completely concentrating on my inhales and exhales I was able to complete every posture to a pretty good standard for me. Inhale for 8...exhale for 9....and so on.
Many people were sitting down, and at some points my heart was pounding so hard that I felt like it too, but I kept sending my mind back to my breath, and I was able to stay quite focused. It fascinates me how you can use the breath to focus your mind, and bring stillness. By Tree, I felt the posture calming me and my breath becoming more relaxed and slow. That posture is a godsend at that point in the series, when I'm often feeling ready to collapse. It has a beautiful calming effect.
It was a good class, and afterwards, as I was practising some other postures, Nina came up to me and got someone to help her correct me in Balancing Stick. She did the thing where they pull me from each end. It was the first time I'd had that done, and it definitely felt weird. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to stretch from fingers to toes quite that much on my own, but it did feel good!
I have to go to bed now, as I'm aiming to get up for the 6.45am class tomorrow. I hope I actually get up in time for it! The good thing about the challenge is that the motivation part is done for you, so when your alarm goes off at 6am youjust get up if you have to. Now the challenge is over I'm just hoping that I'll have enough motivation to drag myself out of bed at that hour! I need to find a new routine now I'm not doing the challenge anymore. It will be interesting to see what happens...
Sunday, 23 August 2009
Days 30 + 31: The End
Well, I did it! Today is Day 31, and I did go to class today, so that makes 32 classes in 31 days now. I've been having great classes the last few days, and am in a good mood. The sun is shining and it's 28 degrees outside (I'm only inside to post this). Life is good!
Today's class was fun. I was wide awake at 7am unintentionally. I really had intended to sleep in today, now that we don't have anyone staying with us, and because I wanted to catch up on lost sleep from the week. I fell asleep at 9.30 last night though, so I guess that was enough.
Made it to Nina's 9am, although when I woke up and felt the stiffness in my shoulders from yesterday's headstand, I swore I wasn't going to an early class. I was ok after a hot shower and some headstands before class though, and ended up having an awesome class. Went in the front row with my friend Natalie, and was completely focused and loving it, even if my postures weren't their absolute best (they never are for me the day after Advanced).
My Day 30 was Advanced with Emma. Having missed it last week for the masterclass, it felt good to get back into it. Now my injury is gone, I can feel I'm getting back to where I was in Advanced, and starting to improve again. I really need to start being more disciplined about doing some advanced stuff after normal class. I used to do it all the time, but it kind of tailed off when my rib was injured, and I've been slacking on that the last few weeks too, using the challenge/early shifts/tiredness as excuses.
I need to work on flexibility, as the postures I'm slightly better at are strength ones (Crow and lotus Peacock-not that they are great, but they're better than the others). I know that sometimes I slip into the habit of only practising the ones I'm stronger at, as I feel more positive about them. It shouldn't be that way. They'll be more benefit from practising the ones that need more work, particularly those that require back and shoulder flexibility. Due to that, I've made a commitment to myself to try to practise walking down the wall backwards a few times every day, and doing a shoulder opener, and splits. I'm finding the wall-walking one to be a great warm up before class too!
After Advanced, Amber ("my new best friend from Advanced Bikram Yoga class"-that's what she's been calling me..hehe :) discovered this great little cafe near the studio that makes fresh fruit and vegetable juices, and lots of different salads. It was really cheap to-£2.50 for a juice, which is a good price in London. It's going to be our new hang-out.
Thoughts after the Challenge
I just re-read all my blog posts from the last 31 days. It was quite nice reminding myself of all the classes, and how I'd been feeling, as you can forget a lot even in 30 days! I'm happy I did this blog, as I never would have remembered otherwise.
So what have I gained from the challenge? Well, I think the biggest thing is the revelation that consistent daily practice is good and I like it! Of course you end up sacrificing social events, sleep, working late etc. but I don't have any regrets about those sacrifices. The majority of times I went into class tired, I came out feeling more energised. Even last Friday's class, where I felt wiped out, I did actually feel better afterwards. Before I started, I thought I may be too tired or stiff at some point, and that I might want to quit, but I never felt so bad that I wanted to give up. Your body just gets used to going every day.
I've also really started to consistently enjoy classes again. I wrote at the start, that lately I'd been feeling like yoga was a chore sometimes. I haven't felt that during this challenge, because I've recognised the benefits outweigh the feeling of obligation that I had to go. I'm really happy about this, and I hope that feeling stays.
Physically, there have been a few changes. My balancing postures have got much stronger. Of course, I still fall out, but my SFTK is much much better than it was at the start of the challenge. I can hold it for longer. I think this is just because of the daily practice; the repeated action. Also partly due to floor Janushirasana, where my foot now easily lifts off the floor, whereas before it was often quite a push to get it up. I'm not saying these postures are in any way near perfect. I still have a long way to go.
I also feel like my upper and middle back are opening up a little more. My back has always been quite tight, and hasn't opened up much in three years, but now I can feel it is starting to release more in backbends. My backbends feel good. I have always had a weak lower back. The opening higher up is helping it, I think. This is partly why I want to start walking down the wall every day.
I had two other reasons for doing the challenge; the breath and elimination of mental distractions. To be honest, I can't see much of a change in these from the last thirty days, but I think this is too short a period to expect much from that. I was ok with breathing before, and I still am. Mental distractions continue to steal my focus sometimes, particularly if I'd had a very bad day, so this is something I need to work on more. I have been thinking about practising meditation to help with this. That said, I also have some amazingly focused classes too. I want consistency though.
I feel good about completing the challenge, and I picked up my t-shirt at reception today. It says "I came every day for 30 days" and is a cute little back American Apparel one. I will probably continue daily yoga wherever possible, because it feels good. I expect I will also be continuing this blog too, as I like the idea of having a record of certain moments that would otherwise be forgotten.
Today's class was fun. I was wide awake at 7am unintentionally. I really had intended to sleep in today, now that we don't have anyone staying with us, and because I wanted to catch up on lost sleep from the week. I fell asleep at 9.30 last night though, so I guess that was enough.
Made it to Nina's 9am, although when I woke up and felt the stiffness in my shoulders from yesterday's headstand, I swore I wasn't going to an early class. I was ok after a hot shower and some headstands before class though, and ended up having an awesome class. Went in the front row with my friend Natalie, and was completely focused and loving it, even if my postures weren't their absolute best (they never are for me the day after Advanced).
My Day 30 was Advanced with Emma. Having missed it last week for the masterclass, it felt good to get back into it. Now my injury is gone, I can feel I'm getting back to where I was in Advanced, and starting to improve again. I really need to start being more disciplined about doing some advanced stuff after normal class. I used to do it all the time, but it kind of tailed off when my rib was injured, and I've been slacking on that the last few weeks too, using the challenge/early shifts/tiredness as excuses.
I need to work on flexibility, as the postures I'm slightly better at are strength ones (Crow and lotus Peacock-not that they are great, but they're better than the others). I know that sometimes I slip into the habit of only practising the ones I'm stronger at, as I feel more positive about them. It shouldn't be that way. They'll be more benefit from practising the ones that need more work, particularly those that require back and shoulder flexibility. Due to that, I've made a commitment to myself to try to practise walking down the wall backwards a few times every day, and doing a shoulder opener, and splits. I'm finding the wall-walking one to be a great warm up before class too!
After Advanced, Amber ("my new best friend from Advanced Bikram Yoga class"-that's what she's been calling me..hehe :) discovered this great little cafe near the studio that makes fresh fruit and vegetable juices, and lots of different salads. It was really cheap to-£2.50 for a juice, which is a good price in London. It's going to be our new hang-out.
Thoughts after the Challenge
I just re-read all my blog posts from the last 31 days. It was quite nice reminding myself of all the classes, and how I'd been feeling, as you can forget a lot even in 30 days! I'm happy I did this blog, as I never would have remembered otherwise.
So what have I gained from the challenge? Well, I think the biggest thing is the revelation that consistent daily practice is good and I like it! Of course you end up sacrificing social events, sleep, working late etc. but I don't have any regrets about those sacrifices. The majority of times I went into class tired, I came out feeling more energised. Even last Friday's class, where I felt wiped out, I did actually feel better afterwards. Before I started, I thought I may be too tired or stiff at some point, and that I might want to quit, but I never felt so bad that I wanted to give up. Your body just gets used to going every day.
I've also really started to consistently enjoy classes again. I wrote at the start, that lately I'd been feeling like yoga was a chore sometimes. I haven't felt that during this challenge, because I've recognised the benefits outweigh the feeling of obligation that I had to go. I'm really happy about this, and I hope that feeling stays.
Physically, there have been a few changes. My balancing postures have got much stronger. Of course, I still fall out, but my SFTK is much much better than it was at the start of the challenge. I can hold it for longer. I think this is just because of the daily practice; the repeated action. Also partly due to floor Janushirasana, where my foot now easily lifts off the floor, whereas before it was often quite a push to get it up. I'm not saying these postures are in any way near perfect. I still have a long way to go.
I also feel like my upper and middle back are opening up a little more. My back has always been quite tight, and hasn't opened up much in three years, but now I can feel it is starting to release more in backbends. My backbends feel good. I have always had a weak lower back. The opening higher up is helping it, I think. This is partly why I want to start walking down the wall every day.
I had two other reasons for doing the challenge; the breath and elimination of mental distractions. To be honest, I can't see much of a change in these from the last thirty days, but I think this is too short a period to expect much from that. I was ok with breathing before, and I still am. Mental distractions continue to steal my focus sometimes, particularly if I'd had a very bad day, so this is something I need to work on more. I have been thinking about practising meditation to help with this. That said, I also have some amazingly focused classes too. I want consistency though.
I feel good about completing the challenge, and I picked up my t-shirt at reception today. It says "I came every day for 30 days" and is a cute little back American Apparel one. I will probably continue daily yoga wherever possible, because it feels good. I expect I will also be continuing this blog too, as I like the idea of having a record of certain moments that would otherwise be forgotten.
Saturday, 22 August 2009
Day 29
I confused myself. When I went to tick off Day 29 on the 30 Day Challenge board, there were 3 days left! I momentarily forgot to count, and convinced myself I was actually one day behind what I thought I was. I think that goes to show how tired I was! Anyway, I must have just forgotten to tick one day at some point. Probably after I did a double at the other studio.
As I said, I was incredibly tired. I've been working early shifts, so up at 6am for the best part of 2 weeks. We've also had someone staying with us the last few days, and due to the boys going to the pub a lot, my sleep's been disturbed.
Mentally, I wanted to lie down the whole class. I think my body was crying out for rest too. I arrived at class early, intending to practise some advanced postures, but instead almost fell asleep! I did manage to make it the whole way through though, thankfully.
It took all of my determination to push through each posture. I did tell myself a few times in the floor series that I could sit the second set out, but for some reason when it came down to it, on cue I immediately did the sit-up and got into the pose. It's funny how that happens sometimes. Part of me thinks that if you have the strength to debate it, then you should actually be able to do it, mentally at least. Anyway, I didn't keel over, and I was still able to get up and walk home after class, so I guess I was physically able too.
..and next, Day 30!
As I said, I was incredibly tired. I've been working early shifts, so up at 6am for the best part of 2 weeks. We've also had someone staying with us the last few days, and due to the boys going to the pub a lot, my sleep's been disturbed.
Mentally, I wanted to lie down the whole class. I think my body was crying out for rest too. I arrived at class early, intending to practise some advanced postures, but instead almost fell asleep! I did manage to make it the whole way through though, thankfully.
It took all of my determination to push through each posture. I did tell myself a few times in the floor series that I could sit the second set out, but for some reason when it came down to it, on cue I immediately did the sit-up and got into the pose. It's funny how that happens sometimes. Part of me thinks that if you have the strength to debate it, then you should actually be able to do it, mentally at least. Anyway, I didn't keel over, and I was still able to get up and walk home after class, so I guess I was physically able too.
..and next, Day 30!
Friday, 21 August 2009
Days 27 + 28
These two days emphasised to me that every class is different. Same teacher (Raj), same room, approximately same time (they started an hour apart-5pm and 6pm respectively) but totally different experiences in every respect.
One was a relatively nice easy temperature, with lots of air in the room. My day had been pretty relaxed, and I had a nice easy class. Held the balancing postures well (I often use that as a marker for how I was feeling in the class. If I fall out a lot, it's often because my mind won't stay still, or because the class is more physically demanding in the scale of things), and I had a lot of energy throughout class.
The second was hotter, more humid, more challenging all round. The second I walked in I saw the extreme sweat dripping off people, and the exhausted look on everyone's faces. Also, 80% of the class was still on the floor, and by the time the second class is allowed in, it's normally less than half. Myself already being pretty drained from my day, and lack of sleep the night before, I immediately took a spot by the door, hoping to catch a breath of fresh air if the teacher happenned to open the door today. Not that it even makes much of a difference on a day like that, as wherever you go it will be demanding, but I wanted to give myself a chance of making it all the way through class, and it was clear that many in the class just previous hadn't!
Well it was as I expected. It was 95% humidity in London yesterday, and the class could feel it. Physically challenging, so I had to focus on the breath continuously to keep going. By the end I felt wiped out, but I did manage to do the entire class, although I definitely felt like sitting down at a few points. It felt good to get through the class on a day like that.
I'm drinking so much water at the moment. I've gone up from about 3 litres a day, to 5, just in the last week. I'm always hydrated to the max before class, but the last few days I've been coming out of class and sometimes drinking another 2 litres of a mix of coconut water and plain water. It seems like a ridiculous amount, but I feel like my body needs it.
...and now just 2 more days left in the challenge! I've slipped into the routine of waking at 6am, work or yoga, then the other of the two, then home to bed. Routines always make life go fast for me.
I have to admit I AM looking forward to not having the obligation to go every day, however I think I will continue to go every day, or almost every day, as the benefits I have felt are well worth it.
One was a relatively nice easy temperature, with lots of air in the room. My day had been pretty relaxed, and I had a nice easy class. Held the balancing postures well (I often use that as a marker for how I was feeling in the class. If I fall out a lot, it's often because my mind won't stay still, or because the class is more physically demanding in the scale of things), and I had a lot of energy throughout class.
The second was hotter, more humid, more challenging all round. The second I walked in I saw the extreme sweat dripping off people, and the exhausted look on everyone's faces. Also, 80% of the class was still on the floor, and by the time the second class is allowed in, it's normally less than half. Myself already being pretty drained from my day, and lack of sleep the night before, I immediately took a spot by the door, hoping to catch a breath of fresh air if the teacher happenned to open the door today. Not that it even makes much of a difference on a day like that, as wherever you go it will be demanding, but I wanted to give myself a chance of making it all the way through class, and it was clear that many in the class just previous hadn't!
Well it was as I expected. It was 95% humidity in London yesterday, and the class could feel it. Physically challenging, so I had to focus on the breath continuously to keep going. By the end I felt wiped out, but I did manage to do the entire class, although I definitely felt like sitting down at a few points. It felt good to get through the class on a day like that.
I'm drinking so much water at the moment. I've gone up from about 3 litres a day, to 5, just in the last week. I'm always hydrated to the max before class, but the last few days I've been coming out of class and sometimes drinking another 2 litres of a mix of coconut water and plain water. It seems like a ridiculous amount, but I feel like my body needs it.
...and now just 2 more days left in the challenge! I've slipped into the routine of waking at 6am, work or yoga, then the other of the two, then home to bed. Routines always make life go fast for me.
I have to admit I AM looking forward to not having the obligation to go every day, however I think I will continue to go every day, or almost every day, as the benefits I have felt are well worth it.
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
Days 25 + 26
Today was Day 26. Not much to say except my muscles are STILL aching from Saturday! It's nice to ache, but I am tired today. Class was nice, and not too hot, not too hard. I need a good night's sleep tonight so I can have a strong last few days.
Last night sticks in my mind more. We had a new teacher. New to our studio at least, although she has been teaching 20 years. She certainly had a lot to say, and some of it was funny!
Example Quote:
At the start of eagle. "Work the arms, ladies. I'm big on the arms. The arms are the first thing to go. You want to know what the second thing to go is?" Pause. "The husband!"
It was nice to have some humour injected into practice. She reminded me of a yoga teacher from the studio I went to in Hoboken, when I lived in the States temporarily. I had a feeling that one friend from there would have said that she talked a lot :)
That reminds me of when I lived in Hoboken, NJ for four months a couple of years ago. I miss the small yoga community there. It's VERY different to the big studios in London, with capacities of 70+, and full classes, which automatically makes the experience a little more impersonal. There's certainly a community here, but because it's so big it does take that bit longer to get to know people.
In Hoboken, my studio was just 2 blocks from my apartment in those days, back when it was still a Bikram studio (it's now severed ties with Bikram, and is teaching many other styles). That was the ultimate location for me. Now every time I move house I try to get closer and closer to a yoga studio. My current location is a 15 minute walk, which isn't bad, but 2 blocks was more ideal :)
Next time I move I'll be looking for somewhere even closer! *sigh*...The things we do for yoga...
Last night sticks in my mind more. We had a new teacher. New to our studio at least, although she has been teaching 20 years. She certainly had a lot to say, and some of it was funny!
Example Quote:
At the start of eagle. "Work the arms, ladies. I'm big on the arms. The arms are the first thing to go. You want to know what the second thing to go is?" Pause. "The husband!"
It was nice to have some humour injected into practice. She reminded me of a yoga teacher from the studio I went to in Hoboken, when I lived in the States temporarily. I had a feeling that one friend from there would have said that she talked a lot :)
That reminds me of when I lived in Hoboken, NJ for four months a couple of years ago. I miss the small yoga community there. It's VERY different to the big studios in London, with capacities of 70+, and full classes, which automatically makes the experience a little more impersonal. There's certainly a community here, but because it's so big it does take that bit longer to get to know people.
In Hoboken, my studio was just 2 blocks from my apartment in those days, back when it was still a Bikram studio (it's now severed ties with Bikram, and is teaching many other styles). That was the ultimate location for me. Now every time I move house I try to get closer and closer to a yoga studio. My current location is a 15 minute walk, which isn't bad, but 2 blocks was more ideal :)
Next time I move I'll be looking for somewhere even closer! *sigh*...The things we do for yoga...
Sunday, 16 August 2009
Day 24
I liked today; it was very hot and very good. It was the 11am with one of my favourite teachers, Nina. She commented that my transition into triangle was perfect and that she could tell I'd been to the masterclass! I definitely picked up on a few new things yesterday, so I'm glad that at least had transferred to my practice.
My legs are tired now. It's been three classes in 26 hours so not surprising. However I am less achy than normal for a Sunday, as it's usually the day after my Advanced class. I can't believe it's already day 24, and there is less than a week to go. It's gone fast. Thinking about extending the 30 days to 42 days right up until I go on holiday. I definitely want to keep up the daily classes when i finish the challenge.
My legs are tired now. It's been three classes in 26 hours so not surprising. However I am less achy than normal for a Sunday, as it's usually the day after my Advanced class. I can't believe it's already day 24, and there is less than a week to go. It's gone fast. Thinking about extending the 30 days to 42 days right up until I go on holiday. I definitely want to keep up the daily classes when i finish the challenge.
Day 23-Craig Villani
I LOVED it! :) Absolutely loved it. It was a hard class. One of the hardest I've done. It started 20 minutes late and finished 40 minutes late, so it was 2 hours 20 minutes and it was HOT. But I loved every minute of it, although some of those minutes were PAINFUL!
It was nice going back to the Balham studio, which was local for me in the past, and it is a gorgeous space. I took a spot in the second row right by the stage, as I figured I'd be in his line of vision, and I wanted corrections. He actually didn't do TOO much correcting of the class (although he did some). I loved his explanations. He gave thorough details about each posture, and I got a new perspective from him. It's great to shake up your practice sometimes with a new teacher. I have some amazing teachers, but regardless I appreciate the opportunity to be taught by someone from HQ that was new and a novelty to me, and I felt like I learnt a lot.
I particularly loved the time he took at the start to cover details such as going into and coming out of postures. He explained the importance of decompressing by stretching, and got us to practise before we started class. I know this will stick in my mind in classes to come.
He also led a great meditation session in savasana. His experience comes across well, and I think most of the class were entranced by him. He also had everyone laughing, and made the class fun. He holds the postures for LONG though. I had to come out of second part of Awkward as it just carried on and on, and my legs were burning already in the first set!
A friend who'd already been to a class he did in NYC told me it would be long, hard and good. She was spot on. I think I got a little taste of what teacher training might be like. I'm even more scared now than I was before! Two classes a day of that..? Awesome as it was, that would be a CHALLENGE! I know even more now that I need to build up my strength and stamina to be able to cope before I go to TT. As I was falling asleep last night I had a crazy thought that to prepare myself, at some point maybe I should do double classes for 5 days a week, plus one on Saturday for a few weeks, to see if I can do it. I'm not sure if it would even be possible to fit that around work, but maybe I will try for at least one or two weeks?
I'm on such a high now. A friend text me last night about going together to today's 11am, and I replied saying I'd have to see if I was ok to go in the morning. I was tired after the class, and thought I might need a few more hours break, and that I might go to an afternoon class. But I was wide awake at 7am and sent her a message asking if she was up and wanted to go to the 9am! (She hasn't responded yet :) I've got so much energy today. I hope it lasts through class and that yesterday doesn't catch up on me!
It was nice going back to the Balham studio, which was local for me in the past, and it is a gorgeous space. I took a spot in the second row right by the stage, as I figured I'd be in his line of vision, and I wanted corrections. He actually didn't do TOO much correcting of the class (although he did some). I loved his explanations. He gave thorough details about each posture, and I got a new perspective from him. It's great to shake up your practice sometimes with a new teacher. I have some amazing teachers, but regardless I appreciate the opportunity to be taught by someone from HQ that was new and a novelty to me, and I felt like I learnt a lot.
I particularly loved the time he took at the start to cover details such as going into and coming out of postures. He explained the importance of decompressing by stretching, and got us to practise before we started class. I know this will stick in my mind in classes to come.
He also led a great meditation session in savasana. His experience comes across well, and I think most of the class were entranced by him. He also had everyone laughing, and made the class fun. He holds the postures for LONG though. I had to come out of second part of Awkward as it just carried on and on, and my legs were burning already in the first set!
A friend who'd already been to a class he did in NYC told me it would be long, hard and good. She was spot on. I think I got a little taste of what teacher training might be like. I'm even more scared now than I was before! Two classes a day of that..? Awesome as it was, that would be a CHALLENGE! I know even more now that I need to build up my strength and stamina to be able to cope before I go to TT. As I was falling asleep last night I had a crazy thought that to prepare myself, at some point maybe I should do double classes for 5 days a week, plus one on Saturday for a few weeks, to see if I can do it. I'm not sure if it would even be possible to fit that around work, but maybe I will try for at least one or two weeks?
I'm on such a high now. A friend text me last night about going together to today's 11am, and I replied saying I'd have to see if I was ok to go in the morning. I was tired after the class, and thought I might need a few more hours break, and that I might go to an afternoon class. But I was wide awake at 7am and sent her a message asking if she was up and wanted to go to the 9am! (She hasn't responded yet :) I've got so much energy today. I hope it lasts through class and that yesterday doesn't catch up on me!
Saturday, 15 August 2009
Day 23
I'm excited today! I've been waiting for this for a few weeks, and now Craig Villani is here in London and I'm going to his masterclass! I booked it a while ago, but then found out that because it's at another studio it doesn't count in the challenge, and that I'd have to do two classes. It wasn't really how I planned it, but I didn't mind considering the last few days I hadn't really done the entire class, and I was EXCITED.
So I went to the 11am this morning, after not getting up in enough time to make the 9am. I wanted a big gap between them so I have enough energy for the masterclass! We don't normally get the opportunity to practise with teachers from LA in London, so I want to make the most of it.
I had a nice class. Didn't push too hard. Had my best balancing series in a LONG time. I normally fall out at some stage-normally either coming out of head to knee in SFTK, or in Standing Bow, but I went into my deepest point in each posture, and was able to hold it for the whole time! This is unusual for me so I was very happy for the whole class.
I've just been chilling out for the rest of the day, and will be getting on a tube south soon to pay a visit to one of my old home studios in the South of London. I know there will be some people I know there, and really looking forward to being taught by Craig :)
So I went to the 11am this morning, after not getting up in enough time to make the 9am. I wanted a big gap between them so I have enough energy for the masterclass! We don't normally get the opportunity to practise with teachers from LA in London, so I want to make the most of it.
I had a nice class. Didn't push too hard. Had my best balancing series in a LONG time. I normally fall out at some stage-normally either coming out of head to knee in SFTK, or in Standing Bow, but I went into my deepest point in each posture, and was able to hold it for the whole time! This is unusual for me so I was very happy for the whole class.
I've just been chilling out for the rest of the day, and will be getting on a tube south soon to pay a visit to one of my old home studios in the South of London. I know there will be some people I know there, and really looking forward to being taught by Craig :)
Friday, 14 August 2009
Day 22
Today Sam's class FLOORED me! I swear this is getting harder. I was feeling like I slacked off a bit the last couple of days, and could not wait for class, and went in with so much energy. But the class just finished me off.
I had a fantastic experience in pranayama breathing today. I was really getting into the breathing, and I could feel the strength of the energy from the fresh oxygen charging through me. My body actually experienced severe tingling from the breath. This is an extreme version of what I normally feel from pranayama. I felt sooo set up for class after that, and the next few postures were awesome. I had a revelation that this is probably how it's meant to feel every time, and maybe I haven't been putting in enough effort the last 3 years!
But then at some point in Standing Head to Knee the humidity hit me. It was a VERY hot day, and almost a full class, even though it was only 5pm, and HUMID. I was careful to focus on breathing after yesterday, but I still had to sit out a set of Standing Separate Leg Head To Knee Pose. I tried so hard to push through the Standing series, determined to complete it, but I was lightheaded and struggling, and sat down before the end.
By the end of class I had regained some energy, but still felt very weak. I was starting every posture, because I genuinely wanted to do everything, but then coming out early when I felt physically like I could not do any more. To give you an idea of what I must have looked like after class, as I left the studio I walked past two girls who looked at each other with this shocked expression...then I heard them giggling after I passed them! :)
I'm constantly surprised by how a class I do all the time has the power to run up, grab me, and push me to the floor when I'm not expecting it! It is just amazing how you can go for weeks feeling strong, never sitting anything out, having pretty good classes, to one like this, where you just have to surrender. It's a feeling of being out of control, where you mentally want to keep going, but physically you can't. Probably the opposite to yesterday, where I could have pushed on physically, but I was tired and let that take me over mentally.
I guess that is one reason why people go back for the same thing day after day. A different experience every single time. It never gets boring...
I had a fantastic experience in pranayama breathing today. I was really getting into the breathing, and I could feel the strength of the energy from the fresh oxygen charging through me. My body actually experienced severe tingling from the breath. This is an extreme version of what I normally feel from pranayama. I felt sooo set up for class after that, and the next few postures were awesome. I had a revelation that this is probably how it's meant to feel every time, and maybe I haven't been putting in enough effort the last 3 years!
But then at some point in Standing Head to Knee the humidity hit me. It was a VERY hot day, and almost a full class, even though it was only 5pm, and HUMID. I was careful to focus on breathing after yesterday, but I still had to sit out a set of Standing Separate Leg Head To Knee Pose. I tried so hard to push through the Standing series, determined to complete it, but I was lightheaded and struggling, and sat down before the end.
By the end of class I had regained some energy, but still felt very weak. I was starting every posture, because I genuinely wanted to do everything, but then coming out early when I felt physically like I could not do any more. To give you an idea of what I must have looked like after class, as I left the studio I walked past two girls who looked at each other with this shocked expression...then I heard them giggling after I passed them! :)
I'm constantly surprised by how a class I do all the time has the power to run up, grab me, and push me to the floor when I'm not expecting it! It is just amazing how you can go for weeks feeling strong, never sitting anything out, having pretty good classes, to one like this, where you just have to surrender. It's a feeling of being out of control, where you mentally want to keep going, but physically you can't. Probably the opposite to yesterday, where I could have pushed on physically, but I was tired and let that take me over mentally.
I guess that is one reason why people go back for the same thing day after day. A different experience every single time. It never gets boring...
Thursday, 13 August 2009
Day 21
I have to admit that today's 6pm was tough. Really tough. Having charged to the studio on foot through the city, I never quite mustured up enough energy for class. I felt good going in, and was really ready for a good 90 minutes. Looking forward to it. But I never quite managed to have the great class I wanted.
Having already called to book in, I went to the front of the queue. I forgot my water bottle, and realised too late. But that's cool. I went through a period at the start of summer where I wasn't drinking water in Beginners class. I'd picked up the habit again after London had started to get incredibly humid this Summer, as it had been for the last 6-8 weeks. I do like going through a class without water. It's one less distraction, and it's also beneficial physically to avoid having water in the stomach for most of the postures.
Having no water didn't bother me, but at the start of Half Moon I realised my whole body felt stiff and tired. I think at some point in the beginning of the series I wasn't breathing enough, and I started feeling lightheaded in the balancing series. I hadn't felt quite like this in a class throughout the whole challenge. I pushed on, and managed everything up to the second set of Floor Bow, at which point I sat out one set of probably half the postures from there.
It was super-hot, as it always is with this teacher, and I'm sorry to say that for the first time in the challenge, I just felt like part of me couldn't be bothered. I think it was the combination of tiredness, stiff muscles, and some mental stuff I had going on from my day in the office, that I couldn't switch off. I'm not very happy with the class turning out this way, especially as yesterday also didn't turn out to be a full class. But ah well...there's always tomorrow...
Having already called to book in, I went to the front of the queue. I forgot my water bottle, and realised too late. But that's cool. I went through a period at the start of summer where I wasn't drinking water in Beginners class. I'd picked up the habit again after London had started to get incredibly humid this Summer, as it had been for the last 6-8 weeks. I do like going through a class without water. It's one less distraction, and it's also beneficial physically to avoid having water in the stomach for most of the postures.
Having no water didn't bother me, but at the start of Half Moon I realised my whole body felt stiff and tired. I think at some point in the beginning of the series I wasn't breathing enough, and I started feeling lightheaded in the balancing series. I hadn't felt quite like this in a class throughout the whole challenge. I pushed on, and managed everything up to the second set of Floor Bow, at which point I sat out one set of probably half the postures from there.
It was super-hot, as it always is with this teacher, and I'm sorry to say that for the first time in the challenge, I just felt like part of me couldn't be bothered. I think it was the combination of tiredness, stiff muscles, and some mental stuff I had going on from my day in the office, that I couldn't switch off. I'm not very happy with the class turning out this way, especially as yesterday also didn't turn out to be a full class. But ah well...there's always tomorrow...
Wednesday, 12 August 2009
Days 18/19/20
The last few days have gone by quickly, and I haven't had much time to write. Days 18 and 19 flew by. A whirlwind of classes. I was physically tired, and was feeling it in class. I haven't been getting as much sleep as I need.
On Day 20 I forced myself to get up for the 6.45, as I have a course put on by work until 8 tonight. I really struggled to get out of bed. When I got to the studio, about 10-15 people were standing around outside.....UH-OH! That's never happened before. The teacher had swapped, and after a while it was clear she wasn't coming, as she's normally early. One girl tried to call her, but it just went to voicemail, so she tried a receptionist (normally the teacher of the early class opens up) and he answered!
So 15-20 minutes after the class was meant to start he turned up and let us all in. What a star! He put the heater on, started the CD for us, and we did that until the teacher turned up at the end of the first set of Standing Head to Knee. It was an experience, and we definitely had a few giggles, as Bikram is really funny on the CD! I was really touched at how sweet and professional the receptionist guy was after probably having been woken up at a stupidly early hour, and having to rush down to meet us.
We finished about 10 minutes late, having only done one set of most of the postures. I never really felt like I got a complete stretch. I didn't really mind though. Sometimes these things happen, and it's not like I'm not doing enough other classes at the moment.
On Day 20 I forced myself to get up for the 6.45, as I have a course put on by work until 8 tonight. I really struggled to get out of bed. When I got to the studio, about 10-15 people were standing around outside.....UH-OH! That's never happened before. The teacher had swapped, and after a while it was clear she wasn't coming, as she's normally early. One girl tried to call her, but it just went to voicemail, so she tried a receptionist (normally the teacher of the early class opens up) and he answered!
So 15-20 minutes after the class was meant to start he turned up and let us all in. What a star! He put the heater on, started the CD for us, and we did that until the teacher turned up at the end of the first set of Standing Head to Knee. It was an experience, and we definitely had a few giggles, as Bikram is really funny on the CD! I was really touched at how sweet and professional the receptionist guy was after probably having been woken up at a stupidly early hour, and having to rush down to meet us.
We finished about 10 minutes late, having only done one set of most of the postures. I never really felt like I got a complete stretch. I didn't really mind though. Sometimes these things happen, and it's not like I'm not doing enough other classes at the moment.
Sunday, 9 August 2009
Day 17
Day 17...WOW. I can't believe 17 days have gone already. I've really eased into enjoying daily practice. It's no longer arduous or an effort. If I'm tired before class, it wakes me up. If I'm stressed, it relaxes me. If I don't feel like going, I feel glad I did afterwards. I really hope I can continue to fit in as much yoga as this after the challenge. I suspect it will be hard to continue with daily practice, as I've sacrificed certain things, and walked out of work earlier than I should have several times, but I might be able to keep up 6 times a week.
Today in class I was thinking about the ego. There were two new guys there today. Their first class. They were BIG burly guys. They looked like maybe boxers, or rugby players. Obviously physically fit, but they'd never done Bikram Yoga before.
Well they were trying to do everything. Even going into advanced stages of the postures, even when the teacher was telling them not to. It was obvious they were struggling. I shouldn't have been paying attention really, but they were right behind me, so a couple of times when the teacher was talking to them, I could see what was going on in the mirror. She even sat down with them for the second set of Fixed Firm, demonstrated the first part of the posture, and told them not to go back. She said "I know you're strong but stay in the first part" and they still went back, obviously in pain!
It was kind of funny to watch. Not in a mean way. I wasn't laughing at them. But the ego is a funny thing, and this made me think about it. I remember doing the same thing in the beginning, and really it's silly, because pushing yourself further than you should doesn't makes you progress any quicker. The postures can look so pretty when done well, and of course it's not hard to understand why you would want to try to look like that. If anything though, it might cause an injury if you end up sacrificing alignment for depth.
At some point you'll have to go back to the stage where you're doing the posture correctly, and that might feel like you're taking a step back. So you might as well just do it the right way in the first place, so that you can get to the more advanced stage sooner, rather than doing it wrong for ages. I know it took me a while to understand that in the beginning...
Today in class I was thinking about the ego. There were two new guys there today. Their first class. They were BIG burly guys. They looked like maybe boxers, or rugby players. Obviously physically fit, but they'd never done Bikram Yoga before.
Well they were trying to do everything. Even going into advanced stages of the postures, even when the teacher was telling them not to. It was obvious they were struggling. I shouldn't have been paying attention really, but they were right behind me, so a couple of times when the teacher was talking to them, I could see what was going on in the mirror. She even sat down with them for the second set of Fixed Firm, demonstrated the first part of the posture, and told them not to go back. She said "I know you're strong but stay in the first part" and they still went back, obviously in pain!
It was kind of funny to watch. Not in a mean way. I wasn't laughing at them. But the ego is a funny thing, and this made me think about it. I remember doing the same thing in the beginning, and really it's silly, because pushing yourself further than you should doesn't makes you progress any quicker. The postures can look so pretty when done well, and of course it's not hard to understand why you would want to try to look like that. If anything though, it might cause an injury if you end up sacrificing alignment for depth.
At some point you'll have to go back to the stage where you're doing the posture correctly, and that might feel like you're taking a step back. So you might as well just do it the right way in the first place, so that you can get to the more advanced stage sooner, rather than doing it wrong for ages. I know it took me a while to understand that in the beginning...
Saturday, 8 August 2009
Day 16
I felt strong going into advanced, and it was certainly a better class than this time last week. I love the relaxed atmosphere in advanced. We're lucky enough to have awesome teachers, and I'm getting to know the other students there, so Saturday classes have become slightly more of a social thing the last few weeks.
I can really see an improvement in some postures. They tend to be ones nearer the start of the class. Short man, lotus series, crow, advanced toe stand. I'm making slow improvements throughout the class, but a long way off from being able to do everything. Towards the end I was tired, and could have easily fallen asleep in final savasana.
Aside from that, I'm thrilled to be over half way now :) I think I have exactly two weeks of classes yet. This week has been so much better for me than last week because I feel like my health is back to normal now. I'm looking forward to the next two weeks.
I can really see an improvement in some postures. They tend to be ones nearer the start of the class. Short man, lotus series, crow, advanced toe stand. I'm making slow improvements throughout the class, but a long way off from being able to do everything. Towards the end I was tired, and could have easily fallen asleep in final savasana.
Aside from that, I'm thrilled to be over half way now :) I think I have exactly two weeks of classes yet. This week has been so much better for me than last week because I feel like my health is back to normal now. I'm looking forward to the next two weeks.
Day 15
It should have been a good class, but I'd had a bad day and found it hard to focus. I started off ok, but concentration got harder as the class progressed. Aside from being a stressful last few days at work, a colleague did something malicious towards me that I found out about at the end of today.
"If you let people steal your peace then you're the loser"...I had this mantra running through my head for much of the class. I should have been using it to meditate, but it was actually a distraction because I was upset. I wasn't mentally focused.
Physically the class was probably fine. But today I could not become detached from these negative events or emotions. The event was too fresh in mind today, so I couldn't turn it off. I can normally walk into a class, and whatever bad thing has happenned, my outlook will have changed by the end of class, and I'll feel completely differently about it. Not today though.
Ideally, things like that would not affect me in the first place. That's what I need to work on.
"If you let people steal your peace then you're the loser"...I had this mantra running through my head for much of the class. I should have been using it to meditate, but it was actually a distraction because I was upset. I wasn't mentally focused.
Physically the class was probably fine. But today I could not become detached from these negative events or emotions. The event was too fresh in mind today, so I couldn't turn it off. I can normally walk into a class, and whatever bad thing has happenned, my outlook will have changed by the end of class, and I'll feel completely differently about it. Not today though.
Ideally, things like that would not affect me in the first place. That's what I need to work on.
Thursday, 6 August 2009
Day 14
Today could have gone so wrong, but it turned out well. I won't go into the stress at work except to say I swapped with a colleague to cover her early shift. I had a 6am start so I could make the 4pm yoga class with Sam, but it didn't quite work out that way. I ended up having to deal with a client situation that my boss was treating as doubly important than it really was. Annoying and quite stressful, and meant I missed leaving on time for my class and then had to hang around later than I wanted to.
I made it to Sam's next class though. Wasn't too sure how it would turn out. It could have gone wrong. Maybe I wouldn't be able to keep my thoughts off work. But as soon as the class started I was totally loving it. I went fully into each posture, even Half Moon, which I haven't done since my injury. I started off strong, and by Eagle I could feel the energy running through me. My heart was pumping all through the balancing series, but I was so focused on my breathing that I didn't get tired. By the time it came to the sit ups, I had more and more energy. I felt good in every single posture.
It was the most awesome class, and it's been a while since I had a class that great. I'm meant to get up early for another early shift tomorrow, but don't quite know if I'll be able to sleep for a while. I've noticed though that this week I've naturally been waking up a bit earlier, which doesn't normally happen. A benefit of the challenge, I hope. If it carries on like this I may even be tempted to stick with a daily practice after challenge is over..:)
I made it to Sam's next class though. Wasn't too sure how it would turn out. It could have gone wrong. Maybe I wouldn't be able to keep my thoughts off work. But as soon as the class started I was totally loving it. I went fully into each posture, even Half Moon, which I haven't done since my injury. I started off strong, and by Eagle I could feel the energy running through me. My heart was pumping all through the balancing series, but I was so focused on my breathing that I didn't get tired. By the time it came to the sit ups, I had more and more energy. I felt good in every single posture.
It was the most awesome class, and it's been a while since I had a class that great. I'm meant to get up early for another early shift tomorrow, but don't quite know if I'll be able to sleep for a while. I've noticed though that this week I've naturally been waking up a bit earlier, which doesn't normally happen. A benefit of the challenge, I hope. If it carries on like this I may even be tempted to stick with a daily practice after challenge is over..:)
Day 13
I must admit that it was hard to get up today, when two of my alarms rang at 6am. I'm out of practise getting up for the 6.45 classes. Used to be a regular at them, but these days I like my sleep too much, and often when I have the intention to make them, I end up switching my alarm off and having one more hour of wondeful sleep. This morning, I toyed with the idea of calling in sick to work as my throat was still quite sore, but eventually dragged myself out of bed and to yoga, as I was already awake anyway.
A friend said to me today that after day 10 it's meant to get easier. It's true that I've been enjoying my classes more since day 10. The class today was led by a teacher that I probably find the least inspiring of all my regular teachers. Sometimes in his classes I find it hard to focus. His dialogue doesn't flow that well, and sometimes seems a little all over the place, and although I think he is passionate about the yoga, I don't think it comes across very well when he teaches. I've overheard a lot of people saying that they dislike his class, and many go as far to avoid it.
I think my best classes are those where I can feel the teacher's passion for this yoga, and for helping the students to improve. Hearing that passion in a teacher's voice inspires me. I suspect it also improves my performance in class, and gives me more energy after. I'm lucky to have a bunch of teachers that I completely adore for that reason. Teachers that have inspired me to want to teach myself.
Still I had a good class considering I had just woken up, and as usual, was less flexible at that time. While I love classes with inspiring teachers, I can tune out when it's a teacher that doesn't fall into that category for me. I can't afford to be choosy about whose classes I go to during the challenge. The most important thing is just commiting to a daily practise.
A friend said to me today that after day 10 it's meant to get easier. It's true that I've been enjoying my classes more since day 10. The class today was led by a teacher that I probably find the least inspiring of all my regular teachers. Sometimes in his classes I find it hard to focus. His dialogue doesn't flow that well, and sometimes seems a little all over the place, and although I think he is passionate about the yoga, I don't think it comes across very well when he teaches. I've overheard a lot of people saying that they dislike his class, and many go as far to avoid it.
I think my best classes are those where I can feel the teacher's passion for this yoga, and for helping the students to improve. Hearing that passion in a teacher's voice inspires me. I suspect it also improves my performance in class, and gives me more energy after. I'm lucky to have a bunch of teachers that I completely adore for that reason. Teachers that have inspired me to want to teach myself.
Still I had a good class considering I had just woken up, and as usual, was less flexible at that time. While I love classes with inspiring teachers, I can tune out when it's a teacher that doesn't fall into that category for me. I can't afford to be choosy about whose classes I go to during the challenge. The most important thing is just commiting to a daily practise.
Tuesday, 4 August 2009
Day 12
I feel GOOD today! Had a good strong class at 4pm. Tired before class, and my sore throat has turned into an infection, I think...but all this forgotten about as soon as I got to class. Still not pushing deeply into postures, and having a mental thing with Standing Head to Knee, but the class was strong nonetheless. Got a fabulous back stretch from the teacher (the one from Day 1) in half tortoise, which gave me so much energy, and I finished on a high. I'm loving her classes at the moment-she brings energy and enthusiasm to the class. Will have to try to make more of them.
Also, my throat feels better now, after class. I'm really hoping that all these illnesses/injuries that seemed to come along as soon as I started the challenge subside and leave me to enjoy the challenge in peace! My Mum even sent me an email today, telling me her Sports Injuries book said the best thing for my rib injury was rest (sure, that probably would have been my approach if it had happened BEFORE the start of 30 Days).
When I give these things a second thought, they seem like obstacles willing me to stop. But I haven't even been tempted to give it up yet, and I'm nearly halfway through now. I think once you get to halfway there's no turning back! In the yoga room, I forget that I'm injured, or sick, and I can just focus on the yoga.
Today I felt calm, focused, and peaceful against the heat of the room, and that is how you SHOULD feel doing yoga. I want to make it to the end, and just hoping that nothing bigger gets in my way...
Also, my throat feels better now, after class. I'm really hoping that all these illnesses/injuries that seemed to come along as soon as I started the challenge subside and leave me to enjoy the challenge in peace! My Mum even sent me an email today, telling me her Sports Injuries book said the best thing for my rib injury was rest (sure, that probably would have been my approach if it had happened BEFORE the start of 30 Days).
When I give these things a second thought, they seem like obstacles willing me to stop. But I haven't even been tempted to give it up yet, and I'm nearly halfway through now. I think once you get to halfway there's no turning back! In the yoga room, I forget that I'm injured, or sick, and I can just focus on the yoga.
Today I felt calm, focused, and peaceful against the heat of the room, and that is how you SHOULD feel doing yoga. I want to make it to the end, and just hoping that nothing bigger gets in my way...
Day 11
I practised with a work friend. We had a nice spot at the back near the door, where she normally goes.
For years I always went for spots at the front, on the hot side of the room. The last few months I've liked to move around the room a bit. It's funny, but different parts of the yoga room bring a completely new experience to a class.
At the front, or even in the second row, you have the advantage of seeing yourself in the mirror. That's nice for the balancing postures, and for checking alignment in general. But there is also an element of pressure. At the front, I feel I should be able to demonstrate all the postures to a good standard, as well as being able to hold the balancing postures so as not to distract the people behind. At my main studio, in central London, capacity is over 70, and it's unusual for a class not to have several complete beginners. Any day that I don't feel 100%, I avoid the front, just in case I need to sit anything out. That doesn't happen much anyway, but I'd feel bad if it did and I was at the front.
Additionally, the spots I used to choose were around the heater. That made the class much tougher, but I used to relish that. I still love the heat, but I also appreciate a blast of cold air from a teacher opening the door. Sometimes in summer, the studio gets so humid that it can be hard to breathe, and the heater area is where you feel that most. I really started noticing that this summer. Probably because this summer I've been practising a lot more than previous ones. In any case, I don't make it a priority to go near the heater these days.
I think my attitude to position in the room changed when I went on a recent yoga holiday to Spain. There we were practising on a yoga deck at the top of a hill (see profile pic), looking out over the Andalucian hills, at farms and orchards in the distance. It was beautiful and calming being able to practise in such a serene place. Before that holiday, I'd already started moving round the room a bit, and that holiday sealed the deal for me...it's no longer important to me where I lay my mat in the yoga room.
For years I always went for spots at the front, on the hot side of the room. The last few months I've liked to move around the room a bit. It's funny, but different parts of the yoga room bring a completely new experience to a class.
At the front, or even in the second row, you have the advantage of seeing yourself in the mirror. That's nice for the balancing postures, and for checking alignment in general. But there is also an element of pressure. At the front, I feel I should be able to demonstrate all the postures to a good standard, as well as being able to hold the balancing postures so as not to distract the people behind. At my main studio, in central London, capacity is over 70, and it's unusual for a class not to have several complete beginners. Any day that I don't feel 100%, I avoid the front, just in case I need to sit anything out. That doesn't happen much anyway, but I'd feel bad if it did and I was at the front.
Additionally, the spots I used to choose were around the heater. That made the class much tougher, but I used to relish that. I still love the heat, but I also appreciate a blast of cold air from a teacher opening the door. Sometimes in summer, the studio gets so humid that it can be hard to breathe, and the heater area is where you feel that most. I really started noticing that this summer. Probably because this summer I've been practising a lot more than previous ones. In any case, I don't make it a priority to go near the heater these days.
I think my attitude to position in the room changed when I went on a recent yoga holiday to Spain. There we were practising on a yoga deck at the top of a hill (see profile pic), looking out over the Andalucian hills, at farms and orchards in the distance. It was beautiful and calming being able to practise in such a serene place. Before that holiday, I'd already started moving round the room a bit, and that holiday sealed the deal for me...it's no longer important to me where I lay my mat in the yoga room.
Sunday, 2 August 2009
Day 10
I'm grateful for days like today. After two tough classes yesterday, and waking up sore and achy this morning, the day turned into a great one. There was nothing particularly special about it, other than it being surprisingly hot and sunny when I finally ventured out at 2.30 for the 3pm class, after having lain in bed for most of the day with the curtains closed, and other than the class I took being exactly what I needed.
I woke up early, feeling the effects of yesterday's classes, as I always do on Sundays after Advanced. I also felt the familiar sore throat that I've been feeling all week, and that's been threatening to turn into something worse. So I spent the morning lying around, trying to sleep more, but not being able to. I was happy to be doing the challenge, and to not even be able to consider the question of whether I'd go to class, as I maybe would normally feeling like that.
Class was not as hot as usual, although hot enough, and the teacher is one that does not seem to hold the postures for that long. After a week of tough classes, and practice with an injury, I was so thankful to have a class like that when I least expected it. I was able to do the postures as I normally would-even full Standing Head to Knee for the first time since the injury! That class was just what I needed, as it actually made me feel normal again. My rib was barely even a consideration. I felt so much better afterwards, than I had the last few days, and it really made me appreciate how this yoga can make you feel. I'm happy that I continued with the challenge this week, against obstacles where I could have easily given up with an excuse. But that would have defeated the reason for doing a challenge like this. It's about being disciplined and focused, and reaching a goal no matter what comes in your way. Not to say that there aren't things that might happen that WOULD make me cut short this challenge, but this week has made me even more determined to complete it.
I woke up early, feeling the effects of yesterday's classes, as I always do on Sundays after Advanced. I also felt the familiar sore throat that I've been feeling all week, and that's been threatening to turn into something worse. So I spent the morning lying around, trying to sleep more, but not being able to. I was happy to be doing the challenge, and to not even be able to consider the question of whether I'd go to class, as I maybe would normally feeling like that.
Class was not as hot as usual, although hot enough, and the teacher is one that does not seem to hold the postures for that long. After a week of tough classes, and practice with an injury, I was so thankful to have a class like that when I least expected it. I was able to do the postures as I normally would-even full Standing Head to Knee for the first time since the injury! That class was just what I needed, as it actually made me feel normal again. My rib was barely even a consideration. I felt so much better afterwards, than I had the last few days, and it really made me appreciate how this yoga can make you feel. I'm happy that I continued with the challenge this week, against obstacles where I could have easily given up with an excuse. But that would have defeated the reason for doing a challenge like this. It's about being disciplined and focused, and reaching a goal no matter what comes in your way. Not to say that there aren't things that might happen that WOULD make me cut short this challenge, but this week has made me even more determined to complete it.
Day 9
Yesterday was Day 9, where I also had to make up for Day 8. So for the first time, I took Beginners and Advanced back to back, something I had been meaning to do for a while.
Beginners was tough. Very very humid, and with a very good teacher, who did not go easy on us. I stood at the back near the windows, and was happy to be close to some air, which felt soooo good, when the windows were opened a tiny crack at some points during the class. I was able to complete most of the class, except the sit ups, which I was still afraid could be a bit too much of a jerky movement for my ribs, and one set of Camel. I definitely did more than I had done since
Monday, and it felt good, like I was physically capable of more.
I showered and changed before Advanced. It just felt better than keeping the same clothes, which I have done the other times I've done classes back to back. I felt like a new person, and not like someone who'd just done a Bikram class! The teacher was one of my favourites again-she really is a great teacher. She gives very precise instructions and corrections, which I really think helps me improve. I felt a bit bad for her, as I was drained for much of the class, and scared of doing anything that aggravated my ribs, so I did sit out some postures that I would normally have a go at. She was the teacher that first invited me to an Advanced class, so in a way I feel like I should make more of an effort for her. Silly really :)
I was disappointed to miss some of the postures, particularly peacock in lotus, which I've been improving at, but I just felt like I needed to sit some of them out. I know that if I push into my injury, or pain, that I could make it worse, and I don't want to spend longer recovering just to achieve a posture that I can do at a later date (maybe next week!) anyway. One of the many benefits of a 30 Day challenge is meant to be improved health, so doing something that could potentially make an injury worse would be detrimental in the long run. It can be hard to acknowledge that, and to tell yourself to stop doing something you normally do, when you normally wouldn't think twice about it, and when you just want to do what everyone else is doing, and because it's fun. But I'm trying to listen to my body...I want to feel better at the end of this challenge, not worse!
It was nice to chat to the teacher and other students after class. One girl is going to Teacher Training soon, which I would love to do. I originally wanted to go to the next one, but other plans got in the way, and I intend to go this time next year now. I was definitely on a high after class, even though I'd been tired for much of class. I was very glad that I'd managed to get through the classes, and had completed Days 8 and 9.
Beginners was tough. Very very humid, and with a very good teacher, who did not go easy on us. I stood at the back near the windows, and was happy to be close to some air, which felt soooo good, when the windows were opened a tiny crack at some points during the class. I was able to complete most of the class, except the sit ups, which I was still afraid could be a bit too much of a jerky movement for my ribs, and one set of Camel. I definitely did more than I had done since
Monday, and it felt good, like I was physically capable of more.
I showered and changed before Advanced. It just felt better than keeping the same clothes, which I have done the other times I've done classes back to back. I felt like a new person, and not like someone who'd just done a Bikram class! The teacher was one of my favourites again-she really is a great teacher. She gives very precise instructions and corrections, which I really think helps me improve. I felt a bit bad for her, as I was drained for much of the class, and scared of doing anything that aggravated my ribs, so I did sit out some postures that I would normally have a go at. She was the teacher that first invited me to an Advanced class, so in a way I feel like I should make more of an effort for her. Silly really :)
I was disappointed to miss some of the postures, particularly peacock in lotus, which I've been improving at, but I just felt like I needed to sit some of them out. I know that if I push into my injury, or pain, that I could make it worse, and I don't want to spend longer recovering just to achieve a posture that I can do at a later date (maybe next week!) anyway. One of the many benefits of a 30 Day challenge is meant to be improved health, so doing something that could potentially make an injury worse would be detrimental in the long run. It can be hard to acknowledge that, and to tell yourself to stop doing something you normally do, when you normally wouldn't think twice about it, and when you just want to do what everyone else is doing, and because it's fun. But I'm trying to listen to my body...I want to feel better at the end of this challenge, not worse!
It was nice to chat to the teacher and other students after class. One girl is going to Teacher Training soon, which I would love to do. I originally wanted to go to the next one, but other plans got in the way, and I intend to go this time next year now. I was definitely on a high after class, even though I'd been tired for much of class. I was very glad that I'd managed to get through the classes, and had completed Days 8 and 9.
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