Sunday, December 27, 2009

Setting my intention- pilot tomorrow 5:30 am

Hello!!!
I practiced some yoga this early evening, 4:30 to 5:30 to be exact, as my aching back wouldn't allow me to go another step without resting on my mat for a few moments to decide where my body would take me. It is always amazing to me that I can think of some yoga postures that I think I may need, but then when I place my head on the mat for guidance, it takes me in another direction. I woke up with an achy low back, and had a full day with plans of organizing the endless crammed cupboards and "junk drawers" that I own, I think I have at least 8 junk drawers...how about you? As I was filing some papers for the kids, I snuck in a childs pose with head on the floor, and just breathed into my low back, into my spine, as I felt my forehead touch the floor, I followed my thoughts (this time I'll spare you the details) brought my breath and awareness back to my spine, and felt the muscles begin to let go. Breathe in I smile, exhale I relax my body. Maybe if I repeat this mantra, I'll relax a bit more! Anyway, as I was easing into my practice, I was lulled into a lot of upper body strengthening and squats, which soothe the back muscles. I was able to do a "crow" or bakasana for one second, which iactually is a goal of mine to be able to be in this pose for at least 3 breaths without falling on my face!

The practice:
Down dog-(adho mukha svanasana) to childs pose 3-5 minutes
walk feet to hands- 1-2 minutes (hand stand prep)
squat
to bakasana "crow"
sphinx
cobra- bhujangasana)
locust(salambhasana)
half frog (ardha bhekasana)
pigeon with strap around back foot and pull extended leg towards buttocks, while resisting with that foot.
dog pose
cobblers-baddha konasana
easy seated pose- sukhasana
shoulder stand sharvangasana
knees to floor pose
half reclined hero pose (ardha supta virasana
staff pose (dandasana)
corpse pose (savasana)
With a glint in my eye, I hopped up, feeling much improved, and chased my lids around the kitchen, made soup, continued to clean, and inside, I was smiling.

Friday, December 18, 2009

My goal will begin January 1st!

YOGA....Not only an intention, but a discipline, I must submit to. My body, and my mind will be forced to reap the benefits of a daily practice like none I have undergone before. Sure, I have had weeks, even months of a strong home practice, practicing asana 3 to 5 times a week, and mixing in a little prayer and meditation while I'm at it. How many times I cannot count anymore that I have intended to get out of my warm bed at 5:30 in the morning to practice the art of stillness and observation of the deep, recesses of the mind, and the complexities of my body. How often, have I, continued to hit the snooze, until it was to late, and alas, I'm rushing myself and my kids along for the busyness of the morning routine. My commitment to a daily practice has been weak. I have fallen short of my expectations. It is time to make a difference, time to shake myself up, to cool myself off, in the early morning darkness, the emerging sun from the great shadow of night will witness to my open eyes watching and waiting with eager receptivity to hear its wisdom and language of no words. How many of us are truly present for longer than a moment? I will document my journey, starting new years day, with my observations about life, my practice, insights, and experiences steeping myself in the yoga practice. Tune in soon to a soul ride of my life!