9 years later and I still enjoy it..

I've really been enjoying my yoga classes lately.

It's been about 9 years since I tried yoga for the first time and I remember how frustrated I was with it.  My mind couldn't seem to "slow down" and enjoy each pose.  I was constantly distracted and looking at the time.  I was so used to the fast pace of running, aerobics, biking etc. that yoga didn't give me the adrenalin kick that I was looking for.

But, I stuck with it and it has rewarded me with a great sense of inner peace, increased flexibility, strength, focus and a sense of accomplishment. It has become a lifestyle choice.

Lately, I've been noticing that my body seem to crave certain positions.  When the class is doing bridge pose; my body wants to do Full Bridge.  It wasn't that long ago that I found it too difficult.  It's amazing how fast we build strength.

I love ending my yoga session with  Halasana (Plow Pose).  It's so enjoyable and relaxing to stretch out my lower back.  There was a time when I couldn't imagine doing, yet alone enjoying this pose.

I'm not to fussy about the style of yoga; I enjoy many but my favorites are Vinyasa and Ashtanga Yoga. I have a tendency to get bored easily so a mixture of yoga practices is probably the best for me.

For the upcoming winter, I'm planning on trying some new Yoga Studios.  I think it's time I took it to the next level.  

Exercise with Caution

No Pain - No Gain is a familiar term for all of us, and I tend to push myself into the Pain Zone.  I want to feel the aftermath of a good workout.

 This week, I might have pushed my body too hard as I've ended up with either a pulled or torn tendon in my leg.   I hate being told to relax and put my feet up.  It's like torture.. I could do so many other things.

A close friend told me that I exercise too much, and therefore I'm to blame for this condition.  I get her point! 

But, the fact is, I have not had any injuries, pain or other ailments, for years, while keeping up with my yoga routine. I love yoga, and the benefit that comes with it.   Normally, I'll practice yoga 3 times per week but for the past 6 weeks, I barely got 3 yoga session in.   My body was slowly loosing its flexibility and strength.

So, I truly believe this injury would not have happened had I kept up my yoga routine.

Now, I'll pay the consequence as I won't be exercising for a few weeks and that's punishment enough for me. 

So, lesson learned.. Know what's good for you and stick to it!

I surely don't want to sit around all day....

Yoga & Inner Peace

At the beginning of spring I was practicing yoga three times a week and by the end of summer I was down to zero.  

I’m not flexible by nature but after practicing yoga all winter; I had become more flexible than ever.  I never woke up with aches or pains.  Lately those aches and pains have been creeping up on me. 

Surely, I’ve kept active with other activities over the summer such as biking, running and kayaking but those activities does not seem to bring me the inner peace and sense of harmony that the yoga does. 

Well, this week I added two yoga sessions to my schedule and though I struggled through the poses, since I’m stiff as a board, I do feel good!  I didn't realize how much I've missed my Yoga.

So I’m ending this week feeling relaxed and energized and I’m looking forward to rekindling with my Hiking Buddies next..  

Corpse Pose - (Shava-asana)

Went to my regular Monday night yoga class today.  Because of my son's hockey practice, I had to leave early, but didn't think much of it until I was getting ready for Shava-asana, and and realized it was time to go.

I felt totally robbed of the last 10 minutes; I've really come to appreciate this pose over the years.

I remember my very first encounter with this pose.  I was in high school, lying on the cold gym floor, and listening to the teacher instructing the students to "envision ourselves in a positive environment".  To me, it felt like torture and I was becoming very restless .  The more I tried to concentrate the more my mind would wonder off.  I remember thinking "what a bunch of baloney".   26 years later and I still remember it like yesterday!

I have since come to enjoy yoga; it didn't happen overnight but slowly over time.    Shava-asana is a resting pose and I really shouldn't fall asleep during the pose, but I have. (more than once)

I've never been one to fall asleep on the sofa, or drift off in the afternoon for a nap.  I'm a "do-er", and rarely sit still, so for me to lay flat on the hardwood floor and fall asleep; It's nothing short of amazing.