Friday, September 9, 2011

Headstand and other things...

I don't mean to brag... but today I finally could hold my headstand for 25 breaths! The last few breaths may have been a little rushed... but I did it! I really struggle with headstand for some reason. By the end of practice I think my shoulders are so tired from all the lift ups (or attempts!) that I am just burned out.

Stefanie and Curtis have been helping me with my drop backs recently as well... They feel better everyday. I'm hoping that I can start dropping back on my own in the next month or two. One of the requirements for starting second series is being able to drop back and come up unassisted... I have a little ways to go :)

My knee is finally feeling much better. I  think it's just been opening up in a major way. I just need to get used to being a little stiff and sore everyday. I think practicing six days a week will just do that to a person. I'm also trying to get more protein and water hoping that helps...

Lastly, I can't express the amount of gratitude I have for the space at Blue Sky every morning. Having a place to go and practice every morning at 6 am makes my day so much easier. I don't have to try to find a place or a time to practice. Thank you Thank you Thank you, Cheryl!!!

Pranayama and Meditation with Hilary

A couple weeks ago our friend Hilary came over to our house to lead us through a pranayama and meditation class. She had just returned from her teacher training in Mount Madonna, CA. It was awesome getting one on one time with someone that could really explain each breathing technique and make sure we were doing it correctly.

First, she reviewed the four cleansing breaths that should be performed before you begin your pranayama practice (I will summarize in a later post). I never realized how much of a workout breathing could be! My abs were pretty tired after just these four. After that, she went over a couple other breaths (which, unfortunately I do not quite remember). I think we did bumble bee and a couple others. Curtis was a little more familiar with them than I was. Pranayama took about 45 minutes by itself. After the pranayama, Hilary led us through a short meditation. She said she normally would spend at least 15 minutes in meditation, but we only made it through about 7 :)  By minute 3 or 4 I was definitely distracted. I kept feeling every ache and pain and uncomfortable position from sitting for so long. Curtis and I are wimps when it comes to sitting still for that long! I think (like with most things in life), it will come with practice. I have been wanting to commit to doing the 4 cleansings breaths and a short meditation or scripture reading every morning before practice, but over the last 2 weeks, I have only accomplished that a few days. I need to just be dilligent and commit to it, or realize I will not have a pranayama practice yet and just be ok with that :) (However, since I found a wrinkle on my forehead, I'm really hoping I just buck up and commit to it! haha).

Tired and other things

I. Am. Tired. My joints and muscles feel like they've shrunk! I have had three full primary practices in the last 36 hours. Surprisingly, but the last practice felt really good and got a great second wind. But this morning I was planning on practicing to finish out the week, but I am not sure now! It's tempting to take a rest day.

Today is Curtis's birthday! Not sure what our plans are yet... Maybe practice, Sambalatte, delicious food, Borders....

PS I actually wrote this blog on July 23rd, but I didn't realize I didn't post it... :)