The Perfect Yogi(ni)

I LOVE that my husband is going to yoga with me!  Most of the time.

That said, it’s so frustrating to see someone who’s not as “good” as I am (not very yoga of me, is it???) hopping around and pressing into some very challenging asanas and vinyasas.  Bakasana to chataranga, for instance.  Like this:  http://youtu.be/RzuuUWOYxss  I can barely get into bakasana and I struggle to keep my feet up for even a heartbeat.  Yes, I’m jealous.  But I also understand that we’re built much, much differently (thank you!).  And you wouldn’t even have to press me hard to get me to admit that I’m really impressed and proud of what he’s accomplished.

He’s much stronger than am I so he easily is able to do things that dare to dream of.  On the other hand, I’m more flexible so I make the easy stuff look good.  Put us together and we could kick some serious yoga ass!

It’s also selfish of me: when he enjoys such awesome successes he’s motivated to stick with yoga just a little bit more.  I mean – how could you not be flushed with good feeling after nailing this???  So I’m happy knowing that we’ll be going to our regular class together for a little bit longer.

My triangle poses were good last night.  Deep and relaxed.  Very focused but soft.  It was wonderful.

Every class offers something:  Sharing another’s accomplishments can feel as good as accomplishing something wonderful yourself.

Life Seems to Get in the Way

I haven’t been practicing much.  Life seems to get in the way.

Last week I had a terrible stomach bug.  Saturday morning I felt well enough to go to my regular class.  I was nervous but for no reason.  I did well; my practice was fulfilling and I left happier than I’d been in a week.  It’s nice that I’ve gotten to the point where I’m OK with settling into Child’s pose if I need to; not judging myself is liberating.

I still remember the class I had after my last post.  Again, I was nervous because I hadn’t been on my mat in some time.  That class was fantastic!  It was warmer (but not hot) so I think that helped me.  I sank deeper into so many poses and they felt soooo good.  Even my teacher commented on the deepness that I’ve been able to access.  I was easily able to get my right hand on the ground for Revolved Triangle.

That said, I’m still working through my injury; still babying it.  It’s time to start pushing just a tiny bit so that I’m more equal on both sides.

I have things I want to do.  Yoga things.  Aerial yoga is at the top of the list.  There’s one studio here that offers it twice a week: once on Monday nights and again on Tuesday evenings.  Monday is my regular class so Tuesday it is.  I’ll have to leave work a little early to get there on time.  Maybe next week if the stars align. 

There’s a week in October that’s going to be split between days in Las Vegas and days at a resort just outside of Vegas.  I would LOVE to find some opportunities to practice while in Vegas.  I think it will be a good antidote from everything that Vegas is.

Every class offers something:  Time away from my mat should neither intimidate me nor deter me from practicing.

Releasing

Last week was a long week.  I was out of town in a place that didn’t agree with me most of the time.  I’m glad to be home.

In a wise move I scheduled a short private lesson for yesterday morning.  I was offered this opportunity because I gave some feedback to a local studio otherwise it would never have happened.  I would never have even thought about taking a private yoga lesson.

While it was short, it was valuable.  I learned a lot from having the entire focus of a very experienced teacher.  Not only did she help me open up from being mostly sedentary for the past week but she also helped me open up emotionally.  I found myself vocalizing many of my recent experiences about my injury.  She was very affirming and positive and lead me to understand that being forgiving with myself isn’t weakness but a strength that I’m building.

Regular yoga class tonight.  Can’t wait to get back on the mat.  I’m nervous because I haven’t done anything for a week: how will I feel?  How much have I lost?  Was there anything gained last week (besides vacation weight???)?  But I know now that I can and should and will be patient with myself.  Maybe I’ll find myself in my new & improved child’s pose.  And that’s OK.

Every class offers something:  Child’s pose has always been an issue for me.  I see other yogis with their butts on their heels and fail in that comparison.  My rear is in the air.  WHY?  In my private lesson I had the chance to ask.  Seems that it’s not anything I’m doing or not doing but it’s a simple matter of me getting in my own way.  I have muscular calves and thighs; they take up room.  Ta da!  My rear won’t meet my heels because I’m not built in such a way to do so.  My teacher suggested bifurcating (physically moving my calves out away from each other).  That definitely helped me sink lower and find more release.  But the greater release came in the understanding that there’s nothing I’m doing wrong and accepting that it is what it is.