Saturday, June 25, 2011
New blog
I will no longer be posting in this blog! I have moved to Katie Goes To, which will chronicle my experience with a variety of movement styles and healthy living practices, not just my yoga. Check it out and give me a follow!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Finding consistency
I haven't been blogging but I have been going to yoga. Usually the two fall off the wagon together but I've just been so busy lately that I haven't had time to eke anything out.
I've decided to do a new kind of challenge and Jason is on board with me for this one! This challenge is starting officially when we get back from a little trip next week. It's not a typical 60-day challenge where we'll go every day for 60 days. For 60 days, I want to develop consistency in my practice by going at least three times a week. I can go more if I want but the minimum is three. For me, it's much harder to allow myself skip days than it is to be regimented and focused on yoga as my number one activity. Right now, I need to let yoga be my second focus because I'm working on a dance project and I swear that's the last time I'll plug it... for now. ;D
So anyways, we've been doing a good job of keeping consistent since getting back and it's nice to get into the routine again. I have had some really good classes and a couple total duds. My mind has been all over the place but that's part of getting back into balance. You have your good days and your bad days and that's just how it goes. That's not as important as the fact that you got in the door. This is the lesson I hope to learn over the next few months. I want to find balance.
I've decided to do a new kind of challenge and Jason is on board with me for this one! This challenge is starting officially when we get back from a little trip next week. It's not a typical 60-day challenge where we'll go every day for 60 days. For 60 days, I want to develop consistency in my practice by going at least three times a week. I can go more if I want but the minimum is three. For me, it's much harder to allow myself skip days than it is to be regimented and focused on yoga as my number one activity. Right now, I need to let yoga be my second focus because I'm working on a dance project and I swear that's the last time I'll plug it... for now. ;D
So anyways, we've been doing a good job of keeping consistent since getting back and it's nice to get into the routine again. I have had some really good classes and a couple total duds. My mind has been all over the place but that's part of getting back into balance. You have your good days and your bad days and that's just how it goes. That's not as important as the fact that you got in the door. This is the lesson I hope to learn over the next few months. I want to find balance.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Then bang! crash! the lightning flashed!
Hello, friends in yoga land! It's been a while since I posted and that's because it's been a while since I practiced. After vacation, I didn't get back into yoga right away and that was my downfall. I slid into the "I'll go tomorrow" mindset. My body started falling out of balance. My healthy food cravings disappeared. I started having trouble sleeping again. I paid for a month and didn't take a single class. At that point, I realized I either needed to give up my membership or get my ass back to the hot room. The thought of raising the white flag was unbearable to me so I dragged myself (& Jason) off the couch and into class.
It's always surprising to me, the first class back after being gone for a while. I'm never as bad off as I thought I would be. Sure, it's definitely not the same class as, say, day 60 of a challenge but I've never had a totally flat-on-my-back class after being gone a while. A lot of the struggle is in your head!
I was definitely hot and definitely a little weak in the muscles. I've been dancing a good deal in my time off from yoga so I have at least been moving but dance and yoga are two different animals! The warmup was solid. I felt a good connection between my mind and my breath and my body. I had a great first set of awkward! I hit the pose quickly and really was able to find my peace and stillness within it. I started getting a little lightheaded during eagle but I relied on steady breathing to get me through. I felt pretty good after the warmup and was ready to get to the meat of class.
Standing head to knee is such a hard posture for me. I have a hard time grabbing my foot but once I do, extending my leg isn't really that difficult. I think once I lose some more weight, grabbing my foot will be a lot easier. It's frustrating but I just need to be patient and keep trying. I kept my energy up for the whole posture, never giving up after falling out. I was feeling strong and... wait, was that hail I just heard hit the roof? Um, I know I'm supposed to be focusing, but is that a tornado siren?
The door opened and one of the other yoga teachers made an announcement that a tornado had touched down at Love Field and class was being canceled! Obviously, this is a highly unorthodox event. I've never gone to class to have it stopped in the middle. Classes are very rarely canceled at BYD and it's usually for a workshop or special event they're having. It's a very consistent and structured studio. We were all encouraged to go wait out the storm in the changing rooms, which we did. I had my phone and checked the radar frequently until the tornado warnings passed and the storm was no longer dangerous.
Talk about a wild night. I was kind of disappointed that I made the effort to go to class only to have ti canceled but it actually was pretty funny. I guess I just wasn't meant to take the full class last night. Maybe the universe is really making sure I want to go back to yoga. Well, guess what, universe? I do! I'm going to the 4:30 today and don't you dare try and stop me!
It's always surprising to me, the first class back after being gone for a while. I'm never as bad off as I thought I would be. Sure, it's definitely not the same class as, say, day 60 of a challenge but I've never had a totally flat-on-my-back class after being gone a while. A lot of the struggle is in your head!
I was definitely hot and definitely a little weak in the muscles. I've been dancing a good deal in my time off from yoga so I have at least been moving but dance and yoga are two different animals! The warmup was solid. I felt a good connection between my mind and my breath and my body. I had a great first set of awkward! I hit the pose quickly and really was able to find my peace and stillness within it. I started getting a little lightheaded during eagle but I relied on steady breathing to get me through. I felt pretty good after the warmup and was ready to get to the meat of class.
Standing head to knee is such a hard posture for me. I have a hard time grabbing my foot but once I do, extending my leg isn't really that difficult. I think once I lose some more weight, grabbing my foot will be a lot easier. It's frustrating but I just need to be patient and keep trying. I kept my energy up for the whole posture, never giving up after falling out. I was feeling strong and... wait, was that hail I just heard hit the roof? Um, I know I'm supposed to be focusing, but is that a tornado siren?
The door opened and one of the other yoga teachers made an announcement that a tornado had touched down at Love Field and class was being canceled! Obviously, this is a highly unorthodox event. I've never gone to class to have it stopped in the middle. Classes are very rarely canceled at BYD and it's usually for a workshop or special event they're having. It's a very consistent and structured studio. We were all encouraged to go wait out the storm in the changing rooms, which we did. I had my phone and checked the radar frequently until the tornado warnings passed and the storm was no longer dangerous.
Talk about a wild night. I was kind of disappointed that I made the effort to go to class only to have ti canceled but it actually was pretty funny. I guess I just wasn't meant to take the full class last night. Maybe the universe is really making sure I want to go back to yoga. Well, guess what, universe? I do! I'm going to the 4:30 today and don't you dare try and stop me!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Oh, hi!
I have not forgotten my yoga practice! Jason and I just got back into town from an awesome road trip to Colorado and New Mexico. While I get back into the swing of yoga, enjoy this shot from White Sands, New Mexcio. :)
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Breath, focus, and strength
I've had a really good yoga week. I managed to get into the hot room four times last week and my body and brain are thanking me so much for it. It feels great to connect with my practice again. Reminder to self: this is why you do yoga.
Over the weekend, I participated in two posture clinics led by longtime Bikram teacher Lynn Whitlow. I learned so much about my practice from her. She gave so many great tips that have already changed my classes for the better. I got some nagging questions answered and got intense personal corrections on a few postures.
I think the most important thing she said was one of the first things she said. The three elements of a Bikram yoga practice are breath, one-point focus, and physical strength. When you are having a hard time in class, it is probably because one of these areas needs your attention. Every time I got overwhelmed in class today, I carefully re-assessed those points and every time I found that one of the three needed my increased mindfulness.
More often than not, it was my breath that was wonky. Taking another tip from Lynn, I pushed my postures to the point right before losing control of my breath, then stayed there in stillness and focused on breathing normally. Breathing normally, a concept that I didn't really understand until the clinics, makes postures so much easier. Trying to slow down my breath actually makes me feel more out of breath. What a revelation that it's okay to breathe shallowly! Just keep breathing, Lynn urged. It takes a lot of concentration to keep breathing through the whole class.
My balance issues have been greatly helped by Lynn's declaration that almost all balance problems are focus problems. I felt a little embarrassed hearing that since my balance is so bad. Some classes, I feel like I'm distracting everyone around me because I just can't get my balance. She told us to keep one point of focus (which has been mentioned in, I don't know, every class I've ever taken) and for some reason, it settled into my head. Not moving my eyes really does help keep my mind and body from wandering and falling over.
I got personal correction on triangle which as totally revolutionized the posture for me. I don't dread it with the same fervor I used to! I'm actually excited to tackle it and push the boundaries of my strength, which is increasing rapidly with every class. I still have trouble with triangle but I now understand the posture and what it means for my body.
The third element of the practice is physical strength, meaning contracted muscles. I'm using my abs and inner thighs more than I ever have in my life. On days I don't go to yoga, I've been doing ten regular sit-ups to focus some more attention on my abs. I am growing really addicted to the feeling of sore/tired muscles the day after going to class. It helps me to feel solid and strong instead of weak and tired.
Long story short: the posture clinics were awesome and my practice was helped out so much by everything Lynn had to offer. I'm having so much fun applying everything she shared over the weekend. Look out, triangle. You'll be mine soon.
Over the weekend, I participated in two posture clinics led by longtime Bikram teacher Lynn Whitlow. I learned so much about my practice from her. She gave so many great tips that have already changed my classes for the better. I got some nagging questions answered and got intense personal corrections on a few postures.
I think the most important thing she said was one of the first things she said. The three elements of a Bikram yoga practice are breath, one-point focus, and physical strength. When you are having a hard time in class, it is probably because one of these areas needs your attention. Every time I got overwhelmed in class today, I carefully re-assessed those points and every time I found that one of the three needed my increased mindfulness.
More often than not, it was my breath that was wonky. Taking another tip from Lynn, I pushed my postures to the point right before losing control of my breath, then stayed there in stillness and focused on breathing normally. Breathing normally, a concept that I didn't really understand until the clinics, makes postures so much easier. Trying to slow down my breath actually makes me feel more out of breath. What a revelation that it's okay to breathe shallowly! Just keep breathing, Lynn urged. It takes a lot of concentration to keep breathing through the whole class.
My balance issues have been greatly helped by Lynn's declaration that almost all balance problems are focus problems. I felt a little embarrassed hearing that since my balance is so bad. Some classes, I feel like I'm distracting everyone around me because I just can't get my balance. She told us to keep one point of focus (which has been mentioned in, I don't know, every class I've ever taken) and for some reason, it settled into my head. Not moving my eyes really does help keep my mind and body from wandering and falling over.
I got personal correction on triangle which as totally revolutionized the posture for me. I don't dread it with the same fervor I used to! I'm actually excited to tackle it and push the boundaries of my strength, which is increasing rapidly with every class. I still have trouble with triangle but I now understand the posture and what it means for my body.
The third element of the practice is physical strength, meaning contracted muscles. I'm using my abs and inner thighs more than I ever have in my life. On days I don't go to yoga, I've been doing ten regular sit-ups to focus some more attention on my abs. I am growing really addicted to the feeling of sore/tired muscles the day after going to class. It helps me to feel solid and strong instead of weak and tired.
Long story short: the posture clinics were awesome and my practice was helped out so much by everything Lynn had to offer. I'm having so much fun applying everything she shared over the weekend. Look out, triangle. You'll be mine soon.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
It's about time.
Okay, so you probably guessed I didn't make it through my 64 day challenge by my sudden and abrupt silence regarding all things yoga. You would be correct if you leaped to that assumption. Instead, I took nine classes in two months. Those nine classes were all pretty crappy because my head and heart were both on vacation from my practice. In short, I needed a break and I took it. Failures are an important part of any practice because they teach you things you need to know in order to move forward.
I returned to practicing last week but wanted to keep a little quiet about it, to keep my practice to myself for a little while, to practice without analyzing. I just let myself get lost in the yoga. The classes I've taken have been wonderful, healing, and awakening.
One of the most notable happenings in these classes is that I am not allowing myself to sit out of postures anymore. If I feel overwhelmed, I just stand calmly with my arms by my side and breathe as normally as possible for a moment or two. I have noticed that squatting or sitting in the standing series makes me a lot dizzier than I am when I just stand up. I would imagine that has something to do with the blood rushing to the lower half of the body upon standing again. I'm also finding it makes the class go by so much faster when I'm at least attempting all sets of the postures. In a strange way, it makes everything a little easier, even though I'm working harder.
I was really inspired by one of my teachers the other day. She gently, but firmly, kept telling us to get back in the postures after falling out. No hesitation, just do it. Even though I've heard it a million times, I listened for the first time. I kept placing my body back into the postures, even when my muscles were screaming at me for a break. I've been totally exhausted to the point of not really being able to move in savasana and it. feels. wonderful.
My focus has been good in class and I feel like my head and heart are both back in my practice. I needed some time to rest my body and my brain and I took it. I'm now back with a renewed spirit. I'm so glad to be reconnecting with my practice again. It really is amazing how differently I feel when I'm practicing vs. when I am not. I love how I feel when I'm getting to class regularly. I randomly went to class on Monday without really having planned to go. I just thought to myself how much better I would feel and how much easier the day would be if I just went. I left class feeling refreshed and energized. I'm back to the place of looking forward to the class ahead of me instead of being anxious or nervous about how hard it's going to be.
Yoga, I missed you. <3
I returned to practicing last week but wanted to keep a little quiet about it, to keep my practice to myself for a little while, to practice without analyzing. I just let myself get lost in the yoga. The classes I've taken have been wonderful, healing, and awakening.
One of the most notable happenings in these classes is that I am not allowing myself to sit out of postures anymore. If I feel overwhelmed, I just stand calmly with my arms by my side and breathe as normally as possible for a moment or two. I have noticed that squatting or sitting in the standing series makes me a lot dizzier than I am when I just stand up. I would imagine that has something to do with the blood rushing to the lower half of the body upon standing again. I'm also finding it makes the class go by so much faster when I'm at least attempting all sets of the postures. In a strange way, it makes everything a little easier, even though I'm working harder.
I was really inspired by one of my teachers the other day. She gently, but firmly, kept telling us to get back in the postures after falling out. No hesitation, just do it. Even though I've heard it a million times, I listened for the first time. I kept placing my body back into the postures, even when my muscles were screaming at me for a break. I've been totally exhausted to the point of not really being able to move in savasana and it. feels. wonderful.
My focus has been good in class and I feel like my head and heart are both back in my practice. I needed some time to rest my body and my brain and I took it. I'm now back with a renewed spirit. I'm so glad to be reconnecting with my practice again. It really is amazing how differently I feel when I'm practicing vs. when I am not. I love how I feel when I'm getting to class regularly. I randomly went to class on Monday without really having planned to go. I just thought to myself how much better I would feel and how much easier the day would be if I just went. I left class feeling refreshed and energized. I'm back to the place of looking forward to the class ahead of me instead of being anxious or nervous about how hard it's going to be.
Yoga, I missed you. <3
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Days 2 & 3: Re-capturing my strength
Days 2 and 3 were certainly interesting. First of all, my body has definitely missed being in the hot room. Like, a lot. I have noticed a decent amount of loss of strength which in turn seriously affects my balance. The standing series is brutal on me. I've been tanking out energy-wise in the warm-up series, which I haven't experienced really since my first month of class. Overall, I still am feeling heavy. My limbs feel like lead. My concentration, in class and outside class, is shot.
I have had some nice success with toe stand, though. I was able to get my hands to the floor and bend my knee all the way in both sets for the first time yesterday. Once I'm there, I kind of freak out and fall over, but it's definite progress on a posture I've barely improved on at all since the beginning of my practice. I enjoy these baby steps.
I'm still getting slammed with an over-abundance of emotion in class, though. It happened yesterday after my first floor bow, where I kept my knees in more than ever before. After that, it was like the floodgates opened. I couldn't stop crying. It was extremely embarrassing. I kept doing the postures but I was having such a hard time looking at myself in the mirror. Every time I did, I just lost it.
After class, I cried some more, and sat outside in the nice 70 degree weather (I LOVE YOU, TEXAS WINTER) for a while to collect myself. Despite being embarrassing and awkward, I think the emotional release was probably pretty good for me. Many thanks to my instructor Sherry, who gave me words of comfort and a long hug after class despite my yoga sweat.
I keep telling myself, "better out than in," but it's hard to not feel embarrassed or ashamed about losing control of my emotions publicly. It's also very embarrassing for me to talk about it here but this is an honest chronicle of my practice. I'm doing what I can. I just hope tonight's class is a little lighter.
I have had some nice success with toe stand, though. I was able to get my hands to the floor and bend my knee all the way in both sets for the first time yesterday. Once I'm there, I kind of freak out and fall over, but it's definite progress on a posture I've barely improved on at all since the beginning of my practice. I enjoy these baby steps.
I'm still getting slammed with an over-abundance of emotion in class, though. It happened yesterday after my first floor bow, where I kept my knees in more than ever before. After that, it was like the floodgates opened. I couldn't stop crying. It was extremely embarrassing. I kept doing the postures but I was having such a hard time looking at myself in the mirror. Every time I did, I just lost it.
After class, I cried some more, and sat outside in the nice 70 degree weather (I LOVE YOU, TEXAS WINTER) for a while to collect myself. Despite being embarrassing and awkward, I think the emotional release was probably pretty good for me. Many thanks to my instructor Sherry, who gave me words of comfort and a long hug after class despite my yoga sweat.
I keep telling myself, "better out than in," but it's hard to not feel embarrassed or ashamed about losing control of my emotions publicly. It's also very embarrassing for me to talk about it here but this is an honest chronicle of my practice. I'm doing what I can. I just hope tonight's class is a little lighter.
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