Day 17 - Summer is in full effect - get your sweat on!

DAY 17 - May 26, 2011

Back in the saddle. After a few days of near full-blown body rebellion, I finally felt good today. I went to Ame's vinyasa class at BBY and, once again, it just flew by! I'm starting to think she has special powers - special time-bending powers. I can't wrap my head around it, nor am I going to try. But it's pretty super. In her classes, I can totally lose myself in the movement. The tempo, her voice, the cues, the adjustments - it all just comes together brilliantly. And I love it. Total addict.

I realize that I talk quite a bit about sweat on this blog, so I will try and stop after this comment (especially since its summer now and its gonna be hot all.the.time.). But class was a lovely sweatfest and I was in my glory. Go get your sweat on today. You will feel like a million bucks. Well, I wouldn't know what a million bucks feels like, so you will feel like a brand new, crisp one dollar bill. Better yet, you will feel like the owner of that crispy, wrinkle-free one dollar bill standing at a vending machine and after you make your purchase on the first try without any dollar regurgitation, you also find the forgotten extra change from the person before you. THAT'S how good you'll feel. So do it.

Day 17 overall: Feeling good again. Why can't I breathe when I try to backbend? Need to explore this further...

Day 16 - Stubborn Toes

DAY 16 - May 25, 2011

This week has been rough. My body has been tired and I was just waiting for it to totally rebel. I went to Georgia's class at BBY and when I found myself literally shaking in the first down dog, I couldn't help but think "oh crap". I was envisioning myself face-planting on the mat. As we started building heat and moving through the flow, my body started to cooperate - up until we got to pigeon pose. Total hip spasms in full effect. Thank goodness for child's pose, that's all I gotta say.

Recently, I participated in Ame Wren's Teacher Mentorship Program at BBY and, as part of the curriculum, she asked us to read Matthew Sanford's book, Waking (http://www.matthewsanford.com/content/book). Matthew is a yoga teacher who is paralyzed from the chest down and this book tells his story, as well as explores his connection to his body and to his practice. He talks about the disconnection he has with his body because of the paralysis and how he works to overcome it. I won't give too much away because you should read it (even all you non-yogis out there). It is a-maz-ing and you will not want to put it down.

So the point of me mentioning his book - While in class, we were practicing headstand prep. I set myself up - forearms firmly planted on the ground, elbows shoulder-width apart, hands clasped & cupping the back of my head, crown of my head pressing lightly into the earth, hips up, hamstrings long and strong. As I walked my feet in, I realized this is the best I've felt in this pose ever. My hamstrings were finally loose enough to allow my hips to just float up over head and my shoulders and arms felt strong enough to support my body weight. I was getting super pumped. I came to the point where my toes barely dangled on top of the floor - just the tips barely brushing the ground. And then it all stopped. Georgia cued us to "use your core to lift your legs slowly into the air - no hopping!!". My brain understood this cue, I have lifted my feet up above my head many times before. But today I was searching, yearning for that controlled lift - and there was nothing. I leered at my toes waiting for them to levitate gracefully up over my head but they just hung there stubbornly. I immediately thought of Matthew. It dawned on me that this must be how he feels all the time. His brain sends the signals to this lower limbs to move, to rise, to follow along - only to never receive fully what he is asking for. In my case, my non-movement issue only lies in the fact that I have flubby abs that need some serious core boot camp. I had to pause. I grew extremely thankful for those bullheaded toes of mine. When I asked them to wiggle, they wiggled. When I asked my legs to bend, they did as they were told. My body doesn't always move exactly the way I want it to and I get frustrated with it at times, but I have a strong, able body and it is something I will never take for granted.

Day 16 overall: Happy for the body I have and all that is does for me. I needed this reminder.

Day 15 - Midpoint!

DAY 15 - May 24, 2011

I've reached the midpoint in my challenge! Day 15 and I have to admit, I did NOT feel like doing yoga today. Not at all. I wanted to make a lentil loaf, sit on the coach and watch the Biggest Loser finale. Thankfully, I have the best boyfriend who took up all lentil loaf making responsibilities and motivated me to get going. I had no excuses. I looked around for what I thought would be a mellow class and when I found one titled "Just Yoga" at Be. in Union Square, I thought 'perfect'. I begrudgingly gathered myself together and schlepped down to the studio. On the plus side, the neighborhood smelled like flowers and BBQs. On the down side, did I mention I did NOT feel like doing yoga today? Blerg.

The "Just Yoga" class was the second class of the night and the heaters had been pumping for a full 2 hrs before we even got in there. The studio was hot and soupy and it didn't take long (maybe by the second "om" of the class) before we were all sweating profusely. I even questioned bringing a towel to this "just yoga" class before I left, thinking it was going to be chill. Well good thing I decided otherwise. It also didn't help that it was the first 80 degree day of the season. Swell.

I slipped and slided through the poses, muscles twitching from trying to stabilize themselves on my sweat stained mat. I thought they were going to go on strike, and my mind was right behind them. I zoned out. I rolled my eyes once - ok, maybe twice. I just wasn't feeling it today. It wasn't the class or the instructor (both were great), but it was just one of those days. Ya know? I am happy I made it through though because I felt great afterwards. There is just no escaping the yoga buzz, no matter how hard you fight it.

Day 15 overall: Glad I sucked it up and went to class. It's not easy getting yourself to the mat every day, but it is important to make that commitment to yourself and to your practice. It is so worth it.

Day 14 - Bikram scares me, but hot yoga's cool

DAY 14 - May 23, 2011

I have a love-hate relationship with Bikram yoga. I love the heat, I love how it makes me all bendy and flexy, and I love how I am able to mold myself into positions I normally wouldn't deem fathomable. It's shocking how good it feels to practice in a room that has the equivalent temperature of a sauna, but trust me, its incredibly cleansing. Watching the beads of sweat drip off me onto my yogitoes towel below, makes me one happy gal. Afterwards, you feel like you had a facial, lost 5 lbs, and took a few shots of tequila. Sounds fun, no?

I dislike Bikram (hate is a strong word) because the studios are usually bright, you are usually staring at yourself in a mirror, and the instructors are, well, very stern. Yeah, stern, that's it. Ok, I'm not going to candycoat it - they like to yell at you. At least this has been my experience. While other forms of yoga will encourage you to "listen to your body" and "do the best you can", Bikram is a bit more in your face. I've been to classes where I wouldn't be surprised if the instructor pulled out a ruler and hit ya on the back of the hand, nun-style, if you didn't go deep enough. But there are many people out there that love this style of practice, and to each their own.

With all that said, I do like "Hot Hatha Yoga" or "Hot Yoga" classes. These classes tend to use the 26 traditional poses of the Bikram series as a foundation but build on them and add other poses that complement and expand the practice. And best of all they are generally more relaxed (this doesn't mean easy). I went to Alice Senko's Heated class at Samara yoga studio for my day 14 and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Alice is animated, energetic and you could tell how much she loves being an instructor. Being a newbie to her class, she made the effort to ask my name in the beginning of class and I was pleased when she didn't forget it (nice touch). She also has endearing quirks like saying "sof-ten" with the hard T sound and my fave "lit-trally", instead of "literally", like Rob Lowe's character on Parks and Recreation. [Sidenote - Watch Parks and Rec. You will not be disappointed.] The sequence was challenging, and by the end, I looked like a crazy lady with frizzed out hair and was dripping with sweat (think jumping into a pool with all your clothes on). But I was a happy lunatic, no doubt about that.

Day 14 overall: Got deeper into Hanumansana (full split), which I am stoked about (gotta love that heat). This hot yoga class reminded me of the days I would regularly take/teach hot yoga in NJ. Good old days.

Day 13 - Energy

DAY 13 - May 22, 2011

Post-gardening tightness had set in and yoga was needed ASAP. I headed to Samara for some vinyasa in hopes of loosening up my hunched shoulders and cranky lower back. Hannah was filling in for Nicoline Valkenberg (the owner of Samara) and when she asked if the group had any requests, I had no qualms asking for some shoulder/back love. She delivered with lots of backbending, twisting, chest opening and a whole lot of chaturangas. A whole lot.

All the yogis must have slept in on this Sunday morning because only 7 folks opted to skip brunch in bed and come in for class. It's interesting how the size of a class can affect the vibe. Energy, to a scientist like myself, is something that we try to understand, quantify and capture. But it is amazing to just feel how it can change from scenario to scenario. There is an intangible quality to energy that is so powerful. We are always transferring and receiving energy from those around us. Make sure the energy you are sending out is positive and beneficial to those in your life.

Day 13 overall: Felt a bit like Frankenstein today in class with all the stiffness in my body, but the class relieved some of it. Energy is more than just that little extra something that you find in a double espresso. Be conscious of the vibes to are sending out in the world.

Day 12 - The Garden Project

DAY 12 - May 21, 2011

My yoga for the day was one of service (and manual labor). We tackled the back garden and planted tomatoes, carrots (from seed), red onions, zucchini, yellow straightneck squash, cauliflower, beets, arugula, sweet peas, cucumbers and saved a thyme bush. Seed potatoes are also drying out and prepping for there home in the earth. I'm already dreaming of all the tasty meals that will be made from our homegrown veg.

Whether you have a green thumb or not, I think it is important to be aware of where your food is coming from. I am all about buying organic, local and sustainable food when possible. Check out what this means here: http://www.sustainabletable.org/issues/eatlocal/#what.

Happy noshing.

Day 12 overall: As a former geologist, I felt right at home in the dirt. Pleased with all of our hardwork and eager to see what comes out of it. Since I spent all day with my hands in the ground, I guess this means I will have to double up yoga classes sometime before the 30 days is over!

Day 11 - Surrender

DAY 11 - May 20, 2011

Friday night Vinyasa with Deep Relaxation (VDR) is my happy hour. Led by Ame Wren at BBY, this class mixes vinyasa, yin and restorative yoga to create an hour and a half of pure bliss. Just to give you a visual of the complete surrender you will experience in this class, this is how we started out:

http://www.laughinglotus.com/blog/randi%20childs%20pose.jpg

You can forget the chaturangas and start building your own mini Stonehenge replica out of bolsters and blocks to prop your legs up on for savasana (aka corpse pose - yep, lie there like a dead man. no joke.). You know it's going to be a good class when the instructor tells you to grab two blocks, a bolster, a blanket AND a strap. Do not fear the props, they are your friends! Especially in restorative yoga, it is crucial to use the props to support you fully in the poses. Give your muscles, and your ego, a break.

Day 11 overall: I looooooooooooooooove restorative yoga. End of story.

Day 10 - Personal Space

DAY 10 - May 19, 2011

Personal space. A concept ruled by culture, preference and situation. I like my space, but living in a city where I need to throw 'bows just to get on the train to get to yoga class, I regularly battle to maintain a piece of my own personal real estate. So when I finally get to class and I am mat-to-mat with my fellow Bostonites (as lovely as they all are), it takes some restraint not to get a little irked by this. Don't get me wrong - it is freakin' outstanding that so many people are flocking to get their sweat/enlightenment on, but sometimes I just want to sidebend without getting groped by the dude with uber long arms next to me. But it's all good. Patiently dealing with these situations, taking them in stride and not getting my panties in a bunch is what its all about. I'll just remember to breeeeeeaaaath when I go to jump back to chaturanga only to find that my neighbor behind me has folded my mat over, since her mat space clearly wasn't enough room for her to practice her handstands on. Ok, I'll stop now. Om mani padme hum...

But anywho, Thursday night class with Ame kicked ass as usual. Time flew by in what felt like a blink of an eye. I am 1/3 of the way through the 30-day yoga challenge and feelin' good. Taking this time to rededicate myself to my practice has been a blessing. I encourage you to find time to engage deeply in something you love.

Day 10 overall: Last time I checked I wasn't invisible, but it sure felt like it today. Patience tested, outcome surprisingly okay. Feeling optimistic.

Day 9 - Perspective

DAY 9: May 18, 2011

As humans we spend far too much time on our feet and, who are we kidding, our arses. When I was a kid I would spend hours in my family's den flinging myself up into handstands against the brick fireplace, the couch and in the middle of the room. There was something about holding myself upside down that I just loved. Maybe it was the thrill of looking at the world from a different point of view, or maybe it was the buzz I got from all the extra blood flow to the brain. Who knows. All I know is that, as an adult, I never want to lose that feeling of playful exuberance I had when balancing on my palms as a kid, my legs wiggling free above me.

I get pumped when instructors incorporate arm balances into class. I am by no means a pro at these poses but it's fun to "make your hands your feet" every once in awhile. Last night, in Georgia's vinyasa flow class at BBY, we got to explore bakasana (crow pose) and tittibhasana (firefly pose) several times. Each time we would come to the pose, it was interesting to see how my perspective would change. When working arm balances, it's definitely a process. The first time you do it, you might try to muscle your way up. But then you realize that doesn't work out so well. So you listen to the instructions again. The next time you may actually take some of that advice and put it to practice. You lift your hips. Hmmm, interesting, that kinda made it easier. The following time you may go a bit further and lift your hips, AND engage your core muscles, AND lift your gaze slightly. Next thing you know you're having some serious hangtime. Ah, that thrill is back and I am having flashbacks of braces and awkward haircuts.

Changing your perspective every now and again is healthy and invigorating. Whether its physically changing the angle at which you are looking at something, taking the time to see a situation from both sides, or perhaps acquiring knowledge about something totally new to you. Whatever it is, be open.

Day 9 overall: I want Georgia's arms and if I need to do arm balances and a gazillion chaturangas everyday to achieve this, then so be it. Might have figured out a way to do bakasana and not have triceps that look like I'm a resident at a battered women's shelter (see Day 7). Flipping your life upside down can be a good thing!

Day 8 - Superwomen

DAY 8 - May 17, 2011

Just another night of being completely humbled and amazed by the incredible yoginis in this world (who also have some serious balls of steel, might I add). I traveled to Haverhill, MA to check out Caroline Giles's studio - The Yoga Tree - for some candlelight yoga and live music with the insanely amazing Erica Magro. Welcomed by a glowing, christmas light peace sign hanging in the window, this adorable studio is nestled right up against the river. The windows in the studio overlook this gorgeous view and, as night falls, you can catch a glimpse of the moonlight sparkling on the rippling water as you move through your salutes. Um, yes please! I watched as my shadow, cast by the soft candlelight, mimicked my movements on my mat. Stillness and action are happily juxtaposed, an oxymoron of yogic proportions.

So why do these yoginis have giant steely balls, you ask? Because they are fearless. Because they open studios, they fly around the world to learn and spread their knowledge, they teach classes day in and day out. They put themselves out there all for the sake of sharing something they love, to build a community and to help others find peace and happiness in their lives. Pretty darn awesome. The world is a better place because people like them take the leap and just go for it. And for that, I commend them.

Day 8 overall: Tonight sparked some serious reflection and contemplation. Am I doing everything I can to be who I want to be? If not, what's stopping me? What's stopping you from being the best version of yourself?

Day 7 - Turning inward

DAY 7: May 16, 2011

Apparently, Boston is the new Seattle and it is going to rain FOR-EV-ER. When the weather is cold and damp, my body craaaaves heat so it was a no brainer when deciding where to go for class. I headed over to South Boston Yoga (SBY) for a Hot Yoga class with Joanne Flaherty. The hot yoga room at SBY is womb-like with heaters continually pumping warm air into the space. Lights were turned down low and candle lights flickered on the altar. The ambiance was super chill and I could have flowed through the whole class with eyes closed. Joanne mindfully guides students with her sultry voice and smooth way about her. I could almost picture her in an era passed, vibing to the sounds of Ella Fitzgerald in a jazz club, bourbon in hand.

My hips have been getting a lot of lovin' these days and this class was no different. I guess there is something about the spring that makes you want to loosen your groins. Wait, what?! But seriously, I could feel the progress that has been made in my body over the last few months of practicing, and in the last week in particular. I definitely have more mobility in my joints (hips included) and my overall strength is improving each day. Amazingly, I find that the more I open my body up, the easier it becomes to turn my focus inward. Finding space in the poses allows for a sense of freedom and, in turn, a sense of relaxation.

Being able to integrate an element of ease into the poses will transform your relationship with the asanas. I'll even be so bold as to go beyond that and say, try to bring an element of ease into everything you do. The breath is the key. You've heard it before, but that's because it is so true. When stress is overwhelming you, take a breath and allow yourself to feel the lightness in the body - even if just for a moment.

Day 7 overall: Felt like I got a big ol' yoga hug. Finally realized (after a week) why I have bruises on my triceps - bakasana (crow pose) is the culprit! Does this happen to anyone else?! I upped the spinach intake at dinner to prevent this from happening in the future.

Day 6 - Flow slow and just be

DAY 6: May 15, 2011

Energy levels were low on this rainy Sunday afternoon so I decided to head over to Be. Yoga Studio in Union Square for some Yin Flow action with Frances Harper. Yin yoga is a natural accompaniment to the vinyasa practice. In yin yoga, the practitioner holds poses for longer periods of time, releasing the muscles so that the deeper connective tissue is working, stretching and opening. Vinyasa is a meditation through movement in which you link poses to the rhythm of your breath. It is much more vigorous and active compared to yin, but I find that stilling the mind in yin poses is the real challenge. The yin practice teaches you to let go and to surrender - a very foreign and scary thing to many of us.

The class was dimly lit and the sounds of women chanting emanated from the mounted ipod on the side of the room (e.g. Donna Delory and others of the like). We moved slowly and methodically through Moon salutations - opening the hips through horse pose, 'kung fu' lunges, triangle, and low lunge. Building on the hip opening action, we sank deeply into frog and pigeon (i.e. sleeping swan in the yin practice). As my mind raced and fidgety feelings took hold, Frances was there to remind us to bring our awareness back to the breath. She spoke about the elemental nature of our hips - water. A paradox she points out, since so many of us hold our emotions, stress, pain, etc. in this space. It is often a place of tightness and I know the feeling all too well of being stuck or stagnant in the hips. It is only when we let go, will we find the fluid movement that is the true nature of this region.

Day 6 overall: Peaceful, calming. My mind was my worst enemy today and it took some time to be able to slow my thoughts/movements and just be in the poses.

Day 5 - Lead with your heart

DAY 5: May 14, 2011

As part of this challenge, I told myself that I would like to focus on expanding my yoga practice in any and every way. By this I mean that I want to try new studios, teachers, classes, poses, etc. So with this in mind, I ventured over to Samara Yoga Studio on Elm St in Davis Square for a Level 2 Anusara-inspired flow class with Hannah Emlen. New studio - check. New teacher - check. Anusara? I think I've done this once or twice before, but for all intensive purposes I'm going to say: New class - check.

Positioned on the second floor above the Burren Pub, I walked up the flight of stairs to the studio and was greeted by a phantom "hello" coming from what appeared to be the walls. A few minutes later a smiling girl with hot pink hair appeared from the bathroom with a jug filled with water. She led me through the check-in process where I signed up for the new student special, which you can find at almost every studio around - it's $25 for unlimited yoga for the first two weeks (if it is your first time at the studio). The space at Samara is bright and clean, though the smell of pub food wafted in through the open windows from the watering holes below (and it was makin me hungry!). The class was filled with hip opening (think rockstar, lizard, hanuman, etc), twisting, and we had some time to play with inversions at the wall. Hannah had a pleasant demeanor and kept checking in with us to see how the poses were feeling. I think at one point she instructed us to "soften your brain into your heart". Still trying to figure that one out. It must be an Anusara, "let your heart lead the way" kinda thing.

Day 5 overall: Was pleased with my experience at this new studio and will definitely go back. The humid air and plenty of chaturangas led to an active, warming flow. Distracted by fried food and the stubble on my legs (this is why I don't wear cropped pants to yoga, I remind myself). Content with my practice for the day.

Day 4 - Girl's night out

DAY 4: May 13, 2011

Girl's night out with Katie + Bridesmaids movie (HIGH-LARIOUS, btw) = yoga free day.

It's ok, I did two yesterday. :-)

Day 3 - Doubleheader!

I'm back after some Blogger technical difficulties (i.e. my blog was erased!). Time to play catch up on the last few days...

DAY 3: May 12, 2011

Aaah, Thursday. I am so happy when Thursday rolls around. Not only because the next day is Friday and the end of the work week is in sight, but because Thursday night means vinyasa flow with Miss Ame Wren. If you have not taken a class with her, stop what you are doing and GO. Like right now, stop reading, walk away from the computer and find her class. You are welcome. Ame can command a room of 90 yogis with ease and grace. Her clever sequences, precise anatomical cuing and juicy adjustments make her classes some of my all time faves. Kate Heffernan (another local yoga teacher) aides Ame in distributing these blissful adjustments, just adding to the overall experience. The two of them work the room like a choreographed dance, spreading the love through the power of touch.

After the vinyasa flow class, I thought it was a good idea to try my luck at Ame's advanced class. I have been avoiding this class like the plague, convinced that my seven years of practice was just not nearly enough to hang with the big dogs. But after some light persuasion by Ame and with Kate Heffernan agreeing to be my yoga partner in crime, I stayed. A less structured and much smaller class (only about 10 people that night), you get the chance to explore the free flow of your practice; starting the Sun A's and B's as a group, but then having time to play and move how you want. The sequencing definitely dives into more advanced poses, incorporating more inversions and arm balances. Ame creates an environment where there is some structure mixed with the openness to test the limits of your practice. She encourages you and with her "you got it, girl" attitude, the next thing you know you are doing pincha mayurasana (forearm balance) in the middle of the room (though I squealed like a pig in that moment filled with sheer excitement and "oh my god!"). While playing at the wall towards the end of class, I also found that I was able to go from a handstand to urdhva dhanurasna (full wheel) by walking my feet up and down the wall. Killer.

Day 3 overall: Great night of exploration and testing the limits. Exhausted by the end of the night - wasn't sure if I was going to be able to make it home. Would have curled up in a ball on the T if it wasn't a social faux pas. Note to self: eat more than a larabar and banana for lunch before doing back-to-backs!

My 30-Day Yoga Challenge (Days 1 & 2)

I'm always up for a new challenge. Hey, that's how I found yoga in the first place. So in the spirit of adventure and testing my will power, I have embarked on a self-inflicted 30-Day Yoga Challenge. It's simple - 30 days, 30 classes. I began a few days ago, so allow me recap:

DAY 1: May 10, 2011

It was a cold day in Boston. Too cold for May if you ask me, but luckily for my chilled bones, there is a sweaty yoga heaven just down the road from my work. It's called Sweat and Soul Yoga Studio (aka SASY), the small but inviting sister studio to the much larger Back Bay Yoga Studio (aka BBY) downtown. With it's deep red walls and steamed up windows, you know immediately you are going to walk out of this place with a few less toxins than you walked in with. I attended the Hip Hop Yoga class with studio owner, Lynne Begier. I love throwing this class into the mix because 1.) I love hip hop and what better way to rock Natarajasana than to the rhythmic beats of 50 Cent and 2.) between the music, the sweat, and the challenging flow, you will forget about anything and everything else going on in the world. Sometimes that is exactly what I need. The only thing is that I have to restrain myself from rapping/dancing during class. I can only assume that this is frowned upon.

Day 1 overall: Sweaty and happy. Good start. This should be a breeze...

DAY 2: May 11, 2011

Ok, I can definitely feel my ass today. Yup, I know it's there.

Today's class was vinyasa flow at BBY with Georgia Reath. Lot's of heart opening and backbending. Sitting in front of a computer for 8 hrs everyday has caused me to suffer from regular neck and shoulder discomfort (like so many other desk jockeys in this world), so these classes are always welcome in my book.

Day 2 overall: Felt strong, a little wobbly when balancing. Think I got into the deepest Urdhva Dhanurasana of my life. Started working toward standing up from there... that'll be the day!

Welcome

Yoga is, let's face it, amazing. I was lucky enough to stumble into my first yoga class 7 years ago and in the time since there have been many ups and downs in my relationship with yoga. For lack of a better term, I'll refer to this as my yogacoaster. I'm in a place in my life now where I am rediscovering my practice, pushing the limits, and exploring everything it has to offer. This practice has no doubt changed me as a person and I am excited to see where it will guide me in the future. This blog will be a conglomeration of my thoughts, experiences, and general ramblings about my journey. Hope you enjoy.

Love and hugs,

K. Woods