I wanted to give an update of my second Year of Yoga. It's going great! Making a commitment to do yoga 6 days a week for a year is such a blessing to me. Lately, there are things by which it would be easy to get overwhelmed. When I get down, I tell myself- I'll deal with it on the mat.
This is especially helpful when I've spent some time thinking about Porter and the other orphans and the conditions in which they live- or anything in the world that seems negative and insurmountable. It is easy to get overwhelmed and down- so I remember that when I do my yoga, I can meditate and send positive energy in the direction that holds my concern. It's wonderful. As I do the poses I send that positive energy, pray, and know that every positive thing I do, no matter how small, makes a difference. I am so thankful for having this outlet, as it is so easy to stay emotionally down once you're there- or to go even lower- yoga is my 'reset' button and pulls me back up to a much more positive place.
Actually, thinking about it, yoga itself is a good teacher that every positive action, no matter how small, makes a difference. Any yoga, no matter how short the practice or how 'easy' the pose, makes a positive impact on your body and your life. I am thankful for the lessons it teaches me.
Namaste.
Showing posts with label Year of Yoga. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Year of Yoga. Show all posts
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Year of Yoga X2
I finished my Year Of Yoga back on October 31st, it was a wonderful experience. Trying not to 'mess up a streak' made me practice when I didn't feel like it, when I didn't think I had time, or when I wanted to do something else instead- and it was invaluable.
I cannot tell you how much it affected me for the better during that year. It was like my 'reset' button everyday. If I was grumpy, I was less so afterward. If I was anxious, I was calmer afterward. If I was happy, I was happier afterward.
For full disclosure I must mention, my year of practicing was not perfect, there were days that were totally busy and I completely forgot that I hadn't practiced that day until it was 11 and I was lying in my bed almost asleep- but there weren't too many of those, and when one is doing yoga 6 days per week all year long...even with mistakes, there is much accomplishment.
After I finished the year on October 31st, 2011, I took a break. I think it's important when you push yourself to accomplish something, that you give yourself rest afterward so you don't burn out. I felt that I was in danger of that, so I took a break for November. Then in December, I decided that I would get back into it, but not as a 'have to' thing, just as a normal exercise during the week.
Well...I can't be trusted to do things that are good for me I guess unless I have some kind of goal I have to meet. Even though I enjoy it, even though I know how amazingly beneficial it is for both my body and my mood, even though it only takes 20-30 minutes of my time, there were too many days that I just didn't get to it.
SO...because this is going to be another big year and I need all the help I can get to cope with the uncertainty and change, I decided last Sunday to do another Year of Yoga. Six days a week for a year. I will finish up next year in January. Already I can see what a giant difference having a goal I'm trying to reach makes. This week I made time every day of the six. I just made time. I guess goals are what I need.
I feel so much better today after six days of practice. Better in body than I have in two months.
As I do this Year of Yoga, I will continue to dedicate my practice to Porter from Reeces Rainbow. He doesn't have a family yet, so I continue to pray for him and send love to him as I complete my practice every day.
Please join me in another Year of Yoga for Porter and all special needs orphans.
I cannot tell you how much it affected me for the better during that year. It was like my 'reset' button everyday. If I was grumpy, I was less so afterward. If I was anxious, I was calmer afterward. If I was happy, I was happier afterward.
For full disclosure I must mention, my year of practicing was not perfect, there were days that were totally busy and I completely forgot that I hadn't practiced that day until it was 11 and I was lying in my bed almost asleep- but there weren't too many of those, and when one is doing yoga 6 days per week all year long...even with mistakes, there is much accomplishment.
After I finished the year on October 31st, 2011, I took a break. I think it's important when you push yourself to accomplish something, that you give yourself rest afterward so you don't burn out. I felt that I was in danger of that, so I took a break for November. Then in December, I decided that I would get back into it, but not as a 'have to' thing, just as a normal exercise during the week.
Well...I can't be trusted to do things that are good for me I guess unless I have some kind of goal I have to meet. Even though I enjoy it, even though I know how amazingly beneficial it is for both my body and my mood, even though it only takes 20-30 minutes of my time, there were too many days that I just didn't get to it.
SO...because this is going to be another big year and I need all the help I can get to cope with the uncertainty and change, I decided last Sunday to do another Year of Yoga. Six days a week for a year. I will finish up next year in January. Already I can see what a giant difference having a goal I'm trying to reach makes. This week I made time every day of the six. I just made time. I guess goals are what I need.
I feel so much better today after six days of practice. Better in body than I have in two months.
As I do this Year of Yoga, I will continue to dedicate my practice to Porter from Reeces Rainbow. He doesn't have a family yet, so I continue to pray for him and send love to him as I complete my practice every day.
Please join me in another Year of Yoga for Porter and all special needs orphans.
Monday, August 15, 2011
A Week in the Practice of a Budget Yogi- Monday
This post is the first of a short series of posts that documents a week in the life of my Year of Yoga. I call myself a Budget Yogi because I mostly do DVD's at home. DVD's are fine for the most part; I really enjoy the collection I have. Would I like to practice more in a real live studio? Sure, but but it really depends on my bank account on any given day, as well as child care, so mostly it ends up being just me, my cluttered living room, a two year old, a dog or two, a cat, and an onscreen Rodney Yee. Rock on!
Today I came home at lunch to do my yoga for the day. I only work 5 minutes or so away from my house, so sometimes this is a nice option- especially if I know the evening is going to be busy. It's also a nice break from everything to come home to an empty house and to light a candle and mellow out for a half hour in the middle of the day.
The DVD selection for today's practice was Yoga for Stamina- a nice 20 minute flow that includes my favorite Tree Pose. :) My mood for today's practice was half way between 'Totally Distracted Lets Just Do This So I Can Check It Off the List' and 'Totally Blissed Out'. My mind wasn't completely on task, but I wasn't completely unfocused either.
What I have found during this year is that I'm not going to be Totally Blissed Out everyday. Some days it will just be a check off the list- but that's ok. I'm there, I made the effort to pull the mat out and practice, and my body will get the benefit. When I'm conscious of a mindset like that, I try to focus more and be present, but sometimes it just doesn't stick. On days like those, I concentrate on the fact that I made good choices in getting on the mat, even if I wasn't totally present. What matters on those days is that I showed up.
I think life is often like that, no?
Saturday, June 18, 2011
New Beginnings
Hi Everyone!
I have been taking a little break from blogging, it wasn't a conscious decision, I just couldn't think of anything to write. I think I was getting a little emotionally spent thinking about little Porter, and I just didn't know what to write about him. I actually had to limit myself to checking his page on Reece's Rainbow only once a day, because I was checking over and over and making myself sad with his little face. So I took a little time to recenter.
During that time I continued to check in and of course pray for him daily. I also revitalized my yoga practice a little. It had gotten a little mechanical. Put the DVD in, do the poses, on with the day. I definitely needed something to help break the blahs.
So I started to really concentrate on being in each pose and not just moving through one to get to the other. Its been much better. Also, while I do that, I concentrate on really being present in the moment and I send prayers out to Porter at the same time. That has helped me not to get emotionally overwhelmed. I remember that I am not in control and I can't fix everything, but I can do good where I can and pray. Also that God has a plan for everyone, including Porter.
This has helped.
So I have been feeling better and new life has been breathed into my yoga practice (which is especially helpful since my commitment is to do it six days a week- not being present and focused makes every one of those six days hard, and not as beneficial as they could be). Doing yoga mindfully really has an amazing effect. I hope to write more about this.
I hope everyone had been enjoying the warmer weather! Please help me continue to raise funds for Porter's future family- and please join me in praying for his daily well being.
Thank you for continuing to read and support my journey through this year of yoga! 3/4 of a year down, 1/4 to go!!! :) :) :)
Namaste!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Weekly Yoga Breakdown
I haven't posted one of these in awhile, but I've been successfully completing my daily yoga. Here is this past week's breakdown. Not the most varied week ever, but I did what I needed on each day, which this week, meant a lot of relaxing AM Yoga.
Day One- AM Yoga
Day Two-AM Yoga
Day Three- Yoga for Stamina
Day Four-AM Yoga
Day Five- 15 Minute Results Yoga: Upper Body
Day Six- Yoga for Stamina
This makes six months and 2 weeks of yoga 6 days a week. Half way there!
Day One- AM Yoga
Day Two-AM Yoga
Day Three- Yoga for Stamina
Day Four-AM Yoga
Day Five- 15 Minute Results Yoga: Upper Body
Day Six- Yoga for Stamina
This makes six months and 2 weeks of yoga 6 days a week. Half way there!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Reece's Rainbow 5/5/5
In the last post I introduced little Porter, the second child in the Yoga for Kaylee project (now that Kaylee found her family- yippee!!!)
In addition to the Yoga for Kaylee project- having people sponsor my Year of Yoga- for Porter, I am also participating in the 5/5/5 Warrior program through Reece's Rainbow. Here is a description of the program from the RR site (I tried to summarize, but their words are better and hold more information):
Our 5/5/5 Warrior Project is new for this year, and specific to 2011 as we celebrate our 5-year anniversary!
After five years of service and more than 500+ children who are orphans no more, we have much to be grateful for but even more yet to do!
SIGN UPS OPEN NOW!
From May 5 – July 31, 2011, our 5/5/5 Warrior Project will bring greater awareness and grant funds to all of our 5-year old children, to include those with Down syndrome and our Other Angels.
Instead of preparing for kindergarten like they should be, these little ones are hidden away and facing life-long suffering in adult mental institutions around the world.
Your donations and advocacy efforts truly can bring every one of these children HOME into loving forever families. They should never have to step foot into a mental institution. Money is the only thing standing in the way. They deserve friends, a family, and a future. Help us raise $5000 or more for each of our 5 year olds to celebrate our 5 year anniversary!
Funds raised during this special warrior project will be HELD for your child until January of 2012, without risk of it being reallocated to the older child pages. This is a great opportunity to help these kids and make sure your efforts go for them to find a family.
So that's the 5/5/5 program that I am working on through the Yoga for Kaylee project. $5,000 is a big number, but little by little we can help Porter's 5/5/5 fund creep upwards toward that goal! Were you blessed with a big tax refund? Consider sending a little bit Porter's way! Good month at work? Pay those blessings forward!
The economy is not good, I do realize this- but I have also found that giving a little to help someone else, even while I am struggling, takes me out of my own worries and helps me to remember that I am very blessed, even in the midst of difficulty. And remember- any amount helps! Even a dollar or $0.50, is a dollar or $0.50 that helps little Porter get closer to finding his family. :)
All children deserve families that love them as the beautiful individuals that they are. Please help me raise the funds so that Porter's future family can bring him home!!
In addition to the Yoga for Kaylee project- having people sponsor my Year of Yoga- for Porter, I am also participating in the 5/5/5 Warrior program through Reece's Rainbow. Here is a description of the program from the RR site (I tried to summarize, but their words are better and hold more information):
Our 5/5/5 Warrior Project is new for this year, and specific to 2011 as we celebrate our 5-year anniversary!
After five years of service and more than 500+ children who are orphans no more, we have much to be grateful for but even more yet to do!
SIGN UPS OPEN NOW!
From May 5 – July 31, 2011, our 5/5/5 Warrior Project will bring greater awareness and grant funds to all of our 5-year old children, to include those with Down syndrome and our Other Angels.
Instead of preparing for kindergarten like they should be, these little ones are hidden away and facing life-long suffering in adult mental institutions around the world. Your donations and advocacy efforts truly can bring every one of these children HOME into loving forever families. They should never have to step foot into a mental institution. Money is the only thing standing in the way. They deserve friends, a family, and a future. Help us raise $5000 or more for each of our 5 year olds to celebrate our 5 year anniversary!
Funds raised during this special warrior project will be HELD for your child until January of 2012, without risk of it being reallocated to the older child pages. This is a great opportunity to help these kids and make sure your efforts go for them to find a family.- View the children who need 5/5/5 Warriors on these links: BOYS and GIRLS.
- Sign up to be a 5/5/5 Warrior for a waiting child by contacting Laurie. (Or write to laurie@reecesrainbow.org)
- Use our graphics for Facebook and your blog
- Purchase 5/5/5 shirts, mugs, and other cool stuff in our store at www.cafepress.com/reecesrainbow so you can share Reece's Rainbow in your community.
- If you are an RR adoptive family, please join us over the 4th of July weekend for our first reunion!
So that's the 5/5/5 program that I am working on through the Yoga for Kaylee project. $5,000 is a big number, but little by little we can help Porter's 5/5/5 fund creep upwards toward that goal! Were you blessed with a big tax refund? Consider sending a little bit Porter's way! Good month at work? Pay those blessings forward!
The economy is not good, I do realize this- but I have also found that giving a little to help someone else, even while I am struggling, takes me out of my own worries and helps me to remember that I am very blessed, even in the midst of difficulty. And remember- any amount helps! Even a dollar or $0.50, is a dollar or $0.50 that helps little Porter get closer to finding his family. :)
All children deserve families that love them as the beautiful individuals that they are. Please help me raise the funds so that Porter's future family can bring him home!!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
KAYLEE'S FAMILY FOUND HER!
Good, good, good news today! Kaylee's profile has been taken off the 'Waiting Children' page and has been relocated to the 'My Family Found Me' page! :) I am SO happy. Kaylee finally has her family committed and working to bring her home.
Derek and Alyssa Chirch saw her and knew that she was the one for them. They still have a long road ahead- lots of paper work and unknowns and lots and lots of fundraising- but the process has been started and Kaylee now has a family working just for her.
They will still need lots of support, so please keep in touch with their journey to adopt Kaylee on their blog, Kaylee's Hope, and on the Facebook fan page of the same name. Please share with your friends too, it takes a village to get one of these sweet little ones home!!
As for me, I will still be helping with the efforts to bring Kaylee home in any way I can- look for a few pieces of my hand painted childrens clothes to be part of the Chirch's fund raising efforts!- but since Kaylee doesn't need a Warrior anymore (she has a family!) I will be using the rest of my Year of Yoga for another child still on the waiting list.
I will share posts from the Chirch's blog over here to keep all of the Yoga for Kaylee's sponsors updated, so don't feel like you won't get regular dose's of Kaylee info...but be looking for posts on the newest recipient of my Year of Yoga efforts very soon! Let's help bring another child home to their family!!!
Congratulations to the Chirchs and congratulations to Kaylee!!!
Derek and Alyssa Chirch saw her and knew that she was the one for them. They still have a long road ahead- lots of paper work and unknowns and lots and lots of fundraising- but the process has been started and Kaylee now has a family working just for her.
They will still need lots of support, so please keep in touch with their journey to adopt Kaylee on their blog, Kaylee's Hope, and on the Facebook fan page of the same name. Please share with your friends too, it takes a village to get one of these sweet little ones home!!
As for me, I will still be helping with the efforts to bring Kaylee home in any way I can- look for a few pieces of my hand painted childrens clothes to be part of the Chirch's fund raising efforts!- but since Kaylee doesn't need a Warrior anymore (she has a family!) I will be using the rest of my Year of Yoga for another child still on the waiting list.
I will share posts from the Chirch's blog over here to keep all of the Yoga for Kaylee's sponsors updated, so don't feel like you won't get regular dose's of Kaylee info...but be looking for posts on the newest recipient of my Year of Yoga efforts very soon! Let's help bring another child home to their family!!!
Congratulations to the Chirchs and congratulations to Kaylee!!!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Spring is here already!
Wow, its already a week into April. Where is this year going? I feel like November and December went by at a normal speed and then January 1st swooped in and since then 2011 has just been dragging me forward at warp speed.
I'm sorry I haven't written too much lately. I am still diligently doing my yoga six days a week but life is a little disorganized feeling right now, so I am just now trying to catch up on things that were in a holding pattern during the past few weeks. I'm taking steps to move forward with the things that I have control over. Limbo is a weird place to be for me, but I can't tell you enough how much yoga has helped me during this time. Some days have been well...blah, but as soon as I step onto the mat, my breathing calms, and my brain resets itself into a more positive space. It's awesome. I don't really know how yoga works on so many levels, but its enough to know that it does and I'm thankful for it! This year long yoga project has been such a blessing to my life during the year I probably need it the most.
Yay for yoga.
And Yay for Kaylee. As we move into the spring, don't forget little Kaylee and her need for a family who loves her. All the things you enjoy doing with your families during this beautiful time of year...keep in mind that Kaylee doesn't have a family of her own to do those things with. Let's help her family find her, shall we? Please forward and share Kaylee's information (or this blog) with everyone you know...you never know who might be the person who knows the person who will go bring Kaylee home!
Happy thoughts indeed.
I'm sorry I haven't written too much lately. I am still diligently doing my yoga six days a week but life is a little disorganized feeling right now, so I am just now trying to catch up on things that were in a holding pattern during the past few weeks. I'm taking steps to move forward with the things that I have control over. Limbo is a weird place to be for me, but I can't tell you enough how much yoga has helped me during this time. Some days have been well...blah, but as soon as I step onto the mat, my breathing calms, and my brain resets itself into a more positive space. It's awesome. I don't really know how yoga works on so many levels, but its enough to know that it does and I'm thankful for it! This year long yoga project has been such a blessing to my life during the year I probably need it the most.
Yay for yoga.
And Yay for Kaylee. As we move into the spring, don't forget little Kaylee and her need for a family who loves her. All the things you enjoy doing with your families during this beautiful time of year...keep in mind that Kaylee doesn't have a family of her own to do those things with. Let's help her family find her, shall we? Please forward and share Kaylee's information (or this blog) with everyone you know...you never know who might be the person who knows the person who will go bring Kaylee home!
Happy thoughts indeed.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
March- Week Three- Week of Yoga Breakdown
Well, my plan was to do one of these weekly breakdown posts after completing each week, but the past few weeks, when I get to Saturday, I can't remember what I did on Monday. Sad, I know. Things are a little crazy here. I need to just write it down every day so that when I get to Saturday...I can see what I did on everyday. I will try to do that from now on so I can give a breakdown each week instead of sporadically.
In any case, here is this week's yoga breakdown:
Day 1: 15 Minute Results Yoga: Upper Body
Day 2: Yoga for Stamina
Day 3: 15 Minute Results Yoga: Lower Body
Day 4: AM Yoga
Day 5: AM Yoga
Day 6: Yoga for Strength
In any case, here is this week's yoga breakdown:
Day 1: 15 Minute Results Yoga: Upper Body
Day 2: Yoga for Stamina
Day 3: 15 Minute Results Yoga: Lower Body
Day 4: AM Yoga
Day 5: AM Yoga
Day 6: Yoga for Strength
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Picture Update!
Hi all! The yoga is going well- I'm successfully completing my second week of my fifth month in my Year of Yoga! I will post this week's breakdown when it's complete.
I am happy to be able to post today, a super new picture of Kaylee! This picture is the new one that goes along with the updated description in the last post.
Isn't she cute?! I'm happy to see that she looks happier than in the last one. Doesn't she look like a sweet kid? I just want to brush her hair and put shiny bows in it and take her out to lunch.
And be her mom.
Oh wait, did I say that outloud? :)
Yeah, I really wish I could we could adopt her ourselves, but we are in the midst of finding out whether we will be moving to another state for a new job and that's just not really conducive to a serious discussion of adoption- or for a home study. Too many unknowns. So I will continue to pray that I can be instrumental in other ways in finding Kaylee a home. Who wouldn't want this sweet helpful little girl as their daughter?! For reals.
Have a great day everyone! Remember Kaylee in your prayers! (And wallets if able to do so...) :)
I am happy to be able to post today, a super new picture of Kaylee! This picture is the new one that goes along with the updated description in the last post.
Isn't she cute?! I'm happy to see that she looks happier than in the last one. Doesn't she look like a sweet kid? I just want to brush her hair and put shiny bows in it and take her out to lunch.
And be her mom.
Oh wait, did I say that outloud? :)
Yeah, I really wish I could we could adopt her ourselves, but we are in the midst of finding out whether we will be moving to another state for a new job and that's just not really conducive to a serious discussion of adoption- or for a home study. Too many unknowns. So I will continue to pray that I can be instrumental in other ways in finding Kaylee a home. Who wouldn't want this sweet helpful little girl as their daughter?! For reals.
Have a great day everyone! Remember Kaylee in your prayers! (And wallets if able to do so...) :)
Saturday, February 26, 2011
February: Week Four- Yoga Breakdown
Day 2: 15 Minute Results Yoga: Upper Body
Day 3: Yoga for Strength
Day 4: AM Yoga
Day 5: 15 Minute Results Yoga: Lower Body
Day 6: 15 Minute Results Yoga: Upper Body
Thursday, February 17, 2011
If I Can Do It...
Since I'm on my fourth month of yoga, but just started this particular blog, I am going to be posting some things that I wrote during the first three months of my Year of Yoga as well as my current posts. Here is one I wrote December 27th.
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For any of you out there that think that yoga is just for flexible, skinny people with lots of time and money, I would like to tell you otherwise. I am none of those things, but for two months I've had a very successful renewal of my yoga practice from long ago.
First: Flexibility
Flexible I AM NOT. I never have been. For example, in college I was in my dorm room stretching as far as I could go, when my roommate came in. "What are you doing?" she asked. "Stretching." I said.
She LAUGHED at me. "You can't even tell!" That was in college. When I was supposedly young and supple. Yeah, things haven't improved in that area as I've aged. You don't need to be bend-y. Just bend as far as you can. The benefits will still be there.
Second: Skinny
Lets just say sometimes my belly schlub gets in the way. We'll leave it at that.
Third: Money
I ain't got much. Funny how kids and pets suck all the extra funds out of you. This means that I can't really get to a 'real' yoga studio and practice very much. I have videos. I do one of them everyday. Do you need a lot of them? Not really. When I first started my practice way back when I was a poor grad student...I only had one Rodney Yee video with two 20 minute practices on it. (I also had to walk to school uphill both ways.) I did one of these two every day for months. Did it get a little boring? Sometimes, but the benefits were so great- even with just one video, that I kept it up. I'm glad I did.
I still have that video. I still use it. Thankfully now I have a few more, but you don't need a lot. There's also a lot of resources on the web. Look for them...you don't need a lot of money.
Fourth: Time
I have very little time for my practice, but since I committed to my 'Month of Yoga' in November, I had to MAKE time. Every day. Most days that meant rolling out my mat in the living room, next to the dogs, kid, and Little People farm and zoo sets and taking the time to practice. Here's a visual for you. This is from directly after today's practice:
Dog one wants to help!
Is it pretty? Not really the adjective I'd use. Is it peaceful, well...I've realized that peace comes from your MIND.
Take today for example. I'm sitting on my mat, trying to bend forward as far as my lack of flexibility allows, and the Sweet Baboo figures out that if he blows on the back of my neck, it makes a fantastic fart noise. That's right. There I am, trying to do a relaxing yoga sequence, and my son is making snotty fart noises on the back of my neck. Peace comes from your MIND.
Yesterday, this same kid decides that when I'm doing relaxation pose at the very end of my practice, it would be hilarious to stick his finger in my belly button. So, first of all, I am distracted by the fact that he can stick his finger ALL THE WAY into my belly button. Like, so it disappears (See point #2). Second, I have some one's finger stuck to the hilt into my belly button. Peace comes from your MIND.
So if you're interested in yoga but held back by various worries or concerns, don't worry! I am the perfect non-flexible, non-skinny, non-money and non-time having example. So if I can do it, you can definitely do it.
The benefits are so, so worth it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For any of you out there that think that yoga is just for flexible, skinny people with lots of time and money, I would like to tell you otherwise. I am none of those things, but for two months I've had a very successful renewal of my yoga practice from long ago.
First: Flexibility
Flexible I AM NOT. I never have been. For example, in college I was in my dorm room stretching as far as I could go, when my roommate came in. "What are you doing?" she asked. "Stretching." I said.
She LAUGHED at me. "You can't even tell!" That was in college. When I was supposedly young and supple. Yeah, things haven't improved in that area as I've aged. You don't need to be bend-y. Just bend as far as you can. The benefits will still be there.
Second: Skinny
Lets just say sometimes my belly schlub gets in the way. We'll leave it at that.
Third: Money
I ain't got much. Funny how kids and pets suck all the extra funds out of you. This means that I can't really get to a 'real' yoga studio and practice very much. I have videos. I do one of them everyday. Do you need a lot of them? Not really. When I first started my practice way back when I was a poor grad student...I only had one Rodney Yee video with two 20 minute practices on it. (I also had to walk to school uphill both ways.) I did one of these two every day for months. Did it get a little boring? Sometimes, but the benefits were so great- even with just one video, that I kept it up. I'm glad I did.
I still have that video. I still use it. Thankfully now I have a few more, but you don't need a lot. There's also a lot of resources on the web. Look for them...you don't need a lot of money.
Fourth: Time
I have very little time for my practice, but since I committed to my 'Month of Yoga' in November, I had to MAKE time. Every day. Most days that meant rolling out my mat in the living room, next to the dogs, kid, and Little People farm and zoo sets and taking the time to practice. Here's a visual for you. This is from directly after today's practice:
Dog one wants to help!
Dog two wants to help!
The Little People Animals want to help!
Is it pretty? Not really the adjective I'd use. Is it peaceful, well...I've realized that peace comes from your MIND.
Take today for example. I'm sitting on my mat, trying to bend forward as far as my lack of flexibility allows, and the Sweet Baboo figures out that if he blows on the back of my neck, it makes a fantastic fart noise. That's right. There I am, trying to do a relaxing yoga sequence, and my son is making snotty fart noises on the back of my neck. Peace comes from your MIND.
Yesterday, this same kid decides that when I'm doing relaxation pose at the very end of my practice, it would be hilarious to stick his finger in my belly button. So, first of all, I am distracted by the fact that he can stick his finger ALL THE WAY into my belly button. Like, so it disappears (See point #2). Second, I have some one's finger stuck to the hilt into my belly button. Peace comes from your MIND.
So if you're interested in yoga but held back by various worries or concerns, don't worry! I am the perfect non-flexible, non-skinny, non-money and non-time having example. So if I can do it, you can definitely do it.
The benefits are so, so worth it.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Listening to Your Body: Going for the Long Run Instead of the Now
For the last week and a half, my yoga practice looked, on paper, very boring. During the past week and a half, I did Rodney Yee's AM Yoga. Everyday. For a week and a half. And it was just what my body was asking me for. I just had to listen to it.
AM Yoga is what I call a 'Relax-y Stretchy' practice. Not too physically taxing, probably doesn't burn a lot of calories, but very beneficial nonetheless.
One day about two weeks ago, I was feeling really drained. The thought of doing any kind of yoga was not really what I wanted to think about. Was I burning out? Would I be able to continue this project? I wanted to sit on the couch. Rest. Sleep. Anything but Downward Dog or Push-up Pose.
So I did what I usually do when I'm feeling that way. I did AM Yoga. Most of AM Yoga takes place while lying down. It's so non-taxing that I can keep a heavy hoodie on the whole time. And thick socks. There's only one downward facing dog and you only stand up once. Perfect. Thank you Rodney Yee!
The next day, I felt the same way- so AM Yoga made a reappearance. Same with the day after that. Once I regained more energy, I was ready for something new, but then I pulled something in my shoulder (not yoga related) and couldn't lift my arm over my head without pain- so AM Yoga it was again. At that point, with more energy, I wanted to do something more athletic- I had calories to burn after all!
"You're going to get out of shape!", my brain told me. "All you eat is- as we speak- GOING TO YOUR THIGHS!"
I quietly listened to my brain...and then told it "to not be silly...doing too much right now would be detrimental" and again slipped AM Yoga into my DVD player. I really did want to do something a little more challenging, mostly because I felt like I needed to be burning calories (that is a hard mindset to re-set as a female, I think). BUT...I also needed to heal my shoulder. Pushing myself could mess it up more, and could put a major damper on the rest of my Year of Yoga. So despite my "I need to burn calories NOW" mentality, I went with the "I need to heal for the long run" reality. So I kept playing that AM Yoga DVD day after day until my shoulder felt better. Then I did it one more day for good measure.
I'm glad I did. Today I was able to do the more athletic (and aptly named) Yoga for Athletes by Baron Baptist. That's one of my faves and I've had it forever. Tried and true. Tomorrow I'll probably do Yoga for Stamina with Rodney Yee. Also tried and true.
My week and a half of "easy" yoga had not caused me lose strength or flexibility. It healed my shoulder fully and I was downward dogging it up on the mat today- just as strong and actually MORE flexible than before (thanks Relax-y Stretchy yoga!).
The moral to this experience: Listen to your body. It's usually smarter than you. :)
AM Yoga is what I call a 'Relax-y Stretchy' practice. Not too physically taxing, probably doesn't burn a lot of calories, but very beneficial nonetheless.
One day about two weeks ago, I was feeling really drained. The thought of doing any kind of yoga was not really what I wanted to think about. Was I burning out? Would I be able to continue this project? I wanted to sit on the couch. Rest. Sleep. Anything but Downward Dog or Push-up Pose.
So I did what I usually do when I'm feeling that way. I did AM Yoga. Most of AM Yoga takes place while lying down. It's so non-taxing that I can keep a heavy hoodie on the whole time. And thick socks. There's only one downward facing dog and you only stand up once. Perfect. Thank you Rodney Yee!
The next day, I felt the same way- so AM Yoga made a reappearance. Same with the day after that. Once I regained more energy, I was ready for something new, but then I pulled something in my shoulder (not yoga related) and couldn't lift my arm over my head without pain- so AM Yoga it was again. At that point, with more energy, I wanted to do something more athletic- I had calories to burn after all!
"You're going to get out of shape!", my brain told me. "All you eat is- as we speak- GOING TO YOUR THIGHS!"
I quietly listened to my brain...and then told it "to not be silly...doing too much right now would be detrimental" and again slipped AM Yoga into my DVD player. I really did want to do something a little more challenging, mostly because I felt like I needed to be burning calories (that is a hard mindset to re-set as a female, I think). BUT...I also needed to heal my shoulder. Pushing myself could mess it up more, and could put a major damper on the rest of my Year of Yoga. So despite my "I need to burn calories NOW" mentality, I went with the "I need to heal for the long run" reality. So I kept playing that AM Yoga DVD day after day until my shoulder felt better. Then I did it one more day for good measure.
I'm glad I did. Today I was able to do the more athletic (and aptly named) Yoga for Athletes by Baron Baptist. That's one of my faves and I've had it forever. Tried and true. Tomorrow I'll probably do Yoga for Stamina with Rodney Yee. Also tried and true.
My week and a half of "easy" yoga had not caused me lose strength or flexibility. It healed my shoulder fully and I was downward dogging it up on the mat today- just as strong and actually MORE flexible than before (thanks Relax-y Stretchy yoga!).
The moral to this experience: Listen to your body. It's usually smarter than you. :)
Donations!
I am so excited to report that Kaylee's adoption fund is a little bit bigger today!!! Thank you to anyone who has donated based on this project, and thank you to all of those who are keeping Kaylee and this project in your thoughts and prayers! It's working!
Since the donations go through Reece's Rainbow, I don't find out who donates and that is ok- but if you'd like to let me know privately of your support, or if you'd like your name to appear on the right of this blog as a sponsor (first name only is ok), please email me! I'd love to get a list of sponsors going! If you'd like to be anonymous...that's ok too, though. :)
Thanks again for all the support! It means a lot to me, but it means even more to sweet Kaylee.
Since the donations go through Reece's Rainbow, I don't find out who donates and that is ok- but if you'd like to let me know privately of your support, or if you'd like your name to appear on the right of this blog as a sponsor (first name only is ok), please email me! I'd love to get a list of sponsors going! If you'd like to be anonymous...that's ok too, though. :)
Thanks again for all the support! It means a lot to me, but it means even more to sweet Kaylee.
Monday, February 14, 2011
A Year of Yoga
In November 2010, I gave myself a goal to do yoga six days a week every week for the month of November. This was an attempt to breathe life back into the 'once in awhile' yoga practice that I had not-so-much-going. When I completed the month of November, I realized how much I really enjoyed the daily yoga practice and was starting to see some benefits, so I decided to do one more month. Then I decided to do a whole year.
Since then, I completed one and a half more months of yoga and discovered Reece's Rainbow. I spent every night for a week pouring over the faces of the beautiful children who need families, wishing there was more that I could do. One little girl's face kept coming back to me, and I wished there was something else I could do for her. After much more scouring of the website, I found out that I could be a 'Warrior' for her- by making a commitment to advocate and try to raise awareness and funds for her adoption grant. That is something I can do!
Not long after, while I was doing one of my daily yoga practices, I realized- why don't I do my Year of Yoga for Kaylee! People raise money for marathons and triathlons and all kinds of things- why not for yoga?
So I have now decided to not only do a Year of Yoga for my own health and well being, but to help raise awareness and funds for a little girl who needs a family.
If you'd like to sponsor me per month or just to make a one time donation- every little bit helps! The money goes directly into a fund to help Kaylee's future family cover the high costs of international adoption and is tax deductible. Many families want to adopt, but the financial aspect is daunting. Reece's Rainbow helps families realize their calling to adopt a special needs child by providing ways to offset these costs.
If you are not able to donate financially at this time- prayers are very valuable! Your prayers for Kaylee, Kaylee's future family, and for a successful yoga fundraising campaign are much appreciated!
Thank you for reading along and supporting my journey!
Since then, I completed one and a half more months of yoga and discovered Reece's Rainbow. I spent every night for a week pouring over the faces of the beautiful children who need families, wishing there was more that I could do. One little girl's face kept coming back to me, and I wished there was something else I could do for her. After much more scouring of the website, I found out that I could be a 'Warrior' for her- by making a commitment to advocate and try to raise awareness and funds for her adoption grant. That is something I can do!
Not long after, while I was doing one of my daily yoga practices, I realized- why don't I do my Year of Yoga for Kaylee! People raise money for marathons and triathlons and all kinds of things- why not for yoga?
So I have now decided to not only do a Year of Yoga for my own health and well being, but to help raise awareness and funds for a little girl who needs a family.
If you'd like to sponsor me per month or just to make a one time donation- every little bit helps! The money goes directly into a fund to help Kaylee's future family cover the high costs of international adoption and is tax deductible. Many families want to adopt, but the financial aspect is daunting. Reece's Rainbow helps families realize their calling to adopt a special needs child by providing ways to offset these costs.
If you are not able to donate financially at this time- prayers are very valuable! Your prayers for Kaylee, Kaylee's future family, and for a successful yoga fundraising campaign are much appreciated!
Thank you for reading along and supporting my journey!
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