Yoga Experiment

Feeling More

In my yoga practice tonight, I realized that yoga makes me feel muscles and parts of my body that I never gave a thought to. Sometimes stretching these muscles ever so slightly causes them to relax like never before (at least for as far as I can remember). I can feel my body gradually letting go of tension and opening up to the freedom that comes with being stronger having a greater awareness of yourself.

It would have been so easy to blow off yoga tonight after the day I had, but I'm sure glad I made it to class.

Day 6

I went to the 11:15 Gentle Yoga class today and couldn't help but think it got my day off to a great start (hey it's Saturday, I get up late). I have gone to yoga off and on throughout the years, but never  for more than 2x a week.

Even though I'm just finishing up my first week of this experiment, I'm noticing that I am sleeping better at night. Sleep has been a problem for me for some time now. Another thing I've just started noticing is a little harder to describe, I feel like I'm moving better and with more confidence, I feel relaxed and strong. I'm also feeling happy and positive.

Going to a yoga studio makes a big difference for me. I feel like the instructors are more knowledgeable and the environment is more supportive of fulfilling yoga sessions than classes I've had in the past at health clubs.

So far, I'm loving my experiment and am already thinking of extending it another month.

Day 5

Yowza! Back to Basics kicked my butt tonight! And, it's a good thing I'm writing this blog and told so many people about my 30 days of yoga because I really didn't feel like going to class tonight, but am so glad I did.

During class I kept thinking to myself, "No wonder Sting and Madonna stay in shape with yoga". It's interesting how yoga challenges the mind and body with such seemingly simple moves. And how one little adjustment can instantly turn an easy posture into a difficult challenge. Our instructor told us to "be present and feel how your body reacts to the poses." I felt it and will sleep well tonight as a result!

30 Days Of Yoga

Every winter around late January I vow to be in "shorts shape" before I break out my summer wardrobe. Then I put off exercising until about April, at which point I decide it's too late and give up on getting in shape for the summer. This year is different. For a multitude of reasons (which I will go into on future posts) I know that I must take better care of myself, not just to look good, but to feel good too. Yoga is the best way I know to do this.

Not only do I love yoga class, but I view it as the most efficient way possible to take care of my body, and I like that. A typical yoga session calms and expands the mind, stretches the body and builds strength, all in about an hour. I've signed up with my local yoga studio for 30 days of unlimited  classes. What a concept, 30 days of yoga, what will that do for my mind and body?

I'm on day four and feel great, I'm already sleeping better at night and have noticed I am feeling happier. So far I've been attending the "Back to Basics" and "Gentle Yoga" classes. I would like to graduate to something tougher by the end of my experiment, but must admit that "Back to Basics" and "Gentle Yoga" are challenging for me.

I will be very pleased if at the end of 30 days I am more toned and calmer. I'm an artist, have a sometimes stressful job as an advertising executive, and would like to be better at taking things in stride. I have also been asked to do public speaking at seminars and would like to be relaxed when doing this, I think yoga can help there too. I'll let you know!