It's been a while since the last time I nurtured my body and soul. I had fun - with friends and with parties, I had action - traveling, biking and dancing, I indulged on food and drinks, I sinned, I even had some quite time reading and sleeping. But when 2010 said good bye ... my body was out of balance.
This week I shifted gears. I sleep 8-9 hours every night. I take 15 min power nap after work. I skip coffee and I even substitute black tea with herbal one. I resumed taking vitamin supplements.
And I started a Yoga marathon - 5 days long.
Yesterday I had Slow Flow Yoga with Hilary. That's right, a slow start is good. Hilary is American and her voice is so calming. Her smile is so genuine. Her classes are always full yet cozy. Although in a slow flow, we focused on doing the postures properly and that's quite some work!
Today I discovered Yin Yoga with the Aussie Rosemary. Yin Yoga's asanas are passive - you hold each for several minutes and the focus is not on engaging your muscles, but on stretching the connective tissue. While you stay in the asanas you start feeling the limits of your body, 'comfortable' is not part of Yin. It's about accepting your limitations, and breading into them, making peace with them, releasing the tension which is often nothing more, but your ego standing in the way of harmony. It's about let go.
I added a body massage at this point...to ease my way into the next three days, when the plan is to take two yoga classes each day. I hope I find the discipline to finish the marathon!
Because Yoga feels great!
Because through Yoga I find peace!
(to be continued...)
Ah, great to hear that you are nourishing your body. I wish I could get 8-9 hours of sleep too, but I try to get at least seven. Yoga is very close to my heart. I do yoga 5 times a week but not the entire routine. I do Surya Namaskars and Pranayams mainly to help with my allergies. Walks and strength training make up the remaining routine for me. I can almost feel the relaxation in the way you've described the yoga sessions. And, body massages are my favorite :). Meditation is something, I'd like to do everyday but haven't been able to achieve this far.
ReplyDeleteI think you will finish the marathon and achieve the peace you are striving for. Have fun!
This is great my friend. Good to hear you are taking care of yourself. And Yin-yoga.. I have wanted to try that for a long time.
ReplyDeleteThank you Rachna and Swedish Yogini! As you now know...my marathon evolved. I guess that's what I needed.
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