Nearly a week off yoga, and my body has tightened up. I thought it would stay loose as long as I didn't do anything silly, but it seemed to revert back to my old "can't touch toes" kind of feeling that I used to have back when I was a runner. I wonder if my body will eventually get to a state where that loose feeling I get from a couple of weeks of solid practice becomes it's natural state. Or will I always revert to this tight feeling whenever I take a few days off for whatever reason?
I did a home practice, a full primary during the heat of the day. It was nice, but there were a few poses I had to hold off - Marichyasana B and D were out, and I didn't try to bind in A or C either. Garbha pindasana was a no-no because of my ankle, which of course meant wiping out kukkutasana, urdhva padmasana pindasana, and doing a modified matyasana. It felt good to get back on the mat, but I'll keep taking it easy util after my chiro appointment on Thursday.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Moon days in Ashtanga yoga
Traditionally in Ashtanga Yoga, we take both the full and the new moon off. We call these days 'moon days'.
Why do we take moon days off? Now days we do it to respect the traditions of Ashtanga yoga, and to respect our masters, specifically Sri K Pattahbi Jois (Guruji). Guruji used to teach at the Sanskrit College at the Mysore Palace in Mysore, and in that college, Sanskrit classes were cancelled on the days of the full and new moon. When Guruji later started his own shala, he kept these days off, originally taking only two days off work each month.
Why was the Sanskrit college at the Mysore Palace closed on moon days? To answer this, we have to look at the role of the moon in primitive society.
Imagine living in darkness before electricity. When nightfall comes, there's not much to do. It's DARK! Now have you ever been out to the country, or in a small town? By the light of the full moon you can walk about and do stuff! By the light of the full moon you can read and write.
In many primitive societies, the full moon was a time to party, or a time to sow the crops, depending on the society. More people and more activity means more mishaps and accidents and more dogs barking. More light streaming through your bedroom window probably means it'll be harder to sleep too. So if even in western society, we have this cultural artifact that people often think that they go a bit crazy around the full moon, because not too long ago, we were all partying!
India was at that time a very primitive society, superstitious and polytheistic. Electricity only came to Bangalore in 1906, and slowly spread across major population centres in India over the next 30-40 years. Now I don't purport to know why the Sanskrit classes were cancelled on moon days. Perhaps everyone was out sowing the crops, or preying in temples. Perhaps they were out on the town getting wasted! (In my research I have however learned a lot about Indian history - yay!)
Do superstitions die overnight in a culture with limited education? Absolutely not! You only have to look around you in educated societies for how omnipresent these superstitions and cultural artifacts are. Think of how many people still see the number 13 as unlucky. Do you know people who won't walk under a ladder? Or even more common, how many people still say "bless you" after somebody sneezes? I do, it's good manners.
People have tried to think up all sorts of things about the moon. One common myth is that because our bodies are made of 70% water, they're affected by the moon like tides in the oceans. This is a bit silly. Any large body of liquid is affected by gravity, not specifically water, and we certainly don't have large expanses in our tiny human bodies. Finally, we can turn to science to help us answer the question if the moon has an effect on us. Here is a link to a site summarising a comprehensive list of studies. These studies show that there is no significant link between the moon phase and human behaviour.
Guruji was a pragmatic guy, and would occasionally move the moon day if he had something to do and needed a day off. Alan Little, in his diary from studying with Jois in 2001 joked when Mr Jois moved the moon-day "the ability to move the moon being one of those siddhis possessed only by a handful of advanced yoga masters".
Your yoga teacher may tell you that the moon day is special "because our bodies are made of water", or "because everyone gets a bit excited during a full moon and can hurt themselves". They may say "Moon days are a cute part of the history of Ashtanga" and not observe them at all. My yoga teacher says "It's a moon day, lets chill out a bit" then cuts a couple of Navasanas, drops Marichyasana D and Setu Bandhasana, and takes it easy in Urdhva Dhanurasana.
Each of these choices is cool with me. Whatever they choose, it becomes part of their yoga practice.
So if you want to take the moon day off, go for it. If you want to practice on a moon day, go for it. I personally take the the moon day off. Partly because I wish to show respect to the great master Pattabhi Jois and the traditions of Ashtanga yoga, and partly because I like an extra couple of days off each month.
Why do we take moon days off? Now days we do it to respect the traditions of Ashtanga yoga, and to respect our masters, specifically Sri K Pattahbi Jois (Guruji). Guruji used to teach at the Sanskrit College at the Mysore Palace in Mysore, and in that college, Sanskrit classes were cancelled on the days of the full and new moon. When Guruji later started his own shala, he kept these days off, originally taking only two days off work each month.
Why was the Sanskrit college at the Mysore Palace closed on moon days? To answer this, we have to look at the role of the moon in primitive society.
Imagine living in darkness before electricity. When nightfall comes, there's not much to do. It's DARK! Now have you ever been out to the country, or in a small town? By the light of the full moon you can walk about and do stuff! By the light of the full moon you can read and write.
In many primitive societies, the full moon was a time to party, or a time to sow the crops, depending on the society. More people and more activity means more mishaps and accidents and more dogs barking. More light streaming through your bedroom window probably means it'll be harder to sleep too. So if even in western society, we have this cultural artifact that people often think that they go a bit crazy around the full moon, because not too long ago, we were all partying!
India was at that time a very primitive society, superstitious and polytheistic. Electricity only came to Bangalore in 1906, and slowly spread across major population centres in India over the next 30-40 years. Now I don't purport to know why the Sanskrit classes were cancelled on moon days. Perhaps everyone was out sowing the crops, or preying in temples. Perhaps they were out on the town getting wasted! (In my research I have however learned a lot about Indian history - yay!)
Do superstitions die overnight in a culture with limited education? Absolutely not! You only have to look around you in educated societies for how omnipresent these superstitions and cultural artifacts are. Think of how many people still see the number 13 as unlucky. Do you know people who won't walk under a ladder? Or even more common, how many people still say "bless you" after somebody sneezes? I do, it's good manners.
People have tried to think up all sorts of things about the moon. One common myth is that because our bodies are made of 70% water, they're affected by the moon like tides in the oceans. This is a bit silly. Any large body of liquid is affected by gravity, not specifically water, and we certainly don't have large expanses in our tiny human bodies. Finally, we can turn to science to help us answer the question if the moon has an effect on us. Here is a link to a site summarising a comprehensive list of studies. These studies show that there is no significant link between the moon phase and human behaviour.
Guruji was a pragmatic guy, and would occasionally move the moon day if he had something to do and needed a day off. Alan Little, in his diary from studying with Jois in 2001 joked when Mr Jois moved the moon-day "the ability to move the moon being one of those siddhis possessed only by a handful of advanced yoga masters".
Your yoga teacher may tell you that the moon day is special "because our bodies are made of water", or "because everyone gets a bit excited during a full moon and can hurt themselves". They may say "Moon days are a cute part of the history of Ashtanga" and not observe them at all. My yoga teacher says "It's a moon day, lets chill out a bit" then cuts a couple of Navasanas, drops Marichyasana D and Setu Bandhasana, and takes it easy in Urdhva Dhanurasana.
Each of these choices is cool with me. Whatever they choose, it becomes part of their yoga practice.
So if you want to take the moon day off, go for it. If you want to practice on a moon day, go for it. I personally take the the moon day off. Partly because I wish to show respect to the great master Pattabhi Jois and the traditions of Ashtanga yoga, and partly because I like an extra couple of days off each month.
Massage
Getting the first rib and shoulder worked on, the therapist came out with comments like:
"Wow, you have the tightest, most ropey muscles I've ever seen."
"You have practically no movement around the rib-cage.""Have you got a history of serious shoulder injuries?"
"I'm guessing you get a lot of lower back pain."
"Have you ever been to a chiropractor?"
The advice was that I'm doing everything I can to fix my stiff old body, so I should just keep on with the yoga and the stretching, and things will improve over time.
I'm going to a chiropractor in a week. Because i'm leaving town soon, I'll get him to write out a written evaluation of my back and what needs to be done. We'll see how that goes.
"Wow, you have the tightest, most ropey muscles I've ever seen."
"You have practically no movement around the rib-cage.""Have you got a history of serious shoulder injuries?"
"I'm guessing you get a lot of lower back pain."
"Have you ever been to a chiropractor?"
The advice was that I'm doing everything I can to fix my stiff old body, so I should just keep on with the yoga and the stretching, and things will improve over time.
I'm going to a chiropractor in a week. Because i'm leaving town soon, I'll get him to write out a written evaluation of my back and what needs to be done. We'll see how that goes.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Photo Shoot
While taking a rest day from Ashtanga, I had been booked for a photo shoot today. Karla (yoga teacher Karla) is starting her own yoga, wine and chocolate class for partners and groups. As part of this, she has to get some photos for the advertising.
We did a little bit of partner yoga today. We did a few warm-up moves, a few stretches, and a few acroyoga moves. It was really fun. We were on the top of a beautiful palapa, and the strong wind kept almost blowing us over. Here are a few of the photos.
Hopefully I'll get a couple more when the photographer has had time to look at them all.
We did a little bit of partner yoga today. We did a few warm-up moves, a few stretches, and a few acroyoga moves. It was really fun. We were on the top of a beautiful palapa, and the strong wind kept almost blowing us over. Here are a few of the photos.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Dislocated First Rib
First Rib. It sounds like something out of a biblical myth, right there with original sin. Else it could be a ridgeline on the map of a fantasy novel, but it's a part of my body; And it's dislocated.
My shoulder was hurting more than usual, so I went and had it looked at. Turns out I have a dislocated first rib on the left side of my body, and it needs to be put back. There are also a lot of knots and stuff that have to be worked on.
Tomorrow I have a photo shoot, so the pain will be on Friday. Then no Yoga for at least 24 hours after that. So it's going to be a big break from yoga for me. The lovely Ticia says to drink lots and lots of water before she works on my shoulder, and to be ready for a bit of pain. Jajajajaaaaa
My shoulder was hurting more than usual, so I went and had it looked at. Turns out I have a dislocated first rib on the left side of my body, and it needs to be put back. There are also a lot of knots and stuff that have to be worked on.
Tomorrow I have a photo shoot, so the pain will be on Friday. Then no Yoga for at least 24 hours after that. So it's going to be a big break from yoga for me. The lovely Ticia says to drink lots and lots of water before she works on my shoulder, and to be ready for a bit of pain. Jajajajaaaaa
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Sniffles
Well it was a bit worse today. I think it's a little more than just normal variations, I think I have a cold. I had the sniffles all through class today. The muscles didn't want to do what I wanted them to do, and even simple postures weren't happening.
Also, My sore shoulder that I hurt last December is hurting a lot more than usual, a lot lot more. Also I've had an "opening" of my right ankle and it's a bit swollen. It's the ankle that i dropped a motorbike on a few years ago, and it's been a bit stiff since. It's time to take a day or two off.
Also, My sore shoulder that I hurt last December is hurting a lot more than usual, a lot lot more. Also I've had an "opening" of my right ankle and it's a bit swollen. It's the ankle that i dropped a motorbike on a few years ago, and it's been a bit stiff since. It's time to take a day or two off.
Monday, April 8, 2013
Ebb and Flow
The ebb and flow of the body is a funny thing. After the rest day yesterday, my body has decided to drop back a bit. It will come back up again I'm sure, but today was difficult. No Marichyasana binds in B or C, I couldn't hold Navasana or Kukkutasana, and there were no jumps-through or Urdhva Dhanurasanas. Yikes. It will all come back, I'm sure.
Still it was a fun practice, I do love these classes. Today was the first class with daylight savings, and it was certainly different doing class with light streaming through the windows. It was like this when I first started with Coco, and it feels quite nice. Kind of like I've come full circle since beginning, and I'm about ready to move onto the next phase of my ashtanga journey.
On another note, I'm going to take down the moon-phase gadget on the left hand side of the blog. It makes the blog take too long to load.
Still it was a fun practice, I do love these classes. Today was the first class with daylight savings, and it was certainly different doing class with light streaming through the windows. It was like this when I first started with Coco, and it feels quite nice. Kind of like I've come full circle since beginning, and I'm about ready to move onto the next phase of my ashtanga journey.
On another note, I'm going to take down the moon-phase gadget on the left hand side of the blog. It makes the blog take too long to load.
Yoga Myths
I'm going to write a few posts on some of the yoga myths perpetuated around yoga studios. Ashtangis seem to be some of the worst offenders, and I've heard some shocking urban yoga myths.
To help with the mainstream acceptance of Ashtanga Yoga, we need to remove some of the obstacles that stop more people from partaking in our wonderful activity. I've heard all sorts of things about yoga: Whether they be based around the clothes you 'have' to wear or the equipment you have to use. About the origins of yoga, and traditions. Especially about the powers, and benefits of yoga.
This will be fun, and hopefully I'll learn a few things along the way.
To help with the mainstream acceptance of Ashtanga Yoga, we need to remove some of the obstacles that stop more people from partaking in our wonderful activity. I've heard all sorts of things about yoga: Whether they be based around the clothes you 'have' to wear or the equipment you have to use. About the origins of yoga, and traditions. Especially about the powers, and benefits of yoga.
This will be fun, and hopefully I'll learn a few things along the way.
The Mat and the Sociopath
I love my mat. It's not my first. My first was a walmart special, almost an inch thick, and soft. Perfect for when I was just starting, cradling my spine from the hard floor. There came a moment though, about three months ago [edit, now 6 months], when Coco finally said "That's not a mat. Spend the money, get a Manduka" I didn't, and a week later she said "I'm not letting you back into class until you buy a proper mat". Well that settled it. I got my sexy purple Manduka, and have never looked back.
I wrote this post back in mid-December, then decided not to post it. It's critical of someone with whom I live. However considering that I'm leaving the country in a couple of weeks, I think it's ok. (Yes, it's true, I'm leaving my dear Mexico.)
I live with a sociopath, who also suffers from narcissistic personality disorder. I've learnt a lot about myself living with her. Living with that much hate in the house, seeing all the spiteful things she would say and do, it used to affect me. I used to get upset, always trying to make amends, no matter what she did. I used to believe that I needed to live "in harmony" with the people around me. It was an expression of me trying to control the uncontrollable. I didn't like to be around her, and I didn't like seeing all the things she did to try to have power over me. Thus her mere existance was affecting my happiness.
Many years ago, I worked in a charity "The Spastic Centre" for sufferers of cerebral palsy. Originally it was difficult, I couldn't hep but 'notice' the sufferers. But eventually they just became part of the scenery. I remember once seeing a young man shit on himself, cry out "I did poopoo" and he was really proud of what he'd done. I was used to interacting with sufferers by that stage, but that sort of experience is always going to be a shock. It was at once funny, but at the same time, I pitied him a little.
Towards late December, the same thing happened with the sociopath. No she didn't shit on herself. I decided that she didn't matter anymore Suddenly I stopped noticing when she was in the room, and the things she did stopped affecting me. I know she noticed a change and redoubled her efforts, but to no avail. The loss of control had upset her. Though I have never even uttered a single unkind word to her, she now cannot be in the same room as me. Not only this, but when she tries something outrageous, I have that same little reaction of laughter tinged with a little pity. I see these things in total detatchment, and a second later the observation has passed, not to re-enter my thoughts. So much so, that only because I was cleaning my mat today, did I remember to finish this post, more than three months later. It was like I was a boat, and her negativity was the water around me. As long as I didn't let the water into the boat, I wouldn't sink. Now more than three months later, and still, I am still floating.
Back to the mat story. My housemate owned a couple of dogs, Mia and Coco. They are confind to a portion of the house as well as the garden, as we set-up rules when we moved in. Now obviously for someone with these personality disorders, following such rules is just not going to happen. She taught the dogs to go upstairs, and into my room. At one stage while I was on holiday, even locking them upstairs, where they tore apart the terrace, and managed to eat my doorframe. How does this relate to my mat? Well it's now chewed. And the mat for me is now a souvenir, a reminder of what I've learned, and how far I've come. Now, strangely, I find myself thanking her for what she's taught me. Gracias, and Namaste.
I wrote this post back in mid-December, then decided not to post it. It's critical of someone with whom I live. However considering that I'm leaving the country in a couple of weeks, I think it's ok. (Yes, it's true, I'm leaving my dear Mexico.)
I live with a sociopath, who also suffers from narcissistic personality disorder. I've learnt a lot about myself living with her. Living with that much hate in the house, seeing all the spiteful things she would say and do, it used to affect me. I used to get upset, always trying to make amends, no matter what she did. I used to believe that I needed to live "in harmony" with the people around me. It was an expression of me trying to control the uncontrollable. I didn't like to be around her, and I didn't like seeing all the things she did to try to have power over me. Thus her mere existance was affecting my happiness.
Many years ago, I worked in a charity "The Spastic Centre" for sufferers of cerebral palsy. Originally it was difficult, I couldn't hep but 'notice' the sufferers. But eventually they just became part of the scenery. I remember once seeing a young man shit on himself, cry out "I did poopoo" and he was really proud of what he'd done. I was used to interacting with sufferers by that stage, but that sort of experience is always going to be a shock. It was at once funny, but at the same time, I pitied him a little.
Towards late December, the same thing happened with the sociopath. No she didn't shit on herself. I decided that she didn't matter anymore Suddenly I stopped noticing when she was in the room, and the things she did stopped affecting me. I know she noticed a change and redoubled her efforts, but to no avail. The loss of control had upset her. Though I have never even uttered a single unkind word to her, she now cannot be in the same room as me. Not only this, but when she tries something outrageous, I have that same little reaction of laughter tinged with a little pity. I see these things in total detatchment, and a second later the observation has passed, not to re-enter my thoughts. So much so, that only because I was cleaning my mat today, did I remember to finish this post, more than three months later. It was like I was a boat, and her negativity was the water around me. As long as I didn't let the water into the boat, I wouldn't sink. Now more than three months later, and still, I am still floating.
Back to the mat story. My housemate owned a couple of dogs, Mia and Coco. They are confind to a portion of the house as well as the garden, as we set-up rules when we moved in. Now obviously for someone with these personality disorders, following such rules is just not going to happen. She taught the dogs to go upstairs, and into my room. At one stage while I was on holiday, even locking them upstairs, where they tore apart the terrace, and managed to eat my doorframe. How does this relate to my mat? Well it's now chewed. And the mat for me is now a souvenir, a reminder of what I've learned, and how far I've come. Now, strangely, I find myself thanking her for what she's taught me. Gracias, and Namaste.
Rest Day
Ahhh finally, a day off.
Instead of yoga, I got up and watched Paris-Roubaix, and saw a thrilling win by Fabian Cancellara. I walked up to see the Collossio markets, I had a nap, I went and visited some friends, and I might have snuck in just a few headstands.
You may have noticed a quiet little post in Spanish mid-week. Well why not? I might post in French soon too. I say let's do it! Give a little colour here.
A friend came over and saw my room the other day. She said "look at your room, you're such an ascetic". I was eating M&Ms at the time, a perfect rebuttal of my supposed asceticism, but really, my room is just what it is. Here's a pic.
I have my bed, my mat, a hammock and a fan. Really I don't think I need anything else. I think my room looks nice, it's certainly the cleanest and nicest smelling room in the house.
Instead of yoga, I got up and watched Paris-Roubaix, and saw a thrilling win by Fabian Cancellara. I walked up to see the Collossio markets, I had a nap, I went and visited some friends, and I might have snuck in just a few headstands.
You may have noticed a quiet little post in Spanish mid-week. Well why not? I might post in French soon too. I say let's do it! Give a little colour here.
A friend came over and saw my room the other day. She said "look at your room, you're such an ascetic". I was eating M&Ms at the time, a perfect rebuttal of my supposed asceticism, but really, my room is just what it is. Here's a pic.
I have my bed, my mat, a hammock and a fan. Really I don't think I need anything else. I think my room looks nice, it's certainly the cleanest and nicest smelling room in the house.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Gooood Morning!
Eight led classes in Seven days! The experiment is over. A fun, hardworking experiment it has been too. The results are in, and it seems to have been a positive experience so far. I managed my first Urdhva Dhanurasana, and escaped without any injuries. I feel strong and healthy. The tiredness I was feeling on Thursday has gone, and all is good.
Today was a bit tougher. It was cold in the jungle shala. As well as that, my body is a little less open at 8am, so things don't stretch like they usually do. Thus there were no Marichyasana binds, and a few other poses were soft and forgiving, rather than pushing to the limit with the breath. Still, it was a good class, and I'm looking forward to a rest day tomorrow.
Today was a bit tougher. It was cold in the jungle shala. As well as that, my body is a little less open at 8am, so things don't stretch like they usually do. Thus there were no Marichyasana binds, and a few other poses were soft and forgiving, rather than pushing to the limit with the breath. Still, it was a good class, and I'm looking forward to a rest day tomorrow.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Urdhva Dhanurasana
Normal programming has resumed at the shala. We had about 18 in class, a much more relaxed number, and I was able to swing my arms out to the side in the the Surya Namaskaras, not up in front.
Tonight I managed my first genuine Urdhva Dhanurasana. I have to say, it was quite fun. Normally I manage to creep off the ground with a whole lot of effort, and strain up there until the 5-count is over, before relaxing down to get my breath back. Today it was easier however. Coco let us go on our own timing, and that really helped. I went up three times, and at one stage Coco came over and stood on my hands to stop them slipping. This was amazing, as I could focus on my legs and really push down through my heels, enabling my arms to almost straighten.
There were also some really nice Paschimottanasana adjustments. Not since Karla's classes have I had such nice adjustments in Paschimottanasana. I've lost a bit of flexibility there though. I can't quite get forward at the hips like a could a little while ago.
In Ardha Baddha Padma Paschimottanasana first side I was able to hold my foot for a couple of seconds again. That makes twice now, all good news.
Tonight I managed my first genuine Urdhva Dhanurasana. I have to say, it was quite fun. Normally I manage to creep off the ground with a whole lot of effort, and strain up there until the 5-count is over, before relaxing down to get my breath back. Today it was easier however. Coco let us go on our own timing, and that really helped. I went up three times, and at one stage Coco came over and stood on my hands to stop them slipping. This was amazing, as I could focus on my legs and really push down through my heels, enabling my arms to almost straighten.
There were also some really nice Paschimottanasana adjustments. Not since Karla's classes have I had such nice adjustments in Paschimottanasana. I've lost a bit of flexibility there though. I can't quite get forward at the hips like a could a little while ago.
In Ardha Baddha Padma Paschimottanasana first side I was able to hold my foot for a couple of seconds again. That makes twice now, all good news.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Cansado
Hoy estaba la primera vez
que tenía que relajarme después de una clase de Coco. Con seis clases de
seguir en cinco días, estoy jodido. La clase estaba una seria normal,
pero tan difícil esta noche.
Tengo que prestar atención a comer más y dormir más. Hay dos días que quedan hasta mi día de descansar.
Tengo que prestar atención a comer más y dormir más. Hay dos días que quedan hasta mi día de descansar.
The stolen phone
It seems there may be a few thieving yoginis in our Shala. Marielle had her iPhone stolen today in class. I know nothing of the theif other than she is female. Hugo and I were the only males in class, and Hugo didn't go up to the desk where Marielle's bag was. She has that "track my phone" thing on her phone, so she might get it back. Lets hope.
We had 26 there tonight. I counted two before I started, but was corrected by Hugo who said we had 26. I'm not sure, because I usually hit a bit of pranayama before the session. There were a few first timers that left the shala before the end of the session, it can get quite hot and sweaty when it's packed.
The series was really good. My legs were stiff in standing, but I think that's because I've had so many led classes lately. I've had five in four days. Though not quite a personal record, it's certainly giving my legs a workout. seated was the real specialty though. I had my best seated ever! On the first side of ardha baddha padma paschimottanasana, I bound for about two full seconds before my silly fat toe slipped out from between my stumpy fingers. The second side is nowhere near, but that's a left hip thing, and a work in progress. I'm really looking forward to that bind, mostly because it's a step towards ardha baddha padmottanasana, and that one looks really fun! The Marichyasanas were good too. I bound quite easily in B and C on both side, though they were almost all finger-stretching efforts.
Another led class tomorrow, so it's time to sleep.
We had 26 there tonight. I counted two before I started, but was corrected by Hugo who said we had 26. I'm not sure, because I usually hit a bit of pranayama before the session. There were a few first timers that left the shala before the end of the session, it can get quite hot and sweaty when it's packed.
The series was really good. My legs were stiff in standing, but I think that's because I've had so many led classes lately. I've had five in four days. Though not quite a personal record, it's certainly giving my legs a workout. seated was the real specialty though. I had my best seated ever! On the first side of ardha baddha padma paschimottanasana, I bound for about two full seconds before my silly fat toe slipped out from between my stumpy fingers. The second side is nowhere near, but that's a left hip thing, and a work in progress. I'm really looking forward to that bind, mostly because it's a step towards ardha baddha padmottanasana, and that one looks really fun! The Marichyasanas were good too. I bound quite easily in B and C on both side, though they were almost all finger-stretching efforts.
Another led class tomorrow, so it's time to sleep.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Yoga Shala 38
Last night was the first time I've ever visited Yoga Shala 38. I've done a class with Mark and Ilena before, but never at their studio. It was another led class with Coco, she'll be leading classes there for the next few weeks on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The shala is a really pretty place. There were candles, and nice decor. The other students were mostly familiar faces. There was also a lot more space, and so I could do a few jumps-through. Usually at the other shala I can't jump through, because my feet would break the windows!
I did my best ever Kukkutasana. I went up on the second attempt, and stayed up for a full ten breaths. More hip openers needed for this one though.
I think I've fallen in love with Savasana. Is that possible? I think so. Every time I fall into Savasana, I just feel a complete relaxation that takes over my whole body. Bliss.
The shala is a really pretty place. There were candles, and nice decor. The other students were mostly familiar faces. There was also a lot more space, and so I could do a few jumps-through. Usually at the other shala I can't jump through, because my feet would break the windows!
I did my best ever Kukkutasana. I went up on the second attempt, and stayed up for a full ten breaths. More hip openers needed for this one though.
I think I've fallen in love with Savasana. Is that possible? I think so. Every time I fall into Savasana, I just feel a complete relaxation that takes over my whole body. Bliss.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Packed led class
One thing I absolutely love is a packed class! The air gets thick and hard to breathe, the windows steam up and then droplets run down them from top to bottom. Pools of sweat collect on and around everybodys mats. Mats are so close that they're almost touching, so in some poses you feel the different textures of your neighbours' mats and towels. Best of all is the ujjai breathing. it's so loud that it's a cocophany of sound, echoing of the walls. It always starts together, but as each vinyasa moves on, the breaths go out of time, and there's just a costant hissing like night-time rain.
We had 22 packed into that tiny room today. I think the record is 28!
Coco adjusted me into Gharba Pindasana and almost flipped! She was trying to pull my hands through past my elbows, but when she grabbed my arms and legs she cried out "Nico your body is so hard". A few people around laughed, so she clarified "No, like the muscles... Your whole body is rock hard!" Well yes Coco, that's why yoga is so difficult for me. Mostly due to my triathlon training I think, my body is literally like rock to touch. It has its benefits. For example, I don't bruise easily, and I'm amazingly strong, without having to carry around extra kilos of muscle tissue. But one of the downsides is flexibility. I am still unable to touch my toes with my legs straight, unless I throw down a few Suriya Namaskaras! Also, my progress with yoga is painfully slow.
My standing series is getting stronger. I really like the standing series, and would consider doing it every morning when I wake up if I didn't have to wake up so early. Also, I hear it's not good to do two ashtanga sessions in one day.
We had 22 packed into that tiny room today. I think the record is 28!
Coco adjusted me into Gharba Pindasana and almost flipped! She was trying to pull my hands through past my elbows, but when she grabbed my arms and legs she cried out "Nico your body is so hard". A few people around laughed, so she clarified "No, like the muscles... Your whole body is rock hard!" Well yes Coco, that's why yoga is so difficult for me. Mostly due to my triathlon training I think, my body is literally like rock to touch. It has its benefits. For example, I don't bruise easily, and I'm amazingly strong, without having to carry around extra kilos of muscle tissue. But one of the downsides is flexibility. I am still unable to touch my toes with my legs straight, unless I throw down a few Suriya Namaskaras! Also, my progress with yoga is painfully slow.
My standing series is getting stronger. I really like the standing series, and would consider doing it every morning when I wake up if I didn't have to wake up so early. Also, I hear it's not good to do two ashtanga sessions in one day.
Yoga y Comida Cruda en la Selva
Sunday was a day of yoga and raw food in the jungle. I was thinking of writing this post in Spanish, but then my laziness got the best of me, and instead I've got some Spanish music playing while I type. Same thing... ish.
It started early, and there were a few people there that I knew from other classes. We all headed off together and first up was a primary series. I'm glad we did this first, because I was eager to get a primary series happening. I spent the two days beforehand in Tulum (a nearby town) and wasn't able to practice. That'd been the first time since Canada that I've had two consecutive days off yoga, and I felt a bit stiff.
Primary was good. I'm writing this a few days later now, so I can't really remember how it went. Yet I can say that on the second side of Parivritta Parsvakonasana, I nolonger have to do the modified position with my hands in mudra, but can actually touch the floor. The first side is still modified, but that'll come with time.
After primary we went inside and had a green juice, then headed back out to the shala to do some pranayama. I'm not sure of the name of the pranayama, but it was one of the hypoxic ones. That was fun. I really like pranayama, it always seems to relax me well. After that we did a meditation.
Then we did some more yoga. Sun salutations to start, with a vinyasa-flow kind of twist, followed by some arm balances. The arm balances started off fun, with Bakasana. The next though weren't possible for me due to my tight hips and hamstrings. I'd really like to do some more arm balances, because they're fun! Unfortunately the Ashtanga ones tend to require flexibility.
Next up we chanted the Gayantri mantra 108 times. That was really cool. It was relaxing and fun, but by the time it was over I was really hungry, so it was good that the food was next. The food was amazing. It was a broader definition of raw food than I have myself, but still, very healthy and delicious.
It started early, and there were a few people there that I knew from other classes. We all headed off together and first up was a primary series. I'm glad we did this first, because I was eager to get a primary series happening. I spent the two days beforehand in Tulum (a nearby town) and wasn't able to practice. That'd been the first time since Canada that I've had two consecutive days off yoga, and I felt a bit stiff.
Primary was good. I'm writing this a few days later now, so I can't really remember how it went. Yet I can say that on the second side of Parivritta Parsvakonasana, I nolonger have to do the modified position with my hands in mudra, but can actually touch the floor. The first side is still modified, but that'll come with time.
After primary we went inside and had a green juice, then headed back out to the shala to do some pranayama. I'm not sure of the name of the pranayama, but it was one of the hypoxic ones. That was fun. I really like pranayama, it always seems to relax me well. After that we did a meditation.
Then we did some more yoga. Sun salutations to start, with a vinyasa-flow kind of twist, followed by some arm balances. The arm balances started off fun, with Bakasana. The next though weren't possible for me due to my tight hips and hamstrings. I'd really like to do some more arm balances, because they're fun! Unfortunately the Ashtanga ones tend to require flexibility.
Next up we chanted the Gayantri mantra 108 times. That was really cool. It was relaxing and fun, but by the time it was over I was really hungry, so it was good that the food was next. The food was amazing. It was a broader definition of raw food than I have myself, but still, very healthy and delicious.
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