This yoga challenge has been less fanfare-y than the previous two.
My first, the Fall before last, I made a series of other resolutions and having a yoga practice [at all] was quite new to me. My second, last Fall, I blogged dutifully throughout [each weekday].
This one, I began, showed up, and now mid-practice [Day 17 of 30!] I get to see unfold. I think, in part, I’m less hyped up about finishing/missing/doing-things-right/getting-the-right-results in part because I’m more familiar with the yoga practice. In part though, too, I’m less hyped up because I’m doing less hypING up and overanalyzing… I’m just doing it. It’s not a contest or a stunt.
Tonight, in the midst of less fanfare, though, I unfolded my mat with less than a clear content head. It was cold. Traffic was less than good. The day was busy [and candy filled] and the inbox was full. In a low dog early on the practice it was clear that my shoulders are tightrope tight and despite not giving up (a plus!)… that clear yogi mind with thoughts/opinions/stories drifting away was a not-so-clear mind thinking of the previous tippy balance poses, the not-so-obvious yoga progress, and the rest.
Short end of the mats to the wall, though, and everything changed. Like really everything.
I tip upside down with a block between my wall and my shoulder blades and my shoulders feel great. I tip my hips over my shoulders and experiment with some lift. And I lift, like all of me. Heels to the wall I’m upside down. Now I’ve been upside down before but never like this. I know I’m more balanced than I’m used to and I take my heals from the wall. And stay there. Stay there for minutes, stay there. Shoulders feeling great. Balance feeling great. Reflection of my headstand with elbows down instead of palms at 90 (my usual) reminding me that I’m really doing something pretty new (and neat).
I don’t want to exit, and so I don’t. Well ….. I stay up a little longer than cued. I proceed with class and finish off. Class ends and leaves. And I try again.
This time with our instructor there to lend a hand. I go up and get some advice and give some gratitude.
And head into the snow. And Halloween movie with friends. And remainder of the workweek. And remainder of the challenge. And practice.
And smile.