Wow. I haven't updated in a while.

I was going to do a post on how I hurt my knees (running), but that's just a draft that's lost for eternity. Anyway, I was out of commission for about three weeks, and just got better about a week ago on Monday. Seems a lot longer ago than it was.

Long story short, I'm back in the yoga game again. Oh, how I've missed it.

Slowly getting closer to achieving headstand. Handstand is another story...

Went to two classes in a row yesterday. Wasn't sure if I would make it, but I did!

For the first time ever, I got my feet to touch my head in King Pigeon. My quads can stretch; it's the flexibility of my spine I need to work on.

Class was perfect today. I lost a lot of arm strength with my lack of Chaturungas, but I don't feel like it's going to take forever to get back. I DO need to eat more protein though.

Here's to feet touching head in King Pigeon. I can't get enough if yoga inspiration, even with my time out:

Just had a good session.

So I try to be mindful of the moment when I practice, but I often get brimming with excitement about my progress.

I honestly haven't done too much yoga at home lately, let alone meditation, but I got an hour's worth of yoga and three minutes of meditation -it's a start.

Sat in full lotus for the duration of meditation. I impressed myself.

Was able to hover in Crow for a bit, and flopped over again in headstand. Although I will say that getting my hips over my head is a great feeling!

Today, I was very yin, and I think my home practice will stay that way if I continue at Core Power. That's not an if, that's a when.

Those classes have really helped with my strength and endurance.

Rocked out to Tom Colletti Pandora. I suggest it to any yogin out there reading this.

I think I deserve some ice cream. Well, not really but it's gonna happen anyway.

Quick Status Update

 feel like my Crow is starting to take flight. At home, sometimes I use a pillow, but I was doing really well with a block in class. I think I'm going to go practice some more.

Also, was able to lift my legs for Headstand! Landed flat on my back and laughed. Will try to not get used to using a wall if I begin that.

Woo! Stoked!

Namaste.

Gotta hit it more!!!

Ok. I do a fair amount of yoga every week. I still can't seem to get enough. I never feel like I've done enough. Two classes a day isn't A LOT. Especially if one is yang yoga and the other is yin. I don't know if I could handle two high energy classes in one day, but I'm not opposed to finding out!

I'm not sure how to revitalize my home practice.... I need to do more at home. I think once it gets warm enough to open my windows, I will be revitalized once again.

I was surprised by my Crow today. I get scared of face planting, but I can feel that I'm doing something right -it's the surge of energy I feel in my core.

I've also gotten into coconut water. It is AMAZING!!!! Super yummy. I forgot what brand it was... -Think its Coco Cafe, but it's coconut water and espresso. SO GOOD! The best part is where it satiates your hunger. You don't feel hungry until you sit down to eat. Now, food is amazing, but if I'm not hungry, I'm happy!

Elephant crows!

I'm still here.

I've been neglecting my blog, but I haven't been neglecting my practice!

What to update about? I've been busy lately. Actually starting to have a life after summertime SAD. Yoga has been a wonderful recovery tool.

I am slowly, ever so slowly becoming able to hold Crow. Each time I try, it seems I can hold it just a little longer. Long enough to try a jump back. Well, the jump back needs some work, too.

My King Pigeon is getting closer to head to toes touching.

I've started to try Headstand. Gonna need some work, but I was better than expected.

And I went to a Chaturunga workshop, and will hopefully be more mindful with alignment. A problem I have is a curved back, but I never thought to change my gaze.

I'm also doing Yoga for Trade now at Core Power. Completely worth it. It's much better for me with this cold weather. I need motivation when my joints are so stiff.

I am one year older, now, with every intention of keeping my practice. I am thankful for a source of peace that is centuries old: tried and true.

I am also thankful for my yoga buddies, even though we haven't gone in a while.

And now, your moment of Zen:

Winter is here!

It is snowing the first real snow of the season and I am inside doing what else than... yoga!

Solid half hour today.

Mixed it up with some crescent lunges (the kind where your knee is on the floor) and felt no pain on the knee. Also, did some Utkatasana Chair Pose with prayer twists. I have to give myself props for that. Don't usually do chair sits, but I think they're going to be back again soon. I have grown since I first started seriously practicing this summer, and am looking to challenge myself more.

Full lotus was the easiest I have ever had. No bind yet... not sure how on earth that's going to work... :-P

Put on Pandora's Trip-Hop station. Started off with Massive Attack's Teardrop and it was amazingly timed to my breath. Awesome sauce.

There is no flattering picture for Yogi Sleep Pose which I hope to one day achieve, so I'll leave you with this:

Gonna eat dinner, and get back on the mat before bed.

I love this journal because not only is it a record of my journey, but it serves as inspiration to continue with all the things I enjoyed about my practice.

Namaste.

Thankful for the day.

Thankful for the friends in my life. That can be you too! Drop me a line and say "hi!"'

I went slow again today. Not satisfied, though. Totally going to hit the mat again sometime before bed.

Am I the only one that gets major ADD when putting on Pandora? I think the Trip-Hop station is perfect, but since I don't know what's up next I want to listen to the music instead of practice.

Who else needs a particular playlist?

My "ok" yoga sessions are an hour long... my phenomenal ones last usually two hours. I only have one hour playlists (DOH!). Sure, I could get up and put the next one on, but that's not the same.

I'm working on a couple of poses:

My crow isn't quite taking off, but I can feel the potential. I get grounded through my palms. I feel the energy in my core.

Slowly, working on wheel. One day I lifted a couple of inches off the ground instead of futile pushing. I wonder if I will one day fully express the position, or if I am slowly creeping there, millimeter by millimeter.

...And then I remembered I forgot to do Bridge Pose.

Another pose I'm excited about is Bound Lotus. I usually forget to do Lotus, or don't because I find it a little painful to get my feet in position, but today wasn't so bad. Add a bind. Add a forward fold -I'll get there eventually. It's a seated pose, so I'll bet anything I'll remember to do it from now on.

And then what are commonly known as the splits: Monkey God Pose...

I used to be able to do my left... now I can do... NEITHER! :-P

One day. (Just gotta keep practicing!)

Namaste.