On the Right Track
This week was really good. I spent much of the week at Ft. Worden for a camp that I run every year for the Women's Debate Institute. Ft. Worden is amazing, and the weather was perfect, so spending a half an hour every day doing yoga wasn’t difficult, particularly since I could practice outside in the sun with beautiful views of a big, grassy field and the smell of the ocean to keep my mind at peace. And, to make it even better, my friend Rae, an instructor at the camp, is also a yoga instructor. So it was like having three more days of one-on-one lessons. Plus she taught me to roll the bottom of my foot over a tennis ball to relieve annoying foot aches—a trick that I will be forever grateful for!
While finding the time to practice was not a challenge this week, the actual practice was much harder than I expected. My yoga knowledge is so limited that I really have no choice but to follow the path laid out for me by Jason (my yoga instructor) if this is going to work. And part of that means following directions very closely—including the directions that said hold each standing pose for one to two minutes. (This didn’t seem hard when I read it on paper, but after 30 seconds my calves and neck were screaming. Thirty seconds started to feel like an hour.) By the second side of the last standing pose, that minute took an awfully long time. On the second day, I timed my breaths before I started practicing since looking at a clock seemed just a tad antithetical to the Zen space I was trying to create. That worked better, but I had to resist the urge to breathe faster to make the poses last longer.
By the third day, my legs and neck were really, really sore. But the soreness wasn’t really bad. It was more like an awareness of those parts of my body. The problem was that it was so uneven, which makes me think that my body is somehow unbalanced in the poses. Or maybe I’m just stronger on one side. Who knows?
The non-standing poses are easier for me. So far we’re only doing modified Sun Salutations and modified Downward-Facing Dog, which may be the reason. I love Sun Salutations. There’s something so peaceful about them. And after a while, when I stop thinking about coordinating my breath and movement and it starts to happen naturally, I think I can see off in the distance the balanced place I’m looking for.
Comments
Leah, Your doing great, a minute seems like forever, who knew? I look forward to your journal entries!
Posted by: Hunny Johnson | January 10, 2007 06:15 PM
I just started yoga this week and can so relate to what you have written. I teach aerobics - high impact and also weight train at a local health club - I always thought yoga was for lazy people - now I know better! I love reading your entries!
Posted by: Carmen Seward | January 11, 2007 02:58 AM
Leah,
How are you modifying the Sun Salutation and Downward Dog? Inquiring minds want to know! :-)
Posted by: Sarah | January 11, 2007 06:42 PM
awesome leah! did you memorize your routines or are you reading them or listeing to them? I am curious. With classes, it's easier but alone at home I get lost. Look forward to hearing more.
Posted by: Marlo deLara-Wisniewski | January 11, 2007 09:12 PM
Leah, you are doing awesome! You are really inspiring. I have practiced Yoga on and off for about 6 years. The past year has been an "off" year and I have gained a lot of weight. I was feeling discouraged. But after reading the article about you in Yoga Journal, I have decided to work towards similar goals. Thanks!
Posted by: Heather | January 11, 2007 11:23 PM
Leah,
Am enjoying reading your journey in yoga. I have not yet started, but read the magazine! I'm afraid to try it on my own and need to find a class or something here.
You mentioned Ft. Worden -- is that the one near Astoria, Oregon?
Linda
Posted by: Linda Watson | January 12, 2007 05:42 AM
It's a tough road, but you are a personal inspiration.
I can't wait to see how well you do! ^_^
Posted by: AdamB. | January 12, 2007 03:31 PM
Yes, we all have a dominant side - this is why you're left-handed or right-handed! I only recently started to observe the effect of this throughout my body in my own practice, and under an instructor's prodding at that, so way to go for noticing that on your own! Clearly the yoga is already helping you connect to and be more aware of your body! Good job!
Posted by: Marian Klatt | January 12, 2007 06:26 PM
The modified sun salutations don't include upward dog and chataranga. It was actually a great way to start, since it really let me focus on the rhythm instead of worrying about the poses. As for the routine, it's pretty simple so I can mostly keep it in my head...though occasionally I've had to refer to the sheet that Jason gave me.
And the Ft. Worden I'm talking about is on the Olympic Pennisula in Washington state. It's absolutely beautiful!
All the best to all of you who've taken the time to comment. Your positive energy is really appreciated.
Posted by: LEAH | January 15, 2007 06:15 AM
You're doing fantastically, Leah. I'm here in the UK making the journey along with you, with my first month nearly over and getting a tiny bit more stong and flexible every time. My extra 30 lbs don't seem in a rush to leave but let's give it time! Thanks for sharing. Luck, light! Alix
Posted by: Alix | February 7, 2007 01:29 PM