30 Day Challenge/Be Healthy

So this was my 2nd official 30 Day Challenge, 3rd unofficial challenge since I count training as a special 30 Day Challenge.

Going into this was very different from the first Challenge in November. I was excited for that challenge but I don't think I understood the impact it would have on me and where taking that challenge could lead me if I let it. In a lot of ways that Challenge brought my decision to apply to Teacher Training right to the forefront of my mind and it was during classes where I felt strong and "me" like I hadn't in a very long time.

And yet, the effects of that challenge faded quickly.

I didn't understand that the challenge continued when the month was over.

Going into this Challenge-yes as part of my distance learning for Teacher Training but mostly as a way to solidify my practice, get in tune with my body and really take a step back to be grateful for the amazing things my body does for me without having to ask and being amazed at all those fluctuating functions.

 I felt a bit like I was floundering after training, that I had lost my practice at the exact time I needed to be focusing on it. I lost touch with my body and began to slip into a mindset a lot of women and some men do-just criticizing the details instead of seeing the big picture. I was scared my teaching wouldn't be as effective because I've gained weight the last year and a half. A lot of weight. And yoga is about "being healthy." What I kept missing was the part where 'healthy' doesn't have to equal a size 2 or 4 or even 6. What I was missing was that healthy encompasses a vast range of motion including those pesky little thoughts that creep into everyone's mind and scream "You're not good enough." Whether it be "You're not thin enough" or whether it be "You're a failure at being successful in a career" ANY self deprecating thoughts are unhealthy.

And so those became my focus in this Challenge. Challenging myself to connect with the body to bring ease to the mind.

There were really hard days. Days where practicing just seemed like the worst idea but I practiced and I let that thought go and I left the studio feeling the prana moving through me. Letting that be enough.

I have a long way to go in regards to finding a great balance in my health but I know that I can do it and I know that listening to my body will never steer me wrong, it's fairly intuitive and that needs to be respected, rejoiced and thanked. Repeatedly.

Onto the next project bringing the lessons I've learned into my life toolbox....

Day 30

And I made it!

This last week was tough though-way tougher than I expected! I think the added heat outside the studio as summer really tries to be here just added to the "stress" and endurance of my body. Especially added humidity. Oy!

But practice was good today. Taking a class and enjoying a very long shavasana and then guiding challengers through their last class. Fun!!

I've planned to do a big "reflection" post on the 30 day challenge and will hopefully get that up tomorrow. :)

Day 29

Oh am I tired.

I'm not sure if the rain last night kept me awake or I was unknowingly more anxious for my community classes today BUT sleep last night was not so great.

Alas, I got through both my community classes and feel okay about them overall. No one seemed too upset that there was a new teacher guiding them and I enjoyed myself.

And then I took an SSU class and it was magical. So here's hoping a busy day at the yoga studio leading classes, taking classes, and being a part of the community will bring me some sweet dreams.

ONE MORE DAY!

Day 28

I don't really know where this month went. Only 2 days left in the Challenge and I teach on both days AND have to practice.

What a way to go out!

Today's practice was okay, lots of fun, few flows. ;) My right shoulder is being a bit stiff so I'm just being extra mindful of how it feels.

The best thing about practice today? It shows that if you take a step back, remove yourself and reconnect, you can turn your day around.

Namaste world!

Day 27

Oh today.

You were not an easy day were you?

My body craved practice and my mind didn't want to go.

My mind let me body have this one.

End of the challenge toughness eh?

3 more days and lots happening in them!

Day 26

Hmm Day 26 what can I say about you...

Not the best day. Lots going on in the mind and some days you just have to let go of because everyday is another chance to learn.

So not the best day but it's done. And time to move forward and let it go.

Day 25

Sometimes it surprises me. My body, life, everything!

So many surprises today.

Starting with my body being very tired, powering through a wicked Moksha class, and then powering up for some stair climbing!

The best part though? The random chat I had with another stair climber and giving him stretching tips for his quads. Those pesky stairs!

How are there only 5 days left????

Day 24

YOGA RAVE!

The 30 Day Challenge was made for creating really ridiculous and awesome yoga events.

That being said, oh my goodness yoga only lit by glow sticks and to techno tunes. What. An. Experience.

It's all about trying new experiences and just being in the moment.

Also, I missed ending a class/community event with an "Om."

Day 23

Day 23..and I'm all caught up!

My day got turned around and it worked out for me to take a Moksha and then a Yoga for Runner's class.

It felt great and the one day I missed, welp, all caught up!

It was an odd day but so weird to be in the home stretch for the 30 Day Challenge!

Day 22

SO yeah. Today's practice on the mat was great. Today's practice off the mat. Not so great.

I was doing okay and then hit a bump in the road and need to get my head sorted before I teach next week. The thought of my insecurities, my unhealthy thinking will affect someone's yoga practice makes me really not okay with that. So I've got a few days and that's what needs to happen.

Let's go out on this 30 Day Challenge with a bang eh?

Day 21

Three weeks of yoga everyday and still 9 days left. ;)

Today was good-took a class, taught a private practice class, and attended a workshop with Ted (and friends).

Suffice to say there was a lot of Moksha today and all of it was amazing.

Sitting in a room with people passionate about the thing that brings so much peace to me and I can see the small ripples beginning to move out brought me so close to tears more than once. Tears of joy fyi.

So excellent day and excellent way to enter into this last stretch of the Challenge.

Day 20

How are there only 10 days left in this challenge???? This month is flying by!

Today's class was great-not the one I had planned on taking but it worked out really well and I felt really strong at times (and recognized that was a good feeling but there will be days I won't feel strong!).

I need to do some prep for my class tomorrow and I'm a bit nervous! I haven't taught in a while but my practice has been fairly strong since so let's hope that I can draw and factor that into my teaching for my students.

Namaste world!

Day 19

I think I'm over the sleepy hump of the 30 Day Challenge. But it can always come back if I dont watch my hydration levels and food intake.

I had intended to take the yoga with weights class today and then see how I felt to take Moksha Music...but ya know, not being attentive means I missed the start of class. Oops!

But Moksha Music was such a fantastic class today!! It was full of wicked energy and played with the Moksha series.

Best.

Day 18

Oh wow day 18.

So Moksha class at noon and then getting ready for a day on the trails with awesome waterfall views!

I'm not sure if this day could have been any more yogic for me.

The lilacs in bloom, being surrounded by water and oh boy those trails were rough for me but taking deep breathes and feeling the air and energy flow in and out of me.

What. a.day.

Day 17

Day 17. I kept thinking today was St. Patrick's Day...I couldn't explain it if I tried.

But my yoga with weights class I took was awesome! I think I need to grab a lighter set of weights (or two and alternate depending on the use) but ultimately it was an amazing class and I'm super pumped our studio is offering these types of classes!

Overall, I think Day 17 has been a success and just part of the challenge of life. 

Day 16

What a good day for practice.

I pushed my limits today it was great.


Along with a straight Moksha practice led with great energy, I ran the stairs and did some warm up biking/rowing.

I finished the day just being amazed by my body. I don't think anyone truly gives their bodies enough credit. Even when we don't take care of them-they continue to do their best to take care of us and when we do take care of them. The sky is the limit!

I have a long way to go in regards to being comfortable in my own skin (for a variety of reasons) but today was a great step forward. And I want to encourage any one who reads this to actually ditch the scale.

One huge pondering I had was that I've stepped on a scale being pumped feeling great and then when I see that "number" it affects me more than I want or realize. So I'm ditching the scale at least til the challenge is over but ultimately I don't want to live my life based on what it tells me. I want to base it on how I feel, how my clothes fit and give my body the credit that it's earned.

Half Way Point! Day 15

Half Way Baby!

The tiredness is setting in, but I can muscle through, and probably up my Ultima consumption...and Banana's. Keep my electrolytes up.

I had a long day but made it to class and then...may have...fallen asleep. BUT I made it to my mat and sometimes that's what the body needs. I felt just as good coming out as I do after working my body for a full class. I think that's the best part.

It's neat looking out the windows, walking outside and noticing the beauty in small things. It happens when I practice regularly, my eye gets caught by things I'd normally overlook.

Bring on the second half of this challenge. :)

Day 14

I was so pumped for Day 14....alas my body is tired today.

The plan: Take the flow. Take yoga with weights.

The result: Body is tired and savasaning during the tail end portion of the flow....Didn't think my muscles would like me much and was just exhausted.

AND usually class pumps me up, wakes me up before winding me down ya know?

The car's check engine light came on so I'll guess we'll see what's in store for Day 15 on day 15?

But then it'll officially be half way through!

Day 13

Day 13th. Wonderful, wonderful Monday!

So I thought I'd try to get to two classes today but really, one great flow class is better than two "not quite" connected classes.

Plus it's day 13th so I've got some time to make up that day I missed. Or not. It really isn't about the goal of 30 in 30. It's about recognizing habits, creating new space, and growing in the practice.

I realllly wasn't feeling a class for a few reasons but there is no real reason to have NO gone yesterday. There was time and I was able.

Ashley always leads wonderful classes. The energy in the room was pumping but no one felt like they were "pushing" themselves. It was a lot of listening to the body and just connecting with breathe. Once a few people do that it creates an energy pull in the the room and connects the people in the room in their practice just creating a great environment and reminder of the power of union.

Doesn't hurt that it's almost half way through the challenge now either.

Day 12

Almost half way through this Challenge!

I'm finding this Challenge (so far) easier than my first Challenge. But I think it's just "challenging" in different ways now. I know I can complete 30 Days in a row of yoga everyday. I've made it through the physical challenge and now it's moving deeper. It's challenging the thoughts of "I don't want to go" and thinking about WHY I'm feeling as such. Delving into the mind more, recognizing challenges don't have to be all serious and can still be fun and enjoyable and once you get that it makes it easier.

I think it's helped to give myself some credit too. And has been interesting being a part of the challenge on "the other side" as a teacher too!

Class today was excellent. With my Mumma by my side and a fellow trainee leading class. I could feel the growth in my mum's practice and in the teacher's style. She has always been amazing but today it felt like her true authentic self really shone and that is awesome.

Peace out!

Day 11

Okay okay so I didn't make it to the 930am flow today...BUT I really wanted a moksha class so sort of justified?? No?

It's okay, I like doing doubles. :)

I did teach a "cool down" though after one of the Climb for Cancer runs and on the fly so props for that!

Plus, I got out in nature and discovered an amazing waterfall or two I must venture back to in the daylight.

Sometimes it's not about the practice on the mat.

Namaste. 

Day 10

I think my favourite ever is yoga on Fridays. The combination is just divine.

Tonight there was a Challenger's Only 80's Themed YogaMix class....and HOW MUCH FUN WAS THAT?!?!

Oh man, it's funny to think  "It's just yoga" but when put into a practice like I feel most of the people in the room did tonight. You can FEEL the energy change

Being dressed up in 80's themed clothes only made it even more awesome.

Also, heck yes Anthony! Fantastic teachers surrounding me=best gift.

Day 9

I just need to state that I always feel such a sense of peace, community, worth at my yoga studio and during class.

Today was hard-not for on the mat practice but in dealing with those inner demons.

The good news is that I have a practice and I can look to my practice to help place things into focus. One of my favourite things about the 30 Day Challenge is that when these days happen, as they are bound to, it makes it that little bit easier to just go and practice, get to the studio, get to my mat, and breathe.

I have been struggling with finding a good, even, steady breathe in my practice since training and today taking that first breathe in Pranayama, I just felt my lungs expand into all those little crevices inside as I pushed down through my feet and made space.

So going forward, I'd like to remember day 9. Reconnecting with breathe. And moving forward.

Day 8

Oh the start of week 2.

I had planned on just ya know, savasanaing the whole time, but then class started and well I just practiced and it was good.

So welcome to week 2-keeping it real and rocking it one day at a time.

Day 7

Oh week one is done? Crazy town!

I finished my week off by taking the class of another trainee and she rocked it!

I think the main thing is I keep thinking how much we have to continuously learn from each other-the experience and knowledge of the world is immense.

I also finished this week off by running the stairs by my house...and oy vey. The good news is there was a starting point and I know the rest will come. One day at a time. Just like the challenge!

I was not feeling the stairs...but the best part wasn't doing it really but that watching the thoughts I was having from when I used to run them have completely 180ed. I used to run them and chide myself and today it was positive affirmations. And constant reminders to just breathe. Wild.

That's yoga for you! And a healthy mind is not something to turn a nose at.

Day 6

Hello Day 6!

Book ending my weekend with teaching and taking!

Wonderful!

Teaching class was fun. I felt more grounded and free despite making the biggest "mistake" in the sequencing. No one needs wind relieving, thread the needle, bridge or abs right? Other than my awkward trying to instruct the students back onto their backs...I felt really great. Even with that I was sort of like"Oh?" Hmm...Also, always remember to check everyone is in class before you go in to teach! Amy snuck in during savasana because I forgot to check she was taking class. Oops!

And Sonya taught a really amazing flow. So wonderful and powerful yet unwinding too.

It's amazing what a regular yoga practice can do eh? ;)

Day 5

What a day, day five was!

Sleeping was not my friend last night so I woke up feeling not so well but figured hydration and the hot room would be a great cure!

SO I helped with the 30 Day Challenge Hands on Adjustment class and the experience was amazing. Just watching the bodies, creating small adjustments in the Challenger postures and making that connection with each person who attended. Wow!

.llllllllllllllllll-Bobbin wanted to say hi!

I am very glad I asked to be one of the adjusters and it was a fantastic learning experience from every angle.


Also, Ted was right, when needed the knowledge we have would surface.

I then took the class after. Moksha Music. Yoga and music. It's a titillating combination and my savasana was excellent. I may have had to stop myself from snoring once or twice too. ;)

But the class I was both dreading and excited about (to catch up for Day 5!) was SSU. I have been avoiding SSUs since I got back from training. I'm not really sure why but I feel the "If you are avoiding the pose, you need it most" statement applies to this class too. It's a challenge for "advanced" yogis. The calmness, the stillness, slowing life down and not having to focus completely on the breathe means those tricky thoughts are easier to stick.

It happened a a few times but the funny thing? You do still lose your breathe in SSU and paying attention, reconnecting to that breathe, means those thoughts can float back outside the hot room until practice is done.

I teach tomorrow so that'll be awesome. :)

See you in the hot room!

Day 4

I'm still never sure when I should just go and practice and when I need to just be. Sit with the thoughts I'm having and have been putting off thinking about in order to create change.

I know about 98.5% of the time going will make me feel better overall but sometimes that 1.5% can just make it all worst. And it happens! The days when you just can't stop the thoughts, just acknowledge them in class but let them keep moving because you are so connected to your breathe.

And it's just that fear I'm still working through so today I didn't practice-partly because I slept through the classes I felt good about attending and partly because YogaMix is so far over my head it freaks me out and partly because I needed to face the thoughts I usually let go to be able to create change and move forward.

Tomorrow is an exciting day of the challenge. There is a Challenger's only Hands-On Adjustment class and I get to help with the adjustments! Then take two classes to make up for today. ;)

Day 3

I'm so glad Day 3 is a Friday...it just seems to fit well.

I took my class for the Challenge (and to calm some nerves) and then taught a class!

As a practice class it was open to my friends/family and then the Challengers-they got a bingo stamp on their BINGO card!

But mum wasn't in the room! So it was odd. Good but odd.

Some nerves kicked up that haven't in my last few practice classes. I really want people to enjoy their classes and feel like they got what they came for-this is going to be my challenge in teaching. Letting THAT go. Trusting I know the poses. Trusting I can watch the bodies and instruct based on the room and knowing each student brings in their own stuff and that I can't change that or how they feel, I can only instruct the best class possible with all I bring.

Having Ashley as encouragement last night and today was fantastic though. I think the best thing she said and what I keep coming back to is that I need to teach from my practice. Which means really coming to my mat and being in those moments so I can lead others into those moments.

My body so far has accepted the challenge and I actually had maybe one of the best nights sleep (if not the best) since I got back from Training. AND it was at a normal hour.

Bring on Day 4!

Day 2

Day 2!

I am "up to date" on my classes. Whoohoo!!

But in all honesty, taking Brianna's class today was a fantastic start to my 30 Day Challenge. Learning from my fellow trainees and feeling their energy again in the hot room and in the studio. So much love.

She's a real teacher!

And my second class was an excellent way to get caught up.

That being said, so much ultima and coconut water will be consumed this month and I need to get my body hydrated properly again.

I think that's one thing you aren't prepared for after training. Your connection with your body falls aside. You forget to hydrate in your daily life and just how important hydration is to your body and all of the work it does for you.

Let's see where this challenge takes me.

30 Day Challenge and Grow Your Yoga

Day 1 of my second 30 day challenge and the first day of Grow Your Yoga and I am unable to take a class. EEP!

Not how I wanted to start this challenge but sometimes plans go awry and having hands that are swollen to twice their size (down from yesterday's 4xs their size) would make a host of poses very inaccessible. PLUS, the body rash/hives do not respond well to heat.

BUT it's only day 1 and for week one of Grow Your Yoga focusing on "Be Healthy" I feel I really need to respect my body and listen to it.

This month is going to be one to reconnect with my body fully and completely. Listening to it's needs and moving forward in my practice.

Maybe going to class and just laying in savasana would be okay...