Our Yoga Journey

Brooke and I have been trying to find a sport or activity we enjoy doing together as mother and daughter. We’ve tried running and quickly learned  that is not a passion of ours.  We love to hike but that is not something you can do year round in Illinois.  We’ve also recently taken up kayaking, but again, a seasonal activity.

The logical choice for a million reasons is yoga–physical, mental, emotional and spiritual healing to be a few.

I’ve participated in a few yoga classes over the years, mainly at fitness centers and absolutely loved everything about it.  On vacations, I always participate in sunrise yoga classes on the beach, but now is the time to commit to this practice.

Naperville Hot Yoga is offering a $25 deal for two weeks unlimited classes, and with two weeks left before school starts, there are zero excuses.

So yesterday was day one: Ashtanga.  For those of you that don’t know (as I didn’t until last night) Ashtanga is “a system of yoga transmitted to the modern world by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009). This method of yoga involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of postures—a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind.” (Ashtanga.com)

While that is a succinct and well-worded explanation, I will offer my interpretation–OUCH!!!!

Ashtanga is no joke.  My body did things I never thought possible. Being the only newbie in the class was quite humbling, but at my age you really don’t care anymore so I was all in!   I have clear goals to aspire to and realize that committing to this practice will allow me to see consistent growth month by month. I’m very excited!

 

 

Today Ashtanga was not offered so I took a Vinyasa class. Taken from Wikipedia, Vinyasa is “A Sanskrit term often employed in relation to certain styles of yoga, that usually refers to a transition between two different positions. The term “Vinyāsa” can also be used to reference a style of yoga practiced as one breath, tied to one movement.”

When I entered the room it had to be 100 degrees. I left immediately and asked the receptionist at the front desk why the room was so hot when this was not defined as a hot yoga vinyasa.  She explained that hot yoga is even hotter and this is the normal temperature for this class.

As we began, I noticed the ability range varied much more than Ashtanga and I felt more at ease, until the profuse sweating commenced.  I have literally never worked up a sweat like this in my entire life, not even during labor–well maybe. My yoga mat was starting to flood. (Apologies if TMI).

Thankfully, during Shavasana, our instructor placed ice cold towels on our foreheads.  I used mine to rub every square inch of my body–again, being 46, who cares?!

So as I’m writing this, where am I in the journey?  Honestly, I am exactly where I need to be. I am certainly a beginner and proud of that. Proud that I showed up. Proud that I’m planning on showing up tomorrow.  I know precisely what I’m hoping to achieve by the fall season. Someone asked me if I’m doing this with the hopes of losing weight.  I’m not going to lie, I’m hoping that is a result. But soooooo much more importantly, it is the inner transformation you feel when you’ve completed a class.  There are truly no words to describe how your entire perspective comes to light.

Brooke is in  Band Camp for the next two weeks at High School and I’m so happy she is involved in such a wonderful activity. She will attend yoga class with me on weekends and we will practice at home during school nights.  She is way more flexible than I am, so this time alone these two weeks to warm up is exactly what I need so we can begin this wonderful journey together!

NAMASTE!

Do you practice yoga? We would appreciate any advice!!!!!