I had 23 days to get in 25 classes, which obviously I did,
but it wasn’t easy. My officemate would laugh at me filling out, scratching
out, & highlighting my calendar all the time (which looked more like a
graffiti wall) trying to figure out when I could fit in extra yoga classes on
top of my regular training. Every
morning I’d get a “how many are you up to now?” followed by a high-five.
Physically, I most definitely feel stronger in my arms &
balance/core strength. I can’t even TELL you how many chaturangas I’ve done in
the past month. It also got my “asana” out of bed for 6am classes most days…
which surprisingly gave me MORE energy (scary I know!) and knowing I can handle
double workouts J. Also
I have never sweat more in my entire life. If you don’t mind doing laundry
every other day it’s SO good for you.
For me, I think that this challenge was more mentally
rewarding than anything. Yoga is totally my anxiety-ridden a-type absolutely-necessary
therapy. I need that time to shut off my brain from all of my crazy thoughts,
& to appreciate being able to breathe and finding the peaceful mind
shut-off place even in the most agonizing positions. Everyone in my life needs
me to need it too haha. I’m currently 5 days yoga-sober, & today was a
super stressful day at work & one of my co-workers actually suggested that
maybe I should do another 30 day challenge.
It’s hard to convince people who’ve never done yoga that it actually works all
kind of inner magic… but it’s so true!! Practicing yoga daily (or twice) has
helped me shake things off a lot easier than I otherwise would, & I saw
everything and approached situations from a more positive and appreciative
light.
It’s so easy to get sucked into being negative & a
complainer that sometimes we don’t even know that’s where our mind is at. We
forget we’re supposed to be more loving, accepting and FUN than what we’re
doing now. I say “we” because I’m there too. Yoga has not “cured” me of vices
or destructive behavior & thinking, but I understand that it’s a continuous
PRACTICE that helps you want to make yourself better… and feel better… and eat
better… and think better.
After the 23 days I was exhausted & a little yoga’d out,
but the challenge helped me work on things I’ve been wanting to change for a
very long time & just needed some extra help. Aside from yoga itself I’ve
learned to hang on just a little bit longer than of point of “I can’t do it
anymore” because it means you’re close to a breakthrough. I’ve learned to
appreciate how much breath helps and how great the “flopasana” pose is J. It’s also been the
first time in a very long time since my mind has had more positive self-talk
than negative. I’m getting my confidence back of being ok with just being me. I’ve
really missed this feeling. I appreciate so much how much this practice values
forgiveness and acceptance. I’ve been able to forgive myself and others (who I haven’t
been able to) and to feel so accepted to be me, to be honest, to be loved, to
be my complete nerdy self. In turn, what this practice has given to me I’ve
been able to give to others, which has been SO rewarding. But also know that if
you take the last almond croissant or cupcake, everything I’ve learned in practice
(ie kindness and sharing) will go straight out the window. *I SAID IT WAS A CONTINOUS
PRACTICE*
I’m not doing any more 30 day challenges in the near future
(Vineman training is in full effect!), but will absolutely keep yoga in my
training as much I can. My brain needs it the most, but it’s definitely helping
my triathlon training with staying focused and treating/pushing your body the
way it should be. So THANK YOU instructors for pushing all of us to our sweaty
limits, for all of your wisdom and encouragement and letting us know its ok to
fall, laugh at ourselves and to say
“Blessed are the
flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.” – Unknown
