Week 3 has started off with a bang...sort of. I tried waking up yesterday morning at 5am in order to meditate and practice (15 & 45)....but no, that did not happen. So I meditated a little after 6 and did my practice after work. Meditating for 15 minutes is a challenge for me. Yesterday morning I was not staying present...last night I was distracted a bit less...this morning I could feel my back, neck and shoulders moving around...oh and sitting still for 15 minutes while focusing on your breath and staying present....holy hell is that hard.
I am working very hard on staying present and being with my breath...taking things as they come, going with the flow...that is a challenge for me as well...being non-reactive. I guess I did not realize that I have a temper deep down. I have passive aggressive thoughts and actually do want to snap...for a long time I've just put all of that deep down and let it build up until I explode...but now I am trying to stick with the moment...and I like to react and over-react to things. I really was not aware of the reacting thing...over-reacting yes, but typically that was when I was at my boiling point (or so I thought).
The yoga practice this week is fantastic. 45 minutes, my flow is really strong, my tree looks great...side plank is becoming easier and easier...it's all just flowing nicely for me right now (2 days into week 3).
I did go for a run with the dog last night, and that was super as well. I hope to go for another run tomorrow and then I do have a race on Sunday. Once these 40 days are up, I am going to have to find a way to continue to incorporate my yoga practice and my runs since both work so well together, and they both make me happy.
Lastly is the "diet" portion. This week is another week of eating whole foods...but being aware of when I crave things and sticking with the feeling. Yesterday, at Whole Foods, I craved raw almonds and bought them...and ate some on my way home. It was hunger not emotion...but after an incident yesterday with a neighbor, I did crave comfort food...but did not indulge in it. I acknowledged it, and realized it was a comfort food craving due to a fight or flight response, and I knew that I did not need that food...it was just a response. The craving went away. The raw cashews were hunger, and since I had not eaten that much earlier in the day, and had a run to get in before dinner...I figured that was a good protein and fat and calorie choice. As was today's lunch of a salad + soba noodle salad (with scallions, snap peas, red pepper and carrots, NO CUCUMBERS this time, mixing it up).
I am quite pleased with myself today.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Week 3 - equanimity
After a fast weekend with lots of traveling, cooking, and celebrating, it's back home and ready to start week 3. I will say that over the weekend my yoga practice hit a new level where side plank just made sense, so yay for that!
This morning my alarm went off at 5am so that I could meditate and complete my yoga practice before work...that did not happen. I did get up at 6 and was able to complete my meditation...15 minutes. I was strong with my meditation. I was able to acknowledge that my body wanted to fidget and let go of that...somehow though, I allowed myself to drift out, no longer focusing on my breath or even being 100% present...and BAM! Both hands moved up to my face and touched my nose. Well sh*t...I don't even know how it happened, but I need to pay attention to that.
I have reached out to my amazing yogi friend Megan today (she is the owner of TruHarmony where I practice) to see about my practice. I feel conflicted as to whether I should be following the practice provided in the book 100% or mix it up by attending some group classes and some of my own. I also feel the need to add more running back in. I haven't really run in 2 weeks, I've been so focused on my yoga.
I also feel as though I am not following the diet as well as I could be...I don't know what else I can do other than be more portion control aware, but I've been tracking everything and I seem to be under rather than over (except this past weekend I totally overindulged).
If I take away how I feel today (due to a busy travel filled weekend with a baby shower and cooking for Easter thrown in)...I am feeling much stronger and more fit overall. Today I feel exhausted and bloated and negative but I'm trying to change that by thinking positive thoughts.
According to the book, "Equanimity is the art of meeting life as it meets you". I am trying already to practice this...this week it just becomes my focus.
This morning my alarm went off at 5am so that I could meditate and complete my yoga practice before work...that did not happen. I did get up at 6 and was able to complete my meditation...15 minutes. I was strong with my meditation. I was able to acknowledge that my body wanted to fidget and let go of that...somehow though, I allowed myself to drift out, no longer focusing on my breath or even being 100% present...and BAM! Both hands moved up to my face and touched my nose. Well sh*t...I don't even know how it happened, but I need to pay attention to that.
I have reached out to my amazing yogi friend Megan today (she is the owner of TruHarmony where I practice) to see about my practice. I feel conflicted as to whether I should be following the practice provided in the book 100% or mix it up by attending some group classes and some of my own. I also feel the need to add more running back in. I haven't really run in 2 weeks, I've been so focused on my yoga.
I also feel as though I am not following the diet as well as I could be...I don't know what else I can do other than be more portion control aware, but I've been tracking everything and I seem to be under rather than over (except this past weekend I totally overindulged).
If I take away how I feel today (due to a busy travel filled weekend with a baby shower and cooking for Easter thrown in)...I am feeling much stronger and more fit overall. Today I feel exhausted and bloated and negative but I'm trying to change that by thinking positive thoughts.
According to the book, "Equanimity is the art of meeting life as it meets you". I am trying already to practice this...this week it just becomes my focus.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
40 day - day 11
I am going through a number of emotions right now and it's becoming a challenge for sure. Last night I got home and decided not to go out for a double yoga day. I stayed in and did laundry in our basement too (which I never do because it's overpriced and, well scarey down there, and only one small washer and dryer). I just wanted to stay home. I made a healthy dinner...and had a few accidents that I needed to clean up (poor puppy). Oh and also, the cat decided to find a new hiding place, underneath our cabinets. So it was a good evening to stay at home.
A potential buyer of our building came in and he was not the nicest person in the world, throwing me for more loops. He flat out told me if he buys the building (but not at it's current price) he would be jumping up our rent. He also started insulting my cat, and when he was leaving pet my cat while I was holding him and said, "You're cute, even if you are a bit fat". He then looked at me and said, "I was referring to your cat".
Those two statements (there were others that bothered me but I let them go) really threw me for a loop. It added to my already odd emotional state. I started looking up condos to buy immediately to find an escape plan.
I need to just relax and not worry I realize this, but I ran from that moment (at least I am aware). This morning I was still dwelling on the fat comment and noticed that my meditation was difficult to focus on. I kept bringing myself back to my breath, but my mind would float. When it was time for my yoga practice, I opted to delay and wait until this afternoon. My left shoulder is sore today (where I had all the pain after being hit by a car) and I'm wondering where the root of that is coming from. Is it due to 11 days of yoga with multiple doubles or is it due to the emotional state that I am in with all of my emotions coming up from deep in my joints and now I've reached the shoulder? More to meditate on I suppose.
A potential buyer of our building came in and he was not the nicest person in the world, throwing me for more loops. He flat out told me if he buys the building (but not at it's current price) he would be jumping up our rent. He also started insulting my cat, and when he was leaving pet my cat while I was holding him and said, "You're cute, even if you are a bit fat". He then looked at me and said, "I was referring to your cat".
Those two statements (there were others that bothered me but I let them go) really threw me for a loop. It added to my already odd emotional state. I started looking up condos to buy immediately to find an escape plan.
I need to just relax and not worry I realize this, but I ran from that moment (at least I am aware). This morning I was still dwelling on the fat comment and noticed that my meditation was difficult to focus on. I kept bringing myself back to my breath, but my mind would float. When it was time for my yoga practice, I opted to delay and wait until this afternoon. My left shoulder is sore today (where I had all the pain after being hit by a car) and I'm wondering where the root of that is coming from. Is it due to 11 days of yoga with multiple doubles or is it due to the emotional state that I am in with all of my emotions coming up from deep in my joints and now I've reached the shoulder? More to meditate on I suppose.
New rules - SUVs
In the spirit of Bill Maher, I give you new rules...well one so new rule:
New rule, if you own a SUV in the city of Chicago, and you see a small square of pavement that is grooved rather than smooth, you must drive over it rather than driving around it which backs up traffic and almost causes accidents.
This morning these two huge SUVs were in front of my driving (I drive a little fuel efficient Honda) and they both slammed on their brakes, and slowly moved around a small square that was maybe an inch lower than the street and grooved...typical in Chicago. They went into the other lane to move around this. Traffic was backed up into an intersection because of this and they almost hit other cars.
Meanwhile, I drove over the square as did this other little car next to me. So big huge SUVs that are meant to drive over boulders and scared to go over slightly uneven payment.
New rule, if you own a SUV in the city of Chicago, and you see a small square of pavement that is grooved rather than smooth, you must drive over it rather than driving around it which backs up traffic and almost causes accidents.
This morning these two huge SUVs were in front of my driving (I drive a little fuel efficient Honda) and they both slammed on their brakes, and slowly moved around a small square that was maybe an inch lower than the street and grooved...typical in Chicago. They went into the other lane to move around this. Traffic was backed up into an intersection because of this and they almost hit other cars.
Meanwhile, I drove over the square as did this other little car next to me. So big huge SUVs that are meant to drive over boulders and scared to go over slightly uneven payment.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Day 10 - 40 days to personal revolution
I am into the double digits already, this is quite exciting.
I have noticed some changes with my way of thinking, and the challenges I have in pushing the negative thoughts out of me, not just pushing them down. There is a difference for sure. The pushing down means they will pop up again. During my meditation I am trying to identify the thoughts, and afterwards, let them leave my body and mind.
One I really like that I am keeping is as follows: "I need to accept myself and my body how it is before I can change it." This means, before I will even see the differences in my body and be worthy of it (since I will accept it and treasure it), I need to accept and love me for who I am now. If I can love myself how I am now, I can love myself how I will be.
I'm so focused on weight and appearance, and I do not really focus on the deeper parts of me. I suppose I feel that I am a good person on the inside. For the most part that is true, but since I am a "people pleaser" (historically) I may come across as a sycophant. That is not what I want to be viewed as. I want to do the right thing and be there for people, but not at the cost of myself and my views. This is going to be something else that I work on during this journey.
As for the yoga practice itself, I feel stronger each day, even when I'm sore and slightly weak. I held side plank properly on each side today again, though I took an extra breath to get setup. I find that I am taking the proper amount of time each day with my practice (30 minutes on the nose today) though all I am doing is following my breath. Ragdoll has become a favorite pose for me this week and I plan on taking it often in the future :) My cat did practice with me a bit this morning, but luckily the dog stayed in bed. My mind did try to convince me to just do the meditation this morning and go to a class in the afternoon for my practice, but I was committed to being on my mat this morning and glad that I was. I plan on going to practice tonight as well, possibly flow or sculpt, but it will be ok if I don't.
Wonderful day today, lots of possibilities!
I have noticed some changes with my way of thinking, and the challenges I have in pushing the negative thoughts out of me, not just pushing them down. There is a difference for sure. The pushing down means they will pop up again. During my meditation I am trying to identify the thoughts, and afterwards, let them leave my body and mind.
One I really like that I am keeping is as follows: "I need to accept myself and my body how it is before I can change it." This means, before I will even see the differences in my body and be worthy of it (since I will accept it and treasure it), I need to accept and love me for who I am now. If I can love myself how I am now, I can love myself how I will be.
I'm so focused on weight and appearance, and I do not really focus on the deeper parts of me. I suppose I feel that I am a good person on the inside. For the most part that is true, but since I am a "people pleaser" (historically) I may come across as a sycophant. That is not what I want to be viewed as. I want to do the right thing and be there for people, but not at the cost of myself and my views. This is going to be something else that I work on during this journey.
As for the yoga practice itself, I feel stronger each day, even when I'm sore and slightly weak. I held side plank properly on each side today again, though I took an extra breath to get setup. I find that I am taking the proper amount of time each day with my practice (30 minutes on the nose today) though all I am doing is following my breath. Ragdoll has become a favorite pose for me this week and I plan on taking it often in the future :) My cat did practice with me a bit this morning, but luckily the dog stayed in bed. My mind did try to convince me to just do the meditation this morning and go to a class in the afternoon for my practice, but I was committed to being on my mat this morning and glad that I was. I plan on going to practice tonight as well, possibly flow or sculpt, but it will be ok if I don't.
Wonderful day today, lots of possibilities!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
40 days to personal revolution - Day 9
I am definitely on a journey, that is for sure.
The meditation for week 2 is to listen to the tapes that are on repeat in your mind. It is tiring to listen to those tapes for two 10 minute sessions a day. I had no idea how negative my tapes are. I am really quite hard on myself. I hope that over the next few weeks I will find a way to let go of those thoughts and move forward into a more positive tape regarding me.
The yoga practice is becoming something more familiar. I am still trying to get in my doubles, but yesterday that was difficult. I was up at 4:45 yesterday morning due to a puppy...but stayed awake for my meditation and yoga practice before getting ready for work. I then went to yoga after work. It was supposed to be bootcamp/sculpt, however, it ended up being an intense 60 minute flow and I was in the hottest corner of the room. I fell asleep before class and at the end of class...during class I had difficulties keeping up in a few areas and took child's pose which is fine. When it was time to leave though, I had no energy left...and was exhausted. This morning my practice was a bit difficult since my arms were quite sore. I like the sore feeling, but it does make it difficult for Sun A, Sun B and Side Plank (which I did not need the modification today!).
I am pleased though. The diet this week is focusing on eating whole foods and minimizing the processed stuff. Typically that is my life, eating more whole foods and minimal processed, or so I though. Tonight I am using a frozen fish as opposed to a fresh one...and I have been tempted to use some canned beans already this week, but I will do my best to keep everything fresh. My diet the past two days is as follows:
Monday:
Breakfast - green smoothie (red chard, spinach, wheatgrass, pear, kiwi, frozen berries)
Lunch - greek yogurt, raw granola bar
Snack - pretzels with almond butter
Dinner - shrimp stir fry with rice noodles
Tuesday:
Breakfast - green smoothie (kale, spinach, wheatgrass, goji berries, banana, pineapple, hemp seed)
Lunch - cucumber, hummus, pita chips
Snack - grapes with almond butter
Dinner - tortilla lime encrusted tilapia tacos
I think it's a pretty good mixture of things and I am trying to go as fresh as possible...and tomorrow I will be eating chicken and rice with veggies for dinner...a salad for lunch and possibly adding a boca burger to it so I can have some protein (yes I realize that is processed, but I need the protein). It's not about beating yourself up of course, it's about being aware and being connected.
I am feeling more relaxed overall and more aware. I have not been list writing, though I feel the need to write a list of the things I need to remember to get before going away for the Easter weekend...but if I forget it, I forget it. I am making a strong effort to go with the flow.
I am excited about this journey...and I am already 9 days in. This is going by faster than my vegan experiment...and that one flew by pretty quickly!
The meditation for week 2 is to listen to the tapes that are on repeat in your mind. It is tiring to listen to those tapes for two 10 minute sessions a day. I had no idea how negative my tapes are. I am really quite hard on myself. I hope that over the next few weeks I will find a way to let go of those thoughts and move forward into a more positive tape regarding me.
The yoga practice is becoming something more familiar. I am still trying to get in my doubles, but yesterday that was difficult. I was up at 4:45 yesterday morning due to a puppy...but stayed awake for my meditation and yoga practice before getting ready for work. I then went to yoga after work. It was supposed to be bootcamp/sculpt, however, it ended up being an intense 60 minute flow and I was in the hottest corner of the room. I fell asleep before class and at the end of class...during class I had difficulties keeping up in a few areas and took child's pose which is fine. When it was time to leave though, I had no energy left...and was exhausted. This morning my practice was a bit difficult since my arms were quite sore. I like the sore feeling, but it does make it difficult for Sun A, Sun B and Side Plank (which I did not need the modification today!).
I am pleased though. The diet this week is focusing on eating whole foods and minimizing the processed stuff. Typically that is my life, eating more whole foods and minimal processed, or so I though. Tonight I am using a frozen fish as opposed to a fresh one...and I have been tempted to use some canned beans already this week, but I will do my best to keep everything fresh. My diet the past two days is as follows:
Monday:
Breakfast - green smoothie (red chard, spinach, wheatgrass, pear, kiwi, frozen berries)
Lunch - greek yogurt, raw granola bar
Snack - pretzels with almond butter
Dinner - shrimp stir fry with rice noodles
Tuesday:
Breakfast - green smoothie (kale, spinach, wheatgrass, goji berries, banana, pineapple, hemp seed)
Lunch - cucumber, hummus, pita chips
Snack - grapes with almond butter
Dinner - tortilla lime encrusted tilapia tacos
I think it's a pretty good mixture of things and I am trying to go as fresh as possible...and tomorrow I will be eating chicken and rice with veggies for dinner...a salad for lunch and possibly adding a boca burger to it so I can have some protein (yes I realize that is processed, but I need the protein). It's not about beating yourself up of course, it's about being aware and being connected.
I am feeling more relaxed overall and more aware. I have not been list writing, though I feel the need to write a list of the things I need to remember to get before going away for the Easter weekend...but if I forget it, I forget it. I am making a strong effort to go with the flow.
I am excited about this journey...and I am already 9 days in. This is going by faster than my vegan experiment...and that one flew by pretty quickly!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Day 5 of 40 days (yoga)
Why do I have a feeling this is going to be similar to my vegan month in terms of seeing how "easy" things can be if we are motivated to do them?
I admit, it is hard to face myself sometimes...the more I practice, the more open I become and honest I become with myself. I'm learning to let go of things, I'm learning to realize what it is I really want to change/improve. It's quite enlightening, and scary. I'm also finding I'm stronger than I think I am. What's interesting is that one of the places I practice at, which I love, I don't feel as though I am as strong there. We move through flow very quickly there, and perhaps that is part of it. I can't put my finger on it just yet, but I am being open to seeing what it is there within myself.
I enjoy taking the time to eat right. I always do when I do it properly (for me). I don't like putting crap in my body, yet sometimes I fall victim to the "it's easier" BS...it's really not. Making one batch of ratatouille involves prep time of maybe 15 minutes, cook time of a couple of hours (where you stir every once and a while) and it gives me dinner and 2 lunches...with just 15 minutes of me involved time (maybe 20 when you include putting it away). I just feel better when I have lots of fruits and veggies in me and minimal processed crap.
The dog is not understanding my new routine though. He (again) woke me up at 3am needing to go outside. 5 minutes after we came in, he let me know something was wrong, to which I assumed he needed to go out again...so we did, for 30 minutes...and he did nothing, because he didn't need to, he needed water. I still got up 2 hours later for meditation and yoga practice...and as I was getting to my mat, he needed to go out. He couldn't give me the 20 minutes I needed! But, I have learned, to let that go...everything happens for a reason, and perhaps I needed a few extra minutes to truly come to my mat this morning...perhaps. Just like I couldn't make my smoothie because the timing was all off for me to get to work, so I stopped and got a fresh egg and cheese sammich at Panera. I could have opted for a variety of "fast food" options, but I knew that was the closest thing to homemade I could get, and I need the protein.
I am noticing some changes within myself and physically. I feel my arms changing...they are sore but it's ok...and tomorrow I just have to practice and then a day of rest. Of course having double practice 3 out of the 5 days this week, and adding a bike ride on a 4th day has nothing to do with it (and a run tomorrow).
Meditation is becoming a key part of my day as well. I look forward to my morning meditation, and I am making better time for my evening meditation. When it increases to 30 minutes instead of 5 I might be singing a different tune though.
I admit, it is hard to face myself sometimes...the more I practice, the more open I become and honest I become with myself. I'm learning to let go of things, I'm learning to realize what it is I really want to change/improve. It's quite enlightening, and scary. I'm also finding I'm stronger than I think I am. What's interesting is that one of the places I practice at, which I love, I don't feel as though I am as strong there. We move through flow very quickly there, and perhaps that is part of it. I can't put my finger on it just yet, but I am being open to seeing what it is there within myself.
I enjoy taking the time to eat right. I always do when I do it properly (for me). I don't like putting crap in my body, yet sometimes I fall victim to the "it's easier" BS...it's really not. Making one batch of ratatouille involves prep time of maybe 15 minutes, cook time of a couple of hours (where you stir every once and a while) and it gives me dinner and 2 lunches...with just 15 minutes of me involved time (maybe 20 when you include putting it away). I just feel better when I have lots of fruits and veggies in me and minimal processed crap.
The dog is not understanding my new routine though. He (again) woke me up at 3am needing to go outside. 5 minutes after we came in, he let me know something was wrong, to which I assumed he needed to go out again...so we did, for 30 minutes...and he did nothing, because he didn't need to, he needed water. I still got up 2 hours later for meditation and yoga practice...and as I was getting to my mat, he needed to go out. He couldn't give me the 20 minutes I needed! But, I have learned, to let that go...everything happens for a reason, and perhaps I needed a few extra minutes to truly come to my mat this morning...perhaps. Just like I couldn't make my smoothie because the timing was all off for me to get to work, so I stopped and got a fresh egg and cheese sammich at Panera. I could have opted for a variety of "fast food" options, but I knew that was the closest thing to homemade I could get, and I need the protein.
I am noticing some changes within myself and physically. I feel my arms changing...they are sore but it's ok...and tomorrow I just have to practice and then a day of rest. Of course having double practice 3 out of the 5 days this week, and adding a bike ride on a 4th day has nothing to do with it (and a run tomorrow).
Meditation is becoming a key part of my day as well. I look forward to my morning meditation, and I am making better time for my evening meditation. When it increases to 30 minutes instead of 5 I might be singing a different tune though.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Day 4 - 40 days of yoga
I find it incredible how my body insists on doing a morning practice after only a few days in a row, and most of those doubles!
Last night I went to my yoga sculpt and bootcamp class. It kicked my butt, I stuck with it, listened to my body, pushed when I didn't think I could, modified when I felt I had to. I sweat, I got tired, I did well.
This was also after a morning practice and going to the chiropractor.
When I got home I figured I would not do a morning practice today, since I have a yoga event tonight...boy was I wrong! Though the puppy woke me up at 3:30ish to go out to pee...I was up at 6:30 with him again to go outside...and I just needed to follow up my meditation with my yoga practice. My body and my mind seem to enjoy beginning my day this way, so yay to that.
I also decided not to have any wine last night...this is a shocking thing for me since I love wine so much. I opted instead for half of a kombucha tea (Synergy Gingerberry). It was delightful. I was so enlightened after yoga and enjoying my kombucha that I realized why two of our lights were not working ("garden lights") and fixed them immediately.
I have also figured out where I am at regarding my food body pattern. I believe that I am currently in excess of heat, thus I need to be in a cleansing mode. It makes sense...and that would imply why having the green smoothies again is making me feel better. Yesterday I did not even have coffee...and I didn't need it today, but I did want it, so I made one cup for myself.
I can't wait for the creative chakra event tonight! The timing was great to match up with me starting my personal revolution.
I do feel more aware so far, so that is very positive. More to come :)
Last night I went to my yoga sculpt and bootcamp class. It kicked my butt, I stuck with it, listened to my body, pushed when I didn't think I could, modified when I felt I had to. I sweat, I got tired, I did well.
This was also after a morning practice and going to the chiropractor.
When I got home I figured I would not do a morning practice today, since I have a yoga event tonight...boy was I wrong! Though the puppy woke me up at 3:30ish to go out to pee...I was up at 6:30 with him again to go outside...and I just needed to follow up my meditation with my yoga practice. My body and my mind seem to enjoy beginning my day this way, so yay to that.
I also decided not to have any wine last night...this is a shocking thing for me since I love wine so much. I opted instead for half of a kombucha tea (Synergy Gingerberry). It was delightful. I was so enlightened after yoga and enjoying my kombucha that I realized why two of our lights were not working ("garden lights") and fixed them immediately.
I have also figured out where I am at regarding my food body pattern. I believe that I am currently in excess of heat, thus I need to be in a cleansing mode. It makes sense...and that would imply why having the green smoothies again is making me feel better. Yesterday I did not even have coffee...and I didn't need it today, but I did want it, so I made one cup for myself.
I can't wait for the creative chakra event tonight! The timing was great to match up with me starting my personal revolution.
I do feel more aware so far, so that is very positive. More to come :)
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
40 days to a personal revolution - day 2 and morning 3
I've decided that I'm going to keep track of a few things on this journey. I won't post all of the details of everyday on this blog, since that seems a bit TMI, but I'd be happy to share it if anyone is interested.
I am reflecting on things each day (or going to try to), as well as keeping track of what I do regarding the "plan" versus my own interests. For example, no additional workouts are needed during the 40 days. In the book it states, "you can continue, but I would also encourage you to lessen them. This program will give you what you need, and as you progress, you may no longer want to do your other activities." I'm going to try to keep up my normal routine but not force myself to. I've already found I just need to listen to my body as it really does know best. For example, yesterday though part of me really wanted to go for a run, my hamstring was still tight from the Shuffle...but a bike ride seemed like it would be great. It was a short ride, but it was a ride and I felt wonderful afterwards.
As far as reflections go, or funny stories...one of the best things, which I find hilarious, involves my puppy Charlie. Yesterday I did meditation after he and I had gone for his morning walk. He then decided it was play time, and whacked me quite a few times with his rope tug toy. Somehow I managed to stay in my meditation, but I learned very quickly meditation is best when Charlie is still asleep in the other room!
My yoga practice with a cat and a dog in the house is fun as well. This morning my cat, Bastian, decided that he needed to be on my mat. This really is nothing new, except that he kept returning to it after I'd move him off. Usually, he gets the hint...I guess he wanted to practice this morning with me. He was purring during my meditation which assisted me in finding my breath.
Some interesting things that I've had come to mind in my reflections. I'm feeling more connected to myself already and stronger. Today I felt that all I wanted was greens and other veggies to eat (green smoothie for breakfast, lunch of a salad and cucumbers and hummus, I already made some ratatouille for dinner). I feel energized as well. I did not think that getting up at 6am was going to be positive for me (though my normal wake up time is 6:30). I have lots of energy this morning and feel encouraged to wake up at 6 tomorrow to meditate and either have a yoga practice or go for a run (since tomorrow night is a yoga practice and creative chakra event at Luluemon).
So far, I am becoming more engaged in this process and excited to see what the next 37 days hold in store for me.
I am reflecting on things each day (or going to try to), as well as keeping track of what I do regarding the "plan" versus my own interests. For example, no additional workouts are needed during the 40 days. In the book it states, "you can continue, but I would also encourage you to lessen them. This program will give you what you need, and as you progress, you may no longer want to do your other activities." I'm going to try to keep up my normal routine but not force myself to. I've already found I just need to listen to my body as it really does know best. For example, yesterday though part of me really wanted to go for a run, my hamstring was still tight from the Shuffle...but a bike ride seemed like it would be great. It was a short ride, but it was a ride and I felt wonderful afterwards.
As far as reflections go, or funny stories...one of the best things, which I find hilarious, involves my puppy Charlie. Yesterday I did meditation after he and I had gone for his morning walk. He then decided it was play time, and whacked me quite a few times with his rope tug toy. Somehow I managed to stay in my meditation, but I learned very quickly meditation is best when Charlie is still asleep in the other room!
My yoga practice with a cat and a dog in the house is fun as well. This morning my cat, Bastian, decided that he needed to be on my mat. This really is nothing new, except that he kept returning to it after I'd move him off. Usually, he gets the hint...I guess he wanted to practice this morning with me. He was purring during my meditation which assisted me in finding my breath.
Some interesting things that I've had come to mind in my reflections. I'm feeling more connected to myself already and stronger. Today I felt that all I wanted was greens and other veggies to eat (green smoothie for breakfast, lunch of a salad and cucumbers and hummus, I already made some ratatouille for dinner). I feel energized as well. I did not think that getting up at 6am was going to be positive for me (though my normal wake up time is 6:30). I have lots of energy this morning and feel encouraged to wake up at 6 tomorrow to meditate and either have a yoga practice or go for a run (since tomorrow night is a yoga practice and creative chakra event at Luluemon).
So far, I am becoming more engaged in this process and excited to see what the next 37 days hold in store for me.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
40 Days to Personal Revolution
I have decided to continue on in my path with yoga and follow Baron Baptiste's book. I've thought of doing this 40 day "challenge" in the past but was not ready for it. After getting the book I realize that it's so much more than I thought it was.
Week one is all about presence. "Waking up and becoming fully present to your body, mind, and life".
Yoga practice changes each week. The first week is a 20 minute practice. I did the practice yesterday morning but then went to a hot vinyasa class last night that went 70 minutes...so 90 minutes on day one...it felt good but I need to make sure I don't overdo it the first week.
Meditation is a big part of this experience. During the first week you meditate twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. I did well with my morning meditation yesterday, but after going to the White Sox game last night, I did not meditate well last night (I forgot until I was in bed and then tried there, which you really can't do). I'll be more aware this evening.
Then there is balancing the diet. Right now it's about being present with the food I put in, and identifying where my body is, since we're in flux I need to be in touch with that.
In addition to this, I want to continue my normal running routine, but after the Shuffle, my hamstring is sore and tight and I'm wondering if I should take another day of rest. So I'm listening to my body and have gone on two good walks with the dog this morning, in addition to my 20 minute yoga practice and 5 minute meditation.
This is day 2 and I am enjoying it so far.
In addition to the physical and meditative aspects, there are questions to ask myself, 5 of them. I'm reading them each day and thinking about them, but I'm not quite sure what my answers are, and I think that will be in flux.
Week one is all about presence. "Waking up and becoming fully present to your body, mind, and life".
Yoga practice changes each week. The first week is a 20 minute practice. I did the practice yesterday morning but then went to a hot vinyasa class last night that went 70 minutes...so 90 minutes on day one...it felt good but I need to make sure I don't overdo it the first week.
Meditation is a big part of this experience. During the first week you meditate twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. I did well with my morning meditation yesterday, but after going to the White Sox game last night, I did not meditate well last night (I forgot until I was in bed and then tried there, which you really can't do). I'll be more aware this evening.
Then there is balancing the diet. Right now it's about being present with the food I put in, and identifying where my body is, since we're in flux I need to be in touch with that.
In addition to this, I want to continue my normal running routine, but after the Shuffle, my hamstring is sore and tight and I'm wondering if I should take another day of rest. So I'm listening to my body and have gone on two good walks with the dog this morning, in addition to my 20 minute yoga practice and 5 minute meditation.
This is day 2 and I am enjoying it so far.
In addition to the physical and meditative aspects, there are questions to ask myself, 5 of them. I'm reading them each day and thinking about them, but I'm not quite sure what my answers are, and I think that will be in flux.
Friday, April 1, 2011
I make a mean soba noodle salad (cold with cucumber)
I am in LOVE with the soba noodle salad I made for lunch today. I will try to remember everything that I did so that you all may share the love with me. All ingredients are approximate.
1 serving soba noodles
3 garlic cloves
3 green onions
1/2 red pepper (small)
2 handfuls baby spinach
handful of mushrooms
1/2 english cucumber
rice vinegar
braggs amino liquid
lime
sesame oil
salt & pepper
Start boiling water for the soba noodles and cook as directed.
In a hot pan, add a bit of sesame oil and add onions, garlic, red pepper...saute for a few minutes, then add the mushrooms, saute a few minutes more, add the spinach and cook down (salt & pepper to taste).
In a seperate bowl, combine a tbsp or 2 of rice vinegar and braggs amino (or soy sauce) and juice a small lime. Mix together.
Cut up half of the cucumber (I quartered then into thirds or so, kind of julienne style I suppose)
Drain the soba noodles and rinse in cold water.
Put the noodles in the pan with the veggies and mix around. Add the liquid and mix. Add the cucumbers and mix. Put into a container and drizzle a bit more sesame oil on top (shake the container to mix!)
Refrigerate for a while (I let it sit over night and had it for lunch today).
I am so loving this recipe!
1 serving soba noodles
3 garlic cloves
3 green onions
1/2 red pepper (small)
2 handfuls baby spinach
handful of mushrooms
1/2 english cucumber
rice vinegar
braggs amino liquid
lime
sesame oil
salt & pepper
Start boiling water for the soba noodles and cook as directed.
In a hot pan, add a bit of sesame oil and add onions, garlic, red pepper...saute for a few minutes, then add the mushrooms, saute a few minutes more, add the spinach and cook down (salt & pepper to taste).
In a seperate bowl, combine a tbsp or 2 of rice vinegar and braggs amino (or soy sauce) and juice a small lime. Mix together.
Cut up half of the cucumber (I quartered then into thirds or so, kind of julienne style I suppose)
Drain the soba noodles and rinse in cold water.
Put the noodles in the pan with the veggies and mix around. Add the liquid and mix. Add the cucumbers and mix. Put into a container and drizzle a bit more sesame oil on top (shake the container to mix!)
Refrigerate for a while (I let it sit over night and had it for lunch today).
I am so loving this recipe!
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