Supta Virasana

I think I have expressed in the past that I H.A.T.E. this pose. 'Hate' is a strong word, but I find it appropriate here. See this image? This is how I do this pose except I have a blanket under my legs, a block for my butt, and the blanket is rolled up to support my back and it STILL is soooooooo uncomfortable. I'm just not meant to bend that way. I dread this pose, yesterday in class when my teacher said we would do it, I rolled my eyes, not in front of everyone, we were in Child's pose so no one saw my stank face. I don't think I've ever reacted like that in a class before. I know it's suppose to be restorative and yummy but it is a big struggle for me. I hate this pose so much.

The moral of the story is..

I need to do Supta Virasa more.

Silence is Golden

I wanted to direct you to the latest entry over at Grounding Through The Sit Bones. Indulging in silence is not a new concept but I agree that it is something we tend to avoid. This is why meditating can be such a challenge sometimes. It's funny how in yoga class, I don't notice the music most of the time (unless it sucks) but I prefer to have it off during Savasana. I actually enjoy class when there is no music playing at all. Meanwhile, like a lot of other folks, I listen to my iPod to shut out everything everywhere else. I would like to take more time to just observe the "voices in my head", understand where they are coming from, and eventually shut them off too. I cling to my thoughts often.

C&Y Craft Goodies

I haven't had much to say lately but I wanted to pop in and say 'hello'. I mentioned in my other blog that I will be moving next week so I'm not sure how much I'll be online in the next couple of weeks. I'll still snoop around at work (who doesn't do that?) but as far as actual updates? We'll see.

I've been in a crafty kind of mood lately. A few months back I wrote an entry dedicated to green-theme cupcakes so I wanted to devote this entry to show off some neat yoga-related items featured on my favorite place to shop, Etsy.

First, my friend Flo and fellow yoga enthusiast just opened at Etsy shop, Sugar Blossom Boutique and some of the items she makes are yoga mat bags!



Up next, who raises their hand at the beginning of Savasana when the teacher ask, "Who wants an eye pillow?" I do!!! But an eye pillow can be enjoyed anywhere, and the pillows made by Small City Styles not only feel wonderful but they smell good too!



I have one and I wear it to sleep every night, of course when I wake up in the morning its on the floor from falling off my face.

Leah's Glass Creations has the CUTEST little yoga lady statues, here is one in Warrior III.



Some nice yoga art, maybe to hang up in your studio or practice space by Imagine Studios



And last but not least, yoga clothes!!!

Thaidreams.etsy.com
moralfabric.etsy.com
ethaibid.etsy.com

What's in a name?

Class yesterday was just peachy. Even though on the schedule it is listed as "Level 2", it was more like a restorative/meditative class which is just fine and dandy with me. It goes to show that when checking out a studio, don't let the numbers scare you or keep you in your comfort zone. For a long time I was hesitant to take a L2 class - my studio goes as high as 2/3 but that's not even offered so technically, 2 is supposedly the toughest class. One day I took a chance and found it wasn't so bad, in fact, it was one of the better classes I've ever taken and it helped shoot my confidence through the roof.

I had to miss Lippy's class Tuesday because wouldn't you know, 15 minutes before it's time to leave work I get hit with a migraine. Once every couple of years I get hit with a Ocular Migraine and once I start seeing the sparks and flashy stars, I know the day is done for me. It pretty much leaves me incapacitated for the rest of the night. I was bummed. I heard it was a good class too.

*kicks a rock

I'm feeling fine now. Thank God for eye pillows.

Color me POOPED!

That's right, pooped! I can't think of a better way to end a week by taking a class that totally kicks your booty. I was sweating so much, my poor eyes were red at the end of class. Then on the train going home, I read an article in the latest YJ about Ayurvedic ways to take care of your eyes. Coincidence.

The instructor was just lovely. I haven't taken his class since October of last year before I got the news about my heart. For me, he is the toughest instructor I've ever had but he has the softest, sweetest, gentle voice. His overall demeanor is serenity and calm but the classes he teaches are hella hard!

I got on the scale when I got home and saw I dropped two pounds. I must say that keeping a food journal really is helpful. It really makes you think about what you're putting into your body and how you respond to it. I even found that I've lost the taste for certain foods too. Also, I always make sure I don't clean my plate, always leave food left over. I use to want to finish my meals even if I was getting stuffed but then you're not really enjoying your meal are you? It becomes work. After reading about this technique for so long, I'm really trying to take the approach of meals as a form of meditation and it does make a difference!

Chest Open, Back Bent!

I'm writing this entry during my lunch break in the middle of an incredibly hectic day that makes me want to pull my hair out. So far not good except for reading Regina's blog. That made me happy.

I will proclaim that class last night was gooooood. When my teacher said she was in a backbending kind of mood, I thought "Uh oh". I rather not do them and I dread that part of the class when we go into Wheel but I do it anyway. In turn it felt more like a chest opening class with the exception of one drop back (with a partner). Which leads to me ask, how does everyone feel about pairing up? I usually don't like it. It is not because I feel grossed out touching other people but my weight is always a concern in my dumb brain and I always worry that it gets in the way, although it never has in the past in a partner exercise, but I prefer to not do it.

We practice Pincha Mayurasana only trying to stand on our elbows with our palms to our chin, like a little pinup girl. I couldn't do it. My hands would not lift from the ground. It's hard enough for me to balance in the pose on my forearms.

I'm thinking about taking another class tomorrow, it is just that kind of week so far. I have too many worries on my mind that I just can't shake. It seems like the more time I devote to the mat, the more time it is not worrying.

Look what I just bought!

It looks like a bar of soap Marilyn, yes it is but not just any soap. It's Frosted Pink Cupcakes Luxury Cold-Processed Soap enriched with Mango Butter. Ingredients: Contains oils of Olive, Soybean, Coconut, Palm, Palm Kernel, Castor, Mango Butter; Fragrance. Etsy of course, from seller Madcitysue. It'll be hard to not bite a chunk from it, topped with the Pink Cupcakes Creamy Sugar Scrub YES!!! Oh wait, this isn't real food, I forgot already.