My Sinuses Aren’t In My Hips February 13, 2008

So I’ve been having a hard time doing a daily practice because of this head cold/sinus infection/pressure inducer/filling rattler.  And it was really getting me down.  Then I realized MY SINUSES AREN’T IN MY HIPS.  Go figure!  So this opens up a whole new practice idea…hip flexors, baby.  Yes, those hip flexors and the groin.  Stretch those hip flexors and you’ll help the back.  Don’t believe me?  Google it.  I did after I wrote that and this is what I got.

I taught two classes tonight.  I love all of my classes but this particular intermediate class just steps up.  They want to push themselves within their limits and they do it.  I had them doing hip openers, groin openers, chest and shoulder openers then, in the end, offered up the backbend.   I was definitely inspired by this post over at WoYoPracMo.

It’s not easy getting into a backbend if you’ve not done one for years.  Or years and years.  And these students just stepped up and tried.  Not all of them, mind you, because I’ve drilled into their heads that they have to honor their bodies and they SHOULD NOT go beyond the limits of their bodies ever.  And I’m proud of those students, too, the ones who know their limits.  I assisted a few, having them hold my ankles so they can push up.  And they had a sense of accomplishment!  The energy that flows in a room like that is amazing.  Just amazing.

So, back to my own practice.  I worked through my hip flexors tonight as well and loved every minute of it.  I was able to keep my head up and, therefore, the pressure from increasing, and was able to breathe and make it work.  I got in the workout I needed and was able to help others deepen their practice.  I am determined to remember this feeling of peace and share it with those around me.  Namaste.

Daily Practice in Writing February 6, 2008

I’ve noticed over at WoYoPracMo many people are tracking their daily practice. Some even put in pictures like this fine practitioner. I’m going to attempt do this. I’ve been inspired. I shall step up to the mat and be. Wish me luck.

I’m a month behind the WoYoPracMoers so I’ve got a lot to catch up on. Vinyasa Krama, though…one step at a time, one breath at a time in the right direction. My intention for what is left of February is to have a daily practice and document it. Intention set, let’s begin.

Papa’s Sick Day Now February 5, 2008

Wow, what a way to kick off a new blog – with germs and snot and puke and the whole lot.  Papa’s gone down hard today with a stomach bug and I’ve never seen him this sick.  I had to cancel everything today, including yoga class tonight.  I’ve never canceled a class.  It seems that no matter what I’m feeling, getting out and teaching yoga helps me rally.  But I know I can’t leave Papa with two rambunctious kids for dinner, bath and bed.  Yeesh.

So with this sickness running rampant through our house will I ever get to do yoga again?  Days like this it seems I won’t.  I certainly don’t have the energy to try any flow and if I dared hang upside down in Uttanasana I think my head would explode.  So what should I do?  Is there something from a practice that I could concentrate on?  Hmm, I wonder if 20 minutes of up dog would energize me and clear these sinuses.  Let’s go find out.

Mummy’s First Sick Day February 4, 2008

Mummy is taking a sick day. Actually, mummy would have loved to take a sick day many times over the past 3+ years (and not just to go sit at the bar, either) but this time Papa is insisting on the sick day. OK. I have a laptop and I’ve been meaning to start a blog so here goes.

I’m enjoying my sick day. Besides being worried that I may have infected others with this terrible head cold, I’m getting the chance to catch up on blogs, emails, news, etc. Oh, and I’m meditating this cold away just because I can. Or at least I like to think I can.

So I sit up here in my bed – forced to lay here while my family feeds me in bed, brings me medicine and tries to stay out because Papa said so – and I can hear what’s going on downstairs. M&B are fighting over a yoga mat. I love that a 3 year old and a 21 month old fight over a yoga mat. There has to be something good in that doesn’t there? Well, doesn’t there?

Now M is at the bottom of the stairs and boy, is she peeo’d. “That’s NOT FAIR when Papa says no. I’m not going near him any more because he’s not fair. He doesn’t know how to be fair. Oh, hello, B, is Papa being not fair to you, too? No, B. That’s mine. MINE, SHE SAID (yes, M likes to quote herself by saying ’she said’ when she’s serious). Oh, gosh, B, you’re not nice and Papa’s not fair. I wish Mummy were down here because she’s not fair only sometimes.”

Oh, my. And there is lots more to be overheard but I’m busy catching up. And planning, there is lots of planning. I just joined WoYoPracMo and there is a lot to catch up on there and to plan for. More on that later. For now, my first post is done. That wasn’t so hard, was it? And the sudafed hasn’t effected my ability to be coherent, has it?