February 13, 2012

Moving right along found lower abdominal muscles that noticed two weeks ago with Jeani. Will focus on those in this week’s practices.

February 18, 2012

“The beauty of yoga is that it gives us a straightforward, time tested technique that allows us to rise above and to discard our lower nature (the possessive aspect of our being) while nourishing our higher nature (the universal aspect of our being).” Yoga for a new Age, p. 20

I feel changes in my body – I hope that I am not imagining it. I feel more movement in my back, even a little less pain.

This week I focused on my lower abdominal muscles, quite intriguing. By using these muscles I think I might be able to stabilize my standing poses, probably all poses.

I went to classes Monday through Thursday, and was set to go with Len on Friday when it occurred to me that I could stay home and create my own practice. Novel idea, huh? Before I began Len returned home and joined me. I wasn’t prepared to create a logical practice, but quickly came up with a plan.

As I write this I wonder why I have been so intimidated by a personal practice. Do I think I will not be able to fill an hour? Come on, I have been going to enough classes to remember a plethora of poses. Do I think I don’t have the self-discipline to stick with it? It should be easier to stay home and practice than get into a cold car and go to the studio.

I had another “light bulb” moment, however it doesn’t make much sense when I lay it out. I know I won’t practice regularly if I feel pain or discomfort. And, pray tell, what causes discomfort? The leg raises!!! I really dislike them. They hurt my low back and my hamstring muscles are sooo tight. I feel pain, stress, and inadequacy. Maybe there is a way to do them without hurting my back, and as for my ego, I don’t know what to do about that.

The reading for this week have been meaningful and helpful. I have the beginnings of a meditation practice, both with a group and on my own. “To fulfill our highest calling we must spread our wings and fly above the earth plane. Yet, in rising above the physical reality we must maintain proper perspective regarding our involvement….” Yoga for a New Age, p. 20

Today begins my yoga week, am looking forward to more adventures in body and soul search.

Wow! I think that I must have the tightest muscles on the face of the planet - but, now that I'm off my acid reflux medication, I am hoping that they will loosen. Last week I rested, relaxed, had chiropractic treatments, a physical therapy session with traction, and a massage. Would you believe it? Each session helped but I'm still feeling as supple as Frankenstein.

My practice was severely shortened last week, but I'm hoping to take a different tack this week - more practices that are lighter. The doctor suggested that I do more back bending activities and less forward bending activities.

I begin my days with cat and cow poses, then on to the side puppy pose, you know, the one where you try to see your rear from the table top position. Then I "Thread the Needle" and go into a Sun Salutation. Tomorrow I will go to Jeani's class, glad she will be home from her trip!

I think I have had quite a break, so will check in tomorrow with an update. Peace, Pat

Week Three

I had an "aha" moment about my very stiff muscles and lower back pain, and the moment appeared right in the middle of our second teacher training session. I have been taking Prilosec (heartburn and acid reflux) for quite some time - years, and thought I should check for side effects. Right! Long term use may cause spinal stenosis (check, I have it), and muscle spasms (double check). Of course, I have stopped taking the cute little pills, and am hoping my muscles respond by becoming supple and cooperative.

I am concentrating on breathing this week, and finding rhythm in the poses.

Saturday, beginning Week Three

February 4, 2012

Week Three. My body is VERY tight this morning. I practiced yoga Monday through Thursday mornings this week, and noticed on Thursday that my body didn’t want to move with my mind – we weren’t in union.

Tuesday was the Viniyoga class with Johanna, got along well, noticed that I have to consciously practice breathing along with the moves, or I hold my breath. I also focused on lateral movement, so that I might better understand why it is more difficult to move to the left. Not only are my rib and side muscles reluctant, my spine doesn’t see the need to move to the left. More work necessary.

Wednesday was Hatha I with Karen, remembering lateral movement and breath, still need constant recognition. I might need to focus on breath forever!!

I had a massage on Wednesday as well as a chiropractic appointment, and really drank water, but evidently not enough. I was tight and sore on Thursday morning, didn’t want to get out of bed, much less go to Yoga. I had ViniYoga again, and focused on the stretching aspects, still wanted to be at home eating bonbons. The forward fold felt good on my back, I moved a little deeper and a little deeper, and then a little “pop.” Ugghhh. I spent the rest of the day on a heating pad, but didn’t do as badly as I feared. My back was tender, and hurt a little when I walked, but it was time for a rest anyway.

Friday was my day “off.” I was able to move pretty well, and am much better today. Still really tight, but not much pain. How do I deal with this and still practice yoga? Oh, I know, sensibly!

My yoga weeks begin with Saturdays, and I once again climbed the three flights of stairs for Hatha I, again, husband in tow. He's become a bit of a yoga addict, I might find myself in his shadow.

I am surprised at how quickly I hear that it is time for Shavasana, or corpse pose, and I am wondering why that is the case. I will explore that this morning.

My quads are tingly. They are very tight, maybe even shortened muscles from years of sitting at a desk, and no stretching.

We are left with what we have created.

Yoga Journey

I signed up for Yoga Instructor Training to improve my yoga practice, and be able to teach both inner-city and grieving children who are not able to pay for training.

I'm not your run of the mill yogini-in-training. I am a retired 62 year-old woman who has fibromyalgia, has not practiced yoga regularly more than a few months, and has been under the care of a physician, chiropractor, and physical and massage therapists to be able to walk in an upright fashion for nearly three years.

But, after just three weeks of yoga classes in November, I noticed that some of my back pain had been aleviated. I could bend over, and still be able to stand.

My first instructor class was last Saturday, and I was very excited about yoga. My body was signing with gratitude at its new awakening. I think it was due to the slow, deliberate, extended session. What a luxury. My muscles were alive with activity. I was afraid that I would feel fatigue, but the opposite occurred. You see, the instructor classes are scheduled during nap time.

Now, I had written a check, accepted books and materials, and agreed to five hours practice each week, in other words, I'm in for the long haul! The classes will end in July. What will my body feel and look like after four and one half months - that's twenty-two weeks at five hours each. Just do the math, and see a lot of time.

Since I am a (new) Deacon in the Episcopal Church, I had a full Sunday (the next day) - two services, adult education, and a vestry meeting, after which I was exhausted. I wish I had asked about specific poses that would alleviate stress and assist with pain-free rest. My body did hurt. But, I took the easy way out and fell onto the couch in front of Food Network TV. Ahhh, Cupcake Wars.

Even though I had a long day on Sunday, my body and I were ready for yoga on Monday morning. With excitement, I climbed the three flights of steps to the studio, and attended a regular Hatha I class, my husband in tow.

The class seemed to be over in an instant, and my muscles felt longer and leaner, even though I am still about 10 pounds overweight. So, yoga helps with denial, too. Great!

My friend teaches a class on Monday afternoons, and I wanted to experience her class. I still had on my yoga duds, so, why not? That class, too, was over very quickly.

I paid more attention to my body within the different poses and noticed that standing poses were more difficult - I determined that my lower back was either more involved, or I was extending it more than it wanted. I "backed off", and compromised the pose for my comfort. I remembered my instructor saying that we ask of our bodies what they can give, and suggest a little more, but never demand.

Tuesday morning I attended a class that I have been taking since November - ViniYoga. Its focus is a little different than Hatha, but I find the breath work a good way to get into poses. My back discomfort didn't rear its ugly head, my chest felt further expanded, and I felt lighter. The focus of the class was on lateral movement. It's pretty difficult to stretch to the left, but I didn't have back pain.

Wednesday morning's class was much like Tuesday's, lateral stretch. I noticed the poses that I really liked, and felt trepidation towards the more difficult ones which lay on the horizon. What do you know - those were a little easier. I was tired, and rested Wednesday afternoon.

Thursday morning my body was not excited about yoga class, and was dragging its feet a little on the way out the door. The class, also ViniYoga, was invigorating. I sailed through most poses, but realized my body didn't understand a seated forward bend. I tried to practice my way through it, but I guess its best to be patient and keep practicing.

When I say that I sailed through most poses, I wouldn't want anyone to expect a body that moves fluidly, fingers that touch the floor, or a back that gladly meets its counter-part knees. These things just don't happen. They probably will at some point. And, according to my instructors, like everything in life, you move into it with love, don't get frustrated, and practice.

I think that is my lesson from the week - move into it, and be grateful for the opportunity to do what I can do.