The awesome thing about this 30 day challenge is that I'm pushing myself to try out new classes and teachers that I haven't tried before. It's only been one week but I already feel like I've experienced a real variety of classes, which is so beneficial to not only my practice but also to my own gathering of teaching observations. Granted I'm only sticking to yoga- I could definitely also try any of the pilates, pole dancing, or other movement classes, but for now at least I feel like I'm getting a lot of education with just the yoga.
    















(*I didn't get a lot of pics, but here are a few early ones of my my man by the grill just before we really got it going, and some good friends having a good time.)

I think the Hot Fusion class is my new favorite class. It's just challenging enough without being too exhausting, and I leave feeling like I got just what I needed. That's exactly what yesterday's class was, and it was the perfect way to start the day before our long hot bbq park adventure (which was a blast!). Not to mention hot yoga is definitely the best way to prep for a blazing 90 something degree weather day like yesterday- I swear I can mentally manage the heat so much better.

Physically though, the heat might be getting to me. Today I'm feeling pretty damn tired, and I think between the long days in the sun this week and the early rising every morning I've gotten a little worn. So today I'm allowing myself to recuperate and relax alllll day - no pressure to do anything… except I still need to get my inversion in for the day! Yesterday at the park I tried practicing my handstands without a wall or a tree- I even got a few friends to try with me at the end of the day. I can't balance for too long, but I am definitely understanding more and more what areas need to be activated, how that feels, and how it all ties into balance. It's so fun- there's always something to learn in yoga.

I thought for sure today was going to be tough. I know it's only the third day but last night Jon and I stayed up pretty late, ate a huge amount of homemade mexican food, and drank 3 beers to top it off. I walked over to the studio today thinking "it's going to be a rough class." But I sucked down my two jars of water, sipped a little more before stepping into class, and surprisingly it was one of the best classes I've taken in a while.

(*Some food porn: pico de galo, giant vegan burrito)

The Warm 60 class at Sacred is pretty fun, especially because I started my serious yoga practice with Bikram. It's a shortened, less hot version of what a regular Bikram class is like, and at 7am it's an awesome way to start the day. I've thought to myself several times that this version is such a nice way to practice that asana series. What was even better about today's class, however, was that it was lead by an instructor who has such a wonderful and funny personality, and that really resonates with her instruction. There were several moments in class she had us all smiling, if not laughing. Those types of classes I walk out of feeling like nothing could bring me down.

So the lesson from my practice (and this lesson has come up several times, but it's so hard to remember!) is to expect the unexpected. My body goes through things that I sometimes don't feel, and won't feel until I step into that hot room and step onto that mat. And whatever happens there is entirely my doing and my responsibility. Going in with an open and empty mind, with just the intention of doing my best will allow the space for my body and my mind to go through just what it needs for that day.


& My day 2 + 3 inversion challenge poses- a wall handstand and a supported headstand.

Waking up early is not my strong suite. I pride myself on it when I go back home to California, but that's technically cheating- 6am San Diego time is equivalent to 9am Brooklyn time. There's no discipline there.

So when I tell myself I'm going to go to 7am yoga, a part of me knows I'm kidding myself. I say it as though I know it's fact, I will be going, but there's a little part of me that's also saying "Yeah! If I wake up!" That's not very effective if I actually want to get out of bed at 6 and make the trek.

I could blame the weather. It being 30 degrees or less outside doesn't exactly excite me. But I'll be going to a cozy warm, womblike room where I can stretch and expose myself openly to the day ahead- that's pretty comforting.

This is my current yoga challenge. To get up and go! Take the step outside! I know I'll feel like my better self after I do it. No more excuses, because I really enjoy going, so what's holding me back?

I'll let you know when I figure that part out.