Feeling very chilled indeed after just finishing 'Yin'. I must admit, I still found it very challenging and it reminds me how tight I really am, but I know I'll slowly release with patience and perseverance. Some of the poses I find are a little awkward for me so those are harder to relax into, but on the whole I think I enjoyed this more than the first time I did it. By the end, I certainly felt much more relaxed and yes, there were some tears of release - getting fairly normal for me now!
I went for a short run with David earlier in the day, barefoot of course. I focused on my breathing and staying relaxed. I also tried to feel gratitude for being able to run - something I don't remember to do often enough. I felt a couple of mild niggles which coincided with me working harder (going uphill or inadvertently increasing my speed) - very interesting observation but not entirely surprising. So many people could avoid aches, pains and injury if they stopped trying to consistently push their bodies to the limit. Sometimes it takes a long time for people to realize this though - it is hard to convince clients to calm down, especially runners! They're motivated by mileage and speed, not by inner calm. The problem is, you have to take several steps backwards and learn to 'let go' before you fully understand that by doing this, you will ultimately run faster and freer, and feel fitter and healthier.
I caught myself wishing that I'd found UY years ago but quickly realized that this was probably the right time for me. Before now, maybe I wouldn't have been ready and would have allowed this gift to just sit and gather dust somewhere, not fully understanding where it could take me.
There's talk of the next Bali retreat with Travis on the facebook group. Apparently it's in 2015 - now that would be something to look forward to!
Sunday, 7 July 2013
Saturday, 6 July 2013
Day 10 - Inspiration from all
Wow. Before I begin, I think it's only right to give a shout out to a fellow UY, Rob, who has just completed the journey! A journey of 108 days that has transformed his life! Or rather, has empowered him to transform his life. Great work!
I was predictably very tired this morning and made the decision, when my alarm went off at 5.50am, to have an extra hour of sleep and to do my 'Strength' DVD later on. I knew I'd have time and it wasn't a big deal - I needed the extra hour and that was that.
I should say, at this point, that I am very grateful for the sunshine we're finally seeing here in the UK! It was beautiful today and I got a little bit sun burnt working with a running client out in the open (I'm used to wearing several layers and being either freezing, wet through, or both!).
I find the 'Strength' programme very tough - but also one I want to conquer and move through with complete control. I incorporated 'hardCORE' into the session, switching DVDs towards the end so that I could do the hardcore routine and then finish with the stretch/relaxation on the 'Strength' DVD. I'm not yet sure if this is the best way to fit the two in, but today it was a good option. I'm going with the flow!
I've been looking at some of the photos that people who are further through the programme than me have posted. Feet behind necks, all kinds of impossible looking balances - I am both excited to try these and also a little scared!
Looking forward to a little run in the morning and a relaxing 'Yin' session later on. Big day for sports tomorrow too - more tennis (men's Wimbledon final) and the F1. Great match between Lisicki and Bartoli today - congrats to both for their commitment to - and love of - their sport.
Namaste :).
I was predictably very tired this morning and made the decision, when my alarm went off at 5.50am, to have an extra hour of sleep and to do my 'Strength' DVD later on. I knew I'd have time and it wasn't a big deal - I needed the extra hour and that was that.
I should say, at this point, that I am very grateful for the sunshine we're finally seeing here in the UK! It was beautiful today and I got a little bit sun burnt working with a running client out in the open (I'm used to wearing several layers and being either freezing, wet through, or both!).
I find the 'Strength' programme very tough - but also one I want to conquer and move through with complete control. I incorporated 'hardCORE' into the session, switching DVDs towards the end so that I could do the hardcore routine and then finish with the stretch/relaxation on the 'Strength' DVD. I'm not yet sure if this is the best way to fit the two in, but today it was a good option. I'm going with the flow!
I've been looking at some of the photos that people who are further through the programme than me have posted. Feet behind necks, all kinds of impossible looking balances - I am both excited to try these and also a little scared!
Looking forward to a little run in the morning and a relaxing 'Yin' session later on. Big day for sports tomorrow too - more tennis (men's Wimbledon final) and the F1. Great match between Lisicki and Bartoli today - congrats to both for their commitment to - and love of - their sport.
Namaste :).
Friday, 5 July 2013
Day 9 of 108 - Is there a place for non-yoga exercise?
I felt surprisingly good this morning after lots of walking around London streets yesterday. I managed 'Cardio' better than the first time around. I'm so much more in control of my breathing.
During this period of exploration, I'm finding myself in a bit of a quandry about how to approach this programme. I said in my first blog entry that I would give up my other exercise activities whilst doing UY if I found that it was detrimental. However, I feel as though I'm currently in no-mans land; I'll happily commit to the 108 days - I have already - but I'm unsure if I should keep going with the running, swimming and weights. I guess that the answer should be to let my body guide me, but I was interested to know what other members of the group were doing, so I asked the question on facebook: are you solely doing the yoga programme and nothing more?
There were lots of answers; most of the group are just doing the yoga. Some are doing cardio - a bit of running and/or walking - but no one mentioned continuing a weights regime. The general consensus is that the yoga is enough and there is certainly plenty to be getting on with! What struck me, though, was that several of the group have, in the past, been quite extreme exercisers, pushing their bodies to the limit. I'd put myself in that category too. The wonderful thing is that there has obviously been a shift in their mental approach to exercise, the emphasis on being kind to the body instead of pushing it and learning to enjoy other areas of life more rather than live for training. I think this is something that the programme teaches you.
So, at this relatively early stage in my journey, I'm still a bit unsure where the balance is. Funnily enough, I write endless programmes for my clients and know what they need, but I think my own mind and body are still battling a bit; they're not quite beating each other up anymore, but there's still some aggravation there! I like the idea that I don't have to decide NOW how I tackle this though. I can play around with other exercise and see how I feel with it. I think that, as long as I remain aware, I can back off if necessary. That was my feeling as I did a weights/cardio DVD this evening. I felt like doing it and was pleasantly surprised - I felt fitter than ever before! Usually I find it challenging and I'm left gasping for breath, but I kept bringing my focus back to my breath and all was calm!
Having said that, I do feel that I will shift away from traditional training more and more. Before UY, I'd been doing more 'natural' training (climbing trees, simple acrobatics, etc.) and this makes much more sense to me. I will continue to add additional bits to my regime as well as the UY but a) will cut back if I feel it's taking too much time or too much toll on my body and b) will stick as closely as possible to natural movement.
Now, I have 'Strength' tomorrow which I'm going to try in the morning. I have an early client, so I'll have to start at 6am to get finished in time. I may regret doing that DVD this evening...we shall see!
A quick note: A lovely yoga teacher and friend (Emma - yogawithemma.co.uk) sent me a message after reading my blog entry on 'Yin'. She explained that when she flows through this particular type of practice, she ensures that she's not taking stretches too deep and focuses more on the restrictions going on within her mind and working on releasing any resistance to the 'stillness'. Great advice - I will take Sunday's 'Yin' from that perspective :)
During this period of exploration, I'm finding myself in a bit of a quandry about how to approach this programme. I said in my first blog entry that I would give up my other exercise activities whilst doing UY if I found that it was detrimental. However, I feel as though I'm currently in no-mans land; I'll happily commit to the 108 days - I have already - but I'm unsure if I should keep going with the running, swimming and weights. I guess that the answer should be to let my body guide me, but I was interested to know what other members of the group were doing, so I asked the question on facebook: are you solely doing the yoga programme and nothing more?
There were lots of answers; most of the group are just doing the yoga. Some are doing cardio - a bit of running and/or walking - but no one mentioned continuing a weights regime. The general consensus is that the yoga is enough and there is certainly plenty to be getting on with! What struck me, though, was that several of the group have, in the past, been quite extreme exercisers, pushing their bodies to the limit. I'd put myself in that category too. The wonderful thing is that there has obviously been a shift in their mental approach to exercise, the emphasis on being kind to the body instead of pushing it and learning to enjoy other areas of life more rather than live for training. I think this is something that the programme teaches you.
So, at this relatively early stage in my journey, I'm still a bit unsure where the balance is. Funnily enough, I write endless programmes for my clients and know what they need, but I think my own mind and body are still battling a bit; they're not quite beating each other up anymore, but there's still some aggravation there! I like the idea that I don't have to decide NOW how I tackle this though. I can play around with other exercise and see how I feel with it. I think that, as long as I remain aware, I can back off if necessary. That was my feeling as I did a weights/cardio DVD this evening. I felt like doing it and was pleasantly surprised - I felt fitter than ever before! Usually I find it challenging and I'm left gasping for breath, but I kept bringing my focus back to my breath and all was calm!
Having said that, I do feel that I will shift away from traditional training more and more. Before UY, I'd been doing more 'natural' training (climbing trees, simple acrobatics, etc.) and this makes much more sense to me. I will continue to add additional bits to my regime as well as the UY but a) will cut back if I feel it's taking too much time or too much toll on my body and b) will stick as closely as possible to natural movement.
Now, I have 'Strength' tomorrow which I'm going to try in the morning. I have an early client, so I'll have to start at 6am to get finished in time. I may regret doing that DVD this evening...we shall see!
A quick note: A lovely yoga teacher and friend (Emma - yogawithemma.co.uk) sent me a message after reading my blog entry on 'Yin'. She explained that when she flows through this particular type of practice, she ensures that she's not taking stretches too deep and focuses more on the restrictions going on within her mind and working on releasing any resistance to the 'stillness'. Great advice - I will take Sunday's 'Yin' from that perspective :)
Thursday, 4 July 2013
Day 8 - I've made the first week!
This will be a quick one! It's 9.24pm, I've only just got home and need to eat, go to bed and get up early to do 'Cardio'. Just done a slightly quick version of hardCORE - some is better than none!
So I've finished the first week! I can't believe how much I've learned already. The facebook group is like my new, extended family and they're all such a laugh - totally committed to the programme but still ready to have a joke which is great. Some of the photos they're posting are really inspiring - those who've been doing the programme a while seem super strong and flexible. Most of all though, they're still so keen. They haven't got bored after a couple of weeks - just shows what an incredible programme it is. And I'm not gushing - just stating a fact. I've been in the fitness industry a long time and have numerous fitness videos (I said I'd been doing it a long time!) and DVDs so I feel pretty qualified to comment. There is just something about this set of DVDs that is really powerful. Travis's experience and knowledge of yoga is obviously vast, his teaching seems to be able to reach everyone in a positive way, the music and set are fantastic - it's just a great production all around. However, at the core of it, there is also a real passion. I truly believe this programme was constructed with the aim of helping people rather than for fame and fortune. I challenge anyone to commit to this journey and not benefit from it mentally and physically.
I did 'Cross Train' for the second time this morning. I do like this one - like Travis says, it has a little of everything. I enjoyed it as much, if not more, than the first time around.
I'll meditate before I go to bed - doing the meditation at this time is helping me fall straight to sleep.
The meeting went well today, I think. Onwards and upwards :).
So I've finished the first week! I can't believe how much I've learned already. The facebook group is like my new, extended family and they're all such a laugh - totally committed to the programme but still ready to have a joke which is great. Some of the photos they're posting are really inspiring - those who've been doing the programme a while seem super strong and flexible. Most of all though, they're still so keen. They haven't got bored after a couple of weeks - just shows what an incredible programme it is. And I'm not gushing - just stating a fact. I've been in the fitness industry a long time and have numerous fitness videos (I said I'd been doing it a long time!) and DVDs so I feel pretty qualified to comment. There is just something about this set of DVDs that is really powerful. Travis's experience and knowledge of yoga is obviously vast, his teaching seems to be able to reach everyone in a positive way, the music and set are fantastic - it's just a great production all around. However, at the core of it, there is also a real passion. I truly believe this programme was constructed with the aim of helping people rather than for fame and fortune. I challenge anyone to commit to this journey and not benefit from it mentally and physically.
I did 'Cross Train' for the second time this morning. I do like this one - like Travis says, it has a little of everything. I enjoyed it as much, if not more, than the first time around.
I'll meditate before I go to bed - doing the meditation at this time is helping me fall straight to sleep.
The meeting went well today, I think. Onwards and upwards :).
Wednesday, 3 July 2013
Day 7 - Chilled out
As a result of me raving about how I'm feeling transformed, I think the universe is testing me to find out my limits.
I was up at 5 this morning, although not for yoga which was quite disappointing :(. Wednesday is the only day (thank goodness) that I have to travel by train into Central London for a PT client. The client is great and works hard so that's not a problem, but I do not envy the people that have to travel in every day. The tube is just a mass of bodies all squashed together, invariably with the odour of last night's dinner (and alcohol consumption) hanging potently in the stuffy air. Lovely.
Today I felt much more calm and chilled than I normally do. My PT session ran on slightly longer than usual, so I knew I'd miss my usual train going home. Never mind, I'd get the next one. But, oh no, it's been cancelled. Ah well, the next one then. Oops, no - that's been cancelled too. Ok...the next one will be along soon - but wait a minute, they've changed the destinations and it won't be stopping at my stop. Hmmm. At this point, I surprised myself by being completely unagitated (is that a word?). I also listened to the reason the last train had been diverted - it was running late due to a passenger being unwell. I'm not sure I always believe the reasons (excuses) given why trains are delayed or cancelled, but this morning I wondered: What if that was true? What if someone on the train has been rushed to hospital? It's so easy to get caught up in how something will affect your day - I'm as guilty of that as anyone and it's not necessarily a horrible fault that we all have, it's just a result of the constant rush with which we're required to live our lives. Anyway, if the person is real, I hope they're ok.
So, I remained calm (is this the result of the yoga already?) - so calm, in fact, that when I eventually got on the train I was so engrossed in reading that I missed my stop! I had to phone David to come and pick me up from the next station along the route (which he did without complaint - he's good like that).
Once home, I did 'Mountain Pose, Pranyama and Meditation' for the first time. Once again, it wasn't what I was expecting but I really enjoyed it. I wasn't going to finish the meditation section but I'm glad I did. It made me cry - again! - what's up with that?! I felt very relaxed at the end though. I'm wondering how many people can actually do the full yoga squat - that's a tough one!
I'm still a sucker for cardio, so I went for a little run (nose breathing all the way) and did some weights later in the afternoon.
I have more time tomorrow so could do my yoga after my first client but I actually want to get up and do it early. David thinks I've gone crazy...maybe I have! So, I'll be up at 4.40am for my second round of 'Cross Training'. We also have a significant meeting tomorrow which could either turn into nothing at all or something really huge. Excited!
I was up at 5 this morning, although not for yoga which was quite disappointing :(. Wednesday is the only day (thank goodness) that I have to travel by train into Central London for a PT client. The client is great and works hard so that's not a problem, but I do not envy the people that have to travel in every day. The tube is just a mass of bodies all squashed together, invariably with the odour of last night's dinner (and alcohol consumption) hanging potently in the stuffy air. Lovely.
Today I felt much more calm and chilled than I normally do. My PT session ran on slightly longer than usual, so I knew I'd miss my usual train going home. Never mind, I'd get the next one. But, oh no, it's been cancelled. Ah well, the next one then. Oops, no - that's been cancelled too. Ok...the next one will be along soon - but wait a minute, they've changed the destinations and it won't be stopping at my stop. Hmmm. At this point, I surprised myself by being completely unagitated (is that a word?). I also listened to the reason the last train had been diverted - it was running late due to a passenger being unwell. I'm not sure I always believe the reasons (excuses) given why trains are delayed or cancelled, but this morning I wondered: What if that was true? What if someone on the train has been rushed to hospital? It's so easy to get caught up in how something will affect your day - I'm as guilty of that as anyone and it's not necessarily a horrible fault that we all have, it's just a result of the constant rush with which we're required to live our lives. Anyway, if the person is real, I hope they're ok.
So, I remained calm (is this the result of the yoga already?) - so calm, in fact, that when I eventually got on the train I was so engrossed in reading that I missed my stop! I had to phone David to come and pick me up from the next station along the route (which he did without complaint - he's good like that).
Once home, I did 'Mountain Pose, Pranyama and Meditation' for the first time. Once again, it wasn't what I was expecting but I really enjoyed it. I wasn't going to finish the meditation section but I'm glad I did. It made me cry - again! - what's up with that?! I felt very relaxed at the end though. I'm wondering how many people can actually do the full yoga squat - that's a tough one!
I'm still a sucker for cardio, so I went for a little run (nose breathing all the way) and did some weights later in the afternoon.
I have more time tomorrow so could do my yoga after my first client but I actually want to get up and do it early. David thinks I've gone crazy...maybe I have! So, I'll be up at 4.40am for my second round of 'Cross Training'. We also have a significant meeting tomorrow which could either turn into nothing at all or something really huge. Excited!
Tuesday, 2 July 2013
Day 6 - Vitality and Breath of Fire - shower anyone?
So, I ended up getting out of bed at 4.40am to be able to complete 'Vitality' and get to my first client on time. Typing this now at 9pm, this morning has a surreal element to it - it seems a lifetime ago. I'm beginning to wonder if I actually did it or whether it was all a dream!
I quite enjoyed this DVD. There several active components but slower sections too so it had a good mix. I really sweated though for some reason! There's a lot of 'Breath of Fire' in this one. In case you don't know what that is, you basically 'pant' but through your nose. There's much hilarity surrounding the subject on facebook - either we're all just a particularly snotty bunch or Breath of Fire just stimulates that level of nasal clearance in everyone. Whatever it is, do not stand in front of someone doing Breath of Fire, just in case. It's pretty noisy too - on the second round Bo the cat walked in from the bedroom and stood staring at me from the doorway as if to say, "What the hell is going on in here? I am TRYING to SLEEP!"
Anyway, some thoughts. I was remembering today a Pilates convention that I attended some years ago. It was one of those events that incorporated three whole day's worth of seminars and workshops on different mind/body techniques. One of the seminars I chose was about Ayurveda yoga and I recall the teacher's advice: "Whatever your practice is, whether it's yoga or some other movement form, you need to stick to it vigilantly and practise every day, even if it means getting up at 4.30 in the morning". I remember being horrified at her suggestion - what was she thinking, 4.30 in the morning?! The woman was obviously crazy!
Yet, here I am gettting up earlier each day to make sure I fit my practice in, without fail. And what's more, it's not a chore but my favourite part of the day. The Ayurveda teacher was absolutely right; we live in an increasingly chaotic world where so many things are out of our hands that we can feel quite vulnerable but comitting to a practice every day can give us a sense of empowerment and order in our lives. My yoga mat is becoming my safe haven, my constant, my energy source in a way. A while ago I considered running every day but I've finally recognized what my body needs; I enjoy pushing my cardiovascular limits but my body needs a balance to this. I've ignored it for too long.
I'm amazed that I'm only on Day 6 and am already feeling such a physical release in my body. It's slowly beginning to influence my mind too. Sometimes what we resist is what we require the most.
I have to be up at 5am tomorrow just to get to a client tomorrow, so I won't be surfacing at 3.30am to do yoga - I have to draw the line somewhere! I plan to do 'Mountain Pose' when I get home at 9am though and can't wait!
I quite enjoyed this DVD. There several active components but slower sections too so it had a good mix. I really sweated though for some reason! There's a lot of 'Breath of Fire' in this one. In case you don't know what that is, you basically 'pant' but through your nose. There's much hilarity surrounding the subject on facebook - either we're all just a particularly snotty bunch or Breath of Fire just stimulates that level of nasal clearance in everyone. Whatever it is, do not stand in front of someone doing Breath of Fire, just in case. It's pretty noisy too - on the second round Bo the cat walked in from the bedroom and stood staring at me from the doorway as if to say, "What the hell is going on in here? I am TRYING to SLEEP!"
Anyway, some thoughts. I was remembering today a Pilates convention that I attended some years ago. It was one of those events that incorporated three whole day's worth of seminars and workshops on different mind/body techniques. One of the seminars I chose was about Ayurveda yoga and I recall the teacher's advice: "Whatever your practice is, whether it's yoga or some other movement form, you need to stick to it vigilantly and practise every day, even if it means getting up at 4.30 in the morning". I remember being horrified at her suggestion - what was she thinking, 4.30 in the morning?! The woman was obviously crazy!
Yet, here I am gettting up earlier each day to make sure I fit my practice in, without fail. And what's more, it's not a chore but my favourite part of the day. The Ayurveda teacher was absolutely right; we live in an increasingly chaotic world where so many things are out of our hands that we can feel quite vulnerable but comitting to a practice every day can give us a sense of empowerment and order in our lives. My yoga mat is becoming my safe haven, my constant, my energy source in a way. A while ago I considered running every day but I've finally recognized what my body needs; I enjoy pushing my cardiovascular limits but my body needs a balance to this. I've ignored it for too long.
I'm amazed that I'm only on Day 6 and am already feeling such a physical release in my body. It's slowly beginning to influence my mind too. Sometimes what we resist is what we require the most.
I have to be up at 5am tomorrow just to get to a client tomorrow, so I won't be surfacing at 3.30am to do yoga - I have to draw the line somewhere! I plan to do 'Mountain Pose' when I get home at 9am though and can't wait!
Monday, 1 July 2013
Day Five 'Detox' - Pheweee!
Nothing like the 'Detox' DVD to get you going at 7 o'clock in the morning!
I really struggled to get out of bed for some reason, but knew that if I didn't get up, I wouldn't have time to do the DVD later in the day. By the time I got to my mat (after drinking some water, putting my contact lenses in, using the loo and feeding the cats - my 'pre warm up series'!) I was ready.
This DVD did not disappoint. After yesterday's unexpected 'just stretching' Yin DVD, this was back to full-on power yoga! It was very challenging at some points, especially the reverse half moon pose (not sure if that's what it's called) - this is one that seems entirely impossible to me. My body does NOT want to bend that way! However, I paid attention and didn't push it and know from my progression with yoga over the years that it will come with time and patience.
Going back to the Yin DVD, it seems that my fellow UY's generally found it difficult at first but ended up loving it, so I will persevere.
Today has been manic and my patience has been tested but I've tried to meet these problems with a calm, yogi mind. Yes, that will take quite a bit of practice! I'm increasingly focusing on my breathing throughout the day and it certainly shifts my outlook on situations. I had a great swim this afternoon - again, the more I practise breath control, the better I run and swim.
It's 8.20pm and I still have work to do but planning to be up early to do the 'Vitality' DVD at 5am as the rest of the day is busy with clients. I'm actually looking forward to it too and the group on facebook is so inspiring - people who've nearly finished the 108 are still so enthusiastic and enjoying it which is such an encouragement. Thanks guys :).
P.S. Did 'Hardcore' this evening - much better done separately I think, I had more energy to do more reps...
I really struggled to get out of bed for some reason, but knew that if I didn't get up, I wouldn't have time to do the DVD later in the day. By the time I got to my mat (after drinking some water, putting my contact lenses in, using the loo and feeding the cats - my 'pre warm up series'!) I was ready.
This DVD did not disappoint. After yesterday's unexpected 'just stretching' Yin DVD, this was back to full-on power yoga! It was very challenging at some points, especially the reverse half moon pose (not sure if that's what it's called) - this is one that seems entirely impossible to me. My body does NOT want to bend that way! However, I paid attention and didn't push it and know from my progression with yoga over the years that it will come with time and patience.
Going back to the Yin DVD, it seems that my fellow UY's generally found it difficult at first but ended up loving it, so I will persevere.
Today has been manic and my patience has been tested but I've tried to meet these problems with a calm, yogi mind. Yes, that will take quite a bit of practice! I'm increasingly focusing on my breathing throughout the day and it certainly shifts my outlook on situations. I had a great swim this afternoon - again, the more I practise breath control, the better I run and swim.
It's 8.20pm and I still have work to do but planning to be up early to do the 'Vitality' DVD at 5am as the rest of the day is busy with clients. I'm actually looking forward to it too and the group on facebook is so inspiring - people who've nearly finished the 108 are still so enthusiastic and enjoying it which is such an encouragement. Thanks guys :).
P.S. Did 'Hardcore' this evening - much better done separately I think, I had more energy to do more reps...
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