I'm improving!! Balance is improving, the poses are getting easier to do, my strength is improving. All is going in the right direction. Next Tuesday I will be able to step on the scale and see if there has been improvment there as well. All is well in my world. :)
In yoga yesterday, Kris led me through a "choreographed" vinyasa (series of poses that flow into each other). It's like a beautiful dance. And I was even graceful!! We did three-- Warrior 1 into Warrior 2 and then into the Triangle pose. It was lovely and I think will help improve my stamina. I still have some trouble keeping my breath even and deep while holding my poses, especially during our modified plank and downward facing dog poses, but it is coming too. At least I am not holding my breath anymore. I learned a new pose. We figured out a way to do the cat pose in a chair, and Kris showed me a few things I can do to work on balance. We added another step to the downward facing dog. I still have a way to go, but it is coming. I love seeing improvement like this!!
And the best thing is that the improvements are transferring into other areas of my life. I am getting my steps in through the day much more easily. On Monday I got in my 5000 steps without even really trying. Yesterday I was out and about after my yoga class, running errands etc. so I got them in without any issue. I have a good feeling about this week, that I will achieve my goal of 5000 steps every single day. Then next week we take a baby step forward and set a goal of 6000 steps one day and 5000 steps all the other days. This is how the baby steps program I have created for myself works. But I am stronger now and I am feeling more graceful. I am breathing better, sleeping better, and just able to do more day to day things. I think much of that is due to yoga. I love it!!
I really want to take this moment to encourage others to give yoga a try. No matter your size, your fitness level, or your abilities, I do believe that yoga can be modified for anyone's needs. Sometimes it might take talking to many different teachers to find one who will be willing to be creative and work with you on modifications, but once you find that person, it will be totally worth it! And of course, if you live in the Black Hills, there is always Kris... ;-)
Make a great day everyone!
Namaste
Yes, you were graceful and lovely moving through your vinyasa. . .and I loved seeing the dancer in you. Isn't it wonderful how yoga brings those qualities into our lives. . .and/or helps them unfold?
ReplyDeleteYour receptive and positive spirit are so inspiring to me as your teacher. I appreciate you and look forward to continuing the dance!