Today was a full moon and in Ashtanga tradition, practitioners take a day of rest. Luckily, we still had class today and it was good. The instructor made it a little less intense which was perfect for me because I woke up feeling very tired today. I guess the moon can cause this. Very interesting.
Snow Day
How beautiful the world is when it is covered with a white powder. What a mess the roads become! People are stuck in traffic. I could see cars stopped on the bridge. The yoga studio closed. Mother Nature’s way of forcing everyone to slow down and stay put.
This was a more advanced class. I really enjoyed it. The class moved slowly to really let us get in and out of the poses with strength. One thing I need to work on is not letting smells bother me in class. The student next to me was a guy who smelled like he just drank a pitcher of beer…not a good smell when you are seeking balance and inner peace. I’m from Portland, so of course I love beer, I just don’t want to smell it in yoga practice. Towards the end of class, he let out a big fart and then tried to move to the front of his mat to escape it. I moved to the front of my mat…to escape it also! 
In wind removing type poses it is natural that some people let out little farts. I think this guys was so big because of the beer. Beer makes you fart, so don’t drink a bunch right before class. It also impairs judgement, so one would be risking injury to do an advanced class right after imbibing. Friends don’t let friends drink and do yoga!
Great class! More advanced and felt good. I really like to be challenged in class. You always have to remember not to let your ego get in the way and just do to the best of YOUR ability, not your neighbors. I’m very mindful of this now that I’ve endured some minor injuries trying things I was not ready for.
Today’s class was very basic. It was OK. I went with my sweetie who has a sore ankle, so this was a good class for him. I hope to go to a more challenging class tomorrow.
Full class today. Luckily, I was the last student they let in. Phew! Good practice. Met a fellow Bikram teacher. My balance felt better than on Tuesday’s class. Today is a beautiful sunny, crisp winter day and perfect for all the last minute shopping and holiday traveling.
Tonight I practiced at home. Started out doing Bikram which Fused into Ashtanga. I had to miss the studio class because I decided to accept a happy hour invitation instead. This time of year, it feels more important to spend as much time with your friends and loved ones as you can. After all, yoga means balancing the mind, body and spirit. I think time with friends can help balance the spirit.
Great class. Ashtanga really develops your upper body strength without thinking about it. The Vinyasa’s between the poses really do the trick. I always feel like I got a good workout after this class. I’m still working on my hips. They are still really tight.
Today’s class was a little more mellow than I like. Â It felt more like a restorative class. Â Definitely not intimidating, so anyone new to yoga or injured might enjoy it. Â At the end of class, I felt myself fighting to stay in Savasana until the instructor said her parting “Namaste”. Â It is always good to try new classes. Â Not every yoga is right for every body. Â It is great when you find one you like and then stick with it!