This morning I did something very simple that I don't think I've ever done before. I sat cross-legged and did a forward bend. OK, yes, of course I've done that before. But because my hips are so exceedingly stiff, I always round my back. I simply cannot tip my pelvis forward very far. The difference… Continue reading Fooling around with variations
Month: February 2008
Sluggishness
Let's see, it must be a combination of the freezing cold weather and the general aches and pains I'm fighting that is making me be such a slug. I have practiced every day this week, but most of the practices have been reeeeeeely slow and not very interesting. It's been a good winter in that… Continue reading Sluggishness
Travel yoga
I was gone for five days, and I only did a real practice on one of those days. My sister lent me her yoga mat, and that was a good thing. I could easily have weaseled out of practicing with the no-mat excuse. The other days, well, what happened? I just didn't do it. All… Continue reading Travel yoga
Practice decisions
It occurred to me yesterday that because I have been taking classes and reading books for a long time, I know a lot of yoga poses and ways to sequence them. As a result, I sometimes feel I have done nothing at all in a given practice, because there's always so much more I could… Continue reading Practice decisions
Going out of town
This is always a test for me. My nascent habits tend to go out the window when I'm traveling. But I'm going to try. I can use a blanket from the bed, and use the bathroom or kitchen floor so I don't have to be on carpet. I might stick my strap in the bag… Continue reading Going out of town
This morning
Swastikasana (seated cross-legged) Neck and shoulder exercises from Back Care Basics by Mary Pullig Schatz Dandasana (staff pose) Adho Mukha Virasana (downward-facing hero) Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward-facing dog) Uttanasana (standing forward bend) Yamuna body rolling for about 15 minutes Chatush Padasana (can't find a translation, but it's in my home props post) and Dwi Pada… Continue reading This morning
Late again! What is the deal?
It doesn't matter how much time I allow for yoga early in the morning, it's never quite enough. I guess that's not a bad thing, but the bad thing is that I finish up peacefully on the mat, hands in namaste, greeting the day, put my mat away, and then race upstairs takeashowergetdressedgetthepapereatbreakfasttearoutofthehouse! Not so… Continue reading Late again! What is the deal?
Checking in
The benefits of daily practice are just now coming back to me, after 6 weeks with only a couple of misses. Benefit #1 - When you do something every day, you don't evaluate it or even think about not doing it. You just do it. I can't remember the last time I skipped brushing my… Continue reading Checking in
Home props
With a little imagination, you can find props all over your house. The obvious ones are blankets, pillows, and towels. I have several Tae Kwon Do belts inherited from my son that make excellent straps. But it's also good to look at the architectural details of your house and at your furniture to see what… Continue reading Home props
Why people quit doing yoga
They get hurt. They get bored. They get busy. They forget that they're not going to get any more flexible, mentally or physically, just sitting around. They think they'll do it on their own, without classes, but they don't. 1. I'm finding that if I get hurt doing yoga, it's because I am not listening… Continue reading Why people quit doing yoga
Practice Notes 