Practice yoga 30 times in 30 days

But my schedule is so very hectic. I’ve got a retched cold, so I’m taking a holiday from work… This goal has been wonderful- really keeping me on my toes (so to speak). Meeting it meant sometimes doing yoga with only the DVD in my head- sometimes that was even better than following someone else! I appreciate all the emails/posts from the group~ you kept me motivated. Best wishes to all the yogis out there.

~Julie

... but I’ve been doing well. Today’s practice makes 16 out of 17 for me. Since I last posted, I’ve started adding weight training before my yoga practice- alternating upper and lower body. I like the addition, and am starting to see a small difference (teeny, tiny) but have noticed a lot of shakiness in my yoga practice. For example, this AM I worked upper body then did Yoga for Strengthening with Rodney Yee (my usual morning Vinyasa). My arms were a slight bit wobly in downward dog and I found it difficult to move from that into plank and then upward dog. I did it, but it was not as smooth as I want. I plan to continue this routine in the hopes that my shakiness will subside. I’ll let you all know. :-)

... and spent some time with AM Yoga. I had gotten used to the vinyasa segment with Rodney on his Strenthening video, so I thought it was time to do something different. I hope to do the PM segment with Patricia Deaton (?) this evening.

The long weekend was such a nice break from my normal schedule. We had Monday off of school in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday, so I had a lot of time on my hands. However, I did a great job of wasting time and only completed 2 days of the 3 total. I’m now at 8 days out of 9. I enjoyed the break, but I’m secretly glad to get back to work. I seem to do much better when I have a schedule. My yoga routines are quite boring to write about… the same Vinyasa that Rodney and I have been doing. Instead of doing the side stretch during sequence 4, I’ve substituted Warrior I, II, and III. I’m going to look up some other poses in either my magazines or YogaJournal.com to change it up a bit. They’re calling for some wintery weather by the end of the week, so keep your fingers crossed- I may actually have more time (to use wisely this time) to catch up where I’ve fallen behind. :-)

~ Julie

I found a great PowerYoga show on my Cable’s OnDemand show selection. It lasted an hour, but I only lasted about 40 minutes. Wow! It was amazing! I contorted my body in ways I’ve never attempted, and I do believe I’m going to be sore… but that’s alright b/c it was enjoyable. Through the week, I don’t have as much time to devote to my practice. Sleeping in on Saturdays and taking my time was just what I needed.

I continue to have my morning date with Rodney, but have started browsing the yoga podcasts available on iTunes. I found one by Baptiste (sp?) and checked it out this morning on my way to work. Ha! I don’t recommend that. (the listening to yoga in your car that is). He starts with a meditation that at 7am when I need to be alert is not the best idea. I do plan to try this later on (when I’m not behind the wheel). He he he he

I think these podcasts (free!) are a good idea for newbies like me who want to begin the flexability of yoga away from the Television.

~Julie

I technically could backtrack and make my tally higher, but to be accurate I thought I’d start fresh. I arose at 5am again this morning and practiced with Rodney. A lot of students at my school have been getting sick lately- stomach virus is going around. I sent two home yesterday all pukey. Needless to say, I wasn’t feeling top notch this morning… but Rodney and I kept our date, and I feel better for it. I’m not pukey by any means, but I am feeling a little run-down. Hopefully it will pass soon- the weekend is near. :-)

... but I’ve been true to my practice routine. I used a Lower Body Yoga DVD with Suzanne Deason (sp?) yesterday morning, and practiced my vinyasa with Rodney today (my old standby). I only had time for 20 minutes this morning b/c I have to get to work earlier. So far… 3 in 3!

I will say that recieving the emails and posts from others on this team is encouraging and uplifting! I’m torn with whether to continue with this team or join the new on that Aatmiya started. I’d love to go to a place where we can continue to be such a positive support for each other and learn new tricks and resources. I’ve not met this goal yet, so… what do you all plan to do?

I got up a little earlier this AM (4:55) so I could do some laundry and lengthen my practice just a tad. I did a 15 minute Vinyasa with Rodney and then 1/2 of a Yoga for Abs video http://www.amazon.com/Rodney-Yee-ABS-Yoga-Beginners/dp/B00029QOTA/sr=8-1/qid=1168306690/ref=sr_1_1/103-1215979-9498227?ie=UTF8&s=dvd
I usually clean my house on Monday afternoons and I’m beat after that and a long day at work. (Plus the fact that Florida and Ohio State are in the Football National Championship, and I’m not in control of the TV) :-) he he he
I feel so good in the morning when I start with Rodney and the Vinyasa on his Power Yoga Strength video. http://www.amazon.com/Power-Yoga-Strength-Rodney-Yee/dp/B00062DKOA/sr=1-1/qid=1168306962/ref=sr_1_1/103-1215979-9498227?ie=UTF8&s=dvd
It’s a short practice with only 4 sequences, but frames my day in such a peaceful way.

1 out of 1- yea me! ~Julie

I’ll start reporting it here, since I so enjoy reading the entries of my other teammates. My brother has recently rented an apartment, so I’ve spent the last two days helping him get ready to move in. It’s so neat too!... it’s in an old cotton mill that’s been renovated, preserving the heart pine floors and massive arched windows. All this to say that I’ve been so busy I’ve not practiced yoga either Saturday or Sunday.
My husband and I plan to go to our favorite Indian restaurant tonight, so I doubt I’ll be able to practice this evening either. I do best in the morning, so I will start fresh tomorrow with my 1/1.
I look forward to hearing more from the group!