Yoga Challenge Reflection #1

It's now been a couple weeks since I began my yoga challenge. One of the hardest aspects of this challenge so far is not having enough time to do everything else in my life. Luckily yoga is there to remind me breathe.

Current Thoughts
When I began this challenge I thought that it would seem like I was doing yoga all the time. While doing this challenge, I've noticed how seamless the transition into my daily routine it has become. This is both eye-opening and frustrating. I get frustrated at the fact that I feel like I need to daily yoga to see changes, but in my mind I actually know that this is not true. Of course to get the most benefits, it would be ideal to do daily yoga, but incorporating it into my life any amount does influence my mind and my body.

What I've Learned
The first week of class I had a sinus infection. This was bothersome because it made me want to just be done with the classes. But in retrospect, it was also a good time to be doing yoga because it took my mind off my discomfort during some of the poses. I'm figuring out that I really love Hatha Vinyasa classes because they focus on breathing and movement as one. I enjoy classes where there is flow, meditation and stillness. It also is important to me to have instructors who practice yoga for its true essence rather than as a "workout." I've always done yoga for a healthy mind and the physical aspects are just an added bonus.

How I Feel
Well, first of all I feel a lot better now that my sinus infection has left me! But currently I feel happy. I'm a bit of a naturally, optimistic happy person, but I do believe that practicing more yoga has given me the chance to take a closer look inside of who I want to be and how I want to spend my time. My body does get sore, but it's a good pain. I'm also seeing a little more flexibility in my poses, which makes me feel good because I like getting into deep poses.

In the past 12 days, I have gone to 6 yoga classes. Looking at it on the calendar makes it appear as nothing, but since I used to go only once a week, I know that I am pushing myself.

One of the biggest challenges I've had so far is having to miss one class due to the fact that I forgot my bike lock. I was so sad and frustrated with myself because I had planned to go, rode my bike there and then realized I would not be able to practice that night. It was hard not to be mad. But then I calmed down, and even though I was sad for a little while, I reminded myself that I was doing the best I could do. Things do not always work out as planned, and it's how you deal with those obstacles, as little or big as they may be, that matters.

I'm excited to continue this journey.

craft day with the bf

Labor Day Weekend.
No better time to do crafts, right?!

The bf completely agrees.

I was super PUMPED when I saw these at the recently opened Michaels (awesome craft store) a couple of weekends ago. I used to and still do love these, obviously. That's when I decided we'd have a craft day. So glad I did.

A master at work.

My fish before the melting of plastic.

I'm so proud of the bf's octopus. He apparently is, too.

And the best part? We made them into magnets! And yes, I created 3 to his 1, but I kinda still think his is the best because, ya know, it shows emotion.

How did you spend Labor Day?