Blogging, French and Yoga

It's been a long while between blogs.

This morning on my walk with Emmy I tried to come up with reasons why I haven't blogged recently that didn't include "I've been busy".

I think that's a lame excuse. It's lazy. Everyone's busy. 

Sometimes busy doing nothing.

My thinking of late has very much been - 

"If it is important to you, you will find a way. If not, you will find an excuse"

It's not that I have been making excuses for not blogging.. It's just that it hasn't been a high priority for me.

Am I uninspired?

No.. not really.

But as I have witnessed in the wider blogging community, other social media (think Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram) allow me to share things with others so my need to blog decreases slightly..

But today I had a legitimate "That's going on the Blog" moment.

Let me first explain that I have always wanted to go to Paris; And at the beginning of the year, I told a friend in casual conversation that I would like to learn French this year.

Well... Let's just say that it's May and this ambition is still very much in my distant future.

So far, I haven't actively made any attempts to pursue this dream.

Until now.

It's a little step. But it's a step.

I have 'liked' a French Word A Day on Facebook.

And I found the first word kind of appropriate.

Along with my yoga practice, I am learning that self control comes in many forms. My teacher often speaks of discipline and truthfulness.

Self control is relative to the mind, body and soul.

I am trying to be more mindful of this concept.

So there it is. A new blog post. Because I wanted to. Because I control my life. Because I have self control.

Relating blogging, French and yoga - It's a tenuous link. But it's there.

That's just how my brain works sometimes ;)

xx

An Elephant Mind

I am a multi-tasker.

I like to think this makes me super productive; but studies have shown that the opposite might infact be closer to the truth.

"People who multitask are actually less productive than people who focus on one thing at a time"  

 - -  University of Utah

Hmph!

I am terrible at doing one thing at a time.. 

Likely Scenario #1

Watching TV and playing on Pinterest on my laptop and texting someone or scrolling through Instagram on my iPhone;

Or

Likely Scenario #2

Preparing lunch, cooking dinner and baking a tray of cookies with the stereo blasting (which implies kitchen dancing) and checking Facebook on my iPhone.

So when my yoga instructor was explaining the concept of an 'Elephant Mind' to me in class this week, it resonated with me particularly because I am terrible at turning off the brain chatter because I am never concentrating on one thing only.

I even listen to music when going to sleep. 

My house is very rarely silent.

My brain doesn't understand the concept of noiselessness.

Stop it Brain

Anyway, back to the Elephant Mind - 

Explained to me as a herd of elephant stampeding through the mind.

Hardly a vision of serenity or meditation.

As Yogis we are supposed to quiet the brain chatter, calm the elephant mind, and simply be.

We are encouraged to be alert throughout the day, rather than moving through tasks and processes on auto-pilot.

"When was the last time you went for a walk and enjoyed your surroundings?" the instructor asked.

Ummm... probably never. My morning walks are full of constant mental reminders for the day ahead and plans for the weekend, thoughts of breakfast, or lunch, and probably dinner.. recapping conversations with friends, thinking about the latest family drama and wondering what's going to come next.

Chatter chatter chatter..

Sure, if there's a pretty view or a gorgeous sunset I'll probably notice it. 

And I'll have whipped out my phone and snapped a photo before you can say 'Instagram'!!

Mind Full, or Mindful?

It's hardly mindful.

This is a foreign concept to me. Something I need to work on. And that I can see will be a constant battle.

Wish me luck.

xx

I Took A Hot Yoga Class, And Survived

Let's talk Hot Yoga.

Upward Facing Dog

It's different to Bikram Yoga which is performed in a 40 degree plus room.

The class I attended tonight was a 'Yogafusion' - A power style of yoga, which has a baseline structure, but varying sequences, which flow from one posture to the next connecting the breath with movement in a room heated to 37-38 degrees.

I finished the class under 2 hours ago; and don't want to jinx myself for tomorrow - but I feel good.

I'm not gonna lie.. It was challenging. And hot. Duh!

And I was surprised that there were roughly 45 people, row after row, within such a confined, hot space.

But after a while, I could ignore the sweat dripping from my face and body; and really focus on the movements and the breathing.

They say yoga is good for the mind, body and soul. Until today I had never experienced a yoga class where I believed that to be true.

As an added bonus, the practice of yoga within a heated room has many health benefits - It is good for blood flow & circulation; Promotes elimination of toxins within the blood; Relieves nervous tension; Stimulates metabolism; and assists to repair tissue damage and skin problems.

Before stepping foot into the class, I did some research. And for that I am thankful!

It was a daunting new experience that I didn't want to attempt without atleast trying to understand what to expect.

I googled the Yoga Studio; I read a few blog posts from others who have tried/failed/loved Hot Yoga; And after reading about how your yoga outfit can either help or hinder the experience, I went to Lorna Jane and had a comprehensive conversation with 2 staff members and 3 other customers who happened to be in the store at the same time; and I spoke to a friend whose only advice was "Just go into the class with the promise that you will stay in the room for the entire duration. The mental challenge of not leaving the heated room before the class is over will exhaust you"...

Hmmm... My enthusiasm to even walk into a heated room, much less practice yoga, was somewhat deflating..

But I went. And I kinda enjoyed it.

Yes - It was hot.
But I could do most of the movements and this gave me confidence. Part way through, I did wonder how I would feel tomorrow. Will I still feel the effects of the class? We'll have to wait and see...

Thinking of trying a class? Here are my tips - 

Wear breathable clothing. 

Drink plenty of water throughout the day before you go to the class.

Take little sips of your water during the class.

Take a hand towel to wipe the sweat from your face.

Take a larger/bath towel to position over your yoga mat, coz it will get slippery.

Wear your hair pulled back - I saw too many girls with their hair sticking to their face... EEW!

One last thought - Those Yogis can be super philosophical - - 

“it’s never too late, it’s never too bad, and you’re never too old or too sick to start from scratch once again”

-bikram choudhury

xx