FDOY

This past Monday I woke early - early enough to see the sun rise, and early enough to hear grumbles of protest from those around me.   I was giddy with anticipation - - Monday, you see, was Free Day of Yoga and I was raring to go.   While so many studios in my area were offering classes throughout the day, my sights were on the kick-off event in Discovery Green, a little oasis of green in the midst of Houston's downtown.   It would fill my morning with Yoga goodness and, being a sucker for practicing Yoga outside, I was hooked.   Yoga outside + *3* back-to-back classes + a big group to practice with?  There was no way I could pass it up.

It was a glorious morning - sunny, warm and just a hint of a breeze.  When I arrived at the Park at around 8am there weren't a whole lot of people there yet.  I saw a girl with a yoga mat sitting on a bench, and went up to talk with her.  She didn't know where the group was meeting either, but we figured it would become obvious as the yoga mats (and their human companions) began to arrive in greater numbers.    I went over and sat beside the water and watched as more and more yoga enthusiasts wandered over.  A wooden platform by the water seemed to be where everyone was setting up.  I unrolled my mat on the edge nearest the water and plunked myself down.  I didn't stretch.  I didn't assume any impressive asanas.  I sat there with a big dorky grin on my face and watched everyone else.  There is something wonderful about simply sharing the quiet company of others who share your passion - it's kind of like the amazing energy you ride when you meditate in a group, or how it feels to go on a photo shoot with other Photographers.  I just sat there and basked in it.  (and took a photo or two.... )

As we warmed up and settled in, a group of Indian musicians arrived to play for us.  It was awesome.  I wish I caught the name of the group, but all I managed to hear is that they are from a local Hare Krishna Temple.  Sitting by the water, stretching a bit and soaking in the sounds of their music;  it was fabulous.




We had three separate instructors for the three classes. The first, Nicole Haagenson, was energizing without being annoyingly bubbly.  She led us through a practice where we built on each asana in Vinyasa-style, completing 5 of each pose.  It was an incredible warm up, and I quickly noticed myself feeling more and more limber.  There weren't any poses I was unfamiliar with, but she combined them in such an interesting way and it just felt very fluid.   After Nicole, Achim Fassbender took over. WHOA. That was an intense session. He did a few poses that I hadn't done before - more like slight variations of familiar poses than brand new ones, and there was something about his style that pushed me to go further and deeper than I have before.  By the time we ended in Pigeon, I was truly shocked at how open my hips were.  Pigeon has always been a favourite of mine, but I felt even more connected in it than usual  - - I don't know if it's the group energy, the longer practice or what, but I just felt so incredible in the poses.  We ended off with the perfect wind-down and wringing out by Ann Hyde. She led us through poses that felt restorative and calming, and she just had this wonderful, peaceful manner. This is the first time I ever attended a class, I realized. I've been practicing on and off for years, and very passionately since January, but these are the first classes I've ever had the chance to attend. I loved it. LOVED it. I think I'm going to make a point of including some Yoga studio time into my practice.

Some pictures of the day ~ all of these taken before the classes began. I would have loved to have taken some shots during the class, but I wasn't getting off my mat for anything - not even my camera-happy spirit could drag me off this day.

I'm still here

.... or perhaps, more accurately, I'm here again.

I truly gaped when I typed in the URL of this blog into my browser and noticed that, when up it sprang, mid-July was the date of my last post.  Has it really been that long?   Apparently so.

Life has been a bit of a whirlwind lately.  Lots of change, and lots of new & exciting experiences for our family.  Since this is a blog that I set up to be less about the parenting and kids side of my life, I'm not really going to mention much about it but it's all good and working out wonderfully for all.

I have many half-constructed entries that have been playing in my mind the last month, so I hope and intend to be more present here for the half dozen or so who may be reading.    Now, though, Indian food awaits - - a FINE way to cap off an exciting and happy week.

hatha yoga on the beach

otherwise titled "yoga practice that ate my camera".

Ok, so it was the *sand* that, amusingly enough, you can see blowing  past the camera lens that killed the camera, but let's not quibble.

Good things about this experience:

1.  It was a REALLY nice practice.   Very relaxing.

2.  The focus was actually pretty good (unlike my previously posted headstand video).

3.  I've learned that using a couple of books as a tripod on a windy beach?  Not such a hot idea.

Ah, life and it's lessons..... ;-)




I like to video myself practicing every few months;  it gives me a better idea of my form and how I am progressing.   Next time, though, I'll choose a less sandy venue.

headstand

I've got lots that I've been meaning to write here, but computer time has been scarce lately.   I want to quickly upload a video tonight, though - - I spent an hour on the beach tonight, doing yoga and meditating.  I tell you, there is something about being on the beach ~ the sound of the waves, the Laughing Gulls, the feel of the sand ~ that is simply inspiring.  I find myself so much more "in the zone", so to speak.

Here is a short clip of my headstand after I finished my yoga practice.   I am really pleased by how strong my core is becoming;  it makes it *so* much easier to get up into the pose.  I'm also feeling much more confident, and able to hold the pose longer.  It's coming along nicely!

My camera auto-focused about a foot in front of the camera.  Let's pretend I was going for some hazy, Zen cinematographic style...  ;)

three good things

As part of a self-guided retreat that I began a few days ago  (which I hope to write more on soon), I spend some time at the end of each day to reflect on three of the high points from the day.  It's a simple exercise, doesn't take much time or effort, and is kind of a nice way to draw the evening to a close.

Today's Good Things ~

1.  Meditation this morning was wonderful.   We did a Mindfulness practice, and it stretched me a bit beyond my usual comfort zone.   It was great to see everyone again;  I continue to marvel at how bonded I feel to these people who - just a month ago - were strangers to me.   I am *so* grateful.
2. A most delicious post-meditation half-caf Americano at Starbucks and the luxury of an hour alone with my thoughts, my journal & what is becoming a very absorbing novel.
3. THE best raspberries I've had in my life.  Well, except for maybe those freshly-picked from my Grandma's garden when I was growing up.   Kroger had a special on Organic Raspberries, and they are beyond good.  I think tomorrow will see me returning to pick up another pint (or four).  

There!  That didn't take but 5 minutes.   The best thing?  I could have gone on and on.  It was a great day.

~K