Perhaps it was the realization of heading to Costa Rica very soon for a yoga retreat, or maybe even it was the curiosity of pushing myself outside of my comfort zone. In any case I put my name down on the 30-day yoga challenge board at a local studio. By writing my name in black sharpie amongst all the other 30-day challengers I knew I had to make the commitment and go for it. We are on day 6 and I am 8 classes in.
I started this yoga journey back in October. The one thing I can say about myself is once I commit to something, work, relationship, a physical goal, I am committed. I started going to hot yoga twice a week, and surprising myself I quickly fell in love with it. My tight hip flexors and the knot between my spine and shoulder from work thanked me immensely. The last time I stepped this far out of my comfort zone was a few years ago when I did the IronMan 70.3 without ever competing in an open water swim before. I loved setting that goal, and the sense of accomplishment that came from pushing myself to do something new, and a little scary. Conquering the fear of the unknown.
Yoga was scary for me as well, to take that leap and start. On a scale on 1-10 (10 being the best), my flexibility level at best is a 1.5 (and that's generous), balance is only slightly better coming in at a 2.5-3. Yet, something was pulling at me to start....perhaps that same calling that said signing up for a yoga retreat in Costa Rica was a good idea.
Since last summer my love of cycling has diminished. I've accomplished all I want to in road cycling. I became bored with the same routes over and over. I cycle alone in the afternoons and no longer felt as safe as I use to. I've been hit by a car (or their mirror) three times in the last 8 years. All very minor. I've had men in trucks slow down and yell profanities at me. Truthfully the negative started to out weigh the positives. I found my peace in the foothills, Casacades, and Alpine Lakes running and hiking. That camaraderie amongst fellow outdoor enthusiasts appreciating the beauty and surroundings quickly became my passion. The connection to the mind and body.
My life has evolved these last few years into a life of peace. I feel peace within myself and towards others. I am no longer searching, I am just happy and content. Starting my yoga practice, has taken this to a new level. I am loving this opportunity to practice. I am a long way from wild and crazy inversions, but I've noticed subtle improvement in these last few months, and that excites me. Plus I have loved expanding on the whole mind/body concept. After the end of each practice one particular teacher has us put our hands together, thumbs to the forehead and reminds us to be mindful to think positive thoughts, then to our lips to speak kind words and to our heart to spread love. I truly love this, and feel it as we do it.
Heading to Costa Rica I've wanted to get the optimal experience, so I've decided to cut out all alcohol until I go. Not that I am a big drinker, but I do enjoy a beer or other like beverages here and there. I've also cut out refined sugar. I am not a dieter. In fact I am a pretty clean eater, I eat mostly raw and vegetarian with occasional fish, however I LOVE sugar. I believe it is addictive and once we are use to it we do crave it, so I've wanted to get off the kick. It's a world of difference in how I feel. The bloated belly is gone and my energy is consistent through out the day.
So here's to more new experiences. Adding things to our lives that benefit our well being, and others around us!
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