FLOW: SurfYogaSamba Goes Raw

I am inviting all of you who may be interested to go to my friend's surf yoga samba and raw food weekend retareat in La Union this Aug. 27-29. 

 

What happened after the 30 day challenge?

After our 30day challenge party, we drank some tequila and I was actually still able to go to Bikram the next day and it was one of the best practices I've ever had. I don't know why, maybe it's because I felt no pressure so I was able to nail my postures because I was just having fun while practicing.

I actually entertained the thought of doing the 60 day challenge and I consulted Ginger. She told me that since we were going to start doing advance classes on August as well, maybe I should hold off on doing the 60 days because advance can really take its toll on you. I was half convinced to not go through with it. What sealed the deal for me was that I was so busy with family and work duties that I had to miss a couple of days already and I didn't want to do doubles on top of advanced.

I did try doing a double last week because I missed it. I think that I want to commit to doing at least one double a week just to make my body get used to doing longer workouts--I'm also doing this in preparation for the advanced classes. My back is getting better and I've started doing full postures except for camel because I want my back to be 100% back to normal when I try that posture again.

If there's something that I have been neglecting to do after the 30 day challenge, it's drinking a lot of water. I've been so busy and I haven't been bringing my thermos with me that's why I don't get to drink as much as I used to. I end up getting so thirsty in class! I will start drinking more again--I have to so I guess it's back to bringing water with me everywhere I go once again.

Day 30 of the 30 day Bikram Yoga Challenge

Today was the last day of the challenge and I was up for anything I was ready to take in a hard class because I knew that I had the option of resting the next day. I just came from my chiropractor and I also had my myotherapy that morning so I was hoping that the adjustments would help me. Finally, I have been able to notice the improvement in my back. It's still painful but I feel more balanced and I'm able to go in deeper into my postures.

Ginger taught our class that day and everyone was in high spirits. It was quite humid so even if Ginger was generous in opening the windows and door, it was still a bit hard to breathe. I was so into my practice that I really got jolted when someone shouted "Excuse me, she passed out" in a very panic stricken voice. I looked back to look for who it was and I did get surprised to find the girl lying down flat on her back with eyes closed. We were still in the standing series here so it wasn't hard to see who it was. Ginger was quick to act and immediately took charge. She went to her just when she started to open her eyes and thank goodness that she smiled. I admit that I did get a bit rattled but I shook it off and forced myself to concentrate once again.

Since it was my last day, I didn't back off as much only for camel and rabbit because they are very deep postures and I know that my back cannot withstand those for now. I surprised myself by not falling on standing head to knee where my right leg was my standing leg--this is my weaker side so it felt great to have been able to get in and out of the posture without falling off. 

I was so happy when we ended, starving but happy! I am really thankful that I was given the opportunity to do the 30 day challenge because it really has changed me. I'm physically and mentally stronger. I've learned to appreciate the power of my mind again. I have learned to face my fears head on--practicing during 4pm has definitely helped me face my fear of the sun's heat and lack of cold air! I am grateful for the friendships that we have formed also through this challenge. Thank you to our teachers, Ginger, Omar and Rina. You guys have helped us by practicing, teaching and struggling with us all throughout this month =)

Here are some photos of the party we had:

Day 29 of the 30 day Bikram Yoga Challenge

 I was looking forward to my practice today. I got to the studio quite early so I wasn’t harassed. I didn’t know who our teacher would be and at this point I didn’t care. If the class was going to be hard then I welcome it because it’s my 2^nd to the last day.

Omar was there eating his banana so I assumed that he would be teaching but then Ginger and Rina arrived and Ginger said she was teaching. I was looking forward to class because I knew that Omar and Rina’s energy would help us in our practice.

To be honest, I was quite surprised that Ginger was nice because she kept on opening the door and windows. Because of the rainy weather, the room was cold and since it was so early it was harder to sweat. Today was probably one day that I wouldn’t have minded the heat. I really was into my practice this morning. I admit that I was getting distracted a bit by someone constantly burping next to me but I just told myself to zone in on myself so that I wouldn’t get affected by others.

Because I had my physical therapy yesterday, my back muscles were more relaxed (still stiff but better than yesterday). I was able to go deeper into backbends and I felt that my legs were able to go higher in bow. I can feel my shoulders loosening up so I’m able to make them move more.

I can’t believe that it’s almost over. Just one more class to go then it’s time for our party. I am excited to celebrate. I know we all deserve it =)

Day 30 coming up!

Day 28 of the 30 Day Bikram Yoga Challenge

I woke up bright and early for my first day back after a 4 day leave and I was about to leave quite early when I couldn’t find the car keys. The helpers left to do their market and I couldn’t get thru to my driver’s mobile phone. I had to wake my hubby up to ask where the other set of keys were. I had a pretty rough start this morning.

I got to the studio a bit later than usual and chit chatted with the girls for a bit. Omar was our teacher this morning and the weather has been cold and wet so I didn’t mind that he didn’t open the doors much because my body needed heat! I was so stiff from having a break for too long and my concentration was a bit off.

I was right to have been wary of leaving for so long because I felt it in my practice. My muscles were tight and all the playing with the kids actually made me bend the wrong way one time so my back was tighter than it was before I left. I wasn’t panting in class but I felt the difference in my practice.

I hate to admit this but my body was craving for a double. I wanted to do a double so bad because in my head I knew that my second practice would mean that I was more flexible and that I wouldn’t struggle so much in getting into the postures. I was supposed to attend the 4pm class but hubby wanted me to go with him somewhere. I only have 2 more to go but I’ve been toying with the idea of doing a double tom and I’d still go to class on Saturday of course. I never thought that I’d like doing doubles but my mind and body really is wanting and craving for one. How odd. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I’d be longing for one. This challenge has definitely changed me and this is a testament of just how far I’ve grown and adapted into this practice in less than a month. I’m excited for my practice tom.

Day 29 and maybe 30 coming up tom =)

Day 27 of the 30 day Bikram Yoga Challenge

Ginger decided to have a 6am class just for this saturday so that people who need to catch up can do so this week. I wasn't supposed to take this class but since I had a chiropractor session this morning I opted for this  instead of the 3pm. 

Ginger told us that she would give us an easy class because it was early and it was a weekend. She was very lenient today so I decided to try harder because we had more recovery time in between postures. I had  a massage yesterday and it helped me a bit because my muscles were a bit more loose except for the ones in my shoulders so it was easier for me to open up in the postures. 

The energy in the room was relaxed and I felt no tension until Ginger decided to share a story about what my friend did. I was so shocked at what he did and how he name dropped me that I definitely had a renewed surge of energy afterwards. I couldn't help thinking--"Oh my gosh, I can't believe he said that!". Of course the whole class was laughing at the story but I really couldn't fathom how my friend could have misinterpreted my stories and hung me out to dry like that. After that story, my locust and bow were so high because of the surge of energy that I felt. 

What my friend did really was funny but quite embarrassing for me. Thank goodness that he's such a good friend of mine or else I think I would've given him a hard time after. Did this instance affect my practice? Of course! It made me do better because it absolutely woke me up! At least something good came out of it ;s

We all finished the class in pretty high spirits. I went to the chiropractor after and he said that I didn't have scoliosis based on my x-ray but I do have a slight curvature. I'm hoping that I respond well to his treatments because I want my spine to get better. I need it to get better!

Just a few hours ago it hit me that I wouldn't be able to do Bikram for 4 days and I really got tempted to do a double just for the heck of it because I'd miss it. Wow! I never thought I'd feel that way before. I always said that I wouldn't do a double if I didn't need to but now I'm wanting to do it just because. Hhmmmm.....I guess this challenge hasn't only changed my body but also my mind. I truly am so glad that I joined this challenge. It opened up so many things for me to experience. 

I'm a bit nervous about taking such a long break but Omar said that I'd come back strong so that's what I'm looking forward to.

Day 26 of the 30 Day Bikram Yoga Challenge

I have been really busy this month because of work, in-laws and other family obligations that's why I've been taking the 6am class so often. This day was no different. I set my alarm for 5am then got right out of bed after my alarm rung to get ready for class. By 5:40, I was in the studio laying my mat in my favorite spot. 

I was still tired from yesterday's double but I was also excited because I only had this day and saturday then I get to take a break for 4 days before I go back to the hot room on thurs next week. Rina hardly opened the doors and windows but I honestly didn't mind. It was so early and the room's temperature was just right. I was still sweating like anything inspite of the lack of heat--I'd like to think that this was because of the effort that I exert in my practice =)

I kicked out on the second part of standing head to knee and I noticed that I find it easier to touch my forehead to my knee on my right side. I can actually stay in the pose and get out of it the right way unlike my left side. I have a harder time touching my forehead to my knee there so I usually fall out on that side. I'm happy and thankful that I can do this pose inspite of lack of practice since I have only done this once before after I got injured. Overall, I had a good practice. My standing bows have been steadily improving as well. I feel the differences in my postures, the little adjustments that I have been able to make because of this challenge and I'm excited to unlock more things to make me go deeper in my postures. 

Day 27 coming up tomorrow!