Quite a Quote: Let it go

Difficult words to live by, but oh-so-true.

Bring to mind the biggest grudge you're holding.

Hold onto it for a moment; really feel it.

Then, say good-bye. Just let it go.

Don't judge yourself if it doesn't work the first, second, third time. Just feel pleased with yourself for trying.

<3

Yoga, Runs, & Other Fun

So, today is Day 15 in the Yoga Journal 21-day Challenge. I started two days late, so it's really only Day 13 for me. With the exception of a day or two, I've been pretty consistent since then. And, actually, starting late has the advantage of giving me choices of practices each day. Plus, the first day of the week is always the same 45-min Fun Flow, so missing one wasn't a huge deal. Same with the last day of the week (20-min Evening Sequence), but I've done both of those so far because Sundays are kind of my Fridays, so it feels good to do a relaxing asana at the end of the day.

I've mostly been feeling really good from it. I was complimented on my posture the other day, & I can feel myself slowly getting stronger. Some days I have trouble getting into it & getting through it, but I'm always glad I did it once it's over.

I also have ran a few times during the challenge, & yesterday I completed my first (official) 5k run! It was a Fun Run for Running School, Inc. (a charitable organization committed to promoting exercise for children's health), held at the Whole Foods Market where I work. The 5k was very enjoyable, & I felt so good afterward. My mom & her fiance even showed up to take photos (& to enjoy a cinnamon roll from the bakery while I ran).

Oh, & then I worked on my feet for eight hours. Yep, I'm hardcore. It was so exhilarating to run across that finish line. I totally want to try training for a 10k at some point in the future (maybe later this spring??).

I also have been eating deliciously (& healthy). I feel so much better when I'm eating fruit, vegetables, nuts, etc. (However, I must admit that nibbling on cheese at work is my weakness.) I did notice, though, that eating is such a pattern-based activity. When I'm eating produce-based meals, that's what I continue to want. But then if I have more than one meal with bread or pasta or fried food within a day or two, I start to crave those items. And then I have to break myself out of the habit. It's pretty crazy.

Also, I have a long list of yummy recipes to try soon!

Is anyone else doing the Challenge? How's it going? I'm super stoked to do the neck & shoulders postures tomorrow. Any tips on training for a 10k?

<3

Yoga 21-Day Challenge

My interest in yoga was sparked last summer, when my friend Nora, during her visit to Bristol, convinced me to give it one more shot. I had gone to a couple of classes at the gym before, & it never seemed relaxing or invigorating to me - just awkward & uncomfortable. But, for whatever reason, this time it clicked. Hard. I felt a craving for it all the time, & I tried to take every opportunity to go to class.

I won't say that I've been diligent. Yoga classes can be pricey, especially since I'm also a member of a fitness gym. I now own a mat (two, in fact), & I've tried a few videos & podcasts on my own. But after reading (listening to, actually) Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert during the holidays, I have an even greater understanding & love for the teachings & practice of yoga.

Yoga makes me feel so good: I feel strong & powerful while also feeling relaxed & open. This sentence in the magazine also really gets to me: "Yoga teaches us that to cultivate a calm mind, we must find the balance between sthira (steadiness) and sukha (ease)." This is so true, in asana (poses) and also in daily life. Mindfulness of this fact, & of what's happening in my mind & in my body, has helped me to start on the long path to balance.

My New Year's Resolution for 2011, then, is to concentrate on my soul. And I think that cultivating my yoga practice is a great first step.

As I sit with my glass of Grand Cru Rodenbach Ale (a delicious recommendation by the wine/beer buyer at work) & the February 2011 issue of Yoga Journal, I look over a page of information about a free 21-day yoga challenge, with a website address. The website explains that those who register their e-mail address will receive a tip, meditation, or video each day for twenty-one days, along with the ability to write about their experiences in a forum. I thought, Why not?? So, I'm registered. I'm really excited about this, & I hope some of you will join me. I'll report back often, & I'd love to discuss it with anyone else participating.

Have a lovely weekend!

<3