Summer 12-Deep Purple…I am listening!

We only have 5 times to count to 12 in this Summer series, let’s make each set count!

I have not been doing yoga regularly…or at all? It has been very hit or miss and like with any regular exercise, I feel that I am back at square one in so many ways. I have been asking myself a lot the last couple of weeks, how did I build up to the place I left off with regular yoga??? Truthfully, I went about 5 times a week, but I think I was so determined to go, to regain function and feeling in my left side, that I pushed myself to get there. That is all well and fine, but I know that I cannot push to that place right now. I am being prompted to love and care for my body differently, and my mind says I can still get back there without punishing myself like I did before.

As you may know by now, I have a tendency to be super hard on myself, and that robs me a ton of joy. So can I get back to my previous state of flexibility and endurance? I sure can, I just need to be consistent and work consistently…remembering that it is about my breath and my movement. I have so many damn aches and pains that I had totally gotten away from with regular yoga, but alas I am rekindled with. I don’t like it, don’t want it, know how to get rid of it, so that is what I am doing. I am not sure I am ready to go back to the studio yet, so that leaves me the option of practicing at home. Normally, I would do this in my office, but with our patio looking so enticing, and not getting morning sun, I decided to start practicing there!

First, let me say that I had planned to be out here at 7am…but it was more like 9:30 when I got out here. I am waking very stiff, and so I have to sit and let my body relax for a bit before I can move. See, I had eradicated this crap with regular yoga, but this is where I am. Anyhoo, the dogs enjoy being outside, and they actually get in my face less with outdoors yoga than indoor yoga, and they love to lay IN the sun, even if it makes them hot.

When you first start yoga, your feet will hurt. The muscles are not used to all of the work…and that is where I am, back to starting over with foot strength. Add neuropathy on my left side and I am shaking like a leaf. Today I did a yang/yin combo. I didn’t think my poor feet would make it through the Yang portion. I have no one to blame but myself.

Tomorrow I will go out earlier in the day and change where I put my mat too. The sun got a little hot at the end, and if you know me, I ain’t here for the heat, lol!

So, will I work and sweat to death in the heat? Yes, outdoor work is meant to be dirty, sweaty, and hot. My yoga is not. I like my yoga cool, slow, calming, restoring, rebalancing, and nervous system super friendly.

What are you doing that you need to for yourself? Are you willing to start, or restart what you know is best for you and that works well for you and your betterment? Don’t think about it, just do it. Slow is better than never! Drop me a line, let me know what you are going to start or restart for yourself, I would love to know!