photo credit National Geographic Picture of the Day
(This series follows Oneika as does a 30 Day Yoga Challenge)
Sunday (30 Day Experience Eve)
I’m anxious. This is not my first challenge. But it feels like the night before a test. My nervousness is amplified because a slight injury has kept me out of the studio for a week. But my real fear is that I may not be able to do 30 days in a row. I don’t admit this until 3am in the morning. Clearly, I could use this yoga experience to ease some of the pressure I put on myself. Frankie says relax.
PRANAYAMA
The first movement in hot yoga is Pranayama breathing. It’s an extension of the breath and is meant to assist in warming up the body for the practice. I start sweating immediately. This is because I sweat like a crazy person. I’d be embarrassed about it if other people weren’t sweating like me. Most of these people are men, but so what. During this first warm-up I also try to empty my thoughts of everything but what is happening in the moment. Easier on some days than others. Once I almost laughed because I was thinking about how my Mom said I sounded like an alien when I inhale through my nose. Like I said I’m a work in progress.
The video below shows a demonstration of the technique.
Day 1
I get to class extra early. The guy behind the desk makes a comment about my absence. I know, I know I tell him. I want to be annoyed but I’m secretly flattered that they noticed that I was gone. Getting to class early is a necessity because it fills up quickly. Before I change I stake out my usual spot and set up my towel and water. I smile because my water bottle is still frozen solid. This means ice cold water throughout the whole class! Hey, it’s 90 minutes in 105 degrees, you take the small victories where you can get them. Feeling a little anxious still I change and head to the room to breathe. The room is dark an on my mat I close my eyes and slowly breathe in and out. My body gets used to the already rising temperature. I tell myself that I need to stay in the moment. Class feels amazing. The first time back after a break can be brutal but this isn’t the case. I find myself smiling all of the way home. I can’t wait until tomorrow.
Namaste.