Every Saturday, join me as I CELEBRATE This Week
with Ruth Ayres from Discover. Play. Build.
A little over two years ago, I ran an 8k without enough training and my plantar fasciitis was in full effect. It's taken me a really long time to get over it and still have some heel pain if I try to run even for a few minutes. I'm slowly adding one minute at a time to my running but until I can (hopefully) run again, I'm putting lots of energy into yoga and walking. So today I'm celebrating a week with lots of yoga!
I signed up for unlimited yoga for the month at my favorite local studio and went everyday this week except for yesterday. My body already feels stronger overall. I got to use the new wall ropes they recently installed, focus on my breathing, and work on my chaturanga.
At the end of my first class where we used the walls ropes the entire time, the teacher asked if we were all okay with going upside down. We were all pretty skeptical but at the same time, we all said yes. I wasn't sure how this was going to work...at all. But he asked another person in class to show how to do it and then we did. It was actually a lot easier than I thought it was going to be! And it was fun!
Which leads me to the biggest lesson I learned - or was at least reminded of - from this week. Too often our heads get in the way of what our bodies are able to do. If I can just distract my brain for a few minutes, or tell my brain to stop holding me back and just do what I don't think I can do...I can actually do it.
The same goes for writing. So often I sit down to write and feel stuck but as soon as I can tell my brain to stop getting in my way, my words start flowing. It's not easy, but it's helpful to know that it's really possible. I can revise this novel I'm working on. I have to stop thinking about it and just do it.
Which reminds me of my mantra: I believe I can and I will. It works for yoga, it works for writing, it works for lots of other things.
Great mantra, Jen. My yoga studio does not have ropes but I have been trying to do a headstand and it is still a work in progress. Yoga is great for mind, body, spirit so it helps me with all over issues. I see it works for you. And yes, I will believe I can stop procrastinating and write my article.
ReplyDeleteThanks! The ropes are new and they are so fun! I worked on headstand for a long time and finally felt somewhat satisfied with what I could do...but I haven't focused much attention on them lately. I hope you wrote that article!
DeleteLove your mantra. It reminds me of something my dad used to say, "Can't never did anything." That believing that we can is so important. Thanks for the reminder. Keep enjoying your month of unlimited yoga.
ReplyDeleteI'm so loving my unlimited month! I'm excited to go again tonight. You're dad sounds like he had some wise words. :)
DeleteGood reminder! Thank you.
ReplyDelete" I have to stop thinking about it and just do it. "
This depends intensely on the teacher. Once more, learning yoga ought to go past your capacity to touch your toes. hatha yoga teacher training thailand
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