Vitality was such a breath of fresh air! Nicely paced, awesome sequence and just challenging enough. Although I must confess that I did feel weird doing the "wheel of vitality". Just felt so non-yogic.
I'm also not a fan of the fire breathing deal: I just don't get it. I feel like a weirdo doing it -and probably look like one-. I do it, nonetheless. Anyone else out there feeling the same way?
For me, doing yoga on the weekend is a bit challenging since I'm used to taking a break from any sports or physical activity I do over the week. It's my relaxing time, so I'm a bit on the fence on this one. Who knows? Maybe I'll get to love it. Only time will tell.
What I did love was Vitality; and that is one class I will be doing on my own after the 108 days are over. Arms were fine and I was able to do all the chadurangas without bringing knees down, as well as the yogi pushups. Yay!
By lunchtime I was starving! Today I had prawns cooked in a spicy red tomato sauce with some mixed greens salad drerssed with a Balsmic vinaigrette.
After a much hectic afternoon, I was able to sit down for dinner in peace and reheated some of that toasted fusilli soup I had for lunch on Day 3. Grandmothers are right: soups and stews are much more savory when reheated a couple days later. Yummo.
It's close to 10 pm on this side of the pond and I am already exhausted! Looking forward to tomorrow's Mountain Pose and Pranayama sequence: it looks so mellow and peaceful. Just right for a Sunday, no?
Off to bed then!
Vitality was really great, I fell a couple a times but that's ok, I'm getting used it by now hahaha
ReplyDeleteI actually liked the wheel of vitality it was a nice dance I must say!
Really don't like the breath of fire as well, I feel like a weirdo just like you, and sometimes I get dizzy so I have to be careful with that!
Just saw a little pick of tomorrows practice and I'm so happy is mellow and relaxed, just what I needed!
That spicy red tomato sauce looks yummy, plus I love prawns!
Ha! I know what you mean about falling and getting used to it: on the second part of the program there's Balance and that's one class where you get to know the floor on a more intimate level ;)
DeleteThose prawns in spicy sauce is one of my son's favorite dish. You wouldn't believe how much spice he can take in his food: a true Latin American!
ahaha can't wait to know my bedroom floor on that deeper level :P
ReplyDeleteReally? How old is your son? I remember only starting do handle really spicy food at like 18 years old hahah now I love spicy food, it's my favorite kind, and I'm from Portugal, spicy is not usually our thing I think!
Just did day 7, mountain pose and all, I didn't enjoy it as much as you, I was always in my mind and yawning... I guess I'll have to get used to this more gentle practices, they will do me good I guess (:
After a week I think I'll stick to this program, if my body doesn't give in like it did after cardio and strength. You are already on 50 + day, let's hope I have your determination (:
My son is eight years old but he has been eating spicy food since he was two!! He loves it! I guess it's because I have always cooked that way and he is pretty used to it.
DeleteI understand what you say about yawning with MP, specially after such powerful classes as Cardio and Strength. You will grow keener to it as you progress in the cycle. I actually look forward to it because it means that I have a "day off" this fast paced madness. I really consider my weekends sacred and I don't go to the studio or the gym those days; so I guess I welcome it because it's so hard for me to work out Saturday and Sunday.
PS I have never been to Portugal but I am dying to! It looks so lovely and I have heard that the people there are super nice. Where do you live now?
I really struggled with fatigued today. I wasn't achy except for my blasted right wrist but I guess the week is catching up with me! Never mind, mountain series tomorrow. Can't wait! x
ReplyDeleteI hear you: Mountain Pose comes at that exact moment when you feel like you just can't give any more. You'll like that one: easy ;)
DeleteDay 6- Vitality
ReplyDeleteOverall very calming and and stress free class. I live in Jupiter, Florida and have transformed my mother in law quarters into a yoga sanctuary, I usually leave the front door open for fresh air. Today, I had a bee visit my practice. I had two choices, chase after it or let it bee (haha). We both decided to mind each other's business. I must admit that I was annoyed to have a stranger interrupt my zen but I used the interruption as a learning experience, nothing is perfect! Just enjoy the ride!
Regarding the fire breathing, I don't mind it! There are a lot of internal benefits to contracting your breathing like that, I'm not educated enough to spell it out but I do know that manipulation of breath is essential for our digestion and organs. In Ashtanga yoga, the breathing style used is called Ujjayi which is a relaxed diaphragmatic style of breathing, characterized by an ocean sound which resonates in the practitioner's throat. Throughout a practice, this specific breathing style is maintained in alignment with movements. The steady cycle of inhales and exhales provides the practitioner with a calming, mental focal point. Additionally, viṅyāsa and Ujjayi together create internal heat, which leads to purification of the body through increased circulation and sweating.
Towards the end of Vitality, I was teary eyed when seated and had one leg crossed and the other stretched. The pose irritated my knees and my heart.
I'm paraphrasing, Travis mentioned an elephant being very strong but an untrained elephant can be destructive in contrast, a trained strong elephant can built cities. Later, I heard "Warning Sign" by Cold Play that reminded me of a turbulent romance full of passion and heat. This class most certainly reminded me of a love that brought me to my knees. I shared this experience with my soul sister in Hawaii that knows the 10 year yearning for a love and sent her this message, "I'm still sending love to him. It's funny how some people dig deep into the heart. However, a heart must break to heal stronger and become more compassionate. Through the break we develop a higher octave of ourselves."
-Breath