Yoga Day Two

I came home late from work again tonight, so I oped for the On Demand yoga. This time I chose a "gentle yoga" class. Very simple poses and stretches. It was nice and relaxing, with a few challenging poses. Again, I enjoyed the experience, but it wasn't exceptional. 

Afterwards, I starting reading "Yoga Mind, Body & Spirit" by Donna Farhi - a wonderful book that a good friend gave me last week. I love the holistic approach, detailed description of the poses, and good writing.

"In such moments we experience a sense of translucence such that that which we see, feel, sense, hear, or touch no longer feels separate from us but is experiences as a part of our totality.... when we become the same midnight sky that fills us with awe, we remember, however briefly, our place in the scheme of things...These moments have always been there... These moments are simply awaiting our arrival"

Yoga Day 1

I recently discovered my cable company has On Demand fitness classes. So, today, I did a 30 minute beginner's yoga. The poses felt awkward - mostly it was my uncertainty that I was executing them properly. The class was fairly basic, so I didn't have too many strong opinions about my first day. I noticed that about 30 minutes after I finished, by body felt good - a bit more relaxed, or perhaps I was just more aware of my body.

Yoga in February!


My goal for February is to practice yoga every day this month. I've only tried yoga twice, both times at home, so I am truly a beginner.

I signed up at a yoga studio near my house, Purple Yoga, for unlimited classes for two weeks as a special introduction for new students.

Tonight, I'm doing a beginner's class from my OnDemand cable option, same tomorrow, then I start my first class on Friday.

Why yoga? I think I've always felt that I would benefit from slowing down, breathing, and being more aware of my body. I think it would center me and keep me more balanced. I'm hoping for that from yoga, and I'm open to anything else I can learn from the practice.
I'm excited to head into something so new and so unfamiliar....

"Just breathe"

January Sanctuary - Wrap Up

It was a whirlwind of a month. I am thrilled that I now have a home that better reflects me, and a home where I have tackled so many of those little projects that I had always meant to do. The intensity of the challenge was extremely motivating. The rapid succession of projects kept me focused. I will fully admit that this consumed my month, which I think I had expected, but I am looking forward to having more balance in future monthly goals. I didn't work out nearly as often and certainly wasn't eating as healthy as I usually do.

Some highlights:
~ Using a belt sander and a handsaw for the first time felt liberating and empowering.
~ I loved the learning. Most days, I spent a fair amount of time researching online and learning new things.
~ Preparation was key. Most days, I spent a signiciant part of my time planning for upcoming projects (learning, ordering supplies, researching, etc.)
~ It helped to have a vision of an ocean/beach inspired home to drive all the creative decisions.
~ I'm thankful that I documented everything, because each day passed by so quickly.
~ I loved calling my parents for advice on certain projects.
~ Most projects were easier than I imagined.

I love knowing that without this month-long intense challenge, my home wouldn't have changed at all. And, now, here I am one month later with change and progress, and new inspiration.

Be grateful for the home you have, knowing that at this moment, all you have is all you need.
      - Sarah Ban Breathnach