New Year's Eve...

This year... Well things are a bit different this year. I don't think I'll be bringing in the new year any special way. It's currently 7:52 and I'm sitting in front of the TV about to read Teaching Yoga by Mark Stephens. Oh and then, I'll be reading the next sutra in my other book to take notes and write in my journal. Well, I may actually reverse those and write first and then read the Teaching Yoga book.

Today I managed to get all the way through the Fundamentals in practice :). It was a bit difficult but I only completed 3 of sury's A and B before diving into the practice. But it felt good to get to at least that far in my practice. I'm making progress :).

What are your New Year's resolutions?

Mine are still developing really. I guess I need to rack my brain and figure them out. Sometimes, the things I want to accomplish seem to slip my mind. My goal for this year was to open a yoga studio in town but then I decided against it. Now.. I feel the need to continue with the studio. I almost feel drawn to the idea of having a studio. I want to help those who are unable to make it to a studio north or south of here. I want to bring the joy I feel on the mat to others who may not be able to go out of town for practice.

I know a few things I want to accomplish:
1) start my Beachbody team and attempt to get that going pretty well
2) get my yoga teacher certification
3) spend as much time as I can with my husband and son selflessly
4) get back to my pre-pregnancy weight and size

That is a good start I think. I'd love to hear what y'alls resolution. :)

Goals 2013...

This list is still growing but to start off this is what I have:

1) Find a NOT so expensive alternative healthcare option to Tricare
2) Finish reading Gregor Maehle's Pranayama
3) Finish reading BKS Iyengar's Light on Yoga
4) Delve deep into my yoga teacher training, learning as much as I can
5) My Beachbody business to take flight so that I can help others achieve optimum health and fitness
6) Get my yoga practice back on track
7) Spend as much time as I can with my husband and son :)

While all of these things seem seemingly easy... I have a feeling some will be tougher than others. Mostly the reading... I have so many books to read for my teacher training and not to mention for sheer pleasure. Should prove to be an interesting year though.

My biggest goal is finding a health insurance that won't kill my pocket book once Zack gets out of the military (if that is the way that things will go). Crossing my fingers.

Nevertheless....

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

Info from a friend

I'm part of a small group of folks that offer insights and encouragement for those of us who have trouble rising before a certain time to complete our yoga practice. Recently, I posed a question in regards to being a new mom and practicing yoga. Mostly because I am having trouble finding time TO practice.

My son is now 7 weeks old and, while it's getting easier, I'm still having trouble.

Nevertheless, one person responded by sending me a link of a documented conversation between Sarawathi and Lisa Laler (from a shala in New York).

In regards to when a person should begin practicing, this is what was said:

"L: After delivery, when is it good to start the yoga practice again?

S: After about three months she can start again. In India, the woman stays a lot in bed the first three months after giving birth and she takes an oil bath everyday. The baby should also have oil bath and massage, every day for three or four month. Caster - oil is the best oil to use - both for the baby and the mother."

However, I don't want to wait three months to begin practicing yoga. Therefore, I've been going easy on the practice and on myself. Trying not to beat myself up more or less.

I made it through 5 Sury A's and 2 Sury B's. Then I added some other asanas on the end of the practice and I actually felt really good. I was surprised.

I'm starting to read a book Teaching Yoga for my impending teacher training but am beginning to have a few doubts. Mostly because of my practice being not where I want it to be. 

Day 1 of working out and back on the mat for good.... I think.

This morning I started my TurboFire workout program. It lasts 90 days and so far I think it's going to kick my butt.

Cardio hasn't been in my workouts in... Well almost a year or so. But I'm willing to give it a go.

I'm also going to commit to make it on my mat every day (except Saturdays and moon days) and do some sort of yoga. Preferably Ashtanga. I'll be starting with the two rounds of Surya Namaskara A and B and slowly progressing forward yet again.

I know that I need to take my time and not beat myself up about where I am in my practice but its hard. I was up to Navasana (sometimes past if I cheated the system) and now I'm starting over.


On a new note: I start my teacher training in February!! That is a mere month and a half away! Wow I'm stoked and scared all at the same time. Not sure what to expect (outside of lots of studying and listening). But I am excited. Nevertheless, I have a month and a half to gain some ground in my practice. I'm actually thinking of doing different sequences than my Ashtanga practice (or maybe doing both) since its not an Ashtanga certification I'm going for. Although I do wish we could gain one in the states verses flying to India, which I have full intention of beginning to do starting 2013. :)

Alas, my progress starts yet again :)

Getting out of the south...

Zack was called this past week with an offer of 6 months in Alaska for the army..... too bad the job filled up before he was even called. I was furious. I wanted so bad to go to Alaska, and so did he.

I have this bone in my body that hates the south and constantly wants to move, unless I'm in a place that satisfies the bone's itch. So far West Virginia satisfies it, but I would love to move to Colorado. Zack has expressed interest too. Just a matter of when.... and I'm impatient. It sucks.

I want to be content with where I am but I can't stand the humidity.

Anyone know a good place in Colorado to start looking for a place to stay? Good for work and raising a child?

I start back with my practice the end of this week, for real this time. Thursday is my 6 week mark. I'm nervous that I won't get back into my practice like I was. That I won't be dedicated. That I'll get depressed or bummed out about how behind I've fallen.

Excuse My Absence

Things have been a bit hectic lately. My son has decided he doesn't want to sleep in his own bed but would rather sleep on my husbands or my chest (or beside us) and that is something we'd rather not have become a habit. We bought a co-sleeper that goes in our bed but even then he fusses and fusses. Over the weekend I caved in and let him sleep on my chest so my husband could get some sleep.

Now, we're going to have to work with him to get him use to his own bed and to not fuss or scream when he doesn't get his way. Guess it's good he's only 4 weeks old right now so it should (I hope) be easy to break.

Thursday I have my 6 week appointment (but it's really on week 5) and I should find out if I'm ok to start back with exercise. I hope I get the green light. I'm ready to step back on the mat for good.

Me and my little man :)

I can't wait til he's a little bigger so I can get him doing yoga with me. Until then, if I can get him to be calm for at least 20 minutes or so, I'll lay him on my mat or on his little play mat looking at things and listening to his little music device. I'll be experimenting and letting y'all know. 

If anyone has any advice for someone who will be practicing with a one month old? Or a small child to begin with?