Through the Fog

spread with Cashew butter and bananas

Washed down with a mug of Green Tea

"The art of happiness is to serve all."

Well, I cleared a path to my car and made my way to the studio. Even through the dense cloud cover, I felt clear as day. I approached class today, as I have been so inclined for "New beginnings."

I generally keep an intention with me for at least a few classes, as It's hard to connect with it in just one practice, and truly honor it. Today I took it even deeper, as we worked through our Pranayama I noticed myself working around my shoulder, fidgeting, adjusting, and not recognizing if I did in fact even need to at the moment. 

I have grown very accustomed to babying my shoulder, as I've mentioned before. Now, given this has not always been a bad thing. It is human nature to "fear" injury, and hold back. "Fear" oftentimes gets a bad rap, but it is in fact a gift that can prevent us from say, touching a hot stove, etc. 

Today though, I decided to approach my class with a healthy shoulder, as is. I do this in the rest of my practice, or so I thought. I try my hardest to approach each posture with a clean slate, sometimes challenging myself, other times holding back. Neither my practice not my body suffer, and only improve. Ego, on the other hand... That's the kicker. 

Being an "Advanced Yogi" does not mean being able to contort your body into challenging positions, but rather knowing how to maintain breath, and integrity in each posture. Honoring your body with each practice. 

I moved through class with ease, and little to no pain. By shifting my focus out of my shoulder, I focused more on the other parts of my body, and low and behold! They do a fine job at pitching in. All through the 90 sweaty minutes, I not once tired prematurely, able to hold and distribute energy throughout. However, I did take note of where I could benefit from a lesser stretch, or variation and did so. Through and through, the energy was intense and fulfilling! 

Nothing beats the feeling of having just completed a Yoga practice, I have a hole in my wallet to prove this.

After a thorough cleaning, I'm now nursing a little swamp juice cocktail as I type.

Cell-nique, Super Green Juice