James Walsh Yoga

Friday, October 27, 2017 Woke earlier than normal this morning and am on my mat with little to no yoga motivation. I had 5 sequential practices last week and haven't really had a solid one yet this week.  Why don't I quit moping about the whole thing and sweat it out. Friday, October 27, 2017 (Part II) I'm writing this on my mat, having just come out of Savasana.  Feeling great and feeling good.  I'm going to take this version of myself out into the world to share.  Namaste

Wednesday, October 25, 2017 Haven't practiced this week, as of yet. I'll hit my mat this morning, though I've had a difficult time getting excited about it.

Friday, October 20, 2017 Woke at my usual time of 5:00 AM. I lolly-gagged, drank coffee, watched youtube (Star Wars: The Last Jedi released a trailer and I've only watched it 2,000,000 times but needed to watch it a few more times this morning), and generally allowed myself a luxurious morning of relaxation and peace. I showered before hitting my mat this morning, something that I've heard is traditional, and I'm feeling wonderful about myself, and the practice I'm about to have. Friday, October 20, 2017 (Part II) I'm writing this on my mat, having just come out of Savasana. I'll keep it short and sweet; I'm extremely proud of myself, my life, and what I do and how I do it.  This feeling of pride comes to me at times (as it did yesterday), and I temper it by always remembering that I'm a nothing, a nobody, from nowhere.  If I have any success or confidence or anything to be proud of, it came to me through my parents, from Heaven.  I'm fee...

Thursday, October 19, 2017 I did not  write a "Part I" post this morning, as I decided to lolly-gag around until it was past 6:30 AM this morning and I had to either hit the mat, or forego a practice this morning. I hit my mat. This morning's practice was remarkable.  I broke through many physical barriers and obstacles (stiffness, soreness, uncharted areas of joints and muscles that I've been timid to move into, etc.).  I was lit on fire as I moved. My mental focus wasn't all scattered but, when I focused it, I felt like I could shatter rocks with my intensity.  It's a good, and confidant feeling to have this mind-set, and I see why God doles it out in extremely  measured doses (if I was lit and burning and indomitable every morning as I feel this morning, I'd morph into more of a peacock than I already am). My backbend sequence was magnificent this morning, and ended the practice with a feeling of accomplishment and happiness.  I paid special ...

Wednesday, September 18, 2017 For whatever reason, I didn't wake up fully until 5:40 AM this morning.  My alarm went off at its usual 5:00 AM but, I felt like I needed a bit more sleep.  When I feel this way, I allow myself to continue to sleep, usually, as it means that my body needed it for some reason. I'm a bit "behind schedule" now, but that's not the end of the world, and it's not going to keep me from my mat. Wednesday, September 18, 2017 (Part II) I'm writing this on my mat, having just come out of Savasana. I read from a Catholic prayer book this morning and the message was simple.  It was to always seek out, and then incorporate the will of God, into your life.  How do we, animals with larger brains, know what the will of God is?  How do we know we're not infusing the will of God with our own will?  These are questions that continually pop into my head.  The advice the book provided was to seek as much time is silence as possible....

Tuesday, October 17, 2017 Woke up feeling good this morning but feeling a little bored with my routine. When I feel that way, I try to remind myself about the good things that are in store for myself today; meals; seeing friends/co-workers, physical exercise, my work, the opportunity to spread love and kindness, etc. Those motivators can help me see through the dull grayness of a routine Tuesday, like today. I'm feeling physically prepared to practice, but I already feel a bit of soreness and stiffness in my calves and ankles from running yesterday.  The best answer for that physical tenderness is a yoga warm up followed by a routine practice. Tuesday, October 17, 2017 (Part II) Routine as it was, I will never  regret hitting my mat in the morning (and neither will you).  It's worth every bit of effort and it's worth every bit of " I could be doing XYZ right now instead".   I started with my normal prayer and meditation (5 minutes) and then went into...

Monday, October 16, 2017 Where does true, healthy pride come from?  I'm referring to the pride that you feel about yourself when you've accomplished something; I am not referring to the pride that asserts itself when someone who you don't like tries to tell you what to do. My healthy pride comes from myself and my accomplishments.  When I'm taking care of myself in a healthy way and taking care of others because I've taken care of myself, I feel pride.  I'm proud of this blog (as I close in on it's 1 year birthday), and I'm proud that I'm up on a Monday morning at 5:00 AM to hit my mat by 6:00 AM. 

Friday, October 13, 2017 The word "galvanizing" means to strengthen something.  I used that word today because, despite a week that felt like it was 24/7, I kept on top of many things that make me feel proud about myself.  Following through on those things, takes that feeling of pride, and it turns to strength.  I didn't want to do many  of the tasks I had this week, but, when I followed through with them, I feel the sense of accomplishment that makes me want to do even more; pride and happiness feed more pride and happiness. I'm going to hit my mat here in a bit, but I've re-incorporated running into my life.  This definitely makes a difference with leg muscles and the soreness and stiffness that comes with new muscle growth. Friday, October 13, 2017 (Part II) I'm writing this on my mat, having just come out of Savasana. This was a wonderful practice.  The area where I practice was cold this morning, but I felt warm and wonderful after rolling arou...

Wednesday, October 11, 2017 I woke at my usual time this morning of 5:00 AM and will be hitting my mat soon. While this blog has been nearly 100% about me, and my personal practice, I hope that you'll gain some wisdom and experience here (all with an enormous pinch of salt, as you shouldn't believe anything you read on the interwebz).  In the vein, however, check out a Men's Health article on the benefits of yoga here . I'll be hitting my mat for some Vinyasas shortly. Wednesday, October 11, 2017 (Part II) I'm writing this on my mat, having just come out of Savasana. No fear, I thought last night as I went to bed.  Fear creeps into one's life very easily, and takes many forms.  There is no need to be afraid of anything, ever, not even death.  When one dies, one goes back home to God.  I'm going to maintain that focus today as I move through the challenges and trials of the day.  On another note, I have still been listening to the awesome, tran...

Monday, October 9, 2017 Like many of us, I keep my weekends strictly for vegetating, and try to enjoy a 2.5 day break from routine, responsibilities, structure, and all the rest of it. This past weekend was no exception, and I enjoyed a wonderful, and relaxing 2.5 days with friends and loved ones. While I want to sleep in on Monday mornings, I know that, if I do, my week won't be off to as good a start as it could be. I'm on my mat as I type this, getting revved up to begin my practice.  I ran a 5K yesterday (with zero training), so I'm interested to see what my muscles are going to have to say for themselves this morning (in the past, it's usually nothing by leg and back tightness that comes from running).  We'll see how things feel on the mat.

Friday, October 6, 2017 Woke at my usual 5:00 AM this morning feeling very well rested. Don't know what was up with me yesterday, but I was feeling sleepy and groggy around 2:00 PM.  I didn't have unhealthy food yesterday so I don't know what caused this groggy feeling. I came home after work yesterday, ate a bit of food, and then crawled into my bed to be asleep around 8:00 PM or 8:30 PM. With 8.5 or 9 hours of sleep under my belt from last night, I'm feeling fairly good and will be ready to hit my mat in 30 minutes or so. Friday, October 6, 2017 (Part II) I'm writing this on my mat, having just come out of Savasana. This morning's practice was, by far, the best this week. My body was strong, cooperative, and fluid. My mind was tame, pleasant, and controllable. Time to shower, and bring myself out into the world. Namaste

Thursday, October 5, 2017 Woke at my usual 5:00 AM for coffee and contemplation. Hit my mat way  later than I should have and only had the opportunity to go through Vinyasa A. I'm going to shower and head off to work and maintain a steadiness as best I can today. Feeling good and ready for the world. Namaste

Wednesday, October 4, 2017 Woke up on Wednesday at my usual time of 5:00 AM. For whatever reason, I'm feeling much  lighter in spirit today. Yesterday was a great day for me, even thought it started off with my mood being blue, incomplete, and uncertain.  Hard work, and perseverance really are the key to pride, success, and, ultimately, a lot of happiness. My mood this morning is naturally, brighter and more my normal state. It's 6:01 AM as I type this, and I'm "behind schedule" a bit, but I feel good an will be hitting my mat by 6:15 AM. Wednesday, October 4, 2017 (Part II) I'm writing this, covered in sweat, still on my mat, having just come out of Savasana. I'm feeling wonderful.  Physically wonderful.  Mentally wonderful.  Spiritually wonderful.  I feel powerful, confidant, whole, and steady. My physical practice was superb this morning.  It's still in the 70s, even though it's early October, and I practiced on my lovely new...

Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Woke feeling very average yesterday and woke feeling very average today too. What have I learned in the, nearly a year, I've been going to my mat for self-discovery. Feelings are transitory and change Feelings can be shaped and changed by oneself into whatever you want them to be Duty and Responsibility is more important than how you feel.  Be gentle with yourself and don't beat yourself up Be diligent and have an indomitable spirit and you'll increase your pride.  What do I have to be proud of.  My Job My Friends/Family/Relationships This blog It's 5:40 AM, and I'm going to hit my mat in about 20 minutes to give myself some shape and start my practice. Tuesday, October 3, 2017 (Part II) Feeling great, on my mat, after having just come out of Savasana. I'm re-piecing my mentality, body, and spirit after a jarring day yesterday (woke abruptly, no yoga, heavy heart, etc.). I feel better  than I did yesterday,...

Thursday, September 28, 2017 This will be the 3rd consecutive day that I've practiced in my new space. Physically, I'm feeling well. Mentally, I'm feeling well. Spiritually, I'm feeling well. I'm a bit "behind schedule", but I'm on my mat, at 6:18 AM, and ready to pray/meditate for 5 minutes before moving through my practice. I have a hoodie on, as today is the first chilly-ish morning in St. Louis. Thursday, September 28, 2017 (Part II) Had a great practice this morning, even though I wasn't quite feeling it. It's still be nothing but junk food for the past few days while I've moved into my new place, but I'll balance out here soon. I'm happy that I'm staying consistent in my practice. Namaste  

Wednesday, September 27, 2017 Woke up, for the third time, in my new space. This morning will be the 2nd practice I execute in my new space and, again, I have to say how much I am in love with my little screened in sun porch.  I currently have the door to the sunporch open with cool air, and the sounds of crickets creeping in. On a totally unrelated note, while I've been moving, I've been eating junk for dinner every night (sausage and pepperoni pizza, to be exact, covered in red pepper flakes, and dunked in ranch).  This causes me a little bit of stomach pain in the morning, but it makes me hit my mat a little harder; partially to "atone" for the food crimes I've committed the night before, and partially to help eliminate the dough and cheese mound that I consumed the night before. I'm still feeling motivated, upbeat, and focused.  I'll hit my mat at 6:00 AM, in 30 minutes. Wednesday, September 27, 2017 (Part II) I'm on my mat as I write thi...

Tuesday, September 26, 2017 I spent this past weekend moving and, just like when I started this blog, I'm in a new space, new apartment, and am looking forward to a new change in my life. I'm on my bed as I type this, getting geared up for my practice and meditation routine on my new sun porch!!!  My new place, on the 2nd story of a 4 family flat, has a screened in sun porch off of my bedroom; I'm literally able to open the door, let the quiet sounds of crickets/frogs come in, and enjoy my coffee while I sit and think. Physically, I'm feeling fairly well and fairly balanced; a little bloated and irregular digestion-wise, but that's to be expected (with all the moving around, I haven't had the time or inclination to cook properly, so Ive subsided on pizza for a while). Mentally, I'm feeling renewed and refreshed, and delighted with my new space.  I'm going to start my meditation/prayer routine shortly with an attitude of gratitude #trite #cliched. ...

Friday, September 22, 2017 Coffee machine acted up Wednesday morning.  Today, it's totally broke. :( Ah well, I'm having iced tea instead. It's not all  about the caffeine, but it is about the ritual I've got for myself every morning, and how I want a warm cup of something to have while my body, mind, and spirit thaw and start to gear up for my practice, and the day ahead. I'll hit my mat without it and see how I feel. Friday, September 22, 2017 (Part II) Not a great practice; not gonna lie.... I was not mentally focused, and my body was not "into it" this morning either. No big deal.  A practice is a practice.  It won't always be inspirational I'm delighted it's Friday, and I'm delighted thinking of the day I have ahead of me. Namaste

Thursday, September 21, 2017 I'm away from my laptop this morning, but I'm not away from my mat. I'm typing this introduction out on my iPhone for the first time. I woke at my usual 5:00 AM and, after an hour of coffee and sooooper deep yoga thoughts, I'm ready to hit my mat. Thursday, September 21, 2017 (Part II) Felt wonderful after my practice.  Even though I wasn't in my usual setting, away from my routine a little bit, I still had a wonderful practice.

Wednesday, September 20, 2017 When my routine gets shuffled around, for whatever reason, it can take a while to get back into the game. I'm speaking, specifically about yoga, but there's other routines that can quickly crumble if neglected for a while (work patterns, personal hygiene, sensible eating, etc.). I know that, a lot of my happiness and self-fulfillment comes from forming routines and patterns, and then sticking to them. It's 6:20 AM, a bit  behind schedule, and I'm going to meditate/pray and practice Pranayama and Dharana  for 5 minutes before beginning my Asanas and the rest of my physical practice. Wednesday, September 20, 2017 (Part II) Having just woke from Savasana, I'm feeling wonderful. Completed my full, modified Primary Series. Time to shower up, and take myself out into the world. Namaste