James Walsh Yoga

Friday, March 23, 2018 Woke later than my usual time this morning.  5:45AM is when I woke from my sleep to have coffee and contemplation. What does yoga do for me?  Another way of asking is, " do I act, behave, interpret, etc., my world differently on the days that I've started my morning on my mat?" The answer can be yes and no. I believe that starting your day with physical exercise if almost always a good thing.  It wakes your heart and lungs up and starts your day off on an energetic foot. I also believe that starting my mornings on my mat allows me to turn inwardly and sort through any problems, fears, or anxieties that live inside.  When you feel these things running around, you can gain control of them with your mind and turn them off; you burn them out later with the heat built in your practice. I'm going to focus on the mental aspect of myself this morning while I move and see if I feel any different afterwards. Friday, March 23, 2018 (Part II) ...

Thursday, March 22, 2018 Woke at 4:45AM to have coffee and contemplation, and hit my mat. Physically, when I travel, I don't usually feel run down, but I will say that, if I don't watch my diet, I won't feel good.  I'm not referring to eating ever-present junk/snack food, but more about eating sensibly and balanced (one tends to inhale one's meals when there's limited time to eat). I have a lot to celebrate, so I'm going to shape my thinking into something positive and grateful this morning while I move through my Asanas. Thursday, March 22, 2018 (Part II) I'm writing this on my mat, having just come out of Savasana. I'm feeling wonderful.  Recharged, refreshed, and wonderful. Life is filled with complications and difficulty; yoga has helped me face those challenges and difficulties with more patience and grace than I would normally have. My physical practice was excellent this morning and I'm very pleased with myself. Time to tak...

Monday, March 19, 2018 Woke up in my hotel room at my usual 5:00AM. Lucky me who gets complimentary starbucks coffee in my room!!! I'm excited about the work day I have ahead of me, but I will be hitting my mat shortly to prep myself for the day. Yesterday was the first morning I'd finished a complete practice in a few weeks.  I went into my backbends at the end of practice with apprehension but moved through them easily and was able to deepen them without any problems. I feel mild soreness/stiffness in my back today because of it. I'm going to meditate and pray before starting my physical practice. Monday, March 19, 2018 (Part II) I'm writing this off of my mat having just come out of Savasana. I'm feeling great after another full practice this morning.  Backbends, again, were easy and strong so it's making me wonder why. lol  I feel complete and whole and totally balanced.  Time to take this version of myself out into the day to share. Nama...

Sunday, March 18, 2018 Woke up at my usual 5:00AM this Sunday morning and will be hitting my mat before flying off to Dallas for a week of work. I haven't practiced in weeks, I'm afraid.  I'm not angry or upset, but I eager to see what this morning's practice brings. I'm expecting the following: decreased flexibility in my back, hips, and legs decreased muscle strength in my arms and shoulders a feeling of accomplishment and joy afterwards Let's see what happens...... :) Sunday, March 18, 2018 (Part II) I'm writing this on my mat, having just come out of Savasana. I feel so wonderful and I'm kicking myself for having neglected my practice the way I have.  I feel whole, complete, steady, re-assured, proud, stable, and balanced. I did  have some decreased flexibility in my legs and back and I did  have some "shakey" muscles when I'd hold a pose or move through Chataranga a little slower than normal to challenge myself; I d...

Saturday, March 3, 2018 Went to an instructor led class at Big Bend Yoga Center in St. Louis. I took my two, wonderful Aunts, both of whom have never practiced yoga before; we were led through our class by the wonderful Michael Shabsin . Michael's classes are some of the best instructor led courses I've ever had.  We moved through standard Vinyasas as well as a series of backbends, balance poses, twists, inversions, etc.  When the class was over, we felt wonderful; connected, warm, centered, and wonderful.  I'm going to be practicing again tomorrow morning to re-capture that centered and wonderful feeling. Namaste