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Rebuilding

Monday, July 9, 2018
It's been two weeks since I've hit my mat.

No worries about that break in the practice; I will always return to my mat.

In the past two weeks, I just haven't been able to get up at my normal 4:45AM.  Without that, I don't have enough time in the morning to dedicate to my practice.

I've kept myself physically active with running and tae kwon do, but the mental shaping of my yoga mat cannot be replaced with anything.

I'm looking forward to sweating it out on my mat this morning though I'm expecting to have lost some strength and flexibility.  Whatever is lost is quickly re-gained.

Monday, July 9, 2018 (Part II)
I'm writing this having finished my practice, and showered up for the day.

Today's physical practice was excellent.  The Papa John's Sausage and Pepperoni pizza I had for dinner last night was still in the way (#noshame #junkfoodlover) and, when I inverted or attempted forward bends, the softness I've allowed around my middle became obvious.  I'm not bugging about it at all because I've been fully aware, and have allowed, the soft middle to grow for the past two weeks.  I can have perfect discipline with food but, at heart, I am a junk food lover and always will be. 

A soft belly can go away quicker than I attained it if I focus my practice. 

I noticed that no strength was lost and only a little flexibility has gone.  This has happened before after a hiatus from my mat and I don't know what the cause is (you would think I'd tighten up significantly after no yoga for two weeks, but that's not the case).  The only physical strength decrease I felt was some loss of stamina in my shoulders and arms. 

Mentally, it felt wonderful to meditate and pray before beginning a practice.  This is such a wonderful way to start your morning.  I focused on an "intention" in this morning's practice (get ready to puke); I focused on forgiveness this morning.  Forgiving people in my life, family, etc. for things they've done (big and small) and forgiving myself for things I've done (big and small).  It felt wonderful to focus on that. 

I will probably be writing a very different "physical story" tomorrow and will be waking up very sore but, for now, I'm feeling 100% and totally indestructible. 

I'm looking forward to sharing this version of myself with the world.

Namaste

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