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Thursday, October 18, 2018

Woke at my usual 4:45AM this morning for coffee and contemplation.

Feeling good, but wanting to work up some heat this morning to burn it out on my mat.

Calf muscles are incredibly sore today.  I blame Tuesday's Tae Kwon Do class, as the effects of my martial arts classes almost always hit me in a delayed way (I.E. not feeling any soreness or muscle stiffness until 2 days later, etc.).

Time to sweat it out.

Thursday, October 18, 2018 (Part II)
For whatever reason, I haven't been able to totally clear my thoughts on my mat, as I practice.  Part of the Eight Limbed Yoga is Dharana; focusing and concentrating your mind.

I caught myself, usually in sitting positions, having remained in the pose for a longer than usual time.  Typically, I hold a pose for five inhales and five exhales before moving to the other side.  I would realize that I'd been holding a position, thinking about something, and not moving out of the posture.  This isn't "bad", but I typically try to focus on one thing while I practice. 

I may "double-down"on this lack of focus tomorrow just for the sake of being experimental, and let go of some of the control that I put into my practice.  Don't get me wrong; control is an essential part of life, but you have to ensure that you can release it occasionally, and be ok with that release. 

Physically, the practice was strong, and intentional with my usual areas of pride and fun (backbends, plank poses, padahastasana, Marichyasana C), peppered with my usual areas of strain and displeasure (seated forward bends, Utkatasana).

Today was wonderful, thanks to the start of it on my mat.

Namaste

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