James Walsh Yoga

Friday, December 27, 2019, Today is another marvelous day off from routine and my standard daily duties. I woke at the unbelievably late hour of 8:53AM this morning; that's more than 4 hours past my usual wake time of 4:25AM. Zero guilt.  Zero remorse and feeling marvelous as I allow myself to have a very natural flow to my mornings enjoying this break. I'll be back in the normal swing of things on Thursday, January 2, 2020 but, until then, I'm going to begin dedicating myself to my mat. The last time I hit my mat was a week and a day ago; that's plenty of time to loose flexibility and other attributes that come from a steady practice. Again, not remorse and no guilt as I've thoroughly enjoyed the lazy pace of the Christmas season. Physically, I'm soft and squishy (on account of the holiday foods that love me so much); I feel a bit of soreness in my lower back, but nothing that I can't fix in this morning's practice. Mentally, I'm feel...

Wednesday, December 18, 2019, I’m writing this on my mat at 6:05AM. I woke at my usual 4:25AM, but had an extended “coffee and contemplation” session on the couch before preparing for my practice. Time to sweat it out.

Woke at my usual 4:25AM. On my mat a bit later than usual, at 5:51AM. Time to begin....

Wednesday, December 11, 2019, Woke at my usual 4:25AM for my 5:30AM practice. I’ve been reincorporating running and Tae Kwon Do into my fitness regime and, while it’s a great way to bring variety, the additional physical strain has me sleeping a little bit more than usual and had me moving a little more gingerly due to the new soreness that a workout brings. Today I intend to move through my practice as normal and be aware of my mind and body. Time to sweat it out.

Thursday, December 5, 2019, Woke at my usual 4:25AM and on my mat at 5:38AM. Time to sweat it out.

Tuesday, December 3, 2019, No time to pre-post. Time to sweat.

Thursday, November 28, 2019, I woke up this morning much later than usual as it’s Thanksgiving Day here in the United States! For the past few weeks, I’ve been overindulging in junk food, haven’t really been cooking anything nutritious or wholesome, and for the past few nights, I've had at least a little bit of red wine every night before bed. The whole “moderation” story comes to mind as I type this because, too much indulging really does spoil you; in more ways than one. I’ve noticed that I’m surly after I’ve eaten two sleeves of crackers and cheese; I’m disgusted and disappointed in myself when I eat a whole pizza and mindlessly scroll through Netflix; I feel great momentarily, but afterwards I’m blue, disappointed and irritable. Some health neglect at certain times of year is common-place, and natural, and I’m not beating myself up , but recognizing the pattern of high/low I make when I overindulge without any healthy activities to counteract the indulgence. I’m on my ...

Tuesday, November 26, 2019, Woke at my usual 4:25AM this morning, but spent time with my lovely partner, relaxing, chatting, and catching up on the couch. It’s 6:28AM as I type this, while sitting on my mat, but I want to at least enter my day having done prayers and meditation as breathing.

Thursday, November 21, 2019, Typing this post in my phone, yet again. I’m the King of procrastination sometimes, and I haven’t gotten a chance to bring my MacBook into the Apple store for a diagnosis. Ah well..... This morning, I’m feeling in need of the peace and balance that my practice brings me. I’ll try to remember to do a post-practice update today!!!

Tuesday, November 19,2019 Feeling ready for my mat to work it’s magic this morning. For some reason, my stomach, digestive tract have been dancing a jig since Saturday. I’ve narrowed the culprits down to a few suspects, but I’m still dealing with some of the residual issues. I feel the need to unwind myself this morning, mentally, spiritually, and physically.

Thursday, November 14, 2019, More yoga on a phone. It’s 5:41AM as I type this, and I’m ready to begin my practice.

Tuesday, November 11, 2019, Yoga on a phone. I’ve been waking at my usual 4:30AM for the past week, but I’ve been taking the hour for coffee and then heading into work to get an early start on my days. It’s time to get back into my yoga routine.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019, My first post of November!! My MacBook is still acting up, so I’m typing this post from my phone. I’ve had a marvelous week but I’m going to focus on my usuals....... 1. Eliminating fears/anxieties,worries 2. Breathing 3. Visualizing a burning/fire inside that I put everything onto Time to sweat it out.

Wednesday, October 30, 2019, Writing this on my iPhone as my MacBook is actin a fool this morning! #apple4lyfe. I feel wonderful, and rested and balanced this week, so I’ve had no problems getting up at my usual 4:25am and starting my practice at 5:30am. Speaking of which, it’s 5:36am as I type this, so let’s begin...

Tuesday, October 29, 2019, I'm putting myself back into my routine of 4:25AM wake up call.  It's easy to get back into (I tell myself this morning). It's 5:25AM as I type this, and I've had a lovely hour to myself this morning with coffee and contemplation #strangerthings I'm going to challenge myself to hit my mat each morning this week; I need to sweat out some of the weekend still. Tuesday, October 29, 2019 (Part II), I'm off my mat, already showered, and ready for my day. I want this blog to be a resource to those looking to deepen their practice, but I may need to carve out more time in the mornings if I'm going to attempt that; I always seem to run out of time, and can't provide a proper, post-practice update. Today's practice was strong, controlled, and marvelous; backbends are the cure-all for every ailment; mental and physical. Namaste

Monday, October 28, 2019, Starting the week off right, on my mat. It's 5:39AM as I type this, and I'm going to keep this pre-practice post brief to get as much time into my practice as possible. Time to sweat it out. Monday, October 28, 2019 (Part II), I'm writing this on my mat having just come out of Savasana. No time for much of an update, but this morning's practice was strong, and focused; I ended it with exceptional backbends.  I'm feeling fit and ready for action! Namaste

Wednesday, October 23, 2019, I'm in Dallas TX for work and woke this morning at my usual time. There wasn't enough time to have a full practice, so I enjoyed my coffee, and then started a simplified practice of just my Sun Salute A, Sun Salute B, and then Padangusthasana and Padahastasana before going into Yoga Mudra, and Savasana. I still allowed myself prayer and meditation, before warming up and actually beginning my practice and, due to the temperature I set my hotel room to, I worked up a sweat very quickly.  I intentionally made my Sun Salutes strong and powerful, pushing myself physically.  It's actually 5:30PM as I type this, and I'm going to attempt to practice again tomorrow, however brief. Namaste

Monday, October 21, 2019, For whatever reason, I couldn't get up at all last week (except for Tuesday). Today, however, I'm starting off the week right, on my mat.  It's 5:28AM as I type this, so I'm going to allow myself a deep and relaxing warm-up before going into my practice. Monday, October 21, 2019 (Part II), Went on the lightest of runs Friday evening (a whopping 20 minutes), and felt stiffened from it on my mat today. It was either that, or the long day of fun I had on Saturday. My practice was good this morning, but it wasn't focused.  My body felt very stiff and sore in my legs and back.  None the less, I worked through it, and feel much better physically and mentally. Time to shower up and enter the world. Namaste

Tuesday, October 15, 2019, Woke at my usual 4:25AM this morning. It's 5:31AM as I type this, and I'm going to begin prayers and meditation. Tuesday, October 15, 2019 (Part II), I'm writing this at 7:01AM, having just come out of Savasana.  From start to finish, I'm noticing that I spend almost exactly 1.5 hours on my mat every morning.  Today, I have to say that I felt strong and controlled physically, but was dealing with mild degrees of mental "demons"; their names are "Anger", "Fear", and "Anxiety".  #lulz I am lucky in that my mental demons are almost always relatively small, and manageable, as they are this morning.  I don't suffer from extreme versions of any demons.  However small they might seem, even traces of these demons can have terrible domino effects in a person.  I always feel better after burning through them with a strong physical practice, like this mornings. Time to shower up and enter the day...

Wednesday, October 9, 2019, Woke at my usual 4:25AM this morning. Woke on Monday morning, and couldn't hack it; went right back to bed, feeling run-down, and under the weather.  Dragged it out of bed to go to work, and then came right back home at the end of the day, ate, and crawled into bed by 5:30PM to sleep.  Nothing is better than large amounts of sleep and rest when you're feeling run down. Woke at 4:25AM yesterday morning only to find my trusty coffee machine decided to put out an error code and not work.  No coffee was waiting for me when I woke up.  Back to bed. Today, the stars all aligned, and I'm back on my mat at my usual 5:30AM to begin my practice.  Physically, I'm feeling well, but there's an ever present soreness in my lower back.  I believe this is residual ache leftover from some of the strong backbends I did on Friday of last week. Mentally and spiritually, I'm feeling good.  Solid, and stable and eager for a good day. Ti...

Friday, October 4, 2019, Woke at my usual 4:25AM this morning, feeling marvelous. It's 5:41AM as I type this, so I'm a bit behind schedule. I've been posting scant, petite, little updates here, not really delving into the practice, or giving the reader anything to build off of from their practice.  I'm going to continue re-establishing my practice (that I neglected for a few months), and then re-think how I can post, and share this content. Time to sweat it out. Friday, October 4, 2019 (Part II), I'm writing this having come out of the shower. Today's practice was excellent and I executed the strongest backbends I've done in months. Delighted to be back in it. Namaste

Thursday, October 3, 2019, Woke at my usual 4:25AM for coffee and contemplation. On my mat at 5:42AM to begin. Time to sweat it out. Thursday, October 3, 2019 (Part II), I'm writing this on my mat, having just come out of Savasana. It's 7:07AM as I type this, and I'm going to hop into the shower and enjoy the day. My practice is strong and my body was compliant and steady.  Feeling marvelous. Namaste

Tuesday, October 1, 2019, Woke at my usual 4:25AM this morning.  I neglected my practice over the summer, but I'm refocusing attention to it and happy to be on my mat most mornings. Since this is the first practice this week, I can feel stiffness and soreness in my lower back, and legs; I've been on my mountain bike a bit more lately and, while it's a favorite activity of mine, it does tighen up something in my lower back. No biggie, as I know I can smooth things out on my mat this morning.  It's 5:34AM as I type this, and I'm going to begin my prayers, meditation, and reflection before beginning my asanas. Time to sweat it out. Tuesday, October 1, 2019 (Part II), I'm writing this in a rush, as I need to get moving.  It's 7:25AM as I type this, and I need to head out the door. No time for much of a post-practice update, but I feel marvelous; centered, controlled, balanced, and marvelous. Time to enter the day. Namaste  

Friday, September 27, 2019, Woke at my normal time of 4:25AM for coffee and contemplation. Took longer than usual to lallygag around before hitting my mat; as I type this, it's 5:57AM, and I'm rearing to go.  Ten minutes of meditation, prayers, and reflection before it's time for some asana/postures. Time to sweat it out.

Thursday, September 26, 2019, Woke a bit later than usual this morning, at 5:15AM. I'm on my mat at 6:00AM, and will go through my usual prayers, meditation, and pranayama (breathing exercises), before I move into my physical poses/asanas. Thursday, September 26, 2019 (Part II), It's 7:27AM, and I need to get a move on. Amazing practice.  Full sequence.  No time to post about my feelings and how great I am. #lulz Time to shower up and enter the day. Namaste

Tuesday, September 24, 2019 Woke again at my usual 4:25AM. Feeling slightly tired this morning, but won't let that throw me off. It's 5:34AM as I type this, so I'm going to begin my morning prayers and meditation and move into my practice. Tuesday, September 24, 2019 (Part II), 7:13AM as I type this part two.  that's close to two hours on my mat. Feeling marvelous, but also feeling like I need to get a move on. Namaste

Monday, September 23, 2019, Starting the week of right, on my mat. Monday, September 23, 2019 (Part II), No time for much of a post-practice update.  Feeling great, and ready to enter the world. Namate

Thursday, September 19, 2019, Woke at my usual yoga time of 4:25AM this morning. Could not get out of bed yesterday, and slept in until a staggering 7:00AM; nothing left to do at that point beyond gulp some coffee and get ready for work. Having this time in the morning really is an essential part of entering your day strong, secure, and balanced. I practiced on Tuesday of this week and, while I'm glad I hit my mat, it was a sort of 3/4 practice, and not my usual routine.  I'll be following my usual routine this morning. Time to sweat it out. Thursday, September 19, 2019 (Part II) I'm on my mat, having just come out of Savasana. Today was the first time, in a long time, that I dove into my practice, and started off with a solid 20+ minutes of prayer and meditation; it's a complete game changer. Physically, there were no limits in this morning's practice.  Chataranga was strong and effortless, and strenuous poses that combine balance+stretch+focus, wer...

Tuesday, September 17, 2019, I woke up yesterday at 4:30AM.  I'd completed a training run the day before and, after feeling the tenderness that was left in my body after my run paired with the fatigue of getting up early, I went immediately back to bed. This morning, however, I'm up and rearing to go.  I'm a bit behind schedule, with a 5:55AM start time on my mat, but I'm going to begin with a long and luxurious warm up to gently break apart some of that sore, tender feeling in my body. Time to sweat it out. Tuesday, September 17, 2019 (Part II), I feel marvelous every time I finish a practice.  I spent most of my time this morning rolling around and warming up on my mat; after not practicing for a week or so, there's enough tenderness to breakthrough to last for 15-20 minutes. Went through my Sun Salutes at a slow, but deliberate pace, and lingered in Sun Salute B to extend the poses of Pigeon, Reverse Warrior, Deep-lunge, and Deep-lunge+twist. Feelin...

Wednesday, September 11, 2019 Hitting my mat for the first time in a few weeks.  Much of my travel is behind me, for now, and I'm refocusing attention and dedication to my well-being. I'll save time this morning, and have a simple pre-practice post.  I'm feeling good, and ready to see what happens on my mat. Wednesday, September 11, 2019 (Part II) I'm on my mat having just come out of Savasana.  I'm feeling marvelous and ready to continue my day.  I was shocked at how strong but weak I felt today on my mat; strong in that I could feel my body supporting itself and I could feel my build working to keep poses sustained, but weak in that, with all of the running I've been doing lately, I felt tender, and sore in most of my joints.  That's an old story, that I've written about many times.  The only remedy is to continue hitting my mat. Namaste

Monday, August 19, 2019, Starting the week off right, on my mat. A bit late to the mat (it's 5:58AM as I type this), so I'm getting right to it. Time to sweat it out. Monday, August 19, 2019 (Part II), It's 7:08AM as I type this and I'm on my mat, having just come out of Savasana. Again, no time for a robust post-practice post, but I'm proud that I started my week out on my mat. Time to enter the world. Namaste

Friday, August 16, 2019 Woke up at the usual 4:30AM this morning. On my mat now, and ready to being. Friday, August 16, 2019 (Part II) It's 6:57AM as I type this post-practice post. Again, no time to really elaborate on how the practice went (which, I suppose, is the whole point of this blog).  Do I get up earlier in the morning to allow more time to practice and post afterwards....4:30AM seems early enough.  I'm going to take what I have from my practice and bring it out into the world.  Namaste

Wednesday, August 14, 2019, Woke at my usual 4:30AM.  It's 5:40AM as I type this, and I'm going to begin immediately. Time to sweat it out. Wednesday, August 14, 2019 (Part II) Great practice. No time to post-practice post. Namaste

Monday, August 12, 2019, Woke at my usual 4:30AM.  Going to try to replicate last week's disciplined approach to yoga. A bit late to my mat so I'm going to begin meditation, prayer, and breathing exercises immediately. Time to sweat it out. Monday, August 12, 2019 (Part II), Delighted to have started my week off on the right foot.  My mat is drenched, I am drenched, and I'm feeling balanced and motivated to enter the world. Not enough time for a proper post-practice update, but suffice to say, all is well and the 1.5 hours I spent on my mat is well worth it. Namaste

Friday, August 9, 2019, Woke at my usual 4:30AM this morning. My alarm didn't go off yesterday for some reason (I later found out I'd silenced my phone to mute before going to bed).  No yoga yesterday! I'm on my mat, getting ready for another marvelous practice. Time to sweat it out. Friday, August 9, 2019 (Part II), 7:02AM and I've just come out of Savasana. The practice was marvelous and I executed the deepest backbends I've done for a while. Time to shower up and enter the day. Namaste

Wednesday, August 7, 2019 Woke at my normal yoga time 4:30AM.  This will be my third practice this week. For whatever reason, it's still difficult to get up at that time; when I hear my alarm go off, I walk across the room to my robe (where my phone/alarm is), and I have a fleeting moment where I'm being pulled back into the bed so strongly. I literally force myself to put on my robe, and walk out of the room where my precious precious coffee awaits in the kitchen. lol Time to sweat it out. Wednesday, August 7, 2019 (Part II) Great practice.  7:02AM. No time to post much content afterwards. Namaste

Tuesday, August 6, 2019, Woke at my usual 4:30AM again this morning ready to hit my mat. For some reason, I wake and I'm almost instantly pushed back into my bed; I don't know why.  I don't have the urge or the yearning to hit my mat anymore. I remember this happening right at the beginning of this blog (two years ago), and I had to muscle through it. I'm not going to bug about it, and I'm going to continue to push myself back onto my mat until it becomes a habit again. Time to sweat it out. Tuesday, August 6, 2019 (Part II), I'm writing this on my mat having just come out of Savasana. I took not today that, from start to finish my practice lasts for about 1.25 hours.  Don't know why I realized that this morning, but it just came to mind.  I began at 5:30AM and, as I type this, it's 6:54AM.  Time to shower and enter the day.  The practice was marvelous. Namaste

Monday, August 5, 2019, Back home, and back to a normal life after two weeks of back to back traveling. I woke at my usual 4:30AM for coffee and contemplation, and I'm on my mat at my usual 5:30AM to begin my practice with prayer and meditation. Time to sweat it out. Monday, August 5, 2019 (Part II), I'm on my mat having just come out of Savasana.  I've said it many times in this blog but I really do need to factor in more post-yoga blog time. I had a marvelous practice, and am feeling renewed and stabilized.  Time to shower up and enter the day. Namaste

Tuesday, July 23, 2019, Woke again in Seattle feeling marvelous. I don't have much time for a pre-practice post this morning so I'm going to begin my warm up and get right to it. Tuesday, July 23, 2019 (Part II), Feeling marvelous after this morning's practice.  I would say that I feel slightly "stodgy" and "bloated" as I move today. I felt a bit of this yesterday, but I'm feeling it more pronounced today.  I slipped out of a routine practice for the month of May and June; I'm not sure why.  A practice isn't always great, as this morning's wasn't great, but it's always an excellent way to start your day.  I'm going to continue to rebuild. Time to get in the shower and enter the day! Namaste

Monday, July 22, 2019 I'm traveling for work and have taken my new mat on its first voyage. In the lovely city of Seattle, on my hotel room floor, getting ready to practice. Feeling good, and looking forward to what my practice will bring. Monday, July 22, 2019, One cannot deny how marvelous one feels after a strong and focused practice.  I don't know why I haven't been hitting my mat with enthusiasm lately but I've gotten out of the habit of waking early and going to my mat. Today's practice allowed me to rekindle some of that warmth, peace, and understanding that comes after a good yoga practice; there's nothing like it.  Mentally, I feel stable, focused and powerful.  Physically, I feel relaxed, and strong.  Spiritually, I feel humbled.  I always pray and meditate before and after my practice (and during), and it feels good to offer yourself up to God in devotion.  One's silly and feeble problems seem complex and unsolvable at first and then,...

Tuesday July 16, 2019 Still haven't gotten back into my yoga swing. I haven't practiced in a month.  No biggie.  I can regain what I lost but, for some reason, when my alarm goes off at 4:30AM, I've gotten into the bad habit of simply hitting the snooze, and not rustling again until 6:30AM. When I do wake, for some reason, there's almost no draw, whatsoever, to hit my mat.  I consider it, and then I think, " I don't even want to do that" , and then go back to bed.  lol . #lazy I did wake at my usual 4:30AM this morning, and I am  going to have, at least, an abbreviated practice to see where things are at. Time to sweat it out. Tuesday, July 16, 2019 (Part II) Great practice.  No time to post after my practice.  Namaste

Monday, June 17, 2019 I think this has been the longest hiatus from my mat that I've had since I began this blog in the Winter of 2016. No worries, however.  I'll quickly regain what I lost. I have purchased a new mat, and will be retiring the one I've had for over 20 years.  This is a big deal to me, as I've considered my mat an almost sacred thing that I've developed a relationship with through the years. It was time to replace it, however, and I've invested in a traditional cotton yoga mat; one that gets stickier and more stable the wetter it get with your sweat. I'm going to warm up and go through my practice. Monday, June 17, 2019 (Part II) I'm writing this on my new mat, having just come out of Savasana. This was my first practice on my new mat, and my first experience with a traditional cotton yoga mat.  I have to say that I enjoyed it, and will have no problem acclimating to this new material's look and feel.  It definitely stuc...

Wednesday, May 22, 2019 Two weeks since my last practice. This may be the longest I've ever gone without hitting my mat!  NBD. In the past few week's I've had wonderful changes occurring in my life, and I haven't been able to get out of bed until, some times, as late as 6:45AM. I woke at my usual 4:30AM this morning and will attempt to keep in this routine until the weekend. Time to pray and meditate and sweat it out. Wednesday, May 22, 2019 (Part II) Two Weeks off my mat didn't put too much of a damper on my body or spirit. Practice was marvelous this morning, but I've definitely lost flexibility in my legs; I've been jogging with more regularity lately, and it's wonderful for your lungs and heart, but reverts your flexibility back to zero if not stretched out regularly.  Spiritually and mentally, I noticed myself loving the practice and controlling my thoughts and my mind fairly well.  I'll move with confidence today as I've al...

Wednesday, May 8, 2019, In my hotel traveling for work and, as always, brought my trusty mat. This morning will probably be the only opportunity I have to get in a real practice during my 3 days here, and I'm thankful for the opportunity. Time to sweat it out.... Wednesday, May 8, 2019 (Part II), Had a marvelous practice.  Strong, steady, and focused.  I will, more thank likely, not get a chance to practice in the morning, as I fly home early, but I'm delighted that I brought my mat with me, as always. Namaste

Friday, May 3, 2019, Woke at my usual 4:30AM. I'm on my mat at 5:45AM, slightly behind schedule, and ready to sweat it out.

Thursday, May 2, 2019,  Woke at my usual 4:30AM and hit my mat.  I've noticed that, for the past few days, I haven't added a post-practice update onto the blog.  I've been short on time each morning, and then neglected to update throughout the day.  I'm short on time this morning, surprise-surprise, and I'm going to keep this pre-practice update brief to ensure I get in enough practice time.  

Tuesday, April 30, 2019 Last day of April 2019. I woke at my usual 4:30AM this morning and had my hour of coffee and contemplation. Physically, I'm feeling good.  Slightly sore and stiff, but feeling overall well. Mentally, I'm feeling fairly well controlled, but I can sense my brain flitting from one thought to the next.  I'm going to focus on controlling my thoughts this morning, and add an extra "omph" to my physical practice to help sweat out any over-active tendencies. Spiritually, I'm feeling well.  I'm secure, solid, and whole.  Time to sweat it out. 

Thursday, April 25, 2019, Woke at my usual 4:30AM time to realize I'd neglected to fill the coffee maker last night.  Had to make coffee groggily this morning at 4:30AM and couldn't have my first cup until 4:45AM. #firstworldproblems I'm on my mat at 6:00AM, behind schedule, so I'm going to keep this pre-practice-post quick. Time to sweat it out. 

Wednesday, April 24, 2019 Woke, and stayed woke, at the usual time of 4:30AM for the first time this week. I don't know why, but I've woke at 4:30AM on Monday morning, had my usual coffee, and felt almost zero effects from it.  I went back to bed at around 5:15AM Monday morning and slept until 6:45AM.  That's very unusual, but I'm not beating myself up about it. I've continued my running patterns so I'll be finding all sorts of sore areas that are prime opportunities to open and stretch.  Time to sweat it out.

Friday, April 19, 2019 Woke at my usual 4:30AM this morning to get onto my mat for the first time since Tuesday. I woke on both Wednesday and Thursday at my usual 4:30AM time, and just couldn't do it.  I hit the snooze until 6:00AM, and went back into dreamland.  NBD. To get in a strong practice, I'm going to keep this pre-practice-post short and sweet.

Tuesday, April 15, 2019, Woke at my usual 4:30AM for coffee and contemplation. It's 5:38AM as I type this, and I'm going to keep this pre-practice-post brief, and begin meditation, prayer, and breathing exercises.

Thursday, April 11, 2019, I ran a competitive 10K (6.2 miles) this past Saturday. Post-run, I talked myself into McDonalds breakfast (which was amazing), pizza for lunch, and then, behold, pizza for dinner.  No regrets.  I run so I can commit food crimes. Throughout this week, my alarm has gone off at 4:30AM each morning, and I've said "nope" and turned my alarm off to wake later, in between 6:15AM-6:30AM. I'm expecting this morning's practice to be fine, but, even as I sit, I can feel soreness in my body.  Time to sweat it out. Thursday, April 11, 2019 (Part II) I'm writing this post-practice update the next day.  I had a wonderful practice yesterday but, as it goes sometimes, my head was running around and thinking all of its own thoughts.  The mat helps me bring everything down to Earth again and allows me the practice and exercise opportunities to tell myself, " no, brain; we're not going to think about that hilarious Far Side comic ri...

Friday, April 5, 2019 Woke at my usual 4:30AM this morning and am on my mat at 5:42AM as I type this. As in the past few days, I'm going to focus on controlling my mind and breath in today's practice. Friday, April 5, 2019 (Part II) I'm writing this post-practice. I noticed my brain flitting around while I warmed up and meditated so I put more focus into keeping my head clear while I practiced.  Even with the best focus, my brain was a little out of control today.  Physically, I'm feeling wonderful and strong.  Minimal soreness from other physical activity and I'm looking forward to another practice tomorrow morning.  Namaste

Thursday, April 4, 2019 It's been an odd week for yoga.  I've woken at my usual 4:30AM and said, "nope",  twice this week; that's unusual for me, but it does happen sometimes.  I've been sleeping in until 6:00AM for some reason. I'm on my mat at 5:53AM as I type this (a bit behind schedule), so I'm going to keep this pre-practice-post brief. Thursday, April 4, 2019 (Part II) I'm writing this later in the day after my practice, but this morning's session on my mat was strong and marvelous.  I intentionally put more effort into breath control and mind control.  I think I've been a little too lax in those areas lately.  I'm realizing that the more practice I put into shutting my mind off, the easier time I have throughout the day as the inevitable challenges of life come my way.  I am far less reactive to stimuli when I've focused my mind on my mat.  The focus, is on nothingthingness.  As I move and breath, I intentionally look...

Monday, April 1, 2019 Woke at my usual 4:30 AM to start my day. Had a wonderful vacation and time off from my normal work routine this past week. While I didn't indulge too much, I'm definitely going to be feeling "stodgy" for a day or too.  Once I muscle past that two/three day hump, I'll be back to normal. Time to sweat it out and begin my practice.....I slept on an air mattress this past Saturday... Monday, April 1, 2019 (Part II) I'm writing this second post well into my day, but have a free moment to update. I'll say that, over the past few days, I've eaten little more than junk food.  I've eaten clean today and my body is talking to me like, " I don't know what you're doing by eating that apple w/peanut butter and kefir yogurt drink, but we hate it and it tastes like garbage".  Long story short, I'm feeling digestive issues today, and I'm glad I started this morning out on my mat to begin moving things al...

Thursday, March 28, 2019, Still enjoying a wonderful week of vacation. My internal alarm is getting me up at 5:00AM, so I plod out into the kitchen for coffee. It's 8:23AM as I type this post, and I'm feeling well, but I can tell that my brain is flying around.  I'm going to focus on mental control in today's practice. Thursday, March 28, 2019 (Part II) I focused my mind and breath with greater intent today and I believe it paid off. It is extremely tricky to control your mind.  Try to "not think" about anything for any length of time, and your mind starts to stir, almost within seconds.  You'll start thinking about work, friends, to-do lists, that embarrassing thing you did in the 7th grade; you'll start thinking about "not thinking" and if you're doing enough "not thinking" to really be "not thinking". I joke with what I'm writing above, but your brain really does flit around like that almost all of t...

Monday, March 25, 2019 I'm writing this first post at 10:31AM.  I'll be enjoying some lovely vacation days this week and will be allowing myself more time to relax and chill in the mornings before hitting my mat.  I ran around, all caffeinated, and did some deep cleaning around my home that I'd been putting off. I'll be running either the Half-Marathon or 10K (6.2 miles) in a few weeks, and I've been diligent with my running routine.  I'll be paying special attention to my warm up this morning to ensure that I un-kink my feet and legs gradually and intentionally. Time to sweat it out. Monday, March 25, 2019 (Part II) I re-titled this post after my practice because this morning was a strong, and focused physical practice.  I feel proud and amazed at what I accomplished.  I'm thankful that my body can cooperate as it did today. Sun Salutes A and B were controlled, stable, and strong.  I continued to extend and add-on poses to Sun Salute B to make ...

Friday, March 22, 2019, I'm writing this on a Friday morning at 10:00AM. I'm enjoying some vacation time today, and every day next week. I'm going to begin my meditation and go through a light practice. Friday, March 22, 2019 (Part II) I went through my meditation and prayer series, but I feel like I have so many thoughts buzzing through my mind, that I can't focus myself properly, another side of me doesn't even want to focus my thoughts, as I'm buzzing with good, high-spirited energy.  I went through my Sun Salutes after prayers and meditation and they were simple, clean and strong.  I added some additional postures to my, already modified, Sun Salute B (I normally do four Sun Salute A's and 2 Sun Salute B's).  Sun Salute/Surya Namaskara can be viewed here .   I am nowhere near as beautiful in my movement as the practitioner in this video, but this gives a visual representation of what I do each morning on my mat.  I follow these Sun Salute...

Thursday, March 21, 2019 As the title states, my last practice was one week ago today.  My goodness! I don't know why, but, when my alarms been going off at 4:30AM, I've been saying, " nope", and hitting the snooze button.  I've literally been sleeping in until 6:45AM or beyond each morning.  I think we all know that's the kiss of death for morning productivity; " just 5 more minutes...".  lol I've been running and jogging with great enthusiasm in the past week+, so I know I'll find all sorts of stiffness within myself, as I begin my practice.  I'm happy to be on my mat again, however, as yoga is the "yin" to the running "yang". Thursday, March 21, 2019 (Part II) I'm writing this post-practice update a few hours after coming out of Savasana. Today's practice was wonderful but, as I assumed, I was full of kinks and tenderness that hasn't been there for awhile.  As mentioned, this is all because of ...

Thursday, March 14, 2019, Woke at my usual 4:30AM for 1+ hours of coffee and contemplation. Feeling good, ready to begin.

Wednesday, March 13, 2019 As the title states, I've been pouty-polly for the past few days. I can say that, at times, I put far too much emphasis on why I'm feeling a certain way.  I believe that this practice of self-reflection is almost always good but, at times, it can lead you into an overly-analytic, paralyzing, direction-less whirlpool. Why do I feel good/bad/tired/energetic/anxious/peaceful on any given day?.....who cares....it doesn't matter. I've said it before on this blog; I believe that in 2019, we put far too much emphasis on feelings.  Feelings are good, your emotions have a place, but just because you woke up feeling blue doesn't mean that there's a deeper reason for the sadness that needs to be explored and teased apart. Case in point, I believe the blues I've been having for a few days now are due to the zero sugar/zero starch diet restrictions I've imposed on myself.  In fact, I'm almost 100% certain of it.  I've been t...

Tuesday, March 12, 2019, In addition to yoga, I also run. I typically do the GO! St. Louis Half Marathon each April.  I did a training run yesterday and, while it feels great while I'm doing it, the next morning after a long run can bring soreness and tightness to obscure areas of your body. Yoga pairs perfectly with running for this reason, and I intend to enjoy this morning's practice. Tuesday, March 12, 2019 (Part II) I'm writing this post-practice update about 2 hours after I came out of Savasana. I will never regret a yoga practice, but this morning's practice was a little uninspired and groggy.  That's a metaphor for my mentality lately; uninspired and groggy. For whatever reason, my spirits have been off for awhile.  I've been overly sensitive, melancholy, and out of sorts.  I know these periods don't last forever, but this seems to have been lingering on for too long (I feel like two months have passed with my spirits being off). That...

Monday, March 11, 2019 I'm out of sorts again and I don't know why. It's not severe or extreme, but I'm slightly bored with life and all components of it for some reason. I'm going to practice some pranayama this morning while I medictate and see if I can turn inwardly to find the cause of this.  Am I silly for wanting to get rid of this and should I simply let it be and be still. Monday, March 11, 2019 (Part II), Even though I'm waking up at 4:30AM and hitting my mat at 5:30AM(ish), I'm still running out of time after my practice for a decent post. I'm writing this the following morning on my mat.  I'm always pleased I started my day with yoga. Namaste

Saturday, March 9, 2019 I'm writing this two mornings after I took an instructor led class.  Normally, my practice is a personal and private thing that I manage and grow by myself but, every few months, and instructor led class is exactly what's needed to shake up the practice a bit.  Think of it as being in a food/cooking rut and then going to a great restaurant for inspiration. In the 2+ years I've maintained this blog, I've taken my instructor led classes at a place called Big Bend Yoga Center.   While at BBYC, I always try to take the class of Michael Shabsin .  There's nothing to be said about his class other than it's wonderful.  It's practical but never boring or simple.  It's though-provoking but never overly crunchy.  If you're ever in the St. Louis area, I recommend his class! Namaste

Thursday, March 7, 2019 While I woke at my usual 4:30AM, I'm short on time this morning, and will do an abbreviated practice. Thursday, March 7, 2019 (Part II) Great practice.  No time to post more. Namaste

Wednesday, March 6, 2019 Instead of a physical practice yesterday, I spent the morning relaxing and reflecting on my couch.  It seemed right, and I didn't fight it. This morning, however, I woke at my usual 4:30AM and I'm on my mat at 5:30AM to begin my practice. Physically, I am feeling well.  I feel as though I'm strong and capable.  I expect this morning's practice to reflect that. Mentally, I'm feeling well, but have a little bit of turmoil running around in my head. Since your spirit is the master of your mental and physical state, I'll say that I have a bit of turmoil running around in my heart as well.  Nothing serious, but I use my mat, and my practice as a reflective way to look inwardly and self-examine. Enough gibberish.......time to warm up. Wednesday, March 6, 2019 (Part II) I'm actually writing this the following morning.  I'm on my mat this morning ready for Thursday's practice, and realized I neglected to post after ye...

Monday, March 4, 2019 Woke at my usual 4:30AM to start off my week right. I'm on my mat, but I'm a bit behind schedule and will begin right away.  No time for an extensive pre-post! Monday, March 4, 2019 (Part II) I'm writing this having just come out of Savasana. I've said it many times in the 2+ years I've maintained this blog, but one never regrets going to the mat. I woke up this morning, groggy, unmotivated, in disbelief at the speed my Saturday an Sunday dissolved away, and went to my mat with an open heart/mind, but a surly attitude. I'm feeling transformed by my practice, which is nothing new, and feeling eager to go out into the world and solve it all. Namaste

Thursday, February 28, 2019 Woke at my normal 4:30AM.  I'm starting to actually wake naturally a few minutes before the alarm goes off.  Don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. lol Physically, I'm feeling good.  A little ashamed of the gluttony that I've allowed into my life for the past few weeks, but not too ashamed.  Life is good.  I'm feeling strong and energized as I type this, so I feel as though this morning's practice will also be physically strong and energized. Time to meditate and pray and see what comes. Thursday, February 28, 2019 (Part II) I'm writing this on my mat having just come out of my shower. M practice was marvelous this morning and it was, indeed, strong as I'd anticipated. Having been a complete, no-holds-bar, glutton for the past couple of weeks, there's extra weight and heaviness around my mid-section (story of my life).  It's easy enough to get rid of with clean eating and yoga/running, so I...

Tuesday, February 26, 2019 What a clever title for today's post. Woke at my usual 4:30AM for coffee and contemplation.  Was treated to another joy this morning when my parter woke at 5:00AM!  We usually don't wake around the same time; me at 4:30AM, him around 6:00AM/6:30AM when I'm already practicing.  It was wonderful to get refreshing morning time with him.  Due to the unexpected but very welcome company and conversation this morning, I'm starting today's practice a little later than usual.  It's 6:06AM as I type this. Time to sweat it out!

Monday, February 25, 2019 Woke at my usual 4:30AM this morning to start my week off right. I haven't practiced since last Thursday (4 days ago).  I have to say that I'm only now really feeling like my self again after having contracted flu; while it sounds melodramatic, that's 3+ weeks of feeling effected by it.  Naturally, for only about 1 week was I really down for the count, but the other two weeks of recuperation were slow and annoying. Physically, I'm feeling strong and able and eager to begin my practice, but I can feel some stiffness in my body that still needs to be ironed out; hopefully I'll be able to get back on track for real this week. Mentally, I'm feeling renewed and refreshed.  I've been giving a lot of thought to what I want to focus on during my practice(s) this week.  The common themes that I have are: No fear, No anxiety Forgiveness (of self and others) More fluidity/Less control Less Judgement God's will over my will ...

Thursday, February 21, 2019, I woke earlier than my usual 4:30AM this morning.  My internal alarm has me getting up around 4:15AM. I'm going to be extremely early (7:30PM-8:00PM each night), due to the fact that I'm still not feeling 100% recovered from the flu I contracted. I've been eating junk food for nearly every lunch and dinner (wraps, pizzas, sandwiches) and, while it's been great, I need my practice to help eliminate some of the negative effects of over-eating and overindulging.  The problem is, I feel hungry all the time, and my body, still recovering from sickness, seems to demand constant fuel. Time to sweat it out. Thursday, February 21, 2019 (Part II) I'm writing this having just come out of Savasana.  I was able to get through a strong practice this morning and end with 3 strong Urdvha Dhanurasana (upward bow poses).  I'm ready to shower and go out into the world. Namaste.

Tuesday, February 19, 2019 I woke at my normal 4:30AM to have coffee and to hit my mat. I didn't go through any Asanas yesterday, but I did warm up and go through my prayer and meditation routine. I'm going to push through my normal physical practice this morning and see how I feel. Tuesday, February 19, 2019 (Part II) I'm writing this on my mat having just come out of Savasana. Nothing about today's practice was stellar or amazing or note-worthy.  That is totally fine, and there will be practices that are like that. Physically, a lot of my muscles have atrophied from my 1.5 week bout with flu.  Mentally, my brain was all over the place and I was thinking of this, and that, and this, and that, while I moved through my series. Spiritually, I have a prescribed set of prayers and meditations that I go through before, during, and after my practice.  While I went through this sequence, that's all it was today; a sequence. I don't expect the first re...

Monday, February 18, 2019, For the first time in nearly two weeks, I'm healthy enough to be on my mat. I contracted one of the worst cases of flu I believe I've ever had while in Las Vegas.  I was border-line delirious at times and the only thing that helped my symptoms was Dayquil/Nyquil (which makes you disoriented too). I'm happy to be on my mat, but my muscles have atrophied in my legs and arms.  No big deal..... I'm going to move slowly today and be very respectful to my body. 

Thursday, February 7, 2019 I have enough time this morning to at least warm up on my mat and get some practice in. I am sick. I went to bed last night feeling run down, and feeling heaviness building in my chest. I woke this morning with more heaviness, and I'm going to be extra gentle with myself today, both on and off my mat, to ensure that I do what I can to speed my recovery. Thursday, February 7, 2019 (Part II) Went through a very light sequence and took time to move slowly in areas that are sore and tight (which is everything).  I paid special attention to forward bends and inversions as this helps move gunk out of my lungs and upper half. Namaste

Monday, February 4, 2018 Woke at 3:30AM PST (5:30AM in my normal CST timezone), and am feeling marvelous. I'm going to do an abbreviated practice this morning, and then start my day. Monday, February 4, (Part II) Another quick post from a quick practice. Feeling great, and ready to start my day. Namaste

Sunday, February 3, 2019 I'm writing this in Las Vegas, in my hotel, on my mat, after coffee and a shower. I'm in Las Vegas to work, but I always bring my mat with me when I travel as the stability that my practice provides, is even more important when I'm on the road. Time to warm up, pray/meditate, and begin. Sunday, February 3, 2019 (Part II) I'm writing this on my mat having just come out of Savasana. No time for a long post, but I'm feeling marvelous and ready to bring myself out into the world. Namaste.

Thursday, January 31, 2019 Woke at my usual 4:30AM this morning.  No milk/half&half for coffee and no sweetners. Cry me a river..... It's 5:42AM as I type this, and I'm feeling much better than I was yesterday physically, but less motivated mentally.  There's no rhyme or reason to it, it is what it is. I've blogged before that, unless I have something I'm looking forward to in my future (a run, a vacation, a fun work activity or challenge, a personal activity, etc.etc.), I can get lazy and ask " what's the point of going to my mat?" .  That sounds like I'm sad as I think those thoughts, but I'm not; I'm simply indifferent.  If nothing else, I believe it's important to always have something to look forward to on the horizon to keep spirits up and keep motivation at the forefront of what you do. That's quite enough from me.....time to warm up. Thursday January 31 2019 (Part II) It's 7:08AM as I type this.  I'm...

Wednesday, January 30, 2019 While the "polar vortex" is coming down into my native St. Louis, I'm up at 4:30AM to a warm home and warm coffee.  I'll be thankful for that, to start. Secondly, I'm thankful for many other things that I'll focus on in my practice this morning. Mentally, I'm feeling good.  Focused, determined, and strong.  Physically, I'm a bit tired, as I practice Tae Kwon Do on Tuesdays and Thursday nights.  The morning's after are always a bit of a drag. Looking forward to waring up on a cold January day. Wednesday, January 30, 2019 (Part II) It's 6:58AM and I started this practice at 5:30AM.  That's an hour and a half of warm up, meditation/prayer, and Asanas. I need to quicken the pace or I'll never be able to post a robust post-blog status! Feeling marvelous. Namaste

Tuesday, January 29, 2019 Woke at 4:30AM this morning for an hour of coffee and contemplation (#strangerthings). I'm on my mat at 5:42AM as I type this, ready to warm up.  I'm always better when I've started my day with my mat; things brush off of me, I'm energetic, but can focus my energy, I'm looking for opportunities to grow and I'm actively taking on the day instead of being reactive to things that come to me. Physically, I'm feeling wonderful.  My strength and flexibility are almost back to my standard base-line.  I'm still working through some of my "holiday weight"; that annoying little reminder every time you put on some of your clothes that fit normally 2 months ago that now feel a little too snug. Mentally, I'm feeling in charge.  I'm feeling strong and resilient. Time to meditate and pray, and warm up. Tuesday, January 29, 2019 (Part II) It's 7:07AM as I type this and I'm on my mat having just come out of ...

Monday, January 28, 2019 Woke at a slightly earlier time than usual.  4:30AM. I usually get up at 4:45AM and, even though that's only a 15 minutes difference, it will allow me to gain a bit more time for blogging before and after; all of my post-practice posts this year have been brief, picture-less, and hurried.  I want to provide more than that. Physically, I'm feeling good.  Ate a perfectly clean diet last week until Friday night hit, and that went out the window.  Saturday and Sunday were equally shameful, as far as clean diets are concerned, and now I'm on my mat on Monday morning, bloated squeezed into all of my clothing, torn between shame, self-loathing, and " you deserved it....no shame".  Circle of life... Spiritually, I'm feeling eager to accomplish something today.  I'm proud of the physical/real-world work that I've accomplished this past week, and over the weekend, and I want to reap some of the stress reducing benefits of it by te...

Tuesday, January 22 2019, Woke at 5:00AM this morning having neglected to set up alarm. I may not go through my full series this morning, and instead, go through my meditation/prayer routine and warm-up.

Monday, January 21, 2019 Starting the week off on the right foot by forcing myself up at my usual 4:45AM for a 5:45AM trip to my mat.  I may begin to set my alarm 15 minutes earlier, for a 4:30AM rise and a 5:30AM trip to my mat as I've noticed I don't have much time to post after my practice.   Physically, I feel good this morning.  I ate junk food all weekend, and didn't do anything physical, but that's what the weekends are for.  I'm a bit sore, but that's to be expected.  Mentally and spiritually, I'm feeling fairly well grounded and connected.  I don't have too much in the way of scary, intimidating, anxious thoughts flitting through my head but, since I don't have much to begin with, I'm going to focus on some of my classic standards of eliminating fear, allowing forgiveness (to myself and others), being thankful and grateful, and humbling myself. Monday, January 21, 2019 (Part II), Practice was great but, as I write this, ...

Friday, January 18, 2019, I woke at my normal 4:45AM today for a 5:45AM start on my mat. I'm going to begin my meditation and prayer routine immediately and begin my warmup as well. Friday, January 18, 2019 (Part II) Great pracitce. Behind skedge. Hopping in the shower to enjoy the day. Namaste.

Tuesday, January 15, 2019, I'm waking at my usual 4:45AM but, for some reason, hitting my mat to refine myself doesn't sound appealing at all.... I'm feeling a little bit of "pointlessness" to my practice at the moment.  I believe everyone feels this way at times and, in moderation, negative/benign feelings like this can be seen as useful exercises in self-discipline and self-control. What I mean by that is I'm going to be focusing on those emotions and thoughts and, instead of being hell-bent on changing them, I'm going to ask if they're "real" or not, and try to burn through them.  I believe feelings of boredom and purposelessness are common and aren't any reason to panic. I'm going to begin my warm up and prayer/meditation routine. Tuesday, January 15, 2019 (Part II) Feeling great after my practice, but definitely need to start calculating more time in order to have a proper post when I'm done! Time to share this ve...

Monday, January 14, 2019, I guess motivation has been something that I've been lacking.  As in, " what's the point of waking up at 4:45AM and hitting my mat ever day?" . I'm happy to be awake and ready for another weeks' opportunity to change myself on my mat. Monday, January 14, 2019 (Part II), Like yesterday, I'm writing this the following morning, on my mat, getting ready for today's practice. Again, I'm getting up at my usual 4:45AM, but finding a little bit of "pointlessness" to life at the moment.  I believe everyone feels this way at times and, in moderation, negative/benign feelings like this can be seen as useful exercises in self-discipline and self-control. I'm going to begin my warm up and prayer/meditation routine. Namaste

Friday, January 11, 2019, Woke at my usual 4:45AM for the third time this week. This is still technically my first full-week back in the real world since the holiday break.  It's been going splendidly. It's 5:49AM as I type this, so I'm going begin my meditation/prayer and warm-up. Friday, January 11, 2018 (Part II), I'm actually writing this the following Monday before I begin this week's new practice. The three days I practiced last week were wonderful.  It's been slow-going with some of the benefits I expect from my practice, but the way I feel after I practice is enough of a reward to keep my going when I feel like I'm not advancing as quick as I'd like. Namaste

Thursday, January 10, 2019, More running means more yoga. It's very much still winter in St. Louis Missouri, so after-work runs aren't exactly the best thing ever, but my pre-work yoga sessions are.  Time to meditate and sweat it out. Thursday, January 10, 2019 (Part II) I'm writing this on my mat the next morning. My practice yesterday morning was great, but I ran out of time to post a follow up. I'll say that, while I'm still working through some of the sludge and junk that accumulated during the Christmas holiday (#noregrets), I can feel the sludge and junk being worn away in layers. I'm going to say that patience with oneself is definitely as important a virtue as diligence; I must be diligent in going to my mat each morning, but I must be equally patient with myself if I'm not seeing my vanity-driven results immediately. lol Namaste

Wednesday, January 9, 2019, This is only my second time posting in 2019, as I'm still getting back into the swing of things and becoming accustomed to waking up at 4:45AM again.  Some days its easy, and other days, it's impossible.  Physically, I'm incorporating running back into my life.  I typically run the St. Louis half-Marathon every April with smaller runs throughout the year, and I'm at my best with my running practice when I'm keeping things limber and fluid with my yoga practice; of the two, yoga has proved to be far better at making physical changes in my body, hard as that may be to believe. Mentally, I'm feeling wonderful today, and pleased that I've made myself get back into my routine.  I'm going to focus on burning (a common theme) in today's practice; fire is not bad.  Fire cleans things and purifies things. Enough of my nonsense talk.....time to mediate and pray and sweat it out.

Wednesday, January 2, 2019, The first post of the New Year, and the first post where I've gotten back into my daily routine of a 4:45AM wakeup call.  I'm on my mat as I type this, getting ready to practice, and I'm going to take whatever comes to me on my mat today and whatever comes to me off of my mat today.