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Poison Ivy & Yoga- And Why They Don't Mix

Monday, June 15, 2020 (Part I), 
As the title suggests, the last time I hit my mat was Friday, May 29.  After that practice,  two weeks ago, I joined my brothers for a delightful little camping/floating trip in Central Missouri, only to find my arms, stomach, and legs covered in a poison ivy rash upon my return home.

I toyed with the idea of getting on my mat but, as anyone who's contracted poison ivy knows, the oil of the plant can create a gnarly looking, bubbly mess of your skin; you can't shower in hot water, as it'll spread the oil.  Knowing this, I determined it would be best to stay off my mat, as I don't want any oil/sweat getting onto my mat to re-spread at a later date.

That's over two full weeks of no yoga!  What's a yogi to do?......

The answer is simple; you rebuild.....

Time to begin....


Monday, June 15, 2020 (Part II), 
Look at this.....all over....
Even with a two week hiatus from my mat, much of my flexibility, strength, and focus have remained. I'm pleased with that, but only went through an abbreviated practice today, taking my time, and focusing intently on how my body behaved in each Asana.  I've learned that, if one has to stay away from their practice, for any reason, it's best to proceed with caution.

I may try a full practice tomorrow but, until then, below is an example of my abbreviated practice that any fellow yogi can easily follow:

Surya Namskara A - (series of 4)
Surya Namskara B - (series of 2; highly modified and extended

Padangusthasana
Padahasthasana

Until tomorrow.

Namaste



More Poison Ivy........dreadful.....
....no way I was getting on
my mat covered in this.....















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