James Walsh Yoga

Thursday, December 31, 2020 (Part I),  The final day of 2020 and the third day in a small practice rebuild.  Remnants of Christmas, and the foods that go right along with it, are everywhere, and being continually munched on throughout the day.  Days are laid back, and lazy.   Because of this, breaking up some of the tightness, stiffness, and inflexibility that has set in is slow; however, I've dealt with worse and know that daily upkeep is more valuable than a once-a-week-blitz. I despise the sugary "reflections" that people make at year's end but, in that same vein, I'll say that 2020 brought challenges, as every year does; 2021 will bring additional challenges, as will every subsequent year one is alive on Earth.  Don't ever hang your head for long...ever.  If you can't lift your head with your neck, lift it up with your hands...if you can't lift your head with your hands, have a friend lift it for you....if your friends can't lift it, prop it up...

Tuesday, December 29, 2020 (Part I), For a myriad of reasons, yesterday was the first time I hit my mat in several weeks.  Why?....general feelings of being under the weather, jogging more (which makes me feel like I've met some sort of "quota" for the day and, therefore, don't need to hit my mat), waking up later and later each morning (as late as 6:00am-6:30am which is a stark departure from my normally scheduled 4:15am). Before one knows it, a new habit is formed, and one is getting up later and later.   Today marks the second day on my mat.  Yesterday's practice was good, but was more "exploratory" than anything.  " Will this leg move the way I want it to or will I have to ease into things a bit more.....will my back fold the way I'm used to or will that tin of butter cookies I ate for my dinner last night prevent me from bending the way I'm used to", .....the usual issues.  Today's practice will be equally gentle and "expl...

Monday, December 28, 2020 (Part I), When I say "Never Solidify", I speak primarily about solidifying physically with muscle tightening, joint contracting, and a general loss of suppleness and flexibility. Like anything else, a yoga practice will atrophy if not routinely built up, evolved and executed.  I say to "never solidify" in the literal, and physical sense, but the same principle can apply to your non physical parts (your mind, your heart, your soul).  A mind and heart will solidify, " this is correct, and that is not.....this is so, and that is not so....they are wrong, and I am right", your soul will solidify as well, if you cut it off from prayer and meditation.   Due to a more robust running/jogging routine, which is great for heart/lung health, but tightens up one's body, today's practice will be gentle.  I'm going to spend more than the usual "5 breath hold" in each pose, and allow my body to roll around on my mat before b...

Wednesday, December 2, 2020 (Part I),  I've made reference to "Pickle Rick" before.  Stolen from an episode of the brilliantly crafted animated series, "Rick & Morty".  The genius/mad-scientist Grandpa (Rick) arbitrarily turns himself into a pickle to avoid going to family therapy.  While he gets out of going to the family therapy session, a series of mishaps occur to him while he's an inert pickle, and Rick has to figure out a way to save himself.  Rick ultimately ends up on the therapist's couch (still in pickle form) with his family, where he explains why he doesn't hold therapy, or therapists, in any high esteem.  The therapist replies, explaining that, due to Rick's brilliance, he would be bored senseless by therapy, as it's maintenance...it's work....it's not fun....and, as the therapist explains to Rick, there's no way to do it so wrong, that you might die; maintenance is not an adventure. I can't say how often I f...