James Walsh Yoga

Saturday, December 31, 2022, Today is the last day of 2022. I'm delighted that I'm on my mat (again, around the 10:30am hour which is atrociously late). I don't know why I feel it, but 2023 will be splendid. Time to begin today's practice.  Part II: As always, the version of oneself that's coming off the mat at the end of practice is superior to the version that got on the mat at the beginning of practice.  Physically, there's still some kinks and other "stuck" or "frozen/solidified" areas of muscle that need to be worked through but, otherwise, a strong and mobile practice.  Mentally, today was a bit unfocused.  I watched a terrible movie a week or so ago that had some frightening/gory imagery in it, and I couldn't shake it out of my head......word to the wise......you are what you eat (literally and figuratively) and once you "ingest" something (with your mouth or your eyes), it's a part of you......so try to only consume ...

Friday, December 30, 2022, For whatever reason, I haven't been on my yoga mat, in earnest, for awhile.  It's a combination of things but, here I am (at 10:09am I might add), on my mat, curious what a practice will bring today.  I say "be not afraid" because I think it's relevant, and a reminder of how one should live one's life (even if one is terribly afraid at any given moment).  Time to begin... Part II: The first time back on the mat was good.  There's definitely some kinks that need to be worked out.  Time to enter the world.  Namaste

Wednesday, December 21, 2022, Clarity is the word that popped into my head this morning.  Time to begin today's practice. 

Wednesday, December 14, 2022, I've had a few practices while I've been away, but the last time I updated this blog was November 21. One forgets how long it's been since one has been on one's mat but, like anything, it can be rebuilt. I am ill as I type this (I have gotten ill more frequently in the past ~4 months than any other time in my life......don't know what's causing it........time to begin.... Part II: I am flawed and imperfect....but my practice helps me accept this, and see through it.  Namaste

Monday, November 21, 2022 Time to begin today's, and this week's, practice(s).  Part II: Average practice.  Something's still going on in my lower back...some odd latent-effect strain from last weekend's gardening/bulb-digging-up.  Ah well.   Time to enter the world.  Namaste

Friday, November 18, 2022, Continuing the theme from this week of "Be Not Afraid". Wednesday I felt unafraid.  Thursday I felt afraid.  Today I feel right in the middle (maybe).  I can say that all living/breathing human beings experience some level of anxiety, depression, "mental illness", etc.  The good news is that, for almost 100% of us, we can mitigate these thoughts and feelings with practice, and learn to shepherd ourselves through the world; the world, which only wants your demise.  Yes, that sounds dismal, but it's always been true (and will always be true....more than likely).  Whatever the world says to pay attention to, do the opposite.  Whatever the world says to care about, do the opposite.  Whatever the world says to be obsessed with, do the opposite.  Time to begin... Part II: An abbreviated practice this morning, but a practice, none the less.   Namaste

Thursday, November 17, 2022, Today's practice will be a continuation of yesterday's theme of "Be No Afraid". Why?..........because yesterday I was unafraid........ today  I feel afraid for some reason!  Not terribly frightened of anything in particular, just a little fearful of "what's around the corner". What did I do yesterday that may have flung my internal-barometer off?   I can say this..........as I was winding down to sleep, I allowed my silly self to go onto social media, and go into the "death scroll".  I try to never do this but, there's an addictive nature to social media (its designed this way, FYI, and will continue to refine itself so that it's more and more gratifying to our evolved-chimp-brains).  That addictive nature makes one forget the time that's passed while you're scrolling through nonsense.  Has 5 minutes passed or 40 minutes?.....who knows.....it's like being inside a Casino for your brain.....there...

Wednesday, November 16, 2022, The title of today's post is a classic line.  "Be not afraid" is spoken in the literal sense in the Christian Bible and, more recently, by Pope John Paul II.   Thematically, the concept of "never fear/let nothing frighten you/etc." is seen throughout the Religions of the world.  Non-fear is, all at once, a simple, and complex thing to think about.  We complicate our fears almost entirely by our own hands (via Social Media, "News", and other forms of media).  That's the first call out; we are in charge of how much "frightening material" we consume through "news"............ According to our "news" we're supposed to be very concerned/frightened about the following: Global warming Declining bee populations The politics of the day Polar bears (are the panda bears ok now?) Something about the "cost of living crisis" THE ECONOMY.....OMG RUN! Some amorphous/shapeless force in the wo...

Monday, November 14, After a productive weekend, which hit the balance between chores/relaxation, it's the start of a new work week. One makes one's happiness.  That is certain.  One makes one's misery too.  I've been in a bit of an odd "funk" for awhile......I control how I feel though.  I control my drive (which gives me pride), I control my efforts (which make me feel worthy), I control my actions.  We all control our own drive, efforts, and actions.....those things, lumped together, give us a key part of our own happiness.  Time to begin... Part II: The version that gets off the mat at the end of a yoga practice is always superior to the version that got on the mat at the beginning of practice.  Time to enter the world.  Namaste

Friday, November 11, 2022, It's 5:41am as I type this, and I'm a tad behind skedge.  Time to begin.... Part II: Great practice.  Behind skedge....time to enter the world.  Namaste

Thursday, November 10, 2022, For about ~two weeks now, I've struggled with some kind of head-cold/body-aches/tension-head ache nonsense.  Being under the weather plays with my mental state as much as my physical state.  For whatever reason, I get "down" on myself when I'm under the weather; generally, I do less if I'm unwell, and after a week or two or "doing less" I start to have thought of, " ugh.....I can't seem to advance......why do I even bother.....this brings me no joy.....*sigh*....poor-ole-Jamsey.....". I've said it many times but, emotions, for the most part, shouldn't be given any attention....they change with the wind/blood-sugar/amounts-of-sleep, etc.......even though I know this...it's still difficult sometimes.  The best thing to do when one isn't at their best, is to stick to one's routines......having said that...it's 5:27am as I type this, and it's time to begin. Part II: As always, Part II is ...

Monday, November 7, 2022, Woke at the routinely schedule time of 4:15am. Had my routine hour of coffee and contemplation.  I'm now on my mat, in the yoga room, ready to begin....it's 5:24am as I type this.  Kind of lack-luster this morning...but that's ok.  Time to begin... Part II: It's 6:43am as I type this, and I'm coming out of Corpse Pose/Savasana.  It's time to enter the world.  Namaste

Friday, November 4, 2022, The illness I contracted last week is (almost) completely gone.  It's been easy for me to get up at the usual 4:15am for the past few days.  It's 5:13am as I type this, and I've had my hour of coffee and contemplation, and I'm on my mat in the yoga room. I get blue when I'm ill, but the only way to become un-blue is to become un-blue (how's that for a circular-meta-remark).   Time to begin today's practice... Part II: Today's practice was stronger than recent practices.  My breathing is better, I'm less congested, and I was able to focus my thoughts and meditation (for the most part).  It's 7:11am as I type this, and it's time to enter the world.  And, .....to continue the circular-meta jibberish I wrote in today's opening, I'll say that the best part about being blue, is when you don't feel blue anymore.  Namste

Wednesday, November 2, 2022,  For whatever reason, I feel as though I've gotten ill in 2022 more than usual.  Yes, I do attribute it to the global population being masked-up for a year+, and then de-masking and a whole host of illnesses (that one might have been used to/partially-immune to or otherwise more ready to deal with, all of the sudden get sneezed, coughed, laughed, etc. into our faces. I traveled for work on Tuesday of this week, by Wednesday afternoon (one week ago today), I could feel myself crashing. All this to say that, part of my nature is to have a high-standard of myself; when I don't keep myself to a high standard, I feel blue.  While I've been unwell the past week, I haven't really stayed on top of chores, general house-hold cleanliness, etc. and I haven't done any sort of physical activity........I overeat (what else is new) because I say, " I'm sick....I deserve this soup and sandwich" , I should say that, without starting my day ...

Saturday, October 29, 2022, Today's title of " Don't Push Or Pull" came from a small video I saw throughout the week.  In the video, there was a man explaining that wanting something (pulling it in), and despising something (pushing it away), are both equally bad for a person, and lead to equally bad, albeit different, outcomes.  Pulling Something = Wanting, desiring, attempting to draw something in, etc. Pushing Something = Avoiding, detesting, attempting to push something away, etc. The principle (which may or may not be true), is that whether we work to push something away, or work to pull something in, our actions will eventually invert, and whatever it is we yearned for will leave us, and whatever it is we avoided will come in...........dang.....what a bummer..... So what is the answer?  A principle of Religion is that desire is the root for much of our suffering.  How can I, a feeble-minded-evolved-chimp-person not desire something?....I'm lazy....I'm co...

Tuesday, October 25, 2022, On my mat way behind schedule (it's 5:54am as I type this), but the reason for my delay is that today's practice will be abnormal.  I will not be forcing myself into my standard routine but will allow my body to roll around on the mat/floor as I work through it, and discover where the kinks are.  On Sunday, two days ago, I ran a half-marathon (13.1 miles); I've done many of them in my life, and I'm happy to have accomplished another.  The next day soreness isn't terrible, but it still needs to be worked out.  Time to begin with prayers and meditation.... Part II: A lovely practice.  Time to enter the world.  Namaste

Friday, October 7, 2022,  Woke at the usual 4:15am and enjoyed my usual hour+ of coffee & contemplation.  On my mat, a tad behind schedule, at 5:27am. No time to dilly dally....time to begin. Part II: Today's practice was, physically, very interesting.....some sort of "stuck" or "solidified" muscle/muscle-groups in my lower back needed to get unstuck.  One of the best things about a practice is that you learn how to unstick and loosen muscle groups through the understanding of Asana/physical postures.  Do I need to twist?.....do I need to invert?......do I need to fold forward, back, to the side, etc.  The key to unsticking and loosening a muscle group (especially one as complex as part of the back) is usually a combination of a few of these.....twist a little, while folding forward and, all fo the sudden, you nail it....you found where the stiffness is, and you can wait, breathe, and relax while your body loosens itself up.  Time to enter the world....

Tuesday, October 4, 2022, It's 5:33am, I'm a tad behind skedge, and it's time to begin....

Thursday, September 29, 2022, Moods, which are nothing more than feelings, come and go with the wind.  Aware as I try to be of my feelings/emotions, etc. they can still creep in, and creep up, on oneself, and make one think and feel things that are not real.  Emotions/moods/feelings, etc. are not reality.  If they are not reality, should they be given much time or attention?  No, they should not.....emotions/moods/feelings will change with your blood-sugar levels, and level of indigestion (which I think is what has me in my current mood).   So......if one is in a mood, what does one do?  One ignores it and continue's with one's routine.  Time to begin today's practice.  Part II: It's 6:57am as I type this, and I'm on my mat, having just come out of Savasana.  My mood has improved.  Time to enter the world. 

Wednesday, September 28, 2022, In the age we live in, confusion is rampant. Almost all of this confusion comes from our electronic devices/screens (typically, our phones).  Think of it.....you generally don't get confused when you speak to your neighbor, friend, colleague, family, etc. in a live conversation. The confusion, which comes from our phones and other screens, emanates, almost 100%, from the entertainment industry (News, Social Media, Hollywood, etc.).  Without sounding gloomy, I can say that the world will, more than likely, not be changing its tune and will, more than likely, not start to become less confusing tomorrow.  One has to learn to live in it, and alongside it.   Part II: Post practice, on my mat as always, having just come out of Savasana.  No time to delay. Time to enter the world.  Namaste

Monday, September 26, 2022, It's 5:24, and it's time to begin... Part II: It's 7:09 as I type this.  As always, I'm on my mat still, having just come out of Corpse Pose/Savasana. No time to dilly-dally.  It's time to enter the day.  Namaste

Wednesday, September 21, 2022, The title of today's post is not my own, but it's a saying that simply means that, if you can start something with energy/enthusiasm, and the appropriate attitude, the remainder of that endeavor will, more than likely, continue on that path.  It's 5:23am as I type this, so I'm a tad behind skedge, but I notice such a marked difference in my days when I don't start my morning off on my mat, in comparison to the days when I do.  Without time spent on my mat, I feel hurried, rushed, frantic, un-grounded, energetic, but in no control over the energy.......days that begin on my mat (and most days do), I feel in control of myself, in harmony with the world around me, impervious to conflict/pain/struggle, etc. Reason number 3,000,000 for starting your day with a practice.  Enough chit chat...it's time to begin...  Part II: As always, I type the first update before practicing, and the second update when my practice is complete.  It's 7...

Friday, September 16, 2022, My normal routine is to wake up at 4:15am, shuffle out to the kitchen (where my hot coffee has just finished brewing itself), enjoy 45-60 minutes of relaxation with my hot drink, and then, at 5:00am-5:15am, come down to the yoga room. I've "felt" that some things are shuffling around in life; it's hard to pinpoint what, and where, and even what those things are, and if my "feeling" is even true or not.   When life shuffles (as it always will), a routine can keep one grounded and stable; I think I've been too soft with my routines for the past few months, and am actively working on rebuilding routine. It's 5:24am as I type this, and it's time to begin.   Part II: Post practice on my mat, as always.  It's 7:19am as I type this, so I can't dilly-dally, but I went through my full sequence today ending with my full backbending series.  I've said it many times but backbending makes one age in reverse.  Backbendin...

Wednesday, September 14, 2022 What can I do?  More often said as, " what can I do about it?".   The answer, very often, is "nothing"; one can do nothing about almost 100% of the "events" that one sees occurring on the "news".  You can try to live your life, in your corner, with as peaceful a countenance as possible. How does one obtain peace?  I've learned a few methods that can help: Abandoning as much thought and concern for  Avoid "news" in all of its forms (blog updates, traditional television "news", "news" from one's phone, etc.   Learning that emotions are not "real" and are transitory; they will change with the wind, one's blood sugar, etc.......therefore, recognize one's emotions, but don't allow them to "stick around" and be dwelled on. Time to begin today's practice.... Part II: Post practice, as always, on my mat, having just come out of Savasana.  Time to enter...

Friday, September 9, 2022, George Lucas, creator of ' Star Wars', fashioned much of the tenants of the imaginary "Jedi Order" after the non-imaginary tenants of Shogun/Samurai Knights in Feudal Japan. I am not an expert in anything to do with Feudal Japan but, if what one reads on the internet is true (and why wouldn't it be?), a complete abandonment of emotion was central to a Knight's being; indifference to pain was another.   Yoga is a path to God; but the indifference to emotion and indifference to pain can help once rise above the physical evolved-chimp-body that we're all encased in.  Yoda's quote regarding fear is true....fear is an emotion....emotions lead to more emotions.....(both good and bad), and these can lead to suffering.  Be aware, and in control of your emotions, as much as possible.  Enough chit-chat....it's 5:20am, and it's time to begin... Part II: As always, Part I is written before my practice, and Part II is written post...

Tuesday, September 6, 2022, It's 5:15am as I type this.  As usual, I got up at 4:15am this morning for coffee and contemplation.   I'm going to try and wrap up my practices at 6:45am, no matter what the circumstances.  In that vein, it's time to begin... Part II: As always, I write my introduction before I practice, and my "Part II" after I've completed my practice.  Today's practice was good, as always (even when a practice is "bad" or "not what one had hoped for", a practice is always a good thing).  I'm going to keep moving as it's time to enter the world.  Namaste

Tuesday, August 23, 2022, It's 5:22am as I type this, and it's time to begin... Part II: It's 7:29am as I type this.....no time to dilly-dally. Time to enter the world.  Namaste

Friday, August 19, 2022, It's 5:16am as I type this.  It can seem difficult to get back into a routine if you get out of the groove.  I could not calculate the beneficial attributes I have as a direct result of my practice yet, when I get out of my routine (for whatever reason), trying to get back into it is difficult.  The alarm sounds at 4:15am (as usual), and my brain says, " don't......there's no point......it's not worth it.....sleep...." .  I know that to be a lie, but I comply with it anyway, at times, and snooze the morning away until I have to get up. Enough chit chat.......the quickest way to re-instate a routine is to re-instate the routine (and not gum-flap about it)  Time to begin.... Part II: It's 7:16am as I type this, and it's time to enter the world, but the title of today's post came from one of my prayer books that I reference each morning; before I begin my physical practice, I spend 10-15 minutes in prayer and meditation.  Them...

Wednesday, August 17, 2022, Was ill for nearly 2 weeks (totally unable to practice), and then went on vacation for a week. All this to say, I've been away from my mat for 3 weeks. That's a long time.  It's 5:23am as I type this, however, and it's time to rebuild....  Part II: It feels good to practice (as always).  Time to enter the world.  Namste

Wednesday, July 27, 2022, For whatever reason, my sleep pattern got knocked around over the weekend, and I couldn't get up at my normal 4:15am yesterday or Monday (I hit the snooze on my phone on Monday morning and didn't get up until an eye-watering 7:30am........that leaves almost no time to "thaw" from your sleep and collect yourself, let alone incorporate any kind of yoga practice. All that to say, I got up at my usual 4:15am this morning, and it's 5:17am now as I type this...it's time to begin... Part II: It's 7:04am, and it's time to get ready for the day.  Today's practice was weak and unfocused, but still a practice, and I'm still better for getting on my mat.  Namaste

Friday, July 22, 2022, I've said it many times throughout the 5+ years this blog has been maintained; on some days one feels enlightened, inspired, perfected, in-tune, etc.......and, on other days, one doesn't feel any of these things.  Feelings, on the whole, should be recognized and observed but, ultimately ignored.  How one "feels" on any given day will change with the wind.....one's blood sugar.....the spicy-chicken-sandwich one at Uninspired work: it's still work.  Do your job(s) and know that you're still completing your tasks even if it's not the most innovative/creative day in your life.  Uninspired talk: it's still talk.  Don't force anything that doesn't come naturally....it'll seem odd if you're smiling and trying to seem overly-happy in a disingenuous way. Uninspired << fill in blank>> : No matter what you're doing, you can still do it if it's un-inspired and unexceptional. The point in all of this is...

Thursday, July 21, 2022, Up at my usual 4:15am, and on my mat at my usual-ish 5:23am.  Nothing profound to say (if I've ever said anything profound), and it's time to begin... Part II: I can't seem to end on time for some reason.....I target a 6:45am completion, and it's 7:17am as I type this. Great practice, however, and it's time to shower up, and enter the world.  Namaste

Wednesday, July 20, 2022, Monday's post was about being consistent......here I am, on my mat for only the second time this week (having slept in yesterday like a lazy thing).  It's 5:18am as I type this, and it's time to begin.....

Monday, July 18, 2022, Did I only practice Tuesday and Wednesday of last week?.....seems like it. Be more consistent.  It's 5:29am as I type this, and it's time to begin today's practice.   Part II: Groggy and foggy......didn't do anything out of the ordinary last night, but feel a little out of it today.  Had a warm up, and a very light practice.  Tomorrow's another day.  Namaste

Wednesday, July 14, 2022,  On my mat, at 5:31am, which is grossly behind schedule.  No time to dilly-dally....time to begin.  Part II: It's 7:14am as I type this, so I'll be brief.  Physically, I spoiled myself with a way longer warm-up than usual (my warm-up where I simply roll-around, and let my body do whatever it wants, is usually 10-15 minutes long).  I let today's warm up continue on longer than usual due to the amount of kinks and other things that I've built up due to an increased running/jogging routine.   Mentally, my brain was all over the place this morning.  As one is supposed to, whenever I became aware that my attention had wandered off, I "brought my attention back" to my object of meditation/focus, and sat my focus back down "in it's chair" with a kind a gentle hand.  My "focus" would sit still for about 10 seconds of cooperation, before "getting up from it's chair" and wandering off again.  Ah well.... Ti...

Tuesday, July 12, 2022,  On my mat at the usual time; 5:16am. Time to begin... Part II: Post practice update.  It's 7:12am.  I need to be getting off my mat closer to 6:45am but, C'est la vie. I've been training for a half-marathon in October and, due to the increased running, there's quite a bit of kinks to iron out in my back and legs.   Time to enter the world.  Namaste

Wednesday, July 6, 2022 Good practice but, as usual these days, I'm grossly behind schedule.  Time to enter the world.  Namaste

 Thursday, June 30, 2022, It's 5:20am as I type this, so I'm a bit behind schedule, and will keep this brief..... There are 5 tenets of Tae Kwon Do.  Of these 5 tenets, I believe that self-control is the most important.  Read through the image connected to today's update; the other 4 tenets cannot exist without self-control.  It is the first, and largest, "Domino" that must fall in order for the other 4 tenets to be engaged.  Self-control is, unfortunately, not always "fun", and "entertaining", so it rarely gets any time in the spotlight.  Furthermore, self-control is a continual journey, and a continual practice; it cannot be gained quickly.  Even beyond that, self-control is incredibly difficult, as it encompasses ones non-physical parts (your feelings, your emotions, and your thoughts). There are probably many ways one can exercise self-control but, I am here to tell you, that a yoga practice will help you gain this control......not only con...

Wednesday, June 29, 2022,  Wednesday yoga....nothing else to report.... It's 5:19am, and it's time to begin... Part II: As always, I write this Part II update post practice, after having completed my sequence. I'm still on my mat, having just come out of Corpse Pose/Savasana. I having nothing profound to say other than the future is bright.   Time to enter the world.  Namaste

Tuesday, June 28, 2022, The moment you wake up, and you realize that you're out of your dreams, the "monkey" inside your head begins to move around.   One of the best representations of the "monkey" inside our brains can be explained in the short, 1-minute video above.  I've posted this before, but the clip is too good to not share again.... In essence, our brains are going to run around wherever they want to go.....our thoughts are going to wander off in any direction they like (very often lead away by social media, "news", and any number of distractions).   Continual stimulation isn't good.  Your mind forgets how to sit, and be still (watch the video). If you struggle with feeling anxious due to the "terrible state of things in the world", watch the video. If you struggle with feelings of depression due to the "terrible state of things in the world", watch the video. In less than 1 minute, you can learn the basics of a tec...

Monday, June 27, 2022, A classic line that we've all heard (possibly too often, as its meaning can be lost or easily forgotten), " Do unto others as you would have then do unto you"; sometimes referred to as "The Golden Rule". In 2022 (which is the year this is being written), treating others poorly often comes in the form of words.  Those words are very often spoken in an online/virtual format.  However virtual these words may be, they're no less damaging than if they were spoken in person. It's important to keep this Golden Rule at the forefront of our thoughts, our actions, and, most especially, our words.  Don't add to the din of noise, disrespect, and ugliness that you see in the online/virtual world (however tempting it may be).  Do you want peace?  Then be peaceful.  Do you want kindness?  Then be kind. Do you want understanding?  Then listen, to understand, those around you.  Namaste

Friday, June 24, 2022, Woke at my normal 4:15am time for the first time since Monday.  Don't know why I kept hitting the snooze button Tuesday-Thursday, but I'm on my mat, and it's time to begin... Part II: It's 7:15am as I type this; two hours since I sat down on my mat (at 5:15am).   There was "noise" in today's practice.  Noise in my body (GI tract, muscles, etc.), and noise in my head (thoughts, hypothetical scenarios, inner monologue, etc.).  Ah well......practice when you feel good, and when you feel not-so-good.  It's always to your benefit.  Time to enter the day. Namaste

Monday, June 20, 2022, It's Monday, but it's also a day off of work for me.   I was out of town last week and, while I brought my mat with me, I never had a good opportunity to practice. I've learned that, even though one can feel bad after neglecting one's practice, one can quickly and easily begin the rebuild (as long as you can break through the initial blockage of, " ughh....I'll practice tomorrow" , as you hit your snooze button for the 12th time).  I'm drawn back to my mat because I like the version of myself that comes off of my mat when my practice is over.  Time to begin.... Part II: There will be days (or even longer periods of weeks, or maybe in a month or two), where you don't feel like you're good enough.  Not holy enough.  Not beautiful enough.  Not funny enough.  Not smart enough.  Not <<INSERT ADJECTIVE>>> enough. When these periods come in a persons life (and they come in every person's life), it's import...

Friday, June 10, 2022,  Woke up at my usual 4:15am this morning. On my mat, at 5:19am, which is technically a bit behind schedule.  I've re-incorporated running into my routine and, more than taking a hiatus from my yoga mat, running will do things to one's body that need to be "undone"; specifically, tightening up one's legs and back. Enough chit-chat.....time to begin.  I'll be focusing on meditation as I move through my practice today.  I noticed earlier this week that, when I allowed my thoughts to flit about, that my practice takes much longer.  Again....time to begin.... Part II: As always, the day is better when it starts on my mat.  No time to dilly-dally.  It's time to enter the world.  Namaste

Wednesday, June 8, 2022,  Getting back into a routine is an interesting little experiment in self-control. One's lazy and uncooperative body protest but one's mind continues to encourage and understand that the routine is healthy and good.   Between one's body and one's mind, which is superior?  I've written it many times (and the answer should be obvious), but one's mind is always superior.  One's mind tells one's body what to do (not the other way around); one's body is lazy, selfish, clunky and ugly.........don't ever let your body be in charge.  It's 5:13am, and it's time to begin.... Part II: For whatever reason, today's practice took much longer than yesterday's.  It's 7:19am as I type this and, even though I started at 5:13am, I feel like my brain was buzzing around in every direction while I warmed up, and practiced, and it stalled me out in certain areas.  I start thinking about XYZ or some other nonsense, and fully ...

Tuesday, June 7, 2022, Got back from a marvelous vacation last week where we ate, drank, and did nothing but lay on a beach. The last time I was on my mat was Thursday, May 26 (about 1.5 weeks ago).  Heaven knows what today's practice will look/feel like, but I want to begin pushing myself a little more, even if I don't feel quite ready for it.......I think I've been in 3rd or 4th gear for awhile, and I need to shift to 5th.  It's 5:17am, and it's time to begin.... Part II: On my mat, having just come out of Savasana.  It's 7:03am as I type this, and today's practice was marvelous.  There wasn't as much to work through as I thought, but my back is definitely a little out of whack....nothing a few more days of practice won't fix.  Delighted, as always, that I'm back in my routine.  Namaste

Thursday, May 26, 2022, Time to begin... Part II: Good practice but it's time to enter the world.  Namaste

Wednesday, May 25, 2022,  On my mat a bit later than usual (it's 5:34am and, if I'm to stay on schedule, I usually start at 5:15am).  Nothing profound or provocative to say.  Time to begin... Part II: A great practice.  As always, on my mat, having just come out of Savasana.  Yoga connects one to God.  That is its primary gift to the practitioner.   Namaste

Tuesday, May 24, 2022, Yoga helps to create a direct connection to God and to the divine part of your humanity.  On the outside, one will always be an ugly, smelly, evolved-chimp (with an ugly, smelly, evolved-chimp brain, strutting around thinking one is superior and intelligent).  Have you ever seen a pompous child/preschooler?.....I believe that is how we may look as we applaud ourselves with our ugly, smelly, evolved-chimp hands.  Time to begin... Part II: Writing Part II, as always, on my mat, having just come out of Savasana.  No time to delay....time to enter the world.  Namaste

Friday, May 20, 2022, Nothing to write about.  On my mat at 5:22am, with little inspiration, ready to begin my practice.... Part II: I'm writing this Part II update, as always, on my mat, having just come out of Savasana.  As I often say, the day ahead is always better when it begins on one's mat.  However, "inspiration" and "motivation" to practice are, very often, not there........and that's ok.  You go through the motions anyway, and you stay conditioned.  Time to enter the world.  Namaste

Thursday, May 19, 2022,  I travel for work occasionally and, even when I'm gone, I bring my mat with me.  Hotel yoga is just as beneficial as yoga at home, in my normal space where I practice.  No matter what my "call time" is to be ready for the day when I'm on the road, I immediately start walking back how much time I need to fit in a practice.  I practiced each morning last week, in my hotel and it always ensures I'm ready for the day.  This week however, when I got back home, I needed to dedicate time to my yard, and garden, and I've spent the last 72 hours shoveling dirt, and planting when I have spare time.  All this has done a number on my back, and I'm eager to go through today's first practice back at home.  Time to begin... Part II: The day is always better when it begins with a practice.  There's definitely some kinks to work out in my back (and legs....which I didn't notice before).  C'est la vie.... Namaste

Wednesday, May 4, 2022,  Nothing too inspiring to say this morning; and that's ok. It's 5:32am as I type this (I'm about 15 minutes behind skedge), and it's time to begin... Part II: Full practice.  Feeling great.  Time to enter the world.  Namaste

Tuesday, May 3, 2022, It's 5:20am as I type this.  I feel like, for the past ~week or so, I haven't been posting much content, as I've been focusing on my practice.  This is, actually, how it should be so, in that vein, I'm going to begin now..... Part II: Great practice.  Super late.  Namaste

Friday, April 29, 2022, Its 5:25am as I type this.  I noticed that, throughout this week, my posts have been brief, and have had titles/headers that simply have the day of the week and the word "yoga" in them.  I may be in a bit of a lull.  Physically, my practices this week have been strong and complete.  However, I've felt a little "under the weather/run-down" through out this week, and have been trying to be gentle with myself.  Enough chit-chat.....I can feel slight fatigue in my body.....and too much warmth in my face (this is generally a sign to me that I'm "run down"); knowing and saying that, I'm going to go through my normal routine this morning and let my body do what it wants.   Time to begin.... Part II: Full practice.  I'm late.  Time to enter the world.  Namaste

Wednesday, April 27, 2022, On my mat, at the usual 5:15am-ish.  Time to begin...  Part II: Great practice; time to enter the world.  Namaste

Tuesday, April 26, 2022, On my mat for the first time this week.  I will take things slow, and not push myself.  One's post-weekend body can be full of little kinks, soreness, and stiffness that weren't there on Friday. Time to begin... Part II Late, but did a full practice this morning.  Namaste

Thursday, April 21, 2022, Nothing to say....time to begin.  Part II: Full sequence this morning (including backbends), but I'm late!   Namaste

Wednesday, April 20, 2022 Nothing much to say; back on my mat after a little hiatus.  Part II: A great practice, but my mind was all over the place.  Full backbend sequence was completed.  Time to enter the world.  Namasate

Friday, April 15, 2022, In Catholic/Christian tradition, today marks the anniversary or Good Friday; the day Christ died.   Catholics/Christians around the world will observe this day as a day of prayer, fasting, abstinence from meat (as all Fridays in Lent), and reflection. The line of, " Earn This ", comes from a scene in "Saving Private Ryan" where, towards the end of the film, all of the effort, work, sacrifice, comes to fruition, with the last of the Ryan brothers (played by Matt Damon) is saved by a group of soldiers in WWII.  Tom Hanks, after toiling through the movie, facing death in the face at every turn, passes away on the battlefield, secure in the knowledge that he has done his duty, he has saved Private Ryan, and he can now pass; his last words, as Matt Damon holds him in his arms are, " Earn This ". It's a weighty thing to bear (whether we're talking in the confines of Saving Private Ryan, or the principles of Christianity); the deat...

Wednesday, April 13, 2022,  It's 5:14am as I type this.....time to begin... Part II: It's 7:03am as I type this part Part II, and I'm on my mat, having just come out of savasana.  It's time to enter the world.  Today's title was actually changed after completing my practice (the original title of today's post was "Wednesday Yoga", which is a sure sign that I'm not feeling inspired by anything. Today's inspiration came on my mat, as I focused my breath, body, attention, etc. on my meditation, prayers, and imagery (I hold an image in my mind as I move through my physical practice, and attempt to hold that image in place, without having additional thoughts creep in, while moving through my sequence......I can hold it for about 3 seconds (after 10+ years of practice).   As I was focusing, my thoughts, and demeanor changed; the phrase, " always be humble and kind" , popped into my head.  This will be what I focus on as I move through the w...

Tuesday, April 12, 2022, First practice of the week.  Looking forward to the version that comes off the mat at the end..... Part II: Great start to the day, great practice.  Time to enter the world.  Namaste

Friday, April 8, 2022, When I was a teenager, I never took any issue with violent, gory films; in fact, I think I really enjoyed them.  For whatever reason, I can't look at anything like that in my current state, and quickly turn my head whenever something vulgar, disgusting, or gory shows up on a screen.  Recoiling from ugliness is something that may have developed with age ( #iam36) .  I mention this in today's opening because, for whatever reason, images of gory/unpleasant/ugliness were flitting through my head this morning (could have been the cheddar bratwurst I had last night before bed that gave me bad dreams......).  In any event, the lesson I take from it is that the less ugliness you "consume" (with your eyes and your mind), the smaller your memories reservoirs are for ugliness; the inverse of this is true as well so make sure you encounter peaceful and beautiful images as often as possible.    Time to begin.... Part II: I started each day this we...

Thursday, April 7, 2022,  The title of today's post is actually the 5 tenants of Tae Kwon Do.  All 5 are lovely tenants to live ones life by, but the tenant of "perseverance" pops up as a key one.  For a multitude of reasons, I got knocked off the horse of my routine for the past few weeks; I'll spare the details, but I actually had to make a trip to the ER a few weeks ago.  Both before, and after that trip to the ER, I was unwell, and was continuing to try and incorporate the routine of my practice into my mornings (I am up at 4:15am and on my mat by 5:15am under normal circumstances).   I've been struggling to find motivation but, as I've said for years, motivation comes and goes and it's better to continue on with your routines even when you don't "feel like it".  That, for me, is the nature of perseverance.  On that note, it's 5:36am, and I'm behind schedule.  It's time to begin..... Part II: It's 7:13am as I type this, an...

Wednesday, April 6, 2022, "Mojo" was first coined by Austin Powers (I believe), but I take the word "mojo" to mean one's vibe/spirit/energy, etc.  For whatever reason, my "mojo" has been flat for awhile.  Nothing too terrible, but just a bit out of whack.  I've learned that, like weather, this can change very quickly, and one can get right back to feeling their mojo again (for no rhyme or reason). I would say that, when one is not feeling their "mojo", that they continue doing their daily routines (even if their heart isn't in it), because this will keep you conditioned; whether that routine be part of your professional life, your exercise routine, or your responsibilities to your family.   Enough chit chat....time to begin. Part II: As always, I'm writing this on my mat, having just come out of Savasana.  Happy I started my day with a practice, and feeling differently/improved about not having "mojo".  Mojo will come, a...

 Tuesday, April 5, 2022, Woke yesterday at my usual 4:15am but, for whatever reason, couldn't get myself motivated enough to start my day on my mat......I shamefully headed back to bed at 5:15am (after an hour of coffee), to snuggle, rest, and watch YouTube videos of Judge Judy.  This morning, I'm on my mat, and looking forward to a practice.  For whatever reason, there is heaviness in my chest again (didn't I just deal with this?), and I'm praying it doesn't develop into anything worse as it did two weeks ago. Time to begin...... Part II: It's 6:49am as I type this, and I'm on my mat, having just come out of Savasana.  An interesting practice this morning.  I was able to move out some of the "heaviness" I feel in my lungs, but I'm still wheezing, and coughing slightly.......I also have a stiff right knee (#iam36), and I was able to move out some of that stiffness as well.  Time to enter the day. Namaste.

Friday, April 1, 2022 For whatever reason, my illness has lingered.  I got over the worst of it last week/weekend but I'm still feeling fatigued, short of breath, and not 100%.  For those reasons, when my alarm sounded at 4:15am this past Wednesday and Thursday, I couldn't get up....... Days without yoga are always inferior to days that start with yoga.  In my opinion, it has nothing to do with anything other than the days that start on my mat, with a practice, simply get a better version of myself throughout the day.   On that note, it's time to begin... Part II: As always, I'm writing this on my mat, having just come out of Savasana.  I get in my own way sometimes by trying to do too much; I believe I did that to myself earlier this week when I was feeling well enough to practice on Monday and Tuesday.....I don't believe I was well enough.  Today, (knock on wood), I'm feeling well enough again, but I'm going to be a bit more mindful about where I exp...

Tuesday, March 29, 2022 Waking, with ease, at my 4:15am time, as usual.  It's 5:32am as I type this, so I'm about 15 minutes behind schedule. Time to begin...  Part II: Great practice.  it's 6:53am and it's time to enter the world.  Namaste

Monday, March 28, 2022, Since Thursday, March 17, I have been battling some kind of illness......I'm negative for COVID (both in the at-home test, and a test administered at a hospital), so that's good news, but I went from mild upper respiratory symptoms, to severe upper respiratory symptoms, to mild G.S. issues, to severe G.S. issues......all culminating with a trip to the E.R. last Wednesday in the early A.M. due to my inability to hold down any kind of liquid (medication, etc.).   Having said all of that, I'm back on my mat now with a bit of curiosity as to how today's practice will flow.....we'll see.... Part II: I'm writing this post-practice update on my mat, having just come out of Savasana.  A weak, but complete, practice this morning.  Time to enter the world.   Namaste

Monday, March 21, 2022 This past Thursday morning, I posted that I wasn't feeling so great, but that my practice was still a good one.  Little did I now that, just a few hours after that post, I would come crashing down into full blown illness.  I spent the latter half of Thursday afternoon, and the entirety of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, recuperating from full blown illness.  Head, ears, body aches....the kind of illness that can only be helped with doses of Dayquil and Nyquil. Today is the first day on my mat since Thursday, and I'm going to take it very easy....  Part II: A very light and easy practice.  My body is not ready for an physically taxing practice.  Even so, I'm always better off for having started my day on my mat. 

Thursday, March 17, 2022, Went to bed, and woke, feeling mildly unwell.  Weather changes, diet, sleep patterns, etc. can all lead to a light feeling of illness.  I will sweat it out on my mat, and feel better.  Time to begin..... Part II: I definitely moved around, and moved out, some of the illness (sinuses opened up, etc.), but going to take it easy.  Practice was lovely, as usual.  Namaste

Wednesday, March 16, 2022,  Monday's post was about Pixar's charming coming of age film, "Turning Red".  I won't belabor this pre-practice post, but everyone, myself included, "turns red" at one point or another.  I happen to be "red" at the moment, for some reason; everything irritates me.....irritation/redness and other angry emotions should be ignored (for the most part) and, like all emotions and feelings, they should be observed, but not paid any mind or attention (for the most part).  Emotions, and feelings (like anger and irritation), come and go with the wind, sleep, blood-sugar-levels, etc. In that vein, I shall practice what I preach, and burn out some of the "red" through a physical practice.  Part II: It's 7:14am as I type this and I am very late.  Great practice.  Time to enter the world.  Namaste

Tuesday, March 15, 2022, For the past week, I've been getting on my mat around my usual ~5:15am time every morning, but I've been writing sooooper long pre-practice posts and that's put my practice behind schedule.  I'm probably going to have to get onto my mat a little earlier if I want to keep a good start/stop yoga routine (which one should) and still have time to finish out the rest of my morning without blitzing around the house.  In that vein, it's time to begin.... Part II: It's 6:50am as I type this, and I'm on my mat having just come out of Savasana.  It's time to enter the world.  Namaste

 Monday, March 14, 2022, The image shown in today's post is from Disney/Pixar's delightful film, "Turning Red".  For those who haven't seen the movie, let me first say that it's one of the best animated films made in recent years, primarily for its non-sugary story line.  The main character learns that she has to keep her emotions (both good and bad) in check; if she doesn't, and she has a strong reaction to something, she instantly morphs into a red panda, and has to hide until she's calm again, when she morphs back into her human form.  While watching the movie, I was impressed by the film in how it showed the merit and values of restraint and self-control (very often, the message shown in children's movies is the opposite of this, and entertainment encourages children to allow their emotions to "flow" and be "free").  In addition to showing the merits of restraint and self-control, "Turning Red" also focuses on the ...

Thursday, March 10 & Friday, March 11, 2022 The title of today's post focuses on a ridiculous little "new age/spiritual" meme/illustration I saw yesterday.  The title of this ridiculous meme/illustration was " Religious Beliefs To Unlearn ".  The image was an illustrated person with seven thought bubbles coming from their head, with seven little anecdotes about things that the author of this illustration believes are negative lessons that religions teach. First, and foremost, in the ridiculous world that we live in, anyone can create a meme/illustration/cartoon, etc. and pair it with a statement (like, " Religious Beliefs To Unlearn "), and then spit it out onto the internet.  That statement (no matter how subjective) now seems like something wise, grand, and objective,  when it's really nothing more than one person's subjective thought.   It's tricky to stay vigilant against this (as these commanding phrases are everywhere in advertise...

Wednesday, March 9, 2022,  Fire is used in religious symbolism as a good, and bad thing.  Hell is very often shown as a place of fire and burning.  However, fire is also shown as a cleanser and purifier.  Nothing earthly can live in it.   Many religions of the world describe man being made from "clay".  My take on this is that it's referring to everything in the world that we can see and touch (everything that's made of of atoms, and has mass, etc., is made of "clay").  We exist in this world where everything is made of the same materials (in one way or another).....everything is "clay".  However, if you read into the creation stories of many religions, you'll see a common theme of divine beings that are made from "fire" (angels, for example, are described as being made of fire).  My take on this is that this simply refers to beings that are not made from atoms, molecules, and do not exist on the same plane as us, the planets, and the...

Monday, March 7, 2022,  On my mat, with not much to say.  Time to begin..... Part II On my mat, having just come out of Savasana.  Nothing much to say .  Namaste

Friday, March 4, 2022, Following up on the theme from yesterday, I shall constantly remind myself that the "piece of cake" I have, is marvelous.  So marvelous, in fact, that I'm going to incorporate it into my prayer and meditation routine.  Time to begin by slowly going through all aspects of my life, and being thankful and grateful for them..... Part II: It's 6:56am as I type this, and there's no time for an insightful post-practice update like there was yesterday.  Time to skidaddle. Namaste

Thursday, March 3, 2022, In the more developed and affluent areas of the world there isn't much, if any, lack of necessity and physical comforts.  At reading this, many would bristle and cry foul, and say, " that's not true.....there's underserved communities....something-something-1%..... ", etc., but the truth is that people do not die of starvation in the developed/western countries of the world; there are base-line, foundational systems in place to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and clothe the naked. What people can become sick with in developed and affluent areas of the world, is complete dissatisfaction with their lives.  Dissatisfaction can come from many things, but a primary driver is an unhealthy curiosity and interest with the lives of others (almost always shown through social media, which is a part of the entertainment industry).  Curiosity, fixation, and unbalanced interest in the social media of famous celebrities inevitably leaves the cons...

Tuesday, March 1, 2022, Otherwise entitled "Fat Tuesday".  The last day of celebration before Lent.  I'm on my mat at 5:23am typing this, and I'm going to begin..... Part II: It's 6:50am, and I'm just finishing my practice.  Time to enter the world. 

Monday, February 28, 2022, Nothing to write about.  It's 5:14am. Part II: Start your Monday's on the best foot forward.  No hangover......strong workout......ahead of the game. Namaste

Friday, February 25, 2022,  After coming to my mat throughout this week (with more consistency than the past week), I can say that some of the muscular/G.I. tract/mental/spiritual "gunk" has been moved out or is being moved out.  Put in a plain way, the cogs of the machine are re-oiled, and functioning again.   It's amazing how quickly things can atrophy, and grow still (I neglected my practice for a week or so, and when I came back to my mat, I felt like there was no purpose to any of it, and I would rather be in my bed snoozing instead of in the yoga room).  Enough chit-chat....time to begin...  Part II: I start my mornings at 4:15am (the coffee machine is set to start brewing at 4:00am so, when I walk into the kitchen it's all ready for me....trust.).  I then spend a glorious hour enjoying coffee on the couch, watching brainless YouTube videos on TV (usually Judge Judy episodes), and then hit my mat at 5:15am. I start my practice with meditation and...

Thursday, February 23, 2022, I don't know why but, for whatever reason, my pre-practice posts (which is what you're reading now) haven't been very inspired for awhile; I typically just state the day of the week, and give a brief "I'm on my mat", before diving into my practice. My post-pratice updates (written after I've completed my practice) usually have a bit more "insight" to them. Ah well....it's 5:23am, and it's time to begin.   Part II Writing this post-practice update having just come out of Savasana.  It's 6:58am as I type this, and it's time to enter the world.  Namaste

Wednesday, February 23, 2022 More gunk......I'm on my mat at 5:31am, which is about 15 minutes behind schedule, and I'm still feeling like I'm full of "gunk".  Gunk in my muscles, gunk in my head, gunk in my G.I. tract, and gunk in my heart.   Nothing a bit of heat won't fix. Time to begin...  Part II Not totally "de-gunked" yet but today's practice absolutely helped; it's 6:57am, and it's time to enter the world.  Namaste

Monday, February 21, 2022 Nothing insightful to say; on the mat at 5:28am (a bit behind schedule. Time to begin. Part II: It's 6:53am as I type this and, while I started this Monday morning practice without much enthusiasm, I am always happy that I've started my day on my mat.  Having not hit my mat in about 2 weeks (longer than I thought), I didn't realize how much gunk had built up in my body.  "Gunk", in this sense is literal and figurative; gunk in my muscles, gunk in organs, and gunk in my head.  Heat clears out "gunk" (for me anyway).  Time to shower up and enter the world.   Namaste

Friday, February 4, 2022,  Woke at the usual 4:15am, and on my mat at 5:20am, ready to begin my practice.  For whatever reason, when my alarm went off at 4:15am yesterday, I got up, hit the snooze button, and went straight back to bed.  Don't know why that happened yesterday.....it's a bad habit to get into, however, so I'll finish out the week with a practice.  Time to begin... Part II: No time to dilly-dally...had a great, full practice, and it's time to enter the day.  Namaste

Wednesday, February 2, 2022, Nothing insightful to say these mornings.  Happy to be on my mat, at my usual 5:15am.  Time to begin... Part II: It's 6:56am as I type this, and I'm on my mat, having just come out of Savasana.  It's time to enter the world.   Namaste

Tuesday, February 1, 2022, On my mat, at the usual ~5:15am, and ready to begin... Part II: Event when I get on my mat on time, I rarely finish with enough time to write a proper post-practice update.  It's 6:54am as I type this, and it's time to enter the world.  Namaste

Monday, January 31, 2022,  For whatever reason, I got up at my usual 4:15am every morning last week and either went straight back to bed, or actually got up, had my hour of coffee and contemplation, and then actually crawled back into bed when I was supposed to be going to my mat at 5:15am........what a lazy lump.  It's a new week and, as I've often said to myself, put extra effort into making a Monday a great day to look forward to. Time to begin... Part II: On my mat, having just come out of Savasana. Time to enter the world. Namaste

Thursday, January 20, 2022,  Woke at the usual 4:15am and on my mat at the usual 5:15am.   Nothing inspirational, but it's time to begin... Part II: On my mat, having just come out of Savasana.  Nothing insightful to offer other than what I always say; the version of one's self that comes off the mat after a practice is always superior to the version that got on the mat in the beginning of the practice.  Namaste

Wednesday, January 19, 2022, First time practicing this week, as I broke from routine on Monday and Tuesday. Nothing too inspired to blather on about; time to begin... Part II: It's 6:42am as I type this, and I'm on my mat, having finished my practice, and having just come out of Savasana.  Not much time to write up an insightful post-yoga update but, needless to say, the version of one's self that come off the mat at the end of a practice is always better than the version that came to the mat in the beginning of a practice.  Namaste

Friday, January 14, 2022, Other than Wednesday of this week (where I slammed down on my phone alarm as it was going off at 4:15am), I've been on my mat at a reasonable time (5:15am is my goal), and completed a reasonably strong and complete practice (backbends were a part of each day's practice......that, for me means it was complete).  For whatever reason, the practices have felt uninspired; I've practiced long enough to know that, feelings like this should be recognized, but feelings have no bearing on reality.  In other words, I can feel   that my practice isn't inspired, but just because I feel that, doesn't make it so.  Feelings are feelings......they're important to recognize, but feelings can change with the wind, the weather, the food you just ate, etc. Enough blather.....it's 5:21am as I type this, and it's time to begin...

Thursday, January 13, 2022, Not an inspired, or inspirational, week on my mat but, none the less, keeping a routine, even when you're uninspired, is good practice.  It's 5:20am, and I've been up for an hour enjoying my coffee and contemplation, and it's time to begin... Part II: During weekdays (which is what today is), I very often don't have much time, post-practice, to elaborate.  It's 6:44am as I type this, so I'm going to take this refined, post-yoga version of myself out into the world.  Namaste

Tuesday, January 11, 2022,  Nothing insightful, but on my mat at a regularly scheduled time of ~5:15am (ish). Time to begin.

Monday, January 10, 2022,  I need to stop lolli-gagging in the mornings......I woke at my usual 4:15am, but I'm on my mat, typing this, at 5:32am......in general, that's behind schedule.  Time to begin...

Friday, January 7, 2022,  On my mat a bit later than usual, at 5:28am.  I've definitely lolli-gagged around every morning as I need to be on my mat promptly at 5:15am to stay on routine.  Nothing insightful to say, other than it's time to begin....

Thursday, January 6, 2022 On my mat at my usual 5:15am (but I've lolli-gagged around for about 15 minutes), so I'm starting this at 5:33am. Nothing insightful to say; and that's ok.   Time to begin my practice.  Part II: On my mat, having just come out of Savasana, and can say that, like yesterday, the version of one's self that comes off the mat is always superior to the version that got on the mat to begin with.  Even if you practice isn't amazing (today's wasn't), and you weren't feeling very good in your head, heart, mind, and body (I'm not), you're still a better version of yourself while you rebuild your routine.  Time to bring this better version of myself out into the world today. Namaste

Wednesday, January 5, 2022,  First post, and first practice, of the new year.   Nothing too profound to say, or feel so, instead of trying to force it, it's time to begin... Part II: Post practice, I can say that I'm always pleased when I start my day on my mat.  The version of me that comes off the mat afterwards is always superior to the version that got on the mat at the beginning.   No time to dilly dally.  Time to shower up, and enter the world.  Namaste