James Walsh Yoga

Thursday, December 28, 2017 I'm still enjoying schedule-less days and the soothing effect they have on a persons mental well-being.  I typically live by a schedule, so it's interesting for me to abandon this way of living and allow myself time to drift, float, and be structureless. It's 10:30AM as I type this and I'll be showering and hitting my mat here shortly. I'll be focusing on a strong physical practice, but I'll also be dedicating a lot of the intention of today's practice to my mental focus.  Keeping my brain and thoughts quiet as I move, is more of a challenge than any physical asana. Thursday, December 28, 2017 (Part II) I'm writing this on my mat, having just come out of Savasana. My practice was focused and strong this morning, and I was able to continue my observance of honing my mind and my focus. Now that I'm out of Savasana, I'm going to try and maintain this focused, un-rushed pace throughout my day. Namaste

Wednesday, December 27, 2017 I'm enjoying a wonderful holiday break where I can go almost completely schedule-less.  Because of that, I'm waking up later than my usual time, and sipping my coffee longer than normal. I will hit my mat in a little bit, but I have to say that, even with just one practice yesterday, I feel better about myself.  Good things happen and bad things happen and, if there's nothing that can be done, then there's no need to stress and worry (waaaaay easier said than done). I'm going to shower before I hit my mat again (a luxury that I afford myself whenever I've got ample time), and shower afterwards (of course).  Bathing/showering before a practice is one of a few interesting yoga tips that I abide by if time allows. Wednesday, December 27, 2017 (Part II) I'm writing this on my mat, having just come out of Savasana. I put more focus on my mental acuity today.  One of the principles, and ultimate goals of yoga and meditation ...

Tuesday, December 26, 2017 I'm writing this, on my mat, at 10:30 AM. I'm enjoying the schedule-less holiday break that I'll be on until January 2, 2018, and taking this opportunity to return to my mat. I'm going to enter my practice with an open spirit this morning, and push myself in a very mindful way, being careful not to overdo anything.  I'm going to focus on keeping my mind and heart open and offer up any negative thoughts and feelings that arise to God.   I'll be showering before beginning my practice; clean going to you mat, and clean after being on your mat. Tuesday, December 26, 2017 (Part II) Physical - I felt strong and solid in my practice this morning.  I focus on keeping my legs straight in any forward bend (as I have a tendency to soften my knees) and I'm incorporating the same straightness in my arms for any pose where I use them for support (Downward Dog, predominately).  This focus on my arms moves my poses into inte...

Wednesday, December 20, 2017 Woke up feeling good and ready to hit my mat. I've been re-dedicating myself to my mat lately and have been determined to bring it with me wherever I go to always have it on hand for a practice. If you're interested in Ashtanga yoga, the style that I practice, there's quite a few instructional videos that can help you practice at home; click here to view one. Today, I'm going to focus on bringing 5 qualities into the world with me: Peace Truth Kindness  Understanding Humor Wednesday, December 20, 2017 (Part II) I'm writing this on my mat, having just come out of Savasana. I pushed myself physically this morning and it was just the thing that I needed.  I had the deepest and strongest backbends I've had in months. I'll probably feel some soreness from the strain tomorrow but I feel like I've unlocked good things in myself via my physical strain this morning.  No fear.  No anxiety.  No aggression.  No con...

Monday, December 18, 2017 Had a wonderful weekend (Star Wars: The Last Jedi, was incredible), but what made it most wonderful was getting to spend it around people I loved. I woke at my usual 5:00 AM this morning and enjoyed my usual hour of coffee and "relaxation" before getting on my mat. I'm in a different room of my apartment this morning; one I've never practiced in before.  One of the best things about yoga is that, all you need is your mat, and room to move, and you can practice anywhere. Monday, December 18, 2017 (Part II) I'm writing this mid-day through my day instead of on my mat having just come out of Savasana. I was delighted to start my morning with yoga and, while today's practice wasn't anything special, I'm proud I hit my mat and I'm proud that I started my week off right. Namaste

Friday, December 15, 2017 Today will be the 3rd consecutive day of yoga since Wednesday and I'm rededicating myself to a continual practice by bringing my mat with me where ever I go over the weekend so that I've got it whenever I want to practice. I noticed that, Saturday and Sunday are almost never yoga days for me, and, if I skip out 1 day during the week, then the whole thing gets scrapped and I only hit my mat once or twice during a week. I slept in an extra 30 minutes this morning, so I'll be hitting my mat here in just a moment. Feeling good about life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. Friday, December 15, 2017 (Part II) I'm writing this on my mat, having just come out of Savasana. If I could summarize two things that I try and shed from myself, it's fear and anxiety. No, I don't have debilitating fear or debilitating anxiety about anything in my life, but I notice that I'll hone in on a thought and I'll spin and spin about it and...

Thursday, December 14, 2017 What is the purpose of this blog? To give me something to report to daily To help me track and catalog my practice To help spread interest about yoga That's it.  Simple. Information about Ashtanga can be found here but it follows a sequence of movements (that I've modified to suit my own needs and daily mood). Vinyasa A Vinyasa B These are the Vinyasas I refer to and are the formalized "warm-up" to the rest of the practice.  I do a non-formalized warm up on my mat just to get myself slightly heated before I actually start. The sequence I follow next goes as follows: Padanguthsthasana: This is the first forward bend that I execute after my Vinyasa series.  It's a good moment to "releax" and catch my breath after the strain of the warm-up.  This is also a good time to re-measure myself; where am I with forward bending/how deep into this bend and I naturally going/how deep into this bend can I mindfully push m...

Wednesday, December 13, 2017 I haven't hit my mat for awhile now and that's no bueno! I don't beat myself up about it, however.  Yoga is a journey, not a destination (puke). I've been feeling like I need to hit mat lately; both for the physical benefit of it all and for the mental head clear that it offers. Two days ago, I got annihilated by either acute food poisoning or stomach flu.  Ate junk on a road trip as we came back home from a friend's wedding and, after consuming said junk, didn't feel nausea right away but just felt "off" and irritable for  an hour or two.  Got home and sat up abruptly from bed with, I'm sure, that focused look on my face that we all get, and went to the bathroom to vomit.  Afterwards, thinking I was in the clear, I laid back down thinking it was done.  Nope.  Continued to head back to the bathroom every hour or so to vomit up the gatorade/water or medicine that I'd taken 30 minutes prior; I couldn't keep...

Wednesday, November 29, 2017 One year ago today, I started this journey. My goals, at the time, were to shape my mind and shape my body.  I'll say that, without a doubt, the past year has given me insight into myself and the world around me, and helped me shape my perspective on all of the events that occur in my life; positive or negative. Wednesday, November 29, 2017 (Part II) I am so very proud of myself.  It didn't hit me until after this morning's practice that I've dedicated myself to this blog for a year.  That's important to me, and I'm amazed at the growth and dedication that came from my practice. I went through my full, modified Ashtanga Primary Series   and ended with my beautiful backbends.  Urdhva Dhanurasana, show at right, is how I end my sequence. I'm very  careful when moving into this pose and, when I'm in it, I'm even more  careful to push myself gently; this is a powerful an strenuous pose that I've injured myself ...

Tuesday, November 28, 2017 One year ago tomorrow I started this blog.  In that year, I went to my mat 159 times. Those 158 times on my mat have changed me, helped me cope with any loss, stress, and unhappiness while helping me realize and appreciate my opportunities, achievements, and successes. This past year has been a remarkable one in my life as I've worked at myself more this past year than any time I can remember; it's helped to shape my mind and my body. I'm going to post again tonight after re-reading this blog from the beginning.

Wednesday, November 22, 2017 This morning is the first chance I've gotten since arriving back home to hit my mat and practice. I'm still settling back into my routine with work, relationships, physical exercise, and eating properly.  Tomorrow is Thanksgiving so I'll eat as balanced as I can today. Physically, I'm feeling well with a little bit of GI noise going on.  I ate trashy for a few days and I've paid for it with low energy. I'm going to practice this morning with zero expectations of how the practice "should" be; I'm just going to move through it and let whatever happens, happen. Wednesday, November 22, 2017 (Part II) Control is a good thing.  You need to have control over your brain, your thoughts and emotions, your reactions to things, and your physical body. Too much control can change into stubbornness which prevents you from evolving.  My control over myself is one of my crowning glories, but I let go of that control this ...

Friday, November 17, 2017 As I near the 1 year mark of practicing yoga and blogging about it, I can say that I've changed, improved, reflected, and grown a lot. What hasn't  changed, and has only gotten stronger, is the value and need I have for my family and loved ones. I've been away from all of my loved ones, on a work trip in Vegas, for about a week and a half and I am ready to see them.  I am ready to be around them and give/receive love. On a yoga note, I'm reading more about Chakras this morning and the Third Eye Chakra (between your eyebrows where Hindus wear a Bindi) has sparked my interest. I'm going to meditate and pray and hit my mat.

Thursday, November 16, 2017 I'm writing this in my hotel room getting ready for the last day of work in Vegas. While I've been here, I've practiced every morning (except once), and it has been invaluable to my health and well-being throughout the day.  I'm feeling happy, and motivated, and ready for action. I'll meditate and pray for 5 minutes before hitting my mat.

Wednesday, November 15, 2017 I have two more days in my hotel before I get to go home and see my loved ones. I'm proud of myself, and what I've done while here in Las Vegas.  I'm proud of my work, my dedication to my practice, my diet restrictions, and my overall behavior. I'm going to meditate and pray for 5 minutes and hit my mat. Wednesday, November 15, 2017 (Part II) I'm writing this nearly done with my day as I didn't get a chance to update the blog after I practiced. Mentally, I was focused this morning and I was able to get some bio-feedback from my body and withdraw from physical strain.  My lost arm strength is almost totally back, and my backbends are strong, and beautiful. I miss my loved ones.  I've been away from all of the special people in my life for over a week now, and I can feel myself wanting to get back into their presence.  Thanksgiving is coming up soon, however, and I'll be enjoying time with all of the special peop...

Tuesday, November 14, 2017, Didn't get the time to practice yesterday morning.  No worries there.  There's always time for yoga. I'm enjoying myself while in Vegas for work and proud of the work I'm doing, and the way I'm focusing on my health in the midst of a busy work schedule. I'm finishing this post in the workroom, already showered after having practiced. I feel wonderful this morning, and the practice that I had helped solidify myself for the day ahead. The focus I have remains the same: Always be truthful Be resilient Be king Be patient Always be cool Physically I felt good on my mat this morning.  Not too much stiffness anywhere (other than the middle of my back from executing strong backbends everymorning).  My mental focus was something that I worked on, as I need every ounce of it while I'm working).  I'm going to share the version of myself that I cultivated this morning with the world. Namaste

Sunday, November 12, 2017 Woke this morning a little  bit behind schedule, and will be hitting my mat momentarily. This practice has is helping me muscle through some of the challenges that are presented to me on a daily basis.  Like yesterday, I'm going to try and shape and refine myself into a person with 5 things: Someone truthful Someone who does not take things personsally Someone resilient Someone calm Someone kind Physically, I feel very good.  My arms, chest, and shoulders have gone back to their normal shape and tone (almost), and my digestion is staying on track despite the healthy-ish salads and rich dinners I'm enjoying. Time to meditate and pray and hit my mat.

Saturday, November 11, 2017 This is my 3rd morning waking up in my Vegas Hotel while I'm traveling for work. I'm feeling excellent this morning, and am eager to go into my day. Much of my mental focus will circulate around work while I'm in Vegas (I fly home in 6 days) but I use the time on my mat to meditate and shape my mentality around a few key characteristics: Always be truthful Do not take things peronsally Stay resilient Stay calm Stay kind Those are great traits to have anyway, but they're especially useful when one is under a larger than normal amount of pressure.  Physically, I feel good this morning.  I've managed to resist all of the unhealthy food options that are all around me 24/7 and have stuck to a steady, and sensible diet; this always makes me feel good regardless of my situation.   My back is definitely talking to me, a bit, today.  The warmup I have on my mat will help shake out that stiffness.  Backbends keep you ...

Friday, November 10, 2017 Still in Vegas for work and woke at my usual 4:45AM to get coffee. I blend my morning's with work so it's challenging to carve out the time I'd like on my mat. Nevertheless, I'm going to be hitting my mat now and working through myself to bring the best version possible out into the world. Friday, November 10, 2017 (Part II) Writing this, already showered and cleaned up, and enjoying my workday. My practice balances, steadies, solidified, and strengthens.  Only good things come from it. I'm going to use what I gained in my practice as I work through my day. Physically, I felt wonderful this morning.  Slight  soreness in my back from yesterday practice but I ended my practice today with 3 strong and magnificent backbends. Namaste

Thursday, November 9, 2017 Due to other responsibilities I have, I haven't hit my mat for the past 2 weeks. Not letting that phase me and I'm going to spend 5 minutes on my mat today, praying and meditating, before I begin my practice. I'm expecting my practice top feel great and to be very rewarding. Thursday, November 9, 2017 I'm traveling for work as I post for the next week and a half and didn't get a chance to update this blog before I headed into my work day. While work is fun and focusing, I'm going to rely on my yoga practice to keep me steady while I'm in the fast paced world of a program's operations. My physical practice was great this morning!  I don't know why, but it never fails that, after I haven't practiced for a while, the first time I hit my mat is always a good one.  My body was cooperative, fluid, and strong with only a little bit of strength loss in my arms and shoulders (I'll quickly regain that). Time to ...

Friday, October 27, 2017 Woke earlier than normal this morning and am on my mat with little to no yoga motivation. I had 5 sequential practices last week and haven't really had a solid one yet this week.  Why don't I quit moping about the whole thing and sweat it out. Friday, October 27, 2017 (Part II) I'm writing this on my mat, having just come out of Savasana.  Feeling great and feeling good.  I'm going to take this version of myself out into the world to share.  Namaste