James Walsh Yoga

Monday, April 30, 2018 Woke at my usual 4:45AM to have coffee and contemplation, and to start my work week off right. I've come to re-realize that being with myself on my mat is the best way to start my day.  It conditions me, helps me examine myself, and prepares me for the day that lies ahead. It's 5:58AM as I type this, so I'm a little behind schedule, and will begin my warm up now.... Monday, April 30, 2018 (Part II) I'm writing this on my mat having been out of Savasana for about 10 minutes. I should never start my day without the benefit of my yoga practice.  Not only does it help me sift through my emotions and discard what I don't want, it leaves me with a sense of pride and accomplishment in the morning. Time to clean up and enter the world. Namaste

Friday, April 27, 2018 Woke at my usual 4:45AM for coffee and contemplation. After yesterday's practice, I cleaned up and strolled out the door ready to tackle my day.  I had not gotten fully down the stairs to my car when I inhaled some sort of insect.  Smaller than a fly, but bigger than a gnat. Reflexes kicked in a coughing fit, the likes of which you've never seen, ensued. After a few minutes, I seemed to be ok again; I'd either coughed up this intruder or it sent into my lungs to be absorbed.  Disgusting as this is, the point of my story is that my lungs haven't felt quite right since yesterday.  They still don't today. On that note, I am feeling physically drained and tired.  I skipped Tae Kwon Do last night and had dinner with my Mom, so there's no reason for the fatigue, but, none the less, I am tired. I am also  behind schedule (it's 6:10AM as I type this) so I'm going to stop blogging and begin. Friday, April 27, 2018 (Part II) I...

Thursday, April 26, 2018 Woke at my usual 4:45AM this morning and had my hour of coffee and contemplation. I'm feeling good mentally.  No manic thoughts of anxiety running around, so I'll definitely work on myself mentally today to quiet my mind even further to give the best clarity possible throughout the day. I don't suffer from anxiety (not in the medical sense), but, on a daily basis, when I examine myself for "demons", my "demons" tend to take the shape of worries.  Worries about any area of my life.  Most worries, as usual, are in my head, and any anxiety that lives there will eat up energy.  I've had a propensity to worry about things most of my adult life (as many people do), and I don't take my worries for anything more than the standard level/intensity of "worry" that all people feel. Still, I consider worry/confusion/anxiety to be "demons" that need to be controlled, corralled, and burned up. Physically, I...

Tuesday, April 24, 2018 Woke at my normal 4:45 AM and began my morning routine. Mentally, I'm feeling ok.  I don't feel good or bad, but I feel anxiety and stress running around in my body and in my mind.  I'm going to try and burn them up on my mat this morning. Tuesday, April 24, 2018 (Part II) Feeling good after my practice (as always).  The anxiety and worry that I feel is still there, but I view the things that are causing this anxiety with a little more clarity and a little more peace of mind. Time to take this cultivated version of myself out into the day to share. Namaste

Friday, April 20, 2018 Woke up later than usual this morning. I set my alarm for 5:30AM instead of my usual 4:45AM. I get to work from Home on Fridays so don’t have to get up quite as early to fit in my yoga routine. And speaking of routine..... I may mix it up this morning and go through my warm-up/Sun Salutes, and then do completely different asanas/poses. Let’s see what feels best. Time to sweat it out...... Friday, April 20, 2018 (Part II) Waking later in the morning wasn't the best plan of action as ran out of time for a full practice.  I hit my mat at 6:30AM for prayers and meditation and warm-up.  At that time I really only about 20/25 minutes to play with before I needed to get into the shower.  I went through my Sun Salutes and Padahastasana and Padangutasna and then Savasana. I feel wonderful, even with an abbreviated practice, and I'm delighted with my diligence this week.  It definitely helps with self-esteem. Namaste

Thursday, April 19, 2018 Woke up at my usual 4:45AM for coffee and contemplation #strangerthings. I’m feeling well this morning and have motivation to better myself on my mat. Physically, I’m not too sore, even though I’ve been asking a lot from my body lately.  I’m looking forward to turning inward and seeing what I uncover. Thursday, April 19, 2018 (Part II) I should never go out into the day without having practiced first; it banishes all sorts of negative thoughts from your mind/body/soul.  Went through my full modified primary series and ended with the strongest backbends so far this week.  My arms are having a hard time straightening out, even when I move into the third, final, and deepest backbend.  I'm tempted to push it further, but I've messed up my shoulders before moving too deep too soon.  I'll play around with these poses next week and see how I feel. Namaste

Wednesday April 18, 2018 Woke at my new usual 4:45AM (instead of 5:00AM) this morning feeling very sore and with almost no motivation to hit my mat. When I got out of bed to go across the room and turn my alarm off, I literally stood there, in the darkness, for awhile holding my phone and being pulled in two directions; go the kitchen to get coffee or snuggle up back into bed and forget that I intended to practice this morning. I'm laughing at the moment now but, at the time, it seemed very serious. I've been up for a little over an hour now, milling around, and waking myself up. Physically, I'm sore, as I mentioned, but otherwise strong.  Mentally, I don't feel like I have a care in the world; I'll still turn inwardly this morning to have 1:1 time with myself on my mat. Time to sweat it out...... Wednesday April 18, 2018 (Part II) I'm writing this post-shower and read to take this version of myself out into the world to share. Namaste

Tuesday, April 16, 2018 Happy new yoga week to me. I'm on my mat without much enthusiasm, I have to confess, but that's not too uncommon. Duty and diligence help banish any depressing thoughts as they help boost your self-esteem.  I always  feel better after 1:1 time with myself on my mat. Physically, I'm feeling strong.  The foundation that I laid last week is still with me and I'm going to build off of that today. Mentally, I'm feeling fair enough; I believe that's where my biggest and most complex battles lie.  I'm feeling slightly unmotivated and anxious.  I need to turn that into motivation and tenacity on my mat today.  I intend to have a strong physical practice this morning to burn through negative emotions like anxiety and worry.  Time to sweat it out! Tuesday, April 16, 2018 (Part II) I'm writing this at the end of my day.  My practice happened 15 hours ago but I'm amazed at what a different course this can set up me on throu...

Friday, April 13, 2018 For whatever reason, my phone's alarm did not sound yesterday morning.  When I woke naturally at 6:00AM, I laid in bed, thinking about the time, and then realizing it was too light outside for it to be before 4:45AM (the time my alarm was supposed  to go off). After getting myself up and looking at my phone in my robe pocket, I saw that it had died in the night.  My iphone7 was at, at least, 20% power when I put it into my robe and went to bed Wednesday night, so I don't know how it could have died in the night. I woke Thursday morning with a mild return of the headcold I've had for the past week or so.  Pair that with the running I've been doing and I'll say that my body was grateful for the additional rest (and could probably have used more). This  morning, however, I did  wake at my usual 4:45AM for an hour of coffee and contemplation before getting on my mat at 5:45AM.  I'm sore from Thursday's Tae Kwon Do, but that's ...

Wednesday, April 11, 2018 Woke up this morning at 4:45 AM for an hour of coffee and contemplation. Now that it's 5:49 AM, I'm on my mat about to begin my warm-ups and prayer/meditation routine. I am incredibly  sore this morning.  A combination of my Monday night run, and a strenuous, but awesome, Tae Kwon Do class last night, has left me feeling tender in random spots (left ankle/shin, back, shoulders, etc.) all over my body. I've been here before, however, and I'll be moving delicately through my practice this morning, very mindful of how my body is responding. time to sweat it out.... Wednesday, April 11, 2018 (Part II) Went through my full modified primary series again this morning and am feeling great about that. Back stiffness sets in about mid-day after I do strenuous Urdhva Dhanurasna but, little by little, the shape of your spine starts to change and your posture improves. Looking forward to practicing again tomorrow morning. Namaste

Tuesday, April 10, 2018 Have I really been keeping this blog going for 1.5 years? I started it in November of 2016 and have been faithfully posting content (almost faithfully, lulz) since then. That makes me proud! I woke earlier than I normally do at 4:45 AM.  While it sounds silly, that extra 15 minutes makes a difference for my mornings.  I just  start to become bored with my coffee/book/brain/phone around 5:45 AM and, happily or not, I hit my mat. It is 5:42 AM as I type this and I am sitting on my mat ready for a nice warm up and prayer/meditation session before beginning. I ran yesterday evening (for the first time in what seems like months) and, while it was only a 3 mile run, I know that the downside of running is the tightening of leg/back muscles.  Runners of the world, take note; you must  incorporate daily stretching into your lives.  There was a period of time a few years ago when I was more focused on running than on yoga.  Whe...

Monday, April 9, 2018 Haven't practiced in a while but I got up at my usual 5:00AM ready and happy to hit my mat. For the past week, I've been dealing with a head cold.  Nothing too severe, but enough to bother me and encourage me to take Dayquil/Nyquil. I'm interested to see what the practice and the heat does to the congestion; I am expecting it to be broken through at least a little bit. Additionally, since it's Monday, my weekend diet of junk is still with me; I know  that my practice will help get my digestion back on track.  Time to prep myself before beginning.... Monday, April 9, 2018 (Part II) I lolli-gagged for a while before actually starting my Asana. Nevertheless, I began, as I always do, after prayers/meditations, with my Sun Salutes A and B.  I never loose too much muscle or strength but flexibility can quickly go if it gets neglected. I ran through my opening sequence and finished with Padahastasana and Padangusthasama.  I'm feeli...

Friday, March 23, 2018 Woke later than my usual time this morning.  5:45AM is when I woke from my sleep to have coffee and contemplation. What does yoga do for me?  Another way of asking is, " do I act, behave, interpret, etc., my world differently on the days that I've started my morning on my mat?" The answer can be yes and no. I believe that starting your day with physical exercise if almost always a good thing.  It wakes your heart and lungs up and starts your day off on an energetic foot. I also believe that starting my mornings on my mat allows me to turn inwardly and sort through any problems, fears, or anxieties that live inside.  When you feel these things running around, you can gain control of them with your mind and turn them off; you burn them out later with the heat built in your practice. I'm going to focus on the mental aspect of myself this morning while I move and see if I feel any different afterwards. Friday, March 23, 2018 (Part II) ...

Thursday, March 22, 2018 Woke at 4:45AM to have coffee and contemplation, and hit my mat. Physically, when I travel, I don't usually feel run down, but I will say that, if I don't watch my diet, I won't feel good.  I'm not referring to eating ever-present junk/snack food, but more about eating sensibly and balanced (one tends to inhale one's meals when there's limited time to eat). I have a lot to celebrate, so I'm going to shape my thinking into something positive and grateful this morning while I move through my Asanas. Thursday, March 22, 2018 (Part II) I'm writing this on my mat, having just come out of Savasana. I'm feeling wonderful.  Recharged, refreshed, and wonderful. Life is filled with complications and difficulty; yoga has helped me face those challenges and difficulties with more patience and grace than I would normally have. My physical practice was excellent this morning and I'm very pleased with myself. Time to tak...

Monday, March 19, 2018 Woke up in my hotel room at my usual 5:00AM. Lucky me who gets complimentary starbucks coffee in my room!!! I'm excited about the work day I have ahead of me, but I will be hitting my mat shortly to prep myself for the day. Yesterday was the first morning I'd finished a complete practice in a few weeks.  I went into my backbends at the end of practice with apprehension but moved through them easily and was able to deepen them without any problems. I feel mild soreness/stiffness in my back today because of it. I'm going to meditate and pray before starting my physical practice. Monday, March 19, 2018 (Part II) I'm writing this off of my mat having just come out of Savasana. I'm feeling great after another full practice this morning.  Backbends, again, were easy and strong so it's making me wonder why. lol  I feel complete and whole and totally balanced.  Time to take this version of myself out into the day to share. Nama...

Sunday, March 18, 2018 Woke up at my usual 5:00AM this Sunday morning and will be hitting my mat before flying off to Dallas for a week of work. I haven't practiced in weeks, I'm afraid.  I'm not angry or upset, but I eager to see what this morning's practice brings. I'm expecting the following: decreased flexibility in my back, hips, and legs decreased muscle strength in my arms and shoulders a feeling of accomplishment and joy afterwards Let's see what happens...... :) Sunday, March 18, 2018 (Part II) I'm writing this on my mat, having just come out of Savasana. I feel so wonderful and I'm kicking myself for having neglected my practice the way I have.  I feel whole, complete, steady, re-assured, proud, stable, and balanced. I did  have some decreased flexibility in my legs and back and I did  have some "shakey" muscles when I'd hold a pose or move through Chataranga a little slower than normal to challenge myself; I d...

Saturday, March 3, 2018 Went to an instructor led class at Big Bend Yoga Center in St. Louis. I took my two, wonderful Aunts, both of whom have never practiced yoga before; we were led through our class by the wonderful Michael Shabsin . Michael's classes are some of the best instructor led courses I've ever had.  We moved through standard Vinyasas as well as a series of backbends, balance poses, twists, inversions, etc.  When the class was over, we felt wonderful; connected, warm, centered, and wonderful.  I'm going to be practicing again tomorrow morning to re-capture that centered and wonderful feeling. Namaste

Thursday, February 22, 2018 Woke at my usual 5:00 AM this morning and started moving. I got side-tracked by a disorderly kitchen and started cleaning.  I have a tendency to go to bed saying, "it can wait.....".  I believe that's good, at times, because, if my body is saying lay down, I listen to it. After tidying the kitchen, it was nearly 6:00AM and I was ready to hit my mat. It's 6:08AM at the time of writing this so I'm a little behind schedule.  I'll go through my Vinyasa series and take Savasana.  I'll meditate and pray for 5 minutes first, naturally. Thursday, February 22, 2018 (Part II) Great Practice. Namaste

Tuesday, February 20, 2018 I woke at my usual 5:00AM and am on my mat enjoying my coffee. I'm a lucky person as I have a lot to be thankful for.  I'm going to focus on that today as I move and practice. Tuesday, February 20, 2018 (Part II) I'm on my mat, having just come out of Savasana. We've had an unusually warm past few days (50-70 degrees during the day for the high), and I've opened up windows to sleep better. This means that the air is warmer and more humid; perfect for sweating it out. I hit the mat groggily and sort of unfocused and unlit this morning.  I plodded through my Vinyasa A and Vinyasa B and began feeling better about things by the end of my 4 Vinyasa A's (that's typically how it goes). I'm going to shower up and take this version of myself out into the world. Namaste

Thursday, February 15, 2018 Woke at the usual 5:00AM. No desire to do yoga but that's nothing out of the ordinary. lol. Thursday, February 15, 2018 (Part II) My practice  was simple and abbreviated this morning.  I had minimal Asanas (physical poses) and I focused more on meditation and pratyahara (breath control). I'm going to keep myself light today as I go out into the world. Tomorrow's Friday!! Namaste