21 Days of Yoga: Days 13 and 14
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Today was my first day back to work since New Year’s, and my first real, full day back since Christmas. I pretty much suck getting back into any routine once I’ve fallen out of it, and today was no exception: I forgot to bring a lunch, almost forgot my coffee and just generally felt out of sorts. It was also ridiculously cold today, and I was so glad to be able to hole up in the warm(ish) house once I got home. Thankfully, I didn’t have to look any further than the comfort of my own living room for the one routine I’ve actually maintained lately: The 21-day challenge!
As it happened, my first day back at work fell on the last day(s) of this week of the challenge. Like I did last week, I combined the last two days of this week into one in order to get a longer practice. Day 13 – like Day 6 – was a tension release sequence; this week focused on opening the shoulders (to follow yesterday’s bakasana sequence). It consisted entirely of arm/shoulder movements coordinated with breath, all while sitting in a chair. Day 14 was the same “relaxing evening sequence” as on Day 7.
Honestly, I was pretty ambivalent about both of these sequences, even when combined. Both are led by the same teacher, and while I’m sure she’s a perfectly nice person, I just don’t dig the way she cues and instructs. Maybe I’m simple, but I want to be told exactly how to move and challenge myself in a pose. For me, being told “whatever is comfortable for you” does not lead me to any deeper understanding or experience of the poses. The upside, however, is that today’s practices provided a chance to give my wrist a brief rest; I have a bit of tendonitis due to a fall on the ice back in college that likes to flare up every so often (including the last couple days).
Part of me felt relieved to have an easier practice today. But a larger part of me felt like – even after two back-to-back practices – I had accomplished very little. So, I popped in Shiva Rea’s Daily Energy and did the core and seated forward bend practices. I really like this DVD, and I get more out of it each time I use it. Her cueing is not super detailed and takes some getting used to, so you really have to watch what she’s doing to get all of it. Even then, it has taken me several times to get to the point where I’m able to fully focus on the poses and flows instead of just trying to figure out what the hell is going on. I especially enjoyed the core practice today, and discovered several nuances that I’d missed. I’m not sure if I’m getting stronger and/or more flexible, or if I was simply feeling particularly ambitious. Whatever the reason, I really pushed myself and felt like I was able to get a more intense workout from it than I have before. However, I am not sure if I will ever be able to rest my forehead on the mat in upavistha konasana like Shiva-the-Pretzel does.
Perhaps maintaining one routine (yoga) will help me to ease back into another (work, being a real grown-up, etc.) - I’ve even packed my lunch for tomorrow! Moreover, I think that the timing will work out perfectly so that I can start YJ’s new online 21-day challenge on the 9th if I decide to (I’m leaning heavily towards doing it).
So tell me: What has helped you get back into your post-holiday routine?
Ready for more? Check out Day 15!
