Week #3

     This week I used Chris's Bikram Yoga as my weekly experience. I have never tried Bikram Yoga before. Although, we did not get the full physical experience (with the 105 degree room), I still really enjoyed the yoga pose series that we did complete. We would experience a pose, and then rest, and then go back at the pose full throttle. We would hold the pose for a few moments. This definitely triggered our physical being. I do not think it is as physical as other gym classes, say Zumba. However, I think it was more strenuous than simply running. I am very athletic; I work out regularly. But imagine this, I woke up sore! Chris mentioned this could happen. We worked muscles that we do not always work in a day, or even in a workout.
     Why 105 degrees? That was one of my wonders. An Indian man, (I am not sure of what his name was), won three yoga championships. When he came over to teach, what were the requirements? Well, a hot room. In India they do not have air condition, so practicing yoga in a 105 degree room was nothing short of normal. It helps loosen your muscles, creating a more successful practice. Chris even admitted to doing his stretching after he runs about 5 miles. You're body is more relaxed and elastic when it is hot. Chris also mentioned eating right is a part of this practice. A simple "eat good, feel good" explanation. 
     Chris talked about a little comparison involving lions and tigers. Why are they so powerful? Is it because they work out in the gym like a typical weight-lifter (Ha-Ha). A lot of strength comes from the lower back movements. A lot of yoga poses demonstrate this. Staying in a few of these poses, I could feel the muscles in my back tense up.
       This yoga practice helped me use muscles that I did not even know that I have. I really enjoyed Bikram Yoga and I plan to go to another class like this, especially to get the full experience. It definitely challenged me for the better. I am excited to better myself. 

Week #2

            My week/weekend was extremely hectic. I, unfortunately, did not get to a yoga class until this Monday morning! I was extremely stressed out from school during the day and working every night, I did not know when I would have time to do anything. Walking into the yoga class this morning, I was anxious and stressed. I felt like I just needed to hurry up and get it done with to continue on with my day. I almost forgot my actual purpose for what I was there for. To relax! To ease and clear my mind. Starting yoga on a Monday morning was the perfect way to start off my week.
          Walking in stressed and leaving calm and relieved is what I believe yoga is all about. I started to notice my environment and surroundings a little bit better this morning. I was more aware of the sounds, the look, just an overall of my surroundings. There was calm music playing, but besides that very silent. Everyone just carried on, taking off their shoes, spreading out their mats and starting to get ready to stretch. It gave off a a great calm, positive vibe. I focused on my breathing like I promised myself last week. I was able to keep myself in a rhythm, instead like last time where I was all over the place. It is pretty cool that I can already see progress in myself.
         Not only have I been working on yoga in my classes, but I noticed that I have been using it outside, in my every day life as well. Before I get frustrated and impatient with people and situations in my every day life, I have been taking a breath and thinking about my actions and words before I do and use them. Reflecting on it, I wonder why I would bother with any negative energy in the first place! Spreading positive vibes have made my energy radiate throughout the week. I am happy to start my Monday the right way. Without this being just a "school assignment," it made me realize how much more peaceful my day goes on, starting it off with calm and positive vibes.    

Week #1~

Yoga is not only a spiritual, but also physical practice. Each yoga class can be entirely different. This alone is a great aspect. There are yoga classes for beginners; who are just starting out to learn the practice, all the way up to advanced; for who practice it daily. I don’t know about you, but I get anxious and nervous to try new things. Gratefully, yoga is a type of class without any judgement. However, not only not any judgement but includes encouragement. In the movie, Enlighten Up!, it even mentions that yogi’s learn more from the beginners than the beginners would think. This is simply because the beginners are eager to learn more. I, myself, am no where near an advanced yogi. But going to this past week's yoga class made me feel like I can certainly be on my way. I was able to learn freely without worrying what I looked like, or if I even knew what I was doing. It was more about myself. After leaving, I already began to feel more refreshed. I can already tell that these yoga practices weekly will be great for some “me” time.

For my upcoming yoga classes I plan to keep working on my breathing methods. Working on my flexibility is not a bad idea either! However, I also plan on just working on myself! I am easily stressed out and sometimes I try to fit more in a day than I have the time too. I hope that yoga will teach me how to stop, relax and breath once in awhile. To live more in the present than the past, or most importantly, the future. I am excited to begin this adventure.