I’ve been coming to the mat more regularly.  To work out aches and let go of pains.  To remember that my breath is for breathing.  To stretch my body and my mind.

These days I can’t seem . . .

I’ve been coming to the mat more regularly. To work out aches and let go of pains. To remember that my breath is for breathing. To stretch my body and my mind.

These days I can’t seem . . .

to start my day without a down dog or two, and I like to sink into pigeon pose before I hit the pillow.  I can’t confess that I do hot yoga, have perfected inversions, or practice for more than 30 minutes a day.

Exercise has always been more mental then physical for me.  My body feels better, but my mind does too.  A few years ago, I was really committed to walking 30 minutes a day.  Nothing could detour me from it.  When I had to miss a day, I found it wasn’t my feet that were freaking out for lack of movement, but my mind that was groggy and overcrowded from lack of clearing.

I walked away from walking when, a little over a year ago, I got talked into running a half-marathon.  I honestly didn’t think I was physically capable.  But, I was.  I loved the runners high (which I thought was a myth)….so much so that three days after the half-marathon, with three toe nails missing, all I could think about was, “how can I get out and go for a run?”  Sadly, I’ve found that my feet don’t fare well with running, and although I miss it (never thought I’d say that in a million years), I’m better to stick with walking.

I’m drawn to yoga because I’ve always loved stretching.  When I was young I was in gymnastics, tumbling, and cheerleading.  Stretching was a regular ritual.  Although I’d really like to do the splits again, these days what keeps me coming back to the mat is the mind, body connection.  Being Focused in the moment.  Prompts to let go of the day that just passed and just be right where you are.  I guess at this point, I need prompts.

Sometimes, even prompts to breathe.  I find I actually hold my breath a lot throughout the day, so to spend time focusing on the breath is really helpful.  Deep inhales and long exhales.  I never thought about breathing into certain areas of my body (to make space, or to take a stretch/pose deeper), or that a loud sigh of an exhale is really good for your nervous system.  Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!  But, it is.  Try it.

Coming to the mat is a great time for my mind to get quiet, even if just for fifteen minutes, to let go and to listen.  I listen to my breath, listen to myself, listen to God.

This year, I really need to incorporate more strength building and I’m not certain what that looks like yet (I usually do light weights)?  I mentioned the other day that this is my year to be strong, body, mind, and spirit.  I’ve spent the past few years in survival mode and I’m ready to build and be strong.  And, who knows, maybe by year end I’ll be able to do the splits again.

Do you do yoga?  What do you love about it?  

What are your favorite ways to work out your body (and mind)?  

A few yoga favorites /

+ Sarah Beth Yoga on YouTube (love searching for whatever my body feels it needs – headaches, pms, hips, etc.)
+ Yoga Girl Book by Rachel Brathen (and following her on Instagram).  Love her!
+ oneOeight Yoga  a subscription site (also by Rachel Bratehn).  I love every class I’ve done on this site and they also offer videos on things like digestions (which I loved learning about).
+Bad Yogi 30 day challenge – a really doable program (physically and time wise) that gives you a wide variation and poses you might not normally try on your own.
+ My new yoga mat (so many fun patterns that are colorful and inspiring)
+ Diffusing essential oils while I’m on the mat (peace and calming is my fave)
+ Zella Live in Leggings – Do you have a fave brand of yoga pants?  These are so cute and this pair is on my wish list.