Amber - Bikram is my Summer

It's funny now when I sit down and write, I almost have to re-read everything I've written just to make sure I don't retell the same stories. By re-reading what I write, I am just confirming just how far I've come. I've been in this slump. I think you, the reader, have probably felt that. It has been emotional and physical. It is in this moment I'm so thankful I started documenting this journey so close to the beginning. I have been able to find inspiration within myself to continue doing what I had set out to do.

Change can be something people consciously do, or it can be something that progressively happens without intent. It is like the seasons. We know that here in northern Virginia we will have all four seasons. It is a slow progressive change. I am relating my state to Spring. Some days are like summer, but others are like Winter. Some days are full of sunshine, while others are cold and rainy. I think we need these set backs to continue to move forward. Like anything, it is all how you deal with what is presented. I'm not sure if I have been handling my changes in the best way. Luckily I have good friends that are patient with this progression and they understand that this isn't easy for me either.

I've noticed that I have had more trouble getting up for the morning classes. I wonder if it partially has something to do with the inconsistency of my schedule. Ideally I would be able to take a 5:30/6 am class every day. Today was an amazing. I woke up right on time. Took the dogs for my normal walk. I had laid out everything last night. So I changed and realized I was super early. I watched about 15 minutes of Cops before I left to go to class. I arrived and got set up. It was nice to be in a quiet room. (I had gone to another studio over the weekend, and people were talking before and right after the class. VERY DISTRACTING!) When class began, I noticed I was more relaxed than normal. I started in the mindset to have a very strong practice. I held the standing bow the entire time the first set. I've done that before, but not consistently. During the floor series, my full locust pose I felt that I really went for it. I gave 100% right up until the end of class. It was very rewarding to know that in that class, I did the best I could for today. I can only hope that tomorrow I will at least meet or exceed today. I remember just a few months ago walking into my first class. I was only able to start about 50% of the postures. Now I am doing them!

As we approach my favorite season of the year, I will continue to work my way out of the slump I'm in. I ask you to challenge me. Remind me of how good I feel when I go. On those bad days, remind me that yoga, NOT Ben & Jerry's is the answer. Soon enough, we'll all be dancing in the sun!