A NEW CHALLENGE - Food Journal

I posted my daily blog to facebook, as usual

and received the following message from the owner of Yoga-Versity, Deena.

"Way to go girl! This month I want to also start counseling you on nutrition give you a few substitutions and food choice changes that will help you change your relationship with food as well! Working out is 30% of it 70% is diet! Do you ha...ve a nook? I have some great nutrition books I can lend you! I would like you to start a food journal this week- change nothing just write down every bite of anything ate or drank!! Include oz of h2o! So proud girl;) you rock!! "

Let's get started:

I will track my daily intake via this form (for myself) and either upload or type it out via blog every few days.

Friday, Dec. 30, 2011

Breakfast

8oz water

20 oz Sugar Free Caramel Breve (approx. 650 calories, which is why I only have them on special days)

Ultimate Breakfast Round

Lunch

Honey Basalmic Chicken (Healthy choice meal)  220 calories

16oz water

Mid-day

16 oz water

Supper

4 oz of pork loin

Fitness

1.5 hour THY

32 oz water

Snacks
1.5 cups of queso/meat mix
2 servings tortilla chips
1.5 glasses of red wine

32 oz water before bed

 Trying something new,

Charmaine

aka Puddles

Challenge Day 30 - Mission Complete

Tonight was the last THY class of my 30 challenge series!

It felt SUPERB!

I DID IT : )

The class, felt the best of all the classes I have taken.

I did *standing bow* on BOTH sides, for BOTH sets!!!!!

I felt more at home in the heat.

I wore a skirt for yoga and loved it!

I felt so pretty in *tree pose* with my skirt flowing round my legs : )

I look forward to next weeks yoga,

the start of a new year

.....and a new challenge??

I ROCK!

Charmaine

aka Puddles

Class Review and The New Year

I have to say that EVERY employee of Yoga-Versity has been incredible!

I feel at home, with non judgemental and encouraging instructors : )

Deena, Marne, Melanie, Sam and Lori have been great women to work out along side.  They have kept me true to my goals, have helped me with postures and added tips to help tone my tummy!  Paul and Darius have been perfectly encouraging gentlemen, as a girl ALWAYS likes to get compliments from guys who might not be her significant other. 

 It helps create that lil spark of confidence in yourself.

I SINCERELY THANK YOU ALL!

The count is in:

In the 30 days of December 2011 I have lost 5 3/4".

I attended 8 classes in November,

 from 11/20-11/30/11

I attended (including tonights THY) 26 classes in December,

from 12/1-12/30/11

34 classes in 41 days

only taking time off for Holidays and previous engagements.

My schedule for next week:

12/31   HPF @ 12pm

1/1   THY @ 3pm

1/2   *previous engagement

1/3   HPF @7pm

1/4   THY @ 7pm

1/5   HPF @ 7pm

1/6   THY @ 7pm

1/7   THY @ 9:30am

1/8   THY @ 3pm

I plan to continue my fitness regimine.

I look forward to pilates and zumba beginning the 2nd week in Jan. 2012

And I can't wait to share with you my new fitness experiences of the NEW YEAR!

Keeping Momentum,

Charmaine

aka Puddles

Challenge Day 29 - Results

Tonight was the last HPF class of my 30 day challenge : )

Tomorrow is the last day of my challenge and will be the last THY class of the series.

In thinking about my goal, the real reason I want to work out is to tone my post-tri-c-section belly!

This was my focus for class...ABS, CORE, TIGHT....KEEP IT ALL IN !

I held my core engaged the best I could, cause that is what I want to tone the most.

The Last Set of Measurements for the series:

Chest: 49-50"   *same

Waist: 42" *same

Muffine Top: 43 1/2"  *same

Hips: 52 3/4" *down 1/4"

Thigh: 28 1/2" *down 1 1/4"

Bicep: 15 1/2/" *down 1 1/4"

2  3/4"

 lost since last measurements

That takes Total inches lost in 30 days to:

5  3/4"

I am SO impressed with these results! 

I can't wait for another month to go by, filled with yoga and pilates : )

Damn Proud of Myself,

Charmaine

aka Puddles

Challenge Day 28 - A Wandering Mind

THY was splendid tonight!

I tried  a new place in the room and enjoyed it.

I felt good.

HOWEVER

Now that I have been doing yoga officially for over a month.  I know the routines. 

 I know what is coming next and hence seem to let my mind wander more. 

 My focus is off and that creates a loss of balance and determination in me.

I am overthinking life...work stuff, family stuff, WEDDING STUFF....I can't seem to get away from it these last few days...even at my happy place, YOGA : (

I wasn't able to get into standing bow tonight and that was a little disappointing. 

I am working to engage my core more!  I want a slimmer waist for my wedding.  I want toned legs and arms :)  I want to add pilates to my routine SO bad I can taste it!!!

I think this routine would be an AMAZING addition to my yoga routine : )

Here's to hoping the NEW YEAR brings great things for me and those I love and care about!

I want to be tranquil again at yoga.

Focused

CENTERED

Searching for my inner peace again,

Charmaine

aka Puddles

A side note on CONFIDENCE

Yoga has built my confidence in ways I never thought.

I am confident in what my body can do and challenge myself to take it farther.

I understand why runners might run, because after the run you can be still and confident in your success.

I feel the same way about yoga,

somedays are challenging but I always feel success and confidence after a class.

That confidence then takes on other forms.

My confidence in what my body can do, leads to feeling better about my body overall.

As I tone and trim, my clothes fit better.  I feel better.

I feel sexy and confident to flaunt that sexiness : )

My mind is more clear.

I am confident in my work and my words.

I continue to build better communication skills.

And my HEART IS OPEN!

Confident.

Feeling Free to be ME,

Charmaine

aka Puddles

Challenge Day 27 - Stillness

At the end of each yoga class, while we are in final shivasana, the overhead yoga goddess says:

"Only in stillness can you appreciate movement"

How profound!

I thought about this alot tonight after HPF.

Stillness....not just in body, but in mind, in spirit.

To take the time to look within.

To appreciate all the things you CAN do!

The way your mind and body work.

YOU ARE A MIRACLE!

Remeber that you are a spiritual being, you have a place, a purpose and a destiny : )

Be still....feel the YOU deep inside.

Listen to what the universe is telling you.

With Pain comes great JOY, listen for it.

Awakened in Stillness,

Charmaine

aka Puddles

Challenge Day 26 - Yoga Workshop

Bikram Yoga

26 postures at 105 degrees

I haven't gone into depth about the yoga itself, mostly because I know there is TONS of information out there that is better than anything I could say....and, I want you to GO to a yoga studio and ask YOUR questions : )  But, for a little info....here are some links

About Bikram Yoga

Wikipedia Definitions : )



This picture (above) will correlate with the wikipedia definitions of the poses.

However, as I said before...doing your research isn't enough.  For your safety and knowledge, I suggest a workshop to anyone interested in yoga.   You get time with an instructor to learn about the purposes and benefits of each posture.  You are able to practice, you are coached on your alignment and are able to get modifications to enhance your yoga experience regardless of certain limitations you may have!

I really worked hard to go as far as I could in each posture.  I have a LONG way to go for some advanced poses.  I was able to get into standing bow on each side during the workshop.  I was also able to get into floor bow with a little help.  And with a modification that I had never thought of, I was able to take my rabbit pose (the try to kiss your ass goodbye pose,  I posted about very early on) to a new level!

During this workshop, I was coached on alignment and actually felt better stretches and more muscle engagement.  That is exciting for me, as I want to reap the stress relief benefits, as well as the physical and toning benefits of yoga!

This is my last week of the 30 day challenge.  I am so proud of myself for sticking to it, even on the hard days.  My fiance is proud of me and that makes a huge difference in my life : )  I am looking forward to this journey's end, only to start a new one which will hopefully include pilates, cardio and zumba!

Blessed !

Charmaine

aka Puddles

Challenge Day 25 - HOLIDAYS!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I have enjoyed my day of rest and holiday cheer : )

I am VERY excited for tomorrow's YOGA WORKSHOP!!

YAY!

MUAH,

Charmaine

aka Puddles

Challenge Day 24 - Cravings

Happy Holidays!   Took a day off to rest, relax and enjoy the family.  Honestly, I have missed the hour of me time!  And when I am home all day, I just want to eat crap......granted I haven't given in, but I just think .... mmmmm some chocolate would be great, or I wish I had a bag of chips....

This is the first Holiday season I haven't gained weight.  I have maintained weight and feel great!

Tomorrow I will enjoy a nice healthy dinner and hopefully take a long walk, as I hear it is supposed to be in the 40's on our South Dakota Christmas Day : )

Santa Comes Tonight,

Charmaine

aka Puddles

Challenge Day 23 - Accomplishments

Tonight was the last THY class before Christmas break.  The room was PERFECT!!!!  The heat, the humidity, the class size, the atmosphere......It was just PERFECT : )

I was really having a rough time concentrating at points, but I was enjoying myself.

I worked hard to continue to push for deeper poses.

And tonight, I accomplished an AMAZING feat:

I GOT INTO STANDING BOW POSE!!!

Now I didn't get as far forward as this picture, but I DID IT!

 I will say...I was only able to do it on the left side and I only got it on the first round. 

 But it made me smile, and will push me to keep going in the future : )

Here is to a Merry Christmas and looking forward to the THY workshop on Monday!



Merry Christmas,

Charmaine

aka Puddles

Challenge Day 22 - Concentration

Today marks 100 days until my wedding.  To say the least, I am getting a bit overwhelmed and stressed!

As I left for HPF tonight, I was a mess!  I was crying and pouting about wedding stuff (as I had been most of the day) and really wasn't feeling like going to yoga.  But, I WENT!

I asked my fiance if we could talk when I got home, and he was fine with that : )

I went to yoga worried I wouldn't be able to relax or concentrate on what I was doing, but here is what happened.  I can say that I didn't work the hardest I ever have in yoga, but I did concentrate on yoga.  Maybe it is just me, but once I get started, I can't seem to think about anything else.  ONLY the poses!  I would lose focus, have a fleeting thought of wedding, and then BOOM, I would be thrown back into my body, and have to focus on myself again! 

THIS IS WHY I LOVE YOGA!  I have to relax and give in to it : )

Class was great! 

I was able to take my *Fixed Firm* pose from this:

TO THIS:

When my shoulders hit the mat, I felt SUCCESS!

When I got home, I had forgotten what I was all worked up about.  My fiance and I sat down and worked out the songs we wanted to download for the wedding. 

And then I went to bed and slept great!

Now for my measurements a day late:

Chest: 49" *same

Waist: 42" *same

Muffin Top: 43 1/2" *same

Hips: 53" *same

Biceps: 16 3/4" *same

Thigh: 29 3/4" *same

Though there is no decrease this week, I am still down 3" overall.

Weight: 260 (original weight), but down 1.5#'s since last check.

Looking forward to THY and a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Charmaine

aka Puddles

Challenge Day 21 - Getting ZZZZ's

Tonight was THY and we started at 20% humidity and ended the class at 46% humidity. 

 I was definately challenged and I MOST DEFINATELY sweat!! 

Once again, tonight I was in the zone.  I was focused on my gaze and went to work. 

The Gaze: 

In yoga practice, the gaze (“drishti”) serves two purposes: (1) it expresses the energy and action of a yoga pose, and (2) it focuses the mind. Each purpose is also a teaching tool. You can use the theme of the gaze to help students explore the physical actions of different yoga poses, and you can use the theme to teach mental concentration.

more great info found HERE

Tonight I felt more grounded in my engaged leg during poses.
 My core was engaged.  I was able to hold balancing poses longer!
  ( Thanks to a tip from my yoga buddy, Jade! )

Now back to the real topic:

SLEEP

When I began yoga, my daughter was 9 months old, not sleeping through the night and I was tired and a bit miserable.  As I have continued with yoga, I feel more tired at night.  My mind wanders less, I am able to settle down and sleep at a decent hour and I sleep hard : )  I am able to get 4 good hours of sleep before my daughter wakes to eat, and sometimes I don't wake.  So either I am sleeping to hard and she isnt' completely awake and  falls back asleep, or she isn't getting up either.  Either way, I am pleased!  I feel better at work, I can concentrate more, multi task like a champ and do it all with a smile : )

And speaking of sleep.......

zzzzzzzzzzzzz,

Charmaine

aka Puddles

Challenge Day 20 - In the Zone

AH, HPF : )  After a day off I was SO ready for some yoga. 
Tonight, I was in the zone. 
I don't know when it happened, but my mind just shut off. 

Yoga-versity has been working to regulate the heat and humidity.  Tonight it wasn't bad, the heat felt right, it wasn't half as humid as it has been and I was looking to challenge myself. 
I looked at myself in the mirror with INTENT and went to it.
 I sat the lowest I ever have in Chair Pose, I re-adjusted my Downward Dog to get a better stretch, I lifted my legs higher if standing splitz.

And believe it or not,

 but I was able to hold the eagle * eagle on airplane*warrior 3*balancing stick* series.....

ACCOMPLISHMENT!

 Before I knew it class was over, I hadn't sweat half as much as I had in last weeks classes.

 ( I almost felt a little cheated, as if I hadn't challenged myself enough, but I felt GREAT) 

I am SO excited for THY tomorrow : )

Yoga has really helped me reconnect with my artistic/creative side.  My degree is in Photography and Art History, subjects I LOVE.  But I have been in corporate America for sometime, because I also love it.  Working with numbers all day, I tend to not always think with my creative mind.  I have a wedding coming up, and have helped to design my wedding dress, but to take it further.  I am thinking of works or art and ways to make my life more creative....a brainstorm I never saw coming.  And I am sure that being open to myself, my feelings, my wants, desires, body, etc. through yoga has helped me!

I would love to start a local yoga club, but I like to do things right, so I need to research that a bit : )

So excited for another day of yoga!

Zoning out,

Charmaine

aka Puddles

Challenge Day 19 - A Day of Humor and Reflection

Upward Facing Dog : )

Just a little humor for your day : )  I am taking today off, as I pushed myself yesterday and feel a little stiff, but will be doing a little home yoga tonight before I have dinner guests over.

I have to say that in the last 3 weeks, I am feeling more confindent in my own body.  I am more willing to try poses and other exercise, as I feel the added strength in my entire body can now handle it.  I am continuing to eat better, though I do need to drink MORE water.  I drink lots of water, but I know I should drink even more to help detoxify my body after yoga.  I still enjoy a few adult beverages a week, but am very mindful of what and how much, and drink lots of water afterward : )  I truly believe hungover HOT yoga would be the WORST experience ever, so I don't plan to ever do it!

Bear in Full Boat Pose

I had heard stories about this boat pose.  My fiance was in a weight training/lifting class his last semester of college.  He said you could tell who was there to work out and then the girls that were all dolled up to look good for the hunky grad student teacher : )  They supposedly had been at a yoga/pilates class and couldn't hold this pose.  My fiance said that the teacher (big bulky guy) proceeded to school these stick thin girls complaining that they just couldn't do it, by sitting down and just doing it.  My fiance said it was a moment to laugh : )  So last night I got up the courage to try it, and you know...I fall out of balance, but I can do it!

Kitty in Crow Pose

I have not yet tried any poses where my feet come off the ground, but maybe I should just to see if I can : )

Kitty in Half Moon Pose

Inner peace, I has!  

 Yesterday while pushing myself at yoga, I felt such a calm. 

 I felt so in love with my fiance, I was thankful for my wonderful family and my job! 

 I felt so much peace, though I had been very stressed lately. 

 I felt calm and a sense of ease, that things will work out without my worrying : )



And when times to get tough, REMEMBER TO BREATH!!!

Missing yoga, but looking forward to tomorrow : )

Charmaine

aka Puddles

Challenge Day 18 - Stepping It Up A Notch

***DUE TO TECHNICAL ISSUES (home computer crash)
 THIS IS POSTED A DAY LATER THAN WRITTEN***


Today I enjoyed the HECK out of THY!  The room was once again VERY hot!  It actually felt the the room was cooler to begin with, but the humidity was OUT OF THIS WORLD!
 I felt like a glistening goddess in a matter of minutes, and felt great in my new yoga gear : )

Today I challenged myself to take poses a bit further, to push myself a bit harder.
 I have gotten used to the routine.  I am still getting used to the heat.
 I have been sick and letting myself lag, but today I PUSHED!!

I payed more attention to proper alignment.
 I **TRIED** to take poses further,
even if I couldn't get to the next step or had to back out to basic,
I TRIED : )

I have a few other blogs I have looked out posted here:

Great Yoga Blog at She-Fit.com

Great explanation of Poses in a blog

These blogs both had some great information on positions and the benefits of HOT YOGA : )

My biggest challenge was taking the -Tree pose- to -Toe Stand Pose-

Tree Pose

Toe Stand Pose

I made it to about here :

AT LEAST I TRIED : )

I felt great after class!  I like feeling that buzz and sense of accomplishment!

I am so happy that my sinuses feel better after each class.  Usually after a week of cold and sinus congestion, my body moves into ear ache, sinus headache territory and it is AWFUL!  The cleansing of my sinuses through daily hot yoga, has kept my sinus flowing enough that I am just stuffy, not headachy and miserable in anyway!  YAY TO YOGA!!

Taking tomorrow off, and looking forward to 7pm classes the rest of the week!

Pushing my limits,

Charmaine

aka Puddles

Challenge Day 17 - Birthday Yoga

I started out my 32nd birthday spending time with my daughter and watching Glee. Then at 9am I left for THY : )  Today the room was 109 degrees and 43 % humidity.

I sweat like I have NEVER sweat before!!!!

Even though yoga is challenging with the heat and my illness, I am still enjoying it!  I am excited to complete this 30 day challenge and then start taking Zumba and Cardio Pump as well : )

I was presented with my very own yoga mat this morning and I couldn't have been more pleased!  I bought a new yoga outfit and plan to buy a mat cover....I am slowly getting more *yoga* items and loving it.

Now today I have been drinking TONS of water in preparation for Birthday drinks tonight. 

 I am seriously concerned about having too much and not making it through THY tomorrow.

That could be the most awful hangover EVER!!!!

But today I am busy, so it will be short and sweet : )

Love,

Charmaine

aka Puddles

Challenge Day 16 - Half Way Review

I am half way through my 30 day challenge today!  WOOT! 

I have really enjoyed yoga, even when I am so hot I think I may pass out or throw up : )

I am sort of glad that this has become a challege at this point, because going to yoga for 30 days wasn't a true challenge when I loved it so much.  I am still excited to see if there are anymore physical changes as this month rounds out.

This morning I attended Hot Power Fusion and believe the room is the coolest in the mornings.....to bad most days I can't go until 7pm.  We had a gentleman who was attending for the first time, and like a *den Mother* I was welcoming and encouraging.  It really is great to see new faces, but I enjoy knowing the regulars as well.

Yoga gives me a cleansing feeling.  I know I have been struggling this week, with the heat and the fact that I have a bad sinus cold, I hope that this starts to get easier in the next few weeks.

I do feel *better* after yoga, my sinuses are more clear, I feel the buzz and enjoy my success : )

I am TRULY looking forward to the YOGA WORKSHOP on Dec. 26th from 3-6, I know there is limited space, but if you are interested please contact Yoga-Versity right away.

The 2nd Half of the Challege Schedule:

This week
12/17   THY @ 9:30 am

12/18   THY @ 3pm

 

Next week

12/19 *group b-day party, day of rest*

12/20   HPF @ 7pm

12/21   THY @ 7pm

12/22    HPF @ 7pm

12/23   THY @ 7pm

*no class 12/24 or 12/25 for Christmas Break*

The Last week of the Challenge

12/26   Yoga Workshop @ 3-6pm

12/27   HPF @ 7pm

12/28   THY @ 7pm

12/29   HPF @ 7pm

12/30   THY @ 7pm

*no class 12/31 or 1/1 for New Year's Break*

I thank everyone who is following me and all the support I have received!

Ramping up for the 2nd half!

Charmaine

aka Puddles

Challenge Day 15 - Peace in Mind, Body and Spirit

Last night I attended Gentle yoga and it was WONDERFUL!  It was gentle, I was able to become one with the heat, release my mind, stretch, breath, focus and relax : ) 
This makes me a VERY happy lady!

As I thought more about it, the heat reminds me of my time attending Lakota Sioux Sweat Lodges.  I was blessed to be welcomed into Sacred Sweat by a Medicine Woman and her family.  I will treasure their ways, ceremonies and lessons of life and death for all time! 

I remember my very first Sweat.  It was so hot, I prayed for it to be over.  I prayed, I spoke in turn, I took part in the water and pipe.  I layed on the cool ground and sucked the cool air up into my lungs.  The heat was dry, but I sweat just as much as I did in THY the other night.  I recalled these events before Gentle Yoga last night, and took those feelings of spirituality and mindful focus into class with me.

I was able to feel my back loosen and shift into back bends. 
I enjoyed the Frog Pose, I could really feel a stretch in my back side : )



After yoga, I attended Pole Fitness and though I am not the most graceful, I did the routine and felt great.  A little sexy, a little spunky, but over all really good about myself.

After my positive body image seminar, I am SO wanting to do NAKED or UNDERGARMENT yoga.

  Maybe over Christmas break when things are slow??? 

Anyone else up for that : )

I want to feel free in my body and my movements and just embrace what I have to embrace !

Granted I look more like one of these ladies,

 so anyone else would have to be comfortable with my curves too!

And on that note, this weeks measurements:

Chest: 49 (sometimes 50, think this depends on what bra I am wearing)

Waist: 42 *same
Muffin top 43 1/2 *down 1/2

Hips: 53 *Down 1

Thigh: 29 3/4  *down 1/4

Bicep: 16 3/4 * down 1 1/4

Total inches lost: 3 : )

Going to miss yoga today (just didn't fit my schedule)

Excited for HPF tomorrow at 5:30am

Charmaine

aka Puddles

Challenge Day 14 - The *REAL* Challenge Begins

To this point I have LOVED yoga!  Loved the warm room, loved the poses, my instructors, my yoga buddies.....SO MUCH LOVE!

Last night I went to my first THY class (1.5 hours) in the *new* extra hot room.  My goal was to survive, and since I am writing this today = GOAL MET!  But it was a challenge!!!

The heat at times felt almost too intense.  I struggled with my breathing, holding postures, light headedness, and a sick feeling during -camel pose- (not all that uncommon).  I was loathing the class about half way in, but was determined to finish.  I know I wasn't the only one in class struggling with the heat, and maybe that is why I didn't give up.  We struggled together and we made it : )  I felt GREAT after class, I had succeeded.  I had a bigger yoga buzz, my whole body tingled in final shavasana!  So I guess, like many things: the greater the challenge, the greater the reward : )

My sinuses felt SPECTACULAR after all the time in the humidity.  I wore an army issue, wicking shirt that was 2 shades darker when class was over...I could have wrung in out last night...SO SWEATY!!!

I don't mind sweating, I dislike the extra heat and how challenging the yoga is now that I get hot so fast.  But I refuse to give up or give in.  I will be at Gentle yoga tonight at 7:15...I really hope it is *gentle* cause I need it.  Tonight I need to take my measurements and I don't look forward to it.  I still love yoga, even if I sort of dread the heat now.  But I don't feel like I have lost inches and have not lost any weight as of last week, even though I am eating better, smaller portions and lots of water.  Regardless, I feel good, I enjoy my daily routine and I will stick to my 30 day challenge regardless of the hills I might have to climb.

I look forward to Christmas break, as I know the studio will be less full and hope to get some one on one time to learn more about yoga and to try some new things : )

Meeting my personal challenges head on!

Charmaine

aka Puddles

Challenge Day 13 - When HOT gets HOTTER

Hot yoga = doing yoga in a room set at 105 degrees.

Sounds scary to beginners, I know I was scared, but it wasn't bad.  I enjoyed the heat.  I sweat a little bit.

Come to find out, the HVAC system wasn't up to par, and was blowing in cool dry air, so the humidifiers couldn't keep up.  THAT HAS BEEN FIXED!  Now Hot yoga, is SUPER HOT!  The temperature is the same, but the humidity is HIGH and I sweat my *metaphorical* balls off!  Holy Moly!!!

So I have *officially* lived up to my nickname: Puddles in yoga class!

I am positive there has to be a sweat puddle under my yoga mat at the end of class!

I find it funny that in that low light, with all that sweat on my skin, I feel like a tanned guido with too much tanning oil on....oh the things that pop in my mind sometimes.

Last nights yoga class was supposed to be Gentle, but was once again HPF.  And it happened to be the same class I took at 5:30 am, so I was a little disappointed.  Today is the Grand Opening of Yoga-Versity, so I hope these little glitches work themselves out soon.

Tonight is THY! 1.5 hours in that heat and humidity....I pray for my survival...LOL

I am excited to feel the success of making it at the end of class : )

I am coming down with a sinus cold and have found that these humid yoga sessions really help to clear my sinuses and make me feel so much better, just one more benefit to my health and well being!!



Battling sinuses with yoga,

Charmaine

aka Puddles

Challenge Day 12 - Getting The Buzz

yoga buzz	18 up, 2 down
	the high or elated feeling upon completion of a focused hatha yoga or meditation practice. the sensation that arises upon connecting with the oneness of the universe.

Urban Dictionary Definition of Yoga Buzz

Like many things that we enjoy, a good feeling is associated with it...why else would we continue to do it.  I like to eat, drink, dance, have sex, do yoga.  I get personal feelings of joy from all of these things : )

Yoga, or any form of excersise you truly enjoy, can be addicting for this reason. (as can the things I listed above)  We become addicted not just to the action, but to the feelings we get from the action.

(to my *lifestyle* friends, this can be much like sub space, only you can still function)

<3

Now to take things a little further about me personally....

As a Feminist, I enjoy equal rights to men, but personally enjoy having a VERY strong male partner.  I would classify myself as a 1950's housewife type in many ways.  I enjoy domesticity and not having to make every decision for the household myself.  I also enjoy those feelings I get from making my partner happy : )

 (Like serving an amazing meal after a long day of work)

Since our daughter was born, my fiance has been VERY helpful around the house so that I could be on full time baby duty.  I appreciate the help so much, but truly miss some of the domestic things I was doing and miss the feelings that go with, just doing : ) 

 This is where I have found peace in yoga...I am happy to just be doing! 

I don't have to think or make a decision other than to get to class. 

 And I have the euphoric yoga buzz after that helps regulate me all day : ) 

 And then I get to come home to a smiling fiance who is proud of my determination and my blogging.....and the circle of peace and love goes round!

I am so excited to be making these changes and turning 32 this week : ) I am happy that my suggestions and concerns are heard at Yoga-Versity.  I am looking for more cardio and pilates, and they are looking into it, as well as a Zumba class : ) YAY!  I am excited that they would like to eventually do aerial/anti gravity yoga and have the slings to do it....YAY X2!!!

Unnata® Aerial Yoga (unnata, meaning "elevated" in Sanskrit) combines traditional mat yoga with postures suspended in a soft, fabric sling a few feet off the ground.  With the help of gravity and the fabric, we play, explore, and create space in our bodies with ease, as intended in traditional asana practice.  Without the compression of the joints and spine we can find a vibrant, unencumbered, and balanced expression of each pose. 

With the fabric as a learning tool, students often find "Aha!" moments that bring new life and understanding to poses they previously feared.  Participants often alternate between sling and mat to facilitate awareness of the body in all planes. Through Unnata Aerial Yoga the fascia unwind, the mind quiets, core-strength is built, and participants leave feeling whole... a wonderful complement to your mat practice!

This was taken from the MN Yoga Center site HERE

If I was going to be in Minneapolis anytime soon, I would SO be at these classes, but I am SUPER EXCITED for this to come to Yoga-Versity : )

With that being said, I leave you with a picture that is now on my Bucket List of things to do in life!

I can only aspire to one day, be somewhere nice and warm and do floating yoga without my ass toppling into the drink : )

Yoga Buzzing and Loving It

Charmaine

aka Puddles

Challenge Day 11 - Feelings Of Frustration

I have to remember this statement often.  I feel so crazy with life, work, job hunting, family, wedding planning, travel, etc, etc, etc...did I mention finances...ugh!  These are the things that are constanty buzzing around my head.  I don't stop thinking, or worrying, or re-calculating my recalculations.  OCD much?! Possibly in some parts of my life...LOL

These are the reasons I have come to enjoy yoga so much.  I get time to not have to think about anything but exactly what I am doing at that moment.  I feel toned and refreshed.  I feel calm and relaxed.  I feel AWARE and look forward to my next yoga fix! 

Not being able to do yoga the last few days has had me a bit irritable and down.  I enjoy my family SO much, but for the first time I have found ME time and I hate giving it up even a little bit.  Now I see an opportunity for improvement.  I need to find the balance or a way to accomplish this sense of well being even when I am away from home and not able to attend classes.  I have to find calm in my flexibility.

I can't wait to go to yoga at 5:30am !!!

Going to enjoy every day of my Birthday week : )

Charmaine

aka Puddles