FREEEEEEEDOM!
Health is Wealth: Day 38/243 - Stability Circuit #RUN #YOGA
“YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE. YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE.
This is the Universe, and I just wanted you to know, once and for all, that time is on your side, that space is just an illusion, and that matter is simply my little way of showing you exactly what you’ve been thinking lately.
Now that we’ve got that squared away, think yourself an amazing day, dearest.”
HRV Score: 58
Relative Balance: 10 (Parasympathetic)
Sleep: 7h 14mMeditation Practice: 7:55am - 13min - 741hz
Overall morning mood: Woke up feeling pretty good. A little discomfort on the inside of my left knee. I believe it’s from the tightness of my groin and inner quads from doing lateral lunges.
“Never expect. Never assume. Never ask. Never demand. Just let it be, if it’s meant to be... it will happen.”
GYM: Stability Circuit
Warm Up Run
20 minutes
2.23miles
Average HR: 128
Stability Circuit 1 (3X)
REACH-BACKS - 15/SIDE
CLAM SHELLS - 15/SIDE
PRONE COBRA - 30SEC UP/30 SEC REST X4
HIP EXTENSIONS - 20 W/10 SEC HOLD AT TOP
SEATED TUMMY VACUUM’S - 25 BREATHS
PRONE PLANK - 60/90/120 SECONDS
Stretched & Rolled out
Notes: It felt incredibly awesome to run. I stretched dynamically while I was walked and warmed up before my run. It alleviated every bit of discomfort in my knee. I love clam shells and might start adding those to other routines as well. The slower I go, the more my inner legs shake. I think my right side is a bit more tighter when it comes to my hips.
“Soma yoga is any number of practices that incorporate the movement healing system of somatics. The idea behind somatics is that slow, gentle exercises re-educate the nervous system and allow the release of tight, restricted muscles, thereby promoting healing. Yoga practices based on somatics blend this concept with appropriate yoga asanas.”
“Soma is a word derived from Greek that refers to the whole body, but it also has meaning in Indian traditions. The Sanskrit word, soma, means “moon” and is also the name of the Hindu moon god who is known for kindness and gentleness.”
YOGA: Corepower C1
Class # 18
C1 14/18
Average HR 89
Class today was great. Taught by Nico. Its been interesting seeing how different teachers lead their classes. Nico didn’t spend too much time today discussing philosophy, much more emphasis on breath, posture and movement.
Class today was small, only three of us. Which again, I think is great. He assisted me in Pigeon, Eka Pada Rajakapotasana, which felt amazing. the weight pressed from the back helps deepen that stretch and feels great. He had done something along my spine, I meant to ask about but spaced it. He also helped in forward fold, Paschimottanasana, in a similar fashion. He instructed me to bend my knees and fold rather than keeping my legs straight. Such a better stretch.
According to Yoga Journal, if I am having some serious diarrhea issues or ate taco bell the night before, I should avoid this pose. haha, what the heck.
I had a brief moment to talk with Nico after class, which is so helpful. His feed back and constructive criticism has already helped immensely. I once again asked about my hamstrings and he suggested that I continue to stretch with my knees bent as it allows my hips to tilt. It made sense, especially in the rag doll pose, Baddha Hasta Uttanasana, which I have been doing incorrectly as simple as the posture is. Incorrect moment and postures has very little value. Per our discussion I will continue to focus on my hamstrings and hips. I wish I had more time to speak after class, but was in a rush to get to work, traffic was going to be ever so pleasant with the fresh fallen snow.
Thanks again NIco for a great class. Infinite Love & Gratitude!
Letting go is the hardest asana.
Notes & Quotes: The Inner Tradition of Yoga Pgs 12-18
Dualism is constructed
Yoga is a method of returning us to the inherent union and interconnections of all existence.
The past emerges in the present in the form of bias and habits.
It is being so fully present in an action, or non-action, that you dont need to create a self. It is giving yourself so fully, you dont need a reward. When we live authentically, we are not simultaneously creating a sense of “I, ME or Mine,” we are simply being our selfless self.
The practice is not the goal but the way of us to move through different stages of the path toward a more open and sincere way of being. This sincerity of being (Karuna) is a result of a healthy yoga practice.
If our practice is creating flexibility of the body without a corresponding flexibility of the heart, we need to redress the way we conceive of and engage in practice. If we develop a flexible body but retain a stiff mind, we are not practicing yoga.
See if you can listen with your heart rather than your intellect.
Yoga opens us up to a transparent state of being where the world passes through us without obstacle.
Two Book Themes
The essence of yoga teaches us that all forms of clinging create suffering
a disciplined and appropriate practices leaves no stone unturned.
How much suffering have we felt through our inability to tolerate and live in the midst of change?
Path of Yoga first two steps
Practice (Abhyasa) and letting go (Vairagya)
From these spring the cultivation of more wholesome intentions and actions of body, speech, and mind, and letting go of historical and ensnaring attitudes.
We can only know a grounded, flexible, and free life when we commit to practice and cultivate the skill of letting go.
LIVE FEARLESS. NOT RECKLESS.
Health is Wealth: Day 37/243 - REST DAY #RUN #YOGA
“I dreamt of us last night...
You were wearing your rabbit PJ’s again.
And we were wondering about the consequences of a role reversal. You know, me as you and you as me, for a day or so.
But you were right. I keep forgetting to hop... and you keep forgetting that the entire world is spinning in the palm of your hand.”
HRV Score: 57
Relative Balance: 9 (Parasympathetic)
Sleep: 7h 43m
Meditation Practice: 7:48am - 12 minutes - 528Hz
Overall morning mood: Slept okay, not great. Felt like I woke up every couple of hours or so. Was definitely stiff when I woke up but loosen up as I began to move. I wasn’t looking forward to having a large needle stuck in me. 9 tubes of blood they had to take from my arm..whooo-eyy!
Spectre Cell Micro-nutrient Blood Testing:
Nutrients are often broken down into two categories: “macro-nutrients” and “micro-nutrients”. Both play an extremely important role in building, maintaining, and repairing your body, and both affect mental health, physical performance, and everything in between.
The term “macro-nutrient” generally refers to protein, carbs, and fat. Each of these has a minimum and maximum threshold that you need to accomplish your goals effectively. For example, too little protein makes it hard for the body to repair tissues. Too little fat or carbohydrates makes energy production difficult. Too much of any macro-nutrient can be toxic and cause elevated systemic inflammation and adds an unnecessary burden to your total stress load.
Micro-nutrients are specific vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, amino acids, and other substances that your body needs in relatively small quantities to function properly. Similar to macro-nutrients, there is a minimum and maximum threshold for each micro-nutrient that your body needs, and these thresholds are highly dependent on your personal starting point, goals, and overall lifestyle.
Elite HRV Article Link: Micronutrients and Supplements That Influence Heart Rate Variability
Spectra Cell Laboratories Link: Here.
“The sage keeps her wisdom to herself, while ordinary people flaunt their knowledge. ”
YOGA: Corepower C2
Class #17
C2 - 4/17
60 minutes
Average HR: 99. Max HR: 155.
Notes: I was hesitant to head to class today. I was sore and it was technically a rest day, but felt like the hot room on the mat was the best choice. I have been chalking these days up to the Universe. If i find a spot opening up in the parking lot easily and quickly, I head to class. ha..The Universe has yet to tell me, go home…
Jaime was my teacher again today, she also lead my C1 class yesterday. Class was great. Her voice is little higher than other teacher’s I have had, which audibly magnifies the speed of her voice when she speeds it up and slows it down. Not sure if that makes sense, but it does in my head I thoroughly enjoy the C2 classes. While my strength and flexibility is not quite there to maneuver all of the postures, not knowing what is coming next, keeps my brain entirely engaged.
I was having trouble focusing at first. The burns on my face didn’t feel the best in the heat, but as the sweat dropped through them, the skin softened and I let was able to forget about them. The burn above my eye was the hardest to overcome, but it too, passed.
She reiterates giving ourselves the permission to be entirely present. It is an hour on the mat that we are gifting ourselves. Its a good reminder that the ego likes to hijack my brain and wonder off. A moment, to live consciously, and enjoy the time on the floor.
Several years ago, I had written down what success means to me and it went something along the lines of the ability to wear a tank top, board shorts and crocs all day..every day & to be able to travel freely and without limits. I think…I’ve at least nailed the former. I gots to get working on the latter!
I decided today, that unless something specific was calling me to the mat on any given day, I was going to start setting my intentions towards, Healthy, Wealthy & Happy. I feel that everything else will/would come as a by product of that focus. I am Happy, healthy.. and wealthy ;)
She also had us/me thinking about the why’s. Once we understand the why, it can be our driving force and gives us strength.
I enjoyed the balance postures today. I actually enjoy all of the balance postures, minus the chair twist, but that too, I am beginning to enjoy.. For whatever reason, I found Half moon, Ardha Chandrasana, both challenging and enjoyable. Half moon while standing on my right leg seemed significantly harder than when on my left leg.
“The moon has a rich symbolic significance in yoga mythology. In hatha yoga, for example, the sun and the moon represent the two polar energies of the human body. In fact, the word hatha itself is often divided into its two constituent syllables, "ha" and "tha", which are then esoterically interpreted as signifying the solar and lunar energies respectively.” - Yoga Journal
(are-dah chan-DRAHS-anna)
ardha = half
chandra = glittering, shining, having the brilliancy or hue of light (said of the gods); usually translated as "moon"
I know that my major weakness at the moment is my hamstring tightness. I asked after class again for any things to work on. I will need to focus on extended poses stretching out the hamstrings along with the use of blocks and/or straps to help breathe deeper into the stretch.
Class today was great. I learned a lot, which isn’t anything new. One thing I thought was especially awesome was pressing my third eye into the mat in Pigeon and then using the mat to massage the forehead, rotating my head slightly side to side. Holy shit, it felt amazing! Thanks again Jaime. Infinite Love & Gratitude!
Most people have no idea how good their body is designed to feel.
Internet Truth or Fiction: Hang Eucalyptus in the Shower - The steam from the hot shower will activate the oils eucalyptus to help with decongestion, headaches, inflammation, stress and muscle tightness.
Notes & Quotes: The Inner Tradition of Yoga (pgs 1-11)
In each consecutive moment, over and over again, the universe arises and passes away on the thread of the breath cycle.
Go slowly
Atha - Now or what is here in this moment.
The future is invisible and the past is out of reach
Yoga is a way of being and a mode of existing. Existence is a play of interconnection.
The only place to begin an investigation of yoga, or anything for that matter, is the present moment, because this is all that is actually occurring. The future has not yet arisen, and the past has passed and therefore the only thing we really have to investigate, and the only way to begin paying attention is from within this experience as it unfolds right here and right now.
We are more often that not relating to our likes and dislikes rather than to what is actually occurring in life.
Present-centered attention with acceptance.
Interruption is precisely what yoga is all about. We practice challenging and uncomfortable physical poses as a way of getting to the real.
Yoga practice, both on and off the mat, opens heart by revealing our grasping and rigid patterns.
When we are open, and our habitual psychological and physical ways of being have loosened, we find ourselves free to respond to the present with a receptive and creative heart.
LIVE FEARLESS. NOT RECKLESS.
Health is Wealth: Strength Day - Day 36/243 #RUN #YOGA
“The good news is that really and truly there’s never, ever been any such thing as bad news. And you’ll see this one day, if you don’t already.
Not that you weren’t one heck of a rebounder when you thought there was...”
HRV Score: 57
Relative Balance: 9 (Parasympathetic)
Sleep: 7h 49m
Overall morning mood: Slept great. Ready for a long work out day.
Meditation Practice: 7:42am - 15 minutes - 528Hz
“Love is the only things that activates our intelligence and our creativity, that purifies and liberates us. ”
Gym: Strength Circuit Day
Grand Staircase Warm up - 6%
.5 mile
10 minutes
EG: 177ft
Run - Trinity Mountains - 0%
3.34miles
30 minutes
Average HR: 128, Max 147
Strength Circuit
Romanian Dead lifts (3x12 2-45lb Kettle-bells)
Diagonal Cable Wood Chops (3x 12/Side @ 20lbs)
Squat w/Dumbbell press (3x15 @ 45lb Kettle-bell)
Single Arm Cable Push (3x 12/arm @20 lbs)
Kettle Bell Lateral Lunges (3x 12/side @35lb Kettle-bell)
Bent-over Dumbbell Flies (3x15 @12lbs)
External Cable Rotations ( 3x15 @Orange Band)
Cable wood Chop - Static holds (3xSide (30 sec Hold @ 15lbs)
Pull Ups 3x12
Dips 3 x Til Failure
“When you realize nothing is lacking, the whole world belongs to you.”
YOGA: Corepower C1
Class #16
C1 Class 13/16
60 minutes
Average HR: 82, Max 117
Notes: I hadn’t been to Corepower since before Thanksgiving largely due to the burns on my face from The Great Bacon Grease and Steak Incident that didnt really almost burn my eye ball out. Nothing crazy, just didnt feel like being in a hot room or a shower until the burns started to heal.
Class today was awesome. Soothing was would be the best word for it. Jaime taught our C1 class of only two people. There have a been a few classes now, that I have only been one of two or three people. I enjoy every class for varying reasons, but the smaller classes are definitely a favorite. Jaime is pretty damn good at reminding me to let everything go, to give myself permission to let everything go and focus on the now moment. I have to say it’s once of the most enjoyable aspects of yoga I have noticed so far.
I didn’t have any expectations from class today as it had been a couple of days. I was ready for Chair Twist today…
It was an great class today, nothing too much of note. I felt limber and warm. I can feel my flexibility growing. I can feel myself getting better and better carrying my intentions forward. Its been an all around great first couple of weeks.
Jaime - Thank you sincerely. Infinite Love & Gratitude!
“Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.”
LIVE FEARLESS. NOT RECKLESS.
Health is Wealth: Cardio Day - Day 35/243 #RUN #YOGA
“The past is gone, the future is not yet here, and if we do not go back to ourselves in the present moment, we cannot be in touch with life.”
HRV Score: 53
Relative Balance: 9 (sympathetic)
Sleep: 7hr 37m
Overall morning mood: Woke up feeling pretty beat up. The ball of my feet were little sore and so was my left knee. Didn’t really feel as though I was lacking in energy, but could tell I didn’t get over eight hours of sleep.
The path of yoga is the path of self-discovery. As our self-image disintegrates, we contact our true self. Life becomes a great joy.” ― Amrit Desai
Home: Yoga Practice
60 minutes
When the breath control is correct, mind control is possible….
Gym:
Walking Warm Up - Grand Staircase 6%
15m 50s
1 mile
EG: 432ft
New Zealand Run 0%
60min
6.84mi
Average HR: 130
Notes: I rolled out while and after my walking warm up. It seemed to alleviate all the tension my knee and feet.
Energy level felt consistent and great through the run. Didn’t have any issues keeping my heart rate down. I could tell after about 35-40 minutes, my feet were starting to feel tight and the left knee was feeling a little wonky.
I decided to keep it at a 60min run and head home for some home yoga practice.
We must recognize the great capacity we all have within ..
LIVE FEARLESS. NOT RECKLESS.
Health is Wealth: Week 6 Schedule
“If you choose to see everything as a miracle, then where you are right now is perfect. There is nowhere to run to; there is nothing else to do except be in this moment and allow what is to be. From that place of radical acceptance, major change can happen. The first step in any transformational experience is acceptance and surrender to the present moment, the way that it is. From that place we have the awareness, humility and power to change what is.”
MONDAY: STRENGTH CIRCUIT
YOGA: COREPOWER C2
TUESDAY: REST DAY
YOGA: COREPOWER C2
WEDNESDAY: STABILITY CIRCUIT
PT & CHIROPRACTIC WORK
YOGA: COREPOWER C1
THURSDAY: STABILITY CIRCUIT + CARDIO - (30MIN AEROBIC RUN)
YOGA: COREPOWER C2
FRIDAY: CARDIO DAY (RUN 75MIN)
SATURDAY: STRENGTH CIRCUIT + CARDIO (30MIN AEROBIC RUN)
YOGA: COREPOWER C1
SUNDAY: REST DAY
YOGA: COREPOWER C1
LIVE FEARLESS. NOT RECKLESS.
Health is Wealth: Strength Day - Day 34/243 #RUN #YOGA
“When fortune comes, open your doors.”
HRV Score: 48
Relative Balance: 7 (sympathetic)
Sleep: 8h 17m
Overall morning mood: Slept great. Ready for a long work out day.
Meditation Practice: 3:33pm - 10 Minutes - 396Hz
“You cannot win the war against the world, if you can’t win the war against your own mind.”
Gym: Strength Circuit Day
Grand Staircase Warm up - 6%
.5 mile
10 minutes
EG: 177ft
Run - Trinity Mountains - 0%
3.34miles
30 minutes
Average HR: 128, Max 147
Strength Circuit
Romanian Dead lifts (3x12 @50lb Kettle-bell)
Diagonal Cable Wood Chops (3x 12/Side @ 20lbs)
Squat w/Dumbbell press (3x15 @ 45lb Kettle-bell)
Single Arm Cable Push (3x 12/arm @20 lbs)
Kettle Bell Lateral Lunges (3x 12/side @35lb Kettle-bell)
Bent-over Dumbbell Flies (3x15 @12lbs)
External Cable Rotations ( 3x15 @Orange Band)
Cable wood Chop - Static holds (3xSide (30 sec Hold @ 15lbs)
Pull Ups 3x12
Dips 3 x Til Failure
Notes: Felt strong and had a lot of energy. I struggle with the lateral lunges. Although I found it to be a bit more comfortable doing them wearing shoes as opposed to barefoot. Its not a very fluid motion and I have to really concentrate.
While doing the single arm cable pushes, I realized that tightening my inner quads, my balance increased significantly. It felt really good.
I increased weight on every exorcise and still felt like I left a lot there. The straight leg deadifts, try a barbell. The kettle-bell weight was still too low while keep reps at 12-15. I think I can push the weight across the board next strength workout as well.
The very heart of yoga practice is abhyasa – steady effort in the direction you want to go
“Yoga is for internal cleansing, not external exercising. Yoga means true self-knowledge.”
LIVE FEARLESS. NOT RECKLESS.
Health is Wealth: Rest Day - Day 33/243 #YOGA #RUN
“A “Holiday Shopping” tip from your friend, the Universe:
During the merriment of your retail adventures, should you ever have to ask the clerk, “How much?” always follow their reply with raised eyebrows, a slight gasp, and a disbelieving, “That’s all?””
HRV Score: 39
Relative Balance: 3 (sympathetic)
Sleep: 9h 27m
Overall morning mood: REST DAY IS NEEDED!
“Don’t be afraid to go out on a limb. That’s where the fruit is.”
LIVE FEARLESS. NOT RECKLESS.
Health is Wealth: Stability Circuit - Day 32/243 #RUN #YOGA
“Wow, was that you?!
I was just playing around with some time-space elements, inventing and stuff, when I thought I heard a familiar voice say, “Holy @#$%, Universe! Thank you so much for this day and every second of it! Exactly as it is, exactly as I am...”
Almost dropped my chocolate into my peanut butter.
You’re welcome, you are so welcome -”
HRV Score: 56
Relative Balance: 6 (Parasympathetic)
Sleep: 8h 27m
Overall morning mood: THANKS GIVING
Gratitude has a way of bringing us into the present moment, allowing us to be with what is. Our mind is no longer chasing after something in the future or lingering somewhere in the past. We are content….
Home:
Gym: Stability Circuit + Cardio
Walk - GrandStaircase Warm Up 4%
1 mile
18min
EG: 435ft
Ave Hr 113
Trinity Mountain Run - 0%
30 minutes
Aerobic
3.36mile
Average HR: 132
Stabilitly Circuit 2 - Active Recovery Week - 2x
Standard Pull Ups - 2 x 10
Dumb-bell Squats (Dumb bell held under chin) - 2 x 15 @35lbs
Standing Cable Pulls - 2 x 20 @20lbs
Standard Push ups - 2 x 20
Hip Extensions on Stability Ball - 2 x 20 W/5sec pause
Dumb bell Chek Press - 2 x 15 @10lbs
Stability Ball Seated Cable Rotations - 2 x 12/side @ 15lbs
Russian Leg Curls - 2 x 4
Trinity Mountain Run - 0%
30 minutes
3.39miles
Average HR: 137
LIVE FEARLESS. NOT RECKLESS.
Health is Wealth: Strength Circuit - Day 31/243 #Run #Yoga
“The holidays are upon us and I have no idea what to get for 8 billion people this year! Do you have any idea how difficult it is shopping for people who already have dominion over all things?
There’s NOTHING I can give them, that they can’t give to themselves.”
HRV Score: 53
Relative Balance: 8 (sympathetic)
Sleep: 8h 17m
Overall morning mood: Great. Another Strength day.
Meditation Practice:
7:40a
11 minutes
528HZ
Home: Break
Gym: Strength Circuit Day
Grand Staircase Warm up
.5 mile
10 minutes
EG: 200ft
Run -
2.23miles
20 minutes
Average HR: 128, Max 144
Strength Circuit
Romanian Dead lifts (3x12 @50lb Kettle-bell)
Diagonal Cable Wood Chops (3x 12/Side @ 15lbs)
Squat w/Dumbbell press (3x15 @ 35lb Kettle-bell)
Single Arm Cable Push (3x 12/arm @15 lbs)
Kettle Bell Lateral Lunges (3x 12/side @35lb Kettle-bell)
Bent-over Dumbbell Flies (3x15 @10lbs)
External Cable Rotations ( 3x15 @Orange Band)
Cable wood Chop - Static hold (3xSide (60 sec Hold @ 10lbs)
Pull Ups 3x12
Dips 3 x Til Failure
In the garden of my heart, the flowers of peace bloom beautifully. — Thich Nhat Hanh
Yoga: Corepower C1 Class
Class #15
C1 Class 12/15
60 minutes
Average HR: 95, Max 146
Notes: Today’s class was great and much needed. I was having a great day and had a fantastic work out yet somehow I let the stupidity of other drivers get to me. En route to yoga too! What the heck! It was abundantly clear, I was heading where I needed to be, for an hour, on my mat, in a hot room and shutting the world out. I was discussing my intention for class with Jess on the drive over and I was in agreement. Most classes, I have my intention to calmness, which I have feel has been incredibly successful. But what is being calm without sympathy towards others. Perhaps, less feeling sorry, more understanding and compassionate. Today, I am warm, I am compassionate.
Class today was taught by Emily. I had taken her C1 class on Monday as well. I was hoping to take her noon C2 class but was running late at the gym. Thankful to have the time to make the C1 class at 1:30p.
I didn’t pay much attention to the music today, as I seemed to be intently focused on breathing and stretching. Her voice is strong and steady and as said on Monday, it feels like she is just having a fluid conversation all class. Speaking spiritual words of wisdom that everyone relates to while explaining and transitioning the class from pose to pose is no easy feat in my opinion!
“A healer's power stems not from any special ability, but from maintaining the courage and awareness to embody and express the universal healing power that every human being naturally possesses….” - EMV
I initially wasn’t looking forward to any chair twist poses today however something she had said really clicked. Lengthening the through the spine and head before twisting. I noticed it with the first twist we did today. I probably wasn’t where I should’ve been breathing properly though my chair twists, maybe at times I was. In general, I feel the stretch of certain poses deepen as I breathe and exhale through the stretch. Twisting isn’t any different, if anything, twisting exaggerates that feel.
“If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath.” - Amit Ray
The feel of the twists felt more comfortable lengthening first, then leaning, and lastly twisting. I can’t say that I could twist any more or deeper per say, but it certainly felt right. Inhale and lengthen, exhale and twist. The deepening breath feels much better with a long spine. I think I understood what teacher’s have meant when space is created. Particularly in a bent over twist, trying to breathe and stay long.
I thoroughly enjoyed hearing her talking about easing into resistance. A lot times, the postures in yoga can be difficult, frustrating, awkward and even vulnerable. The last thing we want to do is force ourself into a stretch or posture that our body isn’t agreeing with. Easing or softening up to that edge and backing off can do magic in pushing past. I think that is incredibly applicable across the many facets of life. How often does something fork when try to slam or force something into existence. It doesn’t. If anything, it is the culprit to anger and frustration. Breathe…and ease into the resistance..
I learn something new every day, every class. It is not surprising, its great. It makes me happy! Even the slightest or tiniest change or correction can make worlds of difference.
“Remember..it is the small things, even smaller than a mustard seed, that moves mountains..”
Thank for another great class and yapping with me afterwards, Emily. Infinite Love & Gratitude!
LIVE FEARLESS. NOT RECKLESS.
Health is Wealth: Stability Circuit - Day 30/243 #RUN #YOGA
“An old soul is not an old soul by virtue of age, but for their patience, self-measure, and happy tears for no apparent reason. ”
HRV Score: 61
Relative Balance: 6 (Parasympathetic)
- First time I’ve seen my parasympathetic activity was abnormally elevated. Typically means your body is actively recovering or beginning to over reach. Light activity is recommended.
Sleep: 8hr 47m
Overall mood: Woke up feeling really good. It was a good day, felt calm and relaxed the whole day. Was up and it before the alarm went off.
Accept responsibility for your life. Know that it is you who will get you where you want to go, no one else.
Meditation: 7:56am - 13minutes - 852HZ
Home: Day 30 - Find What Feels Good
To be uncertain is to be uncomfortable . . .
Gym:
Walk: Grand staircase Warm up
.5miles
10 minutes
EG: 275ft
Run
15min
1.7miles
Average HR: 122
Stability circuit 1 - 3x
REACH-BACKS - 15/SIDE
2. CLAM SHELLS - 15/SIDE
3. PRONE COBRA - 30SEC UP/30 SEC REST X4
4. HIP EXTENSIONS - 20 W/10 SEC HOLD AT TOP
5. SEATED TUMMY VACUUM’S - 25 BREATHS
6. PRONE PLANK - 60/90/120 SECONDS
Core Power Yoga:
Yoga: 60min C2 - Class #14
C2 Class of 3/14
Average HR: 98
Notes: I was initially planning on attending the 1:30p C1 class, but finished up at the gym in time to make the noon C2 class. Parking can be a bitch back there, so I figured I’d chalk this one up to the universe. If a parking spot opened up easily I’d head to class. If not, No sweat, Ill return for the C1 class. I guess, it was meant to be, a parking post opened up right as I pulled down the parking lot and made it up with just a few minutes to spare.
The second reason, I wanted to head to a C2 today, was because I just wanted a break from Twisted Chair Pose, Parivrtta Utkatasana. I’ll get it, I mean it’s just the damn knees staying in line. I just wanted a break from it.
I wasn’t nervous for class at all, I knew I was in for an ass kicking. Jaime was our C2 teacher today. I know I had taken another class from her, but couldn’t remember if it was a C1 or C2. Either way, class was awesome! I was a dripping mess. Not so funny story… Today in class, we were getting ready for sit ups, my legs were diamond-ed out, my hands just touching my neck, and pressing my lower spine into my sweat covered mat. When I went to lift my chest, pressing my lower spine in, it created a suction that made the loudest fart sound ever. I wanted to laugh, I also wanted to tell everyone it was just suction and sweat between my back and mat. All I kept hearing was the kids laughing their heads off. I figured people would make up their own assumptions. haha, Im sorry Jaime.
Anyway class was great. We worked with a strap, which was a first for me. It was painfully obvious how tight my hamstrings still are. The pose I struggled with the most was Extended Hand-To-Big-Toe Poses, Utthita Hasta Padangustasana. I am not able to stick my leg straight out while balancing on the other yet. I think I will start incorporating a strap into my every day stretching. I gotta keep at those hamstrings. They are still the tightest muscle in body. We had started off with Reclining Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose, Supta Padangusthasana, which is a simple stretch I can I can do every day.
I enjoyed the class a lot. She reiterated keeping our intention for the class present. I had forgot my journal, which is a major bummer, there was several things I wanted to write down right away because I had to leave for work from class.
I do feel the C1 classes have been a great start. I found myself looking around, there were several poses that I didn’t know or hadn’t done before today. Which was awesome. It was nice not knowing what was next. And it was awesome doing…err trying new poses today. I think I am going to start balancing out the C1 and C2 classes.
I will most likely couple the C2 classes on Strength, power or Interval Cardio Days, and the C1 class on Stability circuit and low HR cardio days.
I was thinking about my intention for the class, which was I am happy. I read an old journal post where I defined success. I defined success as the ability to wear a tank top, board shorts and crocs every day and travel at my leisure. While the later is not quite yet a reality, the former definitely is! haha.
Great Class Jaime, thank you. I felt full of thought yet present at the same time, the entire class. Infinite Love & Gratitude!
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Pain is physical; suffering is mental. Beyond the mind there is no suffering. Pain is essential for the survival of the body, but none compels you to suffer. Suffering is due entirely to clinging or resisting; it is a sign of our unwillingness to to move on, to flow with life. - Nisargadatta
The Corner of 8th & Insanity:
Surrender is letting go of who you think you are supposed to be so that you can become who you really are, a being of infinite possibility.
LIVE FEARLESS. NOT RECKLESS.
Health is Wealth: Strength Circuit - Day 29/243 #RUN #YOGA
“Next time you feel fear, either right after a major decision or just before one, it usually means you’re exactly where you need to be. ”
HRV Score: 55
Relative Balance: 10 (Parasympathetic)
Sleep: 8h 49m
Overall morning mood: Great. Was excited for strength day to start!
Meditation Practice:
7:53a
10 minutes
528HZ
Home: Yoga - Day 29 - Sweet Surrender
Gym: Strength Circuit
Grand Staircase Warm up
1.11 mile
20 minutes
EG: 397ft
Strength Circuit
Romanian Dead lifts (3x12 @45lb Kettle-bell)
Diagonal Cable Wood Chops (3x 12/Side @ 15lbs)
Squat w/Dumbbell press (3x15 @ 30lb Kettle-bell)
Single Arm Cable Push (3x 12/arm @15 lbs)
Kettle Bell Lateral Lunges (3x 12/side @30lb Kettle-bell)
Bent-over Dumbbell Flies (3x15 @10lbs)
External Cable Rotations ( 3x15 @5lbs)
Cable wood Chop - Static hold (3xSide (60 sec Hold @ 10lbs)
Pull Ups 3x12
Dips 3x15
Notes: Feeling my inner quads, from the lateral lunges. They were sore before my workout was over. Other than that, it was a great workout.
Yoga: Corepower C1 Class
Class #13
60 minutes
Average HR: 95, Max 146
Notes: Class today was taught by Emily Eg. Another awesome class. The music set for class does a pretty good job and determining the tempo of the class. It’s interesting how the teacher’s vibe is a pretty good reflection of the music. It was a really good class today.
It felt like she directed the class in if she was just an having an easy going conversation. I was in pretty rough shape when I got to class. Rough, obviously being an exaggeration, it was just my legs were already crazy sore from the gym. Especially my inner quads. I wasn’t looking forward to any chair positions…at all.
Funny thing, she began discussing some of the poses, I don’t remember which. But her point was that these yoga poses are meant to be uncomfortable and awkward at first. These poses are meant to teach us. We learn to breathe through them. We learn to push past those edges. Our time on mat, the frustrations we overcome, the lessons we learn, can then be carried over into our every day life and help us navigate just that much better.
And on a physical level, they are obviously exposing our weaknesses. Which should be exciting.. something to practice and work on! To get better, and stronger.
It was a great class. I undoubtedly felt better by the end of the class. I asked her a few questions post class regarding Chair and the Chair Twists, Utkatasana. I was concerned with my hips shifting and a knee pushing forward. She gave me pretty good ideas of what to work on, and some alternative twists that can help as well. Thanks much, Infinitive Love & Gratitude!
“In yoga, we purposefully and willingly put ourselves in those uncomfortable positions. We bring ourselves to the edge of discomfort and look for the stillness within. “
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LIVE FEARLESS. NOT RECKLESS.
Health is Wealth: Day of Rest - Day 28/243 #RUN #YOGA
“Letting go gives us freedom, and freedom is the only condition for happiness. If, in our heart, we still cling to anything — anger, anxiety, or possessions — we cannot be free.”
HRV Score: 51
Relative Balance: 7 (sympathetic)
Sleep: 8h 27m
Overall morning mood: Woke up feeling pretty damn good! We fucked twice before getting out of bed at 9am. Best way to start the day. After lounging in bed so late, I was just too antsy to rest, so I went to the gym for a short run and stretch. As my feet hit the ground, I was up and at it and ready to go. I am glad that today was the last day of the active recovery week.
Meditation: 10 minutes
Home: Yoga - Day 28 - Playful Yoga Practice
Gym: Cardio Lite
Grand Staircase Warm up
1 mile
15min
EG: 450td
Trinity Mountains Run
30min
3.37miles
EG: 00ft
Average HR: 126, Max: 147.
Yoga: Corepower C1 Class
Class #12
60 minutes
Average HR: 95, Max 144
Notes: Class was taught by Gretchen at the Rosedale CorePower. Class was great, as usual! It was fun to go with Jess. I always enjoy going to workouts with her. Gretchen puts on a great class that is a work out, but also has an incredibly calming effect as well.
I am noticing strength building in my core. As we get to the bicycle kicks I am not quite to the point where I feel I can do straight leg kicks with the twist, but I am past the point of just holding my knees above my hips while just keep my calves parallel to the ground. I extend the legs, but in a slow and controlled fashion.
Gretchen adjusted me while I was in pigeon. It felt like she squared my hips while simultaneously putting pressure on my back. The stretch felt amazing and deep. Something that is difficult to accomplish in the position by yourself.
I can’t say that I learned anything in particular today. I was doing my best to just focus on breathing.
I felt my head space was great today, class seemed to fly. I could’ve practiced for another a couple of hours easily it seemed. Thanks Gretchen for spending an hour with us. Infinite Love & Gratitude!
The body is your temple. Keep it pure and clean for the soul to reside in.
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The Corner of 8th & Insanity: The ego is complicated. To be brief about our conversation last night. It is your ego that takes offense, feels slight or unappreciative, as a result of how it receives and twists words. Step back, and breathe. The ego self centered that always wants to enlarge itself. The ego is not you. The more you relax, the easier it will be to feel through situations. There is absolutely very little reason to get legitimately upset. Be the Calm.
Different people in your life, evoke different emotional patterns. But it is your ego that attaches to frustration, anger, and resentment. You are conscious enough to know when these thoughts and feelings start to present themselves. Continue to work on letting them go. While gratitude is important, so is compassion and understanding. Nobody is going to think like you do, nor have the same life experiences as you. So, again…compassion. All it takes is understanding that they are where they are, and that is where they are supposed to be. They are walking their path and that is their choice. Not yours. There is no shortage of love. Apathy is a self-imposed illusion that you can drop the moment you allow yourself to open up.
Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison [the delusion of separateness] by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. - Albert Einstein
Realize that destructive patterns are a result of inner suffering. It is a vicious cycle as you tend to treat others how you feel about yourself. It is imperative that you allow compassion to shine through. Compassion allows you to be understanding and love regardless. By connecting and understanding to other’s suffering, know that you too have been there and could very easily be back in the same boat. There is no room for apathy in you. Everyone is deserving of love and happiness.
LIVE FEARLESS. NOT RECKLESS.
Health is Wealth - Week 5 Schedule #RUN #YOGA
“The only thing you need to do is feel good now.”
MONDAY: Strength Circuit
YOGA DAY 29 - Sweet Surrender
MONDAY: REST DAY
Yoga: Corepower C1
TUESDAY: STABILITY CIRCUIT
YOGA DAY 30 - Find What Feels Good
Yoga: Corepower C1
WEDNESDAY: Strength Circuit
PT & Chiropractic Work
Yoga: Corepower C2
THURSDAY: STABILITY CIRCUIT + CARDIO - (30min Aerobic Run)
Yoga: Corepower C2
FRIDAY: Rest Day
SATURDAY: Strength Circuit + CARDIO (30min Aerobic Run)
Yoga: Corepower C1
SUNDAY: Cardio Day - 60min Aerobic Run
Yoga: Corepower C1
LIVE FEARLESS. NOT RECKLESS.
Health is Wealth: Stability Circuit - Day 27/243 #RUN #YOGA
“To define “your” life is to limit it, and to limit it... is to create false beliefs . . . ”
“If you learn to practice love, compassion, joy, and equanimity, you will know how to heal the illnesses of anger, sorrow, insecurity, sadness, hatred, loneliness, and unhealthy attachments.”
HRV Score: 53
Relative Balance: 8 (sympathetic)
Sleep: 8h 27m
Overall morning mood: Felt sluggish and tired from the minute I woke up. I felt Like I slept alright but my eyes did not want to stay open. Alright mood, fucked twice, ate breakfast and headed out to the in-laws. Discussion in the car didn’t improve my mood as I let a few things get to me that I shouldn’t have. Wasn’t looking forward to a birthday part at a brewery. I don’t drink alcohol for two reasons…1. It taste like shit and 2. Its poison for the mind & body. Just one of those day I struggled for no apparent reason.
Meditation: 10 minutes
Home: Yoga - Day 27 - Flexible, Fearless, & Fun
Gym: Stability Circuit (Active Recovery Week - Half Sets) 2x
Elliptical - GrandStaircase Warm Up 4%
1 mile
8m 24s
EG: 592ft
Ave Hr 113
Trinity Mountain Run - 0%
45 minutes
Aerobic
5.08 miles
Average HR: 135
Stabilitly Circuit 2 - Active Recovery Week - 2x
Standard Pull Ups - 2 x 10
Dumb-bell Squats (Dumb bell held under chin) - 2 x 15 @35lbs
Standing Cable Pulls - 2 x 20 @20lbs
Standard Push ups - 2 x 20
Hip Extensions on Stability Ball - 2 x 20 W/5sec pause
Dumb bell Chek Press - 2 x 15 @10lbs
Stability Ball Seated Cable Rotations - 2 x 12/side @ 15lbs
Russian Leg Curls - 2 x 4
“Keeping your body healthy is an expression of gratitude to the whole cosmos; trees, clouds, everything.”
Notes: Gym went exceptionally well. It was an active recovery week, so half the sets were name of the game. I hopped on the treadmill and was able to keep my heart rate down easier than usual. You know, one of the key take away’s from yesterday’s Yoga class was matching breath to the intensity of the exorcise. As I was running, I was taking deeper breathes through the nose and pushing out through the mouth just a little more than usual. It was awesome. I felt energized and ready to go after my run. I was only supposed to run for 15-20 minutes, but as I was breathing, I just sort of zoned out. Either way, It felt great on the body from the head down to my toes and my heart rate never breached 145.
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“If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath.”
The Corner of 8th & Insanity: Today you had an opportunity to open some doors to conversation or perhaps step back and respond to this similar issue a different way. But you didn’t. I mean, it was a pretty clear failure at an opportunity. Don’t worry, I am sure it will arise again and you will be given a another chance. When it does, remember this conversation we had. It would be quite beneficial. Remember, frustration is that of the ego. There was no reason to take that which was said in a personal way. And you did, and proceed to swing to an extreme. It was your ego telling you to feel like a failure. Ego man, EGO. That heart of yours is to remain open…work, breathe through it.
Asking a woman to analyze or fry to fix her own emotions is a negation of her feminine core, which is pure energy in motion, like the ocean. She can learn to surrender her mood to the universe, she can learn to open her heart in the midst of closure, she can learn to relax her edges and trust love, but she will never ‘fix’ anything by analyzing her ‘problem.”
Here is the deal.. she doesn’t want to have to help you. She doesn’t want to figure it out for you. She wants to be able to trust you in your direction, but for her to be able to do that, you need to help her surrender. She needs to trust that you can be strong and stable in your presence, so that she can just let go. She wants to surrender the limits she has put on her feelings. But again, you need to be full as fuck in your love, unwavering and steady. In doing that she will be able to trust the force of love, she will open her heart and love will naturally overflow from that state of pure happiness.
Love her with your whole body. Keep your heart open and breathe through it. She is happiest when she is relaxed in her mind and her heart. “The feminine energy itself is undirected but immense, like the wind and deep currents of the ocean, ever changing, beautiful, destructive and the source of life.” The lesson today, is you have no reason to make any other possible decision than to lean into her with your love always and fully. Til tomorrow…
LIVE FEARLESS. NOT RECKLESS.
Health is Wealth: Cardio Day - Day 26/243
“To put a few “non-things” into a time, space, and material perspective, it’s as if all the love that now bathes the world, comes from a heart 7 zillion times larger than your sun.
Your “guardian angel” is so gigantic, her halo would reach the moon.
And your ultimate happiness is so assured, we’ve been celebrating your life since the day you were born.
Yeah, you insisted - ”
HRV Score: 56
Relative Balance: 10 (Parasympathetic)
Sleep: 8hr 37m
Overall morning mood: Woke up early and was ready to hit the day. I wa so excited to run, that I bolted to the gym as soon as my feet hit the floor without realizing I didn’t sit down to meditate first.
Home: Yoga - Day 26 - Earth Practice, Total Body Yoga
Gym:
Walking Warm Up - Grand Staircase 6%
20 minutes
1 mile
EG: 375ft
Run South Island, NZ: 0%
45min
5.08miles
Average HR: 132
Core Power Yoga:
Class #11
Yoga: 60min C1 Class.
Average HR: 106
Notes: Kathy B was our instructor today and I keep saying this, but definitely one of my favorite classes. What a fucking Boss. You could feel her presence in the room, that is for sure. She reminded me of this room mate in Scottsdale I had that had crazy amount of charisma and confidence. You could feel it.
So far, I have poured the most amount sweat in Nico & Kathy’s C1 classes (not including the two C2 classes I’ve attended). Its definitely a purging kind of sweat. Feels great.
Her choice of tunes was spot on and definitely what I needed today especially during the core work part of the flow. It was that kind of music that drowns out the screaming of your muscle.
Perhaps it was just the kind of mood I was in, but a lot of the time I felt like she was talking to me. Numerous times hearing soften your face, tilt your hips, square your shoulders, reach higher, fucking breathe! Ha One thing that really stuck out was hearing her say that the deepness of your breath needed to match the intensity of your muscle. I can’t remember verbatim, but it was along those lines and it made sense it my head.
She adjusted me in two different positions, that I can remember. The first being, Parivṛtta Aṅjaneyāsana or revolved crescent lunge. I asked her after class what exactly she did because she had her hands on my shoulder and what felt like she pulling backwards and she said she was just helping me deepen the pose and twist. I thought for a second my rear leg was going to vibrate right off my body it was shaking so bad. haha The second was in Eka Pada Rajakapotasana or pigeon. Where in this I think she just helped square my hips a little more.
I haven’t put it all together yet, but I feel like my flexibility is strengthening in some areas where I haven’t seen much improvement in others. I believe I will in time. Sometimes, it’s just frustrating getting older. Partly, because I know where I used to be and partly because I let it go. I suppose your priorities change at different times in your life, it’s just shitty I let my health and body go. Live and you learn..
Anyway, class was rad. I believe my next class with her is the Friday after Thanksgiving. Thanks again Kathy - Infinite Love & Gratitude!
“A photographer gets people to pose for her. A yoga instructor gets people to pose for themselves.”
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Corner of 8th & Insanity: You had a pretty good day, however you know what you missed. Meditation. It was enough to let some meaningless work bullshit knock you off your game midway through the day. You were off to a great start especially on that run. Those thoughts were spot on and you followed through with every one. Trust in the synchronicity. When you see those numbers falling in line, you know you are the right path. Every time you looked at your watch or the screen the numbers were popping out at you. It has worked every time… Just feel it through. I know you were going to rest this afternoon, but heading to Yoga was the right choice. It’s late, so tonight will be brief. Forgive yourself for your mistakes. You are at least at place where you have become aware of your thoughts, and the know how to take a step back first before acting..or speaking. Speaking of which… what did you learn today while reading? If what you are about to say, isn’t more beautiful than silence, don’t say it. Good night, catch you on the corner tomorrow…
LIVE FEARLESS. NOT RECKLESS.
Health is Wealth: Stabiltity Circuit - Day 25/243 #RUN #YOGA
“You don’t even have to know what you want. I’ll take care of that. Just enjoy that you received another day, and the 10,000 miracles within it.
It’s on me...”
HRV Score: 58
Relative Balance: 9 (Parasympathetic)
Sleep: 6hr 15min
Overall mood: I knew I was lacking sleep when I woke but still felt pretty damn good. I stayed up late, watching The Outlaw King on NFLX. Not sure why. ha.
Meditation: 7:46am - 10min - 396Hz
Home: Day 25 - Dancing Warrior Sequence
“Happiness is lighter than a feather,
no one can grasp it.
Suffering is heavier than the earth,
no one can let it go. ”
Core Power Yoga:
Yoga: 60min C1 Class.
Class #10
Average HR: 106
Notes: Ella was our teacher for the C1 class today. Class was awesome. It was only me and one other male student. It was apparent that she had been teaching for quite a while, I thought she was fantastic. It was tough to hear her at times when she was on the other side of the room, but that was also partly due to the music. I particularly enjoyed her emphasis on breath and breathing. Not that the other teachers dont, it just seemed to me, that there was more emphasis placed on breath today. That could also be because there was only two of us in the class, both men, and probably weren’t breathing well! haha. Either way, the more I have attended the C1 classes, the more comfortable I have become with the sequence and pose names.. and it allows me to focus on breathing.
I could tell that I was a little tight from the beginning. I think my body needs a break from class tomorrow. We’ll see how I feel when I wake up. I did have Nico’s advice running in the back of my mind particularity during the Chaturanga Dandasana trying to make sure my hands were close enough to my rib cage. Ella pointed out that my hands and feet should be in the same place in Adho mukha śvānāsana (downward-facing dog) as Chaturanga Dandasana. That helped significantly and made complete sense. I cannot say that downward facing dog is a resting position at this moment in time.
Another moment in class where breath was emphasized was when we were working on Bakasana, Crow pose. I never felt like i had done this pose before while not breathing, but it is apparent now that I definitely was restricting my breathe. The deeper, more full breathes I took, the easier the balance felt. Craziness!
Two poses that I struggle with currently that I want to focus on are Garudasana (eagle pose), as I am not able to completely intertwine my arms and hands. Im not sure if it is due to a tight chest, back or shoulders, Ill ask tomorrow. So I just place my hands on my elbows. I also struggle with keeping my knees completely in line in Parivrtta Utka Asana (Revolved Chair Pose). I felt like I did a pretty good job today, but it took a lot of focus and I ended up falling out of the twist when we twisted to the left. I am excited for these two poses though however, they are weaknesses that have been discovered AND!!!! …. That chair pose in general, fucking drills my inner quads which I know needs work. Exciting stuff. This will help my biking for sure.
Again, class was great. I have yet to attend a class I haven’t enjoyed. After how much sweat poured out of me yesterday I bough a new mat at LULU and the smell was awful. It was tough to get past it today, but I managed. It will go away, it will just take some time sweating and cleaning it I am sure.
We spoke for a while after class. As usual my mouth wouldn’t stop moving. Although, i do have to say I really enjoy the constructive criticism that teachers provide after class. It helps a lot. Ella, Thank you. Infinite Love & Gratitude!
“Breathe…Your breath fuels the fire.”
Gym: Stability Circuit Active Recovery Week - 2x
REACH-BACKS - 15/SIDE
2. CLAM SHELLS - 15/SIDE
3. PRONE COBRA - 30SEC UP/30 SEC REST X4
4. HIP EXTENSIONS - 20 W/10 SEC HOLD AT TOP
5. SEATED TUMMY VACUUM’S - 25 BREATHS
6. PRONE PLANK - 60/90/120 SECONDS
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“Eternity must be a man’s home, moment by moment. Without it, he is lost, always striving, grasping at puffs of smoke. A man must do anything necessary to glimpse, and then stabilize, this ever fresh realization, and organize his life around it. ”
The Corner of 8th & Insanity: Is it a surprise to you how much you have taken to attending Yoga? Do you think there is a reason? Well make our discussion short this evening, but there are a few things I want to mention.
You need to make your life an ongoing process of being who you are, at your deepest, most easeful levels of self. No matter what it is, if you are not living, not consciously making decisions from this truest version of yourself, the results will be superficial and empty. Do you understand what I am saying? This source of who you are, is what you need to live in. We have been discussing ego quite a bit lately. The forms and names the ego takes on. The ego clings to the superficial and shallow. Dig deeper.
You did an incredible job and forcing yourself to meditate this week. It only took one time for you to realize and reap even the slightest of benefits that come with consistent practice. Stay on the path. Continue to practice, continue reading and studying because these are the things that inspire you to live and be the truth. Your truest you. Continue to seek out those that are going to help you grow. Everyone has responsibilities that take your attention away day to day, but even in these moments, try and live from that deepest source. Love. Everyday is a gift. The more you live from this source, the easier it will be to play life with love, humor and appreciation for what it really is.
I am proud of how your handled yourself today. The universe is and will continue to test you with the same problem, the same circumstance until you learn the lesson. You have been putting in much work with the ego, again, stay at it. There is no end here, enjoy the process and every bit it. Or what is the point?
“Happiness is your natural state. Problems come and go. The way you feel depends on what you choose to hold onto.”
LIVE FEARLESS. NOT RECKLESS.
Health is Wealth: Rest Day - Day 24/243 #RUN #YOGA
“Do you know what tickles me?
Besides you, of course...
For every single time-space manifestation, from catching a cold to the accumulation of massive personal wealth, a shifting of props and persons must be choreographed from here with mind-boggling precision. Taking into account not only all of your other thoughts, beliefs, and expectations as they change from moment to moment, but those of everyone else on the planet, so that not one of you, not one, is ever denied getting exactly what you think about.
And to answer the often unasked question, “Yes, you can still have it all, no matter what others in your life might think, say, or do.” ”
HRV Score: 48
Relative Balance: 6 (sympathetic)
Sleep: 8hr 36m
Overall morning mood: I woke up around 3a and was having some pretty lucid dreams that weren’t the most pleasant. I had a difficult time falling back asleep after that. When I did fall back asleep, I ended up snoozing my alarm and woke up thirty minutes late in a panic.
Meditation: 10 minutes - 174hZ
Home: Yoga - Day 24 - Gentle Tummy Yoga
CorePower - Yoga C1 Class
Class #9
60 minutes
Average HR 93, High was 157
Notes: At first, I was hesitant to go as it was a rest day but I am glad that I went. I was sweating up a storm, which hasn’t been the case in the C1 classes I have taken. The sweat felt good, but need to get a better mat.
Nico was the instructor for the class. I could tell he was irritated when I was at the desk when he walked out of the class he was teaching previously, however i believe it was due to the woman who was cleaning at the moment opening the door early as I heard him say, “ Yeah, don’t do that again.” haha The tone in his voice gave me a good chuckle, inside of course! Sorry Nico. Ha. On the flip side, I thought his class was awesome and provided the most amount of feed back I have received thus far of my practice. It was appreciated so much! I love constructive criticism.
My mind wasn’t entirely present when I first settled into class. Normally, i fixate my gaze into a corner of the hardwood about 5-6 feet in front of my mat and keep it there. Today, I was distracted by movement in my peripheral vision. I don’t remember if he mentioned setting an intention. He probably did, I just was stuck in my own head, I am sure. My intention was what it has been, I am calm. As we transitioned into the core work part of the flow, I changed my intention from I am Calm, to I am focused. I believe it helped. I knew that standing balance postures were coming up and I knew that I had to focus or I would be falling on my ass.
On to what I learned. Like I said, Nico provided the most amount of feedback both during and after class. SO THANKFUL! To begin, in Chaturanga Dandasana my hands were placed too far forward as it allowed for my chest to collapse. By shifting my hands back and closer to my rib cage, I felt the muscle contract more in my triceps and lower chest. Secondly, in Trikonasana just need open the chest a little more. He also mentioned that in reverse triangle the initial thought is to bend backwards while it is intention is to lift up with the arm and open up the chest while the rear arm just rests gently on the rear leg.
As noted in my journal yesterday, I had a question about my knees shifting in Parivrtta Utka Asana or Revolved Chair Pose. He seemed to have read my mind and discussed it in class. He did say that shifted correctly as I shifted back into my heels slightly more so that my knees remained in line. I struggled with this pose today and could feel it it my inner quads. Muscles that definitely need some work!
Interesting! I just learned that Utkata means powerful or fierce..
I might be forgetting some others, and will add more later if they come to mind.
Perhaps I talk too much. I just need to shut my yap and listen. Listen more, and listen to learn. Stop fucking listening to respond. Bad habit. That is something I have to focus on.
All in all a great class and I look forward to taking another of his classes.
Infinite Love & Gratitude
“Change is not something that we should fear. Rather, it is something that we should welcome. For without change, nothing in this world would ever grow or blossom, and no one in this world would ever move forward to become the person they’re meant to be.”
The Corner of 8th & Insanity: You need to be aware that your ego takes on many names. Resentment and judgement are two that come to mind that we need need to talk about and you most definitely need to work on. You are on a path and to you it feels right. You core set of beliefs are changing and evolving. That is okay. As you begin to awaken you are going to have a lot of questions. Questions you may not find answers to for sometime. Be patient. You are not alone walking, but remember people out there are on their own path. They are at their own place at their own pace. That is okay too. You and I may believe things should be a certain way, that people should be or act in a certain way. But it is no your place or mine to judge their behavior on a grand scale. Accept what is! Yes, you are correct in the sense that if someone is toxic, to remove them from your life. That isn’t necessarily passing judgment, that is making a decision to whom you choose to share your energy with. What I am talking about is the thoughts in your conscious mind. The negative and ill thoughts towards other based on their decisions. If you don’t agree with them, it is your responsibility to be the shining light in your world and to set an example. You have no room or place in your heart to judge others. You too have made mistakes. You too have chosen to act in a way or behaved in a away that you are not proud of. It is because of those mistakes you are where you are. It is why you know what you know. Because you are starting to see the light, you have no pedestal to stand on. They may not be perfect…neither are you. Chill out. Be happy. Be an example. That is how you see the change, you need to be the change.
“Within our true selves is a constant state of love. ”
Love in your heart. And that is the language we all share and speak. Judgmental attitude effects every aspect of your life. It casts a cloud over your vision and your ability to step back and be compassionate. These moments of judgment are another version of self hate that you are working towards ridding yourself of. If any of them, it may be your biggest hurdle, but I have confidence that you will over come. It is a process and will not happen over night. Nobody expects it to. Love is the answer…Unconditional acceptance is the answer. Another way to look at it is, their behavior…like your behavior and choices are a part of your path. They are inherently important because they are keys to who you and they are becoming. It is necessary hurtle for them to over come as it is you. Be patient. Be accepting. Mistakes are a part of life and they are part of the exploration. Be the person that learns from mistakes. That is the type of person that we all love.
“When we practice love and acceptance, it becomes our initial and natural response. ”
Isn’t it funny how the ego has its way of playing these games with us? The ego want s to grow and builds itself up. Its sees survive, remember? I have been watching you closing and I can see that you are getting better addressing your ego. Keep at it. Keep doing what you are doing. Meditation and yoga allow you calm yourself. It is in that ability to remain calm, that you can step back when the ego presents an idea, and you are able to make a conscious choice. That is how we get better. That is conscious living.
The more you learn to love yourself, you will realize that subconscious monsters exist, but you are not surprised when they arise. Because in that true love, that true acceptance, you realize that is what disolves them in the first place! Flood those shadows with light my man. The point in this is that when you feel strongly about something, you know when you see something you don’t agree with, judgment may arise. Step back, forgive yourself of the thoughts and let them go. Replace them with positive vibes and send them back out into the universe. You got this.
“Old solutions are only of use when applied to old problems. If you want to be creative, try to forget that you have all the experience. ”
LIVE FEARLESS. NOT RECKLESS.
Health is Wealth: Stability Circuit - Day 23/243 #RUN #YOGA
“Baby souls see what’s wrong.
Young souls see what’s right.
And old souls, know better.”
HRV Score: 53
Relative Balance: 8 (sympathetic)
Sleep: 9h 5m
Overall morning mood: Felt fucking fantastic. Got plenty of sleep and was coming off the previous day’s good mood. Super proud that I was able to get to the floor and meditate both yesterday and this morning. Will keep the ball rolling and incorporate it into my morning routine to force the habit.
Meditation: 15 minutes
Home: Yoga - Day 23 - Freedom & Forgiveness
Gym: Stability Circuit (Active Recover Week - Half Sets) 2x
Walk - GrandStaircase Warm Up 6%
1 mile
15 minutes
EG: 200ft
Ave Hr 124
Trinity Mountain Run - 20 minutes
Aerobic
2.27miles
Average HR: 138
Standard Pull Ups - 3 x 10
Dumb-bell Squats (Dumb bell held under chin) - 3 x 15 @35lbs
Standing Cable Pulls - 3 x 20 @20lbs
Standard Push ups - 3 x 20
Hip Extensions on Stability Ball - 3 x 20 W/5sec pause
Dumb bell Chek Press - 3 x 15 @10lbs
Stability Ball Seated Cable Rotations - 3 x 12/side @ 15lbs
Russian Leg Curls - 1 x 5, 1 x 4, 1 x 3
CorePower: C1 Class
Class #8
60min
Average HR: 101
Notes: Class was taught bought by Ellen. She was great and inviting from when I walked in. Definitely smiling. Class was amazing. She did assist me with a seated forward fold. I have come a long way already in that position, but I want to get my head to me knees.
Can’t say I learned anything in particular other that my old bod is still a bit tight! haha. During the chair to twist poses, I was doing my best to keep my knees in line. I was wondering if one knee started to drop, did that mean I was twisting from my hips and not my core? I mean to ask after class but I forgot.
After attending classes for a week, it feels a lot better flowing from pose to pose, as I have a better idea of what they are. I appreciate the early cues, as in maybe 3-4 breathes prior to the transition. Where I have noticed the most improvement is really just in my overall flexibility, It has only been a week, but i have noticed it especially in pigeon. It feels so damn good sinking those hips all the way to the ground. If I had to pick on thing I learned in this class particularly, it would be that flow from chaturanga to up dog. I was kind of blending them together and not breathing thru them correctly. It will all come! Patience, and self love, which was the intention I have been setting for most classes. I am calm. I love myself. Every class, my breathing improves, which is awesome ;)
“The subject tonight is Love.
And for tomorrow night as well...
As a matter of Fact, I know of no better
topic for us to discuss until we all die!”
The Corner of 8th & Insanity: First off, I want to say that I am proud of you for taking the time to sit down and meditate yesterday. And believe it or not, again today! Every nitwit on the interweb has a different number, but you know what they say. It takes time to force and create a habit. I want you to continue to force yourself to sit down and meditate every day, at a minimum for ten minutes. Can you see how calm an relaxed you are. It’s been a hell of a lot easier sitting back and making conscious decisions hasn’t it? I bet you haven’t even let a single thing get you worked up the last couple of days. You know, you have Yoga to thank for that as well. This is a new chapter for you, I am proud of you. Keep at it.
“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.”
Tonight we shall discuss fear a bit before I kick your ass to bed. Fear and worry are pretty close to one in the same. Listen, none and I mean none of this shit, fucking matters. You have to realize that first and foremost. You have been force fed a lie your entire life. Everyone has. Like there is this lack of anything you want on this planet. There is not. It is this giant circle jerk of bullshit. Go to school, get good grades, go to more school, get a job, work in a fucking box so you can buy a car and then a house, then you can remodel your goddamn kitchen. Then show it off on facebook, oh while you are at it don’t miss happy hour. How is it that it socially acceptable to revolve your whole fucking life around alcohol anyway. You know man - you got it right long ago. What is the point of drinking that poison just to piss that money out thirty minutes later? I dont get it. I know you don’t either. The point is, all of these things that seem to be these needs in people’s lives are really just shit that doesn’t matter. If you simplify your life, you eliminate stress, fear and worry from it. I know were on the same page on this. Am I preaching to the choir? I got off topic, I tend to rant.. so do you.. hahah We have that in common. Lets get back to this…Fear…Worry…
When you feel stress, epinephrine is at work in your body for quite a while. The question is, how healthy and how happy do you want to be? Because here is the deal, the more you let fear and worry run rampant within yourself, the more unhappy and unhealthy you will be. Stress is the silent killer. As you have seen since you started yoga, you have been calmer and more relaxed as a result. Your mind is clear. You really are starting to get it aren’t you? The beauty of this, is it is a giant puzzle for you to work through and I am happy you are enjoying it. Your fears are only fears of your ego. Remember that. And what do we do when the ego present itself? You take a step back, you breathe and accept it. You address it and make a conscious choice. You have to learn to love your fear. Why? It will help you transcend it.
There is an African parable that should help you understand a little better; When lions hunt on the savanna, they divide into two groups. The stronger group hides on one side of the prey. The weaker group goes to the other side and growls as loudly as possible. The prey then runs from the roar and their escape leads them right into the strong group’s trap. Moral of the story? In times of worry, or fear run towards that fucking ROAR. As you battle it our, poor choice of words…as you retrain your ego please please please remember that addressing your fear is no different than any other name you’ve given your ego. It will free you and that is what you want. You want that freedom to live consciously.
Get comfortable being uncomfortable. That is what is going to get you where you want to be.
LIVE FEARLESS. NOT RECKLESS.
Health is Wealth: Rest Day - Day 22/243
“Low days exist to remind you that you still have choices.
High days, exist to remind you of how fast you rebound... among other things.”
HRV Score: 60
Relative Balance: 7 (sympathetic)
Sleep: 7hr 39min
Overall morning mood: Felt great. Could feel I didn’t get enough sleep.
Home: Yoga - Day 22 Full Body Awareness
Core Power Yoga:
Yoga: 60min C1 Class.
Average HR: 106
C1 class was slower flow Vinyasa class with a warm room but not near as hot as the C2 class or Hot Yoga class. I loved it.
Notes: It was a rest day but was in a super fucking rad mood all day. Had told myself repeatedly that I needed to start practicing meditating. I have found it to be a struggle to get to the matte at home even for a couple of minutes. Today I forced myself to. I sat a timer and oddly enough, had no problem! It felt too soon when the ringer went off. All around good. day. Ill meet you at the Corner of 8th & Insanity tomorrow. Early to bed tonight, need more sleep!
LIVE FEARLESS. NOT RECKLESS.
Health is Wealth - Week 4 Schedule
“Happiness is the shortcut to anything you want in your life. If you can just manage to feel and be happy now, the rest will come.”