FREEEEEEEDOM!
Health is Wealth: Stability Circuit - 46/243 #RUN #YOGA
“Ever wonder when looking back at your life, why it’s easier to remember the good than the bad, the pleasant than the unpleasant, the laughs than the cries?
It’s simply because there’s always a lot more of the former. ... In every life. ”
HRV Score: 61
Relative Balance: 8 (parasympathetic)
Sleep: 8h 32m7h 21m
Overall morning mood: Woke up feeling okay. I woke up an hour and half before my alarm and didnt go back to sleep. I felt like I slept pretty good. I have been listening to different and sounds and frequencies while I sleep. Last, I listened to generic forest sounds, a couple of howls and crickets.
Meditation Practice - 7:44a - 10m 45s - 5hz Theta
“Wherever you are is the perfect place to awaken. This moment is the exact place to practice compassion and loving awareness. You have all the ingredients to breathe and find freedom just where you are.”
GYM: Stability Circuit
Run - Warm Up
19m 51s
2.27mi
Average HR: 125. Max: 141.
EG: 147ft
Stability Circuit
Reverse Band Turns - Red Band: 15/Arm 3x
Banded Side Walks - Black Band: 15/Leg 3x
Prone Cobra w/Single Leg Lift: (10sec/Leg x3 = 60sec) 3x
Hip Extensions (Feet on Stability Ball) 15 w/10sec pause - 3x
Banded Y,T,L,W’s - Single Leg - 3x
Y - yellow band 15/leg
T - Red Band 15/leg
L - yellow band 15/leg
W - yellow band 15/leg
Single Leg Plank - (15sec per Leg x2) - 3x
Single Leg Tri Pushdowns - 10/leg @35lbs - 3x
Push ups 3x15
Pull Ups 3x12
Russian Curl 3x4
The Corner of 8th & Insanity:
People turn sullen over a trivial emotional matter and then attack the person later with an unrelated but logical-sounding excuse.
LIVE FEARLESS. NOT RECKLESS.
Health is Wealth: Cardio Day 45/243 #RUN #YOGA
“Think of the one area of life that brings you the most discomfort and know that’s where you’re ripe for growth. Never fails -”
HRV Score: 53
Relative Balance: 6 (sympathetic)
Sleep: 8h 32m
Overall morning mood: I woke up feeling pretty tight, but rested. Not sore at all.
I was excited for week 7 to start on this program. Today was a strength circuit and was looking forward to change.
Meditation Practice: 7:44am - 11m 20s - 5hz Theat
So far, this was my favorite tune to practice meditating to. Amazing.
“Unchecked assumptions eventually become delusions. Every action influenced by a delusion hurts us to some extent; it pushes us further away from the true nature of things.”
GYM: Cardio Day
RUN
Trinity Mountains - 2%
55min
6.50miles
EG: 350ft
Average HR: 133
NOTES: Found it abnormally easy to keep my HR down today. I tried that shilajit again, no preworkout. I didn’t see my heart rate start to rise above 130 until 35-40min into my run and even then it never spiked above 140. It felt great. Legs and lungs…Also! I almost forgot… I didnt listen to music today. I listen to that theta frequency I practiced mediating to. It was awesome.
YOGA: Corepower C1
60min
Class #24
C1 Class 18/24
Average HR: 103. Max: 137
Teacher: Nico
Notes: Great class today. It was small. I think I was one of three or four other people. I really enjoy these small classes. Nico helped me a lot today. He helped with my seated forward fold and he also helped me in extended triangle, Trikonasana. I have to consciously think about bending my knees in forward folding postures so that I hinge at my hips. He also helped me with a couple of hand stand suggestions. Working on L-jumps and planting my hands slightly closer to the wall. I believe his main point was to not focus on practicing entirely against the wall or you may start to use the wall as a crutch. Which, I whole heatedly agree with. Class was great today. Put on a sweat and left feeling amazing.
Thank again Nico, Infinite Love & Gratitude!
LIVE FEARLESS. NOT RECKLESS.
Health is Wealth: Strength Day 44/243 #RUN #YOGA
“When was the last time you pleasantly surprised or even shocked someone, and remained anonymous?
Well, it just may be the most fun one can have in time and space. ”
HRV Score: 57
Relative Balance: 8 (Parasympathetic)
Sleep: 9h 44m
Overall morning mood: I feel like the more sleep I get the better I feel. Sounds dumb to say that. Like Duh… Of course you do stupid. Ha! Not sure why fight sleep the way we do. Although, I do think my sweet spot is between 8.5 and 9 hours of sleep.
I was excited for week 7 to start on this program. Today was a strength circuit and was looking forward to change.
Meditation Practice: 8:11am - 12m 15s - 174Hz
“Let her sleep, for when she wakes, She will move mountains”
GYM: Strength Circuit
Warm Up Run
Trinity Mountains 2%
20min
2.28miles
EG: 144ft
Ave HR: 132
Strength Circuit 3X
Deadlifts - 3x20 @205lbs
Standing Pulls in Squat 12@35lbs 12@35lbs 12@50bls
Incline cable press 3X12/Arm @20lbs
Lunge with Dumbbell Curl to Press 3X8/L @25lbs
Stability Ball Dumbbell press 3x12 @45lbs
Horizontal Cable Chops 3X12/s @20lbs
Up downs (planks) 3x10/side
Cable Crunches 3x15/side @25lbs
Cool Down Run
10m
1.18mile
EG: 000ft
Average HR: 139
Yoga: Core Power C1 & C2
12p C2 Class
Class #22
C2 6/22
1h 18m
Ave HR: 104 Max: 148
Teacher: Jamie
130p C1 Class
Class #23
C1 17/23
1h 22m 44s
Ave HR: 110. Max: 143
Teacher: Ellen
Notes: Overall notes from the gym and yoga…
Awesome workout at the gym. I know I can push the weight and probably the reps on everything. It felt awesome. I took video of my dead lifts. I was going slow and from I could tell, I was really happy with my form. I don’t anticipate any sort of soreness other than from lifting weight for the first time in about 9-10 weeks.
I felt strong. I wanted to get to yoga so i thought I would get to the C2 class at noon. I am glad that I did. I once again thoroughly enjoyed her class of ass kicking. I was definitely warm, which was nice. I wish I had the time to journal quick after class before heading to work so I would remember more.
I was pouring sweat. It felt so good. I know one question I mean to ask was; when do I know when my rear foot should be up on the ball mount or driving backwards through my heel.
Not that Jamie didn’t kick my ass enough, I decide to stay for the C1 class at 130 as well. I enjoy Ellen’s class as well very much. The C1 was a nice addition to the C2 class as I was able to slow it down and really focus on breathing correctly. I am still so green to the C2 classes that I feel kind of all over the place.
I really wanted to push it today to see how my body would handle it and how sore, if at all, I would be tomorrow. Tomorrow is an easy cardio day.
Thanks much Jamie and Ellen for great classes today, Infinite Love & Gratitude!
What a killer day!!
LIVE FEARLESS. NOT RECKLESS.
Health is Wealth: Day 43/243 - Stability Circuit #RUN #YOGA
“To what extremes would you go to bring about your heart’s fondest wishes, to manifest your greatest desires, and to live your boldest dreams?
OMG - Did you just say visualize daily and take baby steps?!”
December Mindset: The month that represents a closing and a new start. The month that wants you finish strong and let go of what is no longer needed. When December is over, leave the negative thoughts and the bad energy behind. You have a fresh start ahead of you, so gear up to give it your best and use your energy wisely!
HRV Score: 61
Relative Balance: 7 (Parasympathetic)
Sleep: 8h 13m
Overall morning mood: I woke up feeling 10x better than yesterday. Didn’t feel tight or stiff at all. Read for week 7 of my program to start!
Meditation Practice: 7:44am - 11m 24s - 174Hz
“Never judge someone’s character based on the words of another. Instead, study the motives behind the words of the person casting the bad judgment”
GYM: Stability Circuit 3x
Warm Up Run
Trinity Mountains - 2%
20minutes
2.24miles
EG: 268ft
Average HR: 124
Reverse Band Turns - Red Band: 15/Arm 3x
Banded Side Walks - Black Band: 15/Leg 3x
Prone Cobra w/Single Leg Lift: (10sec/Leg x3 = 60sec) 3x
Hip Extensions (Feet on Stability Ball) 15 w/10sec pause - 3x
Banded Y,T,L,W’s - Single Leg - 3x
Y - yellow band 15/leg
T - Red Band 15/leg
L - yellow band 15/leg
W - yellow band 15/leg
Single Leg Plank - (15sec per Leg x2) - 3x
Single Leg Tri Pushdowns - 10/leg @35lbs - 3x
Push ups 3x15
Pull Ups 3x12
NOTES: Awesome work out today. Everything felt good. I think I could substitute dumbbells eventually during my YTLW’s although that was a lot of reps for the shoulders.
YOGA: Core Power C1
Class #21
C1 16/21
60 minutes
Average HR: 100 Max: 142.
Teacher: Jamie
NOTES: Class today was taught by Jamie. I have thoroughly enjoyed every one of her classes so far. I mean, I’m fairly certain there will not be a class I won’t enjoy!
Similarly to previous classes, I enjoy how much she speaks. She is like therapist, doctor and yogi combo platter. Clearly, she doesn’t charge enough for her classes! haha I just feel the connection between what you accomplish on the mat and how that correlates to outside the hot room. It’s all connected and it all translates. It is easier to remember things said in class when you start to connect dots and it makes the classes more meaningful, in my opinion.
Every class I seem to take a little bit more with me. Its great. Really great.
“Decide that wherever you are, is the best place there is. Once you start comparing, there's no end to it.” - Sodo Yokoyama
We spoke a bit before and after class. She had suggested moving my hands closer while trying to work on nailing a handstand. I tried again after class, and what a crazy difference it made. Not quite there yet, but I will get it!
I didn’t attend any classes at all this weekend. Saturday was hard strength workout and Sunday was a full on rest day which was needed. I practiced a lot on Saturday at home and was extremely sore Sunday. Rest was needed and I respected that. I have had a pretty clear and open head arriving for Monday classes, today was no different. It is easier
I didn’t realize that she was one of our teachers for teacher training, but she is which is awesome since I enjoy her classes so much! I am excited for that to start!
Thanks again Jamie for a great class today, Infinite Love & Gratitude!
Internet Fact or Fiction: Foods that cause Inflammation - Meat, dairy, fried foods, alcohol, bacon and sugar. Foods that reduce inflammation are raw fruits and vegetables.
The Corner of 8th & Insanity: If you want her to support your quest for freedom, you must honor and support her in her love of loving. There is a large difference between the masculine and feminine sexual essence, learn the differences between the two and you will be better off. Not only learn, but embrace it.
Alignment. Think about your alignment with yourself and your highest purpose. It is difficult to feel at ease when your life mission or purpose is off kilter. That is just the way of the masculine sexual essence. At times, I know you have thought it was stress or some other menial distraction that doesn’t allow you to remain present. The truth is your alignment is off, which is no secret, you know this... You know where you are at, you don’t know what is next, and you are having a difficult time releasing that. When you align your life with your highest purpose, I promise you, becoming more loving, present and humorous will come with ease and just flow. Just my two cents for the day…Catch you lata Senor!
LIVE FEARLESS. NOT RECKLESS.
Health is Wealth: Week 7 Schedule #RUN #YOGA
“I was looking for someone to inspire me, motivate me, support me, keep me focused… Someone who would love me, cherish me, make me happy, and I realized all along that I was looking for myself”
MONDAY: STABILITY CIRCUIT
YOGA: COREPOWER C2
TUESDAY: STRENGTH CIRCUIT
YOGA: COREPOWER C2
WEDNESDAY: CARDIO DAY (RUN 60MIN)
PT & CHIROPRACTIC WORK
YOGA: COREPOWER C1
THURSDAY: STABILITY CIRCUIT + CARDIO - (30MIN AEROBIC RUN)
YOGA: COREPOWER C2
FRIDAY: CARDIO DAY (RUN 75MIN)
SATURDAY: REST DAY
SUNDAY: CARDIO DAY (RUN 60MIN
LIVE FEARLESS. NOT RECKLESS.
Health is Wealth: Day 42/243 - REST DAY #YOGA #RUN
“It’s very important that we re-learn the art of resting and relaxing. Not only does it help prevent the onset of many illnesses that develop through chronic tension and worrying; it allows us to clear our minds, focus, and find creative solutions to problems. ”
HRV Score: 60
Relative Balance: 9 (Parasympathetic)
Sleep: 8h 46m
Overall morning mood: Woke up feeling like a rest day was needed. Body is super tight and extremely sore from all the hand stand practice yesterday.
Meditation Practice: 9:42am - 12 minutes - 528Hz
“I believe that a trusting attitude and a patient attitude go hand in hand. You see, when you let go and learn to trust The Universe, it releases joy in your life. And when you trust The Universe, you’re able to be more patient. Patience is not just about waiting for something… it’s about how you wait, or your attitude while waiting.”
HOME:
Strech
Yoga Practice
Psoas Trauma Release
LIVE FEARLESS. NOT RECKLESS.
Health is Wealth: Day 41/243 - Strength Circuit #RUN #YOGA
“A warrior of light is never in a hurry. Time works in his favour; he learns to master his impatience and avoids acting without thinking”
HRV Score: 52
Relative Balance: 9 (Parasympathetic)
Sleep: 8hr 4m
Overall morning mood: Slept great. Ready for a hard strength circuit day and the realx the rest of today and rest day tomorrow.
Meditation Practice: 11:42am - 13 minutes - 528Hz
“Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness. It is far better take things as they come along with patience and equanimity.”
GYM: Strength Circuit
Warm Up Walk
Grand Staircase - 6%
11minutes
.55mi
EG 165ft
Run
Triniity Mountains - 0%
20minutes
2.25miles
Average HR: 129
Strength Circuit
Romanian Dead lifts (3x12 2-50lb dumb bells)
Diagonal Cable Wood Chops (3x 12/Side @ 20lbs)
Squat w/Dumbbell press (3x15 @ 50lb Kettle-bell)
Single Arm Cable Push (3x 12/arm @20 lbs)
Kettle Bell Lateral Lunges (3x 12/side @45lb 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
Bench Press 3x10 @135lbs + Red Bands
Dips 3 x Til Failure
“Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires courage”
LIVE FEARLESS. NOT RECKLESS.
Health is Wealth: Day 40/243 - Cardio Day #RUN #YOGA
“The great perfection, lies in the fact that no matter what happens next, you’ll be richer for it. ”
HRV Score: 57
Relative Balance: 9 (Parasympathetic)
Sleep: 8h 14m
Overall morning mood: Woke up rested but extremely tight. I was excited to run, especially considering I couldn’t keep my hear rate down yesterday! I gave Shilajit a try again today, much smaller amount and no pre-workout before the gym. AMAZING!
Meditation Practice: 7:39am - 12m42s - 174hz & 285hz
Friday Affirmations for meditation:
Thank you for this new day.
I am grateful for another chance to live my life.
I invite gratitude into my heart.
Today, and every day moving forward I will have the attitude of gratitude.
I choose to be patient. I choose to trust the process. Everything I have visualized, intended, prayed and worked on is in the process of manifesting. I will remain centered and at peace. I will be strong and continue to believe. It’s all about to happen for me.
A grateful heart is a beginning of greatness. It is an expression of humility. It is a foundation for the development of such virtues as prayer, faith, courage, contentment, happiness, love, and well-being.
GYM: Cardio Day
Walking Warm up - 6%
.75miles
11:11m
Average HR: 104
Run - Trinity Mountains 2%
60 minutes
6.87miles
EG: 300ft
Average HR: 135 - Consistently stayed between 130 & 145
NOTES: I reminded myself not to drink a preworkout before heading to the gym today and my run went fantastic. I was easily keeping my HR under 130 before stepping up speeds about thirty minutes into the run.
I felt crazy tight in my inner quads and groin. Most likely from the amount of stretching yesterday. I rolled out my hips, quads, IT bands, and hams intermittently during my warm up walk and then again at the thirty minute mark of my run. It helped and I felt pretty damn warm and loose by the time my hour on the treadmill was up.
I need remind myself that I don’t ever need a prerworkout really. If anything, on heavy strength or intense stability days. I am usually so amped to run or ride by the time my cardio days come around anyway, the juice is already raging through my veins.
“Gratitude based on a faith that everything that happens or doesn’t happen in your life is for your own best interests. That we live in a purposeful universe. Life is always for you; it is never against you. It is a fact that blessings sometimes come wrapped in fear, pain, and tears. In choosing to practice unconditional gratitude you are choosing to trust the process, to honor your feelings and to place your faith in an outcome of inevitable grace.” ~ William Holden
YOGA: Corepower C2
Class #20
C2 5/20
60 minutes
Average HR: 109
Teacher: Jen
NOTES: C2 classes are tough but so enjoyable. I feel like I sweat out every negative emotion and toxin in my body. The 60 minutes just isn’t enough sometimes. Well, I say that after the core fire section of the class. Holy shit, my abdominals were on fire today. Although I had a thought, during class today. Something I watched on Gaia and read in TITOY, that is attachment. Attachment to my physical body. I think if I can begin to detach from that attachment I can breathe and push past any amount of physical pain. Maybe, maybe not? I will find out.
Jen is an awesome teacher, the best. She is like the HBIC mother bear whirring encouraging, confident and charismatic words of wisdom all class. Her voice ebs and flows with the intensity of the music and it helps a lot! The confidence she radiates is crazy infectious. Focusing on breathing and remaining mentally engaged (listening to the teacher) helps negate the pain or muscle burn in certain postures.
I enjoy the C2 classes because I don’t know what is coming next. It is one of my favorite aspects of these classes. I don’t want to know and it helps to remain mentally focused.
I could tell my muscle was starting to fatigue. Especially in the one-legged pigeon, Eka Pada Rajakapotasana. I felt my right ham start to cramp but caught it soon enough that it didn’t fully tighten up. THANK THE HEAVENS. Both hams were tight and felt it in both, but mostly in my right.
My breathing seems to be great in some classes and not so much in others. I need to really focus on it because I know how important it is. I’d rather not pass out in class from holding my breath.
Ujjayi Breathing
The breath of VICTORY!
Pranayama
Prana means life force or breath sustaining the body; Ayama translates as "to extend or draw out." Together two mean breath extension or control.
Class today was great, Jen’s focus was inspiring gratitude. Thank you for an amazing class once again. Infinite Love & Gratitude!
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” —Albert Einstein
Notes & Quotes: The Inner Tradition of Yoga Pgs. 27-33 - Marga
Yoga as a path is the way out of our present conditioning and the way toward freedom from habitually ensnaring conditions.
Freedom is always “freedom from”
Enlightenment is a movement in which we free ourselves from what obstructs and entraps us.
The Sanskrit term for “path” is marga.
It is important to find the path that is appropriate to the practitioner in the present.
“Resistance follows every step of the way” - Freud
Our whole life gets rolled into practice
Yoga is the practice of finding within ourselves freedom from the sense of being caught in the impermanent and limited situations.
Freedom is living in such a way that we are not hemmed in or entangled in the situations we encounter.
We learn to preserve an inner psychological stillness of non-reactivity and ethical action, which is equivalent to freedom.
Symptoms of conditioning are not only reflections of a world out of balance but are the means by which we see the world.
Enlightenment (Moska) is here and now.
The point of this process is recognizing the self out of balance in a world out of balance, and that we practice to harmonize both…
The path of yoga offers a freedom from the struggle of trying to create permanence in an ever changing existence.
Yoga practice deals with the common hypnotic state of suffering and a conditioned existence in which we find ourselves spinning.
LIVE FEARLESS. NOT RECKLESS.
Health is Wealth: Day 39/243 - Stability Circuit #RUN #YOGA
“Of course, the human anatomy has countless built-in performance enhancement mechanisms: You sweat when you’re hot, you smile when vulnerable, and you know when you’re being watched.
But, I bet you didn’t know you have the instinctual ability to instantly acclimate to miraculous life changes, avalanches of abundance, amazing new friendships, and your “star” suddenly blasting off.
This is by design. It’s in your genes. Perfectly natural.
Just didn’t want you to be caught off guard by your own adaptability. You’d look remarkably out of place with your mouth agog while on some red carpet, tanning in St. Tropez, or driving along the coast in your hot new solar powered convertible. ”
HRV Score: 54
Relative Balance: 9 (sympathetic)
Sleep: 6h 28min
Overall morning mood: I woke up tired. I worked late last night and didn’t get to bed until a little after midnight. Tired and sluggish, definitely was feeling the lack of sleep. I wanted to get out of bed, I wanted to run, at the same time, I wanted to go back to sleep.
“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.”
GYM: Stability Circuit
Walking Warm Up - Grand staircase 6%
.77miles
12min
EG 350ft
Average HR: 112
Stability Circuit
Standard Pull Ups - 3 x 10
Dumb-bell Squats (Dumb bell held under chin) - 3 x 15 @50lbs
Standing Cable Pulls - 3 x 20 @25lbs
Standard Push ups - 3 x 20
Hip Extensions on Stability Ball - 3 x 20 W/5sec pause
Dumb bell Chek Press - 3 x 15 @12lbs
Stability Ball Seated Cable Rotations - 3 x 12/side @ 15lbs
Russian Leg Curls - 3 x 4
Dips 3 x 12 or til failure.
Walk - Trinity Mountains 6%
2 miles
30 minutes
Average HR 128, Max 146
EG: 450 feet
NOTES: My heart rate was completely fucked today. A few reasons. For one, I didn’t eat enough yesterday. And had nothing in my stomach other than an apple on my way to the gym. I decided to give Shilajit a try today. HOWEVER, without thinking I also drank a pre-workout on the way to the gym as well. I do not think or believe they should’ve been mixed. I could’ve also mixed too much shilajit in my water. The correct dosage is half the size of a grain of rice. I was frustrated, and tried to run but my heart rate kept pushing into the mid 140s, so I had to slow it down and walk. I just switched the walk to rolling hills and was able to keep my heart rate under 130.
Shilajit Wikipedia HERE.
YOGA: Corepower C1
Class number 19
C1 - 15/19
60 minutes
Teacher: Ellen Ed
Notes: Ellen is great. She is all smiles all the time it seems. I had to look back at my journal entry from my first class with her and I thought the same thing then too! haha The positive energy radiates, you can feel it throughout class.
Similarly, to class yesterday there wasn’t too much philosophical talk, much more focus on breath, movement and posture. I am wondering if that is because it is a C1 class. I will have to infer tomorrow.
It was initially tough to let my mind go today, as I was frustrated with how my run went at the gym and the inability to keep my heart rate down, however tomorrow is a full on cardio day so I just reminded myself of that and eventually I felt the frustration drift off…Probably around the time, Ellen started murdering my stomach with the Yoga Bicycle Kicks. I notice more in my peripheral vision when I come into class distracted. Either way, I was happy to let it go.
I appreciate the reminders given throughout class to check in with our intention and our breath. It helps us newbs out, or me at least.
I had an enjoyable talk about meditation after, and certainly lookin forward to my next class! Thanks Ellen, Infinite Love & Gratitude!
Learn everything you can, anytime you can, from anyone you can - there will always come a time when you will be grateful you did.
Notes & Quotes: The Inner Tradition of Yoga Pgs. 19-26 - Embracing Suffering
How does one work with the inherent suffering of being human?
Atha = present moment
In Yoga sastra it is said that god dwells in our heart in the form of light, but this light is covered by six poisons: kama, krodha, moha, lobha, matsara, and mada. These are desire, anger, delusion, greed, envy and sloth.
Counter perception: defines the path of yoga as an embrace of one’s suffering. In doing this he uses the complete acceptance as a starting point for practice.
The cure of the symptom begins with love
The impersonal force of love that heals by extending itself to the most interrupted, broken, and ruined parts of ourselves.
We are often attracted to yoga because we are struggling with pain.
Some level of dissatisfaction brings us to yoga, whether we are conscious of it or not.
Life is characterized by dissatisfaction and pervasive lack. We live in impermanent bodies, our relationships change over time, and we will all be separated form people and from places that we love. There’s a tragic dimension that runs through life. Practice in opening to that tragic dimension of life until we can feel the pain of reality, the pain of others, and the pain of the world, without adding pain to pain. Maybe the worst suffering is when we dont know how to be with suffering.
What do we seek to be free of?
If we seek any kind of transcendence, we are already looking for something we do not yet know.
What do we learn about our character when up against the truth of change, the truth of death, the truth of suffering?
“All of human unhappiness is due to the inability to sit still in a room alone.” - Blaise Pascal
Duhkha = suffering
Samsara = The wheel or cycle of repeated suffering
Samsara is a metaphor for meaninglessness
Each moment of experience, whether in stillness or in reactivity, sets up the pattern for the next consecutive moment, and our abilility to skillfully meet every moment with open and undivided attention is possible to astonishing degrees. Every moment conditions the next.
Yoga practice is about breaking free of the cyclic force of habitual activity and distorted mental and emotional forces that drives to act in ways that maintain suffering
Favorite sentence read so far…
All conditioned patterns (samsara) exist in the mind and body as vasanas (memories, subtle impressions of the past, conditioning)
the aim of practice is to bring duhkha to an end by facing samsara in order to uproot the egoist tendencies of the mind. Our psychological and physical patterns, as ingrained and self-perpetuating matrices, keep us bound to the wheel of samsara, to the turning wheel of conditioned existence.
If we are to grow, change, wake up, or heal in any way and to any degree, such transformation is only possible through embracing with awareness this every moment, eve if it is a moment of discomfort, pain, or discontent.
The Corner of 8th & Insanity 8/13/18
The mirror. When you look in it, what do you see? Do you like what you see? You know, I wish I knew who you were. Although, maybe the fact that I do not, makes it easier to spew out what Im thinking. I saw a hypnotherapist today. I thought.. i hoped you'd show up when my world went dark. It was an awesome experience. Im ready for change. Im sick and tired of feeling this way. I can't stand it anymore. I really think this helped a lot.
As my eyes were closed, she was speaking. Im pretty sure I heard everything she said. I kept looking for you and all i saw was this light trying to shine around these black and grey rolling clouds. Id lose focus, or something would redirect my eyes. Each time the light was brighter and seemed to just curl around but the clouds would eventually take over and it kept repeating. Towards the end, or what I thought was the end...a bright light eventually made me squint. Like really bright. I couldn't make out the shape, or anything in particular happening, but it was probably just straight up sunlight.
She told me that it appeared as my body accepted change. That it was processing, not resisting. Thinking back, I dont remember anything she said, other than asking me to pick a shape. A shape that spoke or resonated with me. A diamond popped out immediately. I dont know why. I know I love the way they sparkle in even the slightest amount of light. Anyway, an after thought was pressure. Pressure creates diamonds. If that is the case, I want, out of my life and experiences, a diamond. A life that is unique and special to me, created by me. So far above and beyond the normal. Maybe that is why I want financial wealth. It's not the stuff I want. The freedom, the ability to go anywhere, at anytime by any means desired. Above the norm.
Is that what is coming? It is. I can feel it now. Direction, yes? I know the direction, thats about all i know. I do know that meditation is a must. I have to do it. I will start with even a few minutes a day. Do you meditate? Of course you do. You have the perfect life. And it seeeeems like you have all the answers. So what next?
“A head full of fears has no place for dreams.
We spent the first 30-45 minutes talking. She listened, of course I yapped. Side note: gotta remember to A: journal and b: start thank you journal. The thank you journal, I am going to go back to every memory I have, especially the painful ones, big and small and I am going to thank whomever was involved for give me that experience. It was a chance to learn and grow. I realized, we shouldn't carry that shit with us. you know? So I am going to accept everyone's apology, if they "give" one of course, thank everyone and let it all go. The list shouldnt be too long, i mean i can barely remember a few weeks ago. haha. just kidding. I was kind of thinking I could even make some of them group letters. Like if I was writing a letter to a few people.
anyway, we talked...i talked. she wrote stuff down on the white board. It felt good just to talk unfiltered. Unguarded. She was easy to talk to. I wish I had started seeing a general therapist a long time ago. I mean A LONG ASS time ago. I was a fucking idiot growing up. I didnt want to listen to anyone. I listed to the shit I wish I wouldnt have. And didnt listen to the shit I wish I would have! what the actual fuck. Who does that? Diamond...right? Cmon.. ha!
Another side note: decision... Recreational weed...only gets smoked on adventures. Doesnt matter when or where, but I am limiting to then. Road trips, hiking, biking etc. What eva! #420 has served its purpose as of now. Creative inspiration. A different perspective. Different neural pathways opened. Thats all. It is time to put focus and effort into these new plans that are set in motion which requires the newest and best version of myself.
What you thinkin? I know what I am thinking. You already know. lolol. Yea I do feel a new wave of confident. Its a different feeling. I feel right down in my stomach, belly just glowing. Solar plexus down to my root. Whoah, I just looked up the 7 chakras. As i read the description of each, I felt them. Literally, warmed up feeling. Fucking crazy. You know, life is great. it really it. If you cant.. dont enjoy trying to figure out all this out, whats the point. It just takes some time and puzzling it out. I think for me, well again, i have no clue what the fuck im gonna do. but at least i know the general direction. so two things I gotta focus on...meditation and journaling... my blog. Your... higher purpose is..freedom. well, mine, not yours. you already are free. You are gonna help me get there. right?
today was good. I needed that. In a way I felt a lot lighter leaving. Another tid-bit. The idea behind the the thank you journal. Well, ...a gratitude journal, is that it's away to turn every negative experience into something positive and then letting it go. In away, I can say thank you for teaching me....xyz and then put it to rest. Wish I would've thought of that sooner. Ill start tomorrow with that one, for now I gotta get some sleep. Its time to start dreaming again. Peace out... I love you.
11:11
LIVE FEARLESS. NOT RECKLESS.
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!
Internet Truth Or Fiction: Why you should avoid animal protein - Raises IGF-1 levels, which is associated with an increased risk of several different kinds of cancer. High levels of sulfur are also found within animal proteins, and this can create a state of acidosis. High protein-high diets include disorders of bone and calcium balance, increased cancer risk, disorders of the liver, and worsening of coronary artery disease. Animal protein has higher level of TMAO which causes the formation of cholesterol plaques in our blood vessels. Higher saturated fats, heme iron and substances linked to inflammation, premature aging, and other diseases.
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. “