Papillon Days

10am BYCD, w/Christian. Yay!!!! We did the early class to catch Christians weekly sermon on the podium. It was a great way to wrap up the challenge and catch a class with CBL before he leaves town on vacation. He said he was going to go all out in class. Hmmmpf. I said “ok, but please pretend I’m not there!” hahaha. I felt a bit sad about the challenge ending, it’s been a great constant this last month. If my legs weren’t so tired, I would keep going, but my thighs are likely to stage a mutiny. Rino looked pretty happy to be done too! My Mom came to class today to finish the challenge with us.

So to wrap up. I didn’t do any of the dietary changes that I started out with. 30 classes, 30 days, no missed days, no doubles. I’m sleeping better (and less), my digestion is better, and I’m slightly dehydrated (my fault). I’m so glad to have started out the NY this way and hope it’s a sign of what’s to come this year. 

Christian asked me to teach the 12pm class, so my Mom decided to stay and do a double! She’s cool.

I’m so grateful to have had a partner to do the challenge with. I’m not sure I would have stuck it out by myself. Here’s to Rino and the Krista and everyone else that told me about their own yoga path.

8pm BYCD w/Patrick. I had a great class tonight, very tired but in a good mood. Just like the last couple of days, I struggled a bit in the warm up. It seemed to go on forever, but, Patrick was in good spirits tonight, cracking jokes and it helped to get through the tough spots. As the class went on, I settled in and had a good time joking around a bit with Rino in the floor series. No shout out, just good yoga.

4pm BYCD w/Simon. Rino couldn’t make class this afternoon with me. I had a pretty good class with Simon, he has such a kind presence in class. I’m struggling with muscle fatigue right now, but mostly in the floor series - Full Locus and Bow. I had Andreas practicing in front of me, and Hillary behind me, so lots of good strong energy to share. I had worked all day before class and was suppose to go to Dance class after, but Hillary lost her voice mostly, so when dance class was cancelled I taught her classes for her. That meant that Rino was able to take my class at 8. Also, it meant that Krista was able to take her 30 class of her 30 day challenge with me teaching! Yay Krista! 2 days to go for Rino and I!!!

8pm BYCD, w/Gaby. During the first part of the challenge, I found it most difficult to deal with the phsyical workout. My muscles ached and all I wanted to do was sleep. And eat. And sleep some more. As the challenge has gone on, I found myself last week, dreading the last 3 postures in the series. They seemed to drag on for so long. Now, in the last few days, I dread the beginning of the series, I suffer until standing head to knee. It seem like once I’ve gotten the physical part down, my brain starts to get wobbly! It was a small class with Gaby and she gave lots of encouragement and support. I’m having a lot of fun practicing with Rino, laughing at ourselves and occasionally being distracting!

No shout out from Rino, I don’t think he’s suffering so much anymore!

10pm BYCD w/Michelle. I was so miserable going into class tonight, I started laughing as soon as we were into Pranayama. Laughing at myself, at Rino’s serious pranayama face, at the heat, at the ridiculousness of the whole thing. I’m starting to follow my minds wandering ways during times of anxiety. I definitely have a defense built in that I’m just starting to have a more clear awareness of. Laughing, joking and engaging others to get out of my own discomfort. It’s not a bad thing, just noticing my patterns. I downed a Univera Ageless Extra before class and ended up having a strong class once I got over the heat. Michelle kept a great pace tonight and the last 3 postures flew by. Rino says his back feels straight for the first time in a long time. I feel really lucky to have a partner willing to do this challenge with me. 

He had a shout out today, but I couldn’t hear him. So here’s a quote for his unwavering support:

“The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers. “- Thich Nhat Hanh

6am, BYCD w/Simon. I was in shock when the alarm went off at 5:15. I lingered in bed as long as possible before dragging myself up. By the time I was in the car, I was fine and looking forward to class. Simon is an attentive teacher, full of presence and calm caring presence. Also, he sings old folk songs in final Savasana as an added bonus. He made me laugh this morning because he kept calling pronouncing Rino’s name like Rhino. Very cute. Rino gets all kinds of attention from teachers now b/c they know we’re doing the challenge. I’m pretty sure he likes it, except sometimes in class, you just want to hide! I told John one time to Stop noticing me!! hahaha. We were too busy laughing in class today for a shout out!

6pm BYCD w/Gabe. Busy class tonight on the Drive. It was sooo hot and I suffered. Meh. It’s funny because it feels in some ways like class is getting easier physically, but harder mentally. I’m not suffering IN the postures so much as suffering in class generally. The last 3 postures feel like they last forever and ever and ever! Even awkward is easier, although,  I still dislike it and harbour dark feelings towards teachers that like to hold it a long time. You know who you are!! I’m trying to understand my anxiety in class and how when I get a hold on it in some places, it shifts and moves somewhere else. For example, first I’m anxious about the class being physically hard, then 24 days later, I’m physically stronger so the anxiety moves to my mind because my mind isn’t taken up with focus for just making it through physically. Understanding anxiety is the most interesting subject in the world for me right now!!

I can’t remember Rino’s shout out, so I’ll leave you with another quote:

~ “People have a hard time letting go of their suffering. Out of a fear of the unknown, they prefer suffering that is familiar.” ~  Thich Nhat Hanh