Always growing

I feel like I have changed SO much since March 17^th – my first Bikram yoga class, mentally and physically. I have evolved into a better me -- still growing and learning. I feel I am more conscious now, more honest with myself. I try to keep more “impurities” away from my body. I want to be the best me I can be. I’ve always wanted that, but this may be the first time where I truly see myself transitioning into a better me. It makes me more selfish in a way – I end up putting certain things ahead of other things and other people in my life, just because I know it’ll be better for myself in the long run. I want to surround myself with deep thoughts, reflection, and positivity, even if that means a day inside, at home, alone. I see growth from the simplicity. Don’t get me wrong, I have a LOT to work on. I’m only 25 for goodness sake, I have a lot of life to live and grow.

I almost always go to bed early now, and sleep a good 8 hours whenever possible. I work out like crazy, and no longer have coffee as a part of my life. I have become truly vegan, no animal products [easy! It was the eggs I was holding on to], no honey even. Still not doing grains, or sugars either. I even sponsored a turkey named Amelinda – at least one turkey will have a happy life [no worries, I’m not going to make anyone feel bad for eating turkey]. Although, I did have a little butter/milk/sugar during Thanksgiving dinner – and that was when I tried my very best to avoid it. However, if I had truly avoided it, I wouldn’t have had anything but nuts all day. So, I had a small scoop of mash potatoes, some of my dad’s green bean casserole [I gave him the cheese off of it], and some canned and homemade cranberry sauce – oh yeah, and wine, but wine is not off my list :) Lately I’ve been obsessed [and I truly mean obsessed], with nuts and pumpkin seeds. My mom thinks I am so boring, as do a lot of other people, but I love the simplicity of it all. I have toned up, and lost about 15 pounds since my cleanse at the end of June. I feel strong!

The table after Thanksgiving dinner

After dessert coffee/tea

I ran in the Almond Bowl 5k 3 weeks ago. I hadn’t run since the 4^th of July run four months ago. I got through it, and I felt good after. I even went to Bikram in the evening. My dad ran the marathon in under 4 hours on the same day. He’s an animal! I want to be that fit and motivated in 30 years.

Dad & me [and my silly hat]

Today was my Bikram 169^th class, and my 31^st class without water. I have been water free in the hot room (this includes before and after classes) since October 2^nd. I still bring my water and set it at the end of my mat, just in case, but every day it is easier going without it. Today I didn’t even think about my water, even when I do, I never even consider drinking it – I just don’t need it. It makes it much easier for me to concentrate during class. Today, being the day after Thanksgiving, my studio was only offering a 9am class. There were quite a few people there for our small studio (around 20 I’d say). There was a wide variety of people there too – newbies, people who hadn’t come in a long time, regulars, teachers {our studio owner, and a man that just got done with teacher training was there -- so inspiring!} I was on my back before class, relaxing, when a familiar face was above me – it was my trainer from my kettlebell studio. He even came, despite the fact that it’s not his workout of choice. It was a great group of people, and it made for a good class. I have been able to go to Bikram all week since I’ve been off [although I skipped yesterday because of traveling for Thanksgiving] which I love – I wish I could go every day. The mornings are still so much harder though – my body aches in halfmoon, and the backbend is always so challenging. But, I feel great after, even if that’s all I end up really doing all day [ehem, like today – lazy me].

I have been slacking on posting on here, but I have been keeping up with other yoga blogs, especially the Bikram Yoga Teacher Trainees from the Fall 2011 session that just ended. I just find it all so inspiring – being away from home for 9 weeks, without normal-everyday-life to distract you, just growing, enduring, struggling and learning. I don’t see myself ever being a teacher, but I still love the idea of training. I appreciate those [now teachers] who shared their journey with the rest of us.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. It’s hard to believe it is almost December! I will try to post more often, as I have missed the time and place for reflection. As it is, I’m not sure what else to say, so I’m off for now!

Namaste