Day 30! Awesome!

Wow, now that was a fantastic day 30 class! Jason and Brittney co-taught the session and the room was packed with tons of energy. There were also additional teachers in the class that helped us with postures, and tons of encouragement. Students also had a chance to share experiences. It was a very powerful, moving class. My buddy Otto was there, and we finished the challenge together. That was pretty cool and a nice way to wrap up the thirty days.

So how do I sum it all up? Here are some of the highlights, and what I’ve taken away from this awesome journey:

 The 30 Day Challenge was not an iron man completion, it’s about the commitment. Doing what you have to do to show up, keeping yourself in check and making choices that will help you achieve your goal. Just show up and your body will know what to do. Learning to let go of what you have no control over, and just surrendering. Letting my breathing take over when things get a little tough, staying in the moment no matter how tired I feel, or how much I’d rather be somewhere else. Being aware of when my mind wanders and gently bring myself back to center. Being ok with the body I have each day, and how it responds. I honestly feel better mentally and physically now then ever before.

This Yoga is truly medicine for the body, mind and soul. How is it that I did Yoga for 30 days and my body feels so good? There were days when I would be a little stiff, but after the Yoga I would feel better; even though the class would be very tough. For years my back and wrists would hurt for long periods of time, and only after several visits of chiropractic, massage, and acupuncture appointments would things let up. Don’t get me wrong; I’m a huge fan of those treatments, and they have helped me in so many ways over the years. I find it amazing that by working the Yoga, and applying the pain to kill the pain concept that I feel so good.

Looking back before the challenge started, my mind had created about 5000 worst case scenarios and guess what? None of them happened. About half way through the month, I decided to allow the surrender and not anticipate frame of mind set in, and things really started to flow and get a little easier mentally. Seems so simple, but I think we tend to way over complicate things. Just let things be what they will be. Not that we should not plan and take the appropriate steps, but try and ease up a little. Do your best but be flexible, and as Bikram says in his book, do not let anything steal your peace.

 My wife and I incorporated juicing into our diet about two weeks before the challenge started, and I think that really helped. During the month I did my absolute best to stay hydrated, and eat the best possible foods to fuel my body. Doing the 30 days forced me to pay close attention to how I was feeling, and to listen to what my body needs. Controlling portion sizes, keeping the beers in check (yes I love my WA brews) and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate again for good measure.

In closing, I wanted to give a huge shout out to my wonderful, lovely wife Cathy for all the amazing support. I love you! I also want to thank Jason and theFusion team for all the inspiration, enthusiasm, and teachings, and to everyone I’ve taken a class with! Otto, Jennie, Dave, Bob - you guys rock. I’m looking forward to where the yoga takes me next on and off the mat! I’m only a mere rookie and am excited to be running this life long marathon known as Yoga. Namaste.

Day 29

Getting out of bed was pretty easy this morning.  Day 29 is here, and one more to go, and it's really hard to believe.  I'm not sure what to think yet.  This mornings session with Toni was really great.  Everyone had a lot of energy, and the vibe was sweet.  Great Class!  Day 30 up next.

Day 28

Day 28

Just show up!  No happy hour Black Raven awesomeness for me.  Damn, it's been a month... No worries though.  Class was smooth and Friday night was very nice, cool, calm and causal.

Day 27

Day 27

Longest Utkatasana/toe stand ever!

Yeah, class was so much fun today. Jason had us hold the 2^nd part of akward/toe stand for what seemed like 30-60 seconds, and basically everyone fell like bowling pins at the end. We all broke into laughter afterwards, and it really brought a ton of fun energy into class. I’m feeling so much better the yesterday, for I have a little more energy. However, I’m ready for a few days off. My body is ready to have a little downtime to soak in all this Yoga. Three days left!

Day 26

Chicken cordon bleu in the oven, rice, beans and very cold Diamond Know IPA by my side!  I made it through day 26!  I honestly felt horrible today, and that the yoga truck was coming to run me over.  As soon as I made it home from work I plopped down in this small chair we have by the front door, and feel asleep for like 10 minutes.  I woke up with 15 minutes to get ready and head out the door. 

Just show up, just show up, just show up! The body will know what to do.  Once class started I listened and followed the best I could, and my body did what it needed to do.  I made it!  4 more to go. 

Ahhh, about 5 more minutes and my dinner is ready.  Calling it!  Day 26 Check!

Day 25

Day 25 recap

My energy mentally and physically was there, but I felt a little clumsy. My entries and exits were strong, but everything in between felt a little off. I just went with the flow and did the best I could, and that is OK. 

I was talking with Brian before class about what teacher training is like, and about how a consistent practice can add up in the body. I have all this Yoga building up, and after a few days off my practice should elevate. It’s like making a huge deposit, letting the interest build, and then withdraw that nice payout. I’m excited at the prospect of how my yoga should change in the next few months. It was a great talk, and yeah teacher training sound so intense. I also got to practice next to Dave. He is a great guy, and it’s always fun to share the room energy.

 It’s now Wednesday Morning and Day 26 is now up to the plate. I’m honestly super tired today. Maybe it’s all finally catching up to me. I’ve felt incredibly strong the past 25 days, but this morning I’m pretty sluggish. I’m breaking out the Carrot, Celery super juice right now! *Thank you Cathy I love you* The finish line is so close and it will be crossed! 7 hours until class and then sleep.

Day 24

Day 24

Monday 6:30 with Jason! Always inspiring and high energy. Class was awesome however I started to run out of gas towards the end of the floor series. My mind started to wander a little, and I’ll I could think about was the 32oz coconut water in my car, and downing the whole thing in seconds. Heck maybe a coconut water swimming pool I could jump into. Focus grasshopper, just breath, I’ll be OK. This happens a lot, and the breath seems to always come to the rescue. Slow easy flow! 

I think the greatest victory in this Yoga is what you take with you outside of class. Practicing daily to keep the mind calm, and breath when life *things*get a little tense, and letting go of whatever you are holding onto. Hang up you hang ups as Glen would say.

I’m starting to notice that my back and hamstrings are so much more flexible during the evening classes. I can feel it right away with the first forward bend that I do. Good Stuff!

Day 23

Sunday morning and the alarm going off.  It's time to get up, and no it's not for work.  I've not set an alarm on weekends for the past 20 years, unless I was afraid I was going to miss turning my fantasy football lineup after a long night.  :)  It's time to getup and get to Yoga!  It's about making choices, and I'm happy with my decision.  It's 30 days and I'm going to make it happen. 

I've noticed my morning body is getting better with the early Yoga, and my awareness of whats going on internally has really improved.  I know what I can push, and when that little pinch in my back says Noooo man, that its OK.  No worries....

This mornings class was really awesome, and a lot happened. This was my first class with Andrea, and I have to say she was fantastic!  She leads a very smooth, inspiring, challenging session.  She pays very close attention to each student, and offers great suggestions about each posture.  There was something about the pacing today that was so cool.  At first when we did half moon it felt like in my mind that I was holding each side for 10 minutes, but as the session progressed things just started flowing.  During Locust Pose I had a really nice surprise.  I placed both arms underneath and locked my legs the best I could and started to rise up.  Cara stopped by and helped keep my shoulders down and I was able to take my legs up very high, with good form.  It felt amazing and it brought this huge rush of happiness all over me.  Good Stuff!  and it was totally unexpected.  I also had a nice chat with one of the students before class.  We shared how the challenge was going, how much we like coconut water, and just how amazing this 30 days has been. 

The finish line is in sight!  I've started contemplating what a 60 day challenge would be like.  I've read a lot of blogs, and it looks like a very sweet  journey, and a huge life changer.

 Anyway, it's Sunday night, Cathy and I had a very nice Sunday together.  A movie and early dinner.  Life is good...

Day 21 & 22

4:30 Friday and 8:00 am Saturday with Mary!  Both days went great!  My energy was super high for both days.  I've added extra Celery to my daily juice.  The extra electrolytes have really helped keep me strong through the last 22 days.  .  Feeling good!

Day 20

4:30 Hatah with Brian! 

This is your captain speaking. Please prepare for flight with you fingers below your shoulder blades, and lockout from the hips down for one solid leg.  Now spread those wings and use every muscle in your body and rise using your 80 twenty breathing.  Wings up, look up, Chest up, legs up and fly...again,......again....keep flying.....release   Now lets pressurize the cabin. 

Reach and stretch, stretch and reach. 

Day 20, Check!  Thank you for an epic class Brian... Let the count down to 30 begin.

Day 19

4:30 Hatha with Audrey

Forget your name, your face, just let it all go....Savasana 

Day 18

4:30 Hatha with Brian... Today was a cool, calm, mellow class.  Just what I needed.  Day 18 Check!

Day 17

Day 17 was inspiring as well as one of the most challenging classes yet. I took the 6:30 Hatah with Jason, and he even mentioned that day 17 can be hard. The finish line is almost there, stay strong, encourage, and inspire the people around you. Tap into the collective energy in the room. Think of how many people would be so happy to be in your position to be in this room, and do Yoga! Once I heard that my juices starting flowing. Jason always leads an epic class! I really surprised myself with my standing head to knee pose! I was able to grab each foot with the full fingers to thumb grip, and my low back released allowing me to kick out just a little with a locked knee. Class ended super strong and I left feeling pretty awesome! For some reason I could not drink enough water once the session was over. I was super thirsty, and must have pounded like 40oz of water and two bottles of coconut water as well. I had to quench the fire…

Day 15 & 16 Halfway!

Ahhh the weekend!  8:00AM sessions with Brian on Saturday & Sunday.  Both classes went really good.  I felt a few times that the Yoga buss was trying to run me over but I was able to breath through it.  It feels amazing to have the Yoga done by 10AM and to have the whole day in front of me. 

Saturday was a really nice day.  Cathy and I had a sweet lunch with the Harwoods at Redhook, and we spent some time with Cathy's mother.  I enjoyed my Redhooks but kept myself in check in anticipation of Sunday mornings Yoga. 

I did have a moment last night when I woke up around 3am for a few minutes and felt mega tired. Luckily when the alarm went off at 6:45 I felt pretty good. All things considered.  The Sunday class had a ton of energy.  Brian mentioned that he had a cold pressed coffee, so he we was really pumped up.  The class rocked and I made it home in time for kickoff.

Day 14

Last nights History for Sale show was really awesome! We had some technical issues but that did not stop us from blowing the place apart.  Mark did not have his in ears, and my Whammy Pedal decided to take a dump on me.  However, it did not matter and our energy was 110%.  I love my band!  Mark, Doug, and Frans are all amazing people. I truly am blessed to create Rock & Roll and have these wonderful Friends in my life.  I got in around 12:30AM and passed out pretty quick.  I really wanted to hit the morning Yoga session, so that I could take Friday afternoon off. 

I woke up having the strangest dream.  Payton Manning from the Colts was tossing long bombs at me for like 80 yards.  I was like the # 2 wide receiver or something.  Funny stuff!  So yeah 8:15 I'm up and feeling the burn from the show & 13 days of yoga, and life in general.  I managed to make myself a fresh Juice and make it out the door just in time.  I so wanted to stay home this morning and drink coffee and play Xbox.  I just kept telling myself (just show up)

9:30 Hatha with Mary.  I was really slow moving during the start.  Again, I was a little throttled from last nights show.  The really cool thing I'm starting to notice from doing this much Yoga is that when I have back, knee, or wrist pain I really do feel better once the I do Yoga.  Before Yoga my joints would start hurting, and it would continue for days or weeks.  When I practice yoga it seems to be the magic medicine.  The hard work I put in pays me back.  Mary mentioned today during class, and it's so true.  Do the best you can, the postures do not have to look pretty.  Tomorrow will be the halfway point!  I'm almost to the top of the mountain.  KO

Day 13

Day 13! The 11:00AM power hour Hatha with Jason!  Wow, did this class go fast.  It's the same as the 90 minute session but condensed.  The postures flow from one to another, and some are done only once.  It was pretty cool because I never have done the 1hr session before, so it was something new. :)   I really pushed myself on the second part of Awkward/Utkatasana today! My toes were super high and my quadriceps were doing a serious shake and bake. 

I have a gig tonight, so I'm happy I was able fit in my Yoga, and avoid doing the double session.  As it worked out I was able to have a nice chicken dinner & Nap before the rock show.

Day 12

Day 12 Check! I'm feeling the love!  

4:30 Hatha with Audrey was awesome. 

Day 10 & 11

Wow, I've made it to the double digits :)  I Did the Monday 6:30 Hatha with Brian, and the Tuesday 4:30 session.  Coming off of Day nines awesomeness I came back down from my yoga high *just a little*  Both sessions went well, but not too high or low.  Somewhere right in between, and the good news is that I'm honestly OK with that.  I keep reminding myself that I work with the body I have at the present time. 

My low back and right knee have been a little tender the past two days, however I always feel better after class. I'm getting ready to head to day 12 in a few minutes, and I'm feeling very happy that I decided to take on this 30 day Yoga journey.  :) 

I've been thinking a lot these past few days about how thankful I am for my wonderful wife and soul mate Cathy, and for all my amazing friends I have.  I'm a very lucky man.   Day 12 here I come.

Day 9

Day 9 feeling fine!  4:30 Hatha with Mary was hands down the best class I've had to date.  The room had great energy, and the mojo was just flowing.  My thoughts just tuned out during the entire standing series, and my floor practice was very smooth.  I'm very grateful for how I feel right now.  I forget where I heard this saying but it's something that has always stuck with me.  (Be grateful when you feel good, and gracious when you're not)  And right now I'm feeling the love.

Today I made juice with broccoli because we had no beets.  It was surprisingly awesome!  Day 10 here I come.

Day 7 & 8

Friday Day lucky 7. Physically I felt great today, but mentally pretty tired. I made it to 4:30 Hatha with Brian. Everything went really nicely. I was in sink with my neighbors, and when that happens you build on some great collective energy. Best posture of the day was Half Tortoise. Brian gave me a good spot, and it really opened up my lower back. I almost did not want to go on after that because my back felt so go. Happy Friday :)

Saturday Day 8. Alarm going off at 6:15 so I can make the 8:00 morning Hatha. I skipped the coffee and made fresh juice. Carrots, celery, parsley, ginger and tomatoes. Hydrate, hydrate, electrolytes, hydrate, rinse and repeat. I'm thinking this is huge part of this process. Class was packed this morning, and moved very well. Again it was my morning body and you have to respect were your body is at the current moment and time. It's such a good feeling to be awake at 6am on a Saturday because you want to! And to have Juice and the 90 min Yoga done, and be home by 10:30. Awesome! Day 9 up next.

Day 6

4:30 Hatha with Brittany today. All things considered I had a great day and class. My balance was a little off, but my energy was there. When I fall out of postures I just smile and try again. There is no reason to get frustrated.

Brittany hit on some great points today. During this 30 days you really have to listen to your body. Everyday is different. If you need to take a knee, a rest, then do it. Respect your limitations. Come day 30 you may have the worst class of the series and that is OK. Keep your mind flexible when the body is not. Good Stuff!

Day 7 on deck!

Day 5

Day five and I'm still alive!

As awesome as I felt last night, I was a little moody today. Not really sure why. I just went with the flow. Doing my best to be cailm and carry on. I was really tired on the drive home from work. I knew I had to get ready for Yoga right when I walked in the door. Do not hit the couch, or pass go. Just show up! Get to the studio! Once I made it to the 4:30 Hatha life was good. My energy felt just right. Not too high, or too low. Audrey was the instuctor today, and she alwasy leads a smooth, encouraging, cailm session.

On a side note my Floor Bow/Dhanurasana feels like it's improving little by little. This postuer alwasy makes me a little nervous due to some low back pain, but I'm working through it very slowly, and it's starting feel really good.

Day 6 up next.

Day 4

4:30 Hatha with Brian

Class today was really good. I felt amazing, and I had more energy then the past 3 days. There was some good collective energy in the room. Brian has a cool style of teaching the class. He is always full of energy, and suggests good adjustments to everyone. Just the smallest change in an asana/posture can make all the difference.

Cathy and I have been consistently making fresh juice everyday for the last 3 weeks, and I think it's really helping me with my Yoga practice. Beets and greens! It makes the body feel good.

Day 5 up next.

Day 3

It's Monday, and I was so happy to find out that Hatha class was at 9:30 and not at 8:00 like on the weekends. I had today off from work just in case History for Sale had an extra gig, or needed an extra day for travel. Being it was not needed I figured this was a great chance to do the morning class. I was up by 7:00 am and had chance to spend some morning time with the love of my life Cathy. A little breakfast and watching some Fall Guy. :)

I hit up the 9:30 session, and it's so strange how the morning body is different from the afternoon, and night body. I've learned from my teachers at Fusion that if you do a morning session you just need to ease into it, and to never jam yourself into anything. This morning I really need to go with ease approach. Todays session was hot as hell, and my mind kept wanting to wander. I need a new pair of chucks, damn it's hot, I'm going to do this for 30 days, I should of had more water before class, was that my knee? I had to keep returning to my breath to shut that left side of the brain down. I did it! Day three in the books, and my star on the wall. Mary was the teacher today, and I really love her class. Always so encouraging!

Real quick, Yesterday was pretty amazing. I did my first double session. Hatha with Jason was pretty epic, and a fantastic class to start the 30 day journey. After class my super good friends Lance & Cori put me up for an hour so I could attend the Yin class with Patrick. The session was so awesome. The lights were pretty much off, and we did maybe 8 postures, holding each one for like 5 minutes. I'm no expert, and only a rookie but Yin feels like a very deep style of yoga. Relax the muscles and let gravity take over. Keep the muscles calm so that you can work the deep tissue. Truly inspiring and a very personal experience. Patrick ending the class with chant, that was very moving. What a wonderful way to start the week.

Jason said something yesterday that really made me think: Be responsible for the energy you bring to a room.

KO

Day 1 & 2

I just finished up a super sweet rock and roll weekend with my band History for Sale in Yakima WA. We did 3 shows in two days. The final set was amazing at the Yakima State fair. It was a Huge crowd and a fabulous time. With that said I've made a commitment to myself to do a 30 day yoga challenge. I've been practicing Bikram Yoga 2-3 times per week since Feb of 2011, and it's been a real great experience. The mental side even more then physical.

After talking with Jason at Fusion Hot Yoga, and researching online about Yoga practice I've come to the conclusion that my practice would really grow if did a few days in row. So I figure why not 30 days right? Yoga is cumulative. Build up the life force.

I'm doing my best to approach this month with no expectations and to keep an open mind, and to keep it causal with whatever curve balls life tosses my way. It's hard enough to do anything consistently for a few days.

Ok, so It's Sunday, and I've got a double right out of the gate. No Sunday night Football and Diamond Knots. It's a choice, and I've made it.

Sunday 10/02, Day 1 & 2

4:30 Hatha

8:15 Yin