Mysore and my mind

Sept 16, 2016

I self-practiced ashtanga this morning.  

I felt stiff at the start – because I haven’t practiced while traveling (boo!) and my breathing isn’t as deep as it should be (my throat is still recovering and my nose are still perpetually clogged, which is always the first to give when my immune system is weak). So I only practiced until half Primary then went on to the Finishing sequence. 

But I didn’t think I’d reach until half series today. I thought I’ll do Sun Salutes and some standing poses. My mind was set that I couldn’t do it because I was still recovering but Ashtanga really surprises me. I discover more and more how I let my mind control me and make me think I know my limits – when I should just let my practice be a practice – and not set any expectation, limit or goal. 

so it just feels good to practice again.

Ashtanga habit

I’ve started an ashtanga practice for about two months now. I took a few classes in the studio and started a home practice. I felt this was my best option since I moved to the province where I wouldn’t have access to a yoga shala.

I wake up at 530am every morning to practice until half of the primary series then proceed to the backbends and finishing asanas. However,  I always felt distracted and unfocused. I would stop after each vinyasa and ‘rest’ such that a 75min practice turns into a 120min one!
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Good thing Patrick Beach is coming to Manila! After second thoughts and lots of encouragement from a good friend,  I finally registered! Since then, I felt it was a good motivator for my practice.  I’ve been practicing more regularly and with more awareness.

I’ve also moved my practice to the evenings. I finally let go of the idea that I must always practice in the morning. Maybe one day, I’ll shift to a morning practice again but for now I’m happy.

In other news, I’ve noticed how negative I’ve been recently (or maybe I’ve always been?). I think my yoga practice has helped me become more aware of my automatic reactions to the people around me; and helped me rethink about the person I want to be.

I’m surprised at how my ashtanga practice has evolved.  I thought I’ll get bored with the same sequence everyday but I’m elated at how my practice has become a quiet and relaxing space for me. I’ve become more present in my practice. My mind doesn’t wander as much and I don’t feel as attached when I can’t kick to a pincha mayurasana.