Decisions, Decisions

Let us see what the next few days my path will lead me to.

 

Yoga Fire!

This has absolutely nothing to do with yoga! 🙂

A Deeper Stretch

Yesterday, I joined Pascale’s Deep Stretch class at YogaHub. I wished I had done this sooner and probably even before I hurt my back. This is a perfect complement to a more rigorous, physical practice. Movements were slow and props like bolsters and blocks were used. I still sweat because I always sweat during yoga and the room was packed. If I joined this class more than a month ago, I would have also joined the next class (Vinyasa) which was also taught by Pascale. But with my current situation, I needed to take it slow as possible. However all the good things that I got from the class disappeared since I had to ride in a very crowded jeepney to Fuente which was stuck repeatedly in traffic.

I only see one Deep Stretch class each week at YogaHub. I don’t understand why they don’t offer more of this class and maybe even during weekends. I think this would benefit more people who are looking for yoga to target aches and pains. I will put Deep Stretch in my yoga schedule next week but this will require me to come in at an earlier shift so I can join this 4:15PM class.

SUP Yoga at Plantation Bay

Nope, I did not join because my back was acting up and I didn’t have anything to wear. I ended up as the photographer to the yogis who braved the cold weather and the slippery paddle boards. Would I ever try it? Probably not since my balance is atrocious even on the mat. I probably would have trouble getting up the board in the first place.

The best thing of the experience was hanging out with Jeanne, Gigit, Regina and Noricel. I was bit intimidated first because I have only met Regina twice and Noricel for the first time and all of them are advanced yogis and teachers. I finally felt part of the group when everyone squeezed into the four poster bed in the Plantation Bay room that we used to rest and change after the class. Gigit took a group picture of us sprawled on the bed wishing we could stay there forever. Hoping for more yoga and hangouts in the future!

My First Yoga Class as Teacher

I finally have taken the first step and taught my first yoga class at work. The class was tailored for beginners with the primary sequence courtesy of Jeanne while I added in a few more poses. I only had music in the first and last part of the class. The response has been positive so far and there is already request for more classes. I now have a new sequence which is more intense and focuses on the arms, the second half consists of seated bends and twists. I hope the beginners will not be intimidated.

I still have a lot to learn. Because there were some beginners, I ended up doing most of the poses eventhough my back was very stiff. It was a bit difficult talking while in downward dog and there were moments when words like palms or elbows escaped me and at some points I was breathless. I would also like to know how to adjust specially during downward facing dog.

I was supposed to visit Dragonfly yesterday morning for a training but the bad weather made Jeanne cancel our schedule. Hopefully next week we can do that so I can learn more!

Farewell My Laptop

Last Friday night when I was closing my laptop, the screen crashed heavily. I did not mind since I thought I just closed it too hard. Then the next day, I discovered that the right hinge was broken. The laptop was still functioning but the screen could not stand up anymore. To use it, I propped some books in the back. With all that has happened (broken plastic in the fan area and occasional flickering video) and the age of the laptop (6 years old!), I realized that it was time to buy a new one. With all the expenses I had for the past couple of months, I bought the cheapest Lenovo laptop in the store. It wasn’t fancy or lightweight but it will serve my purpose (videos, music & web). I have transferred all my files to my external drive so I am ready to finally say goodbye to my Acer laptop. I am giving it to my brother, I don’t know what he will do with it, won’t be the junk yard a better choice? What do you do with your old electronics? How do you dispose of them?

Yoga Soundtrack

I am looking for songs to play this Friday. This one should be for savasana!

Minimalism: A Documentary Trailer

Yoga, Food and Good Company

Yesterday, I had another restorative yoga session with Jeanne at Dragonfly Studio. This time we tried Sivananda Yoga which has 12 Sun Salutations as warm up but with slower pacing. I also did shoulder stand which was a bit difficult to get into. As for plow, I could only touch my toes on a chair instead of the floor. After finishing the poses, Jeanne suddenly announced that we do teacher training which started with instructing her on what to do. My mind went blank, I couldn’t remember simple words. How to describe the breath? I even forgot the word ‘deeply’. It was nerve wracking. When Gigit suddenly popped up, we had to turn him away because another person made me more nervous. My voice got smaller when I concentrated more on what to say so I had to go back towards the room to instruct, imagining there are 10 students. Now I need to prepare a script for a 1-hour class. Hopefully by having a chance to write it down, I won’t feel flustered anymore. There is a plan to have another training next Sunday. Keeping my fingers crossed.

After class, we (together with Gigit) had puto maya and mangoes (which I bought but was still sour). Then we went to Firozian for lunch. Jeanne did the ordering since she was more familiar with Indian food. I liked the bean curry but they said the last time they ordered was much better. The owner Firoze stopped by to talk about his business woes.

Nothing beats yoga, food and good company on a Sunday.

Dragonfly Yoga Studio: http://www.coconutinsider.com/cebu/yoga/dragonfly/dragonfly.shtml

Firozian Indian Tea House: http://www.coconutinsider.com/cebu/restaurant/firozian/firozian.shtml

The First Step

Last week I was feeling miserable (feeling flabby) not being able to do any yoga so I planned to go to the gym for brisk walking on the treadmill and some weights. When I was doing all of that, I was constantly monitoring for any pain. I was careful with my movements though, the treadmill was set to a low incline and slow speed. I only did weights where my back had support. Actually I already felt good in the first 5 minutes in the treadmill, it was wonderful to move my body and sweat. After I did everything on my list, I waited for Jaya so that I could discuss with him my back problems. While I was walking in the lobby, I noticed that I still did not feel any pain so I impulsively decided to join the class and see what I can do. Unfortunately Jaya was not around and someone subbed for him who taught Ashtanga. Miraculously I was able to finish the class but I had to do the modifications as Jeanne instructed me and I skipped all bends. I also need to work on my strength which has become pitiful.

On my way home, I was so worried that every bump on the road would bring pain. The bags I was carrying felt heavy with every step I took. However the next day, I felt fine, no stiffness! I hope it is not a fluke! So this week I am going back to my regular schedule albeit I will be taking the more gentle classes. So this means no Ashtanga for 1-2 months and taking one day at a time.