Yoga Every Damn Day: Days 17-21

Day 17
Friday night is my favorite class of the week, taught by Valerie Starr. Before work, I pack up my yoga clothes, planning on taking her class at 5:45. And... I forget them at home. But then I realize Valerie isn't even teaching that evening, so whatever.

After work I do 30 minutes of yoga on my own, practicing some head stands. I'm not getting much closer, due to the sporadic nature of actually attempting them. But I still enjoy flipping upside down and playing around with balance and arm strength, even if I need the wall for support.

Day 18
I go to a hot, sweaty yoga class at the studio across the street from my house (I am very lucky it's there, I know). I can feel my form getting better as the month progresses. Certain poses, however, still are a huge challenge to me-- half and full bow pose for example. Nope. My body is not into it.

However, I'm seeing some benefits of the poses I can do. Andrew and I go to a friend's house for a drink that night and she comments on my arms. They are looking more toned lately, truth be told. 

Day 19
My best friend and I go wedding dress shopping. It's a delightful but exhausting endeavor. While stripped down in a dressing room with a stranger guiding me into gowns, I feel soft and gross. But with the dresses on, I feel slender and awesome. The Whole30 and all this yoga is paying off.

Meanwhile, October is over halfway done and I've been for... what, one run? ONE. Not great. After the dress adventure, I run two easy miles, and use a post running you-tube yoga video to stretch out and relax.

Day 20
Here's a first-- I nearly forget to do any yoga! After work I go to acupuncture, then at home I make dinner, cook up lots of roast veggies for the week (I'm still clinging to some Whole30 habits!) and my fiance looks exhausted, so I send him out of the kitchen and do all the dishes. By the time I stop moving it's 9:45. I'm about to collapse into bed with a book when I remember: Yoga!

Once again, a bedtime video saves the day. I do 20 minutes of gentle stretching and forward bends to relax the mind & body. This isn't what I had in mind with this challenge, but I can't deny that it feels good.

Day 21
Lunchtime class at work again-- it feels awesome. Our teacher is helping me focus on an issue I just realized; my head bows forward A LOT. That's something to focus on for the next few days.