Improvise

I live about 48 miles from the studio I practice at. Yep, I've tracked it!
It takes me 1 hour to commute to the studio. And it is worth it when I can make the time. When I have an hour to commute to the studio, 1.5 hours for my practice and another 1 hour to commute home. It is totally worth the direction and adjustments from the teachers at Balance.
I've searched and searched and there are no studios south of Atlanta. So in order to get the right instruction I pack a yoga bag at least 1 time a week and head into Atlanta.

But with my work schedule which is typically 7:30 am until 6:00 pm, I can only get to the studio 1-2 times a week. So what does a rural yogi do. We improvise and we turn to the home practice.

Of course with direction from my teacher, wonderful DVDs, Youtube and sticking with my Ashtanga Practice Manuel.

In my last post I stated I have used every excuse in the book for not getting on my mat. I love to hit snooze!! I work so late by the time I get home it is 7 or 8 in the evening, time for dinner and to see my husband. So I've played this game with myself for months.

So my husband has helped to create a comfortable space in our home for me to practice. This way I do not have any excuses to roll out of bed and onto my mat.

I have 2 spaces. One is in our sunroom which is not heated. It has a fan and lots of windows. It is a wonderful place to practice in the spring and summer.

And recently we improvised with a space indoors that is heated. As many of you know Ashtanga & Vinyasa needs to be practiced in a warm environment.

So we improvised. I have pictures below.

Here is my Sunroom Area

Here is my new improvised space for the winter.

It is a piece of finished wood for my mat. I have a little alter and I share this space with my craft area.

So tomorrow starts a new week and my commitment to a daily yoga practice.

Opening Doors

Opening a new door.
So this blog is going to serve as a place to track my progress as a yoga student committing to a daily practice.

I guess a bio is in order huh?
To start my name is Flo. I live in Georgia just south of Atlanta. I am happily married to a very goofy and fun guy named Denver. We have a 3 year old English bulldog named Chai and a grumpy old lady cat named Maggie. This is my family.

I guess everyone has a story how they fell in love with yoga.
For me it quickly followed my wedding in 2003.

I gained a lot of weight following our wedding, I was working crazy hours at a high stress job and let my health go. Recently married, new homeowner, crazy job...it was a recipe for insanity!

One morning I got on the scale and saw that I was almost 150 pounds; and on a 5 foot 5 frame it isn't healthy.
So, what initally led me to yoga was vanity. So, I joined the local health club. Trying different group classes like spin and body pump. Also trying out the machines like the elliptical. However, after a few weeks I was getting very bored with the routine. I was making excuses to not go to the gym (don't we all). :)
I received the monthly listing of classes and I noticed they were offering yoga classes for beginners. Awesome! I had always wanted to try yoga.
So the next day I found myself at Target getting a mat and heading to my first yoga class.
That class was an eye opener. The teacher taught a mix of Iyengar/Anusara.
I couldn't touch my toes and the breathing was totally throwing me off. But I loved it.

I left the class feeling a little more calm, happier (if only short lived) and it was a great workout! I practiced at the gym for about 6 months.

Hungry for more of a studio environment I ventured into Atlanta trying different Studios & styles. I've tried Hot yoga, Iyengar, Kundalini, but I've found a home at Balance Yoga.

I will never forget my first class at Balance. I felt like a fish out of water and at home all at the same time. I was very limited in what asanas I could perform, but the teacher was so calm and encouraging.
I quickly signed up for the basics series of Ashtanga that week.
I went to class 3 times a week for 6 weeks. By the end of the 6 weeks series I felt like a different person.
The asanas were still very difficult, I was still a beginner, but for the first time in my life I felt like I could be happy with my progress and just enjoy the moment.
That was 3 years ago. I continue to practice Ashtanga and learn every day.
I am unable to get to the studio daily, I do attempt to go to Mysore classes or Primary series at least once a week and strive for a daily practice at home.
I strongly believe in the benefits of yoga on the body and the mind. Spiritually it is leading me on a path of happiness I never thought was possible.
I still have my bad days, I still cry and get angry. But Yoga has helped me understand myself and helped me know what I can do to lead a happy and fulfilled life.
It is a moving meditation.

This blog is going to be a place to share my daily practice.
I've been striving for a daily practice for some time, and I've come up with every excuse in the book to skip my pracitce.
Not anymore. I am going to commit to a 6 day a week Vinyasa/Ashtanga style practice. If only sun salutations and the closing sequence. I am certain I can benefit by even small amounts of yoga daily.
That is what I hope to share here.

Om shanti shanti shanti
(peace peace peace)