Day 2: Sept. 23, 2012

6:58 a.m. Wake up.  My alarm was set for 7:15.  I pre-emptively shut it off.  I crawl out of bed and take a shower.  I am able to lift my arms over my head but I see for the first time strange-looking red marks on the backs of my arms.  Have not figured out what these are from, but guessing they were from my upper body activities i.e. chaturanga sequences yesterday or maybe heat rash from studio.

I am done putting on my clothing and getting ready for work.  It is 7:40.  I set an alarm for 8:05 a.m.  I sit still on a couch and close my eyes.  My mind wanders but I bring it back to my breath.  I can hardly feel it below my nose but that is my focal point.

When it gets to 8:05 a.m. I reach time for metta-metatation, where I wish well to others and set an intention for the day.

8:14 a.m.  I go upstairs and see Christine.  Eat a cookie (pumpkin with maple glaze).  Ask about her day's schedule.  Take off for work.

8:30 a.m.  I start at Juut.  I clock in for the day and do the opening cash count.  Kiki finishes the beverage preparations.  We answer phones.  The day continues.  Others join.  The order arrives, it gets put away...

5:00 p.m.  It is time to leave work.  Jillian who is our new nail technician asks if she can do my nails for practice.  She gives me a manicure.  My hands are so tired, they welcome the warm towels.  I marvel how I rarely experience this treatment.  I am so relaxed.  I contemplate how luxurious a pedicure might be.

6:30 p.m.  I arrive at home, change clothes.  I join Philippa and Bryce who are eating spaghetti and chicken. They are watching an old episode of How I Met Your Mother.  This does not follow my yoga meal but I try to focus on each bite and do the best I can despite the distraction (I do enjoy this television show).

7:45 p.m.  I leave to go to yoga for my daily practice.  Yin practice starts at 8:15 p.m. with Jan.
Don't yet have a membership card but I check in with my drivers license.

During class I note that my hamstrings are tight.  Breathing into these locked areas.  My seated forward fold hardly hinges.  I drop my head and breathe deeply.  Things loosen, slowly by a few degrees.  So appreciative for the time to do Yin yoga, relieved we are not doing anything more active.

9:45 p.m. I come home, do some journaling in my notebook, contemplate this blog as an idea.  Read/write down the 10 asanas for Sun Salutation A -- just missing benefits/modifications/some of the sanskrit.

11:11 p.m.    Now. Need to be done typing and get ready for bed.



[transcribed journal follows]

Daily Yoga Meal:
9/23:  Home  7:15 - 7:45 p.m. with Bryce and Philippa (roasted chicken and pasta with red pepper sauce).

• Remained seated ✓
• ...Not 100% free from external distractions with How I Met Your Mother playing in the background...
• Waited until food was completely chewed before swallowing AND swallowed bite before picking up next bite.  ✓
• Refrained from putting more than two handfuls on plate. ✓
• Did not take more food after waiting 3-5 minutes (was tempted by freshly baked bread).  ✓
• Waited 2-6 hours before next meal.  ✓  At 9:45 p.m. I had a snack after yoga.

Comments: It is difficult to enjoy a yogi meal when one does not clue others in.  Bryce and Philippa don't know yet/I haven't communicated that this is a daily practice/need of mine.  I might have to eat on my own/observe a different meal as "yogi meal"  for the sake of this dedicated practice.  Ideally all meals would be this deeply observed.  Maybe someday.


Daily Meditation Record:
9/23:  7:40 a.m. - 8:05 a.m. Andrew's basement.  I kept having metta thoughts come up during the time I was supposed to be focused on my breath. I had to remind myself to focus on my breath and save "good thoughts/prayers" for later.


Daily Practice:
9/23:  8:15 p.m.  Highland Park Lifetime Fitness.  Yin Yoga.  Instructor:  Jan.
Good to stretch/breathe!  My hips and shoulders were tight.  My hamstrings were difficult to work with in even in a gentle forward fold.  I needed to come out and go back in after adjusting my seated stance. Kept breathing and worked through discomfort.  I really appreciated all the heart-opening postures incorporating the bolsters.  Good stretch for thighs and chest.


Daily Gratitude Journal:
9/23:  Today I am grateful for Philippa who made dinner.  I am thankful for Lois who said hi to me.  I am grateful for the opportunity to know Jillian a little better (and for the manicure treatment).  I a so glad I got to relax with Yin yoga before resting for the evening.  I am grateful The World Peace Diet arrived in the mail so I can begin my reading before next Sunday's class (thank you for the nicely used copy from the book seller and the timely manner in which it arrived - yay courier)!