It's Called a Challenge Because it's CHALLENGING!

It's been a little while since I last checked in with Blog The Change...We all go through our high highs and our low lows...Its been a week with some lows. I had a can of Coke yesterday, and right now I'm munching on a big bag of Miss Vicky's Salt and Vinegar chips. These are loopholes I have found. I didn't say anything about no pop and no chips. I don't drink pop. It's like smoking. I know better. There's no value in it. And chips, well, I do eat chips and love them. So there!

I've been upset and tense due to being CHALLENGED on my Challenge. Ooooh! I'm a little mood-swingy, too. I'm back to Thursday routine with Megan in a Women's Yoga class for the next 6 weeks. We're all synced up and our focus is PMS relief and what to snack on. The consensus is dark chocolate, and Megan got me jonesing for Salt and Vinegar. This class is wonderful and its going to be the thing that keeps me sane and outside of the house as we transition into fall and this new phase of my life.

 

 My dear Miss Stefanie shared this hilarious photo with Sacred Movement.

 

 

Things have been CHALLENGING at home when it comes to cooking and eating together. I have been firm and stuck to my diet except I did eat cheddar perogies once and hated myself for giving up. I ate a granola bar and the fine print said MILK after it was gone. My sinuses are unhappy about being full of dairy. I spent my whole day at work looking at the freshly made baked goods. Every time I brewed coffee I stuck my head inside the giant Equator bags to smell the coffee. Smelling isn't cheating.

My daily practice is not what I had hoped it would be, but I have been on my mat at least 4 out of 7 days. Even if it is just rolling around. Sometimes its spontaneous, other times its a video. I read my daily newsletter from Be the Change's Karma Krew every day at 6 AM in the schoolyard with Gus. Where I am seeing the most diligence is in my beauty routine. I only went without make-up once, after the perogie night. Beauty is not a challenge. It used to be something I would skip in order to do something more important. Yes, the dishwasher and the recycling are important, but looking great, instead of good, has made me feel so much more ready for the day. My nails are looking lady-like and will be painted pink for my first official teaching gig this Sunday afternoon.

Upward Dog Yoga on Dalhousie
1-2 PM
Karma Class
Focus: Back Bends, Heart Opening. Self-Compassion

If any of my readers attend on Sunday, I would love to hear some feedback and gather testimonials for my Yoga Resume. I hope to see you there :)





Neti Pots, Tea Pots, and Sexy Skin

What a glorious, beautiful day. The sun's out, it's not too cold, and I'm just enjoying everything before getting back into the workweek.

Last night's sushi ended up being the best and biggest meal I've had in ages. A mountain of edamame, four avocado hand rolls, and some veggie spring rolls just for little old me. The boy did good :)

This morning, I got up, had my fibre: oatmeal with cinnamon, a (heaping) dash of cocoa powder, teacher apple slices, honey, drowned in almond milk. I have noticed within one week of conscious healthy eating my tummy is less puffy. After taking Gus to the park, I used my neti pot before packing my bag to go out. I have used the neti pot several times, but would like to incorporate it into my routine at least once a week because I have seen benefits.

as seen on TV: Oprah

Dr. Oz Approved

as seen on TV: The Office

Do Not Attempt at Home

 

I find that I can take much deeper, longer in-breaths immediately afterwards.The two most important things I took from Ana Forrest, in her Masterclass I attended last year, was first, her comment to me that I was depriving myself of so much nourishment by not inhaling correctly. Second, Ana Forrest gave me shit for not wanting to expose my stomach for kapalabati pranayama. As a recovered Anorexic/Bulimic she had every right to give me shit. Our bodies are our bodies. We have to own them, love them and respect them. She's tough, but an amazingly gifted teacher. I do not inhale properly because I am afraid of making my stomach look big. How absurd!

I had a couple of big mugs of hot water before leaving to take the bus to Pure. I was plenty early so I did not have to run barefoot this time. I also took a huge mason jar filled with water so I could keep hydrated in the 75 minute Detox Flow class. Having a good half hour before class I went in to David's Tea to restock my tea supplies. Ooooh was it ever exciting. For all the Tea Grannies and Tea Steeped Hipsters out there, Pumpkin Chai is a limited edition blend. Run to your nearest David's Tea and put the kettle on. And then put on a chunky cable knit sweater and read a trashy book.

The only downside to this tea that I didn't know until I got home is that it is not Vegan Friendly. Who knew that tea could have milk pre-mixed into the blend? I will be sharing most of this tea despite the fact that I love it.

Tiffani's class was a twist-tastic detox. She taught Sacred Movement's Anatomy Workshop so I have been looking forward to taking one of her classes for a long, loooong time. It felt really good to go to her class and she her after at least two months. If you have not taken her class, you need to. Great instructions and excellent anatomical cues. Get some Yoga Tune-Up Balls from her for massaging your feet.

I had another teacher apple and some almonds for my bus ride snack, made myself a grilled veggie wrap full of hummus and avocado. Avocado is my favourite beauty snack. I read that one avocado has more usable protein than an 8 oz steak. Usable is the keyword! It gives you vitamin E and natural fats for shiny hair and sexy skin. Don't be afraid of natural fats. What else is sexier than skin?

http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-benefits-of-avocado-for-skin-hair-and-health/

A Full Week In

Day 7. A full week in.

By now, I am really feeling my goals in a moral sense, not just a challenge sense. Having watched "Vegucated" last weekend, I am viewing Veganism as much easier. I have gone with a Vegan diet in the past for a month long cleanse, but did not think much further than dairy's effects on my body. Today I went to Walmart to pick up a pack of light bulbs and a new pair of rubber boots for my morning walks with Gus, and naturally got caught up looking at other shoes. I'm a girl. I can't help it. Checking out some fringed suede boots, I thought, "well, those are cute moccasin boots...$29.00...Genuine Leather...That's a cow's skin...Mass produced all across every Walmart in North America...I'll pass..."

Looking to the Yama's I am seeing the issue past Ahimsa, non-violence, into Asteya, non-stealing. I can't steal milk from nursing calves and I can't steal eggs from hens (yes, I know they are natural layers, but I don't want to take what is forced in confinement). Sushi is coming home with Chris again tonight, but with the understanding that I will not be eating any fish. I am in no means being preachy, this is just how I am feeling.

Last night I did one of Megan's videos for "Full Moon Cycle", followed by japa mala mantra, "Ahum Prema, Aham Shanti" (I am love, I am peace). I was feeling very sad and alone, missing Sacred Movement already, and wanted to remind myself everything I need is within.

Megan presented this mala to me, and to each of the other women in Sacred Movement. Each one of us was given a personal charm and gem to personalize the mala.

This afternoon I practiced at Mountain Goat Yoga with my favourite teacher, Justine, in her Dharma Yoga class. I have not attended my local studio since I began Sacred Movement. It was lovely to return and see familiar faces. Our practice was a moving meditation and an offering of energy. I always leave feeling so inspired, and much lighter. My mood has lifted and I no longer feel so sad about the ending of Sacred Movement. I am however, very, very tired. I do not feel like cleaning the house and have spent a good deal of my day on the couch with my good dog, Gus, lying under the coffee table while I write.

Graduating Yoga School

It is Day 6 (although my post was not ready to publish until the 7th!) of the Challenge. I'm still on track, I've just been preoccupied with family and my Sacred Movement 200 hour Hatha Yoga RYT Graduation. I did not imbibe in the red wine with Grandma, as is tradition when we get together. I asked for no cheese and no tzaziki on my vegetarian wrap at the Greek restaurant for our family meal. My gluten free mother broke the ice and ordered her wrap with no wrap before me, so I didn't get funny looks. Afterwards, my mum and I enjoyed her home-baked zucchini brownies. We had tea and talked about the graduation day ahead tomorrow. My mum is also a Yoga Teacher and a graduate of Upward Dog Yoga Centre's teacher training with Yogi Vishvketu. Coincidentally, I took my training there from a graduate of Yogi Vishvketu.


An email came in Wednesday evening, from Lynda at Upward Dog, asking for volunteers for this Sunday afternoon's Karma Class. I was shaking like a leaf, but jumped on the opportunity, the way I jumped on the opportunity to take this YTT. I did not hear back from Lynda until Thursday morning.

This Sunday was booked...

BUT, NEXT SUNDAY is mine! I am officially TEACHING YOGA TO REAL PEOPLE, STRANGERS, SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 15th 1-2 PM! I am still buzzing.

All of Thursday I was hyper at work. I even wrecked a couple of salads while I talked far to much to my customers in line. My co-workers were really excited for me and I got a lovely email from dear Kara, a former co-worker, who told me that she was enjoying this blog. A big shout out to Kara! I would not have been so determined to graduate if it wasn't for my cheerleaders. You all helped to bring me here today.

On my way to Upward Dog I bought apples in the market to share, because we are all teachers now. Our closing ceremony was beautiful. The most interesting part was that Megan had assigned us homework asking  us to write a letter to another woman we admire, but she told us that night that the letter was really intended for deepest self. I wrote: "...from Day One I knew you would be a teacher...." and ended the letter: "I believe in you, _____, and have since Day One".

Although I am feeling a deep sense of loneliness, not having scheduled training time with my Sacred Sister twice a week,  something new is beginning.

So, its official.
Namaste.

Back to Reality

Today was my last morning alone. Wanting to take advantage of the intro price at Pure Yoga, and also wanting to take advantage of having my own independent schedule before work at 8 AM, I got up at quarter to five (crazy, no?) to catch the bus out of Barrhaven and take a 6:30 AM scheduled class.

 I almost didn't make it!

I got off the bus at Westboro station at 6:25 and tried to run, comically, in Birkenstocks, bouncing back pack and flapping Yoga mat slung over my shoulder, while scrambling for my Pure Pass on my key chain. Last Wednesday I gave up the pair of kitten heels that I wore to a meeting, and dashed bare foot to the bus stop. So I did it again! Thank goodness Westboro is clean and friendly.

I arrived right on time, and luckily, several other stragglers came in after me. Of course, I spent half the class wheezing and coughing from my "marathon" run. Settling in and catching my breath was my set intention for the class. Just when I thought my heavy breathing was going to be disruptive, somebody turned on their Ujjayi breathing to level 10 for the entire class, including Savasana. "Luke, I OM your Father".

 

I have noticed that dehydration, which is super common in Hot Yoga, feels almost like being hung over. I wondered what on earth was going on during my shift at work and realized that I had neglected to drink enough water once I got there. I sure missed my relaxing lemon water lounge time I had gotten used to this weekend. Rush, rush, rush today!

 

Around my lunch break I started getting all twitchy around the desserts because my homemade vegan cauliflower soup was "too healthy, not to mention cold and boring since we have no microwave. Putting this entry together I have realized what a grump I am starting to be without my indulgences. First its denial, then anger?

 

And now I need to confess: I ate salmon sushi tonight.

 

Chris picked me up some dinner on his way home, and he knew I wasn't eating fish, so I suspect he did it on purpose. I couldn't let it go to waste, but reminded him what I was doing and why. "Where are you getting your protein, your calcium, etc..?" all those questions people have for Vegetarians and Vegans. I never had any remorse for eating fish and seafood until we went to an elephant rescue nature sanctuary in Thailand this winter. The sanctuary was dedicated to all living things and there was such compassion and reverence for life there. I feel this Challenge may be my goodbye to fish as a Vegetarian, so I feel guilty about having broken my pact with myself, but it was different than refusing to eat cheese or a cup of coffee. Those are straight up "No's" where my meal was prepared and bought for me with love and concern. I do not feel angry about this, but I do feel that it has tested me and made me want to stick to my goal.





Take Time

Today's intention is to "Take Time".

Before I did anything, I drank my hot water and lemon (which aids in digestion and preps the stomach for all the things to go inside of it later) and checked in with my daily Be the Change email. The On the Go Girl in me was nagging: "get dressed, make breakfast, brush, hair, brush teeth, do personal Sadhana, clean everything you didn't clean yesterday, plan a route to Pure Yoga for Megan's class at 4:30, call Grandma between 11-12!" Deep breath in...drink that giant mug of lemon water....

Having a good sense of responsibility and willingness to get up at dawn every day is a great way to live, but if I find myself feeling guilty for "wasting time" on a long weekend holiday Monday...well then I have a problem. I have total freedom today, and have the luxury of my own personal independence for the time being. It's okay that I finished drinking my mug at 10 AM. It's a really big mug!

I made myself a big breakfast, because I was too snacky yesterday. I made a "kitchen sink" style smoothie, where I just load up the mini blender with whatever's around. I threw in a banana, the rest of the blueberries, 1/2 avocado, chia seeds and an almond milk base. I also made myself some oatmeal with almonds and a 1/2 banana. Just wrap up the other half and save it for tomorrow.

In honour of taking my time, I took my breakfast outside to eat on the front step beside my flower garden. I had a nice phone call with my brother and his wife, who were playing Super Mario on our old 1990's SUPER NINTENDO, drinking coffee and coaxing their baby boy to talk on the phone with me.

Just as I was getting ready to go up to my sacred space to try one of Megan's mini videos, I got a text from my Mum. I called her from my mat to talk about life. She will be in town the day before my graduation.

Since it is my last day alone, I decided to escape Barrhaven and head to Westboro's Pure Yoga studio to take the 4:30 Pure Flow with Megan. And what do you know, Megan's theme was about taking time and settling into the change of season. I arrived far too early, so I took myself on a stroll about Richmond road. Almost all the stores were closed, so I have an extensive list of places to check out. The World of Tea is across the road from Pure. The WORLD of TEA! And Cupcake Lounge. Lounging with cupcakes? Need I say more? Of course, I will not be eating their buttery eggieness any time soon.

Just as I was coming back to Pure to register, thunder started rolling and lightning was flashing in the distance. I settled into my chosen spot and the rain started to pour hard. The power went out and Megan had to get candles to light the hot room. The lights came back on just in time for the class to begin. It couldn't have been a more perfect Yoga class to end my weekend. And the sun came out and the rain stopped for my walk to the bus.

Ritual Cleansing

Even though it is a long weekend, my internal clock woke me up at 6:30 after a late night of watching two great documentaries, "I Am" and "Vegucated". The man and the dog are away until Tuesday, so I have been taking advantage of my free time. I did some lounging about while having a glass of hot water and lemon while reading today's Be the Change email and watching the inspirational videos of the day. "Lounging" is not normally part of my morning schedule. I own a Boarder Collie, so its get up and go (or lose your favourite shoes) on a normal Saturday. I still wanted to keep up with my walking routine in the morning so by 8:00 AM I did some exploring around the pond's edge, watching minnows, birds and bugs, and drank my jar of green juice, then walked about in the dried area of the tall grass.

 

 

Sunday is traditionally my day to do a big clean up at home. I try to keep up with laundry, dishes, etc., during the work week, but Sunday is always the big haul before Monday. Taking care of the home is a mirror of taking care of the health. If the Feng Shui Police showed up, they'd slap me for all the nooks and crannies that have been overlooked.

"When health is absent, wisdom cannot reveal itself, art cannot manifest, strength cannot fight, wealth becomes useless, and intelligence cannot be applied." - Herophilus

As a painter, I cannot paint in an unhealthy, cluttered state of mind. As a Yogini, I cannot practice when my Top Secret Yoga Room (NO BOYS ALLOWED) has become a dumping ground for all my course books, hoodies, socks, inside out tote bags, and receipts from Bridgehead spilling out of my wallet due to the fact that I am faking having a tidy house.

Moping is the worst. So I took some time out to "roll around on my mat" because that counts as personal practice time. Seriously, I did cool things too, like attempting an arm balance. I really suck at them. I almost turned on the light switch with my foot trying to flip over.

Blaaaaa!!!

 

No sweat!

After all my hard work today, I spent the evening doing some home-spa care. I began with a white clay body mask. I used A.Vogel brand of White Clay for dry and sensitive skin which I added water to this morning, covered, and left in a sunny window throughout the day. Setting up my clay in the morning not only allows it to properly congeal, it also gave me something to look forward to at the end of my day. I have not used a clay in probably over a year. It is such a healing natural beauty product. First, shower and scrub all over with hot water and a loofa. Apply all over and wait until the clay dries and becomes tight on the skin. Then, jump in the shower, melting the clay off your body.

After drying off I treated myself to Ayurvedic self massage before making myself dinner. Lucky me, I got to take home the end of my teacher's massage oil jar. I cannot remember what essential oils are mixed together, but it smells heavenly.

Today, the first day of Be the Change was a devotion to myself and my home, a Ritual Cleansing from the inside out. A lot of water intake too. I may be up throughout the night!