Greatest Practice... Yet

To be honest yesterday was one of the best practice ever...

 It is funny, because I didn't see it coming at all. I wasnt feeling strong; physically, emotionally, mentally. I contemplated for a long time whether I want to start practicisng because I know the work I need to do. For one and a half hour, it's all my body and breathe and focus and work - it all seemed daunting. But I gently told myself - just sun salutations at worst. Work up to standing pose if you feel like it. Or even better, up to navasana... or bandha konasana, yoga practice milestones. Finishing was not an option at that time.

 But starting into surya namaska A I was feeling good. B felt even better, instead of feeling tired, or challenged, B felt like an old friend. Practiced on keeping the inner elbows facing front to press my index finger down on chaturangga, a helpful trick given by my teacher.

 Standing poses went well. I was working on the breathing. Utthita Eka Padasana felt easier on BOTH legs. I usually have reservations for this poses, and the 2 prior. But they were thankfully easy.

 come dandasana. Jump throughs were flowy! Still need work to 'float' but at least I wasn't dragging my whole foot or thumping them on the way to swing through. I actually swung through 60% of the time! My jump backs - or Lolasana, were SO MUCH BETTER -  i could actually swing my legs through before lack of strength succumbed to dragging my feet back to plank. O was thanking GOD all the time. Alhamdulillah. Really. Before I know it it was time for Navasana, then Bhujapindasana (which felt lighter) and Garbha Pindasana.

 Let me tell you.  I FLOWED 9 times, Beautifully. No jerky movements, but easy, rapid, fluid breathing in and out falling back and riding up. Oh the pleasure and joy bursting out from my body. I was gloriously smiling while doing my Kukutasana.

 This is why I love ashtanga. why I am GLAD, very, that I found it when I did. What a mind blowing, mentally stimulating exercise. Is it exercise? Because I started today's practice with very low morale and mood and self love and ended it feeling I could be - I want to be - a better person, a better WIFE. And I keep thanking God. Because I am able. No other workout made me feel like it. Except maybe cycling.

 Maybe also because I bought a new mat today - Manduka Pro in Sage Black, superlong! I LOVED it. Thick, steady, solid, and dependable. My cats love it too. My heels don't hurt anymore!