I should start off by saying that this was not a New Year’s resolution. In fact, I decided to boycott resolutions this year. I feel like, in the past, I’ve set such strict, rigid boundaries and restrictions with various resolutions and I just did not want to do that and feel the burnout of it and the impossibilities associated with it. Instead, I just wanted to begin doing things that make me happy and make me feel good… finding the peace, if you will. Being a little ways in to January now as I am beginning this post, I am pleased to say that I have made some small, manageable changes that have made me happier. I will share more on that later, but for now, I just wanted to focus on this thirty day yoga journey.
Surely if you’ve searched for “free yoga” on YouTube, you’ve stumbled across Yoga with Adriene. During the pandemic, when we were shut off from the world, I started relying on YouTube videos to help my kids and I stay active on the days that were too cold or rainy to go outside. Craving some alone time, I decided to look for yoga videos. I went through a few different instructors, but when I found Adriene, I was hooked. She just seems so genuine, she guides me through things very well, and I just enjoy her style (which may have something to do with her doggy who is always snoozing at her side). Anyway, I’ve done a few different series of hers, but before this month, I haven’t done any yoga in too long.
I was excited when I stumbled on this series. I was at work one day before Christmas, feeling stressed out, feeling out of time and out of shape because that point in the year can be so overwhelming. I made a promise to myself to sign up to get the email reminders and pencil in some me time, every day, beginning in the new year. Here is my experience with Center – A 30 Day Yoga Journey.
Week 1 Down
Today is 1/8/2023 and I’m taking some time to reflect on the past week of this yoga journey. I have to say, I’m a little proud that I’ve found the time each day to spend doing this. No video has been over 30 minutes, so I’m able to integrate it into every day, even those where I’m working my day job, and then clocking into my second shift of mom/chauffeur/chef/maid! The first few days was difficult to get into mentally, for me. That’s my personal problem with yoga: part of me feels like I should be using that time more efficiently to burn as many calories as possible. I have to remind myself that it’s okay and that there are other benefits in this practice for me. By day 5, I was definitely feeling those sore muscles that haven’t been used enough lately. Day 6, “Fan”, had my abdominals aching in bed that very night. Day 7, which I completed today was “Flow”. This is my favorite kind of yoga: it’s more active and I like the feel of movement. I am proud whenever I can sync my breath to the moves: that’s something I definitely had to learn in the past! I am a hold-your-breath kind of girl for some reason! I find at the end of week 1, I am thankful for my sore muscles. I am sitting up a little taller. I am more present in moments both on an off of the mat. Things are going well!
Week 2 Down
This week was a good test for me: Things were stressful at work and kids’ actives are back in full swing after the break. I’m proud to report that I made it to the mat every day and was so glad that I did afterwards. Some days it was difficult to tune out the thoughts in my head from the day, but again, I noticed after I was finished, I was calmer and less stress than when I began. This week, my favorite day was Day 10: Energy. I only wish that it lasted longer! This was more “action” and I really felt myself breathing with the moves. Things were slowed down towards the end of the week. I just completed Day 14: Stretch. My body needed this. I could feel the deeper stretches work their magic as my breathing slowed and lengthened. And if I’m being completely honest, I needed this after a night out celebrating a birthday… I don’t do that often and my body knows it! I am glad to be continuing this 30 day journey. I feel confident that I am going to complete it, doing a little something every single day. My mind is already focusing on the “beyond” and planning, but I remind myself to stay present and stay the course.
Week 3 Down
I’m happy to report that I have not let anything get in the way of me getting 20ish minutes in on the mat this week. (When I write that out, it seems almost silly to think that there has been or will be a time where I can’t fit this in — hoping that is my mind shifting!)
No day was difficult this week. There were some challenges and my balance was definitely tested, but I never felt like anything was hard. This is good. And it’s bad. And it’s not bad because it’s good. (What?!) It’s good because every move is doable. It’s bad because I feel myself wanting more of a challenge. I think this has to do with what I’ve said before: I feel like I should be cramming more into this time (more calorie deficit bang for my buck, so to speak). It’s not bad because it’s good (again, what?!) because these slower workouts really work to make me focus in the present. Adriene is very good at keeping my thoughts where they need to be during these workouts. I need to slow down and be present. I am hoping that this is one of the things that will transfer into the everyday as I continue to practice.
One thing I did notice was it was almost instinct to take time to breathe during the day. There were a few times when I noticed myself becoming stressed (for me, it’s the tightening in my chest, and the thoughts that are difficult to catch up with) and I took some deep *yoga* breaths which really did reboot my nervous system to feel more in control. That is such a win to me. j
Oh, my favorite day you ask? Day 21 – Strength. I’m feeling it in my abs and obliques today (the day after)!
Week 4 Down
I l-o-v-e-d this week. I kept finding myself thinking that this is where I wished the series started. However, when I thought this, I immediately thought no, I just want to continue with more from here. There was more flow. But even in the stillness I felt stronger. You know how I’ve been saying each week that I’ve wanted more? Well, I started doing more: before or after yoga, each day this week, I dusted off the old (1 year old that I haven’t used very much at all) iFit bike in the basement and got to riding. Every single day. And it felt so good! I can tell that the yoga has made more core stronger. I’m not hunched over on the bike and I’m keeping good posture. It is such a win.
Final Thoughts
As I write this, on Day 31, I am so happy I completed this. It was not difficult. It was not too time consuming. It helped me focus on me. Like I said, physically I know I’ve used and tightened muscles that needed some attention, and my posture is thanking me. Mentally, I am in a better place that I was 31 days ago. It’s nice to feel like I can do something for myself every day and that I’m worth that time. My energy and my mood improved. And like I said, it’s gotten me to move my body more. I’ve been on the bike 7 days consistently now, and I’m hoping I can make that a habit now as well.
{So many good things came from this! To culminate the experience, I think I’m going to reward myself with a yoga themed Stitch Fix! }
Even though these 30 days are over, I plan on continue a daily practice. I think I’ll jump on to one of the other Yoga with Adriene series, but if you have any other suggestions, I am open to hearing them! Please drop a comment with your favorite accessible yoga choice.
Until next time…. Namaste!