Modern Mom Challenge - Week #2

Due to my schedule this week I am unable to weigh myself on the scale I weighed myself on last week, but I did have a good week.

First, I made sure I ate something green with lunch and dinner (mixed green salads, cooked spinach or broccoli). Second, I ate oatmeal with raisins for breakfast every day. Third, I didn't have my favorite latte until Saturday (my Starbucks card was reloaded by a friend). Fourth, I attended two yoga classes (would have been 3, but it got canceled). So, overall not too shabby!

Before Thanksgiving I treated myself to a pedicure. I hadn't had one in 6 months and figured it was time! While I was lounging in my spa chair with my feet soaking I read an interesting article in Self magazine titled Keeping Up with the Yogis by Marjorie Ingall. One of the lines in her article actually made me laugh out loud:

"But in our dirty heart of hearts, what we really want is...a yoga butt. If that comes with a side of enlightenment, that's awesome but not essential."

It is just so true for me. I started practicing yoga in 1999 because I was searching for a new way to exercise since the elliptical trainer was no longer fun and I wasn't disciplined enough to lift weights without the help of an expensive personal trainer. Every day I walked by a yoga studio on my way home from the bus stop. I would see people coming out of there with great physiques and looking like they didn't have an ounce of stress. So, I signed up for 10 sessions of hatha yoga. I'lll admit, my first week was hard ... REALLY hard. After my first class in a steamy hot room filled with sweaty people I didn't think I would go back. But, I did. After a year taking this class I had a body that I hadn't had since I was a freshman in college, glowing skin and hair, and stress seemed to melt away after each class. I was bending and twisting in ways I never thought I could. My body and mind was nimble and clear. I have never felt or looked better in my life.

After I moved to San Diego yoga has not been a consistent presence in my life due to moving around and unpredictable schedules. I got lucky when the company I work for offered with my employment a free gym membership that included yoga classes. I also took a prenatal yoga class at a local studio and used videos when I was pregnant with Princess D.



I took a break from my practice again in September when my marriage hit the rocks. I knew every day I didn't practice I was doing myself I disservice. I was actually nervous about returning. I know my flexibility will quickly return. I know if I stick with it my butt will start looking less flabby in a few months. What I wasn't sure of is if I would be able to quiet my mind. There is so much swirling around in there thanks to therapy, my support group, inspiration to write, and the necessary (and unnecessary) drama.

Monday was my first class. The instructor that day teaches hatha yoga (while my Tuesday and Thursdsay classes are vinyasa flow). She doesn't use music which allows the mind to really focus inward. I really didn't think it would be a good first session back. I was wrong. I quieted my mind. I focused on my body and breathing. I let my stress melt away. By dinner time my glutes were sore!



Even though I take breaks from my practice I always come back to it. Yoga does help give you the great butt you desire, but if you let it it will allow you to breath without stress poluting every inhale. If you are working towards a great butt and need to clear your head I recommend you try yoga!

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Next week I will have two of my favorite people in the blogosphere guest posting while I am at a conference. Please make them feel welcome and loved!