Absolutely Love Ashtanga

I'll admit, I was nervous for class today after hearing it was rigorous. To my surprise, I loved it! It was invigorating. We learned how to do sun salutations two different ways. As I've said before, I've done lots of sun salutations, but I must have learned a modified version because it did not include upward facing dog, it included cobra instead. We did back bends and all different kinds of stretches. I felt that I was able to get through them pretty well. My main challenges were transitioning to upward facing dog since it is not what I am used to, staying in boat pose, and of course, I love to hate them, inversions...one day I'll learn!! Today made me realize that I definitely need to work on my ab strength and not to neglect upper body strength. It's interesting. Poses that involve twisting and stretching

I do really well, but I still haven't been able to stretch into a split.

Today felt like a community. Our instructor, Lauren, laughed with us and really helped us perfect some of our poses. She made a point to go around and help each person if they were having trouble. Community isn't a large group or people or a small group of people who know each other. A community is feeling at ease and welcomed. I don't know anyone in my class, but I smiled with them as we practiced together. I did not feel embarrassed when I was not able to go further on a pose or have help. We are all there for each other. A community is establishing a relationship with your environment. It's important to include the instructor too. I would love to continue doing Ashtanga to build my core strength.

Today, I've been nervous about my busy schedule and exam, but during Ashtanga, no thought of stress even entered my mind. Even when we took breaks and when we meditated. I felt relaxed. So far, Ashtanga is definitely my favorite.