This may be a touch long winded, but I'm providing details of why I started practicing yoga, so you…read moremay compare this to your own interests or needs.
I have been thinking about - longing for yoga for about a year, knowing it was something special and empowering. However, being a student and researcher pushing 60 to 70 hour work weeks just didn't allow for me to connect with a Yoga schedule. Plus I may have well fallen out a sleep in class due to exhaustion!
When this summer came, and I knew I'd have two months free, I decided instead of cramming small trips to escape, I would challenge myself to 30 days of yoga. Why 30 days? I felt like if I was going to get anything- feel anything- connect - or discover, I needed a serious investment. This is the only way to measure the effects.
The things I was seeking most: a sense of mental (and physical couldn't hurt) balance, improved flexibility, and a way to give back to my body.
I started last Monday which puts me at one week and five days. When I started I was scared - embarrassed of being the chubby girl who didn't know anything! I could barely make it through class! I was sweating and nervous and thinking "geez, how can I make it through an hour and a half of this torture". Then precisely seven days in it hit me hard! I was totally taken, to an emotional point, I choked up at the end of class. My body was saying thank you, and I heard it!!!
Now when I get to class, Im bummed when it's done! I feel like "that was not even close to an hour and a half" .... and if there was a way I would just spend hours more following Rutu's instructions (she's the big chief here).
The work we do in class is all about alignment, and the process of engaging breathing with alignment of the body -- granted, this is my novice perception of it. Classes are 1.25 and 1.5 hours, morning sessions and evening sessions as well as Saturday and Sunday classes being offered. The Purna yoga is a completely accessible practice of yoga. This is evident, as I share the classroom with beginners and advanced, all ages, and both athletic and individuals with physical conditions that require some aid. The folks that come here are also super pleasant, and not in a fake kind of I'm so spiritual way, just in a "we're cool and we are all digging this" kind of way, which feels like a more authentic sense of self and spirit.
The effects: How do I feel and 12 days? I feel great! The aches and pains of waking up and having to stretch out my shortened and painful Achilles' tendon almost a distant memory! My back also feels stronger, and my neck feel much less tense!
Also, mentally, I feel even more delighted with life than ever!
I wish my schedule would allow for every single day - yet I know once the new semester starts it will not. I will do everything in my power to at least attend All Life Is Yoga on the weekends, religiously. They offer a Friday evening meditation and wind down class, and on Saturday and Sunday I could hit the morning classes!
If you have been thinking about starting a yoga practice, you will not be let down here. And if you have experience I am sure you will immediately identify the level of passion, and intuitiveness Rutu's shares with us in her studio. (Not too mention I have also had the other teachers, and they are great too!)
And the 30 day challenge? The only two days I could not attend, I was supplied with an instructional paper from Rutu which helped me continue my practice at home on my own. So 30 days is rocking strong!!!
Thanks for reading this!