Starting in May I began a 30-day challenge. I had successfully completed a challenge last summer before school resumed and it felt like a great accomplishment.I felt so strong and ready to begin another school year. This more recent challenge was different. I was doing it during the school year- and during one of the busiest times, the end-of-year crunch. I knew it would be truly a challenge but I was ready for it. I wanted to push myself outside my comfort zone, I wanted to finish the school year with vigor, enthusiasm and joy.
One of the most challenging aspects of doing yoga every day was simply making the time for it and actually getting to the studio. I had after-school meetings, was finishing writing student reports and planning end-of-year activities for both students and colleagues. However, I managed to take some later practices and the weather and traffic were cooperative for the most part.
Of course, there was the challenge of the actual yoga as well. There were days, especially in the first couple of weeks, when I just felt (I hate to say it, because I consider this something I USED TO say) tired. The late classes made my days very long and I wasn't getting as much sleep- though I slept beautifully! Then I remembered that during my first yoga challenge I needed to add some sea vegetables to my diet to replenish all the minerals I was losing. I added a bowl or two of miso soup with kombu to my diet each day and I quickly felt better.
By the last week of my challenge I knew I was going to make it and I was feeling strong and happy- so happy! I even took on an extra project at school- organizing a fruit table for our school's field day. It was an idea I had after one of the practitioners at my studio share some chilled watermelon with everyone after class. It was the most delicious thing I ever ate. I thought it would be such a refreshing, nutritious snack to offer the hot, sweaty, hard working kids and teachers on field day. Parents donated and helped to serve strawberries, oranges, watermelon, blueberries and cantaloup. It was very appreciated- just like the watermelon I had after practice!
I did finish the challenge successfully and then my husband and I left for vacation in the Yucatan. I felt certain I wouldn't get sick this time- as I usually do when we travel. After all I was feeling strong from yoga practice and I was eating so well. I didn't think I was feeling proud, but maybe I was. When I got heat exhaustion- of all things!- I was humbled and disappointed. My back hurt from laying in bed and my stomach was in knots. I slept on and off for the better part of three days. I tried to be gentle with myself and allow that my body and I are on a journey, that healing and achieving health takes time. But I was still disappointed and still am a little, I must admit. Also, I just did not like feeling so sick. I've been sick so much of my life. After feeling so wonderful, I didn't want to go back to feeling that way- weak and sad and withdrawn- I didn't want to do anything, nothing interested me, I had no desire even to dream of things I want to do. Well, I am feeling better now, more my new self. I plan to talk with a doctor or nutritionist about what I can do in the future when I travel to improve my chances of staying healthy for the WHOLE trip. Maybe there is something I can do. When we got back home, I felt relief and an almost giddy gratitude for being home. We live in such a beautiful place and I just walked around our yard and house for a whole day just looking at furniture and pictures and hills and deer and baby rabbits- and hugging William, our cat. I suppose I wouldn't have felt that as strongly if I hadn't gotten so sick. And I could resume my yoga practice!
It had been two weeks since my last practice and I was excited but a little nervous about how it might go, especially after being really inactive for several days. After talking with Robin, I decided to be curious rather than nervous- and off I went to the studio. I was a little shaky at first, but I soon felt my body opening up in ways it hasn't before. I was surprised at how far and with what relative ease I could get into some postures. And my stamina was great; I felt alert and strong. I had had a headache and by the end of class that was gone. It felt like a great big AAAHHH!!! for my whole body! I mentioned to the teacher after class that it was my first class in two weeks and that I felt great. She said that it can be helpful to rest after a 30 day challenge. She was right!
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