Focus & End (30f30 Update)
Week 3
I am officially requesting a refund from SoulCycle and Flywheel. Those classes did NOT prepare me for going uphill in real life. Biking these hills is HARD. My legs gave up on me three quarters of the way up a hill while I was “out of the saddle” and I damn near fell over. Well I did fall over and the hedges saved my life. But I am enjoying biking so far, even though I’m slow and Travis can go faster than me without even pedaling. He can tell you that I am slowly improving and I am appreciative of his patience.
The yoga classes are ongoing but I am beginning to feel blah. Not like the classes aren’t interesting, it’s just a lot to be in that hot room everyday. My lower back is also bothering me. I blame all the standing from being on-site for nine years.
The hardest part of class is actually the quiet meditation at the end. It is almost impossible for me to stay still and “focus on breathing”. This is more torturous than being in the weekly company meeting with that coworker who insists on asking questions that could be asked on their own time (you know who I’m talking about — shade/no shade). TBH, I thought about that while I was supposed be NOT thinking of anything in class. (Shoutout to the last instructor who brought cold towels for everyone in class though.)
One of the best parts of any yoga class for me are the wise words from the instructor. It is nice to have a reminder that we should focus on the present, trust that our bodies are stronger than we think, and we have the ability to rise above it all. But the best mantra for me is “you are exactly where you are supposed to be”. It’s a hard one to swallow. Travis nicknamed me “steamer” because I am always full steam ahead — in my head. Not so much in action because I’m a scaredy cat but I can dream up the dreamiest plan and then I get mad that I’m not living this dream life. Guess it will take a couple more yoga classes to help ground me.
I am also learning to keep my eyes on my own mat. In other words, my journey is my own and Instagram is never real life.
Week 4
My 30 days have come to an end and I took 25 classes. I’m ok with that because I did something physical everyday for 30 days — biking, hiking, swimming, gardening (it’s hard work). Do I have abs like Blake and a butt like Khloe? No, but I’m ok with that. Am I going to give up late night donut runs and my new baking hobby? F no.
I do feel great. I feel lighter both emotionally and physically. It could be a mix of a lot of factors — new environment, being with Travis, less stress in my job, eating better than before, less drinking, completing something I said I would do. Whatever it is, I am liking this remix. It’s all about living your best life, right?
Yoga has also turned into something I look forward to doing. Ok, I don’t so much look forward to doing the class with the weights but I love feeling sore for the days following. I am even focusing more now on my breath and perfecting my form. I officially became a member of Spark Yoga today and it feels great to be a part of their yoga family and welcoming that practice into my lifestyle.
And to celebrate, I am going to make banana muffins. But don’t worry — they’re whole wheat, honey and almond milk.
