Nairam’s Roads

Finally back to the shala today Tried to not push myself too hard and definitely stuck to 5 breaths per pose rather than my usual 10 on Sundays to protect my arm and shoulder. Practice wasn’t stellar (as expected), but it went much better than I would have thought, and I was very happy that the pain didn’t come back. Even better, I surprised myself with some pretty decent hasta-padas (probably the best I’ve done so far). It’s so weird how one’s body reacts to things, no? Totally unpredictable…

Other than that, it’s almost 9:30pm and I’m taking a break from the office (yes, I’m here…, working). My mood is much better than in previous days (when I was totally burnt out) but sigh… am I tired or what. I don’t want to have to be here, and the thing is, I”m not nearly done yet. Yes, it’s partly my fault because I didn’t come yesterday, but c’mon… I really needed a 1-day break.

Sigh. Just a few more days and things will be a bit better…

First: Can I just say it? OK, here I go: I *hate* having to work on weekends. Phew. That’s better.

Second: What a lackluster practice today after my break. I’m still feeling weak, lack of energy and off balance–the hasta padas are becoming harder rather than easier. Sigh…

Sometimes I’m amazed at how much difference it makes for my state of being to actually sleep. And then, again, I probably shouldn’t be so surprised.

Yesterday I stayed in the office until after 10 pm, but then I came home, relaxed and went to bed feeling really great. This morning I couldn’t wait to go to the shala- I got there earlier than the official “opening” time; the instructor in charge of todays’ Mysore session was still practicing herself and there were just a couple of other people starting their practice. For some reason I really loved the quiet empty place, the shiny floor, the relative silence. I guess I was just very eager to get back into it.

As it was to be expected after 3 days without Yoga and sitting in my office chair for long hours, stressing out and eating chocolate bars as if it were Mana falling from Heaven, I was very stiff to start. The irony is that I really enjoyed breaking into the stiffness and finding myself gradually bending more and more as I progressed. I did catch myself breathing a bit too rapidly more than a few times, but overall I was really happy by the end

I still have to go to the office during the long weekend–otherwise the research paper I’m writing won’t be finished, since during the work week I constantly get interrupted with little requests relating to the financial crisis. But it’s OK. I’m inspired about this paper now, and that’s key. I’m actually looking forward running more programs on econometric software during the day ;P And then, in the evening, I’ll take a little break to attend a birthday party and maybe dance a bit afterwards…

And then, back to Yoga tomorrow. That’s the best part