out of the kitchen

Last week after a hot class, it took me several hours for the redness to leave my face and I ended up with the headache that I often get if I do rabbit pose.  I felt like I'd been beat up.
I talked to someone who is studying Ayurveda and they said, are you really supposed to be doing hot yoga if you have a pitta imbalance (more on that later).
It got me thinking that I should go back to a non heated practice for a while.
So Monday I went to a gentle yoga class and it was really lovely.
It felt much more kind and nurturing. It was really nice.
Screw the stickers.

again

My name is on one of those charts again.
Because I go more when there's a chart. I like stickers.
I'm dedicating this to Grace. Less judgement more acceptance.
Today was good, I pushed too much at the beginning and rested a lot.
Walked out and caught my breathe and got my wits about me.
Stayed a long time in the room at the end.

In that sweaty room is one of the few places I feel powerful.
I used to hate the mirrors. Distracting.
Today I saw that I am not as big as a house, like I sometimes feel.
I have definite borders and I fit within the rectangle of mat.
My legs and shoulders are strong.
I have symmetry.
My feet are smart, reactive balancing machines.

Everything that happens in there has a corresponding life metaphor. 

Breathe, stretch, balance, integrate, open, push a little, back off.

Sweat but don't panic.

When you feel like you might throw up or pass out, get some air.

It's ok, no one is keeping score.

Except you and those stickers.