I haven’t actually completed day twenty yet, as it’s only 12pm, but there are some things to say about the last week.

First of all, I pulled my right hamstring muscle.  It wasn’t a terrible injury, but it does make for a difficult time stretching it out.  I’ve been having problems getting into Virabhadrasana I & II (Warrior 1 & 2) and actually staying there.  My muscle’s been having none of it.  So I’ve had to compromise with myself, come in and out of the pose more than I’d like to.  Granted, I believe it’s starting to heal and some poses are getting easier to handle, but I think I’ve developed a fear of damaging it further, therefore hindering my “mental” ability to hang out in a pose long enough to get comfortable.  In other words, I think I’m scared of using it too much.  Now there’s this mental block I have to overcome, eventually.  In the meantime, it’s still too early to say it is healed completely.  I appreciate everyone’s advice on modifications and healing exercises.  They are helping tremendously!

Secondly, I really enjoyed Laughter Yoga last week, especially after a nice class with Abigail.  For the most part, I think I loved making other people laugh more than making myself laugh. Well, it’s always been that way for me.  But, I have taken some of those exercises home with me and tried them while cooking or talking to my cat (although she tends to look at me like I’m crazy, but that makes me laugh louder!).  I do wish more people would consider laughter as a healing property for themselves.  The mood change is almost instant!

Lastly, I cannot believe I’ve made it to day 20!  Ten days remain in the challenge and I don’t have a doubt in my mind that I’ll finish it.  I will admit that last week was rough for me physically so there were a couple of times I almost convinced myself to stay home.  Yoga is something that I’ve always been fond of so I don’t look at it as a chore.  Although I’ve done yoga off and on over the past 10 years, it’s only been in the last two that I’ve wanted to take up a serious practice.  Completing this challenge will not only be wonderful, but it will also convince me that an everyday practice is beneficial in many more ways than one.

See you guys tonight!

Tish Douzart :o)