50 Shades of Macramé

Posted by Amy and Melissa

This April we're getting knotty with macramé! Melissa's been dying to do macramé for years; maybe it's her 70's upbringing, or knot.

Coming off a 30 day Bikram yoga challenge we thought we'd go a little arts and craftsy before ehem…erotica month (blush). Hey, maybe we can macrame some cool handcuffs, lingerie, bikinis, or sex swing. 

We're hoping this month's posts are visually stimulating.

Just think of this month as the most knotty affair you can possibly fathom.

Don't be a loser

Posted by Melissa
Yesterday was Day 30 of the 30 Day Bikram Yoga challenge. I made it to the 7pm class, and it was a tough one. Right before class, another student was leaving the 5pm class and congratulated me on the challenge. "How was it?" she asked. "Easiest one yet," I replied, feeling excited for class.

Well, that 30th class kicked my butt. I was breathing heavily, contemplated savasana way more than I had recently, and probably let out a few too many sighs. As if my drama could change anything about the class.  In fact, it likely only made it that much more of a struggle. The struggle is a choice. It really is. Sometimes that thought feels defeating, but it is actually the most empowering idea. Even if you choose to struggle and be in that drama, it is yours. You choose to be in peace or in struggle, no one makes you. What does Bikram say..."If you let someone steal your peace, then you are the loser." So true.

What I learned in the past month:

• I can make it through a Bikram yoga class without giving myself an "out".
• At 42, I can be the most fit and the strongest I have been in my entire life.
• It really is mostly mental, the physical follows your thoughts.  
• When I listen to the teacher, really listen and follow the form, it's always easier.
• I can hydrate and nourish my active body without sugar, and only whole foods.
• I like (love) myself more than I thought I did.
• I am way, way stronger than I ever thought.  On every level.
• I have an amazing community.

I finished out the class and took the longest, most peaceful, final savasana ever. Somehow, lying on my sweat saturated towel was completely satisfying and worth every drop. 

You are full of...LOVE

Posted by Melissa

“Your hand opens and closes and opens and closes. If it were always a fist or always stretched open, you would be paralyzed. Your deepest presence is in every small contracting and expanding, the two as beautifully balanced and coordinated as bird wings.” ~ Rumi - See more at: http://yoganonymous.com/yoga-inspiration-my-25-favorite-yoga-quotes/#sthash.srzpOEM7.dpuf

My last yoga challenge in August/September felt like walking through deep, thick, emotional mud compared to this one. I cried most days, both in the studio and out. I spent several pranayama deep breathing exercises hoping that my tears and trembling bottom lip were hidden by my arms as I pushed my head back as far as it would go until I could see the wall behind me. I rested in savasana instead of triangle pose, vacillating between self hate and deep gratitude. I don't regret a second of how I moved through that challenge. It's all part of my journey, both in the studio and out. 

The difference between that challenge and this one is so drastic, that I almost have a hard time accepting it.  I'm more comfortable with the other me. I know how to do struggle and upset. In my story of myself, I am good at being cranky and bitter. And I'm exceptionally good at not being good enough. Now here I am 28 days into a 30 day Bikram yoga challenge and I'm not crying every day. I'm not resting in a sweaty puddle of self loathing during triangle pose. I'm standing strong, attempting trikanasana to the best of my body's ability each and every day. I'm meditating everyday. I'm making time to take care of me. I'm creating new stories about myself that are full of power and possibility, both in the studio and out.

Most important of all, and I mean more important than doing any posture during class, or even showing up everyday, is the relationship I have with myself. I thought I wanted to make friends with triangle pose, but really, I wanted to make friends with myself. My kids still tell me that I am cranky, I still have days where I don't feel great or I cry, sometimes I have moments of hating things about my life, or moments of hating triangle pose and the way my body looks in the studio mirror. And then I remember that those feelings will pass.  I remember that life isn't always comfortable.  I remember that I am still full of love, no matter if I have a "good" class or a "bad" one.  A "good" day or a "bad" one. 

I feel incredibly grateful for everything that has conspired recently to create the perfect environment for me to make friends with myself.  I'd love to encourage you all to take time for yourself everyday, and to appreciate your effort to do so.  You are all full of love, both in the studio and out, even when you least feel like you are.

“Your hand opens and closes and opens and closes. If it were always a fist or always stretched open, you would be paralyzed. Your deepest presence is in every small contracting and expanding, the two as beautifully balanced and coordinated as bird wings.” ~ Rumi - See more at: http://yoganonymous.com/yoga-inspiration-my-25-favorite-yoga-quotes/#sthash.srzpOEM7.dpuf

“Your hand opens and closes and opens and closes. If it were always a fist or always stretched open, you would be paralyzed. Your deepest presence is in every small contracting and expanding, the two as beautifully balanced and coordinated as bird wings.” ~ Rumi - See more at: http://yoganonymous.com/yoga-inspiration-my-25-favorite-yoga-quotes/#sthash.srzpOEM7.dpuf

“Your hand opens and closes and opens and closes. If it were always a fist or always stretched open, you would be paralyzed. Your deepest presence is in every small contracting and expanding, the two as beautifully balanced and coordinated as bird wings.” ~ Rumi - See more at: http://yoganonymous.com/yoga-inspiration-my-25-favorite-yoga-quotes/#sthash.srzpOEM7.dpuf

“Your hand opens and closes and opens and closes. If it were always a fist or always stretched open, you would be paralyzed. Your deepest presence is in every small contracting and expanding, the two as beautifully balanced and coordinated as bird wings.” ~ Rumi - See more at: http://yoganonymous.com/yoga-inspiration-my-25-favorite-yoga-quotes/#sthash.srzpOEM7.dpuf

“Your hand opens and closes and opens and closes. If it were always a fist or always stretched open, you would be paralyzed. Your deepest presence is in every small contracting and expanding, the two as beautifully balanced and coordinated as bird wings.” ~ Rumi - See more at: http://yoganonymous.com/yoga-inspiration-my-25-favorite-yoga-quotes/#sthash.srzpOEM7.dpuf

“Your hand opens and closes and opens and closes. If it were always a fist or always stretched open, you would be paralyzed. Your deepest presence is in every small contracting and expanding, the two as beautifully balanced and coordinated as bird wings.” ~ Rumi - See more at: http://yoganonymous.com/yoga-inspiration-my-25-favorite-yoga-quotes/#sthash.srzpOEM7.dpuf