40 Days 40 Classes: COMPLETE :)

40 beautiful days ago (well now actually 42) I started out on a journey to find some peace (shanti) to my mind-body-soul, and make a physical life change.

I have been over weight since the end of 2007.  Depression had me on the Taco Bell/Del Taco diet for a good year.  I piled on a good 60lbs since high school.  Its funny, because in your mind and when you look in the mirror you some how still think you are healthy... and you are far from it.  So we joined a gym.  Youfit.  And have personal training.  I lost 8lbs the first two months and was pumped.  Then a true blessing came along and I got a job working at Blissful Yoga.  As a personal and business goal I wanted to take each class.  This way I was able to experience the class for myself while being able to speak about the class to a prospective student.  The summer solstice conjured a 108 Sun Salutations led by Margie at the studio.  AMAZING.  My body felt a live.  Electric.  The vibration of atoms in my body left me tingling. 

So the 40 Day Challenge has served several purposes.  I wanted to have the discipline and be able to challenge myself and grow my practice, move my body to promote wellness and fat loss, the addiction my body had started to create in response to the month of classes I had already taken just working there, and a jump start to making my body a healthy environment for a little one :)  I lost 17lbs, gained more strength in my body than I have ever had, and allowed myself to push through my own barriers.  The ability to use the body's natural systems to heal, cleanse, and balance.  And an expeirence that I can take pride in but also continue to use to keep me accountable.  My practice has grown exponentially and I want to continue to grow it.  Heck I can do inversions now and got down into full splits.  I haven't been in splits since middle school Razzle Dazzle!!!!!

Autumn Equinox 108 Salutations next month and the next 40 Day Challenge is in January.  I cannot wait :D

I love the way my body feels...that I know that I can go to yoga, no matter what is going on in life.. step onto my mat and shelf my thoughts, my mind stills and my body surrenders to the flow.

Yoga Love <3

36 Days

Today is day 36 of the 40 day Challenge at work at Blissful Yoga.  With 4 days of classes ahead of me here is where I'm at..

1. Hot Yoga w/Delene
2. Vinyasa w/Marci
3. Yoga Wall w/Rosa
4. Stretch & Restore w/Aleesha
5. Bliss Flow w/Suzanne
6. Yoga Fit w/Margie
7. Restorative w/Carrie
8. Hot Yoga w/Delene
9. Vinyasa w/Marci
10. Candle Light w/Tracy
11. Vinyasa w/Aleesha
12. Bliss Flow w/Tracy
13. Restorative w/Delene
14. Hot Yoga w/Delene
15. Restorative w/Carrie
16. All Levels w/Marci
17. Home Practice
18. Yoga Wall w/Rosa
19. Home Practice
20. Bliss Flow w/Suzanne
21. Home Practice
22. Extended Restorative w/Carrie & Josh
23. Hot Yoga w/Craig
24. Home Practice
25. Yoga Wall w/Rosa
26. Restorative w/Delene
27. Yinyasa w/Delene
28. Home practice
29. Restorative w/Josh
30. Candle Light w/Tracy
31. Bliss Flow w/Marci
32. Restorative w/Aleesha
33. Flow & Restore w/Aleesha
34. Monthly Ashtanga Primary w/John
35. Restorative w/Marsha
36. All Levels w/Marci
37.  
38.  
39.  
40.  

I have to say that Yoga really is something else.  For anyone who doubts it.. that its a foofoo thing for only women.. step up and do 40 days of yoga.. and then ask yourself again.  I personally have lost 17lbs while participating in the 40 day challenge.  The strength in my body I lost over the past few years I have gained back.. plus some.  My body feels alive.  The 108 Sun Salutations to welcome the Summer Solistice was a profound moment for my mind and body.  These 40 days are a gift.

I'm pumped for the NEXT 40 days in January :D  Even if I'm preg.. its going down.. Erin did it and she is going in Friday to have her son..  She came to Level I/II this morning. She is a rock star and is absolutely glowing.  And her practice is through the roof.

Also getting our first Bountiful Basket this weekend :D  Super excited about that.  A really amazing women, Kate, inspired me to try it :)  Check out her blog.. Kate's Blog :)

Well I'm off to put posole together in the crockpot.  I love that darn thing :D  Mom bought it for me a few xmas' ago and that bad girl does work son.

Shanti!

PS: my hubby is playing don't stop believing for me <3 even though he things journey is a butt band hehe