GREAT BALLS OF FIRE!

I keep forgetting there are two new classes since the first of the year, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, both at 8:30 a.m.  I'm a regular in the 10:00 a.m. classes, but 8:30 is a great alternative for me, especially on Tuesdays when I volunteer in my granddaughter's class later in the morning.

Yesterday I remembered in time and got myself to Robin's "Inside and Outside Yoga Massage" class. I had no idea what to expect, but anything with the word "massage" in it sounds good to me.

First she distributed a variety of differently-sized "therapy balls".  I was curious and hoped we would spend a bit of time on my plantar fasciitis problem.  I've been rolling a tennis ball under that foot for over a month and still the pain is there.

We did do that, but in a seated position, taking one of the smallest balls in hand and rubbing it from toe to heel along the edges and bottom of each of our feet, stretching and kneading the fascia in that area.  We also stood and rolled them beneath our feet, as I'm accustomed to doing.

At one point, we  took the larger balls and rolled them from Achilles tendon to buttocks , all along the backside of our legs, again putting kneading pressure on our backside fascia.

Next we got the foam rollers out and lay tummy down on top of them rolling them along our front thighs, again working the fascia in that area.  The fascia is the "Saran Wrap" that encases the musculature all over our bodies and which when not stretched can get tight and bind us in uncomfortable and restricting positions.  Moving becomes painful.  Better to "work the fascia" by stretching and/or utilizing various therapy props to loosen things up.  It's also great to break up scar tissue.

When she suggested turning to our sides and rolling the balls along our I.T. band -- the band of thick fascia along the outside of our legs -- I was feeling rather smug.  So far I hadn't experience much discomfort and was giving myself at least a "B+" on the fascia test.  Imagine my surprise when I yelped at the pain I felt as the ball under my leg put pressure on my I.T. band and caused me some considerable pain!  Yowza!  I tried to grit my teeth and proceed, but I've learned not to hurt myself in yoga class, so I backed off.  Astute teacher that she is, Robin noticed a couple of us with grimaces on our faces and offered larger, softer therapy balls as an alternative.  That was much better, but still...that I.T. band area was tender!

After class I happened to have a coffee date with a good friend, who is an internationally renowned Pilates instructor.  I told her about my experience and she said that is super common.  The I.T. band area often gives people pause and to go slow and listen to the pain.  I'll do that!

I'll also pay attention to stretching that area more often, especially after sitting for long periods of time.  I'll also grab a softer ball next time!  And I'll be back.  I think this inside/outside massage thing is pretty great.  Give it a try!  (Balls for sale at Yoga Circle!)

Namaste,  donnajurene

Photo Credit:  https://www.tuneupfitness.com

POSSESSED

I have no idea who or what took over my mind and body last week.  I had a couple of weird dreams, but I thought I'd set those aside when I awoke.  Besides, the psychedelic ruminations of the subconscious mind aren't really real, are they?  Hmmmm....

On Wednesday I showed up to class feeling a bit tired (see weird, sleep-depriving dreams above), but ready for a good class.  Only a few minutes into it, however, I started to worry that I'd contracted an exotic affliction which prevented my joints from bending and interfered with my muscles' ability to hold me up.  I was like the Tin Man clutching the empty oil can.  I could scarcely move!  Every pose felt like the first time I tried yoga 20 years ago and hated it.  At least this time I knew something was "off" and could make adjustments.  I started grabbing props, modifying poses, and resting a lot.  I made it through the class and felt the better for it -- more flexible at the end.  But I still don't know what had made me so stiff and weak out of the blue.  Mysteries of the body.

Then came Thursday.  I went to class wondering how it would go.  By 15 minutes in I started to question my body again.  Every pose felt effortless!  I felt strong and flexible in a class that was more challenging that the previous day's class had been!  I felt like Wonder Woman -- Yogi Extraordinaire! I was floating through the class when suddenly emotion overwhelmed me and in my favorite resting pose, Child's Pose, I felt tears spring to my eyes.  I was caught by the gratitude for my practice, for Yoga Circle surrounding me in beauty, by my sister and fellow Yogis, and maybe most especially by Karen's encouraging, calming, familiar cadences from the front of the room, guiding us through familiar poses and reminding us to breathe and be in this moment.  I don't know where that emotion came from out of the blue.  Mysteries of the mind/spirit.

It seems some people move through life on an even keel, one day much like the other, mind/body/spirit all driving in unison down the highway of life in a straight line from here to there.  Not so for me.  I seem to weave all over the  road, making pit stops for body tune-ups, meandering into sadness/depression, broken down with anxiety, flying fast with joy my hair blowing in the wind, all the while trying but often failing to reach the destination I set out to reach.  I try, with every fork in the road, to stay awake and aware that there is a lesson to learn either way I go.

That has been the lesson of yoga for me; to be present to every changing moment; to accept the "is-ness" of what is happening; and to use the tools of yoga like a roadmap to get back on course.  Letting go of expectations, I embraced my body's needs on Wednesday and letting go again, I embraced my body's victory on Thursday.   All the while I noticed my mind judging and questioning, celebrating and appreciating.  I let my emotions spill over as tears.

Not that it's always easy to be in a state of acceptance.  Sometimes I just feel "possessed" and wonder:  "Now what's happening?!?"  Some days the best I can do is just stay on the road, no matter where it leads or how I feel about going there. ©

Namaste,  donnajurene

Photo Credit: Copyright: <a href='https://www.123rf.com/profile_captblack76'>captblack76 / 123RF Stock Photo</a>