" The Challenge … "

Now every corner I turn
Seems so unkind
And you're the challenge on my mind

On every corner you turn
There's a heartache
Well, love's a challenge
A chance that you've gotta take

No matter what you
Love is a challenge ...
I'm not lying
No matter what you

~ Christine Mcvie ~ The Challenge ~

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The yoga studio I pratice at is currently holding a 30 day challenge.  30 consecutive days of practice.  Inspired by my sister  who completed a 30 day challenge, I know I am not there (YET!!), rather, here are some accounts of a personal 7 day hot yoga challenge that I undertook instead ...

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LEGEND:

what the yoga instructor speaks

what my lower self speaks

what my higher self speaks

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congratulate yourself for meeting yourself at the matt

i did more than that, i am going to do a 7 day challenge!

stay grounded and focused

do not leave the room if you feel dizzy, lie down

i’ll be fine, done this a thousand times

honour your body

rest out when you need to, no need to be hero

rest, schmest ... i’ve done this sooooo many times

if you need to rest out, you just come back stronger

don’t drink any water until the warm up postures are complete

excuse me, i’ll drink when i want to and how much i want to

acknowledge what is being said and trust the instructor

keep breathing, don't hold your breath

it's OK, just wait till the posture is over

listen to your body and just b-r-e-a-t-h

push, push, push to your edge

crap, i’m at my edge and i think i am going to fall

you are stronger than you think

one day, your head will touch the tops of your toes

my toes?  WTF are you talking about?

let your breath be your guide

if it hurts, you are doing it right

holy cow, this is friggin painful

tune in, push back and release 

the feeling if nausea is normal

but it’s not normal to puke in class is it?

remember, this too shall pass ... it always does

...

As humorous this external and internal dialogue was, it provided me a deeper sense of calm, empowerment and strength.  It really does feel great to have the intention AND complete a challenge … okay, what's next ;)

Let go of, or neutralize, your expectations so that you can just experience whatever is happening in the present moment.  

Releasing expectations releases us from disappointment, frees our mind from commenting on experiences, and opens our spirit to more joy ...