Day 1

Well, after an inappropriately late night, I got to my first day of yoga and meditation quite a bit later than planned. But instead of beating my self up about it and putting it off for another day (as I have oh so many times) I just got straight to it. I quickly, brushed my teeth, threw on yoga clothes, rolled out my mat, put on music to set the mood and lit and candle and then started my first practice in child's pose.

Lets get centered.
I have barely woken up, yet the thoughts of pre-sleep come racing back. I am no longer feeling guilt, I decided. I have come to the realization that it is impossible to feel good, be in the vortex, be connected to my higher self (whatever you want to call it) while feeling guilty. So no more, simple! Instead, I want to focus my attention and thoughts on the me I want to become. I have decided I need to dedicate this practice today, to me! Wonderful, beautiful, continually changing and expanding me! While feeling the calming effects of my forehead on the mat I proclaim (silently) "I dedicate this practice to me, to building my sense of worth, to increasing integrity and respect for my own body, mind and soul."
Now we can get started...

My yoga practice, which will stay the same over the next 40 days, consists of:
1. start in child's pose, dedicate my practice
2. table pose, cat, cow, circular motion with hips (while in table), into downward dog.
3. from top of mat, 6 rounds of Sun Salutation A (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9P5PSqmnu88)
4. Warrior 1, 2, (kria of: reverse warrior into side angle) triangle, turn to side with straight legs put forearms on mat. Repeat on other side.
5. Balance sequence: Tree (Bikram style), Figure 4 stretch in chair pose, into Dancer's Pose. Repeat on other side.
6. Seated on the mat, some of my favourites (and most needed). Pigeon, Bridge, the one where you start on your knees then sit between your calves and then lay back. Child's pose

I think I like my little combination. I can't wait to see how much I improve at these after doing them everyday! I am going to feel sooo good!

Following my 45 min of yoga, I sat for 30 min in silent meditation... perhaps tomorrow I will go into more detail about this. For now I will leave you with a quote on guilt:

Love and Guilt cannot coexist
and to accept one is to deny the other

While you feel guilty your ego is in command
because only your ego can experience guilt

The end of guilt will never come
as long as you believe there is a reason for it
For you must learn that guilt is always totally insane
and has no reason

From: Gifts from a Course in Miracles

Love and Light!
Jessica