The last three days of practice have been eye-opening, because I've felt stronger. Two days of completing Sury A witht eh chair pose of Sury B. Today I was up and out of bed, which gave me plenty of time to work my way into Sury B up to the lunge. I only went until I got both sides in, wobbling, trying to get the movement right. Foot placement and balance are the challenge, but I was excited to get there again.

I stopped on the way home tonight to get more apple sauve cups from the Dollar Store. The last coupld days Ive taken Corn Crackers, Hummus and Applesauce to work for lunch. Tonight i stopped at Boston Market and got the Three Sides meal, mashed potatos and gravy( chicken gravy with small pieces of chicken in it), creamed spinach and baked apples. I have to say eating like this leaves me feeling full but lighter...and alot more energy.

One more days before the Moon Day.

My practice seems to be fluctuating, berween strong days and weak days. It doesn't help when i'm pokey, getting to the mat in the morning. Yesterda was strong, today was a little weak.

It might be diet related, diet as in correct eating habits, not what the western mind thinks of , when the word is used. I am working on, getting on the Ayurvedic path for my Dosha. It is a little funny, that in the last couple days, I've run across, and bought, two Ayurvedic cookbooks. It's funny, because up until recently they weren't anywhere locally, to be found.

Yesterday I had a Nachos Belgrande, which has meat on it, but that is the only meat of any kind I've had in the couple days. This began after a visit to a cafe i went to for the first time, that has a vegatarian menu. The relaxed atmosphere and beautiful, natural skinny bodies did have an influence on me. Just before quitting time, i felt a little tired, but found a second wind somewhere on the way home.

I was thinking about how difficult it is to be vegatarian in the United States. Our idea of such a thing is salad, salad and more salad, but it goes beyond that.

Satruday, I reluctantly got on the mat to practice and found I had more energy than i thought I would. The week , that led up to it, was so up and down, I was a little frustrated and tired. Thursday i skipped because my mind was off thinking of something I couldn't shake.

I said goobye to Borders and bought a few books, one a vegetarian cookbook and another on Ayurveda cookbook. I know I need to change my eating habits again and follow the ayurvedic rules for my Kapha Dosha. I had done so well before, then got away from it. I know I am completely out of balance in my eating habits.

I also picked up a Ashtanga book that has the Sutras in it, something I ve thought about. I have some of the other writings, but Nicki mentions the Sutras on the DVD every time I practice, so they've been on my mind.

The last two days i've been recovering from a sor ankle. i may have gone too deep, not sure, but thought it best to recover. Last night I did stay up later than i should, but the ankle feels good tonight. I'll be able to get a few days in before the Moon Day and feel the excitement for it. I feel pretty strong too and after a good nights rest, should feel even better.

I'm starting to wonder if the New Moon has something to do with the way I feel. This morning, i was sor tired and felt weak. I've had Mondays like this, but most Mondays I am rested and feel stronger. It could be the heat and just not sleeping well, too.

One thing I have noticed, is that the energy I felt laying in bed, has been missing. Of all the sensory experiences I've had lately, smell has been on the forefront. Of course, the little glimpses of extra-sensory experiences are there.

I have gotten to a good place, where I don't expect things or hope for prgress. My practice and daily life have become more of a "just let whatever feels right" occur, without disappointment.

I want to make use of the New and Full moons a bit better, put them to use. I have been lacking in this area, even if its just time to sit and meditate or light a candle and incense.

I woke on thisday of record heat and got to my mat. I was a little tired, which showed in downward facing dog. I went thru Sury A and moved into Sury B, sweaty and trying to control my breathing. It all went pretty well, until I got to Sapta.

I can say right now, that Sapta in Sury B will be a challenge. Down dog in Sury B did feel like a second wind, whith the break from standing poses. Some of the problem moving into Sury B's sapta, is foot placement. I don't know if it's a combination of shorter arms andnot having the flexibility, or just lack of knowing how to move into it yet. This morning, I tried to keep with Nicki, got my self in position (close enough at least). I almost fell over, gained a second of balance to let myself down. I warched the screen and decided it was over and time to shower.

I think I'll watch her move in and out of Sapta and try to mimic it, as close as i can.

Right foot on red

I did set my alarm for 5:30AM, so had plenty of time.
Made new strides this morning, going farther into Sury B. I followed Nicki all the way to Sapta, which is more of a reverse lunge. I didn't actually perform Sapta of Sury B, i stopped and reacted more, as if I was playing Twister and she had just called out "Right foot on red". I did move my leg, but stopped because i wasn't quite sure of the movement.

A few minutes ago, I read up on moving into Sury B's Sapta. I'll see how well I can move thru it, the next time I get to that point.