Week 3: Trouble Getting to Class

Did I practice this week?

Once, in my room.

How did I feel before my practice?

Since becoming homeless the past few weeks it has been difficult for me to make it to an actual yoga class. I have been somewhat of a traveling gypsy without a yoga mat or my LuluLemon pants so I decided to focus on my meditation practice this week.

What was the result of my practice?

I was able to relax a bit and focus back in on where I am in this world.

Did I have difficulties or problems with my practice?

Yes, my mind kept wandering.

Did I stay positive through my struggles?

Yes.

While researching different practices and poses I stumbled upon these helpful charts.

Week 2: My Wandering Mind

Did I practice this week?

Yes, twice.

How did I feel before my practice?

I felt insecure and uncomfortable to start at a new yoga studio. Instead of practicing at my usual studio Yoga To The People, I tried out a new place in Berkeley, Yoga Tree. 

What was the result of my practice?

The practice was completely different than I was use to. It was more of a spiritual practice and less of a flow. The instructor was amazing. She adjusted me when I needed the help and pushed me to try new things I had never done before like inversions.

Did I have difficulties or problems with my practice?

I did, I had a very difficult time bringing myself back to my breath and meditating.

Did I stay positive through my struggles?

Yes, I struggled with some balancing poses as well as my meditation. My mind still wanders, but at least I'm aware of when it does. 

This week I also had a new experience with meditation. I sat for about 20 minutes and meditated on my floor. My mind still got away from me a few times. I find it hard to think of absolutely nothing other than my breath. I found a video online that sums up my mind in class.

Week 1: The Basics

10 Weeks of exploring my yoga and meditation practice.

My name is Jessica and I will be exploring a personal practice within the next 10 weeks. I’ve decided to explore my yoga and meditation practice. They both seem to go hand and hand. I first began my yoga and meditation practices around a year ago. I have been inconsistently attending a yoga studio in San Francisco since then. I want to be actively conscious about my thoughts and actions during these practices

Did I practice this week?

Yes, twice.

How did I feel before my practice?

I felt like I didn’t want to be there. I didn’t want to go through the whole class.

What was the result of my practice?

I felt so happy that I went.

Did I have difficulties or problems with my practice?

I did, I had a very difficult time bringing myself back to my breath and meditating while during yoga. I was going through the motions the instructor was giving.

Did I stay positive through my struggles?

Definitely, I struggled with my wandering mind and some balancing. I was able to keep going through the class and didn’t let the past struggles affect my future practice.