Friday, May 8, 2009

summer sun salutation and meditation challenge

I haven't blogged much this week, mainly because I haven't felt well. Wednesday, I had a headache and neckache and yesterday my stomach was hurting. Today, thankfully, thankfully, thankfully, I feel back to my normal self, which is wonderful after two days of aches and pains. Good health always feels so yummy after being ill.

On a different and very exciting note, I've been thinking a lot about summer--as are all those out there who work in public education. One of the teachers I work with said the other day this time of the year is like the eighth month of pregnancy. Since I've never been pregnant, I don't know about that, but I do know I'm counting the days till summer birth--16 more work days to go! As I've been contemplating some of the creative and fun things I want to do this summer, I've decided I'm going to do a personal Summer Sun Salutation and Meditation Challenge. And for all those yogis and yoginis out there who would like to join me on this journey, I'd love to have you along for the ride.

So, what exactly is the challenge? Here is the jest of it:

For each day of the month of June, I will do exactly that number of sun salutations (A or B). June 1, 1 sun salutation (minimum). June 2, 2 sun salutations...June 25, 25 sun salutations. You get the point. After the sun salutations, I will practice as many yoga postures as my body feels like doing. No time limit, number of poses, or requirements here except to let my body lead, not my mind. Then, I will end the practice by meditating for half the time of how many sun salutations I did. For example, if it was a 10 sun salutation day, I will set my meditation alarm for 5 minutes. The meditation part will be the biggest challenge to me. It is also the part I'm most excited about. (I have my mom making me a zafu, which I will need to try to gently encourage her to get done for me before June 1!)

I think this is definitely a great way to welcome the summer sunshine. Anyone else up for the challenge?

Here is your yogathought for the day:

"The most ravishing experience you can have is of the mysterious, of living in consecrated curiosity, with the symphony of the universe playing through you and the still point laying claim to your heart." --Jennifer Louden

Namaste'
Yogadiva

8 comments:

Bld424 said...

I am up for the challenge! I think it sounds like a lovely plan.

I am nearly 8 months pregnant, and I have only 8 more days of high school teaching left. I cannot tell if they are too similar - except for that as each day passes, I am reminded of how life situations - students, waist size, etc - are temporary and change. Its been interesting for me to observe this and just "experience each day with out judgement". Its so easy to just wish wish wish away a week until its the day you want - first day of summer vacation, first day of holding a baby.

Leslie said...

Mrs. Haid,
Glad to hear you're up for the challenge. I know what you mean about wishing away days--as I so try to be mindful of the present as much as possible. Summer break is such a glorious time, however, that I do find my thoughts moving to it often.

I wish you and your new little family member many blessings!

Namaste'

Melita said...

count me in!! this sounds like a fantastic challenge. i am looking forward to it and will keep you updated with my progress.

Leslie said...

Melita,
Thanks for joining me in the challenge! I'm looking forward to hearing how it goes for you.

Namaste'

Rommie said...

Hi,

I want to join this challenge too!!! I've never done more than 8 sun salutations in a row! I'm sure it gets interesting :-D

Romy

Leslie said...

Romaine,
Great! I don't know the highest number of sun salutations I've done. I'd guess the number to be around 15. It's quite a workout. I'm invisioning as much resting time as needed between sun salutes once we get up in the teens and
twenties!

Mike S said...

I don't know if I can complete the challenge but I've passed it along to my spiritual community at spiri2al.com, stop by and vote for yoru post there is you get the chance:)

http://www.spiri2al.com/Yoga/summer-sun-salutation-and-meditation-challenge/

karmacoy said...

Count me in!! I'm already doing a 100 days of yoga challenge, so what's a few extra sun salutations through out the month of June.. Sounds like fun!