Sunburn and Ashtanga DO NOT Mix!

OK, so I’m feeling a bit more balanced this morning. The lack of sleep, heavy workload, and intense sun of the weekend must have taken its toll. I can honestly say that I am glad that I didn’t go to the loft on Sunday. I missed practice of course, but after this mornings practice I realized that I wouldn’t have been able to handle the pain from the sunburn. It’s been three days now and it still was quite painful whenever I raised my arms. The inversions in closing were almost too painful. I did them, but cringed all the way through.

I’ve always been a winter person and loathed summer, sun and heat. So this year I’m attempting to consciously change this and embrace the sun a bit. (Going to Burning Man last year certainly assisted with this!) I guess I got a little overzealous this weekend. One word for the remainder of the summer: sunscreen!

Practice after three days off was a bit rough but I was happy just to walk to the front of my mat and chant. Though my balance was off a bit in the Trikonasanas and Parsvakonasanas I found a really pleasant seat in the Prasaritas. I actually breathed length into my spine to the point where my head touched the mat in A, C and D. Hitting Parsvottansasana filled me with bliss and light as it always does. My first real speed bump was Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana as my knees were very dismayed that I was actually attempting these intense medial bends after three days off! I took my time and warmed them up to the idea. They were a bit more receptive in Ardha Baddha Padma Paschimottanasana and they completely gave up by the Marichyasanas. Matthew assisted me in Marichy D on the left as I was a bit tight and struggling. I moved onto finishing after 5 Navasana. I would have preferred to keep going but I need to be conscious of my time this week. There is a ton of stuff going on at the office.

One other note on practice, I noticed balancing issues throughout the practice and wonder if and how the new moon could play a part in this. I know during the full moon energy levels are up and I feel a strong line of energy flowing vertically. With that knowledge I posit that there is a lack of energy and less of a vertical link to manipulate on and near the new moon.

Alright, I’ve got to get back to the work on my desk.