Week 3 wrap up - Rest Day

Today's rest day was all about allowing. But first, a review of yesterday.

After a great clubbell yoga session yesterday I was feeling such release. I went to see an important to movie and was thoroughly swept away with the message of the story for me (if you haven't read the book Wild by Cheryl Strayed, you should. Now. Then go watch the movie.) I returned to my home that night exhausted, released, open and vulnerable. Unfortunately, that left me wide open to receive my husband's anger and frustration about an ongoing issue. Such as it was, neither of us went to bed feeling calm or at ease.

I awoke in the wee hours after a long night. Having gone to bed at 8:30 I woke up fully rested at about 5 AM. I took that opportunity to reflect on yesterday's breakdown and with a clear head from a good nights sleep, was able to look at myself in the context of our conversation with more compassion for both myself and my partner. I knew there were things to be worked through and I made that my morning mission. (See my recent post on my personal blog) 

After contemplation while drinking my bulletproof coffee by the light of the tree, I decided to go on a morning journey. I packed my backpack with provisions and set out on a nature hike. I blogged while I walked, and got clear in my head where my attitude needed adjustment. The quiet solitude of the trail was just what I needed to renew my sense of Self. Once I felt I had completed that mission, I set my course for the gym. 

My husband, when he is on a regular schedule, makes a regular habit of "going for a schvitz". I decided to try it out for myself. Schvitz is a Yiddish word for alternately sitting in the sauna and then getting out, showering off and re-entering the sauna. At least, that's what my husband does. I timed myself to see how long I could stand it. Usually I get bored or antsy, so to calm my mind, I excised to take that time in the sauna to practice my yoga.

I changed into my short shorts, and stepped into the dry sauna. This became my sanctuary: my sacred space. At 7 AM on a Sunday, I was not worried about anyone interrupting me. I came up with this nice yin yoga stretch/flow. 

After I felt the practice was complete, I took a cleansing shower complete with  shampoo, conditioner and peppermint Castille soap with scrubby mitts.

Yin Yoga Flow for Sauna

Take at least a minute (preferably more time), in each pose. 

Begin in Savasana. Once thoroughly relaxed, begin to transition slowly into and out of each pose, practicing holding each pose with 'expectant relaxation' (hold with just enough tension that a sudden movement will not disrupt the relaxed state):

Boat (2-3x) to Savasana

Heel to glute, one legged boat R

Flip, if needed

Heel to glute, one legged boat L

Savasana - short

Figure 4 hip opener R

Flip

Figure 4 hip opener L

Sit up, r heel to glute l leg out - 1 legged pistol stretch

Flip, if needed

1 legged pistol stretch

Savasana

Slow forward bend to fast savasana, 3x

Savasana

Roll to 1 handed superman - R

1 handed superman - L

Child's pose