today was the first day of the 30 Yoga Practices in 30 days Challenge at Ayuh Yoga.

i decided to mix up my usual intention for practice (to be grateful of my body, be here, etc) to something more vigorous. the room was filled with excitement as most of the other yogis in the class were also beginning the challenge.

My Intention: Be Strong.

this intent threw even me off guard, but it made so much more sense after the practice. ever since my car accident in August, I have forgotten how strong i used to be. at the time the accident didn't seem like a big deal but 2 days later i was moderately crippled with extreme whiplash and shredded shoulder pain. before the accident there was the intense and excessive migraines. the ones that used to knock me off my feet in pain and nausea. it seems like in the past year, i have been so concerned with treating pain, that i ignored my physical strength in the process. by ignoring it, its as if its given up on me.

in the last few months since i got back into my yoga, my physical strength seems to be opening its eyes, and recognizing my commitment to reconnect with it.

... today was definitely a huge gesture of that intent as i dedicated my entire practice to being strong. to remember that i am.

it's amazing how much deeper i went into my practice today, just by setting my intention around strength. my warrior poses were alive and full of deep lunges and breaths. my forward folds were intense and graceful. i even attempted to jump into forward fold!

i have decided that upon completing the 30-Day challenge, I will reward my practice with a Jade yoga mat in Tibetan Orange. here's to determination!

the first day of the year 2011, and I was in full swing. sober, well-rested, and raring to go to Ayuh Yoga for a special Yoga workshop for New Years Day.

as with most practices, we all set our intentions for the session.

My Intention: Blessedness for all things in my life. Including the bad.

this special New Years Day practice was set up differently as all the mats were placed in a circle, centered around a circular yoga mat. as the mats created a circle, a 2nd level of mats went in between each one, further set. this gave the feeling of sun rays and was absolutely brilliant. as we all did our salutations, the energy was breathtaking as all our arms lifted up into the sky. i would definitely not mind if all our practices were set up like this!

after an hour of vigourous yoga, we transitioned into a deep meditation. i would not have wanted to spend the first day of such a promising year any other way.

My 2011 Intentions: to shift last years focus of "letting go of the past" to a new focus of "being in the present". to practice deeper gratefulness and patience. to continue progressing. ♥

Tomorrow starts the 30-Day Yoga Challenge. 30 Yoga Practices in 30 Days. Can't wait. 

Happy New Year.xo