• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Momma 'N Manila

Growing through parenting

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Blog
  • Nourish
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Cheers
    • Guest Recipes
  • Advocate
    • Autism
    • Best Buddies
    • Down Syndrome
    • Special Needs
  • Gather
    • Crafternoons
    • Entertaining at Home
    • Events
    • Mothers Who Brunch
    • DIY
  • Review
    • 4 KIDS
    • Dining
    • Travel
    • Home & Hearth
    • Health & Beauty
    • Giveaways
    • Fashion
  • Nurture
    • Education
    • Parenting
    • Relationships
    • Yoga
  • MWB

Nurture Yoga

Bikram Yoga: A Moving Meditation

“Movement is the distraction of the mind.” – Tom

This is what I walked away from my yoga class with on Friday.

Day 1 of 4. Week 1

Day 1 of 4. Week 1

Friday was day 4 of 4, but only the end of week one.

Days 2 and 3 were tough. Really tough.

But I’m so glad I pushed myself to go to both classes.

Day 2 of 4. Week 1.

Day 2 of 4. Week 1.

On Thursday night, I was so full from the day…we spent the entire day celebrating Miguel’s birthday with his friends. We took them to lunch and then had a bunch of activities lined up for them so that they could hang out and not be sitting in front of little keypads with their electronics.

So after all the kids were picked up, and my son was happily at home resting from the festivities, I forced myself to go to class even though I was feeling SO heavy that I did NOT want to practice.

Day 3 of 4. Week 1.

Day 3 of 4. Week 1.

OF COURSE I FELT BETTER AFTER I PRACTICED.

Then, on Friday morning…it was really hard to wake up for the 6 am class which I planned to attend. Since I knew that today was the last day of the first week, I again…had to force myself to go. And again….I felt better after I practiced. (But I made it to the 8:30 class not the 6am.)

Tom is a new teacher to the Bikram Alabang Studio. It’s really great to practice with different teachers because you always pick up something new…whether it’s an adjustment in a posture or a revelation of the breath…or a part of the philosophy that you suddenly understand…JUST the exposure to new teachers is A GOOD THING.

I learned through some quick conversations after class on Thursday, and before class on Friday morning that Tom was  American, and from Florida. He’s from Sarasota. (the same place that my cousin and his partner stay in now) We chatted a bit about where else he has been in Asia, how he finds Alabang, and of course the 4×4 challenge.

TRUTH:  MY practice is always evolving…just like me. (My IG account description has me pegged at “A work in progress.”)

I have said in the past, how yoga has made me a better person. This is a fact. I have also said that in my practice the hardest aspect for me to get a handle on is the meditative part of yoga. (This, too, sadly, is a fact.) The ability to slow things down…the ability to clear the mind…the ability to stay still….Some days, I’m still actively working on this.

Day 4 of 4. Week 1. I did it. #Ialmostdidnt

Day 4 of 4. Week 1. I did it. #Ialmostdidnt

But, in my practice on Friday….Tom must have tuned in to how fidgety I was…wiping the sweat…fixing my hair…fixing my shorts, scratching my nose, taking a drink of water…you name it…I was doing it all…IN BETWEEN postures…and of course even when I was laying in svasana too…(For those of you who don’t know what Svasana is…it’s a pose where you are supposed to lay very STILL. It’s also called CORPSE pose.)

And then I heard Tom say, “Movement is the Distraction of the Mind.”

And it was exactly what I needed to hear.

Because this is what my mind was like before that statement:

“Oh my gosh. My legs are so tight. I really like her shorts, I wonder if she got them here, in Manila. Darn it. It’s really hot today. Feels like summer already. Yikes, my hair is all over the place, I should fix it. And, yes…I love the sweat dripping…but I don’t like that one little bead of sweat that is dripping right down the middle of my back, I’ll scratch it away. I think I shouldn’t have eaten that piece of watermelon for breakfast. Next time I’ll have three glasses of water instead of two. Yup…here comes that dizzy feeling…Hello EDGE. We meet again. TOO soon in this class…I was feeling pretty good. What the heck happened there? Ok, WAIT, did he say pushing my big toe down will  help with balance? I’ll try that. Gosh, I’m dripping already, sweat getting in my eyes…wipe it away and get back to the posture. Tom’s voice is so soothing…soft but authoritative…I wonder when he’s teaching next. Wait-I’m flexing my stomach, why does it hang over my shorts like that? Where did all that extra skin come from? I know I’m flexing. Am I flexing properly? Engaging the knees-check. Tucking the tailbone-check. Lengthening the spine-check. Chin away from the chest-check. UGH…there is that one little bead of sweat again…ticklish…I’ll try and let it go…LET IT GO…I can hear Elsa singing it in my head. I’M SORRY!! I can’t let it go. Must wipe it away. Scratch it away. Geez, what time is it? Are we half way there yet? I’m tired today. But I wouldn’t forgive myself if I failed at the 4X4. I wanted to up the ante this time around and couldn’t do it…the least I could do is stick with this challenge. Engage the knees again. Ok. Breathe. When will he open the door? Oh, hey-look…I didn’t even see her enter the class earlier. I have to remember to say hello before we leave. What time is it again? Don’t look at the clock. You owe it to yourself to enjoy the class. This is your time for yourself. I wonder what I will do with the kids today. Oh, Kim is picking them up for a pla ydate, maybe I can get some writing done again.”

“Wait-did he just say that?”

Tom says it again, “Movement is the distraction of the mind.”

“YESSSS. That’s everything! I need to slow my mind. I’m going to be like Elsa…I’m going to LET IT GO. I’m going to ignore that bead of sweat. I’m going to stop wiping away the sweat. I CAN DO IT! UMMMM, it’s just a little too ticklish, I’ll wipe it away first.”

 

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related


« Easy Penne Ala Vodka Recipe
Camille’s 18th Birthday and Down Syndrome Consciousness Month »

Comments

  1. stephany says

    February 10, 2014 at 10:07 am

    Wipe it away Mish! Good for you, you did it:)

    • michelle says

      February 11, 2014 at 11:53 pm

      Wipe it away…then let it go…it’s my theme song for the month. Miss you friend.

Hello and Welcome!


Hi! Here is where I share my thoughts on yoga, cooking, crafting, raising a special child, exploring, eating, playing, and living in Manila.
READ MORE

You can also say hi or email me at mish@mommanmanila.com

Twitter

Tweets by @mishaventajado

Pinterest

Recent Posts

  • Our Dental Experience at Affinity Dental, One Bonifacio High Street
  • Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • LUMOS RAY Projector Review
  • A Grapeful Summer with Taste Australia
  • Suite Treat Mommy Weekend at Marco Polo Manila

Archives

Categories

Recent Comments

  • Ran on Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • michelle on Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • Ran on Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • michelle on LUMOS RAY Projector Review
  • Angelie G. Y. Melsbo on LUMOS RAY Projector Review

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @mommanmanila

mommanmanila

It’s December 1st! Is there anything more delic It’s December 1st!

Is there anything more delicious than the smell of Christmas and the new found freedom as we anticipate celebrating the holidays with our families again?

@festivalmall has hosted a series of musical shows since November 5th that include Ace Banzuelo and Silent Sanctuary. Check out Michael Pangilinan on December 10th, too!

With Santa visiting, Christmas parties, arts and crafts and lots of promos, you can even enter for a chance to win a Toyota Fortuner!

Best of all-I love it when the places we know give purpose to their celebrations. Thank you #FestivalMall for partnering with @dsapi1  this holiday season. 

Thank you for sharing all the different ways we can celebrate the holidays with you!

#tistheseason #seasonofgiving #downsyndromeawareness #aintnothingdownaboutit #upsyndrome
I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Th I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Through this learning exercise with @usapeecphl, I have learned a bit more about these little birds that have bigger breast parts, and thank you Chef @ivoryyat for showing me how easy it is to prepare Greek Lemon Roasted Cornish Hens with Roasted Potatoes.
 
Clean and fresh flavors are perfect for these smaller birds that are rich in protein with zero carbs. Try the recipe in the comments section. I’m sure you’d enjoy it as much as I did!
 
Interested in U.S. Cornish Hens? You can buy them in stores near you. #CornishHen #USCornishHen #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ad
@gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @pura @gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @puratosph products that they sent over the other day. Ready to use Bavarian Cream made these Cream Puffs easier than ever. I think we have to figure out how to temper our couverture better…

#workinprogress #wasdelicious #giabaked #puratosph #gavinosph #anyonecanbake
@mommymundo always has a way of bringing together @mommymundo always has a way of bringing together just what we need, no matter the time of year. Loving these photos of my first boy that were snapped @expomom.

Anyone else thinking about #HolidayPhotos? I am not one of those moms that has it all together before Christmas. It’s usually a mad dash for us at the end of the year, but if it’s anything that the past few years has taught me, it’s that the little things are what makes the Christmas special.

Many of us haven’t been together with the extended family or even our immediate family in so long. That means it’s the perfect time to document.

@nextbymetrophoto will be hosting one last Christmas Marathon family photo shoot before the end of year. Check them out or shoot them a message. They have some cute set-ups.
****GIVEAWAY ALERT*** 10 things I LOVE about @sed ****GIVEAWAY ALERT***

10 things I LOVE about @sedahotels listed here and on FB!

1. Each property has a Signature Dish. If you can’t make it to Bacolod, you can still enjoy Chicken Inasal in any of their properties.

2. Clean Design. So easy to work and play in a space that is light, modern, and clean in design. 

3. Beautiful views. Every chance I got, I would sit outside at @straightupatseda. 

4. Spacious Rooms and Residence Stays. Staying in the Three Bedroom Premier was perfect for our family. 

5. Attentive Service. Everyone was pleasant and accommodating.

6. Centrally Located. If you are thinking of fun things to do in Makati and want a home base, Seda Residences Makati is near a few of the museums, parks, and malls.

7. Work with ease. Internet service is uninterrupted. Meeting rooms are available and easy to book.

8. Relax and Play. From mid-day tubbies with Gelli to, taking advantage of the pool, or the children’s room, the little girl had more than enough things to keep her busy!

9. #FamilyTime. Spending an extended amount of time outside our own space led to laughter, fun conversations, and opportunities to try new things. We were comfortable and rested in the space we were in, which meant more opportunities for us to connect.

10. Homegrown with a Purpose. A Filipino brand that understands the importance of both work and travel, each property is important to the city & province location. Environmentally aware by adopting Mayumi, a Philippine Bald Eagle. 🦅

Want to win your own staycation at #SedaResidencesMakati?

Up for grabs is one night in a ONE BEDROOM DELUXE for two persons with breakfast!

Here’s how to enter to win:
1) Follow @sedahotels 
2) Follow @mommanmanila & @kitchen143 
3) Tag a friend (or more) who love(s) staycations too!
4) Comment why you should win this staycation treat!

Plus points for people who share this post in stories and the winner will be announced on December 6th.
Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work. Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work.

@kitchen143 is something I really do love. Sharing a little bit of my kitchen with viewers and followers brings me joy. Even better when I get to work with chefs whom I can learn from and friends who like to spend time in the kitchen too!

#Thanksgiving
Thankful for the gift of music. Wish I caught mor Thankful for the gift of music.

Wish I caught more mini moments from We Will Rock You.

Such a great musical!

@sedahotels 
#sedaresidencesmakati 
#sedaat10
Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. @gelliaventajado j Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. 

@gelliaventajado joined our family and led me to @bestbuddies. 

Thankful for all the ambassadors who were able to spend time with us. And for @smlpeeps  and @asurionphcareers for helping make magic happen on Saturday afternoon for #Friendsgiving.

#Thanksgiving #bestbuddiesph
Thankful for women who share their faith with me. Thankful for women who share their faith with me. 

#Thanksgiving
Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at this time of year? Whole turkeys require serious commitment to cook. #IYKYK But because U.S. Poultry is now available here in the Philippines, that also means preparing turkey is a tad bit easier.
 
Frozen U.S. turkey products are available and ready to cook for people who want to dabble with flavors for this bigger bird but aren't sure how.
 
Thank you to Chef @ivoryyat for putting together a medley of my favorite fall flavors. This combination of apples, sweet potatoes, and maple syrup perfectly compliment  the roasted turkey leg and remind me of flavors and scenes from back in New York. 
 
@usapeecphl l has the highest standards that follow USDA requirements which are certified safe before shipping to the Philippines. Get them in stores near you. 

#ad #Turkey #USTurkey #Thanksgiving #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ServeTurkey #EatTurkey
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2023 · Blog Design by Fancy Girl Design Studio

Copyright © 2023 · Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

 

Loading Comments...