40 is a mystical number signifying some sort of trial/testing/transition period and spiritual growth. It is mentioned 140 times in the Bible and is noted as a significant number in many other Religions around the World. (To read more http://ecclesia.org/truth/40.html)
Yogic science teaches that it takes 40 days to create or change a habit. A 40-day commitment to change can provide the shift needed to develop a healthy habit or to drop a destructive habit. A first step in experiencing the challenge and the satisfaction of lasting change is to commit to 40 consecutive days of yoga practice.
Orlando Power Yoga offers a special for 40 days unlimited Yoga for $40.00 - a dollar a day for a powerful journey for both Mind and Body.
So, here I stand soaking wet from my scalp to the tiny pores on the tips of my toes, drenched like never before in the aftermath of Day ONE . I slipped in right at this morning and quietly rolled my mat out next to my friend Sarah who secured us a place in the very back. She greeted me with a smile and a look of here we go....
Power Yoga is also called Hot Yoga for a reason....it is hotter than the Sahara in there and the hot air slaps your face from the very second you walk in. The room temperature has been set to the high 80's and mixed with the Hot Florida sun...I begin to sweat before the powerhouse of a teacher has even spoken. Her arms are sculpted along with every inch of her petite frame. She exudes strength and positive energy. She glides through the room acknowledging her students and welcomes us.
We begin in Child’s Pose and her voice is the calm before the work begins. The work to stay physically balanced, body aligned and my breath steady and engaged. I listen to her voice obediently anticipating the next contortion my body will be guided into. 3 minutes have passed and there is a puddle surrounding my rooted palms and a steady stream of perspiration is dripping from my forehead that is peering backwards through the V in my legs. I breathe in deep and release last nights stale air, mouth closed (similar to fogging a mirror but lips closed) attempting to allow my Ujjai breath to guide me where it is, I am suppose to be in that very moment.
The beauty of Yoga is for 80 minutes in today’s case, I devoted myself to me. No obligations, expectations, or intentions other than flow with it. Let the sweat detoxify the toxins, my Mind bounce from thought to thought and back to a calm place of nothingness, my arms hold my body weight for just long enough that my violently shaking muscles don't buckle, my legs rooted to the Earth soaking the energy from the soil seeping through the hard wood floor into my heels, reminding me of my own strength. My Soul speaking soft Thank You’s for the effort I am making in better myself today. Just as quickly I am guided back to a Triangle pose, arms reached to the ceiling opening my rib cage with a slight twist at the waist. The sweat has consumed me at this point. The room is thick with body heat and moisture. My teal cotton shorts are deep turquoise and are one with my legs. My tank top is heavy. I steal a quick scan of the room and note we are all the same, swimming in the perspiration. We are equally detoxifying.
I practice with my eyes closed most of the time, desperately trying to concentrate on holding the pose and reminding myself second by second to Breathe. The breath keeps me stable, right side up or at times arched backwards for just a second longer....I push through the thought of taking a break.
The class takes us upwards, downwards, sideways and lastly, legs up and over our heads tight to our ears. Her voice guides us on our backs and arms and legs opened lying effortless to our sides. We lay still. Not a sound can be heard. Our Minds are allowed this moment of silence to rest. The thoughts slowly enter as though they opened a small door right above my right ear and entered cautiously. I acknowledge them and send them to the appropriate place. Some get sent straight out the door across the hall and some I alllow to gather. Thoughts of my daughter, the chores, bills (sent across the hall....), my marriage, the words I have spoken or those I need too, Enter. The thoughts swirl around in this place upstairs and then I clear them out. I focus on blackness. The thoughts knock on the door and I do not answer. My eyes gaze upward although they are closed. What are they looking for, I asked myself? Time has passed slowly here in this state. My breaths are shallow and slowed. My body is dead weight just long enough.
The Teacher's voice gently brings us back to awareness..she speaks, "You are right where you need to be in this very moment?" I needed that validation, we all need that validation. That permission to be Present. Claim it people!
For the next 40 days, I am claiming it and hoping the 40 days will retrain my habitual thinking to believe it and make it a constant way of life. I am softly hoping, intentionless to Change into whatever it is I need to be for the Moments ahead.
Day One was a great one! I look forward to this Journey I have embarked on. One day at a Time, One pose per second, Acknowledging One thought per instance. Being Me in the Moment.
Namaste
