It's me again! Two years is way too long to go without blogging. I have had ups and downs with my weight loss struggle but I have stayed more consistent in the last 2 months or so. I'll keep it real with ya, though, this last week I haven't been so consistent which is why I decided to blog again. Even if nobody reads this, the process of writing has always been therapeutic for me and it helps me stay accountable.
Austin High School football has this tradition where all of the seniors take a picture with their moms in their football jerseys for the program. The boys wear their practice jerseys and mom wears their game jersey.We're talking Texas High School Football here, do you know how many people go to watch the Friday Night Lights and buy the programs? It's like a concert, standing room only. Especially at the home games which is the only time the programs are bought. I've known about this for 2 years because River has been on varsity since his Sophomore year. I saw the skinny little Tarrytown moms looking good in their athletic bodies proudly wearing their son's jerseys and knew I'd have to do that one day. Most of you who would be reading this know that my son is thin. Not skinny thin, broad shoulder and muscular with a 32 inch waist thin. Thank goodness for the muscles and the shoulders because maybe my boobs may fit in where his pecs would but the waist? No friggin' way! I would have to pull a Gandhi to fit in his clothes. I have this image in my head of actually getting the jersey on and then either living in the jersey forever, dislocating my shoulder in attempt to get it off or asking one of the other moms if they have any scissors to cut the sucker off. I knew I needed to get on the ball soon if I want to not be completely embarrassed on August 17th. so, once the holidays were behind me and I finally got out of my holiday depression mode I began running, this was at the end of February.
- FULL DISCLOSURE I say run but there are only moments when I actually run. I actually do the walk/jog thing but jog doesn't seem to be in the Austin fitness culture vocabulary. You either walk or you run, there is no in between. Everybody calls it "running". I ran into a friend as I was approaching the trail on the lake and after we chatted and I was walking away putting my ear buds in he said, "enjoy your run!" It's just assumed. I guess it makes one feel more like a bad ass, I know I do. So, when I say run I actually mean walk/jog but allow me this stretch of vocabulary so that I may continue my delusion. -
It is very frustrating to run for an hour, unable to even walk by the end of it 5 days a week and only lose 1 pound. But, now in retrospect, I would give anything to get back to losing 1 pound a week. It's kind of like when I weighed 135 in mid-twenties after my 4th child was born and thought my life was over. There goes the bod! What I would give. So, to speed up the pace I added Pilates to my routine again and began taking GLA oil. Finally, the pounds began coming off much quicker. I was losing 3 lbs a week. I'd have to stop in mid-run to pull my shorts up because they were falling down. I watered something at work outside and the hose was muddy. I couldn't use my hands as I walked into the building to wash up and luckily a trusted co-worker was walking behind me so she could pull up my pants as they were falling over my butt. I was so excited, all the hard work was finally paying off. I reached my first short-term goal in less than a month and thought, "This is not going to take any time at all". The thought was barely out of my brain when I felt that tickling at the back of my throat when I swallowed which grew to excruciating pain when I swallowed. I even ran while sick just to keep the momentum going but, alas, the microscopic bastard got the best of me and I was down for the count.
The sick lasted for a week and I gained 4 pounds! WHAT?!? How does that happen? This was the end of March into April so about a month ago and I still haven't even gotten back to where I was before I got sick much less made a dent in my goal. How frustrating! Right? I stayed on the same routine; running and Pilates and when it was too hot I ran in the upstairs track at work (I'm very heat sensitive) I added upper body work with dumb bells. and still nothing, the scale just goes right to the same number every time I step on it. I'm going to keep it real and be honest with you, It got me a little down and the heat and then the wind yesterday didn't help my motivation. I still did Pilates but no running. Friday is my weigh in day but I'm afraid to step on the scale so I'm avoiding by blogging.
We all hear it, "Muscle weighs more than fat". People keep telling me it's just muscle because I added the upper body work. It could be true. I am still able to wear the jeans I was unable to a couple of months ago and the pants I'm wearing right now are about to fall off of me, the same pants that were too tight in October so I keep telling myself it's still progress. But I need to lose an entire body in a little over three months! At this rate, I'm not feeling hopeful. I should be at least one size smaller by now but I unfortunately, carry my weight in my tummy and my face :-/ and they are the last places I lose weight so I have to lose a lot just to go down 1 size.
Kim Morrison, Lindsey Crow and Robbin Polter are my inspirations. Kim was the same size as me and now she is in an 8 and she did it all by running. Lindsey walked and ate it off as did Robbin. I feel there is hope and I know I'll get back to it. I think I just realized how soon my goal date is and it seems so impossible to get anywhere near it in three months. I appreciate your support and words of encouragement.
Til next time
keep it real
Friday, May 3, 2013
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Tread to shred - More on taking advantage of summer
Treading is such a great way to shed some pounds in the summer. Your session can be as easy or as advanced as you want it to be from basic treading with arms and legs or you can work your arms by with minimal leg movement or vise versa. When you move your legs with minimal arms you can really get a good ab work out and gluts if you move your legs front to back instead of the bicycle motion usually associated with treading. Other advantages include: low level of difficulty, no equipment required, free pools mean no gym fees, and best of all no matter how hot it is outside you keep cool. It might seem like you're not getting much of a workout because you're not sweating but my heart races and I get out of breath so I know my metabolism is getting the boost I need to shred some poundage.
Friday, I missed a call from my friend, Kathy asking me to join her for a tread session since another engagement we both committed to was postponed. She said that she and Melanie were going to start treading together in addition to their morning walks and asked me if I'd like to join them. Again, letting folks know that you are committed to fitness opens the door for sharing the experience with others and adding to your routine. It also motivates you when others invite you to join them. I have decided to be a "yes Ma'am". Accepting any invitation to join others in their workouts.
Yesterday, I went to Ramsey and did my aquatics routine that I mentioned in a previous post with half laps of a variety of strokes. I did that for about 30 minutes and then got out to chat with a friend. Then, lo and behold, in walks Melanie ready to tread. There are some exercises that I enjoy doing with others and then some I'd like to take at my own pace. Treading is definitely one of those that is best done with a friend. Melanie and I treaded for an hour, chatting and treading the time away.
I saw Kathy later and we are going to try to come up with the best time for all of us to meet. You should join us if you live in the hood. I'll definitely let you know.
After an hour and half total of working out I had so much energy and wanted to keep the focus on health. My family ate at Hyde Park Bar & Grill and I got the 4 sides plate with corn and chili tamales, collard greens, roasted sweet potatoes and fresh green beans. This morning after my morning coffee I had some watermelon that I cut up on Friday, I love the ease of preparing food a head of time. Just grab and go. For lunch I cooked up some short grain brown rice, sauteed yellow squash and snap peas in coconut oil with ginger and garlic. It took no time at all and it was so flavorful. The rice cooks for almost an hour but if you cook a batch a head time all you have to do is add veggies, nuts, protein and a few spices and eat on it for the rest of the day.
Weight loss isn't about quick fixes and abrupt change. I am slowly changing my habits with a natural progression. When you feel healthy you feel like eating healthier and look forward to physical activity. If you've been reading my blog and all you have done is think about getting out there and moving your body, I challenge you to take action. Just get started and you will be so happy that you did. I know it all seems daunting, especially if you have a long way to go but every great journey begins with one small step. For months I thought about it and just came up with all the excuses I've written about before now I look back and think, "I would be so much further along if I would have just got up off my ass and did something months ago. "Luckily, Jesse lit a fire under me and I'm on my way. Now, I want to be your fire. Fire is the element of transformation. TRANSFORM!!
And if you are already working it, YOU MUST STAY DETERMINED!!!!
Friday, I missed a call from my friend, Kathy asking me to join her for a tread session since another engagement we both committed to was postponed. She said that she and Melanie were going to start treading together in addition to their morning walks and asked me if I'd like to join them. Again, letting folks know that you are committed to fitness opens the door for sharing the experience with others and adding to your routine. It also motivates you when others invite you to join them. I have decided to be a "yes Ma'am". Accepting any invitation to join others in their workouts.
Yesterday, I went to Ramsey and did my aquatics routine that I mentioned in a previous post with half laps of a variety of strokes. I did that for about 30 minutes and then got out to chat with a friend. Then, lo and behold, in walks Melanie ready to tread. There are some exercises that I enjoy doing with others and then some I'd like to take at my own pace. Treading is definitely one of those that is best done with a friend. Melanie and I treaded for an hour, chatting and treading the time away.
I saw Kathy later and we are going to try to come up with the best time for all of us to meet. You should join us if you live in the hood. I'll definitely let you know.
After an hour and half total of working out I had so much energy and wanted to keep the focus on health. My family ate at Hyde Park Bar & Grill and I got the 4 sides plate with corn and chili tamales, collard greens, roasted sweet potatoes and fresh green beans. This morning after my morning coffee I had some watermelon that I cut up on Friday, I love the ease of preparing food a head of time. Just grab and go. For lunch I cooked up some short grain brown rice, sauteed yellow squash and snap peas in coconut oil with ginger and garlic. It took no time at all and it was so flavorful. The rice cooks for almost an hour but if you cook a batch a head time all you have to do is add veggies, nuts, protein and a few spices and eat on it for the rest of the day.
Weight loss isn't about quick fixes and abrupt change. I am slowly changing my habits with a natural progression. When you feel healthy you feel like eating healthier and look forward to physical activity. If you've been reading my blog and all you have done is think about getting out there and moving your body, I challenge you to take action. Just get started and you will be so happy that you did. I know it all seems daunting, especially if you have a long way to go but every great journey begins with one small step. For months I thought about it and just came up with all the excuses I've written about before now I look back and think, "I would be so much further along if I would have just got up off my ass and did something months ago. "Luckily, Jesse lit a fire under me and I'm on my way. Now, I want to be your fire. Fire is the element of transformation. TRANSFORM!!
And if you are already working it, YOU MUST STAY DETERMINED!!!!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Take advantage of summer
Holidays can be a joyous time to gather with friends and family enjoying food and festive events together. I know I am the happiest when I can share those special occasions with my big brood. Frankly, it doesn't happen very often because every one is so scattered and have varying schedules. I tend to shut down emotionally during those times, I have discovered. I have become quite adept at putting up walls. The problem is I go inward and kind of linger there a while. That's where I've been, lingering. Now the 4th is behind us and I can move on and embrace the summer and it's many attributes.
AHHH summer time. The season of shorts, tank tops, bathing suits, hot bodies to compare ourselves to, plunging in to our favorite swimming hole for a cool down and a large array of fresh fruit to choose from at the market. Summer in Texas can be brutal but the fresh fruit choices make it all worth while.
This week has been a great one for me. I admit though that it started out a little rough. Weighing myself is a big no-no right now. It's so frustrating when you feel good about working your program and think your obviously losing weight so you hop on the scale with confidence only to be shot down with a big dose of reality. It seems like I've been gaining like 1/2 lb a week and that really brings me down. Everybody says, "It's just muscle, Carrie" Well, you know what? on the Biggest Loser you don't see them gaining weight week after week because of all the muscle gain, you see them drop the fat and that's what I'm doing this for, dropping the fat. But, for the first time in my life I am not letting it keep me down for very long, not even a day. Like I said before, the choice is lose weight or lose out.
Amy and I have decided to change things up a bit with our work out routine. We are are doing 15 - 20 minutes of yoga in the morning alternating between two of our favorite Gaiam Rodney Yee DVDs and a more cardio workout in the afternoon at the end of the day. I took two Tae bo DVDs to work and a Jillian Michaels shred DVD. Mike continues to participate with us and no longer hangs out in the back of the class. Kendra is joining us now as well. People are seeing my body changing at work and want in on the action. I love it, it's so motivating and rewarding. When I get restless at my desk I do some arm excercises with 5 lb dumb bells I keep in my cubicle and I even follow up with treading at Ramsey when I get off of work. A body in motion certainly stays in motion.
A new addition to our routine is juicing. When I told Sierra and Jesse at two different times that I was juicing they asked me if I was doing steroids. Nope, we're drinking the juice of any veggie and fruit we can get our hands on. Today we made watermelon, kale, cucumber, carrot, beet, ginger and spinach juice. I think the best way to describe the way it looked when poured in the glass is polyjuice ala Harry Potter, basically muddy looking. Sounds gross, I know, but OMG it is so good and refreshing and incredibly energizing. I look forward to our juicing every day.
I have developed a routine after working out when I was hungry consequently not getting as good a work out and feeling rushed if I get started too late. A big part of my routine is eating lots of fruit. Yeah summertime crops!! I eat blueberries, strawberries, peaches, nectarines, watermelon, cantaloupe and sometime apples. I bought a bunch of not quite ripe nectarines and peaches, put them in a paper bag on my window seal at work and two days later they are perfect. If I get hungry, I have fruit right there to eat. I also cut up the melon and strawberries so I can just grab them out of the fridge when I'm ready to mix them with some low fat vanilla yogurt and Go Lean crunch. MMMMM so good.
I drink coffee when I arrive at work until about 9
9 am - mix fruit, yogurt, Go Lean (an hour before my yoga workout)
10 am - hatha yoga for a good stretching
after yoga I eat some cashews or wasabi
12 - lunch (Amy made some quinoa and veggies we ate on some and I made some grilled chicken salad with cashews, dried apricots, red onion and low fat may and added a bit of ginger mandarin dressing. I was just experimenting but it turnout out so good.
2pm - fruit from my goodie bag
2:30 - PM cardio
4PM to the pool for treading
AHHH summer time. The season of shorts, tank tops, bathing suits, hot bodies to compare ourselves to, plunging in to our favorite swimming hole for a cool down and a large array of fresh fruit to choose from at the market. Summer in Texas can be brutal but the fresh fruit choices make it all worth while.
This week has been a great one for me. I admit though that it started out a little rough. Weighing myself is a big no-no right now. It's so frustrating when you feel good about working your program and think your obviously losing weight so you hop on the scale with confidence only to be shot down with a big dose of reality. It seems like I've been gaining like 1/2 lb a week and that really brings me down. Everybody says, "It's just muscle, Carrie" Well, you know what? on the Biggest Loser you don't see them gaining weight week after week because of all the muscle gain, you see them drop the fat and that's what I'm doing this for, dropping the fat. But, for the first time in my life I am not letting it keep me down for very long, not even a day. Like I said before, the choice is lose weight or lose out.
Amy and I have decided to change things up a bit with our work out routine. We are are doing 15 - 20 minutes of yoga in the morning alternating between two of our favorite Gaiam Rodney Yee DVDs and a more cardio workout in the afternoon at the end of the day. I took two Tae bo DVDs to work and a Jillian Michaels shred DVD. Mike continues to participate with us and no longer hangs out in the back of the class. Kendra is joining us now as well. People are seeing my body changing at work and want in on the action. I love it, it's so motivating and rewarding. When I get restless at my desk I do some arm excercises with 5 lb dumb bells I keep in my cubicle and I even follow up with treading at Ramsey when I get off of work. A body in motion certainly stays in motion.
A new addition to our routine is juicing. When I told Sierra and Jesse at two different times that I was juicing they asked me if I was doing steroids. Nope, we're drinking the juice of any veggie and fruit we can get our hands on. Today we made watermelon, kale, cucumber, carrot, beet, ginger and spinach juice. I think the best way to describe the way it looked when poured in the glass is polyjuice ala Harry Potter, basically muddy looking. Sounds gross, I know, but OMG it is so good and refreshing and incredibly energizing. I look forward to our juicing every day.
I have developed a routine after working out when I was hungry consequently not getting as good a work out and feeling rushed if I get started too late. A big part of my routine is eating lots of fruit. Yeah summertime crops!! I eat blueberries, strawberries, peaches, nectarines, watermelon, cantaloupe and sometime apples. I bought a bunch of not quite ripe nectarines and peaches, put them in a paper bag on my window seal at work and two days later they are perfect. If I get hungry, I have fruit right there to eat. I also cut up the melon and strawberries so I can just grab them out of the fridge when I'm ready to mix them with some low fat vanilla yogurt and Go Lean crunch. MMMMM so good.
I drink coffee when I arrive at work until about 9
9 am - mix fruit, yogurt, Go Lean (an hour before my yoga workout)
10 am - hatha yoga for a good stretching
after yoga I eat some cashews or wasabi
12 - lunch (Amy made some quinoa and veggies we ate on some and I made some grilled chicken salad with cashews, dried apricots, red onion and low fat may and added a bit of ginger mandarin dressing. I was just experimenting but it turnout out so good.
2pm - fruit from my goodie bag
2:30 - PM cardio
4PM to the pool for treading
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Friend's successes
I haven't taken the time yet to explore this blogger and figure out how everything works. I have tried inserting links after following the directions but they don't seem to work. Today, I'm home bloated and cramping because Aunt Flow came for a visit. Ladie's, you know what I'm talking about (sorry guys). Now, after spending a few minutes navigating through the tool bar I have discovered how to find the number of times my posts have been viewed - 285! That's exciting for me and so motivating. I have to tell you that more than anything, knowing that people are sharing my journey with me keeps me accountable. Knowing that at the end of the day I have committed to sharing my day coupled with my dedication to keeping it real pushes me through times that I might feel like giving up, it keeps me determined to reach my goal.
Another positive result of telling my story is that it compels my friends to share their weight loss successes with me. Knowing that my friends who have struggled with weight loss in the past are making huge progress gives me so much hope and inspiration. My friend, Kim, dropped 5 sizes! I asked her when the last time was she could wear the size she's now in and she said when she was about 5. I know she was gearing up for a class reunion but she is still sticking to her routine and working with her trainer. Kimi is feeling better than she has in her entire adulthood and she is in her late 40's (always older than me by 6 months). She is a single mom of two grown sons, and runs her family billiard business. I saw a picture of Kim at the reunion and she looks absolutely amazing. I'm so proud of her I want to cry.
And Shannon, she just posted that she lost 40 pounds steadily over the last year. She said she has been exercising and eating right and slowly she is getting healthier and leaner. Again, I'm gushing with pride and support for her. Shannon is 10 years younger than me, has her own massage business and she and her husband have an elementary-aged daughter. Shannon has a smile that will light up a room and I'm sure her light will shine even brighter now because with transformation of the body comes vitality and confidence (not that she ever seemed to lack it)
I know sometimes people will want to lose weight for a special occasion like a wedding, reunion, summer time, vacation, etc. I know of so many people who just stop their routines after the milestone has been reached and gain the weight back and then some. I remember when one of my co-workers at Amaze who is an avid bicyclist and very fit said to me, "If you gain the weight back you put in all of the hard work for nothing, I want it to be for something or there is no point." A big huge light bulb clicked on for me when he said that. I know I have to be committed to the long term not just a milestone. Like Kim, she is still hitting the gym and is far from stopping.
Kim and Shannon are two different women at two different stages of life getting healthy by two different methods but the result is the same, transformation! As long as you're moving your body and committed to the long haul you will succeed.
Today, even though I just want to sit in my easy chair with a heating pad and eat chocolate I am still going to push myself to do something to work toward my goal. Working my upper body would be appropriate as well as gentle stretching/yoga, actually yoga would probably make me feel better. I may not work in the two 20 minute sessions but I think it's OK to nurture myself a little bit. BTW, dark chocolate is beneficial to weight loss, just so you know.
Please feel free to share your successes. Everybody wins when we work together.
STAY DETERMINED!!
Another positive result of telling my story is that it compels my friends to share their weight loss successes with me. Knowing that my friends who have struggled with weight loss in the past are making huge progress gives me so much hope and inspiration. My friend, Kim, dropped 5 sizes! I asked her when the last time was she could wear the size she's now in and she said when she was about 5. I know she was gearing up for a class reunion but she is still sticking to her routine and working with her trainer. Kimi is feeling better than she has in her entire adulthood and she is in her late 40's (always older than me by 6 months). She is a single mom of two grown sons, and runs her family billiard business. I saw a picture of Kim at the reunion and she looks absolutely amazing. I'm so proud of her I want to cry.
And Shannon, she just posted that she lost 40 pounds steadily over the last year. She said she has been exercising and eating right and slowly she is getting healthier and leaner. Again, I'm gushing with pride and support for her. Shannon is 10 years younger than me, has her own massage business and she and her husband have an elementary-aged daughter. Shannon has a smile that will light up a room and I'm sure her light will shine even brighter now because with transformation of the body comes vitality and confidence (not that she ever seemed to lack it)
I know sometimes people will want to lose weight for a special occasion like a wedding, reunion, summer time, vacation, etc. I know of so many people who just stop their routines after the milestone has been reached and gain the weight back and then some. I remember when one of my co-workers at Amaze who is an avid bicyclist and very fit said to me, "If you gain the weight back you put in all of the hard work for nothing, I want it to be for something or there is no point." A big huge light bulb clicked on for me when he said that. I know I have to be committed to the long term not just a milestone. Like Kim, she is still hitting the gym and is far from stopping.
Kim and Shannon are two different women at two different stages of life getting healthy by two different methods but the result is the same, transformation! As long as you're moving your body and committed to the long haul you will succeed.
Today, even though I just want to sit in my easy chair with a heating pad and eat chocolate I am still going to push myself to do something to work toward my goal. Working my upper body would be appropriate as well as gentle stretching/yoga, actually yoga would probably make me feel better. I may not work in the two 20 minute sessions but I think it's OK to nurture myself a little bit. BTW, dark chocolate is beneficial to weight loss, just so you know.
Please feel free to share your successes. Everybody wins when we work together.
STAY DETERMINED!!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Shakti Rising
I have to admit, I almost didn't write anything today because I'm not sure if anybody read my last post as there were no comments but I have a lot to say and a body to get in shape so I'm not stopping now.
I just have to reiterate the virtues of Kundalini. Wow, I made it to work a little early this morning because I woke up wide-eyed at 5:30 a.m. Amy, Mike and I did about a 30 minute, high energy Kundalini yoga session this afternoon and not only did I swim for 30 minutes afterward but I came home and cleaned the kitchen, did laundry and cut up some fruit and veggies for tomorrow. That is big time rare for me. Like I said, don't spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Kundalini Yoga absolutely rejuvenated, revitalized and kicked my energy into high gear. I have been awake for 16 hours and am just now winding down.
What is Kundalini? Kundalini is a serpentine energy in Hindu mysticism that lives at the base of the spine. I repeat, energy, they don't actually believe that two serpents are really living in our bodies like tape worms. Actually, the symbol for medicine, you know the staff with the 2 serpents intertwining around it? The image is derived from Kundalini. It is also known as Kundalini Shakti. When one invokes Shakti, you invoke the creative force, desire, universal energy, when awakened it moves up the spine awakening all of the chakras along the journey finally meeting with the crown chakra achieving enlightenment. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kundalini.
One way to achieve the awakening is to practice kundalini yoga. There are many westerners that practice for this purpose but for the most part the sole purpose is to lose weight and get fit.
Let me tell you my own personal experience with Kundalini rising. If you stick around long enough you're bound to hear some pretty interesting stories from my life. This is one of those tales.
I had checked out a VHS tape on Kundalini yoga from my university library. It was called "Breath of Fire". I had no idea the differences between yoga disciplines at the time and don't know why I chose that particular tape, perhaps it was the only one available.
All six of my kids were living in the house at the time so it was very rare for me to have the house to myself which was the only time I would ever do any kind of working out. Every time I plugged in a Jane Fonda or Denise Austin tape and I started jumping around with my boobs bobbing the little ones would laugh hysterically, especially River. It was so distracting and un-nerving that I would never work out in front of them. So, my point is that I managed to get instruction from the tape just a few times. I was about 37-38.
One summer solstice night I was with a group of friends reveling after welcoming the longest day of the year. I was just standing in a room talking to my friend, Larry, when suddenly I felt this shock of energy literally move from the top of my skull and down my spine. Once it hit my spine my eyes rolled back in my head and I fell to my knees. Everybody panicked and ran to me, all of them complaining about how they couldn't touch me because I was so hot. Ginger had healing hands and came to my side to see what she could do for me but she couldn't even stand near me, her sensitivity to the heat my body was generating was too much. She brought me several cold towels, laid them all over my body and quickly moved across the room.
I have no idea how long I laid on the floor in that room, aware of the din but more aware of a humming that nobody else could hear. Just as suddenly as the bolt of energy hit me, I sat straight up and began walking through the crowd. I felt this very serpentine energy present in my body that seemed to be using me to watch the revelers. This was a strange sensation in itself but the most extraordinary experience was the complete and total unconditional love I felt for everybody I saw, whether I knew them well, liked them, didn't like them, loved them (there were many more of those) or was indifferent. The love I felt for all of them was overwhelming and powerful.
Slowly and uneventfully I came back to myself. It actually took a week or a little longer to be completely back to normal. I had no idea what happened to me. I certainly didn't see any connection between the yoga I was practicing and the blast of energy I experienced. It wasn't until a few months later when my friend, Patrice, came to visit for Sierra's rite of womanhood. Patrice has been teaching yoga for free for many long years. She used to teach at Casa De Luc which is what she was doing during this time. The subject of Kundalini just happen to come up during her visit and she started talking about the serpent and life force that lives at the spine and the awakening and Shakti and the movement of energy from the spine to the crown chakra. I told her with a rapid heart beat and quick tongue what happen to me. The first question she asked me was "had you been practicing any kind of yoga at the time?" OMG! Yes, Kundalini even. The mystery was solved. She told me that I should take it up again and I said I would.
That was 10 years ago almost. Now, here I am feeling the vitality and rejuvenation. Perhaps something awakened in me that I have kept dormant, it's time to experiment. I just don't want any more creepy snakes taking charge. I jest, it was a beautiful experience and I will always cherish it.
The spiritual aspect is amazing but the wonderful side affect is the amped up energy I've been feeling since I began practice. You really should try it if you want to get more out of your day and your fitness program. Within 30 minutes after yoga I went to Ramsey. They used to have a clock up so I could time my work outs but that is no longer there. I have adapted by counting the number of laps I do. My laps aren't all the way across the pool, they are just to the deep end rope. Treading water is my warm up method. I do that to the wall and back 3 times and then just mix it up from there alternating between backstrock, breast stroke and freestyle and this weird thing I do that really works my abs. I begin in a seated position and move through the water engaging my abs and using my arms. Holding the legs up keeps the abs engaged. I kind of had to play with this motion for a while to get the most out of it but I've got it down now. I do all movement to the wall and back to the line 4 times and repeat once.
Well, I think I'm finally petered out and ready for bed. I bet I sleep soundly.
STAY DETERMINED!!
I just have to reiterate the virtues of Kundalini. Wow, I made it to work a little early this morning because I woke up wide-eyed at 5:30 a.m. Amy, Mike and I did about a 30 minute, high energy Kundalini yoga session this afternoon and not only did I swim for 30 minutes afterward but I came home and cleaned the kitchen, did laundry and cut up some fruit and veggies for tomorrow. That is big time rare for me. Like I said, don't spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Kundalini Yoga absolutely rejuvenated, revitalized and kicked my energy into high gear. I have been awake for 16 hours and am just now winding down.
What is Kundalini? Kundalini is a serpentine energy in Hindu mysticism that lives at the base of the spine. I repeat, energy, they don't actually believe that two serpents are really living in our bodies like tape worms. Actually, the symbol for medicine, you know the staff with the 2 serpents intertwining around it? The image is derived from Kundalini. It is also known as Kundalini Shakti. When one invokes Shakti, you invoke the creative force, desire, universal energy, when awakened it moves up the spine awakening all of the chakras along the journey finally meeting with the crown chakra achieving enlightenment. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kundalini.
One way to achieve the awakening is to practice kundalini yoga. There are many westerners that practice for this purpose but for the most part the sole purpose is to lose weight and get fit.
Let me tell you my own personal experience with Kundalini rising. If you stick around long enough you're bound to hear some pretty interesting stories from my life. This is one of those tales.
I had checked out a VHS tape on Kundalini yoga from my university library. It was called "Breath of Fire". I had no idea the differences between yoga disciplines at the time and don't know why I chose that particular tape, perhaps it was the only one available.
All six of my kids were living in the house at the time so it was very rare for me to have the house to myself which was the only time I would ever do any kind of working out. Every time I plugged in a Jane Fonda or Denise Austin tape and I started jumping around with my boobs bobbing the little ones would laugh hysterically, especially River. It was so distracting and un-nerving that I would never work out in front of them. So, my point is that I managed to get instruction from the tape just a few times. I was about 37-38.
One summer solstice night I was with a group of friends reveling after welcoming the longest day of the year. I was just standing in a room talking to my friend, Larry, when suddenly I felt this shock of energy literally move from the top of my skull and down my spine. Once it hit my spine my eyes rolled back in my head and I fell to my knees. Everybody panicked and ran to me, all of them complaining about how they couldn't touch me because I was so hot. Ginger had healing hands and came to my side to see what she could do for me but she couldn't even stand near me, her sensitivity to the heat my body was generating was too much. She brought me several cold towels, laid them all over my body and quickly moved across the room.
I have no idea how long I laid on the floor in that room, aware of the din but more aware of a humming that nobody else could hear. Just as suddenly as the bolt of energy hit me, I sat straight up and began walking through the crowd. I felt this very serpentine energy present in my body that seemed to be using me to watch the revelers. This was a strange sensation in itself but the most extraordinary experience was the complete and total unconditional love I felt for everybody I saw, whether I knew them well, liked them, didn't like them, loved them (there were many more of those) or was indifferent. The love I felt for all of them was overwhelming and powerful.
Slowly and uneventfully I came back to myself. It actually took a week or a little longer to be completely back to normal. I had no idea what happened to me. I certainly didn't see any connection between the yoga I was practicing and the blast of energy I experienced. It wasn't until a few months later when my friend, Patrice, came to visit for Sierra's rite of womanhood. Patrice has been teaching yoga for free for many long years. She used to teach at Casa De Luc which is what she was doing during this time. The subject of Kundalini just happen to come up during her visit and she started talking about the serpent and life force that lives at the spine and the awakening and Shakti and the movement of energy from the spine to the crown chakra. I told her with a rapid heart beat and quick tongue what happen to me. The first question she asked me was "had you been practicing any kind of yoga at the time?" OMG! Yes, Kundalini even. The mystery was solved. She told me that I should take it up again and I said I would.
That was 10 years ago almost. Now, here I am feeling the vitality and rejuvenation. Perhaps something awakened in me that I have kept dormant, it's time to experiment. I just don't want any more creepy snakes taking charge. I jest, it was a beautiful experience and I will always cherish it.
The spiritual aspect is amazing but the wonderful side affect is the amped up energy I've been feeling since I began practice. You really should try it if you want to get more out of your day and your fitness program. Within 30 minutes after yoga I went to Ramsey. They used to have a clock up so I could time my work outs but that is no longer there. I have adapted by counting the number of laps I do. My laps aren't all the way across the pool, they are just to the deep end rope. Treading water is my warm up method. I do that to the wall and back 3 times and then just mix it up from there alternating between backstrock, breast stroke and freestyle and this weird thing I do that really works my abs. I begin in a seated position and move through the water engaging my abs and using my arms. Holding the legs up keeps the abs engaged. I kind of had to play with this motion for a while to get the most out of it but I've got it down now. I do all movement to the wall and back to the line 4 times and repeat once.
Well, I think I'm finally petered out and ready for bed. I bet I sleep soundly.
STAY DETERMINED!!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Daily blogging and Kundalini
There is nothing like a good ego boost to get one motivated. One of my blog followers asked me if I'd be interested in blogging on a daily basis. I told her that I feared appearing self-important and narcissistic. She told me that my fan base could benefit from it. Fan base? Really? Me? How can I turn that down? Especially when she ended the chat with "I have to go run".
A daily blog could be a bit of a challenge for me but I will give it my best shot. As my sister would tell you, I always have a lot to say so that's not a problem, I just need to find the time but if I can fit fitness into my schedule I can find the time to share my experiences, challenges, successes, daily routine and my reflections on all of the above.
I have to admit, I haven't been fitting in the fitness as much as I would like, seems like all my best intentions have been thwarted this week, the rhythm is off in spite of my best efforts to keep on track. Its unfortunate as I was off to a great start this weekend and I give credit for that to the Kundalini yoga I did on Friday.
Hatha yoga is about stretching, moving energy and finding balance, this is a very simplified description of course. Most videos or yoga classes are some form of Hatha yoga. Kundalini is different because it is more aerobic in nature and the result is a blast of high energy. You get your chi moving through rapid, repetitive, big movements where as with Hatha the movements are smaller, more subtle and you remain in the positions for a longer period of time. Breath of fire is big in Kundalini. It is sort of like the kind of breathing you think of when a woman is in labor which is very different from the gentle breathing of hatha.
My boss, Amy, Mike and I did about 40 minutes of a 60 minute Kundalini video Friday. If it were at the end of the day we would have watched it in it's entirely and then gone home to shower, or in my case, rinse off in the outdoor shower at Ramsey and jump in. I was energized beyond belief all weekend. I even cooked and I hate to cook. Have I mentioned that? Yay, Johnny does the cooking but that means I have to eat what he cooks which does not exactly lend itself to weight loss. That's why I never mention I ate for dinner, I don't want anybody usually following my example.
I chopped up some summer squash and carrots and heated them up in a skillet with coconut oil. Have you ever had coconut oil? It is amazing!!! It makes food so buttery tasting but it's unsaturated and considered a heart healthy food. http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/ It comes in a glass jar similar to almond butter, you can find it with the other cooking oils. I mixed the two veggies in with some penne and it was amazing. My vegetarian daughter and her vegetarian friend were with me and they loved it. So simple, right? I cooked the pasta while the veggies were sauteing and in no time I had a wonderful summer lunch, plenty for all 5 of us. Sadie and River loved it too.
Aside from feeling the urge to cook, I also cleaned so much that I ran out of things to do inside (there is plenty I want to do outside but it's way too hot for me). I even almost bought an air conditioner for my sewing room so I could clean that up and get to sewing. My energy was off the charts through Monday morning when I gathered all of the healthy food I could find to take with me to work like the left over penne, blue berries, cantaloupe, shredded chicken, cherub tomatoes and Central Markets Oat and flax oatmeal which I cook with the quart of almond milk I have at work. I gathered all of my food, swim suit, blanket, towel and hair claw. Once I got to work and checked my messages I took my morning break and in spite of the heat power walked for 15 minutes around the school. I thought of Lorene telling me she was going to run when it was still so hot outside, the morning was 20 degrees cooler, it was do-able.
I had canteloupe for breakfast. Somebody else brought some as well so I had a melon feast. It was so good. My mid-morning snack was a few tomatoes and for lunch I had left over penne.
I am jazzed by the idea of writing daily. It will keep me real with myself and you as well. Knowing I have motivated at least one person keeps me motivated.
I apologize for the format of the blog. Nobody how I try to format for easy reading it never turns out the way I want. Any tips on formatting are welcome.
STAY DETERMINED!
A daily blog could be a bit of a challenge for me but I will give it my best shot. As my sister would tell you, I always have a lot to say so that's not a problem, I just need to find the time but if I can fit fitness into my schedule I can find the time to share my experiences, challenges, successes, daily routine and my reflections on all of the above.
I have to admit, I haven't been fitting in the fitness as much as I would like, seems like all my best intentions have been thwarted this week, the rhythm is off in spite of my best efforts to keep on track. Its unfortunate as I was off to a great start this weekend and I give credit for that to the Kundalini yoga I did on Friday.
Hatha yoga is about stretching, moving energy and finding balance, this is a very simplified description of course. Most videos or yoga classes are some form of Hatha yoga. Kundalini is different because it is more aerobic in nature and the result is a blast of high energy. You get your chi moving through rapid, repetitive, big movements where as with Hatha the movements are smaller, more subtle and you remain in the positions for a longer period of time. Breath of fire is big in Kundalini. It is sort of like the kind of breathing you think of when a woman is in labor which is very different from the gentle breathing of hatha.
My boss, Amy, Mike and I did about 40 minutes of a 60 minute Kundalini video Friday. If it were at the end of the day we would have watched it in it's entirely and then gone home to shower, or in my case, rinse off in the outdoor shower at Ramsey and jump in. I was energized beyond belief all weekend. I even cooked and I hate to cook. Have I mentioned that? Yay, Johnny does the cooking but that means I have to eat what he cooks which does not exactly lend itself to weight loss. That's why I never mention I ate for dinner, I don't want anybody usually following my example.
I chopped up some summer squash and carrots and heated them up in a skillet with coconut oil. Have you ever had coconut oil? It is amazing!!! It makes food so buttery tasting but it's unsaturated and considered a heart healthy food. http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/ It comes in a glass jar similar to almond butter, you can find it with the other cooking oils. I mixed the two veggies in with some penne and it was amazing. My vegetarian daughter and her vegetarian friend were with me and they loved it. So simple, right? I cooked the pasta while the veggies were sauteing and in no time I had a wonderful summer lunch, plenty for all 5 of us. Sadie and River loved it too.
Aside from feeling the urge to cook, I also cleaned so much that I ran out of things to do inside (there is plenty I want to do outside but it's way too hot for me). I even almost bought an air conditioner for my sewing room so I could clean that up and get to sewing. My energy was off the charts through Monday morning when I gathered all of the healthy food I could find to take with me to work like the left over penne, blue berries, cantaloupe, shredded chicken, cherub tomatoes and Central Markets Oat and flax oatmeal which I cook with the quart of almond milk I have at work. I gathered all of my food, swim suit, blanket, towel and hair claw. Once I got to work and checked my messages I took my morning break and in spite of the heat power walked for 15 minutes around the school. I thought of Lorene telling me she was going to run when it was still so hot outside, the morning was 20 degrees cooler, it was do-able.
I had canteloupe for breakfast. Somebody else brought some as well so I had a melon feast. It was so good. My mid-morning snack was a few tomatoes and for lunch I had left over penne.
I am jazzed by the idea of writing daily. It will keep me real with myself and you as well. Knowing I have motivated at least one person keeps me motivated.
I apologize for the format of the blog. Nobody how I try to format for easy reading it never turns out the way I want. Any tips on formatting are welcome.
STAY DETERMINED!
Friday, June 24, 2011
Getting back on track
Sometimes we receive messages exactly when we need them. Mine came to me this morning in the form of an email from Jillian Michaels. Her words, “Weight loss is a process — it takes time. You will encounter small failures — everyone does — but every pound you gain can be lost. And if you miss a workout, it's not the end of the world! Get to the gym the next day and continue to focus on your short-term goals. Just because you made bad choices today doesn't mean you can't start over tomorrow. New day, new beginning. And don't you forget it! “
I WON’T forget it, thank you, Jillian! I needed to hear those words. The reason? After a much needed cup of coffee upon my return to work ending a week-long vacay I went straight to the scales, anticipating the reaching of my short-term goal of getting under 210 lbs. I stepped on the scale with a smile on my face, moved the bar across the balance beam and - Wah wah wahhhhh (cartoon sound for disappointment, failure, etc.). I had gained 4 1/2 lbs of the 9 ½ I was so jazzed up about losing. Needless to say, I was kinda devastated……. But only for like 15 minutes. Disappointment has always been one of my downfalls, I used to give up easily when I felt defeated or should I say defeat was my enemy. Jillian reminded me that this is not a defeat. It is a bump in the road and one that can be overcome. I can sulk about it and give up or I can get back on track, the choice is simple because one leads to inevitable weight gain and the other to my goal - weight loss. It’s a no-brainer. I summon Ida K.
I reviewed my past week and assessed where I went wrong. I thought that swimming every day for 20 minutes was adequate. But, my previous post clearly states that I attributed working out twice a day for 20 minutes to my success and yoga was big part of it as well. I didn’t do either during my break. I thought being at home would work in my favor but as I confessed before, I was distracted by home improvement projects, converting capris to shorts (convinced that they will be way to big for me once short wearing season is over at work and the capris would no longer fit me anyway) and I was pulled in so many different directions taking the kids here and there – back and forth and back and forth all day long. I’m actually happy to be back at work.
Another aspect of my program that I slacked on was eating small meals throughout the day. I have learned that alternating between 2 choices every day keeps it simpler for me. I used to come up with these elaborate meal plans but for me keeping it simple is the key. For example:
Monday, Weds, Fri. A.M.- apples dipped in low fat organic yogurt, any flavor (not Dannon or any of those brands that are full of sugar, purchase Stoneyfield or one of the other organics.)
Monday, Weds., Fri. mid morn. – Go lean with strawberries
Monday, Weds. Fri Lunch – grilled chicken with salad veggies
Monday, Weds. Fri afternoon snack – cup of almonds
Tues. Thurs. A.M. – Cantaloupe w/ skim milk string cheese
Tues., Thurs. mid morning – bowl of low fat vanilla yogurt with fruit of choice
Tues, Thurs. lunch – Low carb tortilla with black beans or chicken, avocado, sprouts, spinach
Tues. Thurs. afternoon snack – small cherub tomatoes or sliced cucumber with ginger dressing.
What did work for me:
- Eating small healthy meals through out the day
- Sticking to a routine as much as possible.
- Plan meals, purchase food at the beginning of the week based on the meal plan so I don’t go out for a burger.
- 2 - 20 minute work outs a day. Yoga is a must for me.
- Stay positive and determined
- Blogging has helped me so much. Everybody’s support and encouragement keeps me honest with myself and I want to be successful so that others know that it’s possible. It has also been a great therapy for me. Thanks for allowing me to indulge in my narcissism.
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