21 day Yoga challenge

I've been doing yoga for years, over 10 years to be exact and I've always loved it. I took my first class after a rather intense boxing class because I felt sore and figured the stretch would help. I knew nothing about Yoga but feel in love immediately. As is my nature I went hard, several classes a day, practice at home, I was all yoga all the time. I didn't really see it as anymore than exercise, until a very challenging time in my relationship. I will never forget the moment I felt secure enough to surrender to the poses, my breathe and feel a spiritual understanding and connection. I cried for 40 minutes after that class. (It's weird because I visited that class several times after and never found that yogi again) I have only felt that intense sense of relief twice in my life, the second being the day I gave birth (also made possible by Yogic breathing and vinyasa.)

I practiced through my pregnancy regularly and for two years with CJ, it was the best time. Then life stepped in and shook that all up, I would still squeeze in a practice at home but slowly stopped going to class. I worked had to convince myself that I didn't miss it but I did. That feeling has became very intense in the last few weeks and like that mysterious Yogi I found a challenge on Yoga journal. The 21 day challenge is made up of three parts:

• 15 minutes of meditation
• one vegetarian meal a day
•  one yoga a day.

Pretty simple. 

• Day one and two I went to the gym after work. I liked the teacher and even though I prefer Hatha I had a great practice.
• Day three I woke up a 45 minutes earlier than I should have thanks to my TV and had a morning practice courtesy of yoga Journal's free full length videos. 
• Day four - six I did the Yoga journal videos and the went to the gym. This I find is the best combination for me. I start my day off with movement and end the same way, and so today day 7 will be the same.

 So far I feel much stronger, My body feel lengthy and with the exception of Tuesday my mind has been clearer despite the chaos that has been surrounding me. All and all I can say this challenge is going to be a great experience, especially with all the many things I have going on in the few weeks. I've added one layer to my challenge and that's to turn off the TV before I fall asleep. For years I've convinced myself that I need the noise to settle down but I know now that's false, it just keeps my mind over stimulated so off it goes.

I think a weekly update on my progress will happen here. I want to chronicle the stumbles, the failures and obviously the many successes. For those of you looking to get into Yoga this is a great way to start. Log your days and see how much you change your mind set in 21 days!