A 100 Day Experiment: Yoga, Meditation & Journaling

Beginnings

I've had a tenuous relationship with consistency and discipline when it comes to healthy practices of self care as far back as I can remember. There have been periods of time when I was exercising consistently, so I do know what it feels like to be strong and fit. 

I don't remember where I first read about the idea of a 100 day experiment or "challenge". There have been many things written about habits and how long it takes to establish new ones. Some say 21 days but I wanted to make a more substantial commitment. 

The practices that I've dabbled in, yoga, meditation and journaling have been very helpful even as sporadically as I've used them. I have a beginning yoga dvd, it's 20 minutes long. I'm getting up 30 minutes earlier during the week and following the practice in this dvd. I then meditate for 10 - 15 minutes and journal for a bit.

I'm also committing to a weekly blog post to keep myself accountable and enable me to look back to be aware of my experience. My goal is that I will integrate these practices in my life beyond the 100 days. Making daily movement and meditation as ubiquitous as brushing my teeth.

The photos are taken here in the backyard. I will add photos taken during the week, but no selfies. Of course I'll be happy if there are physical changes but at this point focusing on my outward appearance is less motivating for me than the inner growth. More flexibility would be nice, and a better feel for the poses, smoother transitions are what I'm interested in experiencing.

I'm interested in how I feel, physically and mentally. How am I sleeping? How am I responding to stress? How am I interacting with others? What choices am I making with food?

Week One

Monday - Sunday this week I did my 20 minute yoga practice before anything else. I'm 7 days in and it feels really good. I'm still feeling clumsy in the transitions but my downward dog feels like it's supposed to look - although I have no proof. I can't touch my toes yet on forward bend but it's getting closer! Wouldn't it be amazing to sit in that "comfortable" cross legged position? I hope to find out.

I had some emotional moments this week and a few little upsets but I was pretty gentle with myself. I let myself be sad for a time but then chose to go outside and take a walk during my lunch hour. It was cool and windy and the views were stunning.

This was a good week. I don't fully trust myself yet but that's why I'm here, to be aware and accountable. I'm looking forward to week two.