I just spent the past hour and a half trying to find a yoga video to do online. Now, I have done yoga before so it's not like I'm a complete newbie at it.
I spent one glorious month in LA doing yoga daily for an hour as part of my singer training at OperaWorks in 2007. I remember the first day doing yoga. I fought Fought FOUGHT it all. I was still in the frame of mind that all this "spiritual, new-agey nonsense wasn't for me". I had also had a car accident a few years earlier in 2003 where I fractured my spine. I was scared to death of the Cobra pose in fear that I'd hurt my back again. I remember falling in love with the Warrior poses - It made me feel strong even though I felt weak in the training program. I was surrounded by amazing singers and felt like a weak link and did not feel I deserved to be there... but that's another story...
After a month of yoga, I felt lighter. I was flexible and centered and could also do a Cobra pose without fear. That month of yoga was amazing. I had full intentions to continue a practice but having to rush back home to a graduate recital and then a full time teaching job, that idea fell to the back burner. I didn't take the time for myself then, I didn't follow through on much and I certainly didn't buy in to spirit and self love then.
Fast forward to 2013... where I do care SO much more about myself, my body, and my spirit.
I still have those nagging thoughts though.
Today it was the 'You're too fat to do this' thought. I was searching for a beginner video - knowing it had been years since I did yoga... I wanted something easy to work in to. Video after video I'd stop after 10 or 15 minutes frustrated that I couldn't keep up or even do some of the poses being asked of me. I finally found a short video, 7 minutes of sun salutation, that finally worked for me. I watched the whole video first, then I did the whole video along with the instructor.
I completed a video.
I stopped listening to my thoughts and tuned in to breath.
I stopped hating my body.
I stopped judging myself.
Yes, I'm overweight ... but not for long. I've been making positive changes for the past month with doing Whole30 and eliminating sugar, processed foods, grain and dairy.
It changed my life. I lost 15 pounds in a month. I'm going to keep eating clean/paleo/whole30/whateveryouwantocallit because I know it's good for me.
I am also going to keep working on the movement part by getting in to a yoga routine.
I am Happy.
I am Loved.
I am Strong.
I AM going to kick the weight in my heart, mind and body to the curb.
I've already begun and I'm not going back.
Namaste
~Mel
Melissa, you have been an inspiration to me. I lost 80 pounds on the Atkin's diet 14 years ago. I have kept most of it off, but 10-20 pounds like to sneak back on. I take it off, I put it back on and on and on. I don't want to go back to Atkin's - too much fat, not enough emphasis on healthy. I looked at Paleo a few months ago, but didn't do it. After reading your posts and seeing all you food pics I decided to check it put again. I think it's the answer. It's Atkin's (which worked for me) minus the dairy plus fruits. Sounds like a perfect trade off. Thanks for inspiring me and don't EVER stop loving who you are (tall, short, fat, skinny...). Love ya, girl!
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