Headstands All Around?
So today I did the Hatha class. I have to say, I still don't enjoy Hatha that much. I find the pace too slow and the postures somewhat funky (well some of them... for instance, I just hate how they enter upward facing dog...that wierd funky sun salutation) - yes, I realize this is the ashtanga snob in me but, well, it just doesn't feel right. I do, however, really like the instructor of this particular class and, moreover, I like the ability to slow down and really think about some of my postures (when we are doing true ashtanga postures). So, while I don't think I'll take up Hatha on a routine basis, every now and again I see its benefits.
But, I digress. I took this class specifically to work on my upper body strength
and my core and find balance. I finally achieved something at the end of an hour and a half and managed to hold a headstand for, well, okay, like 3 or 5 seconds but, hey, that's 3 or 5 seconds more than I've ever done. Not only did I hold a headstand for 3 or 5 seconds but I also held spider pose (and the Sanskrit name is escaping me right now) for like 3 or 5 seconds.
In more miraculous news (where's the wood), The Daughter slept through the night again last night. That makes 3 of 4 nights she has slept through the night. The most amazing difference in life with her getting some sleep is her. She is dramatically different. More relaxed, happy, content. Even our neighbors noticed today. I want that for her and, yes, for myself too.
I was also told today that my birthday this year (September 14) is going to be extra special in a spontaneous, romantic sort of way. In fact, we might spend an evening together. I'm very, very excited.
Comments
Priya's personality changed dramatically once she started sleeping, too. Part of me knows that nighttime nursing was good for her nutritionally, the other part wonders if I did her a disservice physically and emotionally as she was obviously suffering from chronic sleep deprivation. At which point did her physical need to nurse throughout the night become overshadowed by her need to sleep? Eighteen months? Two years?
I wish parenting was black and white. The process is making me into a better person, but it's really stretching me. Somedays I wish I could just throw in the towel because I don't want to grow anymore! :) (and then I grow up)
Posted by: Larissa | August 22, 2002 4:31 AM
You and my first baby have the same birthday! I knew there was something extra special about you! :) Also, your writing reminds me a lot of my younger sister's--her birthday is Sept. 16, and she is SUCH a Virgo! I adore her!
Hey, I looked at your family page, and you and your babies are beautiful. Congrats on the sleeping-through.
Posted by: Diane | August 22, 2002 4:50 AM
We've talked about this before, but Adam's personality definitely changed when he began sleeping better. He went from being pretty much constantly crabby to being a really happy, good-natured kid. Now that I have hindsight to see how things happened, I have to say that I don't think I'm going to do unrestricted night nursing with the next baby. Of course I will still nurse the baby at night, but I have become convinced that the constant night nursing with Adam was what screwed up his sleep cycles. He didn't know HOW to sleep longer. It's really like night and day seeing how much happier he is now that he's getting more sleep, and he's started making greater developmental strides at the same time, too.
Posted by: mudra | August 22, 2002 11:20 AM
That is absolutely amazing. BRAVO! to you girl!!!! Odd, what sort of Hatha class are you taking as they are many types of Hatha yoga. I take Anusara which is pretty fast and vigorous but focuses on the principles of alignment.
Omigod, I am glowing for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: felicia | August 22, 2002 12:07 PM
Larissa, you hit the nail on the head..sometimes I just want to throw in the towel and say screw it, I'm quite content right where I am, thankyou... and then I grow...
Yes, us Virgos are a lot alike. Holly, last night she slept through the night again..maybe we are FINALLY cresting some major hurdle here.
Fel, it is just called Hatha....although we did talk about anusara ...she said there isn't anyone teaching it out here.
Posted by: Julie | August 22, 2002 1:40 PM
Yipers! If you really are interested in anusara yoga, I know of a great CD you can buy. Send me an email if you want more details :)
Posted by: felicia | August 23, 2002 5:39 AM