I like to sleep. I like to stay under my covers as long as possible, as often as possible, and I do not like to be awoken by the mundane sounds of alarm clocks or children arguing.
Last week, however, I dragged myself out of an early bed to take a friend to the airport and I wound up back in the Ashtanga yoga practice room. It has been a week now, and I have gone back every day since, save for the Moon Day last week which is a rest day for these yogis. The Moon Day acted as an excellent experiment for this revitalized early morning wake up: since I did not have the yoga room dangling its treasures in front of me, I slept in that Wednesday, only to feel rushed and behind and cranky the rest of the day.
I know many of you have discovered this well before me, the joyous secret that the early morning offers a person, and have maintained the practice of it while could not. I have certainly no new information on this practice of using the strange magic of the morning to inspire, to give thanks, to ask your questions, and to move your body. These practices have been offered by all religions and philosophers and plain old exercise folks throughout time. But this week, I offered it to myself again. And I offer it to you, if maybe if you need it. Wake up, even a half hour before you usually do or think you like/need to do. To feel more free with your time, make your time more free. Do nothing in that early morning even, just maybe sit even. Just for a few extra quiet breaths that can be better protected from interruption. Coffee and tea and water with lemon are great companions.
If while I am away FROM JULY 27-AUGUST 10, you DO find yourself awake and curious… Maybe check out OMKAR 108 yoga in Culver City (http://omkar108.com) . You will find yourself in good hands, generously offered by Jörgen Christiansson.
There are other great places to wake up and go to of course as well! For injuries, and /or for a slower paced practice, check out the Iyengar Yoga | Institute of Los Angeles right on La Cienega and Pico. They also have an unlimited special price of $30 for 2 weeks, so the timing should work out perfectly!
This week, our practice remains in tact, with CHILDCARE if you let me know the night before.
MONDAY 8:30
TUESDAY 9:15
THURSDAY 8:30
Wishing you courage and space to ignite your own freedom,
Michelle
