Matthew Sweeney workshop

Debating whether to do his workshop this coming week-end. Assuming there is still a spot left.

The sciatica is much better - but not completely healed. As I've read more about it and from prior postings it's not something I'll recover from quickly. I know I must learn patience. So I can't decide if I should sign up for his workshop or not.

I'm in need of some inspiration. With my sisters here for a couple of weeks and then my week in China I haven't been practicing regularly. (although I did practice every day in China, minus one day). At the same time I'll be frustrated not having my full range of motion. Hmmm, guess that's why I still need to learn patience. Interesting how that continues to show up in my life on and off the mat.

I'll decide tomorrow.

too many thoughts...

I need to sit and meditate today.

It's been quite the week.

Just returned from Shanghai yesterday; for work of course, otherwise it's not on my destination hot list. I arrived there last Sunday around midnight, up early for an 8am work start. Amazing to see the change from the last time I was there - approximately four years ago. The hotel I stay at is right next to the Nike office which is quite convenient. It's is more of a complex; in that there's a Starbuck's (that was there years ago too), a bakery serving organic coffees, breads and pastries, a grocery store (underground), doctor's office, dental office, massage place, several restaurants including my favorite - Elements Fresh, where I had my daily juice of spirulina/honey/apple/ginger and amazing salads - all fresh of course!

Work wise the week went well, I was a bit anti-social. After work everyone would go out for dinner; I opted for the gym where they had a perfect area to do my yoga practice and/or I would get a Chinese acupressure massage. Of course I would often meet up for a glass of wine with the group around 10ish.

This was my first business trip where D was in England. It was funny how whenever I thought of him I would see him in our Portland home. I'd have to remind myself that no, he's in England. Of course, the jet leg didn't help, but still interesting how the mind can play with you.

Upon my return I learned a dear, dear friend (A) has cancer. He started a CaringBridge blog for friends and family. I read it out loud to D last night. Although D knew some of the details he didn't know all of it. Needless to say we were a bit numb the rest of the evening. I wanted to call A but knew the moment I'd hear his voice I'd lose it. It doesn't help that it's grey and rainy here.

All in all a very lazy day Monday bank holiday. I needed it.

Did not even go out for our regular walk. Sometimes it's good to give it a rest.

saturday night - missing my sisters

I dropped off my two sisters, Gina and Melissa yesterday at the airport. (well - to be honest - Melissa took a cab; it was 4am afterall!) I miss them!

Melissa - me - Gina 

A few fond memories of our time together:

• Eating - yes, we love to eat. Starting with breakfast - toast, jam, honey with cinnamon on top, and of course some great cheese on the side and a big pot of tea. 
• Shopping - amazed how much Melissa shopped. And some things never change; Gina takes forever!!! She has to look at every item and then ponder and obsess if she should go for it. I am proud that she splurged on a pair of Kurt Geiger boots - to die for!
• Melissa and her "Mrs. Bucket" voice. 
• Our phone conversations with our dear "mum". 'nough said!
• Drinking wine every night with Gina (Melissa was taking sinus drugs). I don't even know how many bottles we went through.
• The amazing fish and chips eaten outside of the shop in Leek!
• Setting our destination every day to wherever the sun was shining - York, Liverpool, the Peak District.
• Melissa and her extremely long legs and arms dangling over all of our pictures. 
• Eating hummus with smoked paprika! Serious yumm!
• British cherry tomatoes - simply the best; especially with English cucumber and onion salad.
• Shopping - me buying a pair of London Fly sandals!
• Not going to London! There's so much more of England to take in.
• Taking photo's of sheep and lots of each other.

And of course the morning they left the sun came out and shined all day. At least we could dry all the bed sheets outside.

I miss you Gina and Melissa! And so does D. But Juju and Mooshi are happy to have the house back to themselves!

York castle.

My yoga injuries

Over the past ten years or so. Some of them took me months or a year to recover.

Right hamstring
Left hamstring
Left shoulder
Right shoulder - not as bad
Left hamstring again
Left sciatica - leg completely numb

I consider all of these 'injuries' lessons. I don't blame any teacher; rather something my body and mind needed to pass through. I'd like to think that I learned something from each of them; but to be honest I don't know if I have.

My last practice was a week ago Friday. And I'm miserable - both physically and perhaps even more mentally. Where is my learning???

no yoga practice since last Friday....

I definitely have done something to my lower back on the left side. I thought I'd be able to work it out, but apparently that is not the case this time around. Over the week-end the pain has radiated down into my leg leaving my leg numb and my toes tingling. All of this is causing me to walk with quite a limp; it's as if I have no control over my leg. Interesting the pain in my lower back is gone.

I made an appointment to see a physio over my lunch hour. I'm not holding much faith that she will be able to do anything, but I am desperate and I could get in.

I miss my Portland doctors - Shizeng and Dr. Shepherd could straighten this out in no time.

So I haven't been able to do any yoga since last Friday, not ideal, but it is what it is. More stressing is that my two sisters arrive a week from today. We are planning  on many hikes and exploring many parts of England - walking the way I am today is sooo not an option!

Manchester Library

My left leg has gone numb, yes numb. The second series poses are definitely affecting my body. I have been slow to change. I'm one of those that have pracited primary series for years. It's a good thing, I loved it. I have had no problem with it, I've never been one that had felt the need to quickly progress. Quite the contrary.

I was a runner, a marathon runner. When introduced to ashtanga by my dear friend Sarah, it was painful. Absolutely painful! I could barely bend over. Interestingly enough I was hooked. I had this feeling that this is something I needed to do for my longetivity and for my overl all well being.. Unlike running ,where one of my key goals was to qualify for the Boston marathon, which I did and then ended up not running it.

Anyway, why I am thinking all of this now? Well, I'm finally progressing into second series. Slowly over the last year. And now my body is reacting to this change. I'm actually wondering if I'm changing too quickly. I've only been with my new teacher for the past six months and since then I've been moved from kapotasana to Ardha Matsyendrasana. I can't help to wonder if this is to quickly or is this something my body is getting accustomed to? I'm not a natural backbender, I'm not a natural anything - primary series took me years to get. And now my leg is numb.

hmmmm.

D also reminded me I've been through an immense change over the last seven months. Moving to new country, new job, new driving on the wrong side of the road (yes it is the wrong side!), new cooking for myself (never have) and just living on my own (which I've never done - no never!), everything new!!! So after seven monthis, my husband finally moved over here. And since then I'm breaking all over, first a cold and now my leg going numb. Maybe I'm finally relaxing as  I couldn't be more happy. Plus, it appears I'm progessing in my yoga practice. Is this all related? I don't know, just something I've been thinking about.

So, a major walk was out of the question today. Instead we explored Manchester. First off, the Art Gallery - a major disappointment. I won't go into detail, let's just so they need a much better curator! Second on the list with the Pulic Library - which was amazing!!!! The building itself was gorgeous, but then we saw a the Shanamah (Persian epic poetry from the 1500's) - amazing. I think we're going back tomorrow - I want to sit in the stacks and do some journaling, there's something very special about this place.

A funny thing to note. I only know work people here so never expect to run into anyone I might now - which is just fine by me (something I loved when living in NYC - being anonymous). So imagine my suprise when one of my employees, Graham, comes up to me in a store and scares the crap out of me! Too funny, he couldn'e be more nice. Met his wife and daughter and introduced him to D. A nice suprise indeed.

After we came home decided to take a salt bath, D massaged my leg, I think it feels better but still numb. I have an appointment on Wednesday with a physio - not sure what he can do, but will give it a try. I miss my Portland Chinese doctor - Shizeng. He would put be back together.

So no yoga for two days in a row. Going to class tomorrow and will just do what I can. Will see....