The Approach:
The Who: I, Kevin Fine, of somewhat sound mind am embarking on a year long journey into Yoga. I will document my trek towards...wherever, here on my blog, and through other exciting social media outlets.
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| Working on our Breathing |
The What: I'm currently following along with You-Tube videos for the actual exercise/spiritual practice. Its important to recognize that the nature of yoga is much more than getting nice abs, improving flexibility and wearing hemp clothing! I'll also be reading books, watching documentaries and, who knows... may venture into a class at some point. The idea is to garner as much information as possible over the course of the year, through as many sources as possible. Call it learning!
The When: Over the last 2 weeks I've followed along my videos about 5 days each week. Thank Krishna for IPads, otherwise this idea would not take flight. Its so easy, I can start a practice, any time of day, any where. Though I do have a couple yoga mats, they're packed away from the move and there is no telling where they are. Instead I currently use our nice new rug... from India, how perfect. I like the idea of practicing on the good natural fibers, as opposed to some mass produced poly mat.
The How: I'll be honest, I'm cheap and I have a running habit to pay for as well. So I am going to be mooching off the internet for as much information I can. But take heart, I have been praying for the teacher's whose classes I have been watching, that tenfold the number of paying patrons arrive at their door. So they have that going for them, which is nice.
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| Variation on Child's Pose |
I am going into this with as little preconceived notions as possible. I have no goals, only to see where a yoga practice will take me, mentally, physically and spiritually. And considering it is my path, it should be mildly humorous, adventurous, challenging and a little fun!
The Why:
The Reasons
- Persistent Pain: I've had a jacked up right hip, vaguely diagnosed as a Psuedo-Sciatic Episode. Basically, the nerve that runs up and down my right side, fires painfully from time to time. Sometimes it gets stuck in the "pain" position. The only relief I've had over the last year was to perform a series of stretches. And it just so happens a yoga sequence I found on-line has done the best job. I'm wondering what could a year of this do for me physically?
- I need to do some sort of cross training to help with my above mentioned running habit. My core is a weak piece of shit, and I just never was big with weight training. Much the downfall of my wrestling career, but I just never enjoyed going to the gym, moving weight around... but breathing and cool stretchy moves? Why not!
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| My right foot got straight just bad photo timing! |
- Yoga appeals to my spiritual sensibilities. You may not get this from me at first glance, but I've probably done enough reading for a minor in theology. Eastern Spirituality brings a whole different perspective to the great questions of the unknown. And just from a quick internet search of "Yoga" you see that spirituality is intertwined. I'm interested and want to learn more. I plan on documenting the things I find useful, points of growth, improvement and other odd happenings.
Documentary of the Week: Breath of the Gods- A Journey to the Origins of Modern Yoga. by Jan Schmidt-Garre
This film probably gave me the idea for this. What would happen if some middle aged... kinda big guy decided to try his hand at Yoga?
Book of the Week: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali - Translation and Commentary by Sri Swami Satchidananda And finally I leave you with the Quote of the Week....
"Wisdom is knowing I am nothing, love is knowing I am everything, and between the two my lifemoves". - Nisargadatta Maharaj
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