Imaginary Double Double
Yesterday I took the morning class and felt like I could do a double right after it was over with. This is amazing because I’ve never felt that way before. For the last month or so I’ve been really struggling hard with the heat and humidity. But I had no problems in yesterday’s morning class.
So, this morning, I got up early for the 6:30 AM and the same thing happened. I wanted to do a double right after it was over with.
All through practice I felt great. I started out a little stiff, and I’m never as flexible in the early morning, so it took a while for me to loosen up. And to be honest, my standing series wasn’t great. My locked out leg was strong, solid, unbroken, one piece, like a lamp post. I just kept losing my balance. Maybe I was still waking up.
But I seem to have come to a new level in my practice. While still feeling a bit off balance, I managed to stay in a pretty decent dandayamana dhanurasana (standing bow) standing on my right leg in the second set for the full 30 seconds - left foot over my head in the mirror, right hand pointed at my forehead. I have yet to hold either side for 60 in the first set, but even holding the second set without falling out is a big step forward for me.
I got stronger and stronger as the class progressed. By the end of the floor series I was litterally bounding up after each savasana into the next pose. By ustrasana (camel) I was feeling incredibly strong and flexible. This is particularly remarkable because that early in the morning I am usually stiff regardless of how the heat is affecting me. But this morning in camel, I let my hands move from my heels, down the soles of my feet, then my palms rested flat on the floor, fingers pointed backwards. I lifted my chest, arched my entire spine, and saw the back of my mat. I saw the back of my mat. Wow.
Sasangasana (rabbit) was good, as it usually is. Then stretching, twisting, breathing for the last 3 postures flew by. I felt like I could do a double immediately after - of course I didn’t. I’ve never done that before, and doubt I’d just do it on a whim. And in any case, I have to work! So I just felt great, came home had a bagel and started my day.
