Namaste - Day 14,15,16,17 & 18

honestly, i feel really guilty for not being able to update this diary as often during the last 5 days. there is a perfectly good reason for that. my work has been super duper hectic, plus i haven't been sitting in front of my computer much as well.

also, during the last few days, silly old me, mistaking the pain on my arms and shoulders as using my muscles during sun salutation, i pulled it instead. rendering both my arms kinda useless after, and not able to do the other poses which uses the arms as well. this is not such an innocent mistake. it is a very common and taken for granted mistake. the lack of preparation and warm-up.

so while my arms are healing, and using more of my legs, i'm going to take this pretty painful lesson as a good smacking for not having good common sense. one of the most important lessons in yoga, good warm-up and awareness of the body.

oh, and pain isn't everything.. it can definitely be detrimental.. i suddenly feel like such a sadist..

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i didn't make it for the morning class, but made it for the evening one. indra had already made my meal in the morning and saved it for me, so i went to pick it up during lunch.

Veggie Kebab

(posted by Aw Li-Ann)

Namaste - Day 11,12 & 13

and again i was super late on Wed & Thurs.

i realised why i've been so tired & exhausted the last 2-3 days. it's a monthly thing. my body starts to breakdown a day or two before my cycle starts. and because my body is still getting used to doing yoga for the last two weeks, i got extra tired. i just couldn't get out of bed this morning, despite already being half awake.

my body is telling me not to push it any further. i've not done any form of real exercise in months (maybe even years), and i'm no spring chicken either.

i used to lie to myself that, yeah, i am exercising what.. i'm dancing in clubs.. counts rite :p
no, dancing in a club does not count for exercise. its not as intense as dancing in a real class for 2-3 hours straight. it can't even compare to my 1 hour of yoga every morning. so therefore, it definitely doesn't count.

no worries, i'll be back and bouncing again in another 2 days..

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meals for the last 2 days :)

we had chickpeas & olive salad and wheatberries & fruits salad

this was really yummy on its own..

but i couldn't help making it into a wrap.

a chickpea & salad with yogurt dressing chapati wrap..

*drooling while thinking about it*

annnnddd my wheatberries & fruit salad

was supposed to wrap this too, but i didn't have time this morning

as i didn't get to go to class this morning, my dearest cousin, who's also in the challenge together with me, dropped it off at my house. thanks yvonne! :)

(posted by Aw Li-Ann)

Namaste - Day 7,8,9 & 10

the last few days has rendered me physically & mentally exhausted. so exhausted that i couldn't wake up this morning in time, and was super late for class.

i missed the sun salutations, with both regret and relief. regret that i didn't get to do it ritually every morning, but a relief as i don't think i could have sustain the rest of the class if i did.

indra said that it is possible that my body has reached its limit. well, its not time to give up yet. though i was late, it is definitely better than not showing up at all.

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today's meal :)

Salsa Hummus Wrap

absolutely yummy!! *slurp*

(posted by Aw Li-Ann)

Congrats October Challenger and Hello November Challenger

I have an enjoyable time going through the 30-day challenge with the October challenger. I don't take it being me as an instructor teaching a class, but more like us doing our practice together. I am still learning and every feedback I receive deepen my quest to do more.

The October challenge open up some of the practitioners, knowing that nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it. And make time for it ;)

At some point of time, we still have that little bit of ourselves to deal with, but when you take a step forward, you have already succeed 50%.

I look forward to learning more from each other and our practice together with the November batch.

See ya in class!!

Namaste - Day 5 & 6

oh gosh! i almost forgot that i've got a yoga diary to update :)

going through the motions for the last two days at class, i realised that i'm moving into poses easier, and stretching alot better. throughout the rest of the day my body feels lighter, and i'm beginning to have a tendency to stretch those major muscles that are stationary due to office work ever so often.

one of the moments that i feel proud about during this challenge is being able to wake up early to go for the classes. i used to think i have mild insomnia as i'm unable to sleep at night, tossing and turning till the wee hours of the morning before i actually get some 20 winks before waking up in a heavy daze for work. thus, afraid that i wouldn't be able to uphold the challenge.

but for the last 6 days, as i've spent quite alot of energy during class in the morning, and just going through the motions at work, by the time 10.30pm comes, i'm tired and sleepy enough to doze off. resulting to rising early in the morning and off to class.

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during relaxation today, while erin told us to go to a comfortable place, i couldn't help thinking of teresa and her proposal for this challenge. and all these thoughts ran through my head...

"accept for my own mother, no one knows me better than her. in a way, we're like mirror images - as much alike as we are, we can also be the opposite of each other. for example, her childish excitement where at times amuses me, most of the time frustrates me.. i'm the calm sort who keeps an image of a cool cat. and yet, when i let myself go, when my inner child appears, i can too annoy myself with my own childish excitement.

i've always been a slow person when it comes to following or practicing a trend, or even being a fan something / someone. with teresa, its the same thing. while we practically almost have the same taste in everything, my interest thens to take slower and smaller baby steps towards it. take yoga, for instance. it took me more than 7 years after teresa has pursued it to pique an interest at it, though i've only admired it from a distance, and that was with encouragement as well as being challenged into it.

when initially, during my younger days, where i was the subject of admiration between us sisters, i find that i admire her even more seeing she has accomplished so much in the practices of humanity and passion. her spiritual calling is so much stronger than mine, as i've strayed so far away... time to re-adjust my path.."

(posted by Aw Li-Ann)

Namaste - Day 3 & 4

the last two days has been extra painful as i was stretching muscles and using joints which i've not used in a long long time or as regularly.

don't get me wrong. it's not a torture chamber. in fact, it got me thinking of how bad my posture has been, and how wrongly i've been using my muscles. as a former dancer, i've taken all these for granted and have turn to the 'dark' side.

it will get better in time, and with practice, it won't hurt as much anymore. practice makes perfect, increasing confidence and reducing fear.

talking about fear, i had difficulty doing one of the poses cause i was afraid to push my shoulders down and place my chin on the floor. a few times i either plopped and laid flat on my stomach or hit my chin on the mat.

eventually, after about 30 tries, i finally managed it.

here is erin showing us how to do it..

another position that is supposed to be a relaxing position, but still feels like alot of pain for me is the downward dog.

this is not how it should be done.

as u can see, i have my heels up. but with my current flexibility and strength, this is the best i can do. i also have my elbows hyper-extended, where as it should be slightly bent and not locked in.

eventually, my downward dog should look like this.

flat foot, rounded elbows & shoulders, with a nice flat & firm tummy..

~namaste~

(posted by Aw Li-Ann)

Light Vegetarian Healthy Meals for 2nd week of challenge

Dear participants in the challenge,
here is the list of meals you can order for next week:

Monday: Dragon fruit smoothies RM5/glass
Tuesday: Salsa Hummus Wrap RM6/box
Wednesday: Chickpea olive watercress salad RM6/box
Thursday: Tropical fruits smoothies RM5/glass
Friday: Organic Wheatberries Fruits salad RM7/box
Saturday: Dragon fruit smoothies RM5/glass
Sunday: Tropical fruits smoothies RM5/glass

Notes:
- All meals and drinks has to be ordered 1 week ahead and paid fully
- Please returning the boxes the next day for recycling purpose
- Do let Indra know if you have any special diet e.g. luctose intolerance, any allergic conditions etc

May this will support your practice

Namaste

October's challengers feedback

Dear Friends, enjoy the feedbacks. Namaste


Feez:
- Thank you Erin, Indra and Jacqualine! The programme was excellent, very possible the best thing I’ve done all year. I’m not the kind who follows things through, I’m much better at starting things than finishing them. However, you guys gentle tutelage and dedication to what you do has really done something to me!
- My objectives were met, expectations exceeded! Will be singing at wedding on the 6th, will let you know how that goes (Indra your voice is very rich, sweet and beautifulJ) I definitely feel more balanced and less creaky.
- I feel as though I have fresh perspective, it’s like a fresh pair of eyes and now movement is something I’m so aware of. Simply appreciating sitting up straight, walking with and (hopefully) balance step.
- It’s brought many surprises as well. We have gotten more in touch with friends, colleagues, and they notice the difference in me. I got to work an HOUR EARLY and I don’t feel tired until bedtime then I sleep like a baby!
- Yes Yoga is the awesomest. Again, thank you so much for inparting your wisdom, yoga philosophy and lifestyle in general. It’s life changing. Epic!


Kit:
- I used to have a back pain when I wake up in the morning, I don’t have back pain now!
- 30 days programme a great idea for beginners. Although I missed quite a few classes I did feel I’m able to execute poses that I did not think I could. Certainly I could feel more flexibility in my body
- Don’t think I lost any weight or inches! Not sure if body is more tone too. I guess it will take a couple more months
- I have never sweated so much in my life! I guess I got rid of my toxins too!
- Great teachers (Indra, Erin, Jackie)
- Timing not suitable for me (too early in the morning and too late in the evening)

Izanie:
- The 30 days Yoga Challenge for me has been about “mind over matter” It was tough in the beginning because of all the getting up early and gaining the consistency. The first week you feel tired and shiff but once you pass that you will settle into a routine, your body adjust and you start feeling good about yourself.
- Thanks to Indra and Erin for all the hard work, support and motivation. I wouldn’t have made it through without your encouragement and energy. You both make Sun Yoga a truly special place.
- I have also enjoyed all the yummy food and drinks too! My favorites are the salsa wrap, wheatberry salad, chickpeas salad and veggie kebab. Hmm…maybe time you open a Soul Not Bucks Café full time? Thanks to chef Indra!

Narina:
A very educational 30 days. I enjoyed myself thoroughly and found the ability to challenge myself to go a little further everytime

Indira Sundram:
I’ve enjoyed every moment with each of you

Harinder Kaur:
Thanks to SunYoga (especially Erin and Indra). You guys done a great job for me – to feel so great – body, mind and soul too!
My body is toned and I feel to have more strength and energy. I’m too like my arms!
30 days yoga challenge is a really great program and its highly recommended to all. Yoga is the way to go!!

Ee Lin:
- The day after my first class, my arms were terribly sore and it was torture when you keep repeating the motions that used the very some muscles. Keeping still on the mat during a downward dog was a challenge when your hands keep slipping forward.
- Into the third week, I felt stronger, the execution of the poses improved (except for a few crowd “favourite” poses like the “dolphin”) and the mat slipping only occurred the third/fourth set of “warrior B”
- On the whole, I feel refreshed and the 30 days challenge is certainly a good start on working on one of your many resolutions you never kept to.
- the 30 days yoga challenge is suitable if you find that you can never stick to a regime for long and never quite see through any good your set to the end. Its power packed for a “do-able” 30 days only! A colleague once said “A good without execution is hallucination”

Feedback: our bodies aren’t always at their best everyday so letting up a little one or two classes during the 30 days challenge would be refreshing and welcomed.

Pooi Lam:
- Breaking up into sessions of 20 seconds is good = more achievable
- As the days go by, suggest reducing verbal briefing for each step to let us learn to be more independent so we can do at home
- Definitely stronger and more toned up now, well worth the effort
- RM300 too cheap
- Indra’s food is yummy and a great motivation to attend class J

Yvonne Lim:
- Thank you very much to all teachers at SunYoga. I love the vegetarian meal and smoothies and my back is not that pain now.
- Now, I find that doing yoga everyday is not that “impossible” J thank you so much!

Alice:
- Feels lighter, a bit more flexible
- A particular joint pain vanished
- Added wrist, knee and elbow pains J
- A good fellowship as everyone talks about one common aspect, i.e pain from doing yoga and the person will always have remedies and ideas on how to overcome it
- May be jamming session should not be conducted right after class. Give about half to an hour time frame between the two activities as it is extremely distracting due to loud talking/laughing and incessant walking in and out between entrance and kitchen

Caryn:
- First 2 weeks quite confusing as Erin and Indra taught different things but after Indra clarified the different poses it was easier to follow
- Very happy that I lost 4 kg..yohoo!!!
- Can manage the dolphin pose without the bandage now ha! ha!
Thank you Erin and Indra!

Eke:
This 30 days Yoga Challenge has got me back on track to a fitness and healthy living. Yahoo!
These are the changes that has improved and now I love the new me, well same old me but with a tighter and healthier body J
- Definitely more flexible. Can bend with case
- Stamina has improved could do my 10Km run with one panting. It was steady and I managed good timing for it
- Flabby areas are more toned
- Cab fit into my old clothes. Don’t feel like I have to squeeze into them anymore
- Don’t feel bloated anymore. BONUS!
- More conscious of what I eat and definitely try to eat healthy. Thanks to Indra’s yummy dishes even when I go out to eat or do groceries, I only buy healthy ingredients and only once in a while I will have a cheat day to eat some non-healthy goods
- I love that my skin is smoother and hair seems more bouncy. Thanks to the sesame and coconut oils
- My face looks more alive, radiant and the pimples are kept at bay
- Mood is more upbeat and full of energy
- Towards the end of my challenge, got that lazy but still pushed myself not to miss too many classes
- Enjoyed the classes taught by Erin and Indra

Thank you ladies!

PS: Glad you pushed us even though there were days we were lazy especially on those leg lifts and dolphin poses

Namaste - Day 1 & 2

i have 2 perceptions when it comes to yoga.

1. the whole spiritual mambo jambo, convening with the universe, your spirit, through your body, mind and soul stuff.. i'm a person that don't believe in anything, much.. and the thought this scared me a little.

2. there's also the whole fake / poser perception where you have the tai-tai/datin/celebrity doing the yoga thing to be seen and heard. this, i have the same dislike for as the ones who do the same fake / poser thing at clubs. thanks, but no thanks. yoga shouldn't be a social status activity.

both perceptions above, are my stereotypes.. you may think differently.

when i first did yoga with 3sa years ago, yoga for me was more of a stretching exercise class than anything. that was years ago.

yesterday, as i filled in my registration form for the 30-day yoga challenge, the guy who took my registration look at me with a cautious eye and told me that i've got quite alot of injuries. here's the list :
a) old injuries (all on right side) - sprained / twisted ankle, sprained hip, broken cartilage @ knee, broken collar bone, deformed shoulder blade, broken wrist. all healed but can't be stressed so much on without protection

b) back problems - recovering from major whiplash on upper back (both shoulders) due to a car accident last year & sprained lower back due to stupidity manual labor 5 years ago.

after yesterday's re-introduction class, i was bursting with energy the whole day and by 10.30pm at nite, my energy was well spent and called it a night.

today's class, however, left me feeling lethargic about 3 hours after i entered work. or maybe i'm just having a much busier morning than usual without a chance to actually reflect.

when 3sa and i first spoke about this challenge, she mentioned that i would be going in with alot more physical challenges. she also said that while yoga is about the body & mind, i would be more mentally affected than physical. at this point, until i can calm my mind while doing the poses instead of thinking "breathe, breathe, breathe" or "stretch! ouch! pain!" its physical..

the only message i'm getting mentally is, "don't give up!" and "don't fall from / lose hope!".

i realise i need yoga. i need it so i can recover, so i can stretch and be more flexible again, so i can lose weight and most importantly, so i can dance again without worries. "no pain, no gain" they say..

giving starbucks a run for their money :D

(posted by Aw Li-Ann)