Challenge Log

During the Mysore Challenge I kept a log of what was happening. I did not write about it daily however below are some of my thoughts throughout this challenge. It just represents how I felt on that day.

I practiced 30 days in a 32 day period.

Day 9 January 4
6th consecutive day of practice

I’m only on day nine and there are eight days to go before the next moon day. But so far so good in fact I’m surprised how well it’s going. I made a commitment to myself to do this challenge and I had no idea how it would go. I decided that I would do full primary with some additional asanas from second series on every day. Normally home practice is a little more forgiving if I don’t feel like practice I won’t. And if I feel like only doing half I will, and I definitely don’t practice every day.

For this challenge I’m finding it’s going well because there is no decision required if I want to practice or not, it’s predetermined. There’s no I’m just going to roll over and sleep in.

And I am back to the way it used to be as far as preparation. When the basement was a mess I did not clean up before I started practice but now I’m back to brushing my teeth, shaving, and showering before I practice. This makes a difference as having a routine is good and as I have blogged before a hot shower before practice is so beneficial – sorta helps with the kinks (and I’m not talking about Lola).

Day 11 January 6
8th consecutive day of practice

If I had not posted this challenge (put on my blog) I would not have got even close to my mat today. I got up late and as I walked down the hall to the kitchen I was saying to myself this is going to be hard today – I was not wrong.

At the best of times my legs are my biggest alarm as to how my MS is affecting me. My legs tingle and stiffen at the best of times. This morning it’s like a five alarm fire just burning away. I was hoping the hot shower would help and it did – it’s amazing the difference it makes for my whole body.

Standing asanas were difficult this day but I made it through, and I was happy to finally be seated. It did get a little better as I progressed in the seated asanas. And in general, I am noticing a tiny bit more flexibility in the seated asanas while feeling a more-in-tune pipeline to my body, if that makes any sense.

Day 15 January 10
12th consecutive day of practice

It’s a Sunday and I got up earlier than normal ready to practice. As I walked to the kitchen I felt stiff and I did not want to practice. Drank a glass of water went down to the basement turned on the heat. Checked the news, bathroom routine; teeth, shave, shower. Went back down to the basement.

I was surprised by how well practice went for the first time in a while I felt strong and I noticed a marked improvement in several asanas. Even Sirsasana went well. I thought doing this challenge would be a daily chore meaning I would have to endure and not progress. But I’m progressing. This is consecutive day 12 of practice and I feel stronger and lighter. I feel good. Not at all how I thought I’d feel at this point…. umm.

Day 18 Wednesday January 13
1st consecutive day of practice (restart after moon day)

Yesterday was a moon day which was welcome but not as much as I thought it would be. Today was another day that I would never have got on my mat if not for this challenge. However I did get on my mat and I’m always surprised about how sun salutations allow me to ease into practice. It’s like a perfect introduction to my body and how it’s feeling.

Hopefully I don’t jinx myself but I’m finding that daily practice is allowing my practice to improve significantly. I actually tried a backend this morning which I have not tried since the last day at my old shala last year in February and Sirsasana went really well…..Who knew!

Day 21 Saturday January 16
4th consecutive day of practice

Best Sirsasana ever!!!

Day 22 Sunday January 17
6th consecutive day of practice

Today is the forth Sunday in a row that I’ve practiced. I knew this challenge would improve my practice but I had no idea by how much and how fast. I’m surprised by how almost every asana has progressed. Some are tiny improvements and some are very noticeable. I guess it’s common sense; the more you practice the more you learn – I’m learning lots.

Day 23 Monday January 18
7th consecutive day of practice

When I got up the glass of water that I left on the counter the night before had to be picked up by my left hand (I’m right handed). I could not form a grip in my right hand to pick it up. I was wondering at what point in this challenge this would happen. MS has not left the building and it’s about to do an encore.

However, I was still able to practice.

Day 25 Wednesday January 20
9th consecutive day of practice

I only did half primary today. MS is in my practice and this is not normal as I mostly get though with no signals unless I get over heated. My feet and hands were numb and my lower back is making me aware its here also before I even get started. And that is because I stopped my meds. I will have to start them again…ugh.

Day 28 Saturday January 23
11th consecutive day of practice

When I woke this morning words were already in my head. When I got up I noticed immediately that MS is here. I’m surprised at the speed as to how it’s progressed since just Monday. Obviously my decision to stop my meds was wrong. Tonight I will restart.

I was able to complete full primary.

Day 29 Sunday January 24
12th consecutive day of practice

Lots of conversations I have with myself between the pillow and the mat which is about an hour. I did my medication last night which makes this mornings conversation difficult but I did end up on my mat – once on the mat away I go.

Day 31 Tuesday January 26
14th consecutive day of practice

Today was another practice with MS alongside. The type of practice to get though and not enjoy. So that’s how it went. Tomorrow is the last day woo hoo!

Day 32 Wednesday January 27
15th consecutive day of practice (last day of challenge)

Since January 18 I’ve been struggling doing my practice because of MS. Getting off meds was a dumb decision and I’m paying for it these last nine days. Practice is not enjoyable when MS is also participating. And that’s how it’s been for nine days.

However today, the last day of this challenge practice was awesome. I felt strong, light, and almost giddy. After nine days struggling to get through practice and just endure rather than progress. Today was freaking awesome.

I was feeling so good, that I tried my backbend again. I’ve only tried it two or three times in this challenge and maybe five times since last February but I tried it today and it was unbelievable. I was gobsmacked! I could go on and on….

Today was a perfect conclusion to this challenge and I’m so charged with enthusiasm – just a great start to my day.