This week was crazy.   I am sorry I haven't been able to stay caught up on blogging, but it was challenge and work...or to blog!!!

Here I am now after a super fun and relaxing day to share with you about the challenge. 

Remember on July 24, I ( and a few of my friends) started that 108 sun salutations for 30 days.  It has been a roller coaster and if you have never tried a challenge like this, be prepared.  My body is changing, my heart is changing and I feel more connection than I have felt in a long time. 

The first few days I could only do like 5 sun salutations at a time, then I had to stop and step away for a second.  All 108 done, but slowly.

Then I could increase to 30 at a time, then 50.....then Wednesday hit.

On Wednesday, I had one of my toughest days.  I can't go into details but let's say I was more than super grumpy when I got home.  BUT , when I got home, I had a houseful of my favorite traveling rappers and wanted to express my friendship to them, so I hid my grumpy and made pad thai.  It was so late when I was done, I thought "forget it, I am not doing the challenge."  I tried to go to bed.  BIG MISTAKE.   That night was AWFUL!  I was continually woken up with restless leg, horrible leg cramps and nightmares. I woke feeling anxious, depressed and every negative thing that had ever been perceived by me ran through my head. 

I had to laugh at me.  " Only an addict/alcoholic would stop doing something that works!!"  

( A side note, I thought about not telling you I took a day off, trying to not embarrass myself.  Then I remembered my own words in this challenge, do what you can , not what you can't.  Funny how I still get wrapped up in my " not good enough " language!)

The next day, the promise I made to myself was "never again!" and I ROCKED 108 in one fell swoop!  108 night 2!  

I am back on the challenge....or did I ever really leave?  Wasn't this more of a challenge of who would I be at the end of 30 days?  Not how can I prove I am perfect or how can I get you to accept me?  It was, who will I be in 30 days.

I think I am doing really really well in this challenge and so far, I am proud of every day!

May your challenge become so real to you that your life can change too!

I love you, Namaste!

( PS remember there are two weeks left in the challenge, it is never to late to join the Facebook event page and post your own challenge!

This challenge is becoming to mean so much to people, quietly telling me the lessons that determination and presence is creating . 

Many people are finding their way to their voice in this challenge,  Students telling me that they are learning that there are no big deals, addressing their resistance, gaining strength to be who they are without apology!

A wonderful couple who are my students gave this card to me.  This is the definition of success to me, that I am seen as a teacher who creates fun and inclusion.  This is why yoga has been my career and my passion for so long!  Thank you!

This series has been so important to me.  As I have been saying, I needed to knuckle into my life in a new and brave way.  This was as brave as I am right now, to move through my fears and into the unknown.  Tonight as my legs swelled to a painful level in the heat, I had every reason to not do the salutations. Except one, my body has come to crave the movement.  I know the more I move, the less I have problems with both my knees and leg swelling.   After the 108 tonight, my legs are still slightly swollen but feel so much better, stronger.

Another challenger moved in her 108 after being exhausted and with a migraine.  It is so amazing when we can take charge with love and humility of our bodies.  Both of us experienced a reason to not move today and both over came the reason.   ( I won't say excuse because some days it might be the right thing to do is to not move!)

I am also finding my grief of this past year's losses is full surface. Sadness that has been deep down is right up front but my yoga is putting me in front of people who love me and showing me that I need connection with other people.  The connection and my being more honest in my pain has begun to work it's magic in my heart. 

During my salutations, I pray.  I am praying for peace, for the shooting victims and their families, for focus on how to move forward and make a difference, on my housing situation, my future.   Wondering how God wants to use me and listening with every part of me, eager as a child at Christmas morning. 

Tonight, I expect to sleep well , to pray big prayers and wake up grateful again.  I am getting more grateful as this challenge moves ahead. 

May you be blessed in your sleep and until we see each other again. 

Much love and pray for peace.

Part of my prayers are that the soap business I have started creates enough income that I can qualify and get a house,  I want a place where I can hold workshops to help and love others more! Working with my life's work in both recovery and yoga, the focus is dedication and empowerment!

If you have questions about the Challenge, 
write me here!  I promise, I will answer! ( Also you can contact me through the MyRealBodyoga Facebook Page!