Friday, December 28

To know or not to know - that is the question

Yesterday was our big sonogram appointment where we could find out the sex of the baby. Early on in our pregnancy, my husband made it known he didn't want to find out. Not find out? I couldn't fathom it! 'What do you mean you don't want to find out?' was my initial response.

After discussing with friends who didn't find out until the birth, I did become more convinced maybe it would be a good idea. They all said it made the labor more exciting and endurable knowing they would soon find out the biggest surprise of their life.

But what about the baby's room, clothes, EVERYTHING? How will you plan? How will you be prepared? These were the questions shot at me like missiles by family, friends and strangers (i.e., naysayers) when I responded that we weren't going to find out the baby's sex. Their reply was the, 'are you crazy' look.

So the big day finally arrived, and I started having my doubts I could actually go through with not knowing. I mean, I'm known for my impatience (yoga has leveled me out, but it's still a character flaw). How could I wait another five months to know if our baby was a boy or a girl? OMG! This is the hardest task EVER and is self-imposed, nonetheless. I'm CRAZY!

Even throughout the ultrasound, I kept asking my husband, "Are you sure you don't want to find out?" Unfortunately he held strong so I had to as well! The lady performing the sonogram did ask whether or not she should note the sex of the baby in my chart, and I did succumb. You never know... a girl's gotta keep her options open. :)

Wednesday, December 26

Finding Samadhi?

I feel so exhilirated! I taught my 6 p.m. power-vinyasa yoga class tonight and felt the best I have while doing the asanas or postures in a long time. Since becoming pregnant, when I go to my mat, I'm not feeling the passion I used to feel. Maybe it's due to my body not being as agile and strong as it was prior to being pregnant. However, tonight everything was clicking and moving in sync. As I type, I'm still experiencing my yoga buzz.

I wonder if I reached samadhi? It's the eighth limb of Patanjali's eightfold path, and according to Yoga Journal is the "ecstatic or unitive state in which the meditator becomes one with the object of meditation." I was one with my asana practice tonight, which I consider to be my form of meditation (Not to discount "true" meditation. I think asana practice prepares me for it). I didn't allow the "static in the attic," as Baron Baptiste calls it, to get in the way of the postures, but I moved with my body and embraced my breath.

Obviously when I teach it's for the students, but tonight I rode the wave and really enjoyed my practice. Maybe that's selfish, but it sure felt good.

Monday, December 24

Merry Christmas!

I'm off of my corporate job until Jan. 2, and I'm soooooooooooooooooooooooooo happy. I haven't taken more than a week of vacation in YEARS! Merry Christmas to me!

Today I woke up around 8 a.m., which is sleeping late these days, especially with our dog Charlie not letting us. Did about 90 minutes of yoga (Prenatal Vinyasa Yoga) and then went out to breakfast at a place I've been wanting to try. Very yummy food but I'm still stuffed four hours later. I think I'll take a nap soon and tonight we're off to my mother-in-laws to celebrate Christmas.

Merry Christmas!
(Someone sent me this cute photo saying next Christmas I'll have a new one just like this - thought it was cute.)


Sunday, December 23

Find some Breathing Space or OM

One the eve of Christmas Eve, I'm reminded how stress can take over and make me forget what the holiday season is all about. If you're feeling like you need a time out, I have a few suggestions. Go online and visit Breathing Space, a Web site by PregnancyWeekly for the pregnant yogini. It's a fairly simple site and there are three areas of focus: mind, body and spirit. Doesn't appear to get updated often - maybe weekly if not longer - but check it out and utilize some of the ideas for relaxing and letting go.

Daily OM is another site for everyone , not just yogis or pregnant people, that I think is better than the first suggestion, since it's updated more frequently. You may sign up for daily reminders of calm to arrive in your inbox as well.

If anything, I find repeating this affirmation helps me in times of stress (from the book and CD "I Can Do It"): "All is well. Everything is working out for my highest good. Only goodness and abundance will come out of this, and I am safe." - Louise L. Hay

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