waking up

At 5:40 AM my alarm clock BLASTED me awake. It was a rather rude awakening. In my shaken up, frenzied state, I leaned over and pushed the button to quiet the room again. Ugh! This is no way to start a day. I haven’t woken up like this is months but starting today, the Mysore room opens at 6 AM instead of 7:15 AM. I’d set the alarm to wake me earlier than my usual with the intention to get to the yoga studio a bit earlier. My hope was to have the time to hit all of the postures in the Primary Series. Without the time limitation, my stopping point would then be determined based on ability, mindset, and focus.

I lay back down on my bed and let my body and mind wake up in a more natural way. While I lay there, I enjoyed the feeling the deliciously warm the sheets weighing down my body and felt more present. I felt my breath naturally become deeper and my heart begin to settle back down from the shocking awakening. It was still dark outside with no hint of morning coming to life as of yet. From my bed, I could see the street light illuminating the trees lining the street. I was now awake; this gentle awaking is definitely a nicer way to welcome the day. I got out of bed and got ready to go.

Downstairs, I turned on the espresso machine as I let the dogs outside and put food in their bowls. I came back inside, pulled my shot, made myself a protein shake to drink after my practice, and left for the studio. While on the road, I took a sip of my espresso and noticed that I didn’t feel the same level of enjoyment that I usually have. I wondered if it was the new batch of beans or simply that my body was no longer welcoming the caffeinated jolt I’d once thrived on.  I poured the rest of the tiny cup out when I arrived at the studio hoping I wouldn’t later regret it.

The energy was already moving inside the Mysore room. The hum of energy was almost palpable from the doorway. It was just before 6:30 AM, and the room was nearly full. I rolled out my mat and went right to work. As I moved through the sun salutations (Surya Namaskara A and B), I noticed the morning light begin to light up the room in my periphery. I was awed by it to the point of losing my place. Opps! I skipped both Virabhadrasana I postures on my third Surya Namaskara A. Returning to my breath, I resumed my practice and let the sun’s entry into the room be as unassuming as other students entering the room. With this new found focus, I moved through the standing poses, noticing a little less resistance as I entered into each of the poses. Instead of pushing the edge, I kept them gentle. My seated poses were more focused and I could feel more calmness in the poses – even if they were less than completely comfortable. It was nice. I took my time and actually finished the series. And by the time I arrived at the office, I was still uncaffeinated, yet fully awake.  It feels good.

I hope it will last.