Yesterday my studio Newport Yoga initiated a 40 Day Yoga Challenge. The goal is to participate in 25 yoga classes in 40 days.

The theme of the challenge is “personal revolution” which I’m currently chin-deep in (it’s been quite the spring). The timing also coincides perfectly with three events: in 40 days I turn 32 years old, so this is a perfect ramp-up to that milestone. The day after my birthday I leave for yoga teacher training, so I can use the practice. Also, my husband Ian is away the whole month of June, so I’ll have lots of time to turn the focus inwards.

Apart from the discipline of sticking to a concentrated yoga schedule, a kind of Mid-Years Resolution, I’ve been contemplating my larger goals. What do I want to get out of this? I’ve practiced yoga regularly since last November, but haven’t consciously tracked my progress from one point in time to another. Instead I tend to retrospectively reflect on the months past and smile when I realize the positive changes are probably attributable, at least in part, to my practice.

So with a pro-active mind, here are the units on my measuring stick:

To mitigate injury for 40 days. I know this is yoga we’re talking about, but I have the tendency to push myself a bit beyond my natural limits. I can’t help it – I come from a classical ballet background where pain is a tool for progress. So if I can get through 40 days without aggravating an old injury, I will be satisfied. This will require listening to my breathe and body’s feedback instead of pushing through it to achieve perfect form.

To attend 1 class a week that I do not normally attend. I have the tendency to stick to what I know and enjoy, and hatha and power yoga are my favorites. My studio offers vinyasa, yin and meditation classes too – so I resolve to attend one of these each week!

To try to be aware during savasana. Okay I admit it, I let me mind run free during savasana… yep. I don’t just observe the thoughts come and go, I hop on for the ride, and let my conscious mind take me wherever the hell it wants to go. So my goal is to actively try to focus my awareness and resist the urge to let my unbridled thoughts carry me away.

To meditate twice a week. No explanations here, it’s just something I’m going to do. No set time limits. Just get down on my butt and whip out the mental squeegee.

To blog my progress. I won’t be writing every day, but I’m going to try to write about the notable thoughts and feelings that arise from the challenge.

No coffee. No sleeping pills. Ouch… that sounds sketchy but my rationale may be blogged at a later time.

I wonder if just getting through 40 days would have been enough? I guess I can’t fault myself for being ambitious. We’ll see how this goes.

40 Day Challenge Series

40 Day Yoga Challenge: Day 1
40 Day Yoga Challenge: Day 2
40 Day Yoga Challenge: Day 3
40 Day Yoga Challenge: Day 5
40 Day Yoga Challenge: Day 6