inspirational writing
observe the transformation
by Kevin Royes, yogapod yogi
The ad promised "Transformation" of my body, my mind, my everything. It was called the 3o Day Challenge,
however this was clearly not a challenge amongst each of us, it was a challenge "within" each of us. The
ad challenged people to practice for 30 days in a row and then see for themselves how yoga can strengthen
us not only physically, but mentally and spiritually as well. How could I resist? I could use a good
transformation and what better time to do it than after the holiday season. I decided to keep a journal
as I went along so that I could monitor the changes: for better, for worse, or somewhere in between.
Day 1
Todd and Laurie sat us challengers down to give us a briefing: a staggering 41 people took up the call.
Don't judge your progress they advised, just observe it. Some days you'll feel great, some days you'll
struggle. Todd explained that after a while our bodies will start to let us know what it wants for
nourishment and what it doesn't. How does that work I wonder. After the briefing we had our first class.
Breathe, breathe, breathe. We are constantly reminded to breathe and it is explained that our breath gives
us power. That's easier said than done when inverted upside down struggling to get my head closer to my toes.
Day 5
Hot class today. The heat really got me more than usual. I talked to guys in the change room afterwards
and they were fine. So much for my complaining the room was too hot. Hot classes make my nose run and I
am blowing it constantly in between postures. This is distracting because once I enter the studio I like
to focus my attention in a meditative manner and nose blowing is not very meditative. Big progress on
Plow posture over the first 5 days. I am starting to feel the power in the breath though my focus on it
drifts in and out as I catch myself holding my breath during strenuous postures.
Day 8
Flow class today. I am getting this breath thing as I get closer to matching movements to breathing patterns.
Now I am starting to really feel the meditative aspect kick in. There are 30 people in the room yet in a
strange way I feel alone. It's the focus.
Day 10
My whole body hurt for the first 6 days as if they were the first days of exercise in a long time. Incredible
for not lifting a weight. Now things are settling in. As Todd explained, my body will start to let me know what
it wants for nourishment. Well it's been craving water and OJ and lots of it.
Day 12
My eating habits are starting to change without any effort on my part. Good thing because my effort over the
years hasn't been working as well as I would like. Suddenly a whole sandwich and soup for lunch is leaving me
feeling stuffed. Hmmm. Not only is my body being more picky, but my mind is as well. Certain foods I used to
chow down on are losing their appeal.
Day 14
My back hurts.
Day 18
I'm losing weight. I started off at 192 lbs which is pretty much where I've been the past year or so. For the
first time since college I hit 185.
Day 19
When I started this challenge 19 days ago I was just able to touch my toes without cringing in pain. Today I
could actually wrap my hands fully over the top of my feet. My one leg balancing poses are finding solid rooting
as my breath becomes more and more reliable. I go everyday at 4pm. I am starting to put my socks on with more
intention (one leg balance posture) as yoga is starting to manifest itself into my everyday life.
Day 21
I missed a class this week for the first time. I've been going every day at 4pm, but Sunday the class was full.
If we miss a class we have to make up for it by doing a double one day, so yesterday was it. A flow class followed
by a hot. I wasn't sure I would make it through 2 in a row but I did. Nice work.
Day 23
The instructors talk to us continuously throughout class - Lift from the chest. Level your hips. Don't judge
yourself, just observe. Breathe to relieve tension. Keep your focus on yourself Ð it's awesome. I was in a
pose today where we had to bend over and stand with our feet on our hands and then straighten our legs. Ow-the
pain in the hamstrings. But then came the words Ð let your breath relieve the tension. I suddenly realized I was
holding my breath because of the pain and then a wonderful thing happened. I went to my breath and like a wave
washing over me, the tension washed away and voila. There I was stepping on my hands with straight legs and a
smile actually crept over my lips. There was still pain, however it was now pleasant and workable rather than
something I was fighting against. I think I'm starting to get the hang of this.
Day 26
For the first time I did an 8pm class. Only 8 of us (8 at 8) as compared to 20 to 40 other days. It was a completely
different energy. Lost another pound Ð yahoo. Yesterday my 9 year old told me he likes that I do yoga because
it's made me stronger and now I can flip him around better when we play fight on the bed. That's a benefit Todd
never told us about.
Day 28
Only 2 days to go. At the beginning of the challenge I wondered how on earth I was going to carve out 2 hours
every day to practice, but every day without fail I made it. And every day the instructors teach us how to
advance physically, but if you listen carefully, their words are more than just physically focused, they are words of
wisdom, words I can apply to everyday life. Learning to focus on breathing not only relieves tension in my body
during class, it also relieves tension when my kids are driving me crazy throwing chips at each other in the back
seat as I drive.
Day 30
Final class today and the energy was intense at the same time the mood was light. The sun was beaming through the
front window into a full room adding to the ambience. I had less than 12" between each of the women on either side
of me as we balanced, twisted and stretched our way through the last class of the challenge.
Well, I made it, and so did 39 of the 41 who started out. Incredible. For some, 30 days of yoga was tough physically.
For others it was tough mentally, for others just getting to the YogaPod every day was a challenge. For us all, we
magically found a way to do it. My life has changed without a doubt. I have kicked habits, lost 9 pounds, and spend
more quality time with my kids. I eat better without struggle, I am more patient without trying, and judging is a
character trait that has disappeared almost completely from view. I have heard it said that yoga is more about
touching our hearts than touching our toes and I couldn't agree more. The 30 Day Challenge is over, but it's
certainly not the end. For me it's more like the beginning. If my life can change so much in only one short month,
imagine what it will look like in a year, 5 years, and beyond. Let the challenge continue.
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