Diary of a Yoga retreat - Day 5 - am class

I am feeling quite tired this morning. This is the first time I have felt like that so far on this retreat. I have arrived at the shala feeling lack luster. It is the second day of my period. As much as I want to fly and spring I am not feeling that good.

We start our standing postures as one . Teacher leads and I love that, it is beautiful. Everyone uniting the breathing, uniting ourselves. My heart opens and I feel joyful. One thing that I find with this style of yoga and one which never ceases to amaze me is that it does release the inner joy within me. I really experience true feelings of bliss and love. For my fellow yogis in the shala and always for my husband and children. For all mankind if I am honest, sounds fluffy but it is true.

My optimism and enthusiasm for life never dwindles and I find that looking around the room, even though I am trying to look within I am feeling compassion for everyone around me. I feel like everyone else is also abit tired today.

We are about half way through the retreat. Day 5, we have been moving a lot. Still, standing postures finish and I start on my second series practice. This is a strong practice and my new pose that I received yesterday (Karandavasana) moves a little closer. Not much mind you, but a little bit. Remember you can change the world just a little bit at a time if you really want to.

I listen to the yoga and my body. Today I am feeling tired but once my breath kicks in with the movement I don't slow down. I work on listening to my breath. This moves my body without me needing to try so hard. Trying to become my breath. Let it go and you will I remember.

Resting your mind on your breath is one powerful way of regulating the body. The last posture for me at the moment is Karandavasana, it looms closer. I didn't quite get into lotus in this posture today and found myself resting on my elbows upside down and when I am in day 2 of my period I am not able to ignite my bandhas (internal energy locks) so strongly. I just don't have the power. Not nearly as much, it is quite amazing, women's bodies. Yet, I complete the posture.

Backbends, beautiful today. Drop backs, forward flips. All ok. Front and back flips with the teacher, scary but good.

Shoulder stand and head stand are short for me today. You are not really supposed to practice the inverted postures with your period but I always do.I feel as though I need to fit my practice in when I can. A busy mama cannot always get to class so practice whenever the situation allows I say.

Long sarvasana (resting pose at the end of a yoga practice), it is a luxury to have the time to just lie there. I do just that. Letting the feelings and emotions flood over me, absorbing the blissful energy of this place. Again my heart opens, I am happy. I feel like me. It is peaceful"