Apr
9
A couple of updates on topics that likely weren’t particularly interesting the FIRST time around, but this is what I’ve got to talk about these days unless anyone wants to discuss the ongoing issue of a dog who routinely leaves a brown butthole-shaped spot on the carpet whenever she sits and scratches herself in a certain position, which the vet has assured me is not due to any sort of worrisome butt-related malfunction? I mean probably not, so let’s circle back on two things I was very enthusiastic about at the time: yoga and Beat Saber.
Historically my level of interest in a thing tends to go on a sharp decline after the initial obsession (see also: bullet journals, watercolor painting, food logging, committing to less mindless phone-scrolling, etc) but I am still going strong with the daily yoga. In fact, I honestly can’t see why I’d ever stop this routine outside of mobility issues, that’s how life-changingly amazing it has been.
Now, here I need to point out that when I drone on about how rewarding and strengthening and soothing I find this yoga practice, I am very specifically talking about Adriene Mishler’s flavor of yoga, which can be accessed via her YouTube channel and/or her membership-based site Find What Feels Good.
I would describe her yoga as gentle and extremely beginner-friendly; there are flows and holds that can get fairly spicy but overall the postures are uncomplicated and the pace is slow. When I first tried her videos I felt like it was … too easy, I guess? If the goal is laser-focused on calorie burn, which mine certainly used to be, all that stillness and deep breathing can feel like a waste of time.
I’m extremely, profoundly glad I found the ability to rethink what yoga could mean for me, and it’s entirely thanks to her channel. One of her monthly challenges just came along at exactly the right time, and I know the reason I’ve been able to stay committed to a daily practice ever since because of its peaceful nature, which offers respite instead of punishment.
It’s also become apparent that the most seemingly simple postures are in fact nearly infinite in their capacity to challenge the body and mind. But it’s always up to me: if I’m running low on energy, I can dial it way back, or I can push for those sizzle moments if I’m feeling strong. This works way better for me than a routine that demands max effort each and every time.
Lord help me I haven’t even gotten to Beat Saber yet. In short: I am now wholly devoted to Yoga with Adriene, I strongly recommend it if you are a human, I could go on and on about the many benefits both physical and mental but you’ve probably heard of yoga before so I will STOP NOW.
I figured there would be a good chance that my Beat Saber interest would also come with a fairly short shelf life, but you guys. You guys, I love Beat Saber so much. I play every blessed day, sometimes for a sweat-soaked HOUR or more. I’m fairly tired of the available songs at this point but I don’t care, the game is just too damn fun.
Also, it is emotionally important for me to document here that I have progressed to Expert Level on Beat Saber. This seemed absolutely impossible to me when I first played the game, like so far outside of the realm of my capabilities it was downright comical, and now I can play the shit out of that motherfucking mode. (Um, on certain songs, not the really really really hard ones.)
I realize nothing about this achievement appears to translate to the real world, but what if our planet is suddenly beset by an endless stream of square-shaped aliens which can only be defeated by slicing them in half, rhythmically? I WILL HEED THE BEATSIGNAL, that’s what.
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OKAY FINE I WILL TRY THE YOGA. (More accurately: I will open up a new tab for that yoga channel, and we will see if anything comes of it.)
I have a tab for Yoga with Adrienne open on my iPad – so thank you. I am not very consistent with it (I have trouble with slow workouts) as I’m more partial to running, pushups, etc. However I know yoga adds so much value; I also try to get my husband who is so inflexible to join me 2 or 3 times a week. It is our go-to anyway. I have never in my life played a video game and suspect as I approach my 66 birthday, I won’t start now! I still feel 35 but not in the video game realm!
That Adriene, she is a peaceful force on this planet. I may try again.
BeatSignal – nice one!
I’ve started doing Yoga with Adriene somewhat thanks to you. I was already thinking that I should start doing more yoga and I’d heard of her, but your last post was the push that actually got me to start.
I just started this week, so I haven’t figured out exactly how it’s going to work into my routine, but so far I have no intention of making it a workout. I just need some of what you described as your joints “coated with WD-40”. I can’t see myself doing 35-40 minute routines often, since I have a full-time job and little kids, so hopefully the shorter videos are enough to get me where I want to go for now.
Bridget: she definitely has shorter videos you can search out, like 20 minutes or less. (I believe they may be listed by duration in her channel?)
Add me to the chorus of people that you convinced to try Yoga with Adriene and now I’m hooked. I do it nearly every day and have been for about 3 months. I told my doctor that I think it’s the most significant (positive) change I’ve ever made for my health. So—thank you!
I love your love for Adriene! I’ve done her videos very occasionally and she does seem pretty special. However, every time I’ve done yoga in a studio, the teacher gives me a TON of “corrections,” and so when I do yoga at home, I’m thinking, “I’m probably doing this all WRONG, and it will either a) hurt me or b) isn’t working.” Other than therapy for my ridiculous issues with perfectionism, do you have any advice for doing yoga at home and not being overly concerned about doing it “right?”
Nicole: if it is at all possible I say Let That Shit Go. Adriene’s videos include a lot of cues for getting the form right but she is always clear that it’s about finding what feels right for your body — I adjust positions all the time to get after whatever thing (usually my lower back) needs more attention. I feel like there’s no WRONG way unless you’re actively hurting yourself.
I am devoted to my FWFG app/channel, I started with her 30 Days in 2020 – not knowing what lay ahead – and am so glad I did. Every dang day I’m on my mat, working it out and yes, it’s not hard cardio but it feels so good. Been adding her short meditations at the end and that’s been helpful too. At the Doctor the other day she asked my hobbies and I listed a few – and then added “and yoga? Never thought I would say that!” It feels White Woman of a Certain Age but oh well.
Yesss! Adriene seems like such an old soul and her yoga videos got me through the Pandemic Winter. Always trying to squeeze it it. Sometimes I don’t get to it until right before bed. Ah well…it’s still enjoyable.
Another yoga devotee here! I’ve done yoga every day for 7 months and it has been life changing. I love Adrienne but after 3ish months I needed a breather. I branched out to Cat Meffan (more challenging sequences, delightful British accent) and Yoga With Kassandra (fun flows, not as much woo woo talk but is replaced with a touch of existentialism). I’m stronger, healthier, more mindful and I can sit cross legged in my office chair! Small victories? I’ve never done yoga in a studio and don’t see myself doing so until, uh, things are better, but man do I enjoy my yoga sessions every morning (I get up at oh dark thirty to workout before the children wake up. Yoga has done some odd things to my routine.). Oh, if you haven’t done Adrienne’s 40ish minute hip love sequence in her app, you should. Felt so good!