unicornassassin

The two I like to use are very, very simple. The first one is to focus on your breath. Just focus on your breath as it goes in and out. The second one is to focus on your mind's eye, a spot in your forehead, and just focus on that spot. Whichever you do, when you notice that you're having thoughts, just return back to your point of focus.

Thanks for the heads up

It's the Alcoholic's Anonymous handbook. It's pretty awesome. It was written in the 30's so I thought it would be outdated and lame, but I'm really enjoying it. You're very welcome for the kind words

I don't want to be that person, but I do these every day. Usually multiple times a day. I have had to work hard to make these habits. Really really damn hard, but it's so worth it, and I feel better, and am a better person because of it.

I second or third or whatever the tea shop idea. If your town is like mine and doesn't have a tea shop, coffee shops also tend to have a good tea selection and you can buy bulk from them. And I second or third or whatever the whole "check the ingredients" thing. Some teas have artificial sweeteners already added. Ish.

I think your routine is good. For me, though, I like to hold poses as long as I feel I need to, rather than a set period of time. Sometimes I need to hold them longer to feel the tension release, and sometimes I get out of the pose fairly quickly if it feels too strenuous, or uncomfortable, or whatever. I think you're on your way!

Just to clarify- I mean this pigeon pose http://elsieyogakula.files.wordpress.com/2007/02/pigeon-prep.jpg There are others that are a little more scary looking, so... just an FYI

Your goal about eating everything in your farm share is great!

I'm pretty sure I've seen some general threads on this back issue, so if you search the forums, you might get some good info. I'm realizing I kind of have that, too. It really hinders my flexibility too, I know other muscles still have some stretch in them, but my lower back muscles seize up. I had thought it was caused by a weak back, but I'm coming to realize it's due to my back being much stronger than my abs. So now I'm trying to improve my ab strength. For me though, yoga helps to stretch out my tightened back muscles so that it's easier for me to have good posture and a straighter spine. I really enjoy pigeon pose, cat/cow, and forward fold (touching your toes). If you can't touch your toes, bend your knees until you're able to, and see if that helps you feel your back release. Feel free to message me if you have any questions or find something that really works for you, since I'm working on this, too.

A Couch to 5k program at your school? That's awesome!

Hi, welcome to the Druids!

I'm so happy for you! It's great that you're focusing on what you love doing. Way to go! That's a huge step to quit your job, but you only live once and only get once chance to do the things that make you happy

Welcome! I hope you grow to love yoga as much as I do

Sleep hygiene! I need to work on that one, too.

Hey, never underestimate the power of positive thinking Goals- 1) Eat a protein rich breakfast every morning. 2) Stop eating at 6:30pm. 3) Go to the gym/do intentional exercise every day. 4) Finish the Big Book. Starting stats- ugh... 233 pounds. Body fat 42.7% BMI 40.6 Also- I will not be updating my thread until the end. I'm going to focus more energy on supporting other NFers, mostly druids, I'm sure, because there are a lot of people in this challenge