#AshtangaChallenge on Instagram May 2014 (JOIN ME)

Hi Yogis & Yognis!

I’m not sure if you have been following me on Instagram, but if you haven’t get on over there and give me a follow! If you have been following me you know that I LOVE these yoga challenges! They usually last one month. The person hosting it shows a picture or video of a posture, and then everyone participating posts on the day required.

What I LOVE the most about the challenges though is that it builds community and support and connects you in other parts of the world! Because of these challenges, I have a whole extended yoga family!

There is a common misconception that you are not supposed to take photos of yourself doing yoga postures, or self-promote in that way, but I think that’s totally ridiculous. I admit, I am guilty of thinking like that at one time, but practicing yoga is one of the primary ways I express myself and hope to inspire others. I feel so much more abundant since I let that concept go and started following my heart. 

It’s so nice to have a community though these challenges that supports, encourages, and honors your spiritual growth through your yoga practice. I SUPPORT YOU!

I’m STOKED about this next one because it’s hosted by Daylene Christiansen. She teaches at the Miami Life Center with Kino MacGregor. 

Here is the structure for May 2014:

I first discovered Day when Kino’s YouTube channel was starting to take off, and she would use Day for demonstration in her instructional videos. Sometimes you just feel connection or energy with someone and you’re not sure why, and Daylene has been one of those people for me. When I was working on Supta Kurmasana, I used to watch this video over and over….

It took me YEARS to get into Supta Kurmasana. I would try all of these tips, but it was really only when something clicked internally that I was able to do it.  I was always just fascinated at how easily Daylene could maneuver this posture. 

When A Posture Seems Impossible:

I couldn’t help but notice Pasasana is listed on here (I think). It even looks like it might be listed twice (on the 9th and the 30th) , but perhaps one of them is Marichyasana D? Pasasana is my biggest challenge right now. It actually seems unattainable and I always want to avoid it, so I know it’s the posture I need to be learning from the most right now.

There are other postures I am working on (pressing into handstand or binding ankles in backbends), but they seem attainable. I feel progress whenever I try. Pasasana is just one of those postures that seems impossible.

What keeps me inspired is that Supta Kurmasana once felt like that, and so did Marichyasana D. I know it IS possible, and if you have a posture like that, just keep trying! Remember, yoga grows slow and practice and all is coming! I have been documenting my progress in Pasasana here if you want to follow. 

THE RULES:

I find that these challenges are a great way to motivate yourself to keep practicing, especially if you are a home practitioner like me! It’s also a great way to push the limits and challenge yourself because the whole community is cheering you on and inspiring each other. 

Here are the rules of the challenge:

1. Follow@day1yoga and @yogainspiration and@mikayogawear
2. Repost challenge poster on your Instagram feed! Tag your friends and get them involved! Inspire, motivate and support others!
3. Post your pics or videos each day of the challenge and tag #ashtangachallenge @day1yoga, @yogainspiration, @mikayogawear  
4. As a bonus, add an inspirational quote or mention what/who inspired you that day!
5. Choosing 10 winners and awarding 3  Manduka yoga mats on which to continue your yoga practice, 3 gift certificates from mika yoga wear and yoga inspired T-shirts and Hoodies from www.yogainspiration.com
6. HAVE FUN!!!!!

I am going to do my first post tonight when I get home from work! Please be a part of my yoga family, and join me in this so we can motivate and inspire each other! Follow my Instagram and comment on one of my posts letting me know so that I can follow you back!

Here is Day’s first post! If you missed this one, it’s okay! You can join in any time!

You can also use this as a challenge for yourself if you need to get motivated to get back to practicing! It doesn’t have to be in May, but any time you need to kick it up a notch! Get a few friends together & just inspire each other!

Looking forward to connecting!

Namaste & Keep Practicing Yogis!