4-21-10

Time : PM
Instructor : Laiki
Class Size : Small
Class Length : 110 minute
Class Number : 40
Heat : Hot; very consistent and even. Never overheated.

I was really trying to work on my deep breathing in my upper chest and it paid off. It kept my breathing solid throughout halfmoon, awkward and the entire balancing series. I made through both sets of Eagle without losing my balance. It wasn't solid, but I was hanging in there. Awkward, parts 1 and 2 were again rock solid.

During Balancing Stick, Laiki pointed out my set out went too far and required a great deal of effort and re-adjusting. Shortening my step made a big difference. She also spotted me so I could focus on my stretch instead of balancing. It was huge difference. Bow was the best I've ever done. My shoulder rolled back and I was doing a good deal at kicking.

My shoulder was starting to bark in the warrior series, so I dropped it. It was fine in triangle, but Laiki pointed out my hip was too high and I needed to back off my depth. Damn, just when I thought I had that one nailed.

For my ailing shoulder, she suggested point my arms backwards dramatically in Poorna - Salabhasana. It was an incredible difference, bad shoulder or not. It made me pinch my scapula and stretch my chest and took all the weight off my shoulder. After that Dhanurasana (bow) went great too. It's like Locust got me ready for it.

Camel again was a great breakthrough. I was still moving back both sets dramatically when it was over. I also moved my hands down lower on my ass to take more pressure off my shoulders. It consequently got my hips out further.