As I make progress toward a handstand this is what I imagine I will accomplish one day (soon?)

With January comes the opportunity to make lofty resolutions and move toward growth in body, mind and spirit. I sometimes wonder if what I imagine to be my progress counts as growth in the area of MIND, or is it pure delusion?

On February 3, a 28 day “Flight Club” challenge at our local Groove Yoga Bend concluded. I absolutely enjoyed taking the 6 X a week classes for 4 weeks.  The elusive handstand is still out of reach but I was able to at least move toward getting both feet off the ground and in some semblance of a handstand for one, then two nano-seconds.  The massive number of yoga classes last month took quite a bite out of my TRX training routine in preparation for the Olukai Ho’olaulea in 12 short weeks.

Yesterday I returned to suspension training in full force and today my down dog might have to resemble “sleeping dog.”  Even as my body creaks and resists, there was enough progress in body, mind and spirit over the past 4 weeks to instill some hope that one day I might be able to enjoy the position shown in the photo on the left.

Karen Wrenn consistently inspires many of us with her discipline and attitude in SUP and life.

Taking a page from the dedicated training and mental preparedness of Oregon’s Karen Wrenn, I am planning to set up some inspirational images around my home exercise area.  There is really little need for my mind to be present 100% in a rather cold garage where I work out.  Karen posted an amazing photo on Instagram that demonstrates exactly that – her vigorous indoor training matched with visions of an amazing place to SUP.

Ouch! Hamstrings….and then soon, strong, flexible hamstrings.

Thought for today: As I prepare for the 6 am Groove yoga hour and then create space in the day for a river run with the grand-dog and 30 minutes with the TRX suspension trainer, I know where my mind will be while my body is surviving a suspended plank – The Berry Island chain of the warm and wonderful Bahamas.

Addendum to this post: 2 hours later I am re-energized and raring to go in my day (and with my training). Groove Yoga was exactly what body, mind and spirit needed.

Additional inspiration: fun-loving Dave Kalama shares a video waterman workout we can stick with.