Sidetrip: Global Mala Project 2012

Yesterday, I had one of the most unforgettable experiences of  2012.

I attended the Global Mala Project 2012. It is one of the largest gathering of the yoga community, and my stepmom, Tita Jing, made that awesome idea of inviting me to go with her.

I've enrolled myself into a Saturday yoga class in our neighborhood early August. After one class, albeit the thoughts of giving up during the activity because it's really hard for the unfit and inflexible me, the feeling afterwards was unbelievably good. No muscle pains, unlike when I'm from the gym, and I feel my spirit is renewed.

I said yes to the invitation because I want to experience something new, and it was a great decision.

I was surprised to see a lot of people, women and men, young and old,  who were passionate about the course. There were a lot of classes the entire day. TJ and I took the Yin Yoga(I'd love to enroll in a class), Yoga & Chocolates(Difficult but TJ said I did great for a newbie.. and there were free almond chocolates as rewards.) and at night, the Trance Dance, which was the highlight. I grooved my way and partied with strangers in a circle. It was liberating and relaxing. The teacher went around asking "What are you dancing for?". As for me, it's LIFE. I feel free and infinite. During the end part where they played a lovely version of "In the Sun", I got teary out of joy and gratefulness. I am so glad I did this.

I spent a an hour of gym work out in the morning, 3 hours worth of yoga activities in the afternoon, and I can't feel any ache at all. I'm like a goddess. Oh yoga, what you did to me. :)

Find the joy.

May and June had been pretty tough months for me. The week after Pinatubo, I was down with the flu
so I was absent for a number of days. I haven't been that sick in years and with my low pain tolerance to boot, the flu was excruciating, killing me. Went back to work with loads of tasks piled up and it seemed my job has completely taken over my life. I feel very unorganized and overwhelmed with my chores, up until today, my desk folders are in a messy array. My birthday passed and I celebrated it with a guiltless shopping spree which really brought my 'savings' to the brink. I'm also having a hard time with my faith. I'm a Catholic by heart and I want to stay that way forever but it's been really difficult for me. I'm mentally, physically, emotionally, financially and spiritually drained these days. Such exhaustion kept me away from this happiness project of mine. And I'm always nearly in tears and breakdown. Is this depression? What keeps me is hope. It helps that I hold on to my St. Jude prayer that I keep in my pocket. I was reading the verses the other day and I was crying afterwards.

I'm in a confused state now. But one thing is clear, I want to be happy and continue this project.
Ok, not even over-the-top happy. To be "at peace" will do. So here's what I'll work on..

Mental - Stop thinking to much. I'm a time freak, worrywart which heightens my stress level all the time.
Physical - Start exercising again. Take the vitamins everyday. Don't forget the flu shots and have my tests scheduled.
Emotional - Deal with relationships maturely. Don't waste time and others' time, feelings and efforts.
Financial - Start saving again and stop shopping! Budget, Ayen, b-u-d-g-e-t!!!
Spiritual - Pray always. Things will get better. And I'm really serious about attending the HESL retreat.
Educational - Learn a new skill. Save up for driving lessons and try cooking.

Need to work on my attitude starting today. The bright side is I still have July-December.
This is a start.

Side note: Is it just me or I looked happier and healthier when I welcomed 22 than when I turned 21?

Look who's talking: My 2012 Health Resolution

My Body Mass Index will tell you I'm underweight by 5lbs.

And I know it's not much of a big deal, with my thin arms and all, but when I started to realize how weak my immune system and low my energy level is, I decided to strive to get healthy.

Days before my 21st birthday, I went for a general check-up and boy, was I panicking when I found out "problems" with my body. Nothing serious to worry about, but hello, I don't want to get sick.

So, my parents advised me to start exercising and take vitamins(which I take, occasional. Like, when I have coughs/colds..). They said I need to get moving for better health, higher energy, improvement in my aura(I always look stressed out) and once I maintain the conscious effort, it will help me when I get older. So, I took their word and started on with my non-athletic frame and little determination(which I hope won't die down after a few weeks).

My options were walking(I walk a lot), running(because it's cheap), going to the gym and swimming(free use in our area), "dancing"(well, I follow these YouTube videos) and climbing the stairs(Mrt, office, condo). Parents got me these cute pair of running shoes for Christmas, because I'm so shallow to think that good-looking shoes will motivate me. On my part, I invested on sports bra and shorts(which was fun because I have a new excuse for shopping).

I love dressing up so I scourge my cabinet for shirts and shorts and pants that goes well with my "sports outfit" and even asked our househelp to give me the pink Nestea tumbler because it complements my attire. Hahaha. I like colorful sports stuff because it uplifts the boring exercise mood.

Back to where it should be, I jump started January taking hour brisk walks around our village in Laguna. Then, by weekdays, I stationary biked for 6-10kms for 15minutes on random mornings(Random. Not everyday.). I tried the treadmill too but I easily get tired and embarrassed whenever there's people at the gym because I'm such a weakling. One morning, I got bored going to the gym(who won't?) so I swam at our community pool because I hear that it's good for the entire body and breathing, and boy, I managed to climb 12 plights of stairs after that swim.

Parents said I had more energy lately, which is good. I'm working hard to make this exercise thing a habit, you know. I just hope I'll maintain this habit for the entire year. Crossed fingers here. And I also hope that Megamall will open a runners' lane along their shops so that exercise will not be boring. Hahaha

This is my 2012 Health Resolution. "Start exercising!". Yeah, right.