This month's 30-Day Yoga Tigress Challenge, compliments of Amy Ippoliti -- Padmasana (Lotus Pose).  FYI, the 30-Day Yoga Tigress Challenge is a Facebook group developed by Amy and each month for the past 3, we have had a different challenge to work on.

I start strong; somewhere around the 20th of the first two months (dec & jan), I fizzle.  Things happen, I get discouraged, I get distracted, I forget, whatever -- let's just say, each has been a real challenge to stick with.

This month - well, Padmasana is NEVER an easy pose for me -- my hips and knees are tight.  One successful time, I was laying to one side (this is a seated pose, mind you) in a workshop or training with John.  (Laying off to one side is one easier way to get the legs crossed.)  He happened to be standing close to me and 'helped' me get that second leg into position -- comment "you won't break".  Could've fooled me!  (But, I didn't break).

For me, the pose also requires LOTS of warm-up, so things move in ways they are not accustomed to with minimal resistance.

So, the Challenge:  To do padmasana 3x each day without the use of our hands (I guess that means no helping your legs into this position).  Then, move to pinchamayurasana and get your legs into the position again.

I am, however, going to give this my best effort.  I am going to practice each day, then I am going to sit, lie, whatever, and use my hands (cheat!) to get into (or close to) the pose.  Just this effort will make the pose more accessible in the future.  And, since this is a BIG yoga month for me - John in San Fran; Desiree in SLC; Christina in Driggs - I'll be plenty warmed up.

Then pincha (forearm balance) -- well, we'll see.

I think I need to go back and review some of the comments I make to students.  Comments like: remember your commitment, just give it a try, give it your best effort, do not let the word 'can't' niggle it's way into your vocabulary, etc., etc., etc.

Have a great Tuesday,