Yesterday, as with most Wednesdays, I made my way to Del Mar (YogaDelMar, specifically) for a practice with my Wisdom Warriors friends.

I thought of titling this blog "about long holds", but I think I've used that before -- so, no go on that.  Instead a message to you for the holidays, however you celebrate (or not).

As you now know, we did longer holds yesterday (we also did LONG holds a week ago).  Yesterday's class was Desiree's version of a 'yin' class -- alternating between challenging poses and holds and releasing into a less challenging pose.  How did it go?

Well, right out of the box (like pose #4), we were doing Ustrasana.  One more inbetween pose, then another ustrasana.  The second ustrasana, I - tight back and all - was able to move into Ustrasana (heels up, mind you) placing BOTH hands on the heels simultaneously.  This is quite a feat for me.  What were the 'inbetween' poses?  1.  Use of chair seats to open the thoracic spine.  2.  laying over the chair seat, feet at wall, hands reaching overhead and holding the chair somewhere.

Then, some hip openers and moving into another backbend (kneeling lunge, twisting open, bend knee resting on floor, reaching back to clasp the foot of the leg on the floor).  Wow!!!  (( FYI, usually I will bend forward, grasp foot and move into backbend; NOT this time -- open all the way!!! ))

All in all a great class and a wonderful way to stay 'present' in the practice.

Christmas preparations are taken care of; gifts purchased; the ones mailed that needed mailing; others just waiting to be wrapped.  Looking forward to spending time with family and friends.

Once again, enjoy the holidays. Resist stress (not just yours, but the stress around you -- that can be almost as intense).  Relax, breathe deeply.

Now, on with Thursday!