muck_a_luck

Cutting because this is so shallow and pathetic that it really ought to be posted private.

So! I have lost approximately 30 pounds since Lent! I'm wearing some of the pre-Barbarian clothes, and it's summer so I'm constantly wearing 13 layers all the time, and the other day, when I was getting ready to work out in the morning I realized, wow! I have a waistline again. And the weight came off disproportinally in my hips and butt, so I'm a nice shape there now, and though the belly is still haunting me, it is more of a little pot belly and less of a gut, and in clothes I'm looking really not bad these days!

One thing I noticed the other day, though, catching my reflection in an elevator door, is that I still look kind of dumpy. And somehow right at that moment, I realized it was at least partially because of my posture. Recently I have become much more aware of that. Yoga gives me new insights into my body's mechanics almost every practice, and lately I've been noticing the difference it makes when I open my chest and engage my shoulders into their sockets. Combine that with the lengthening of the lower ribs and tailbone, and what I've really been realizing is how all these combine to make me taller and straighter. I've been working on cultivating that into my sitting and standing all day. I'm learning. I recognize when I'm slouching and adjust. Of course, it makes me feel like I'm *thrusting* my HUGE rack out at everyone, but it has definitely brought out all the changes even more. Which is a nice positive feedback.

Speaking of. Doing my yoga out on the deck means that the glass doors make a sort of mirror, so for the very first time ever I can see myself doing yoga (some). And I have been absolutely shocked to see that I'm actually very graceful and calm looking! I do not feel graceful and calm. But Extended Side Angle looks great, and I'm ecstatic about Downward Dog, which I have really been working hard on. And the seated twists are very tall and regal. No, I don't stare at myself the whole time, but the little glimpses are very encouraging. I *look* like I'm doing a lot of stuff right. So big smiley for me!

OMG. Not even looking back at that. I feel like twirling my hair on my finger and smacking my gum now...