Day 9: The New Regulars

So today was day 9 of...ya, I still haven't decided. Let's just say 30 and go from there, shall we? Prior to starting this challenge I had taken 8 days off from yoga. The first three days back were very tough. I noticed the loss of strength most markedly in awkward and standing head to knee. I just did not have the stamina to kick out in standing head to knee at all and just holding my foot for the full minute first set was daunting. Second part of awkward was very hard too. My ankles were wobbling, I was falling out and pretty much just looked like a hot mess. Now, on day 9, I'm already almost back to normal. Kicking out for standing head to knee (can't hold it very long, but working on it) and today I did a pretty darn good second part of awkward!
Tonight was 6pm with Candace. Sitting in the lobby before class was a relaxing social hour just like old times. I miss the "regulars" from the old studio terribly...the joking, the easy rapport. Slowly but surely a new crowd of regulars has been developing at my new studio. We may not have each others names down pat yet, but there are smiles, hellos and easy conversation on the long couch outside the yoga room before class. Laughter, smiles, hellos....my 'happy hour'. Today another familiar face from the old studio showed up. She had a big smile on her face and said "I missed Bikram yoga, I signed up here yesterday". We put our mats beside each other in the front row and rocked out the class, just like old times! Candace taught a nice "tough love" kind of class. I love her style! She does not let us get away with cheating ourselves out of a great class and she does it all with a kind voice and nice smile. I drove away from class on a lovely yoga high. Perfect way to end a Monday!