On symmetry

My two sides are not equal; not even close. Scoliosis and muscle asymmetries mean that every warrior I do with my left leg forward is harder, my hips are less square, and I'm more wobbly. Standing poses are also frustrating, as my balance is way better on my right leg than my left. I've also discovered that if I get frustrated, it's best if I move on, and return later to push my body again to relax into the poses and the tightness that is more pronounced on one side than the other. Still, anatomy means that I often just have to let it go-with a sigh.

Handstands

Elusive handstands. I've been trying to practice daily; starting against a wall, an then seeing if I can align myself and take my feet off. Progress is slow.

Harbin hot springs

Two yoga classes two weekends ago at Harbin Hot Springs; a clothing-optional resort a couple hours north of the Bay area. Class one (5pm on Sat.) was a great combination of chanting, breathing and stretching that left me in a bit of a mellow daze. Class two, at 8 am on Sat. was a pretty good Iyengar class. The best part about the classes was doing two in two days--something I don't do regularly. I returned from my weekend feeling aligned and relaxed!