Tuesday, February 1, 2011

The Yoga Zone

Well, another week begins.  I had kind of a long Monday.  I guess they all kind of are though, right?  Anyway, at the end of the day I had a headache and wasn't sure if I just wanted to go home and crash or head to an hour and a half long power yoga class at OM.  I decided my headache was probably tension related (most of mine are), and that yoga might do me some good.  Off I went to yoga and I actually did feel a lot better after the class.  Thanks yoga!

So, I noticed something in class last night.  I don't really go into the yoga "zone" like the teacher encourages me to.  I'm not really good at meditation or anything that requires me to clear my head.  I'm a thinker and I've always kind of got my wheels turning, even when I'm laying still in savasana.  Last night one of the things I was thinking about, especially towards the end of class, was dinner!  I basically mapped out the whole plan in my head before I got home.

I took a flat-out wrap (can you tell I'm trying to eat through a package of these right now?) and spread tomato sauce on it, then topped it with goat cheese, artichoke hearts, tomato, and spinach.  Baked it in the toaster oven on about 415 degrees for about 10 minutes.  Wait, before I forget, I have to tell you guys something funny.  I had two wraps left in the package and got one out to use.  I was looking for something in the pantry and set it down and about 10 seconds later I had NO IDEA, where I had put it!  I ended up using the other wrap and looking for the one I had initially gotten out for no less than 10 minutes before finding it in...wait for it... my saran wrap/foil drawer.  Yes, inside the closed drawer.  Awesome.


While that was baking, I assembled a small salad of romaine, spinach, artichoke hearts, olives, feta, and chick peas, with balsamic (yes, I eat this salad a lot!).


Here was my "pizza" after I got it out of the oven.


Mmmmm.  I ended up cutting it in half and kind of rolled it up to eat it.  It was quite messy, but totally delicious.  I loved the goat cheese.



So, yoga people, are you like me and still do lots of thinking while you practice your yoga or do clear your head and go into the zone?  I'm curious if I'm alone or not here...

6 comments:

Heather (Where's the Beach) said...

I tried using flat outs for pizzas when we were in FL and made a huge mess. I couldn't get the bottom crispy, but they tasted delish at least. Yours looks tasty and the salad sounds great. I love chickpeas!

Jen (She said.She said.) said...

It depends on the day. Some days I can completely get into and block everything out. Others, my mind is all over the place - writing to-do lists, planning meals, etc.

When I try to focus on my breathing 100%, it's easier to block things out. I don't have enough room in my head!

Carly said...

You're not alone. Part of the reason I exercise is so I have time to think. Some days are better than others, but my brain is generally always going.

Jen said...

Brittney - there is nothing wrong with feeling like you can't get in the "yoga zone." It's actually pretty impossible to completely quiet the mind and have no thought in savasana (like only seriously enlightened people can ever achieve this).

In savasana I usually just try to focus on something that is peaceful and meditative for me - one of my favorites is standing on a beach in a tropical island! :)

During your practice, just try to let go and not worry about the day and what's on the to-do list. Try to be in the moment, focus on breath and how your body feels.

There's my yoga teacher talk for the day!

Katy (The Singing Runner) said...

I don't do yoga (I should!), but I know that when I run, I can SOMETIMES get into a zone, where I don't think about anything. Most of the time I am thinking about random crap! ;)

Angela (the diet book junkie) said...

for me, it really depends on the class. i've been to some excellent ones where the mood is somber and the instructor has a nice, soothing voice. then i can meditate like no one's business. but i've also been to one where the instructor thought she was teaching boot camp and it just wasn't the same. (i guess you match the energy level.) what kind of yoga do you practice, btw? :)

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