EHU Final year- Twenty Eight Week

Monday

Assessment day. We began with yoga (which wasn't getting marked) and I am finally starting to really get Bhartnatyam in my body. We recapped the two phrases and did a bit of basic pranyama before running out of time for a yoga flow.

We had to try and do the routine without aid WHICH SOUNDS EASY BUT WAS A LOT MORE DIFFICULT. As none of us spoke sanskrit or Hindi it was very hard to catch onto key words and apply the appropriate movement. I did learn a few but nowhere enough YET.

The second session was our contemporary assessment. Though we are being graded on our improvement this session had us filmed. I felt more relaxed and stronger than when I began these sequences at the beginning of the semester. I loved the class and started enjoying it as soon as I was performing it more and more than ever. There was a relaxed but focused energy, and been the best environment for an exam in a long time.

Once home, I spent my day creating my career plan and looking at other courses I am wanting to attend.

I BOOKED MY TICKETS BACK TO MALTA!

Tuesday

My second assessment day, and it was ok. Not as good as yesterday but I am just glad to get that out of the way. What I have taken away from it though is that I am finally feeling very grounded in myself and calmer when I move. Yes i still go a bit too fast but I am more controlled and knowing my body knows what it is doing.

After the session I was back at home and straight onto my yoga reading. The anatomy part I find fascinating, and re-capping previous knowledge always makes me llook at it differently. I just kept seeing that I need to train my cardiovascular, and by this I mean I need to start running again. I HATE RUNNING.

But I got up off my ass and headed to the gym. I have a timetable laid out of how many minutes I need to run each day. First of the month and a Monday- seemed like the time. But as its Tuesday I went straight to day two. 25 minutes. AND SURPRISINGLY IT WENT EASIER THAN I THOUGHT. I must have been getting stronger and not noticing as its through dance. All i really have to compare to is when I was 18 at the gym and now at the gym at 23.

I left feeling so much better about myself and glad to sweat a little too. Into uni for a cyr wheel rehearsal, and my booked space was double booked. No rehearsal I guess. I killed time for a little before seeing Third Edge perform and getting free food and processo for being there. I then had a mini cyr wheel session for myself. Seeing as I haven't done it properly for 2 years I was the best balanced I have been. Instructing and directing it on the side is clearly given me some insider knowledge AND i have way more faith in myself. Still A LONG way to go.

Back at home, its the rest of admin for the day and my daily list only seems to be getting longer. Good thing most of them are quite short.

Wednesday

I am ACHING. It is clear I haven't run in ages, and getting out of bed was a struggle, and I loved that.

I continued through my level 2 anatomy workbook and then met up for our breakfast/coffee date.

I got to practice my performance for Friday once and then headed for the gym.

I continued on my running plan for the month, and then did half of my leg workout and a mini stretch.

Back home it was more stationary work before heading back to the gym for my Wednesday class.

Thursday

I am feeling a little more worse for wear, and I don't know if that's because: its assessment week, I am suddenly doing everything all starting this week, or just its time for everyone to start feeling ill and tired needing a break.

Anyway I was at my morning lecture, which if anything just reminded me that sometimes we don't get given opportunities but we have to take them. It spurred yet another idea.

Quick break at home and creating my 'poster' for yoga, meditation and mindfulness classes in the Merseyside and Liverpool region (so if you are up here and interested send me an email :) ) and having a quick lunch before heading back to University for my capoeria assessment.

The assessment went ok, and we were joined with an extra two teachers who joined in in playing the instruments around the circle. I am glad it is continually marked though, as I feel I performed better on other days. BUT I HELD A HANDSTAND IN THE MIDDLE FOR AN ACTUAL AMOUNT OF TIME- MY FIRST EVER. SO CLEARLY MY DAILY PRACTICE IS HELPING.

I am beyond excited that tomorrow is my first rest day in my running plan and hopefully means I will be walking like a normal person.

Friday

Last Assessment and then it is EASTER. I think the toll of the week is starting to catch me up.

I was up and walking into uni with my tent, blankets and pillows looking as if I had crashed somewhere weird for the night or was heading for a sleepover. I got to watch two of the immersive performances before trotting off to the woods.

You don't realise how weird you will look in a situation until you are there- truly. Setting up a pink tent in the woods had a few strange eyes and conversations from dog walkers and scared dogs barking at this strange structure in their walk space.

The reading went well and I loved being around the woods- looking out of the netting and seeing trees and hearing birds. It was my favourite place. I did a quick meditation in the woods- but after a long while of sitting in the cold I was excited to pack up.

I was home and quickly submitting my yoga journals- meaning I only have the tests and class to lead next month to do.

Back in Uni I had a quick diss rehearsal for another performance, and then was grabbing food and quickly getting ready before heading out.

Saturday

I am tired. Today this is my proper rest day where I relax and do nothing more than computer work and the odd films and naps.

Tomorrow the running starts again- of course up until then I am still doing my daily;

- handstands

- abs

- push ups

- meditation

- yoga reading

- bridge backbend and leg holds

- stretch

- language

- blog

but not the running today

I do not always manage all 10 every day but I congratulate myself on what I have done. Focus on the positives and all that.

Sunday

I was up and at yoga. Though not fully awake, I felt the changes in my body from being half asleep to becoming more awake and as a result i felt a lot tighter. Especially in my back (not sure why).

One of the instructors brought in the yoga wheel for us to play with after the session, where we practiced an advanced crow (with legs straight) on the wheel. It was a stranger and completly different feeling/experience to what I imagined.

The day took a spontaneous turn, when one of my friends said she was taking a hike outside on Manchester. We did the hour and a half drive there and ended up taking dance/yoga photos on the naturally stunning backdrop.

It was so nice to do something different, and knowing I am now on my Easter Holidays made me even more relaxed. I need to start going somewhere in nature every day as it sets up my mind right for the day.

Yoga and a hike. Pretty good sunday.