I put in some solid time this afternoon and managed to get back on schedule for a 10:30 log off tonight. Going to try for 6:30 a.m. yoga again tomorrow. Wish me luck!
3367 words today.
26,721 words to date.
The NaNo folks have finally published Paul Hawke's word count widgets. There's some pretty neat stuff there. Check out the badge on Raindancing Dragons and click through to read my "Progress Report".
Showing posts with label yoga. Show all posts
Showing posts with label yoga. Show all posts
Friday, November 9, 2007
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Report from the Trenches -- One Week In
1. Word Count
Baseline is the 1667 word per day daily minimum required to reach 50,000 words by the end of November.
The NaNoWriMo statisticians report that only 5% of Wrimos are on or above par with the baseline pace at the end of week two. Being this close to the week two baseline target after only one week, I don't think I have anything much to worry about on the word count front. (Of course, no one who knows me ever imagined that I would, including myself. The real challenge for me is going to be making it to the end of my story by the end of the month. That is shaping up to be considerably more than 50,000 words away.)
2. Blogging
I have posted to both this blog and Raindancing Dragons daily so far, however, since I normally post at the end of my day, and my schedule was shifted later on November 3rd due to an external cultural engagement, that day shows as missing from both blogs because I didn't get a chance to update until after midnight.
3. Yoga
My morning yoga sessions have been going well, although they haven't always occurred at 6:30 a.m. (see notes on Schedule below).
The first day my Sun Sals felt okay and I strove for good form in each pose. Days 2 and 3, I felt the previous days' exertions in my shoulders and arms. Day 4 I was staying with a friend and had not brought my yoga mat with me, so I flew through my Sun Sals at a fast pace, not worrying about form at all. Simply trying to avoid slipping on the carpet. Today, for the first time, my yoga actually felt good.
At the beginning of the week, my dog slept right through my morning yoga. Recently she has taken to "helping" me:
Practicing yoga with a dog is perhaps not the best way to encourage proper form in one's poses, but it sure makes for lots of laughter!
4. Mileage
Pretty much right on track for four miles a day. Many of them I have hiked by myself, however. Princess Kendal isn't too enamoured with my outdoor activity plans now that the weather has turned cold and wet.
5. Diet
Right on track here with three square meals a day. Following the Canada Food Guide. Snacking on fresh fruit and Optimum Energy Bars (they're organic, well-balanced, were recommended to me by my dietitian friend and they actually taste good!)
I do have one confession to make regarding diet. Previous to last night, I had not consumed caffeine for medicinal reasons since 1992 and had planned on getting through NaNoWriMo without the drug. The November greys have been effecting me with a strong urge to hybernate however (not something the Californians considered when they shifted NaNoWriMo from summertime to November, I'll wager). When 5PM rolled around yesterday and I had not written my first word of the day, I hiked down to the drug store to buy a bottle of juice and walked away with a can of Monster. I don't plan on making this a regular habit, but 2841 words later, I had written the most adrenaline-packed chapter of my story so far.
6. Schedule
Rising before the sun is over-rated.
I am going to keep trying for the rest of the month to give the idea a fair shot and because my house is actually quiet in the early morning, but come December 1st, I'm pretty sure I'll be falling back to a 7 a.m. rise at the earliest.
7. SL Wrimos
We made it to the century mark in membership and beyond. (125 at last count.) No one has touched the blog so far this month (which is how it should be this early in the game) but in-world meetings are going well. Last Sunday's write-in was a big hit and group members are starting to plan more write-in times in addition to the weekly one I host.
Activity on our forum thread remains high, there have been several excellent entries in my word-of-the-day challenges, and a friendly competitive spirit is developing amongst team members. Everyone is loving Sodovan Torak's word count titlers which were updated frequently during Sunday's write-in, with everyone present cheering whenever a group member logged an important milestone.
8. Local Wrimos
I finally did meet up with some other local Wrimos on October 31st. I neglected to get NaNo IDs from anyone, however, so have not been in touch with the group since. Next meeting is mid month.
Baseline: 11,669
My Goal: 14,000
My Actual: 20,604
Baseline is the 1667 word per day daily minimum required to reach 50,000 words by the end of November.
The NaNoWriMo statisticians report that only 5% of Wrimos are on or above par with the baseline pace at the end of week two. Being this close to the week two baseline target after only one week, I don't think I have anything much to worry about on the word count front. (Of course, no one who knows me ever imagined that I would, including myself. The real challenge for me is going to be making it to the end of my story by the end of the month. That is shaping up to be considerably more than 50,000 words away.)
2. Blogging
I have posted to both this blog and Raindancing Dragons daily so far, however, since I normally post at the end of my day, and my schedule was shifted later on November 3rd due to an external cultural engagement, that day shows as missing from both blogs because I didn't get a chance to update until after midnight.
3. Yoga
My morning yoga sessions have been going well, although they haven't always occurred at 6:30 a.m. (see notes on Schedule below).
The first day my Sun Sals felt okay and I strove for good form in each pose. Days 2 and 3, I felt the previous days' exertions in my shoulders and arms. Day 4 I was staying with a friend and had not brought my yoga mat with me, so I flew through my Sun Sals at a fast pace, not worrying about form at all. Simply trying to avoid slipping on the carpet. Today, for the first time, my yoga actually felt good.
At the beginning of the week, my dog slept right through my morning yoga. Recently she has taken to "helping" me:
Practicing yoga with a dog is perhaps not the best way to encourage proper form in one's poses, but it sure makes for lots of laughter!
4. Mileage
Pretty much right on track for four miles a day. Many of them I have hiked by myself, however. Princess Kendal isn't too enamoured with my outdoor activity plans now that the weather has turned cold and wet.
5. Diet
Right on track here with three square meals a day. Following the Canada Food Guide. Snacking on fresh fruit and Optimum Energy Bars (they're organic, well-balanced, were recommended to me by my dietitian friend and they actually taste good!)
I do have one confession to make regarding diet. Previous to last night, I had not consumed caffeine for medicinal reasons since 1992 and had planned on getting through NaNoWriMo without the drug. The November greys have been effecting me with a strong urge to hybernate however (not something the Californians considered when they shifted NaNoWriMo from summertime to November, I'll wager). When 5PM rolled around yesterday and I had not written my first word of the day, I hiked down to the drug store to buy a bottle of juice and walked away with a can of Monster. I don't plan on making this a regular habit, but 2841 words later, I had written the most adrenaline-packed chapter of my story so far.
6. Schedule
Rising before the sun is over-rated.
I am going to keep trying for the rest of the month to give the idea a fair shot and because my house is actually quiet in the early morning, but come December 1st, I'm pretty sure I'll be falling back to a 7 a.m. rise at the earliest.
7. SL Wrimos
We made it to the century mark in membership and beyond. (125 at last count.) No one has touched the blog so far this month (which is how it should be this early in the game) but in-world meetings are going well. Last Sunday's write-in was a big hit and group members are starting to plan more write-in times in addition to the weekly one I host.
Activity on our forum thread remains high, there have been several excellent entries in my word-of-the-day challenges, and a friendly competitive spirit is developing amongst team members. Everyone is loving Sodovan Torak's word count titlers which were updated frequently during Sunday's write-in, with everyone present cheering whenever a group member logged an important milestone.
8. Local Wrimos
I finally did meet up with some other local Wrimos on October 31st. I neglected to get NaNo IDs from anyone, however, so have not been in touch with the group since. Next meeting is mid month.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
NaNoWriMo SunSal Recap
For those who have been following along with my NaNoWriMo Sun Salutation sequence posts, the sequence is now completed. Check out this link to view all of the posts together.
Asana 20 - Mountain Pose
The journey has come full circle as every ending is a new beginning.
Each sun salutation sequence flows into the next -- or into the time to sit down at my computer and write!
November flows into December and my focus shifts, but new adventures begin.
Will my NaNovel be an irredeemable mess? Or will December see me plunging into a new month filled with massive re-writes and edits to polish November's gem until it shines?
I'm not going to make a prediction at this point. Simply embrace the challenge, enjoy the wild ride and see where this journey takes me.
To all of you out there participating in the NaNoWriMo adventure with me this year, I wish you the very best of luck, good health, restful sleep and wild creative energy.
Stand tall, head held high, eyes on the horizon. Commit to the journey and dive in!
YOU PUT YOUR MILK ON YOUR MUSH AND YOU EAT IT!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Asana 19 - Extended Mountain Pose
This is the victory pose.
With a strong final push -- carried by the inner strength I have built throughout this journey -- I surge up out of thunderbolt into my tallest, strongest mountain.
The final Urdhva Hastasana represents the zenith of my journey, the pinnacle of success and achievement.
My eyes look up.
I revel in the glory of newfound length.
And enjoy sweet victory.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Asana 18 - Thunderbolt
Hoo-yeah!
Look Ma! No hands this time!
Because I am strong.
I am powerful.
I can do this.
I will do this.
I am doing this!
Asana 17 - Halfway Lift
The homeward stretch.
I rise refreshed, almost levitating into a long, flat back.
All of the pieces come together, the final kinks are ironed out.
The crowd, awaiting at the finish line begins its roar.
I am awake and alive.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Asana 16 - Standing Forward Fold
Time for a playful, energizing rest!
My back leg steps powerfully into Uttanasana, tail bone shoots for the stars, and spine hangs long and relaxed, the crown of my head reaching towards mother Earth for a revitalizing drink as I look back along my path and marvel at how far I have come.
Uttanasana is also looking inwards toward the self. Revelling in the strength and beauty, creativity and passion which resides within -- and remembering my holy responsibility to love and nurture myself.
Don't force the journey. Work hard. Play hard. And rest. Keep well-hydrated. Stand up and stretch. Eat healthy food to feed body and mind. A writer well cared for is a happy, successful writer.
Asana 15 - Standing Lunge
The third and final lunge in my Sun Salutation sequence is the longest and strongest yet. Eyes return to the horizon -- now the finish line is in sight!
Asana 14 - Twisted Lunge
I love to incorporate this beautiful spinal twist into my sun salutations. It's dramatic and sensuous as I slide my hand up the outside of my shin, opening my heart space and reaching up for the sky. Voila!
Twists are a reminder that life -- and novelling -- isn't all just about the straight and narrow. Allow the plot to explore unexpected places. Allow the characters to take on lives of their own. Open up and learn from your own story how to make it stronger.
Asana 13 - Standing Lunge
The second lunge in my Sun Salutation sequence is about taking great leaps forward. I soften my knees and sink back into my haunches, drawing on my powerful legs to drive that lunging leg right up between my hands.
My chest lifts forward, proud. My body (of work) continues to lengthen, back leg long and strong behind me. Eyes are on the horizon once more, facing the road ahead straight on.
Asana 12 - Downward Facing Dog
Downward Facing Dog is the quintessential love-it-or-hate-it pose. When I'm on top of my game, well-rested, well-hydrated, strong, I could hang out in down dog for ages, continually lengthening, strengthening and deepening into the pose. When I'm tired and cranky and weak, I fight the pose, wanting it to be over NOW.
Are you a lover or a fighter?
By this point in my NaNoWriMo quest, I aim to be well ahead of the game. Strong. Confident. Enjoying the journey.
Asana 11 - Upward Facing Dog
I love Urdvha Mukha Svanasana. It's a glorious stretch for the whole front of the body, awakening flexibility for the spine, and powerful toning of the thighs and buttocks.
Upward Facing Dog is also the "breakthrough pose". The darkest hour is past. The grit and determination that carried me through Plank Pose and Crocodile have paid off as I rise up to greet the dawning sunshine.
Up Dog is over the hump. The journey home from this point is joyful and fun, revelling in the strength of poses and words laid out behind me.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Asana 10 - Crocodile
Chaturanga Dandasana is time to dig in.
It's grit.
Determination.
A calm, focussed mind.
A steady breath.
Perseverance through strength of will.
Crocodile is the Fire in the Belly pose.
It's the Long Dark Night of the Soul.
No matter how dark things get. No matter how murky the road ahead. No matter how tired you feel...
YOU PUT YOUR MILK ON YOUR MUSH AND YOU EAT IT!
Asana 9 - Plank Pose
Plank Pose is where things start to heat up.
It's easy to let go in this pose, allowing the belly to sag and the shoulders to fall forward -- but Dandasana is not the place to let go. Dandasana is about strength and integration of the whole body.
It's a tough pose for me because a lot of weight is born by the upper body, where I'm not strong, but Dandasana is not just about the shoulder and arm muscles. Chest and abdominal muscles are key, and the whole of the legs remain firm to strengthen the pose.
Dandasana is mid-NaNoWriMo. Many words have been laid down on the page. Ideas are flowing freely. October's crazy dreams and flashes of inspiration have been incorporated into the work, and the story is flowing nicely. Now it's time to get serious.
The story's "caretaker" gives way to the "work horse" who must pull all of the story's threads together, remain strong and focussed and get the job done.
Asana 8 - Downward Facing Dog
A dynamic, yet at the same time restful pose, Adho Mukha Svanasana engages the whole body in a calm, flexible strength.
Like other inversions, down dog turns my world upside down and invites me to see things from a new perspective. It reminds me that sometimes it is necessary to take a step back from the story and look at it from a different angle. How do the different characters see this moment in the story? How do the readers see it? How will history record this moment? Lose the blinders and clear out the fog that causes tunnel vision and try something new.
Down dog also makes me aware of every cell of my body. There is no strain, but everything is interconnected, working together to tone, lengthen and shape my body.
So too with my novel. There will be many threads to my story at this point. Many characters. Many settings. Many viewpoints. As the story's caretaker, I must honour each individual piece and guide its journey as the parts come together to create one beautiful whole.
Asana 7 - Standing Lunge
Hello hips! Lunging postures are a wakeup call to a part of my body which really takes a beating from prolonged sitting. Yoga gives back my hip openness and flexibility.
Spiritually, lunging back is about taking big steps -- really BIG steps -- and trusting enough to take them, even when I cannot immediately see the direction in which they will take me.
Registering for NaNoWriMo is a leap of faith.
I've never written a novel before.
Now I've pledged to do so in 30 days!
This lunge reminds me to dive in and take the plunge. The details will take care of themselves.
Asana 6 - Standing Forward Fold
Uttanasana is letting go.
I release my breath and allow my chest to fold towards my thighs.
My abdomen is lifted and my legs stand strong, but there is no strain in this pose.
Shoulders relaxed. Neck relaxed. My head hangs freely.
My spine lengthens without force, freely following the flow of gravity as that same gravity flushes my brain with oxygen-rich blood.
Uttanasana reminds me not to force my story. I have a solid foundation. I can allow my characters time to play; time to explore where they might like to go.
Contrivances which stifle need to be released. Breath deeply, relax and write with the flow.
Asana 5 - Halfway Lift
The halfway lift introduces another shift of focus -- just as my NaNovel will have shifts of focus to keep the story vibrant and interesting. (And, considering the invitation to my readers to vote on the next direction of the story, I need to remain open to many, perhaps unexpected, shifts!)
Urdhva Mukha Uttanasana is also a lengthening pose, stretching out the backs of the legs and the entire spine from crown to tail. All of that desk-sitting while I type promotes a tightening and cramping of muscles which need to be released and re-lengthened. Urdhva Mukha Uttanasana irons out the kinks in my body and is symbolic of ironing out the bumps and blocks in my story, leading to a smooth flow of energy and ideas.
Asana 4 - Modified Thunderbolt
Utkatasana is a powerful pose, but I'm still warming up here so I take a modified pose with my hands supported on my thighs.
My weight shifts back into my heels as my tail bone reaches towards the floor.
Utkatasana is a shifting of focus. It's about taking risks without fear of falling.
My legs are strong and support me in the journey, just as my writing muscles are strong and carry me through NaNoWriMo.
This modified Thunderbolt is also a connection to the Wrimo community -- a reminder that we are not alone. There are many of us, all around the world, taking this challenge together. Sharing encouragement and support.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)