Here are the photos and a video from week 1 of July’s yoga challenge focusing on arm strength.

I LOVED the first few days because I really like downward facing dog and Hindu push-ups.

I also don’t mind planks at all.

Chaturanga is one of my favorites because it makes me feel strong.

And I’ve never tried Fallen Angel Pose before, so it gave me a lot of confidence that I could land a new-to-me pose.

I was up in the air about doing this challenge because I knew it was going to be tough for me. I know, that’s a really silly reason not to try something.

Two days ago, for Crane, I saved it for the end of the day because I wasn’t really looking forward to it. I’m glad I gave it a good shot though because it’s the closest I’ve ever come to straightening my arms.

Yesterday, was the closest day I’ve come to quitting (more like postponing) a pose. I’m feeling really burnt out from juggling so many things, and I feel like I’m letting things slide just to try to get to everything that needs my attention.

By the time I had a chance to do the pose last night, it was dark and my phone was at 9% (so no using flash). I tried taking pictures in the hallway with the light on, and it was a little too cramped, then I tried in the bedroom and the pictures were either all grainy, or I was timing them wrong with the self timer and missing the shot. I literally took 20+ photos before my arms just weren’t having it anymore and I still didn’t have a good one. Not to mention my phone was just about dead. I picked one of the first photos I took and decided it was fine.

This was probably the first time taking a shot for a yoga challenge didn’t leave me feeling rejuvenated. But, I’ve come to the conclusion that that’s okay. I didn’t quit. I didn’t put it off for another day. It wasn’t a great shot, but I did it. I know the point of these challenges is to practice the pose, not just to get a pretty picture.

I’ve read a lot of comments about how people like to decompress in an inversion, so I gave a headstand a try, but I only lasted a minute or two before my head really hurt. Then I fell back onto my favorite meditating pose, Legs up a Wall, and just paid attention to my breath for about a half an hour.

Overall, I’ve been really enjoying the challenge, it looks like it’s also teaching me good lessons in not giving up, and knowing when to accept things even when they’re not perfect.