I practiced at Yoga Nine on Thursday night, after the Ashtanga practice in class. It was a little challenging to do both in one day because Ashtanga was more difficult that I realized it would be, even though we did a modified version of it. I have been going to Yoga Nine just about every Thursday for the past month, so it is becoming a habit or ritual for me.

The ritual begins the separation period as soon as I step into the studio, take my shoes off, and put my stuff in a cubby. Immediately I am welcomed into a quiet, serene, dim-lighted atmosphere where it feels completely different from the outside world I was just in. For me, the transition period begins when I push myself deeper into a stretch, even further than I previously believed I could go. This was very apparent Thursday night because I was very tired and sore already, but I kept focused and in tuned with my breath which helped me to engage in each position maximally. Reincorporation happened when I left the studio and got back into my car to drive home. Being in a peaceful state of mind, this is when I reflect on my day and try to sustain the same feelings and attitudes that are present when I am in the studio practicing. Though it is hard because they are often interrupted with external forces out of my control, I try to keep this mindset throughout the rest of the weekend and following week.