Due to some back problems and the ol' ab injury creeping back in, I backed off my personal practice for a few weeks in December- sometimes you just need a break, you know? After a couple weeks of "rest" (I was still teaching five times a week, so it's not like I wasn't practicing at all) I felt ready to get back at it, and I made a promise to myself to step on the mat more for myself.
Lately, I've been working on some major hip opening stuff (see below) and arm balances. The hip opening is crazy - leaves me sore and sort of irritable for a few days after, so I have to really space it out. (I know that hip stuff has a reputation for bringing up a lot of emotional stuff for people, and maybe that's where my irritability comes in - does that happen to any of you?) With arm balances, I'm surprised by how strong and stable I feel compared to just a few months ago. I can see above the small progress that's taken place - I've got access to a bit more flexibility in my spine, and I've changed the position of my hands (pressed together, rather than interlaced) which to me feels more secure.
What have you been working on in your practice lately?
PS- How to create a yoga sequence, and how to say no to your yoga teacher.