7 December, Sunday
Activity: Mass
Celebrant: Father Peter
Location: Church of the Holy Cross
Comments:
Second week of Advent. Today's Gospel is about preparing the way for the Lord. As Christians, we are called to lead others to Christ. Father spoke about John the Baptist's humility, and that he was clear in his mission to pave the way for Jesus, and not hog the limelight and let the ego take over. In our lives, we need to ultimately lead others to know Jesus.
Also, collected my Prayer for Living Year B from the Verbum Dei sisters :).
To everything there is a season
Sunday, 7 December 2014
Exercise (December)
1 December, Monday
Activity: Yoga Power 2
Instructor: Lucky K
Location: Space & Light Studios
Comments:
Today was a riot of emotions so it was a much-needed cathartic release on the #yogamat at our 90 minutes Power #Yoga 2 class. Don't #sweat the small stuff; just sweat it all out during your #workout 😂!
2 December, Tuesday
Activity: Yoga
Instructor: Diana
Location: CREATE Aerobics Studio
Comments: [extracted parts of the feedback I gave to Diana]
1. Handstand: This is the first time that I've done this pose and I'm finally taught how to do it, correctly and safely, so I'm really happy!
2. Crow pose/ Variations: We felt that this was too difficult for us, so an easier variation of this would really help! As in, an even easier variation that having two hands on the ground and lifting up one leg up at a time. On that note, I like that you provide variations for all the difficult poses. For instance, crow, wheel etc.
3. Wheel pose/ Breakdowns: I can't seem to do this, so your breakdown of the steps helped. However, I still have difficulty figuring out how to walk my hands in. It is super helpful that you provide breakdowns of how to get into a more complicated pose.
4: Demonstrations: Similar to the previous point, I like that you demonstrated every pose to us and even came around to help us with the poses.
5. Correction: Thank you for helping me with posture adjustments (in Triangle "turn body upwards", Savansana "rotate shoulders downwards" and a couple others), I really appreciated it and learnt a lot through your gentle corrections. It is really hardworking of you, and it must be so tiring!
6. Alignment: I really like the verbal instructions/ cue you give to help us visualize our breathing/ postures to maintain good form ("from crown of head to navel", "keep your spine tall/ long", "reach your hands to the top of the ceiling" etc.).
7. Sun salutations: Even though you mentioned that we could go at our own pace after the first set, I think it's better if we all do it together because we ended up doing so in the end!
8. Pace: It was very fast-paced and intense for me. I actually think that this class is harder than any of Rashita's classes. At the halfway mark, I was already feeling very tired! The good thing is that we managed to pack a lot in.
9. Meditation: I loved the one minute meditation before Savasana, as it really allowed me to not just practice physically but also psychologically. Great idea!
2 December, Tuesday
Activity: Personal Training
Instructor: Fay
Location: UFit Singapore
Comments: [from Instagram]
Final #personaltraining with @fayhokulani at @ufitsingapore after my colleague's tough lunchtime #yoga class at our #aerobics #studio (think #handstand and #sidecrow pose etc.)! She's undergoing yoga teacher #training so we're her virgin students 😊. Had #fun warming up with resistance bands, at PT doing pole #squats, pushups against the wall, #kettlebell #chestpress, kettlebell squats #jump into #plank (killer!), #bulgarianbag #workout for the #glutes, #sandbag training across the grass lawn (fun!), #lunges and high #kicks, and the #lats #pulldown #exercise! Needless to say, I was absolutely breathless by the end of the day 😂My own reflection: uality over quantity! In terms of weights etc.
4 December, Thursday
Activity: Personal Training
Instructor: ...
Location: Contours Express Jurong East
Comments: [from Instagram]
Did you know that you can get 12 free #workouts a month courtesy of #Health Promotion Board, Singapore? Yeah, #Singapore is #awesome like that ✌️. The only catch is that they'll take a photo of you as proof 😂. Here's mine after my 30 minutes #circuit #training with a #personaltrainer at #contoursexpress befor e work. I like the clean #equipment and that its a women's only #gym. Did the #cardio #fit #legpress, #armcurl, #legcurl, #lats pulldown, #triceps #pulldown, #shoulderpress, #chestpress, #legextension, #innerthigh, and a bunch of #aerobic #exercises like #squats ups, #stepups etc.😅. Post #workout, she measured my #heart rate which was 28 and is in the 85% #fatburning range, uh oh. Oh and you get a free #pedometer! 👏
5 December, Friday
Activity: Kpopfitness
Location: JCube Shopping Centre as part of Health Promotion Board's mall fitness program
Comments: Nothing too spectacular, but worked up a good sweat :). And a kind Instagram friend, @juvina, actually gave me 12 free classes at Sadhana Sanctuary so I'm very pleased to start practicing there!
7 December, Sunday
Activity: Hot Yoga
Instructor: Amrit
Location: Real Yoga Yoha
Comments:Because @rachel.yoga asked me to #stopdropyoga, so here I am playing after a hot #yoga class, wearing my @dharmabumsactive #leggings for the 1st time and loving how it feels like second skin! Thank you @alicialoh of @omgoing for miraculously finding this last piece for me 😊!
Was actually my first day of my menstrual cycle, but thanks to hot yoga, my flow was very good with no pain ;P.
Activity: Yoga Power 2
Instructor: Lucky K
Location: Space & Light Studios
Comments:
Today was a riot of emotions so it was a much-needed cathartic release on the #yogamat at our 90 minutes Power #Yoga 2 class. Don't #sweat the small stuff; just sweat it all out during your #workout 😂!
2 December, Tuesday
Activity: Yoga
Instructor: Diana
Location: CREATE Aerobics Studio
Comments: [extracted parts of the feedback I gave to Diana]
1. Handstand: This is the first time that I've done this pose and I'm finally taught how to do it, correctly and safely, so I'm really happy!
2. Crow pose/ Variations: We felt that this was too difficult for us, so an easier variation of this would really help! As in, an even easier variation that having two hands on the ground and lifting up one leg up at a time. On that note, I like that you provide variations for all the difficult poses. For instance, crow, wheel etc.
3. Wheel pose/ Breakdowns: I can't seem to do this, so your breakdown of the steps helped. However, I still have difficulty figuring out how to walk my hands in. It is super helpful that you provide breakdowns of how to get into a more complicated pose.
4: Demonstrations: Similar to the previous point, I like that you demonstrated every pose to us and even came around to help us with the poses.
5. Correction: Thank you for helping me with posture adjustments (in Triangle "turn body upwards", Savansana "rotate shoulders downwards" and a couple others), I really appreciated it and learnt a lot through your gentle corrections. It is really hardworking of you, and it must be so tiring!
6. Alignment: I really like the verbal instructions/ cue you give to help us visualize our breathing/ postures to maintain good form ("from crown of head to navel", "keep your spine tall/ long", "reach your hands to the top of the ceiling" etc.).
7. Sun salutations: Even though you mentioned that we could go at our own pace after the first set, I think it's better if we all do it together because we ended up doing so in the end!
8. Pace: It was very fast-paced and intense for me. I actually think that this class is harder than any of Rashita's classes. At the halfway mark, I was already feeling very tired! The good thing is that we managed to pack a lot in.
9. Meditation: I loved the one minute meditation before Savasana, as it really allowed me to not just practice physically but also psychologically. Great idea!
10. Style: I guess you
have a strict style which keeps us disciplined and forces us to push ourselves
in our practice.
Diana's reply is that if you do a pose correctly, every pose can be difficult. So yes, good form.
2 December, Tuesday
Activity: Personal Training
Instructor: Fay
Location: UFit Singapore
Comments: [from Instagram]
Final #personaltraining with @fayhokulani at @ufitsingapore after my colleague's tough lunchtime #yoga class at our #aerobics #studio (think #handstand and #sidecrow pose etc.)! She's undergoing yoga teacher #training so we're her virgin students 😊. Had #fun warming up with resistance bands, at PT doing pole #squats, pushups against the wall, #kettlebell #chestpress, kettlebell squats #jump into #plank (killer!), #bulgarianbag #workout for the #glutes, #sandbag training across the grass lawn (fun!), #lunges and high #kicks, and the #lats #pulldown #exercise! Needless to say, I was absolutely breathless by the end of the day 😂My own reflection: uality over quantity! In terms of weights etc.
4 December, Thursday
Activity: Personal Training
Instructor: ...
Location: Contours Express Jurong East
Comments: [from Instagram]
Did you know that you can get 12 free #workouts a month courtesy of #Health Promotion Board, Singapore? Yeah, #Singapore is #awesome like that ✌️. The only catch is that they'll take a photo of you as proof 😂. Here's mine after my 30 minutes #circuit #training with a #personaltrainer at #contoursexpress befor e work. I like the clean #equipment and that its a women's only #gym. Did the #cardio #fit #legpress, #armcurl, #legcurl, #lats pulldown, #triceps #pulldown, #shoulderpress, #chestpress, #legextension, #innerthigh, and a bunch of #aerobic #exercises like #squats ups, #stepups etc.😅. Post #workout, she measured my #heart rate which was 28 and is in the 85% #fatburning range, uh oh. Oh and you get a free #pedometer! 👏
5 December, Friday
Activity: Kpopfitness
Location: JCube Shopping Centre as part of Health Promotion Board's mall fitness program
Comments: Nothing too spectacular, but worked up a good sweat :). And a kind Instagram friend, @juvina, actually gave me 12 free classes at Sadhana Sanctuary so I'm very pleased to start practicing there!
7 December, Sunday
Activity: Hot Yoga
Instructor: Amrit
Location: Real Yoga Yoha
Comments:Because @rachel.yoga asked me to #stopdropyoga, so here I am playing after a hot #yoga class, wearing my @dharmabumsactive #leggings for the 1st time and loving how it feels like second skin! Thank you @alicialoh of @omgoing for miraculously finding this last piece for me 😊!
Was actually my first day of my menstrual cycle, but thanks to hot yoga, my flow was very good with no pain ;P.
Sunday, 2 November 2014
Prayer (November 2014)
5 November, Sunday
Activity: MassCelebrant: No idea... Location: Basilica of the Sacred Heart of JesusComments: By God's grace, we made it in time to church from the Lobster Festival :). Opening hymn was powerful, really inspiring and put me in the right mood and spirit for mass.
The gospel today was the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:7).
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven.
and speaking falsely, say all manner of evil
against you, for My sake.
The priest shared that Saturday was All Saints and that today was All Souls, and to pray for the souls of people who have no one to pray for them.
We also did the litany of the saints, in my home parish (Church of the Holy Cross-style).
Aside, had a heart to heart talk with the husband, about why he wanted me to remove his climbing photo from Facebook, and he told me about how when he was climbing a lot and winning competitions, he used to post a lot of photos on Facebook, but he got to the stage where he felt that it was all ego and self-indulgent, and stopped doing that. He doesn't want to re-open Pandora's box. That really got me thinking, and I decided that as much as I want to join the yoga community in Instagram through the #eatmoveom, I felt that I didn't want to share too many personal details for fear of how the information will be used, or rather, fear of being judged as I'm a sensitive soul, and to rethink if I really want to blog and put myself out there. I guess its time to take a step back and calibrate. And definitely stop posting progress pictures of my half naked body.
After all, beautiful things don't call for attention!
3 November, Monday
Activity: Prayer
Comments: Gospel from Sacred Space
Luke 14:12-14
Jesus said also to the one who had invited him, "When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbours, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."
Reflection on Sacred Space:
Jesus, how often my giving is corrupted by self-interest and the hope of favours in return. You gave to me without hope of return. I can do you no favours, but you taught me that love means giving without expectations, that there is more happiness in giving than in receiving.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the earth.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be
satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are they who suffer persecution for
justice' sake,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when men reproach you,
and persecute you,
and speaking falsely, say all manner of evil
against you, for My sake.
We also did the litany of the saints, in my home parish (Church of the Holy Cross-style).
Aside, had a heart to heart talk with the husband, about why he wanted me to remove his climbing photo from Facebook, and he told me about how when he was climbing a lot and winning competitions, he used to post a lot of photos on Facebook, but he got to the stage where he felt that it was all ego and self-indulgent, and stopped doing that. He doesn't want to re-open Pandora's box. That really got me thinking, and I decided that as much as I want to join the yoga community in Instagram through the #eatmoveom, I felt that I didn't want to share too many personal details for fear of how the information will be used, or rather, fear of being judged as I'm a sensitive soul, and to rethink if I really want to blog and put myself out there. I guess its time to take a step back and calibrate. And definitely stop posting progress pictures of my half naked body.
After all, beautiful things don't call for attention!
After all, beautiful things don't call for attention!
3 November, Monday
Activity: Prayer
Comments: Gospel from Sacred Space
Activity: Prayer
Comments: Gospel from Sacred Space
Jesus said also to the one who had invited him, "When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbours, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."
Reflection on Sacred Space:
Jesus, how often my giving is corrupted by self-interest and the hope of favours in return. You gave to me without hope of return. I can do you no favours, but you taught me that love means giving without expectations, that there is more happiness in giving than in receiving.
16 November, Sunday
Activity: Mass
Celebrant: Fr Jovita Ho
Location: Church of the Holy Cross
Comments: It was the parable of the talents and Fr Jovita shared about his personal story about his call and decision to begin his priesthood training. What if he failed and he would have to find employment at 38? But a Buddhist friend told him, 'If your God calls you to it, He will see you through it". Risk-taking.
As Sacred Space aptly describes it:
What can I take from your story, Lord? The cards you dealt me, the talents with which I grew up, are different from other people’s: more than some, less than others. Am I to take risks with them? Try out different paths, with the danger of failing? And then learn from my failures? You are telling me not to bury my gifts, not to curl up in safe inertia, but to take risks and use them to the full. As Samuel Beckett said: No matter…Try again… Fail again… Fail better…
Activity: Mass
Celebrant: Fr Jovita Ho
Location: Church of the Holy Cross
Comments: It was the parable of the talents and Fr Jovita shared about his personal story about his call and decision to begin his priesthood training. What if he failed and he would have to find employment at 38? But a Buddhist friend told him, 'If your God calls you to it, He will see you through it". Risk-taking. As Sacred Space aptly describes it:
What can I take from your story, Lord? The cards you dealt me, the talents with which I grew up, are different from other people’s: more than some, less than others. Am I to take risks with them? Try out different paths, with the danger of failing? And then learn from my failures? You are telling me not to bury my gifts, not to curl up in safe inertia, but to take risks and use them to the full. As Samuel Beckett said: No matter…Try again… Fail again… Fail better…
16 November, Sunday
Activity: Sacrament of Reconciliation
Celebrant: Fr Richards Ambrose
Location: Church of the Holy Cross
Comments: He reminded me to pray everyday in the same way that I eat everyday. But also, to remember that the act of contrition should be that 'I am sorry for my sins' and that 'I will not do it again'. The rest of the prayer, I can always say it in my own time. Pretty direct. Pretty embarrassing. But oh well. At least, my sins are forgiven. Go in peace =).
Aside, in my prayer life, I desire to use my talents to be more life-giving, and not chase after status, wealth and power; but to spread love, peace and joy. But I am ever challenged, to practise patience and loving kindness to my loved ones. Which is what I confessed. My unkindness to my husband and parents. And yet I struggle. But as Samuel Beckett says, "... fail better".
Activity: Sacrament of Reconciliation
Celebrant: Fr Richards Ambrose
Location: Church of the Holy Cross
Comments: He reminded me to pray everyday in the same way that I eat everyday. But also, to remember that the act of contrition should be that 'I am sorry for my sins' and that 'I will not do it again'. The rest of the prayer, I can always say it in my own time. Pretty direct. Pretty embarrassing. But oh well. At least, my sins are forgiven. Go in peace =).Aside, in my prayer life, I desire to use my talents to be more life-giving, and not chase after status, wealth and power; but to spread love, peace and joy. But I am ever challenged, to practise patience and loving kindness to my loved ones. Which is what I confessed. My unkindness to my husband and parents. And yet I struggle. But as Samuel Beckett says, "... fail better".
23 November, Sunday
Activity: Mass
Celebrant: Mgsr Ambrose Vaz
Location: Church of the Holy Cross
Comments: Today was feast of Christ the King, and Mgsr Vaz expounded on how Jesus was a servant King, and that he was a King who served, who cared, and is concerned. We are likewise called to heal, to help, to restore and to rebuild.
One takeaway while praying: Love undergirds all. It was a painful food poisoning episode but it showed me how much my parents loved me, dad fetching me to the doctor at 4 or 5am, ending up with a sore throat. Super bummed to miss all the school activities, but hey, I got to spend precious time with the sister and nieces, nauseous as I was :).
Activity: Mass
Celebrant: Mgsr Ambrose Vaz
Location: Church of the Holy Cross
Comments: Today was feast of Christ the King, and Mgsr Vaz expounded on how Jesus was a servant King, and that he was a King who served, who cared, and is concerned. We are likewise called to heal, to help, to restore and to rebuild.One takeaway while praying: Love undergirds all. It was a painful food poisoning episode but it showed me how much my parents loved me, dad fetching me to the doctor at 4 or 5am, ending up with a sore throat. Super bummed to miss all the school activities, but hey, I got to spend precious time with the sister and nieces, nauseous as I was :).
30 November, Sunday
Activity: Mass
Celebrant: Father Jovita Ho
Location: Church of the Holy Cross
Comments: First week of Advent! He spoke about how even if he falls asleep while in prayer at the adoration room, he chooses not to be consumed by guilt, but instead offers that up to God and asks God to possess him. The very fibre of his being.
Activity: Mass
Celebrant: Father Jovita Ho
Location: Church of the Holy Cross
Comments: First week of Advent! He spoke about how even if he falls asleep while in prayer at the adoration room, he chooses not to be consumed by guilt, but instead offers that up to God and asks God to possess him. The very fibre of his being. Exercise (November 2014)
Activity: Bodyworks Plus Abs
Instructor: Karuna
Location: LA Fitness at Atlantic Station
Comments: [From Instagram] Waking up for my 9:45am #exercise is the best part for me today, even if it means braving 3 degree Celsius to get to the #gym, because my most #enthusiastic #instructor, Karuna, is teaching #Bodyworks plus #abs. We followed her creative HALLOWEEN #workout: H for hollow man + knee stripes, A for #airpunches + #dumbbells, L for #lunges + #jump, L for lunges + jumps, O for #obliques v-up, W for wide #squat + heel lift, E for elevator #pushups and #leglifts, E for elevator #plank rows, N for negative #biceps curls and 2 others to start and end off, #tuckjumps with interval #hops and rockstar #jumps! Repeat for 3 sets. I love that she mixes things up in her classes, that she encourages us in word and deed (she saw that I was struggling with a move and corrected and accompanied me to #motivate me), and above all, that she recognized me as a #Singaporean from my accent in her first class! She has relatives living in SG and she had just returned from a visit to SG and she ❤️ SG. #MajulahSingapura #proudSingaporean. And that's Karuna in the photo taking a #selfie. Reposted from her FB, with permission of course ~
Activity: Yoga photoshoot
Photographer: Tanmay Sapkal of The Urban Voyager
Hair and makeup artiste: Denise Batista
Location: Georgia Tech
Comments: John was instrumental to everything being a success as he was in-charge of correcting my postures :). He cooked lunch for Denise and I, drove Denise home, drove Tanmay and I to Georgia Tech, braved 0 degree Celsius by lending me his thick winter jacket (I had only a think windbreaker!), drove Tanmay home, and was just a sweetheart in general! Dare I complain he has no time for me... =`).
This photo of John was captured by Tanmay by the way!
4 November, Monday
Activity: Boot Camp Conditioning
Instructor Tyrell
Location: LA Fitness at Atlantic Station
Comments: My last class at LA Fitness before I return to Singapore! Canceled my LA Fitness membership after that and will return in January to sign up again :). Was a good final class, forced myself there despite John's offer of a romantic farewell dinner, but it's going to be my last exercise before Friday so I just had to get it in! Will be two months before I get to lift 5KG weights and workout with puddles of perspiration =). Hesitated approaching Tyrell, especially after what I read on his blog the day before, but it's alright, I can always approach him through social media =). Took a few videos to inspire me, when I don't feel like working out in future =).
7 November, Friday
Activity: Hot Core Yoga
Instructor: Kumar
Location: Real Yoga
Comments: Felt really JOYFUL after 3 days of inactivity and traveling 24 hours in an aeroplane! Good to stretch all over again =).
8 November, Saturday
Activity: Hot Stretch Yoga
Instructor: Chandran
Location: Real Yoga
Comments: It was painful holding stretches for so long and not enjoyable, but something that will definitely improve my flexibility!
11 November, Tuesday
Activity: Personal Training
Instructor: Jerome
Location: Gold's Gym at The Strategy, IBP
Comments: Complimentary free trial. Learnt how to use a variety of new equipment of exercises:
1) Rowing: keep back straight
Source: Rowing Machine
2) TRX from both sides
Source: TRX
3) Squats with bouncing medicine ball off the wall
Source: Medicine Ball
4) Squats with pole
5) Squats on the Step
Source: Squats on step
6) Crunches and leg lifts with head up
Realized that I've been doing my squats all wrong! Cannot commit to future sessions unfortunately due to the cost =\.
12 November, Wednesday
Activity: Real Hot Yoga
Instructor: Amrit
Location: Real Yoga
Comments: 1.5 hours! Break after 45 minutes. Every posture is repeated twice. Difficulty with dancer pose and half moon pose (apparently we are supposed to be looking up).
Amrit kept correcting my alignment for a lot of poses (yay!) and seemed to like me pretty much, and even asked where I stayed and told me more about Real Yoga after class.
15 November, Saturday
Activity: Hot Backbend Yoga
Instructor: Chandran
Location: Real Yoga
Comments: Painful! Very inflexible I am. Great that Chandran held me up in my wheel as I straightened my arms, just too bad that I couldn't hold the pose for long!
18 November, Tuesday
Activity: Power Yoga 1
Instructor: .Chua WeiHwa
Location: Space & Light at R-EVOLUTION Vivocity
Comments: Ye Qing and I didn't perspire one drop... but it was scenic. I liked that she corrected my alignment, but Ye Qing commented that she spoke... a bit too much :P.
19 November, Wednesday
Activity: Personal Training
Instructor: Fay Hokulani
Location: UFIT Singapore at Amoy Street
Comments (on Instagram):
My first #personaltraining session with #fitspiration @fayhokulani at #UFIT #Singapore. She's so beautiful, even after a long day's work ! An enjoyable #workout where Fay was attentively correcting my #alignment, ensuring that I maintain good form. Started with the #foamroller; to release tension in the hamstrings, calves and hips. Moved on to 'crabwalk' with #resistancebands, #lunges with parallel arms, #highkicks touching fingers to toes, #squats with a pole, squats on the #Bosu, squats with #medicineball, #TRX #jumpsquats and #rowing, #mountainclimbers while #planking on the #benchpress, #abwork on #Swissball (where I died ), #plank with #leglifts on the BOSU, ending with #bridge pose with straight legs. Super fun !
22 November, Saturday
Activity: HIIT and Full Body Toning
Instructor: Fitness Blender
Location: At home on my red yoga mat with my weights =)
Comments: Used this for a 45 minute exercise (https://www.youtube.com/
23 November, Sunday
Activity: HIIT and Full Body Toning
Instructor: Fitness Blender
Location: At home on my red yoga mat with my purple towel
Used a different Fitness Blender workout!
25 November, Tuesday
Activity: Power Yoga 1
Instructor: .Chua WeiHwa
Location: Space & Light at R-EVOLUTION Vivocity
Comments: (from Instagram)
Nothing beats an excellent 90 minutes #power #yoga sesh after a long and frustrating day of programming! I teared from the stress and expectations (in the washroom) mid-day, but post yoga, I was radiating #joy and #beaming from ear to ear. More like #laughing as if everything's #funny! True story. Perhaps it was the release of #endorphins from the #sweat, as we explored the challenging yet #fun #asanas that WeiHwa prepared for today's #class. Altogether grateful 🙏. Especially to WeiHwa for giving clear and helpful instructions for every pose and conscientiously correcting my #alignment. Photo by @jasmineye , my fellow PhD sufferer, who caught me capturing the #scenery which we were #flowing to. We will survive and graduate, through the power of Yoga!
26 November, Wednesday
Activity: Personal Training
Instructor: Fay Hokulani
Location: UFIT Singapore at Amoy Street
Comments: (from Instagram)
Last nights personal training with @fayhokulani at @ufitsingapore , tried many things for the first time and worked up a good #sweat ✌️! First time being the last to leave the #gym. #Boxjump (land softly on both legs, especially heels); #barbell #lifts (back straight, power from hips, one palm facing upwards the other facing the barbell gripping the barbell firmly, keep close to knees, #bend to #stretch #hamstrings, straighten leg, squeeze glutes at the top); #kettleball swings (power from hips, knees soft, swing in one motion, eyes follow kettleball, keep between #thighs, extend base of kettleball outwards); kettleball #squats; #benchpress squats (ankle in line with one #knee on benchpress, other knee on floor not looming over toes, don't let knees #move inwards); #plank walk sideways (maintain low hips); modified #pushups (roll #shoulders backwards); #TRX pulling fists and elbows to chest (don't hike up hips); #pilates tabletop extend leg and hand in one straight line #crunching to chest, and rotating in circular #motions, still in tabletop, #stretching elbow to elbow extending upwards (don't #hyperextend). Slept like a baby, dreamt of fat penguins, and all ready for today's programming!
29 November, Saturday
Activity: Personal Training
Instructor: Jerome
Location: Gold's Gym at The Strategy, IBP
Comments:
1) Did the barbell shoulderpress with bar only.
2) Upright rows with 10KG weights. 3 sets of 12.
3) Lateral raises with 2.5kg dumb bells.
4) Resistance band pull back 3 sets of 15.
5) Bicep curls with a rope, 3 sets of 15 each with 5kg weights
6) Tricep extension with a rope, 3 sets of 12 with 10kg weights.
Key takeaway is the importance of visualization, as he kept telling me to, 'focus', on the move, and to do everything with purpose. This is summed up well here:
Visualization/Meditation:
The mind controls the body, program yourself to be the best you can be. See yourself performing or mastering a move exactly as you wish to be. Then your inner knowing will guide you there. In my mind I saw and practiced every kick and martial arts move before I mastered it.
Source: http://truththeory.com/2014/11/07/8-important-tips-to-enhance-dance-athletic-performance/
Instructor: Karuna
Location: LA Fitness at Atlantic Station
Comments: [From Instagram] Waking up for my 9:45am #exercise is the best part for me today, even if it means braving 3 degree Celsius to get to the #gym, because my most #enthusiastic #instructor, Karuna, is teaching #Bodyworks plus #abs. We followed her creative HALLOWEEN #workout: H for hollow man + knee stripes, A for #airpunches + #dumbbells, L for #lunges + #jump, L for lunges + jumps, O for #obliques v-up, W for wide #squat + heel lift, E for elevator #pushups and #leglifts, E for elevator #plank rows, N for negative #biceps curls and 2 others to start and end off, #tuckjumps with interval #hops and rockstar #jumps! Repeat for 3 sets. I love that she mixes things up in her classes, that she encourages us in word and deed (she saw that I was struggling with a move and corrected and accompanied me to #motivate me), and above all, that she recognized me as a #Singaporean from my accent in her first class! She has relatives living in SG and she had just returned from a visit to SG and she ❤️ SG. #MajulahSingapura #proudSingaporean. And that's Karuna in the photo taking a #selfie. Reposted from her FB, with permission of course ~
Activity: Yoga photoshoot
Photographer: Tanmay Sapkal of The Urban Voyager
Hair and makeup artiste: Denise Batista
Location: Georgia Tech
Comments: John was instrumental to everything being a success as he was in-charge of correcting my postures :). He cooked lunch for Denise and I, drove Denise home, drove Tanmay and I to Georgia Tech, braved 0 degree Celsius by lending me his thick winter jacket (I had only a think windbreaker!), drove Tanmay home, and was just a sweetheart in general! Dare I complain he has no time for me... =`).
This photo of John was captured by Tanmay by the way!
4 November, Monday
Activity: Boot Camp Conditioning
Instructor Tyrell
Location: LA Fitness at Atlantic Station
Comments: My last class at LA Fitness before I return to Singapore! Canceled my LA Fitness membership after that and will return in January to sign up again :). Was a good final class, forced myself there despite John's offer of a romantic farewell dinner, but it's going to be my last exercise before Friday so I just had to get it in! Will be two months before I get to lift 5KG weights and workout with puddles of perspiration =). Hesitated approaching Tyrell, especially after what I read on his blog the day before, but it's alright, I can always approach him through social media =). Took a few videos to inspire me, when I don't feel like working out in future =).
7 November, Friday
Activity: Hot Core Yoga
Instructor: Kumar
Location: Real Yoga
Comments: Felt really JOYFUL after 3 days of inactivity and traveling 24 hours in an aeroplane! Good to stretch all over again =).
8 November, Saturday
Activity: Hot Stretch Yoga
Instructor: Chandran
Location: Real Yoga
Comments: It was painful holding stretches for so long and not enjoyable, but something that will definitely improve my flexibility!
11 November, Tuesday
Activity: Personal Training
Instructor: Jerome
Location: Gold's Gym at The Strategy, IBP
Comments: Complimentary free trial. Learnt how to use a variety of new equipment of exercises:
1) Rowing: keep back straight
Source: Rowing Machine
2) TRX from both sides
Source: TRX
3) Squats with bouncing medicine ball off the wall
Source: Medicine Ball
4) Squats with pole
5) Squats on the Step
Source: Squats on step
6) Crunches and leg lifts with head up
Realized that I've been doing my squats all wrong! Cannot commit to future sessions unfortunately due to the cost =\.
12 November, Wednesday
Activity: Real Hot Yoga
Instructor: Amrit
Location: Real Yoga
Comments: 1.5 hours! Break after 45 minutes. Every posture is repeated twice. Difficulty with dancer pose and half moon pose (apparently we are supposed to be looking up).
Amrit kept correcting my alignment for a lot of poses (yay!) and seemed to like me pretty much, and even asked where I stayed and told me more about Real Yoga after class.
15 November, Saturday
Activity: Hot Backbend Yoga
Instructor: Chandran
Location: Real Yoga
Comments: Painful! Very inflexible I am. Great that Chandran held me up in my wheel as I straightened my arms, just too bad that I couldn't hold the pose for long!
18 November, Tuesday
Activity: Power Yoga 1
Instructor: .Chua WeiHwa
Location: Space & Light at R-EVOLUTION Vivocity
Comments: Ye Qing and I didn't perspire one drop... but it was scenic. I liked that she corrected my alignment, but Ye Qing commented that she spoke... a bit too much :P.
19 November, Wednesday
Activity: Personal Training
Instructor: Fay Hokulani
Location: UFIT Singapore at Amoy Street
Comments (on Instagram):
My first #personaltraining session with #fitspiration @fayhokulani at #UFIT #Singapore. She's so beautiful, even after a long day's work ! An enjoyable #workout where Fay was attentively correcting my #alignment, ensuring that I maintain good form. Started with the #foamroller; to release tension in the hamstrings, calves and hips. Moved on to 'crabwalk' with #resistancebands, #lunges with parallel arms, #highkicks touching fingers to toes, #squats with a pole, squats on the #Bosu, squats with #medicineball, #TRX #jumpsquats and #rowing, #mountainclimbers while #planking on the #benchpress, #abwork on #Swissball (where I died ), #plank with #leglifts on the BOSU, ending with #bridge pose with straight legs. Super fun !
22 November, Saturday
Activity: HIIT and Full Body Toning
Instructor: Fitness Blender
Location: At home on my red yoga mat with my weights =)
Comments: Used this for a 45 minute exercise (https://www.youtube.com/
23 November, Sunday
Activity: HIIT and Full Body Toning
Instructor: Fitness Blender
Location: At home on my red yoga mat with my purple towel
Used a different Fitness Blender workout!
25 November, Tuesday
Activity: Power Yoga 1
Instructor: .Chua WeiHwa
Location: Space & Light at R-EVOLUTION Vivocity
Comments: (from Instagram)
Nothing beats an excellent 90 minutes #power #yoga sesh after a long and frustrating day of programming! I teared from the stress and expectations (in the washroom) mid-day, but post yoga, I was radiating #joy and #beaming from ear to ear. More like #laughing as if everything's #funny! True story. Perhaps it was the release of #endorphins from the #sweat, as we explored the challenging yet #fun #asanas that WeiHwa prepared for today's #class. Altogether grateful 🙏. Especially to WeiHwa for giving clear and helpful instructions for every pose and conscientiously correcting my #alignment. Photo by @jasmineye , my fellow PhD sufferer, who caught me capturing the #scenery which we were #flowing to. We will survive and graduate, through the power of Yoga!
Activity: Personal Training
Instructor: Fay Hokulani
Location: UFIT Singapore at Amoy Street
Comments: (from Instagram)
Last nights personal training with @fayhokulani at @ufitsingapore , tried many things for the first time and worked up a good #sweat ✌️! First time being the last to leave the #gym. #Boxjump (land softly on both legs, especially heels); #barbell #lifts (back straight, power from hips, one palm facing upwards the other facing the barbell gripping the barbell firmly, keep close to knees, #bend to #stretch #hamstrings, straighten leg, squeeze glutes at the top); #kettleball swings (power from hips, knees soft, swing in one motion, eyes follow kettleball, keep between #thighs, extend base of kettleball outwards); kettleball #squats; #benchpress squats (ankle in line with one #knee on benchpress, other knee on floor not looming over toes, don't let knees #move inwards); #plank walk sideways (maintain low hips); modified #pushups (roll #shoulders backwards); #TRX pulling fists and elbows to chest (don't hike up hips); #pilates tabletop extend leg and hand in one straight line #crunching to chest, and rotating in circular #motions, still in tabletop, #stretching elbow to elbow extending upwards (don't #hyperextend). Slept like a baby, dreamt of fat penguins, and all ready for today's programming!
29 November, Saturday
Activity: Personal Training
Instructor: Jerome
Location: Gold's Gym at The Strategy, IBP
Comments:
1) Did the barbell shoulderpress with bar only.
2) Upright rows with 10KG weights. 3 sets of 12.
3) Lateral raises with 2.5kg dumb bells.
4) Resistance band pull back 3 sets of 15.
5) Bicep curls with a rope, 3 sets of 15 each with 5kg weights
6) Tricep extension with a rope, 3 sets of 12 with 10kg weights.
Key takeaway is the importance of visualization, as he kept telling me to, 'focus', on the move, and to do everything with purpose. This is summed up well here:
Visualization/Meditation:
The mind controls the body, program yourself to be the best you can be. See yourself performing or mastering a move exactly as you wish to be. Then your inner knowing will guide you there. In my mind I saw and practiced every kick and martial arts move before I mastered it.
Monday, 13 October 2014
Prayer (October 2014)
5 October, Sunday
Activity: Mass
Celebrant: Parish priest Rev. Msgr. Edward J. Thein
Location: Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Comments: ~
12 October, Sunday
Activity: Mass
Celebrant: Parish priest Rev. Msgr. Edward J. Thein
Location: Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Comments: My takeaway for the sermon is, Surrender. Wonderful contemporary choir who sang the psalm, the Lord is my shepherd. And here's a nice song that we sang that really touched me :).
19 October, Sunday
Activity: Mass
Celebrant: Parish priest Rev. Msgr. Edward J. Thein
Location: Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Comments:The lady next to me was late and I passed her my hymnal and she was really appreciative and thanked me for it. The whole mass was very enjoyable as we kept smiling to each other each time we helped each other, for example when laying down the kneeling bench etc. She was an amiable old lady, visiting the church for the first time with her friend :).
20 October, Monday
Activity: Prayer
Comments: I've decided to also include my daily prayer reflections on Sacred Space here :).
Luke 12:13-21
Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me." But he said to him, "Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?" And he said to them, "Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions." Then he told them a parable: "The land of a rich man produced abundantly. And he thought to himself, 'What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?' Then he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, 'Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.' But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God."
Reminder for me given that I've been storing up activewear albeit for a business idea that I'm working on, but still, to be less obsessed about the external (since everyone commented on my abs), and to instead always turn to God in prayer, and realign my values, intentions and tune my heart to His.
21 October, Monday
Activity: Prayer
Comments: Gospel from Sacred Space
Luke 12:35-38
Jesus said to his disciples, "Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves."
Today's gospel for me is about preparing a room for the Lord in my heart and availing myself to him at all times. That my body is a holy temple and sanctuary of God. Also, to start by serving one person at a time. And to start with those closest to me in my life, my husband for one. Being more appreciative and loving towards him, and committing to doing so on a daily basis.
Reflection from Living Space
In our relationships with God, it is always the present which counts. The prepared servant lives constantly in the present and seeks and finds God there. A life so lived takes care of itself – and its future.
26 October, Sunday
Activity: Prayer
Comments: Gospel from Sacred Space
Inigo became convinced that experiencing God in a direct and immediate way was not a special favor reserved for a few select mystics. If God was willing to speak directly to a sinner like him, God would speak to anyone—anyone, at least, who was willing to take the time to be still, listen and pray.
- Ronald Modras, Ignatian Humanism*
Today's gospel:
When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. "Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?" He said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the
greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbour as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."*
Today's reflection on Sacred Space:
Jesus calls us to more than mindfulness; paying attention is not enough. He wants to us to be where he is, drawn fully into the life of God. Heart, soul and mind show me just how fully Jesus thinks of love. Nothing is to be left out nor is anyone to be excluded as the love of God draws me beyond myself into loving contact with those around me.*
27 October, Monday
Activity: Prayer
Comments: Gospel from Sacred Space
Luke 13:10-17
Now Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, "Woman, you are set free from your ailment." When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God. But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured on the sabbath, kept saying to the crowd, "There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be cured, and not on the sabbath day." But the Lord answered him and said, "You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to give it water? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen long years, be set free from this bondage on the sabbath day?" When he said this, all his opponents were put to shame; and the entire crowd was rejoicing at all the wonderful things that he was doing.
Today's reflection on Sacred Space:
This woman had: never able to look anyone in the eye, unable to take her place among any ordinary crowd. She was likely to have been looked down on or overlooked, denied her dignity as a person. Jesus wants to free me of any improper lmpediments, ligatures or restrictions. He does not ask me what I can bear, what I am used to or what I can settle for. He wants to restore me to my proper stature and to let me see as he sees.
My prayer:
Father, help me to see myself in terms of how You see me, and do what You want me to.
28 October, Tuesday
Activity: Prayer
Comments: Gospel from Sacred Space
Luke 6:12-16
Now during those days he went out to the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, and James, and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Simon, who was called the Zealot, and Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
Today's reflection on Sacred Space:
Jesus called people to follow him, but not all in the same way. The disciples lived their calling by following Jesus on his journeys, by accompanying him in his mission. There are not grades of discipleship; each of us strives to live the call of Jesus as fully as we can in a way that is appropriate to our situation.
2 November, Sunday
Activity: Prayer
Comments: Gospel from Sacred Space
Today's reflection on Sacred Space:
On this All Souls Day we are in communion with the millions who have gone to the Lord. Eye has not seen nor ear heard, nor has it entered into the human heart to conceive what God has prepared for those who love him. The more I learn of you, Lord, the less I fear death.
Activity: Mass
Celebrant: Parish priest Rev. Msgr. Edward J. Thein
Location: Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Comments: ~
12 October, Sunday
Activity: Mass
Celebrant: Parish priest Rev. Msgr. Edward J. Thein
Location: Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Comments: My takeaway for the sermon is, Surrender. Wonderful contemporary choir who sang the psalm, the Lord is my shepherd. And here's a nice song that we sang that really touched me :).
19 October, Sunday
Activity: Mass
Celebrant: Parish priest Rev. Msgr. Edward J. Thein
Location: Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Comments:The lady next to me was late and I passed her my hymnal and she was really appreciative and thanked me for it. The whole mass was very enjoyable as we kept smiling to each other each time we helped each other, for example when laying down the kneeling bench etc. She was an amiable old lady, visiting the church for the first time with her friend :).
20 October, Monday
Activity: Prayer
Comments: I've decided to also include my daily prayer reflections on Sacred Space here :).
Luke 12:13-21
Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me." But he said to him, "Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?" And he said to them, "Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions." Then he told them a parable: "The land of a rich man produced abundantly. And he thought to himself, 'What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?' Then he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, 'Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.' But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God."
Reminder for me given that I've been storing up activewear albeit for a business idea that I'm working on, but still, to be less obsessed about the external (since everyone commented on my abs), and to instead always turn to God in prayer, and realign my values, intentions and tune my heart to His.
21 October, Monday
Activity: Prayer
Comments: Gospel from Sacred Space
Jesus said to his disciples, "Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves."
Today's gospel for me is about preparing a room for the Lord in my heart and availing myself to him at all times. That my body is a holy temple and sanctuary of God. Also, to start by serving one person at a time. And to start with those closest to me in my life, my husband for one. Being more appreciative and loving towards him, and committing to doing so on a daily basis.
Reflection from Living Space
In our relationships with God, it is always the present which counts. The prepared servant lives constantly in the present and seeks and finds God there. A life so lived takes care of itself – and its future.
26 October, Sunday
Activity: Prayer
Comments: Gospel from Sacred Space
Inigo became convinced that experiencing God in a direct and immediate way was not a special favor reserved for a few select mystics. If God was willing to speak directly to a sinner like him, God would speak to anyone—anyone, at least, who was willing to take the time to be still, listen and pray.
- Ronald Modras, Ignatian Humanism*
Today's gospel:
When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. "Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?" He said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the
greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbour as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."*
Today's reflection on Sacred Space:
Jesus calls us to more than mindfulness; paying attention is not enough. He wants to us to be where he is, drawn fully into the life of God. Heart, soul and mind show me just how fully Jesus thinks of love. Nothing is to be left out nor is anyone to be excluded as the love of God draws me beyond myself into loving contact with those around me.*
27 October, Monday
Activity: Prayer
Comments: Gospel from Sacred Space
Luke 13:10-17
Now Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, "Woman, you are set free from your ailment." When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God. But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured on the sabbath, kept saying to the crowd, "There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be cured, and not on the sabbath day." But the Lord answered him and said, "You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to give it water? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen long years, be set free from this bondage on the sabbath day?" When he said this, all his opponents were put to shame; and the entire crowd was rejoicing at all the wonderful things that he was doing.
Today's reflection on Sacred Space:
This woman had: never able to look anyone in the eye, unable to take her place among any ordinary crowd. She was likely to have been looked down on or overlooked, denied her dignity as a person. Jesus wants to free me of any improper lmpediments, ligatures or restrictions. He does not ask me what I can bear, what I am used to or what I can settle for. He wants to restore me to my proper stature and to let me see as he sees.
My prayer:
Father, help me to see myself in terms of how You see me, and do what You want me to.
28 October, Tuesday
Activity: Prayer
Comments: Gospel from Sacred Space
Luke 6:12-16
Now during those days he went out to the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, and James, and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Simon, who was called the Zealot, and Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
Today's reflection on Sacred Space:
Jesus called people to follow him, but not all in the same way. The disciples lived their calling by following Jesus on his journeys, by accompanying him in his mission. There are not grades of discipleship; each of us strives to live the call of Jesus as fully as we can in a way that is appropriate to our situation.
2 November, Sunday
Activity: Prayer
Comments: Gospel from Sacred Space
Matthew 11:25-30
At that time Jesus said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."\
On this All Souls Day we are in communion with the millions who have gone to the Lord. Eye has not seen nor ear heard, nor has it entered into the human heart to conceive what God has prepared for those who love him. The more I learn of you, Lord, the less I fear death.
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