ALMOST FORGOT
It's been a busy day -- preparing to teach, then teaching, then thought I was subbing, but that turned out to be a mistake (isn't that what we have calendars for -- and I had it written down correctly). Now, I just finished a practice in which I taught myself.
I've practiced talks, practiced poses, but never, I repeat NEVER, have I taught myself a whole class.
I have to tell you, it's an effective way to work on your teaching. I started out speaking very quietly, in an empty studio no less. By the end of my 'class', I was really animated and loud. I kept looking towards the door whenever I heard a noise, expecting someone to come in for information and find me on the floor, teaching NO ONE (but myself).
It takes time, but it really tells you whether a sequence works, whether your alignment principle is appropriate, whether the theme fits with the heart quality, etc., etc., etc.
Enjoy the weekend,
I've practiced talks, practiced poses, but never, I repeat NEVER, have I taught myself a whole class.
I have to tell you, it's an effective way to work on your teaching. I started out speaking very quietly, in an empty studio no less. By the end of my 'class', I was really animated and loud. I kept looking towards the door whenever I heard a noise, expecting someone to come in for information and find me on the floor, teaching NO ONE (but myself).
It takes time, but it really tells you whether a sequence works, whether your alignment principle is appropriate, whether the theme fits with the heart quality, etc., etc., etc.
Enjoy the weekend,
NO JAIL YESTERDAY
My day started as planned -- going into the studio, straightening paperwork, checking the studio and getting it ready for the Gentle Yoga class. That class went as planned - theme: Celebration (no surprise, there, after yesterday's blog).
I headed from there out to the Jail for the afternoon class. After signing in, going through the security doors, and schlepping the supply cart to the pod, I was told there was an issue in the pod that would prevent my using the classroom. So, schlep the supplies back, go back out through security, sign out. (This doesn't sound like much, but it is a 15-20 minute process both ways - in & out.)
Interesting to me that the Officers at the front desk were surprised that I wasn't upset. Apparently, it isn't unusual for volunteers to get upset when things like this happen and give the front desk Officers a piece of their mind. (Sounds like someone needs yoga!)
For me, the fact that I wasn't upset is one of the wonderful side effects of this yoga practice. It creates a calm in me, a knowledge that I'm not the only one in the equation, and an ability to flow with the pulsation we experience in life. Great stuff.
Oh, I can get my feathers ruffled, don't get me wrong. I just hope that I react appropriately and at the right time. It's just wasting energy otherwise.
Teaching my friends at Sanderson Community Center for the Deaf this morning, then subbing a class at noon.
Enjoy your day,
I headed from there out to the Jail for the afternoon class. After signing in, going through the security doors, and schlepping the supply cart to the pod, I was told there was an issue in the pod that would prevent my using the classroom. So, schlep the supplies back, go back out through security, sign out. (This doesn't sound like much, but it is a 15-20 minute process both ways - in & out.)
Interesting to me that the Officers at the front desk were surprised that I wasn't upset. Apparently, it isn't unusual for volunteers to get upset when things like this happen and give the front desk Officers a piece of their mind. (Sounds like someone needs yoga!)
For me, the fact that I wasn't upset is one of the wonderful side effects of this yoga practice. It creates a calm in me, a knowledge that I'm not the only one in the equation, and an ability to flow with the pulsation we experience in life. Great stuff.
Oh, I can get my feathers ruffled, don't get me wrong. I just hope that I react appropriately and at the right time. It's just wasting energy otherwise.
Teaching my friends at Sanderson Community Center for the Deaf this morning, then subbing a class at noon.
Enjoy your day,
26 DAYS
Yup, I've been faithfully writing in this blog for 26 days! I know it's a habit, because I'm a bit rushed this morning, but still feel it necessary to insert a few words before I go on to the next activity of the morning.
I am excited and nervous about teaching my first classes today since the training. I've been going over and over themes, heart qualities, sequences. I teach two classes and they are SO different. My first is Gentle Yoga, at the studio (the name of the class should give you an idea of what's involved). The second is at the Jail this afternoon.
Two very different audiences -- could I use the same theme, could I use something like 'celebration'? What, you ask, would Jail prisoners have to 'celebrate'? Let's see, being alive, perhaps having a family or loved one to support them in this difficult time, being able to do yoga!
Not sure that celebration will be my theme, but even the person who is a bit down, or in a difficult life situation, can find something to celebrate in their life -- it's our opportunity to help them realize it.
Enjoy Wednesday,
I am excited and nervous about teaching my first classes today since the training. I've been going over and over themes, heart qualities, sequences. I teach two classes and they are SO different. My first is Gentle Yoga, at the studio (the name of the class should give you an idea of what's involved). The second is at the Jail this afternoon.
Two very different audiences -- could I use the same theme, could I use something like 'celebration'? What, you ask, would Jail prisoners have to 'celebrate'? Let's see, being alive, perhaps having a family or loved one to support them in this difficult time, being able to do yoga!
Not sure that celebration will be my theme, but even the person who is a bit down, or in a difficult life situation, can find something to celebrate in their life -- it's our opportunity to help them realize it.
Enjoy Wednesday,
IT'S WORK
One interesting phenomenon of yoga is the number of students who start the practice, and - as soon as it becomes apparent that this involves hard work & dedication - quit.
I often wonder what those students came looking for. Or, what they realized while practicing -- maybe a glimpse of one part of their true self, one they didn't want to explore. So, it's easier for them to turn a blind eye, to quit.
This probably happens in many activities. "If I don't succeed, I'll quit."
I could have easily quit after my first few yoga classes. Being older, a bit overweight, inflexible, and very conservative -- those are all traits that don't encourage activities that require energy, exude an air of youthfulness, require we look at a spiritual picture of ourselves. It's easier to quit. It's easier to sit on the couch and watch Oprah (nothing against Oprah, I actually enjoy her show).
But, I've discovered that sitting on the couch doesn't make me feel better about myself, it doesn't connect me with other people, and it doesn't give me any insight about my true nature, my strengths and weaknesses, my capacity to serve by teaching and offering classes through my studio.
If I quit, I've failed to realize Grace - a revelation of the beauty within myself and the Universe.
A short story -- I've struggled with Urdhva Dhanurasana for 10 years now. When I was in Boston last Fall, I pushed up for one of the first, stable times. After class, I called my husband to tell him. His response: "Good for you on not giving up." He could have said a number of other things, including "FINALLY!" But, he didn't; he chose, rather, to focus on my effort and my dedication.
Thankful I didn't quit,
I often wonder what those students came looking for. Or, what they realized while practicing -- maybe a glimpse of one part of their true self, one they didn't want to explore. So, it's easier for them to turn a blind eye, to quit.
This probably happens in many activities. "If I don't succeed, I'll quit."
I could have easily quit after my first few yoga classes. Being older, a bit overweight, inflexible, and very conservative -- those are all traits that don't encourage activities that require energy, exude an air of youthfulness, require we look at a spiritual picture of ourselves. It's easier to quit. It's easier to sit on the couch and watch Oprah (nothing against Oprah, I actually enjoy her show).
But, I've discovered that sitting on the couch doesn't make me feel better about myself, it doesn't connect me with other people, and it doesn't give me any insight about my true nature, my strengths and weaknesses, my capacity to serve by teaching and offering classes through my studio.
If I quit, I've failed to realize Grace - a revelation of the beauty within myself and the Universe.
A short story -- I've struggled with Urdhva Dhanurasana for 10 years now. When I was in Boston last Fall, I pushed up for one of the first, stable times. After class, I called my husband to tell him. His response: "Good for you on not giving up." He could have said a number of other things, including "FINALLY!" But, he didn't; he chose, rather, to focus on my effort and my dedication.
Thankful I didn't quit,
HOME AGAIN
No matter how great the training, workshop, vacation, weekend getaway, whatever, it is ALWAYS good to be home. Back in my own comfort zone.
The morning practice yesterday (Sunday) was amazing. John's request of us was to do the practice as fully as possible and to remember -- because if we forget, it's a sign that it's not important to us. It is important that we live each day fully, pay attention to our lives, remember our students, and give thanks to the teachers in our lives.
What fun to practice with mindfulness and effort as the theme -- I can do my best and know that it is 'purna' (fullness, perfect) -- even if I do a splendid face plant! I WILL always remember that practice - the last time in that venue (next year, the Tucson kula will have to come up with another location for this training/workshop), the last time with that particular group of students (next year, a different group will gather), and who knows what will change in my life in the next 12 months (not that I anticipate a big change; but, change happens - its part of the pulsation of life). I also will never forget where and when I did 4 urdhva dhanurasanas in a row (last one with close to straight arms)!
It's also the last day I will have ready-made blog topics to write about. I'm on my own now to come up with stuff to write about, for a while.
Foggy and cold here in Salt Lake, expecting snow later in the day; nothing like Tucson.
The morning practice yesterday (Sunday) was amazing. John's request of us was to do the practice as fully as possible and to remember -- because if we forget, it's a sign that it's not important to us. It is important that we live each day fully, pay attention to our lives, remember our students, and give thanks to the teachers in our lives.
What fun to practice with mindfulness and effort as the theme -- I can do my best and know that it is 'purna' (fullness, perfect) -- even if I do a splendid face plant! I WILL always remember that practice - the last time in that venue (next year, the Tucson kula will have to come up with another location for this training/workshop), the last time with that particular group of students (next year, a different group will gather), and who knows what will change in my life in the next 12 months (not that I anticipate a big change; but, change happens - its part of the pulsation of life). I also will never forget where and when I did 4 urdhva dhanurasanas in a row (last one with close to straight arms)!
It's also the last day I will have ready-made blog topics to write about. I'm on my own now to come up with stuff to write about, for a while.
Foggy and cold here in Salt Lake, expecting snow later in the day; nothing like Tucson.
THANKFUL but READY
As thankful as I am for having this week and weekend, I am ready to go home - to spend time with my husband, to sleep in my own bed, to pet my dogs & cats, to teach AND I owe my Grandson, Jack, another letter.
Question I've been asked most often as this week/weekend winds down? 'what will I teach that first class 'back in the saddle'? Answer: don't know. It's all still percolating.
I will have more poses in my arsenal (poses I have, in the past, avoided teaching), and I will have new languaging skills to practice. But, what will I teach? Thankfully, I have a few days before that first class to think about it and get ready.
What we hear repeatedly is that we must develop our 'own voice'. That just repeating another teacher's instructions, ideas, themes, etc., does not sound authentic. We each have a unique way of teaching. My job over the next weeks, months, years(?) will be to take the teachings I've received and work them into MY vocabulary, MY voice.
Two more hours (just doing the morning session today), until this great time with John & friends will end - for a while. Turns out, he will come to Park City in September for a weekend workshop. I'll apply; you should too.
Take care,
Question I've been asked most often as this week/weekend winds down? 'what will I teach that first class 'back in the saddle'? Answer: don't know. It's all still percolating.
I will have more poses in my arsenal (poses I have, in the past, avoided teaching), and I will have new languaging skills to practice. But, what will I teach? Thankfully, I have a few days before that first class to think about it and get ready.
What we hear repeatedly is that we must develop our 'own voice'. That just repeating another teacher's instructions, ideas, themes, etc., does not sound authentic. We each have a unique way of teaching. My job over the next weeks, months, years(?) will be to take the teachings I've received and work them into MY vocabulary, MY voice.
Two more hours (just doing the morning session today), until this great time with John & friends will end - for a while. Turns out, he will come to Park City in September for a weekend workshop. I'll apply; you should too.
Take care,
NOW, PUT IT INTO ACTION
Saturday morning and thinking about the weekend portion of this adventure.
In the past, I have rarely stayed on for the weekend workshop after a week-long training. These trainings can be intense -- if you've been reading this blog, you know that I've been sitting a lot, doing a good bit of yoga, practicing my teaching, and being taught by other students like myself. That doesn't include the note-taking (and note typing). By the end of a week like this, I'm a bit weary.
I wouldn't mind going home today, but - since I have someone to sub my class this morning, I have a place to stay, and my husband is o.k. with it - I'm going to push the envelope a bit and do the weekend. More time with old & new friends, more time to practice those elusive poses, and more time to experience John's teaching.
Switching gears, yesterday morning was a potpourri of good information, from philosophy to books we must read to general questions. We did a practice, pausing periodically to practice adjustments and discuss points. The theme for this practice was 'Shri' (divine beauty); the heart quality - artistically celebrating our own uniqueness. In this practice, we explored adding our own uniqueness to each pose, not just emulating our neighbor or doing 'cookie cutter' versions of the poses. Fun stuff!
As you practice today, reflect on your own uniqueness -- as one student pointed out, the first thing people notice about a work of art is the last thing the artist did in creating it. So, pay attention to your foundation, take a good general form of the pose, then open and create your own work of art.
Enjoy,
In the past, I have rarely stayed on for the weekend workshop after a week-long training. These trainings can be intense -- if you've been reading this blog, you know that I've been sitting a lot, doing a good bit of yoga, practicing my teaching, and being taught by other students like myself. That doesn't include the note-taking (and note typing). By the end of a week like this, I'm a bit weary.
I wouldn't mind going home today, but - since I have someone to sub my class this morning, I have a place to stay, and my husband is o.k. with it - I'm going to push the envelope a bit and do the weekend. More time with old & new friends, more time to practice those elusive poses, and more time to experience John's teaching.
Switching gears, yesterday morning was a potpourri of good information, from philosophy to books we must read to general questions. We did a practice, pausing periodically to practice adjustments and discuss points. The theme for this practice was 'Shri' (divine beauty); the heart quality - artistically celebrating our own uniqueness. In this practice, we explored adding our own uniqueness to each pose, not just emulating our neighbor or doing 'cookie cutter' versions of the poses. Fun stuff!
As you practice today, reflect on your own uniqueness -- as one student pointed out, the first thing people notice about a work of art is the last thing the artist did in creating it. So, pay attention to your foundation, take a good general form of the pose, then open and create your own work of art.
Enjoy,
DAY FIVE
Well, this party's almost over. Today's the last day of the 5-day Teacher's Intensive training. We'll work from 9-1 today, then we're done. I will stay for the weekend workshop, where emphasis will be experiencing John as he teaches -- watching the master.
This week has been a transition for many of us; moving from the technical aspects of teaching to the languaging. Purpose: To connect with each student, on a higher level than just the physical. That doesn't mean preaching; it's more guiding them to see a better picture of themselves (and ourselves). It's a challenge, because I can get pretty technical in my teaching. I'm a pretty black & white kind of person.
We didn't practice much yesterday -- lots of listening, note-taking, demos, teaching each other (I guess you can call those activities 'practice'; but not practice like we're used to). We did, however, do a few poses towards the end of the day. (I now have a longer list of poses to work on.) As John taught one pose, he stayed in front of me - walking back and forth 5-10 students on either side - and his repeated message was that we have to let go sometimes and just move.
One of the teachings yesterday was the qualities of a great yoga teacher. Most of us have heard this, but - as a reminder - they are:
This week has been a transition for many of us; moving from the technical aspects of teaching to the languaging. Purpose: To connect with each student, on a higher level than just the physical. That doesn't mean preaching; it's more guiding them to see a better picture of themselves (and ourselves). It's a challenge, because I can get pretty technical in my teaching. I'm a pretty black & white kind of person.
We didn't practice much yesterday -- lots of listening, note-taking, demos, teaching each other (I guess you can call those activities 'practice'; but not practice like we're used to). We did, however, do a few poses towards the end of the day. (I now have a longer list of poses to work on.) As John taught one pose, he stayed in front of me - walking back and forth 5-10 students on either side - and his repeated message was that we have to let go sometimes and just move.
One of the teachings yesterday was the qualities of a great yoga teacher. Most of us have heard this, but - as a reminder - they are:
- Studentship -- the teacher is always a student
- Humility -- remember the source of our knowledge
- Trustworthiness - do not waver in the conviction to serve students
- Empathetic - sensitive to the feelings of students
- Aspire to excellence - a desire to get better & better as teachers (and students)
- Agility of mind - ability to assimilate and process information quickly; then communicate just as quickly
Though there were 139 other students in the room, as John paced in front of me, he appropriately placed emphasis on #6. Maybe someone else was behaving similarly, but just maybe he was addressing my limitations, my tendency to hold back, and - knowing me - decided I need a gentle prod to 'kick it up'. If it was intended for me -- message received.
Enjoy your Friday,
SHORTER & SHORTER & SHORTER
Blog entries this week have been short, I hope anyone reading out there will understand.
Sitting on the floor for 4-5 hours each day; practicing for 2-3 hours; up-down, up-down to teach or discuss; writing notes; then typing notes. All this leaves one in a bit of a brain fog.
What am I learning? Hard to quantify, but I have copious notes and over the months and years to come, pieces of the knowledge being transmitted will percolate to me and on to students.
Yesterday's teaching revolved around the theme of pulsation (i.e. yes & no, remembrance & forgetting). In the afternoon that teaching was particularly applicable to me (and probably others in the room). Those of us who wonder if we're good enough.
As we taught each other poses, using the theme of remembering our goodness & letting go of limiting thoughts, it was wonderful to inhale and hug in to the remembrance that I am a good teacher and person with lots to offer the community around me. Then, to exhale the limited vision I have of my own self. Finding the balance between the two, gives me a new vision of myself.
Hope this makes sense (remember, the brain fog),
Sitting on the floor for 4-5 hours each day; practicing for 2-3 hours; up-down, up-down to teach or discuss; writing notes; then typing notes. All this leaves one in a bit of a brain fog.
What am I learning? Hard to quantify, but I have copious notes and over the months and years to come, pieces of the knowledge being transmitted will percolate to me and on to students.
Yesterday's teaching revolved around the theme of pulsation (i.e. yes & no, remembrance & forgetting). In the afternoon that teaching was particularly applicable to me (and probably others in the room). Those of us who wonder if we're good enough.
As we taught each other poses, using the theme of remembering our goodness & letting go of limiting thoughts, it was wonderful to inhale and hug in to the remembrance that I am a good teacher and person with lots to offer the community around me. Then, to exhale the limited vision I have of my own self. Finding the balance between the two, gives me a new vision of myself.
Hope this makes sense (remember, the brain fog),
ACTION
I came to Tucson with the attitude of studying more about the effective teaching of Anusara™ yoga, and to connect with old and new friends. I have aligned myself with that attitude by putting myself in a training designed to give me more knowledge.
Now, the action:
Now, the action:
- I practice each day, alongside old and new friends (not to mention the opportunities to chat before, between and after each day's sessions).
- I listen to John's words reflecting his years of experience - both before and within Anusara™.
- I ask questions (years of experience have taught me that no question is 'dumb', and there are probably others in the room wondering the same thing -- so, ASK).
- I take copious (sometimes illegible) notes.
- Now, I'm typing those notes into my laptop.
Action is the result of our attitude and our alignment. If done mindfully and with good intention, it will feel good -- magic will happen.
The 'magic' doesn't mean I'll know everything after this training; but I will know more; more will percolate into my brain cells; and I will be a better teacher after this training.
Just like our practice on the mat -- we don't often get the pose perfect on the first try. It takes practice; it's always a practice.
Looking forward to Day Three,
DAY TWO
Nervous, jittery, a bit of trepidation, excitement -- all describe my feelings as I arrived at the "Y" for the first day of the Teacher's Intensive training with John Friend. Not unusual, but why nervous - after many of these trainings?
I guess it's because we never know how we'll be tested, how we'll 'perform', or - perish the thought - will we embarrass ourselves. Not abnormal feelings, but you'd think we'd get used to this by now, unless it's the first or second one of these you've attended (NOT my circumstance). However, once we placed our mats, gathered for introductions and John's opening remarks, the jitters had settled and I felt at home -- back in the company of good friends, soon-to-be-made friends, and teachers, and ready to learn and practice.
This training will expand on the philosophy and the languaging we use to transmit our themes, heart qualities, messages to our students. All directed at conducting a class where the students leave a class feeling (1) greater insight / awareness of their deeper essence, (2) better about themselves and others, and (3) that they were well taken care of (safe).
Looking forward to Day Two -- I think I'll pass on that next cup of coffee; that could have been part of the 'jitters' plaguing me yesterday (duh!).
Enjoy Tuesday,
I guess it's because we never know how we'll be tested, how we'll 'perform', or - perish the thought - will we embarrass ourselves. Not abnormal feelings, but you'd think we'd get used to this by now, unless it's the first or second one of these you've attended (NOT my circumstance). However, once we placed our mats, gathered for introductions and John's opening remarks, the jitters had settled and I felt at home -- back in the company of good friends, soon-to-be-made friends, and teachers, and ready to learn and practice.
This training will expand on the philosophy and the languaging we use to transmit our themes, heart qualities, messages to our students. All directed at conducting a class where the students leave a class feeling (1) greater insight / awareness of their deeper essence, (2) better about themselves and others, and (3) that they were well taken care of (safe).
Looking forward to Day Two -- I think I'll pass on that next cup of coffee; that could have been part of the 'jitters' plaguing me yesterday (duh!).
Enjoy Tuesday,
TUCSON
In Tucson, at my mother-in-law's home, having arrived yesterday early afternoon.
Spent the afternoon relaxing, but also read Christina Sell's blog describing the sequence the participants in John's Advanced Intensive are doing. Wow! Someday . . .
We start this morning at 9 a.m. The first challenge will be getting to the 'Y' (venue) which is located close to the University. Normally, this wouldn't be a problem, but for years the freeway has been under construction. I noticed as I drove past usual exits that they are all CLOSED. So, I'll give surface streets a try. Leave early and hope everyone going to work on Monday a.m. takes another route.
A note of APPRECIATION: Each time I start one of these trainings, it's important for me to remember all the people who support me in this work to be a really effective teacher of Anusara™ yoga. First, there's my husband, who's home alone with 3 dogs, 2 cats, and 2 birds -- all needing care & feeding (not to mention, feeding himself). Second, all my instructors who step in and cover classes, keep the studio in shape, and take care of the phone while I'm gone, etc. Third, my mother-in-law, who gets to put up with me for 8 days. Granted, I'm not here to get in her way for most of the day, but when you're used to being alone - company is nice, but I realize it could get old after 2-3 days. I would not be able to do this without all of their help and support, THANK YOU.
Continuation of the 3 A's - check in tomorrow, I may have fresh material after today!
Take care,
Spent the afternoon relaxing, but also read Christina Sell's blog describing the sequence the participants in John's Advanced Intensive are doing. Wow! Someday . . .
We start this morning at 9 a.m. The first challenge will be getting to the 'Y' (venue) which is located close to the University. Normally, this wouldn't be a problem, but for years the freeway has been under construction. I noticed as I drove past usual exits that they are all CLOSED. So, I'll give surface streets a try. Leave early and hope everyone going to work on Monday a.m. takes another route.
A note of APPRECIATION: Each time I start one of these trainings, it's important for me to remember all the people who support me in this work to be a really effective teacher of Anusara™ yoga. First, there's my husband, who's home alone with 3 dogs, 2 cats, and 2 birds -- all needing care & feeding (not to mention, feeding himself). Second, all my instructors who step in and cover classes, keep the studio in shape, and take care of the phone while I'm gone, etc. Third, my mother-in-law, who gets to put up with me for 8 days. Granted, I'm not here to get in her way for most of the day, but when you're used to being alone - company is nice, but I realize it could get old after 2-3 days. I would not be able to do this without all of their help and support, THANK YOU.
Continuation of the 3 A's - check in tomorrow, I may have fresh material after today!
Take care,
ALIGNMENT
Got a few minutes before I have to finalize packing for Tucson, so I should be able to knock out something about alignment. Ha! I notice that my writing, reading, editing, re-reading, repeat, repeat, repeat -- always seems to take much longer than it should. But, I'll give it a shot.
For me, a simple definition of alignment is setting the body in a specific way to create a pose that is effortless (almost), and feels good -- I know when it feels good, because I can hold it, I can breathe, I can really experience the organic extension.
Step back to attitude for a moment. Reflect on your practice. How easy is it to align your body, if the open, generous, strong attitude is not present? For me, one depends on the other. Lackadaisical, effortless poses are 99.9% of the time not aligned well because we lack the attitude to move them towards our optimal blueprint and an action that 'sings'.
Off our mats, we can make the same correlation.
I have on my home page, a quote section that comes up each morning with inspirational offerings. One of my favorites is: 'if you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over' (author unknown). Doing it 'right' is the alignment we make in life (and in our yoga practice).
Now go back to my urdhva dhanurasana efforts (this blog involves a lot of flashbacks). I know, because I've been told, that my alignment towards the pose is good. So, what's the problem? Maybe it's my attitude. I always dread the pose, I always used to think here comes another failure, or - worse - "everyone's watching me and thinking 'how did she get in here -- didn't the application say straight arms?'". That's my attitude stopping me from carrying the alignment into action.
So, alignment is our path to action, but depends on our attitude. Pretty simplistic, but it makes sense to me.
Next installment: Action
Have a nice Sunday
For me, a simple definition of alignment is setting the body in a specific way to create a pose that is effortless (almost), and feels good -- I know when it feels good, because I can hold it, I can breathe, I can really experience the organic extension.
Step back to attitude for a moment. Reflect on your practice. How easy is it to align your body, if the open, generous, strong attitude is not present? For me, one depends on the other. Lackadaisical, effortless poses are 99.9% of the time not aligned well because we lack the attitude to move them towards our optimal blueprint and an action that 'sings'.
Off our mats, we can make the same correlation.
I have on my home page, a quote section that comes up each morning with inspirational offerings. One of my favorites is: 'if you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over' (author unknown). Doing it 'right' is the alignment we make in life (and in our yoga practice).
Now go back to my urdhva dhanurasana efforts (this blog involves a lot of flashbacks). I know, because I've been told, that my alignment towards the pose is good. So, what's the problem? Maybe it's my attitude. I always dread the pose, I always used to think here comes another failure, or - worse - "everyone's watching me and thinking 'how did she get in here -- didn't the application say straight arms?'". That's my attitude stopping me from carrying the alignment into action.
So, alignment is our path to action, but depends on our attitude. Pretty simplistic, but it makes sense to me.
Next installment: Action
Have a nice Sunday
I'M TOO BUSY . . .
I really am. Too busy to continue my 3 A's discussion (this should have been Alignment), as the morning has been dedicated to getting ready to teach in a few hours. Don't worry, tho, it's on my list.
What this blog provides me is a ready source of themes and topics for classes. Just guess what my class this morning will hear? Right, a short discourse on the 3 A's, related to listening to one's body as we practice. Heart quality: mindfulness. I've already handwritten a couple of journal pages to get my head around what I would like the students to hear. (Up early, to get this done before husband & dogs join me - just like last week.)
Now to finish -- alignment principle(s) to work on, apex pose, sequence. Then walk the older dog, get ready, go in to the studio early to make sure it's ready, teach class, meet prospective teacher. Come home to continue getting ready for 7 days in TUCSON.
This will be my fifth year of going to Tucson for a weeklong training and weekend workshop with John Friend, founder of Anusara™ Yoga. It's always fun and rewarding -- a chance to re-connect with friends and learn more from John. Besides being fun, it always presents a challenge for me -- 7 days of yoga and lectures, lots of difficult poses and then there's the philosophy, working its way through brain circuits that were wired for 50 years to be very conservative. I always come back energized and ready to share my teachings, tho. What fun!
NOTE TO UP AND COMING TEACHERS: I have overheard conversations recently expressing the concern that they may never be accepted into a John Friend event. I do not believe that. If your studentship is sincere and dedicated, your efforts will be noticed and you will get in. It might not happen on the first application, but it will happen. Remember this: if you do not apply, you will not get it in. Now, that doesn't mean bombarding the office with unlimited applications. Review John's schedule on the Anusara™ website, www.anusara.com. Determine which ones are within your reach, and apply. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
What this blog provides me is a ready source of themes and topics for classes. Just guess what my class this morning will hear? Right, a short discourse on the 3 A's, related to listening to one's body as we practice. Heart quality: mindfulness. I've already handwritten a couple of journal pages to get my head around what I would like the students to hear. (Up early, to get this done before husband & dogs join me - just like last week.)
Now to finish -- alignment principle(s) to work on, apex pose, sequence. Then walk the older dog, get ready, go in to the studio early to make sure it's ready, teach class, meet prospective teacher. Come home to continue getting ready for 7 days in TUCSON.
This will be my fifth year of going to Tucson for a weeklong training and weekend workshop with John Friend, founder of Anusara™ Yoga. It's always fun and rewarding -- a chance to re-connect with friends and learn more from John. Besides being fun, it always presents a challenge for me -- 7 days of yoga and lectures, lots of difficult poses and then there's the philosophy, working its way through brain circuits that were wired for 50 years to be very conservative. I always come back energized and ready to share my teachings, tho. What fun!
NOTE TO UP AND COMING TEACHERS: I have overheard conversations recently expressing the concern that they may never be accepted into a John Friend event. I do not believe that. If your studentship is sincere and dedicated, your efforts will be noticed and you will get in. It might not happen on the first application, but it will happen. Remember this: if you do not apply, you will not get it in. Now, that doesn't mean bombarding the office with unlimited applications. Review John's schedule on the Anusara™ website, www.anusara.com. Determine which ones are within your reach, and apply. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Enjoy your weekend,
THANK YOU, UNIVERSE
As I said earlier, topics to write about just keep popping up. Guess I better make a list, because - even tho possible dementia will be delayed (see yesterday's post) - my memory still fails me at times.
I went back to read BJ's comment on my blog entry re: listening. After re-reading the entry, it occurred to me that the 3 points I made about listening line up with the 3 A's of Anusara™ Yoga.
Pay attention = Attitude; make eye contact = Alignment; listen = Action.
I got so excited upon realizing that connection, that I immediately e-mailed BJ to tell her. Her response (typically 'teacher-like'): "Good - now, can you expand on that?"
What - expand? Isn't it enough that I noticed? Apparently not. In any case, though my first thought was to politely ignore the challenge; it keeps plaguing me -- can I expand on that?
To expand on all 3 would take a lot of writing (and reading); so, let's start with ATTITUDE.
I know what Attitude means to me (in layman's terms), but to give you a long, philosophical definition and application may not happen here. Back to the books -- re-reading John's segment from the training manual on Attitude. Maybe I could copy some of it -- no, too many of you would know. So, here goes:
Attitude, to me, is the manner in which we approach our mat, our teaching, our lives (that includes how we listen).
I believe that when we attempt anything in life, if we do so with an attitude of openness, generosity, and strength, good things happen.
Take listening -- if we are open to meeting or engaging with people new to us, our world expands. If we are generous with our time (how many times do you hear "I'm too busy ..."), we may just learn something from listening that we didn't know -- either about the person or the topic being discussed. If we do it from a position of strength, we can control the extent to which we get involved -- because, while we want to be open and generous, we still need to be somewhat protective; there are people out there that are 'energy vampires' (taken from song lyrics by the 4 Bitchin' Babes).
When we approach our yoga mat, we do so open to whatever presents (that's our beginner mind). We don't put ourselves in 'danger', but we are generous with our efforts -- giving things a try, accepting the outcome. We do all this from that position of strength -- the yes & no, the muscular and organic energy of our practice.
The elements of openness, generosity and strength are already within us; we just have to realize that, cultivate them, and then let them out, let them grow, show them off to the world. Attitude, expanded on by Leslie.
There you go, BJ -- give me your best shot! (This is so much fun!)
Take care,
I went back to read BJ's comment on my blog entry re: listening. After re-reading the entry, it occurred to me that the 3 points I made about listening line up with the 3 A's of Anusara™ Yoga.
Pay attention = Attitude; make eye contact = Alignment; listen = Action.
I got so excited upon realizing that connection, that I immediately e-mailed BJ to tell her. Her response (typically 'teacher-like'): "Good - now, can you expand on that?"
What - expand? Isn't it enough that I noticed? Apparently not. In any case, though my first thought was to politely ignore the challenge; it keeps plaguing me -- can I expand on that?
To expand on all 3 would take a lot of writing (and reading); so, let's start with ATTITUDE.
I know what Attitude means to me (in layman's terms), but to give you a long, philosophical definition and application may not happen here. Back to the books -- re-reading John's segment from the training manual on Attitude. Maybe I could copy some of it -- no, too many of you would know. So, here goes:
Attitude, to me, is the manner in which we approach our mat, our teaching, our lives (that includes how we listen).
I believe that when we attempt anything in life, if we do so with an attitude of openness, generosity, and strength, good things happen.
Take listening -- if we are open to meeting or engaging with people new to us, our world expands. If we are generous with our time (how many times do you hear "I'm too busy ..."), we may just learn something from listening that we didn't know -- either about the person or the topic being discussed. If we do it from a position of strength, we can control the extent to which we get involved -- because, while we want to be open and generous, we still need to be somewhat protective; there are people out there that are 'energy vampires' (taken from song lyrics by the 4 Bitchin' Babes).
When we approach our yoga mat, we do so open to whatever presents (that's our beginner mind). We don't put ourselves in 'danger', but we are generous with our efforts -- giving things a try, accepting the outcome. We do all this from that position of strength -- the yes & no, the muscular and organic energy of our practice.
The elements of openness, generosity and strength are already within us; we just have to realize that, cultivate them, and then let them out, let them grow, show them off to the world. Attitude, expanded on by Leslie.
There you go, BJ -- give me your best shot! (This is so much fun!)
Take care,
ALWAYS LEARNING
As I move further into this 'high-tech' world of blogging and facebook, I am presented with new learning opportunities. For example:
1. Several of my readers ('my readers' -- doesn't that sound impressive) want to comment; how do they do it? Well, I just changed a setting that will open up comments to everyone. I did retain the option to moderate them, prior to publishing to eliminate unsavory entries. I hope that solves the problem, and more of you will comment.
2. I thought it would be nice to put a picture of myself on the blog without a fish -- I do have one reasonable photo of me and Jack (1st birthday party). So, I uploaded it. It's so huge, that I'm having second thoughts and would like to take it off, re-size it and maybe put it back on. That, apparently, is not possible. Once you upload a photo to an entry, you're stuck -- if I delete the photo, I delete the entry, comments, everything associated with that blog entry. I am so happy to have gotten a comment on the entry, that deleting it is not an option. You'll just have to look at my big face until yesterday's blog moves to 'older posts'.
3. Then, there's facebook. I'm up to a grand total of 7 friends. As I look at other participants, they all have hundreds. (Kind of reminds me of my experience in high school.) But, until I figure facebook out, I'm happy to have seven friends -- I can give them some quality time. It IS fun to connect with friends, tho. In fact, I'm anxiously waiting for BJ Galvan to accept my invitation.
All this to say, that at my age (59), working towards Anusara Certification, blogging, facebooking (a little), running a studio, and carrying on the rest of my life, should certainly hold off any dementia for a while.
Going to Tucson on Sunday for the Teachers Intensive week and then the weekend workshop. No way my practice is ready for the Advanced Intensive -- though I know I could pull it off with some degree of integrity from a far corner of the room; however, that would not be an affirming way for me to start a valuable week with John & friends.
Enjoy the day,
1. Several of my readers ('my readers' -- doesn't that sound impressive) want to comment; how do they do it? Well, I just changed a setting that will open up comments to everyone. I did retain the option to moderate them, prior to publishing to eliminate unsavory entries. I hope that solves the problem, and more of you will comment.
2. I thought it would be nice to put a picture of myself on the blog without a fish -- I do have one reasonable photo of me and Jack (1st birthday party). So, I uploaded it. It's so huge, that I'm having second thoughts and would like to take it off, re-size it and maybe put it back on. That, apparently, is not possible. Once you upload a photo to an entry, you're stuck -- if I delete the photo, I delete the entry, comments, everything associated with that blog entry. I am so happy to have gotten a comment on the entry, that deleting it is not an option. You'll just have to look at my big face until yesterday's blog moves to 'older posts'.
3. Then, there's facebook. I'm up to a grand total of 7 friends. As I look at other participants, they all have hundreds. (Kind of reminds me of my experience in high school.) But, until I figure facebook out, I'm happy to have seven friends -- I can give them some quality time. It IS fun to connect with friends, tho. In fact, I'm anxiously waiting for BJ Galvan to accept my invitation.
All this to say, that at my age (59), working towards Anusara Certification, blogging, facebooking (a little), running a studio, and carrying on the rest of my life, should certainly hold off any dementia for a while.
Going to Tucson on Sunday for the Teachers Intensive week and then the weekend workshop. No way my practice is ready for the Advanced Intensive -- though I know I could pull it off with some degree of integrity from a far corner of the room; however, that would not be an affirming way for me to start a valuable week with John & friends.
Enjoy the day,
Remember Letters?
I wrote my grandson, Jack, his first letter 10 days ago. Jack is 2 yrs, 3 mos. old, and lives in Carlsbad, CA (just north of San Diego). (Did I mention he's also extremely cute and VERY intelligent?)
Because we live so far apart, it is important to me to keep the connection between us strong and to make it feel more permanent than the weekly phone calls, where he yells "I you, Baba" (translation: I love you, Baba). I know, Baba is what Indian children call their fathers; but, I like it -- it makes me feel special and, besides, he came up with it himself.
So, letters seem to be in order. I wrote the first one and anxiously waited for the reaction. 7 days later, the letter had not arrived, and I was feeling pretty disappointed. Then, finally, the letter arrived. The family read the letter together, all seated around Jack's train table. Reaction: Jack walked around with the envelope all day. His mother, who is wonderful about making sure memories and traditions are well guarded, is keeping the letter in a safe place for the future.
Anyway, I am so excited that my small effort created such excitement for Jack (and his family). I mailed the second letter today; this is as much fun for me as it is for him!
Why am I blogging about this, you ask? Because, as I age, I continually am reminded "nothing ventured, nothing gained". Just like this blog -- response has been good and I love the potential of hearing back from you in the comments. But, it took a lot to put myself out there, let you see my 'underbelly', so to speak.
I believe that if we do things like this with our good intentions at the center of our thought process, we can't go wrong.
Take care,
Because we live so far apart, it is important to me to keep the connection between us strong and to make it feel more permanent than the weekly phone calls, where he yells "I you, Baba" (translation: I love you, Baba). I know, Baba is what Indian children call their fathers; but, I like it -- it makes me feel special and, besides, he came up with it himself.
So, letters seem to be in order. I wrote the first one and anxiously waited for the reaction. 7 days later, the letter had not arrived, and I was feeling pretty disappointed. Then, finally, the letter arrived. The family read the letter together, all seated around Jack's train table. Reaction: Jack walked around with the envelope all day. His mother, who is wonderful about making sure memories and traditions are well guarded, is keeping the letter in a safe place for the future.
Anyway, I am so excited that my small effort created such excitement for Jack (and his family). I mailed the second letter today; this is as much fun for me as it is for him!
Why am I blogging about this, you ask? Because, as I age, I continually am reminded "nothing ventured, nothing gained". Just like this blog -- response has been good and I love the potential of hearing back from you in the comments. But, it took a lot to put myself out there, let you see my 'underbelly', so to speak.
I believe that if we do things like this with our good intentions at the center of our thought process, we can't go wrong.
Take care,
LISTENING . . .
When I started this blog, I read that the way to encourage readership was to post regularly (like, every day) and to keep blog entries short. That almost discouraged me, because - I thought - how am I going to find something to write about EVERY day? (No problem, however, keeping them short.)
So far, 11 days and 11 posts later, the Universe keeps providing material.
Yesterday I had an appointment with a physician new to me. He's very well-known and respected in the community (in fact, it took 2 months to get an appointment). His looks and demeanor said "very intelligent".
Now to the topic - Listening. Naturally, he asked a lot of questions. EVERY time, I could barely get the answer out before he was interjecting his thoughts / reasons for what my answer was.
Now reflect on conversations you've had -- are you thinking about the next question before your friend has finished their answer? are you thinking about what to cook for dinner? or, are you thinking about who to talk to next who might be more interesting, more fun. Worse, are you on the receiving end -- trying to answer a question, make conversation, etc., and feeling like the person you're talking to would rather be any place other than talking to you?
We have a lot of power when talking with people. Power to make them feel good and valued; power to make them feel 'less-than'.
Just like we listen to our bodies while we practice yoga, we also need to practice our listening skills when off the mat. Pay attention, make eye contact, LISTEN (attitude, alignment, action). Our yoga practice is always with us.
Enjoy your Tuesday,
So far, 11 days and 11 posts later, the Universe keeps providing material.
Yesterday I had an appointment with a physician new to me. He's very well-known and respected in the community (in fact, it took 2 months to get an appointment). His looks and demeanor said "very intelligent".
Now to the topic - Listening. Naturally, he asked a lot of questions. EVERY time, I could barely get the answer out before he was interjecting his thoughts / reasons for what my answer was.
Now reflect on conversations you've had -- are you thinking about the next question before your friend has finished their answer? are you thinking about what to cook for dinner? or, are you thinking about who to talk to next who might be more interesting, more fun. Worse, are you on the receiving end -- trying to answer a question, make conversation, etc., and feeling like the person you're talking to would rather be any place other than talking to you?
We have a lot of power when talking with people. Power to make them feel good and valued; power to make them feel 'less-than'.
Just like we listen to our bodies while we practice yoga, we also need to practice our listening skills when off the mat. Pay attention, make eye contact, LISTEN (attitude, alignment, action). Our yoga practice is always with us.
Enjoy your Tuesday,
LETTING OFF THE BRAKES -- Too Much
Skiing was fun -- I'm a bit out of practice in that activity, this was just my second time on the slopes this year.
Second run, I got a bit overconfident (remember my earlier blog about being dangerous to ourselves). Going fast, trying to go faster by reducing turn radius. Oops! There goes one ski, now what? Result: face plant, right under the lift. Since it was a groomed slope, my face went down on unforgiving, groomed snow; OUCH! End result: sore pec muscles this morning -- it WAS a full, spread eagle, face down on the slope.
Pushing the envelope is a good thing sometimes; but, I am reminded of a valuable lesson (one I teach all the time). Don't push the envelope so far open that you fall in.
Enjoy your day,
Second run, I got a bit overconfident (remember my earlier blog about being dangerous to ourselves). Going fast, trying to go faster by reducing turn radius. Oops! There goes one ski, now what? Result: face plant, right under the lift. Since it was a groomed slope, my face went down on unforgiving, groomed snow; OUCH! End result: sore pec muscles this morning -- it WAS a full, spread eagle, face down on the slope.
Pushing the envelope is a good thing sometimes; but, I am reminded of a valuable lesson (one I teach all the time). Don't push the envelope so far open that you fall in.
Enjoy your day,
GOING SKIING
Busy day yesterday - but fun.
I taught a 9 am class -- that went well. My teaching, to date, has been pretty laid back. This class requires that I kick it up a notch - a good thing for me. The students had not been introduced to Anusara™ before, so I have lots of material to work with (and, so do they). I also have some who have faithfully been coming each week since I started teaching this class; a good sign that I am so thankful for.
Then, I did a one-hour orientation to a group of 70-80 year old women at one of our Wards (aka church, for those of you outside of Utah). A little pranayama, working with their feet, shoulder stretches, some seated postures, some balance - then questions & answers. This is a similar population to one of my weekly classes at the studio - older, with compromised movement from whatever (hip/knee replacements, bad backs, never exercised, etc.); the main difference is that this new group has not been moving much and has NO knowledge about yoga and its benefits. A population segment that can really benefit from yoga, but because of their age, restricted mobility (vehicles), and lack of knowledge of yoga's benefits, gets left out. Bummer! We need to work on that.
On to a practice at Kula Studio (co-owned by Adam Ballenger and Matt Newman). Adam's in Seattle with John, so Matt and Jen conducted the event. WHAT FUN! I left feeling giggly and good all over, even though some of the poses are not in my range yet. That's what yoga ought to feel like -- good, even if you can't do everything! Kudos (sp?) to Jen & Matt.
Then, to a movie and dinner with my husband. Today we're going skiing!
Enjoy your Sunday,
p.s. It's not 4:10 am, as I post this; it's 5:10. If you're looking at the time, I don't want you to think I never sleep. Need to figure out how to change that setting
I taught a 9 am class -- that went well. My teaching, to date, has been pretty laid back. This class requires that I kick it up a notch - a good thing for me. The students had not been introduced to Anusara™ before, so I have lots of material to work with (and, so do they). I also have some who have faithfully been coming each week since I started teaching this class; a good sign that I am so thankful for.
Then, I did a one-hour orientation to a group of 70-80 year old women at one of our Wards (aka church, for those of you outside of Utah). A little pranayama, working with their feet, shoulder stretches, some seated postures, some balance - then questions & answers. This is a similar population to one of my weekly classes at the studio - older, with compromised movement from whatever (hip/knee replacements, bad backs, never exercised, etc.); the main difference is that this new group has not been moving much and has NO knowledge about yoga and its benefits. A population segment that can really benefit from yoga, but because of their age, restricted mobility (vehicles), and lack of knowledge of yoga's benefits, gets left out. Bummer! We need to work on that.
On to a practice at Kula Studio (co-owned by Adam Ballenger and Matt Newman). Adam's in Seattle with John, so Matt and Jen conducted the event. WHAT FUN! I left feeling giggly and good all over, even though some of the poses are not in my range yet. That's what yoga ought to feel like -- good, even if you can't do everything! Kudos (sp?) to Jen & Matt.
Then, to a movie and dinner with my husband. Today we're going skiing!
Enjoy your Sunday,
p.s. It's not 4:10 am, as I post this; it's 5:10. If you're looking at the time, I don't want you to think I never sleep. Need to figure out how to change that setting