HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FRIEND
Today is the birthday of my good friend, Judy, who lives in San Diego.
I will spend this post talking a bit about her and our friendship. It was an unlikely match -- the one thing Judy and I had in common when we started running together was that our sons played on the same soccer team. We got to talking at one of those games and decided running together could happen and for the next several years our six-mile runs happened each weekday morning (and some weekends).
It was Judy who introduced me to Pete Egoscue (who, in his training, uses a good deal of yoga-influenced movement). We also ran many 10-k's and half marathons together (we had our own 'merry little band' of runners, at that time-- oatmeal & beer for breakfast after the Coronado Bridge Half Marathon is just one of many fun memories ). Judy also convinced me that we should and could run a Marathon. We did it -- the Victoria, BC, Marathon -- we all finished in reasonably good shape.
Additionally, there were many walks in our neighborhoods, lunches, walks on the beach, and sharing our sons' soccer games.
She expanded my world and I will always be grateful for that.
We are still friends, and there are some days that I'll get a phone message telling me she's walking on the beach and missing me. Wow! Those messages bring tears to my eyes (even as I write this, I'm tearing up).
So, Happy Birthday, friend. Aren't friends wonderful ! ! !
I will spend this post talking a bit about her and our friendship. It was an unlikely match -- the one thing Judy and I had in common when we started running together was that our sons played on the same soccer team. We got to talking at one of those games and decided running together could happen and for the next several years our six-mile runs happened each weekday morning (and some weekends).
It was Judy who introduced me to Pete Egoscue (who, in his training, uses a good deal of yoga-influenced movement). We also ran many 10-k's and half marathons together (we had our own 'merry little band' of runners, at that time-- oatmeal & beer for breakfast after the Coronado Bridge Half Marathon is just one of many fun memories ). Judy also convinced me that we should and could run a Marathon. We did it -- the Victoria, BC, Marathon -- we all finished in reasonably good shape.
Additionally, there were many walks in our neighborhoods, lunches, walks on the beach, and sharing our sons' soccer games.
She expanded my world and I will always be grateful for that.
We are still friends, and there are some days that I'll get a phone message telling me she's walking on the beach and missing me. Wow! Those messages bring tears to my eyes (even as I write this, I'm tearing up).
So, Happy Birthday, friend. Aren't friends wonderful ! ! !
100 POSTS ! ! !
That hardly seems possible, but it is the number that appeared when I signed in this morning.
As has been a pattern in my life, many efforts start strong and fizzle (we just need to take a look in my knitting closet). For whatever reason, this endeavor has a developed a life of its own -- and now that I've done 100 of them, it certainly must be a habit.
All I know is that I have fun writing, thoughts of what to write about come easily (99% of the time), and it is now a well-embedded part of my routine - just like my yoga.
Yesterday was a BUSY day. Yoga with Wayne, Pilates with Cindy, lunch, routine doctor's appointment, teach 4 pm YogaHour.
Wayne's class was especially fun -- we spent most of it preparing for backbends. Then I did a couple reasonably successful urdhva dhanurasana's (they're still a work in progress, but so much better). His apex pose for this practice was eka pada rajakapotasana - full on, grab the foot style. Only, everyone but one person used a strap.
First time through he had us use a loop of about 2-feet. That worked ok, but I found my foundation lacking so didn't get a sense of much accomplishment -- too much wobbling. Luckily (though that wasn't my thought process at the time), he had us do it a second time AND shorten the strap. A sure recipe for disaster, I thought. Surprisingly, with what I experienced the first time through, it was easier to set and hold my foundation, get that SHORTER loop over my foot and hold it, turn the elbow, grab the strap with both hands and get the foot in closer to my hands/head. All with much more stability and sense of accomplishment.
Ever notice how important that 'sense of accomplishment' is? Having the a pose go well makes me excited to try the pose again, no matter how challenging in the full expression it is. Just like my skiing or golf, a good last run or drive make me want to return.
As has been a pattern in my life, many efforts start strong and fizzle (we just need to take a look in my knitting closet). For whatever reason, this endeavor has a developed a life of its own -- and now that I've done 100 of them, it certainly must be a habit.
All I know is that I have fun writing, thoughts of what to write about come easily (99% of the time), and it is now a well-embedded part of my routine - just like my yoga.
Yesterday was a BUSY day. Yoga with Wayne, Pilates with Cindy, lunch, routine doctor's appointment, teach 4 pm YogaHour.
Wayne's class was especially fun -- we spent most of it preparing for backbends. Then I did a couple reasonably successful urdhva dhanurasana's (they're still a work in progress, but so much better). His apex pose for this practice was eka pada rajakapotasana - full on, grab the foot style. Only, everyone but one person used a strap.
First time through he had us use a loop of about 2-feet. That worked ok, but I found my foundation lacking so didn't get a sense of much accomplishment -- too much wobbling. Luckily (though that wasn't my thought process at the time), he had us do it a second time AND shorten the strap. A sure recipe for disaster, I thought. Surprisingly, with what I experienced the first time through, it was easier to set and hold my foundation, get that SHORTER loop over my foot and hold it, turn the elbow, grab the strap with both hands and get the foot in closer to my hands/head. All with much more stability and sense of accomplishment.
Ever notice how important that 'sense of accomplishment' is? Having the a pose go well makes me excited to try the pose again, no matter how challenging in the full expression it is. Just like my skiing or golf, a good last run or drive make me want to return.
A CONSPIRACY OR JUST ENERGY?
Before I started teaching yoga, I wondered at times if the yoga instructors I took classes with were communicating about lesson plans, poses, etc. It seemed that many times I'd take a class, then within the next 2-3 days take another class with a different instructor and have that instructor teach a very similar class -- focusing on similar poses, language, etc.
I did ask a few times, to be told "no, we don't talk about our classes with one another".
So, I concluded, it must be an energetic thing -- similar to when you mention something to a good friend or spouse, and they respond "I was just thinking the same thing!".
Each morning, I have a routine with regards to computer operation -- I check e-mail, I look at Facebook, I read my favorite blogs, then I log in to write in this blog.
Well, this morning wouldn't you know that Christina has written a similar entry to what I was referencing yesterday -- last paragraph, doors opening. Here is what she writes:
"My spiritual teacher says The Path is like a maze of rooms. The key to the next room is hidden somewhere in the room we are in and the key to the room after that is in the next room and so on. So we cannot skip a room. We have to really cover the territory of the current room, find the key, find the lock, understand how they work together and then enter the new room. And then we are a beginner to that room. Not un-practiced, not without transferable skills, but still, in a whole new room." Christina Sell
My conclusion is correct -- it has to be an energetic thing. Looking forward to exploring 'new rooms' with Christina in July.
Enjoy your day,
I did ask a few times, to be told "no, we don't talk about our classes with one another".
So, I concluded, it must be an energetic thing -- similar to when you mention something to a good friend or spouse, and they respond "I was just thinking the same thing!".
Each morning, I have a routine with regards to computer operation -- I check e-mail, I look at Facebook, I read my favorite blogs, then I log in to write in this blog.
Well, this morning wouldn't you know that Christina has written a similar entry to what I was referencing yesterday -- last paragraph, doors opening. Here is what she writes:
"My spiritual teacher says The Path is like a maze of rooms. The key to the next room is hidden somewhere in the room we are in and the key to the room after that is in the next room and so on. So we cannot skip a room. We have to really cover the territory of the current room, find the key, find the lock, understand how they work together and then enter the new room. And then we are a beginner to that room. Not un-practiced, not without transferable skills, but still, in a whole new room." Christina Sell
My conclusion is correct -- it has to be an energetic thing. Looking forward to exploring 'new rooms' with Christina in July.
Enjoy your day,
GEARING UP
for the workshop in July with Christina Sell. The dates are July 17-19, and I am setting my intention to have the best attendance we've had at a workshop to date. If you do yoga, plan to be in attendance (not just for my sake, but for yours).
And, that includes students -- not just instructors. The belief that workshops are only for instructors seems to be a misconception among the student population at The Yoga Center. Wrong, wrong, wrong!
Workshops are opportunities to work just a bit harder, experience a new instructor, and - probably - have a breakthrough or two during the event.
I remember my first workshop -- Anna Forrest at Centered City (not what you would call a 'relaxed' session). I signed up for Friday evening, thinking that was all I could do (or wanted to do). At the end of the evening, I was hankering for more; so -- lucky for me, someone had cancelled and there was space in Saturday's sessions. I committed to the morning.
At the end of the morning, I was still looking for more; so, I wiggled my way into the afternoon session.
Granted, my yoga expertise at that time was limited. I relied a lot on Anna's assistant to 'show me the ropes'. The valuable things for me to remember are:
Enjoy Wednesday,
And, that includes students -- not just instructors. The belief that workshops are only for instructors seems to be a misconception among the student population at The Yoga Center. Wrong, wrong, wrong!
Workshops are opportunities to work just a bit harder, experience a new instructor, and - probably - have a breakthrough or two during the event.
I remember my first workshop -- Anna Forrest at Centered City (not what you would call a 'relaxed' session). I signed up for Friday evening, thinking that was all I could do (or wanted to do). At the end of the evening, I was hankering for more; so -- lucky for me, someone had cancelled and there was space in Saturday's sessions. I committed to the morning.
At the end of the morning, I was still looking for more; so, I wiggled my way into the afternoon session.
Granted, my yoga expertise at that time was limited. I relied a lot on Anna's assistant to 'show me the ropes'. The valuable things for me to remember are:
- I enjoyed it, it was fun,
- I did 9 (NINE) hours of yoga in two days, and
- I am sure I had a breakthrough or two -- even if one of those 'breakthroughs' was just making it through the 9 hours and still being able to function.
Enjoy Wednesday,
SHE'S BACK
to her own real world in Salt Lake City (I'm talking about me). After almost a week visiting aging parents, I returned to my own life last night. Nice to be in my own space again.
Luckily I got to the airport early enough to catch an earlier flight, so I was home in time to watch the light show last night (lightning). It also meant I wasn't flying in that storm, whew!
Ever notice how some days things just 'click along'? No glitches, nothing to worry about? What is that? Whatever it is, it was with me yesterday. Getting ready to leave, no last minute panic attacks on the part of my parents. Arriving at the airport early, no problems turning in rental car or checking in to expected flight. Security was a breeze. Walked up to the gate, noticed a plane out there -- going to SLC -- could I get on? "Why, YES, and we won't charge you any more to make that change AND we'll give you an exit row seat WITHOUT a neighbor!" Be still my heart!
On the homefront all is well (even the birds survived -- they tend to get forgotten when I'm not around).
The one potential negative of the day fizzled out -- a call related to the swamp cooler at the studio. That may have just been an oversight of the technician who turned it on, and Sam took care of it. At least, since he (Sam) didn't call me back, I'm hopeful that's the situation. I'll know more later this morning.
Sometimes I think it has a lot to do with our attitude; our opening. I began the day with no other expectation than I was going home. All the plusses were just boons that came my way unexpectedly and unforced.
It works the same way in my practice -- trying to force a pose rarely works for me; allowing a pose is a much better recipe for success.
June is busting out all over! (There's a theme in there, I know it.)
Luckily I got to the airport early enough to catch an earlier flight, so I was home in time to watch the light show last night (lightning). It also meant I wasn't flying in that storm, whew!
Ever notice how some days things just 'click along'? No glitches, nothing to worry about? What is that? Whatever it is, it was with me yesterday. Getting ready to leave, no last minute panic attacks on the part of my parents. Arriving at the airport early, no problems turning in rental car or checking in to expected flight. Security was a breeze. Walked up to the gate, noticed a plane out there -- going to SLC -- could I get on? "Why, YES, and we won't charge you any more to make that change AND we'll give you an exit row seat WITHOUT a neighbor!" Be still my heart!
On the homefront all is well (even the birds survived -- they tend to get forgotten when I'm not around).
The one potential negative of the day fizzled out -- a call related to the swamp cooler at the studio. That may have just been an oversight of the technician who turned it on, and Sam took care of it. At least, since he (Sam) didn't call me back, I'm hopeful that's the situation. I'll know more later this morning.
Sometimes I think it has a lot to do with our attitude; our opening. I began the day with no other expectation than I was going home. All the plusses were just boons that came my way unexpectedly and unforced.
It works the same way in my practice -- trying to force a pose rarely works for me; allowing a pose is a much better recipe for success.
June is busting out all over! (There's a theme in there, I know it.)
JUST AS I THOUGHT . . .
The group was welcoming and the teaching was great -- Karen's class yesterday.
Every instructor has his/her own style of teaching, developed over years of study. Karen's style is like you're sitting in her home, over a cup of tea, but she still has you work hard. She is relaxed, yet there is no question that you are learning and studying while in her presence.
My style is still developing (and, I'm sure will always develop). But, one of the greatest compliments paid me was by Sundari. She noted that, since I have studied with a number of teachers and very frequently with John, I don't sound like anyone else -- I sound like myself.
I've never really enjoyed listening to my voice. But, I also notice when an instructor sounds like his/her teacher -- using the same verbage and intonation. That's not a criticism, just an acknowledgement that their voice has yet to develop.
Thankfully, that part of my teaching doesn't need much more work -- according to Sundari, I have my own voice. Now, I need to work on making it say the right things at the right time and inspire people. Not an easy task -- always a work in progress.
Have a good day!
Every instructor has his/her own style of teaching, developed over years of study. Karen's style is like you're sitting in her home, over a cup of tea, but she still has you work hard. She is relaxed, yet there is no question that you are learning and studying while in her presence.
My style is still developing (and, I'm sure will always develop). But, one of the greatest compliments paid me was by Sundari. She noted that, since I have studied with a number of teachers and very frequently with John, I don't sound like anyone else -- I sound like myself.
I've never really enjoyed listening to my voice. But, I also notice when an instructor sounds like his/her teacher -- using the same verbage and intonation. That's not a criticism, just an acknowledgement that their voice has yet to develop.
Thankfully, that part of my teaching doesn't need much more work -- according to Sundari, I have my own voice. Now, I need to work on making it say the right things at the right time and inspire people. Not an easy task -- always a work in progress.
Have a good day!
IDAHO, HERE I COME
I am up in Spokane this weekend, visiting parents (once again, husband is holding down the fort in Salt Lake City). I've been going to attorney's office, doctor's office, shopping for staples, talking really LOUD because hearing is failing in both parents -- fun stuff. Today I'll go to a class in Coeur d'alene with Karen Sprute-Francovich and let my hair down for a bit.
One of the fortunate parts of my life is that where I live, and where we regularly visit, there are Certified Anusara® instructors available. It is fun and expanding to visit other studios, experience other teaching, and other yoga communities.
Never have I understood why some people choose to limit their yoga experience to just one instructor. (That's my bias coming through.) I love to hear how other instructors phrase their instructions, how they take us into poses, how they sequence their classes, how they interpret the philosophic aspects of this practice.
I remember something from each of the instructors I have studied with. You can take a 'pearl of wisdom' from each -- even if the instructor doesn't prove to be one of your favorites (we can't like everyone). But, they all have something to offer us.
Disclaimer -- this blog is a bit scattered and hurried, because I keep getting interrupted to chat. Next time, I'll stay in my room as I write it.
Enjoy the weekend,
One of the fortunate parts of my life is that where I live, and where we regularly visit, there are Certified Anusara® instructors available. It is fun and expanding to visit other studios, experience other teaching, and other yoga communities.
Never have I understood why some people choose to limit their yoga experience to just one instructor. (That's my bias coming through.) I love to hear how other instructors phrase their instructions, how they take us into poses, how they sequence their classes, how they interpret the philosophic aspects of this practice.
I remember something from each of the instructors I have studied with. You can take a 'pearl of wisdom' from each -- even if the instructor doesn't prove to be one of your favorites (we can't like everyone). But, they all have something to offer us.
Disclaimer -- this blog is a bit scattered and hurried, because I keep getting interrupted to chat. Next time, I'll stay in my room as I write it.
Enjoy the weekend,
HOW EASY TO FORGET
As I become enmeshed in teaching yoga to students who have done the practice for a while, I often forget the beginning.
I try (very hard) to forget that I wore my socks to the first 3-4 yoga classes I attended. Not sure what I was thinking, but I was bound and determined NOT to remove those socks!
Also, I remember worrying that EVERYONE was watching me. And, my flexibility was about nil, so - in my opinion - it would have been fun to watch!
It also took me 3-4 efforts to get to the studio and get in the door -- it's pretty daunting to endeavor to try a totally different type of activity, no matter how good people tell you it is. It can be way out of our comfort zone.
Frequently, I receive e-mails from students who want to start. They worry about just what is involved, what do they wear, do they need equipment, do they take their shoes off, and - I'm sure - many just forego the practice because they're not sure exactly what yoga is or what it involves.
It is important for me to remember all of this when meeting a new student (new to the practice, that is). I have the 'power' to make or break their experience and their future in yoga. I want them to continue, even if it's not with me as their teacher or at my studio.
Such a powerful and beneficial practice should be part of more peoples' lives. Important to remember my role in making people feel welcome and valued.
Enjoy your day,
I try (very hard) to forget that I wore my socks to the first 3-4 yoga classes I attended. Not sure what I was thinking, but I was bound and determined NOT to remove those socks!
Also, I remember worrying that EVERYONE was watching me. And, my flexibility was about nil, so - in my opinion - it would have been fun to watch!
It also took me 3-4 efforts to get to the studio and get in the door -- it's pretty daunting to endeavor to try a totally different type of activity, no matter how good people tell you it is. It can be way out of our comfort zone.
Frequently, I receive e-mails from students who want to start. They worry about just what is involved, what do they wear, do they need equipment, do they take their shoes off, and - I'm sure - many just forego the practice because they're not sure exactly what yoga is or what it involves.
It is important for me to remember all of this when meeting a new student (new to the practice, that is). I have the 'power' to make or break their experience and their future in yoga. I want them to continue, even if it's not with me as their teacher or at my studio.
Such a powerful and beneficial practice should be part of more peoples' lives. Important to remember my role in making people feel welcome and valued.
Enjoy your day,
REMEMBERING
Back in Salt Lake after a weekend in Driggs. Fun to be there, to watch the cranes coming back to the fields, to watch the dogs run (and run and run), to sit in front of a gentle fire and read (and read and read).
The rain kept me inside most of Sunday, however - with rain threatening but the sun peeping through on Monday - it was time to get out. Decided some yoga was in order, and - knowing YogaTejas is just a short drive away - I headed into town. Cate was subbing and her theme for this class was 'remembrance'.
I'm sure many of you who went to a class (or did your own practice) may have experienced or used a similar theme. Hence my favorite (to the right, "The Decision"). It says a lot I can apply to my life. Until yoga, I was following a similar path to my Mother (not a bad path, just not my path). Each time I came to a turn, I'd think -- 'this is eerily similar to something my Mother did'. So, I took a fork in the road -- where she turned right, I turned left.
What a difference a turn makes! Don't need to go into all the dreary details, but - suffice it to say - I am happier with myself and looking forward to continuing to age with Grace. I'm sure my parents are happy with themselves also, it's just I've chosen a different kind of 'happy'.
Back in Salt Lake -- I had planned to do the drive back today, but with husband holding down the fort in Salt Lake and work to be done, dogs and I drove back yesterday afternoon. Good drive -- traffic somewhat heavy, but not so bad as to hinder the drive.
The rain kept me inside most of Sunday, however - with rain threatening but the sun peeping through on Monday - it was time to get out. Decided some yoga was in order, and - knowing YogaTejas is just a short drive away - I headed into town. Cate was subbing and her theme for this class was 'remembrance'.
I'm sure many of you who went to a class (or did your own practice) may have experienced or used a similar theme. Hence my favorite (to the right, "The Decision"). It says a lot I can apply to my life. Until yoga, I was following a similar path to my Mother (not a bad path, just not my path). Each time I came to a turn, I'd think -- 'this is eerily similar to something my Mother did'. So, I took a fork in the road -- where she turned right, I turned left.
What a difference a turn makes! Don't need to go into all the dreary details, but - suffice it to say - I am happier with myself and looking forward to continuing to age with Grace. I'm sure my parents are happy with themselves also, it's just I've chosen a different kind of 'happy'.
Back in Salt Lake -- I had planned to do the drive back today, but with husband holding down the fort in Salt Lake and work to be done, dogs and I drove back yesterday afternoon. Good drive -- traffic somewhat heavy, but not so bad as to hinder the drive.
BALANCE
After a productive shopping spree at the Nordstrom sale Friday night, I thought it appropriate to use the theme of balance - allowing myself to 'shop' but not spend so much I put myself in financial jeopardy. (By the way, I did find and buy a great pair of dangly earrings -- way out of my fashion comfort zone, but so much fun to wear.)
My plan was to work on different balance poses in this practice. What I realized as I sat at the end of class, was that balance goes so much further than just poses. There is balance between the energy I draw into my poses and the organic extension of the pose. I knew that, but then I took it a step further and could find balance between the work the different body parts are doing.
Think about the standing leg in Virabhadrasana III. If all or part of the rest of the body is just 'hanging out' as we move into the pose, don't you think that standing leg might get a little 'irritated', not to mention tired?
I also noticed the impact of holding a limp foot in Natarajasana -- if I'm holding on to a 'dead fish' of a foot, the energy that transmits to the rest of my body is pretty ineffective (as in nil). It is so much more effective if we give life to that foot - energize it! We worked with that thought as we did the pose a second time with an improvement in everyone's pose.
So, balance in the working of ALL parts of the body in these poses. I have often said to students, 'all parts of the body work in this pose'. But, I have never realized it so fully as yesterday. (That thought also applies to the softening aspect of poses -- because, for some of us, softening is not so easy; it's work.)
What a fun class to teach. Loved it.
Hope your Sunday is relaxing -- if not, then maybe Monday,
My plan was to work on different balance poses in this practice. What I realized as I sat at the end of class, was that balance goes so much further than just poses. There is balance between the energy I draw into my poses and the organic extension of the pose. I knew that, but then I took it a step further and could find balance between the work the different body parts are doing.
Think about the standing leg in Virabhadrasana III. If all or part of the rest of the body is just 'hanging out' as we move into the pose, don't you think that standing leg might get a little 'irritated', not to mention tired?
I also noticed the impact of holding a limp foot in Natarajasana -- if I'm holding on to a 'dead fish' of a foot, the energy that transmits to the rest of my body is pretty ineffective (as in nil). It is so much more effective if we give life to that foot - energize it! We worked with that thought as we did the pose a second time with an improvement in everyone's pose.
So, balance in the working of ALL parts of the body in these poses. I have often said to students, 'all parts of the body work in this pose'. But, I have never realized it so fully as yesterday. (That thought also applies to the softening aspect of poses -- because, for some of us, softening is not so easy; it's work.)
What a fun class to teach. Loved it.
Hope your Sunday is relaxing -- if not, then maybe Monday,
BUSY, BUSY, BUSY
I apologize for rushing, but need to get this morning going -- have a private to teach at 7:45 am, then my regular class at 9 am. The dogs are waiting for their walk, so - needless to say - I'm feeling a bit rushed. (regardless of what this post says, it's really 6:15 am here -- not 5 something)
Just a note about blogs I follow:
Sundari - is blogging about her journey and teaching in Europe (Hooray!)
Christina - has been and continues to blog about teaching, philosophy and life with regularity.
Karen - is back. I think - after her trip and extensive blogging in India, she needed a vacation. Her blog contains info about her life, her teaching, philosophy, etc.
All are wonderful women with so much to share. And all three are connected by Grace, friendship and Anusara® yoga. We can learn so much from them, and more. I know there are a ton of blogs out there that are similar to these. Let me know your favorites.
Gotta run.
Enjoy the start of your weekend (unless you started enjoying it yesterday),
Just a note about blogs I follow:
Sundari - is blogging about her journey and teaching in Europe (Hooray!)
Christina - has been and continues to blog about teaching, philosophy and life with regularity.
Karen - is back. I think - after her trip and extensive blogging in India, she needed a vacation. Her blog contains info about her life, her teaching, philosophy, etc.
All are wonderful women with so much to share. And all three are connected by Grace, friendship and Anusara® yoga. We can learn so much from them, and more. I know there are a ton of blogs out there that are similar to these. Let me know your favorites.
Gotta run.
Enjoy the start of your weekend (unless you started enjoying it yesterday),
COMMUNICATION
This week, many of us (Anusara-Inspired™ and Certified Anusara® yoga instructors) received a wonderful e-mail from John Friend, Founder of Anusara Yoga.
I love getting any kind of communication from the 'home office'. It makes me feel like I belong, it gives me a connection, and it inspires me to keep working. Isn't it amazing how that little bit of acknowledgement (in this case, our name on an e-mail list of about 1,500 others) can motivate us, as individuals, to keep working and striving towards our goal.
His message was about the Denver Teachers' Gathering - a week-long training for Certified and about-to-be Certified instructors that is held each year; a short re-cap of the discussions there and included guidelines for Immersion and Teacher Trainings, plus birthday commentary (he's about to turn 50 -- to be older than your teacher is something for another post).
I can apply the same principle in my classes -- acknowledging everyone, from the least experienced to the most proficient. Everyone likes to feel that, to feel they are part of the group, to feel noticed.
I also notice that, when in workshops or trainings with John, it's also nice NOT to be noticed. That is an unspoken acknowledgement that I must be getting it; or at least close to getting it. But that awareness comes with years of working with him, of knowing what to expect, what his nuances in class are. Always listening. Always remembering that he is the guide, I am his passenger. Never anticipating and acting without his instruction. Sounds like I'm a robot, but that is part of the student-teacher relationship -- honoring the teacher and his/her wisdom and trusting that the instructions will take me to the most beneficial spot for me.
Enough said.
Wayne's class yesterday was excellent -- in fact, with all the details to alignment he was throwing at us, I would have thought (except for the voice) I was in a class with John. Good stuff and the fact that I understood and could incorporate the instructions into my poses is excellent! Thank you, Wayne, for the double excellent class!
Enjoy Friday and looking forward to a LONG weekend,
I love getting any kind of communication from the 'home office'. It makes me feel like I belong, it gives me a connection, and it inspires me to keep working. Isn't it amazing how that little bit of acknowledgement (in this case, our name on an e-mail list of about 1,500 others) can motivate us, as individuals, to keep working and striving towards our goal.
His message was about the Denver Teachers' Gathering - a week-long training for Certified and about-to-be Certified instructors that is held each year; a short re-cap of the discussions there and included guidelines for Immersion and Teacher Trainings, plus birthday commentary (he's about to turn 50 -- to be older than your teacher is something for another post).
I can apply the same principle in my classes -- acknowledging everyone, from the least experienced to the most proficient. Everyone likes to feel that, to feel they are part of the group, to feel noticed.
I also notice that, when in workshops or trainings with John, it's also nice NOT to be noticed. That is an unspoken acknowledgement that I must be getting it; or at least close to getting it. But that awareness comes with years of working with him, of knowing what to expect, what his nuances in class are. Always listening. Always remembering that he is the guide, I am his passenger. Never anticipating and acting without his instruction. Sounds like I'm a robot, but that is part of the student-teacher relationship -- honoring the teacher and his/her wisdom and trusting that the instructions will take me to the most beneficial spot for me.
Enough said.
Wayne's class yesterday was excellent -- in fact, with all the details to alignment he was throwing at us, I would have thought (except for the voice) I was in a class with John. Good stuff and the fact that I understood and could incorporate the instructions into my poses is excellent! Thank you, Wayne, for the double excellent class!
Enjoy Friday and looking forward to a LONG weekend,
TO THE WALL . . .
Subbed for Sam last night - a hatha class.
The majority of students requested work on their upper back, opening the chest/heart. So -- add in a little Anusara®, and what theme/heart quality works better than gratitude? Several had significant life-altering events to be grateful for, but everyone in a class can find something to be grateful for --
Warmed up, did a few surya namaskars, then to the wall. First a couple shoulder openers (or, I like to think of them as pec openers, since these muscles take advantage of our tendency towards dropping the shoulders forward/down, and tighten up to really cement slouching as a habit in our body). Then shower pose (?) -- if anyone has a better name, let me know, but in this version of wall dog the hands are placed slightly above the head as the student steps back from the wall, allowing greater access to shoulderblades. Then wall dog.
I then decided we should try a modified utthita parsvokonasana at the wall. Standing with bent right knee facing the wall (about 1-2 ft away), right elbow to knee, take a breath and extend left arm over ear to the wall. Using that extended arm and the wall, being mindful of the shoulderblades, they got such great opening in this pose. Fun to watch; fun to teach. We did both sides twice, the second time placing the arm to be extended first on the rib cage. (The bent elbow really gives access to shoulder blades.) Moving into the pose, opening the heart, then extending the arm, using the wall as leverage to further open the upper body into the pose. Not a sign of kyphosis anywhere.
Back to the mats, for more standing & balance poses, to the floor and then a restorative pose -- placing a small roll under that stiff spot right about armpit level. Making sure their shoulders could touch the floor -- that required a bit of experimentation and a different size roll for each. Intense if the back is pretty kyphotic, so we held it for just a minute. Savasana - finally.
Hey, I sound like a yoga teacher!
Cleanse just rolling along -- the mornings are easier than later in the day. If I don't prepare food early in the day for the evening meal, then the question becomes "what do I eat". Near-panic can set in at that point. Trying to avoid that.
Enjoy Thursday,
The majority of students requested work on their upper back, opening the chest/heart. So -- add in a little Anusara®, and what theme/heart quality works better than gratitude? Several had significant life-altering events to be grateful for, but everyone in a class can find something to be grateful for --
Warmed up, did a few surya namaskars, then to the wall. First a couple shoulder openers (or, I like to think of them as pec openers, since these muscles take advantage of our tendency towards dropping the shoulders forward/down, and tighten up to really cement slouching as a habit in our body). Then shower pose (?) -- if anyone has a better name, let me know, but in this version of wall dog the hands are placed slightly above the head as the student steps back from the wall, allowing greater access to shoulderblades. Then wall dog.
I then decided we should try a modified utthita parsvokonasana at the wall. Standing with bent right knee facing the wall (about 1-2 ft away), right elbow to knee, take a breath and extend left arm over ear to the wall. Using that extended arm and the wall, being mindful of the shoulderblades, they got such great opening in this pose. Fun to watch; fun to teach. We did both sides twice, the second time placing the arm to be extended first on the rib cage. (The bent elbow really gives access to shoulder blades.) Moving into the pose, opening the heart, then extending the arm, using the wall as leverage to further open the upper body into the pose. Not a sign of kyphosis anywhere.
Back to the mats, for more standing & balance poses, to the floor and then a restorative pose -- placing a small roll under that stiff spot right about armpit level. Making sure their shoulders could touch the floor -- that required a bit of experimentation and a different size roll for each. Intense if the back is pretty kyphotic, so we held it for just a minute. Savasana - finally.
Hey, I sound like a yoga teacher!
Cleanse just rolling along -- the mornings are easier than later in the day. If I don't prepare food early in the day for the evening meal, then the question becomes "what do I eat". Near-panic can set in at that point. Trying to avoid that.
Enjoy Thursday,
BACK TO URDHVA DHANURASANA . . .
Making progress on this, my long struggle.
Over the weekend, I got a good dose of backbending when I attended Jen's workshop -- good stuff. Then, Sunday, Matt continued on the same vein (though we didn't do Urdhva, just a lot of other shoulder and shoulder blade work).
Yesterday, Wayne's class was a good warm-up towards and including Urdhva. Side body long and bringing my hands a bit closer to my shoulders before pressing up, were key to taking me to one of the best I've done. His emphasis during class on shoulder loop also was easy for me to incorporate and to feel the action in the pose. (Sometimes, we are so busy efforting ourselves into poses, we don't - or can't - notice the more subtle elements. Shoulder loop in Urdhva is one of those, I think.)
Perhaps my success yesterday was also related to the fact I had done backbending poses 3 times during the week (not something I usually choose to do). Wayne mentioned that during the Certified Teacher Gathering in Denver, John had told the group that success in backbends comes from doing them at least twice a week. Practice, Practice, Practice ! ! !
Cleanse Update: All is well, feeling lighter.
Take care,
Over the weekend, I got a good dose of backbending when I attended Jen's workshop -- good stuff. Then, Sunday, Matt continued on the same vein (though we didn't do Urdhva, just a lot of other shoulder and shoulder blade work).
Yesterday, Wayne's class was a good warm-up towards and including Urdhva. Side body long and bringing my hands a bit closer to my shoulders before pressing up, were key to taking me to one of the best I've done. His emphasis during class on shoulder loop also was easy for me to incorporate and to feel the action in the pose. (Sometimes, we are so busy efforting ourselves into poses, we don't - or can't - notice the more subtle elements. Shoulder loop in Urdhva is one of those, I think.)
Perhaps my success yesterday was also related to the fact I had done backbending poses 3 times during the week (not something I usually choose to do). Wayne mentioned that during the Certified Teacher Gathering in Denver, John had told the group that success in backbends comes from doing them at least twice a week. Practice, Practice, Practice ! ! !
Cleanse Update: All is well, feeling lighter.
Take care,
MISSED MY 'NOTES' DAY
I am pretty consumed by this cleanse -- so, please forgive my lapses during the week. I'll be done, back to better-than-normal in 6 more days.
So, here are notes:
I am adding www.itsonlyadance.com to my favorites. Sundari is such a great writer and we are anticipating more in the coming months, as she travels through Europe, Oregon, etc. Be well, friend.
Facebooking -- I started a group "YOGA IN UTAH", in hopes of transmitting information about all studios, events, and just the person who likes/loves yoga. We'll see how it goes. Right now, tho, there are more members of the group than I have friends -- oh, well. So, if you haven't checked it out -- do so now and join up. Your active participation will be appreciated. I'd love to hear why you started yoga.
Spring (Summer?) has finally reached Utah. I say Summer because at our house it was 91 degrees yesterday -- hardly Spring temps. Trying to do a bit of weeding each morning. Trying to do it mindfully and not let it overwhelm me.
Now to the cleanse -- this morning is easier. Don't feel quite so on edge. I cooked up some kitchari yesterday (kitchari = basmati rice, mung beans, spices, and your choice of veggies (I did celery, carrots & yellow pepper). I think that was what I needed -- some substance in my stomach. Cate held the second conference call with us last night -- informative and interesting to hear other people's questions, concerns, stories. The best thing about Cate is that she is not rigid in her cleanse routine -- for me, that gives me license to 'cheat'; but, also with that permission I don't feel the need to 'cheat'. Hope that makes sense.
So, I'll go to Wayne's class this a.m., then pilates, then teach. Had hoped to go to Adam's -- we'll see how the energy level is by then.
Enjoy your day,
So, here are notes:
I am adding www.itsonlyadance.com to my favorites. Sundari is such a great writer and we are anticipating more in the coming months, as she travels through Europe, Oregon, etc. Be well, friend.
Facebooking -- I started a group "YOGA IN UTAH", in hopes of transmitting information about all studios, events, and just the person who likes/loves yoga. We'll see how it goes. Right now, tho, there are more members of the group than I have friends -- oh, well. So, if you haven't checked it out -- do so now and join up. Your active participation will be appreciated. I'd love to hear why you started yoga.
Spring (Summer?) has finally reached Utah. I say Summer because at our house it was 91 degrees yesterday -- hardly Spring temps. Trying to do a bit of weeding each morning. Trying to do it mindfully and not let it overwhelm me.
Now to the cleanse -- this morning is easier. Don't feel quite so on edge. I cooked up some kitchari yesterday (kitchari = basmati rice, mung beans, spices, and your choice of veggies (I did celery, carrots & yellow pepper). I think that was what I needed -- some substance in my stomach. Cate held the second conference call with us last night -- informative and interesting to hear other people's questions, concerns, stories. The best thing about Cate is that she is not rigid in her cleanse routine -- for me, that gives me license to 'cheat'; but, also with that permission I don't feel the need to 'cheat'. Hope that makes sense.
So, I'll go to Wayne's class this a.m., then pilates, then teach. Had hoped to go to Adam's -- we'll see how the energy level is by then.
Enjoy your day,
MISSED TWO DAYS ...
Well, within the last 4 weeks, that makes twice I've missed two days of blogging in a row. Good excuses tho, busy on Saturday - fasting on Sunday. Both activities take a lot of mental activity, I find.
Today is the official start of 'leslie's great adventure in the world of cleansing'. Her first. I've jounaled lots of inspiring things I hope to get out of this. Right now, as I sit drinking hot water with lemon (instead of my Italian roast coffee), I am hoping I get out of this without biting someone's head off.
That's a deadly side effect of hunger in leslie. Severe grumpiness.
Class on Saturday was fun to teach. Lots of twisting -- which was welcomed by the ladies who had been doing yardwork during this first really nice week of Spring. It was also fun to do a practice without a lot of chaturangas, working around those connection points where we rely on a chatarunga to get us to the next place (their arms/wrists needed a bit of TLC so we avoided too much on the hands). Discovery for me and for them -- that's part of the fun, right?
During the cleanse, Cate's instruction is to stay quiet mentally, yet still move (yoga and whatever else to break a sweat). And, tonight is our 'kick-off' conference call. I'll keep you posted.
Enjoy your week,
Today is the official start of 'leslie's great adventure in the world of cleansing'. Her first. I've jounaled lots of inspiring things I hope to get out of this. Right now, as I sit drinking hot water with lemon (instead of my Italian roast coffee), I am hoping I get out of this without biting someone's head off.
That's a deadly side effect of hunger in leslie. Severe grumpiness.
Class on Saturday was fun to teach. Lots of twisting -- which was welcomed by the ladies who had been doing yardwork during this first really nice week of Spring. It was also fun to do a practice without a lot of chaturangas, working around those connection points where we rely on a chatarunga to get us to the next place (their arms/wrists needed a bit of TLC so we avoided too much on the hands). Discovery for me and for them -- that's part of the fun, right?
During the cleanse, Cate's instruction is to stay quiet mentally, yet still move (yoga and whatever else to break a sweat). And, tonight is our 'kick-off' conference call. I'll keep you posted.
Enjoy your week,
PREPARATION
Gearing up for the Ayurvedic cleanse, which begins Sunday (actually, Monday is the first official day, but on Sunday we should be fasting for that one day -- clearing out the digestive tract for Monday).
This cleanse will last 7 days, and the more I think about it, the more confident I feel.
I have, however, failed to adequately eliminate coffee at this point. A lot of stuff going on this week, and I am not inclined to give up my one 'vice' today. Tomorrow.
Cate has done a good job of providing us with materials we will need -- including pre-cleanse guidelines and information for us 'first-timers', then cleanse guidelines, and recipes.
I've made my list of maladies, concerns, things going on in my body and life -- one of our homework assignments. Have come up with 12 broad things, so far. I say broad, because many encompass 2-3 symptoms. Then we rank these. This is only for our own reference, so that - after the cleanse - we can see what, if any, differences there are.
Some of what I've written may seem repetition from an earlier blog. That reflects #2 on my list of maladies -- memory 'sucks'.
Have a nice Friday,
This cleanse will last 7 days, and the more I think about it, the more confident I feel.
I have, however, failed to adequately eliminate coffee at this point. A lot of stuff going on this week, and I am not inclined to give up my one 'vice' today. Tomorrow.
Cate has done a good job of providing us with materials we will need -- including pre-cleanse guidelines and information for us 'first-timers', then cleanse guidelines, and recipes.
I've made my list of maladies, concerns, things going on in my body and life -- one of our homework assignments. Have come up with 12 broad things, so far. I say broad, because many encompass 2-3 symptoms. Then we rank these. This is only for our own reference, so that - after the cleanse - we can see what, if any, differences there are.
Some of what I've written may seem repetition from an earlier blog. That reflects #2 on my list of maladies -- memory 'sucks'.
Have a nice Friday,
SHRI . . .
My themes over the last five days have centered around the word 'SHRI'.
Shri is a Sanskrit word that means, among other things, Divine Beauty (I am learning that Sanskrit words often have many meanings, or mean differrent things to different groups).
I have used this idea of beauty to encourage students to add that special something to their poses -- it was a theme used at a training, that of not just doing the 'cookie cutter' pose -- but adding your own finishing touch to fully express the beauty of the yoga poses.
As I mentioned a couple of days ago, it worked then and it continues to work. I have seen some beautiful poses this week, not to mention beautiful faces, as we work with this theme. It has the effect of taking the inhibitions away. Wonderful to watch!
This morning I read Christina's blog (as I do every morning), and was surprised - and pleased - to see that she had been 'twittered' by John Friend with a quote about ritual and how they are means by which we can express our Divine Beauty.
Validation for my theming this week, and more proof that there is an energy flowing out there that we cannot see, cannot feel, cannot touch, but certainly do get a 'hit' of every once in a while!
Busy Thursday for me -- I am going to take a yoga class or two today, as well as teach one (and, Pilates with Cindy).
Shri is a Sanskrit word that means, among other things, Divine Beauty (I am learning that Sanskrit words often have many meanings, or mean differrent things to different groups).
I have used this idea of beauty to encourage students to add that special something to their poses -- it was a theme used at a training, that of not just doing the 'cookie cutter' pose -- but adding your own finishing touch to fully express the beauty of the yoga poses.
As I mentioned a couple of days ago, it worked then and it continues to work. I have seen some beautiful poses this week, not to mention beautiful faces, as we work with this theme. It has the effect of taking the inhibitions away. Wonderful to watch!
This morning I read Christina's blog (as I do every morning), and was surprised - and pleased - to see that she had been 'twittered' by John Friend with a quote about ritual and how they are means by which we can express our Divine Beauty.
Validation for my theming this week, and more proof that there is an energy flowing out there that we cannot see, cannot feel, cannot touch, but certainly do get a 'hit' of every once in a while!
Busy Thursday for me -- I am going to take a yoga class or two today, as well as teach one (and, Pilates with Cindy).
ADHISUKSHMA
As I mentioned yesterday, these next 4 days will be my preparation to begin a 7-day Ayurvedic cleanse. I am participating in a teleconference with Cate Stillman (leader) and others (not sure how many - but, I do know they are from far afield, from Driggs, Idaho to Washington, DC, & Hong Kong!).
This is the first cleanse I have ever done (unless you can count a colonoscopy prep). So, you would be safe to say that I am a bit curious, nervous, and energized to do it. Especially after last night's conference call -- the kick-off to the pre-cleanse stage of the course.
Cate's regimen is simple, and she confesses that over the years she has been doing this, she has become less dogmatic in her approach. I have also always enjoyed Cate's common sense approach to Ayurveda -- making it understandable and do-able, one step at a time.
While I won't give you specific details (you'll have to do your own cleanse with Cate to find those out), I will say that one of the most impressive parts of last night's discussion, was the realization for me that this will be a practice of adhisukshma. Adhisukshma is a Sanskrit word meaning the study of the 'mental body'. So, rather than just focusing on what I am eating, how hungry I am, how my body feels -- I will also be paying a lot of attention to my mental state. And, taking care of it.
Some things we will do to 'take care of it': kick up the meditation; slow down the 'busy-ness'; avoid unnecessary e-mail & phone calls; in summary, give ourselves a week of slowed down mental activity.
All this, to awaken to the next level of perception.
Honestly, I had never thought of cleansing as much more than depriving the body of my coffee or desserts; as a week of self-imposed hunger. The concept of adhisukshma adds a level of insight to make it all more achievable.
Enjoy the day,
This is the first cleanse I have ever done (unless you can count a colonoscopy prep). So, you would be safe to say that I am a bit curious, nervous, and energized to do it. Especially after last night's conference call -- the kick-off to the pre-cleanse stage of the course.
Cate's regimen is simple, and she confesses that over the years she has been doing this, she has become less dogmatic in her approach. I have also always enjoyed Cate's common sense approach to Ayurveda -- making it understandable and do-able, one step at a time.
While I won't give you specific details (you'll have to do your own cleanse with Cate to find those out), I will say that one of the most impressive parts of last night's discussion, was the realization for me that this will be a practice of adhisukshma. Adhisukshma is a Sanskrit word meaning the study of the 'mental body'. So, rather than just focusing on what I am eating, how hungry I am, how my body feels -- I will also be paying a lot of attention to my mental state. And, taking care of it.
Some things we will do to 'take care of it': kick up the meditation; slow down the 'busy-ness'; avoid unnecessary e-mail & phone calls; in summary, give ourselves a week of slowed down mental activity.
All this, to awaken to the next level of perception.
Honestly, I had never thought of cleansing as much more than depriving the body of my coffee or desserts; as a week of self-imposed hunger. The concept of adhisukshma adds a level of insight to make it all more achievable.
Enjoy the day,
MONDAY NOTES
Nice weekend - Mother's Day Brunch, running a few errands, visiting, reading, napping, more eating. Lots of 'doing nothing'.
Today, it's time to read the materials sent to me by Cate (http://www.yogahealer.com/) regarding the Ayurvedic cleanse I will begin preparing for. It's a teleconference course that begins with a conference call tomorrow. Nervous -- never done a cleanse before, and don't know a lot about Ayurveda (except what I've learned on the few occasions I've been in workshop settings with Cate). Time to expand my knowledge base, as well (what IS my dosha?). Hoped for result: more energy, more effective eating habits, connection with some new and already-met friends, new knowledge, able to do eka hasta padangusthasana (? just kidding - I wish that Ayurveda would help with lengthening hamstrings !).
As Sundari says, today will be my day to practice more yoga 'off the mat'. That means dealing with some issues related to aging parents. They live 600 miles away, and - as the only child - the challenge falls to me to make sure they are doing o.k. Yesterday's Mother's Day call revealed they are having issues with groceries -- not that they can't afford them, but that they can't get to the grocery without help. So, we'll try to solve that problem this morning by setting up a delivery service.
Note to self -- don't leave aging issues totally up to our children to solve; be proactive while we still can.
We spent the weekend in Driggs -- nice to get away from the bigger house and yardwork, nice to be on the river, nice to watch the dogs run loose. Just more relaxing.
Here's to a good week,
Today, it's time to read the materials sent to me by Cate (http://www.yogahealer.com/) regarding the Ayurvedic cleanse I will begin preparing for. It's a teleconference course that begins with a conference call tomorrow. Nervous -- never done a cleanse before, and don't know a lot about Ayurveda (except what I've learned on the few occasions I've been in workshop settings with Cate). Time to expand my knowledge base, as well (what IS my dosha?). Hoped for result: more energy, more effective eating habits, connection with some new and already-met friends, new knowledge, able to do eka hasta padangusthasana (? just kidding - I wish that Ayurveda would help with lengthening hamstrings !).
As Sundari says, today will be my day to practice more yoga 'off the mat'. That means dealing with some issues related to aging parents. They live 600 miles away, and - as the only child - the challenge falls to me to make sure they are doing o.k. Yesterday's Mother's Day call revealed they are having issues with groceries -- not that they can't afford them, but that they can't get to the grocery without help. So, we'll try to solve that problem this morning by setting up a delivery service.
Note to self -- don't leave aging issues totally up to our children to solve; be proactive while we still can.
We spent the weekend in Driggs -- nice to get away from the bigger house and yardwork, nice to be on the river, nice to watch the dogs run loose. Just more relaxing.
Here's to a good week,