WHY?
Why, when I encounter a new-to-me or new-to-yoga student, am I hearing "I tried it, but I couldn't do it." or "I took a beginner class, but it was more like a workout class." or "I was intimidated."
Sometimes, I suppose, it's just because - at the time they tried it - the student didn't like yoga (!?!?!?). But, many times - in my experience - if I probe a bit, it turns out that the class or the instructor just wasn't truly geared to teach beginners.
I don't try to change #3 -- the intimidation one; because I think that's within a person's make-up to decide whether it's worth facing that bit of intimidation in order to do something good for themselves.
But #1 and #2? Those I can address. I think there may be a common misconception that the new-to-teaching instructor is best off teaching beginners. But, I don't agree. My belief is that it takes a lot of experience to teach beginners. Granted, it can be frustrating at times. For that reason, perhaps the more experienced instructors choose to let others do it.
But, just think of the learning challenges and opportunities that teaching beginners will offer:
Sometimes, I suppose, it's just because - at the time they tried it - the student didn't like yoga (!?!?!?). But, many times - in my experience - if I probe a bit, it turns out that the class or the instructor just wasn't truly geared to teach beginners.
I don't try to change #3 -- the intimidation one; because I think that's within a person's make-up to decide whether it's worth facing that bit of intimidation in order to do something good for themselves.
But #1 and #2? Those I can address. I think there may be a common misconception that the new-to-teaching instructor is best off teaching beginners. But, I don't agree. My belief is that it takes a lot of experience to teach beginners. Granted, it can be frustrating at times. For that reason, perhaps the more experienced instructors choose to let others do it.
But, just think of the learning challenges and opportunities that teaching beginners will offer:
- An opportunity to meet new people,
- An opportunity to listen, 'hear' them, as they try to do something very foreign with their bodies,
- The opportunity to practice saying the same instruction three different ways; because sometimes that's what it takes -- not everyone processes information the same way,
- Circumstances that offer practice modifications, and
- Many times, there is an opportunity to work with injuries.
- Best of all, there is that moment when it 'clicks'; when the pose looks strong and viable, when the poses begin to sing.
I am not saying there are no newer-to-teaching instructors who could do this, because I'm sure there are many. It's just that I believe the new-to-yoga students deserve our full attention to assure their experience is a good one, one that offers an optimistic view of the journey (and the challenges) the practice of yoga will offer. That means that we, as studio owners or program planners, need to pay close attention to how we handle our newer students.
Granted, there are many students who run the gauntlet, grow their practices, and love yoga, despite how they began the practice. I'm thinking of the ones who may be turned off by our lack of attentiveness to their cultivation. It's one thing to market and get them into the studios or fitness centers, then what happens?
Just a brief foray into my thoughts on the attention paid new-to-yoga students.
Granted, there are many students who run the gauntlet, grow their practices, and love yoga, despite how they began the practice. I'm thinking of the ones who may be turned off by our lack of attentiveness to their cultivation. It's one thing to market and get them into the studios or fitness centers, then what happens?
Just a brief foray into my thoughts on the attention paid new-to-yoga students.
Today?
- Subbing for Mary, 9 am, Level 1 at The Yoga Center
- 1 pm, Pilates
- 4 pm, Yoga Hour at The Yoga Center
Have a nice Thursday,
THREE COMMENTS
Three comments -- all about the same; same person? Same issue, for sure. No matter, I'll try to describe my experience with the hyoid bone (a small horseshoe-shaped bone that sits at the front of our throats and anchors our tongue; where skull and shoulder loop intersect).
Three weeks ago, when I had a true breakthrough on urdhva dhanurasana, it was because I finally 'heard' JF say take my head back and look more towards my hands and feet as I moved from the top of my head. At first, it was like a slow motion elevator. Perhaps that was because I could hardly believe it was happening, I was experiencing 'lift off'; not having to struggle to get 3-4 inches away from the floor, but truly experiencing my shoulder blades assisting in the lift.
So, since then, I've continued to do that - take my head back; and, each time it gets easier.
FYI, I put the word 'heard' in quotes, because I know I have been told this by many teachers; for some reason, this time I 'heard' it and I was able to execute it.
The past week, with Sundari in Wyoming, we spent days working shoulder loop, and on Sunday did get to the backbends. In ustrasana, her instructions went like something this:
Three weeks ago, when I had a true breakthrough on urdhva dhanurasana, it was because I finally 'heard' JF say take my head back and look more towards my hands and feet as I moved from the top of my head. At first, it was like a slow motion elevator. Perhaps that was because I could hardly believe it was happening, I was experiencing 'lift off'; not having to struggle to get 3-4 inches away from the floor, but truly experiencing my shoulder blades assisting in the lift.
So, since then, I've continued to do that - take my head back; and, each time it gets easier.
FYI, I put the word 'heard' in quotes, because I know I have been told this by many teachers; for some reason, this time I 'heard' it and I was able to execute it.
The past week, with Sundari in Wyoming, we spent days working shoulder loop, and on Sunday did get to the backbends. In ustrasana, her instructions went like something this:
- Inner body bright (from hips to arm pits get long)
- Gaze forward, move your hyoid bone back
- Begin to move shoulder loop
- Once again, re-emphasize inner body bright
- Your gaze is still forward, hyoid bone engaged
- Shoulder loop begins to spin a bit faster
- Heart lifting, as you begin to lift your gaze and extend the occiput
- Shoulder loop spinning faster
- Inner body expanding
- Gaze moving back; hyoid bone toned and occiput extending
- repeat, repeat, repeat
Before I knew it, my hands were on my ankles without the usual collapse on one side, just a nice ride back.
Then, we moved to urdhva dhanurasana. Her first instruction, soften. Simply place my feet and hands, then allow the arm pits to move to the floor. Engage the hyoid bone (how? press my occiput into the floor), keep that engagement as I press hands into the floor and lift to top of head. With hyoid toned, top of head pressing into the floor (this is the occiput extending), re-position hands as needed, and begin the journey to urdhva dhanurasana. Do take gaze back further towards hands and feet, but do not lose the tone of the hyoid. Once we disconnect form the hyoid, we disconnect kidney and shoulder loop (this info, thanks to Wayne). Wow! How many times do we have to hear something for it to begin to stick? Many, I guess.
Not sure about 'anonymous' or 'imagine', but this works for me. Almost effortlessly, I've been rising into urdhva dhanurasana each time that instruction is given. Once again, this is something I've heard again and again, different verbiage depending on the instructor. I finally 'heard' it.
So, give it a try. Let me know if anything changes.
Enjoy your evening,
AHHH, PAINTERS
Gotta love 'em, tho. I would not want to be doing any of this myself. What do I mean? That, even tho the inside of my house is coming back together; now, the painters are on the outside. That should be easy; but, only if you have no dogs.
I came home last night (gone from 9-6, while painters were doing their thing - sealing & staining the deck, touching up the trim paint, preparing doors for painting). My two dogs had spent the day in the basement (or lower level). I released them from their confinement, ready to set them free in the back yard, only to find the sliders to the deck tarped over! What does that mean? No traffic on the deck allowed. My alternative, now, is to walk them every so often so they can relieve themselves.
We used to do this 24/7 in San Diego, because of the living situation we were in (condo with patio, no yard). Funny how you fall out of patterns and into easier ones.
Up early this morning to two 'hoppin' dogs ready and eager to relieve themselves. What? A mini-walk at 5:15 am? You've got to be kidding me! We did it, tho, and I can now enjoy my coffee, my time. We'll take a longer walk in a couple hours when the sun begins to rise.
What does this have to do with teaching yoga? Nothing! Just taking the opportunity to vent a bit.
Except that there may be some stories and themes in here. Let's go back and examine.
I came home last night (gone from 9-6, while painters were doing their thing - sealing & staining the deck, touching up the trim paint, preparing doors for painting). My two dogs had spent the day in the basement (or lower level). I released them from their confinement, ready to set them free in the back yard, only to find the sliders to the deck tarped over! What does that mean? No traffic on the deck allowed. My alternative, now, is to walk them every so often so they can relieve themselves.
We used to do this 24/7 in San Diego, because of the living situation we were in (condo with patio, no yard). Funny how you fall out of patterns and into easier ones.
Up early this morning to two 'hoppin' dogs ready and eager to relieve themselves. What? A mini-walk at 5:15 am? You've got to be kidding me! We did it, tho, and I can now enjoy my coffee, my time. We'll take a longer walk in a couple hours when the sun begins to rise.
What does this have to do with teaching yoga? Nothing! Just taking the opportunity to vent a bit.
Except that there may be some stories and themes in here. Let's go back and examine.
- Do we have habits? Yes. Habits we ought to change? Yes. Well, there you go - a theme. A favorite quote that might apply: "we make our habits, then our habits make us". Now, why do we want to change? (attach a spiritual/philosophical reason here).
- Push the envelope, but not too far. In several instances, I've stressed these two dogs to their limits -- yesterday from 9-6, and last night. We do want to grow, expand, but not at the risk of resultant negative consequences (you get my drift). Why?
- Obviously, they needed a little more time to run and play during the day. Not one of the two main reasons we do yoga (chit ananda / awareness & beauty), but a good one in my book -- play. Usually these dogs wake up a bit slowly; this morning, they were excited and eager to get out of this house -- and, I found, not just to relieve themselves. More to get a breath of fresh air and move around a bit -- play. Why?
- If I take care of my business or the practicalities (walking the dogs), I have time. We could stretch this a bit and apply it to our yoga practice; like - if I approach the practice with purpose and love, I will align more skillfully. The poses will become more accessible. Why do I care if this happens?
Notice I left the 'whys?' blank. I could have filled in my reasons, but we each have our own and they will ultimately bring us back to a connection with our heart and the divine, but I will say it differently than you.
Things went almost as planned yesterday. Class with Wayne was great -- the urdhvas get easier and easier. I even think my arms are becoming straight, and I was able to lift one heel, then the other, on the third urdhva dhanurasana. Think hyoid bone. Curious? Ask me. (All I can think through this past few weeks, is about the difference one small adjustment or piece of knowledge can make -- think 12 years of working at this pose.)
The semi-private turned into a private, and just a short one. One of the duo must have knee surgery; so, they will put yoga on hold until after that happens - doctor's advice. I'm disappointed; there are many things we could do that don't involve the knee and would be beneficial - especially in the shoulder/neck region. But, it's their decision.
Yoga Hour was fun; a small group and - for just the second time - I taught urdhva dhanurasana. One student had not been able to push up the previous time. This visit, using hyoid bone technique, urdhva #1 was done with slight pressure in the shoulder blade region from my fist; #2 and #3 were done without help. Hoo-Ray! Another student commented that, even though she has been able to do the pose, the way out of the pose has always been a mystery to her. We cleared that up; how? (from Sundari) chin towards chest, bend elbows, head and shoulders to floor, hips to floor - smooth.
Interesting that students don't know the way OUT of challenging poses. Something to think about.
Today's schedule:
- Gentle Yoga, 10 am, at The Yoga Center
- My own private with Adam, early afternoon
- Home time
Have a great day,
RUNNING BEHIND
On time, that is. I spent yesterday doing laundry, resting, taking my cat to the vet, doing laundry, re-aligning some of the house, doing laundry, resting, doing laundry, answering phone messages and e-mails, doing laundry -- notice a pattern here? There was no Good Fairy residing at home 'doing laundry' for me while I was gone; plus I brought a good bit home with me (laundry, that is). The Good Fairy (in the form of my husband, Howard) did, however, keep the house picked up and took care of clearing out and cleaning the living room -- which had become a repository of sorts for all the stuff we moved in order to paint. So, thank you for that.
I was not able, after all, to attend Tiffany's class; just didn't fit into the scheme of things. Maybe Wednesday.
Since I had offered to send out the list of attendees at our Therapy training, with contact information, I spent some of the day catching up on e-mail conversations with a few of those people. One of the things I found challenging about this path is that everyone is pretty focused on their work and - when not in trainings or workshops - you can feel somewhat alone. Thank goodness Sundari has been my mentor; since she and I formalized our relationship, she has never left me with that feeling (you can imagine my panic when I heard she was going to Maui for the winter). Even before, when we did not have the formal mentor/student relationship, she was always willing to answer questions or discuss 'stuff'.
How did I counter than 'alone' feeling when it did come up? For me, the answer has been to step out of my comfort zone and ask questions, do research, find the people who do have time to talk. So, one of my goals is to emulate Sundari's efforts; hence, this blog and - also - a willingness to answer questions, discuss things, figure out how to move in and thru this extensive and very thorough training process. And, as a result, I learn more. I benefit and I hope others do, as well.
I can become pretty isolated if I just think "I'll figure it out" and then - even worse - I keep that information all to myself. Not that I shout things from the rooftops, but I will share what I've learned, if asked. And, that's a biggie -- sometimes I have to ask. Not easy, it may reveal that I don't know something, or I missed the memo, or I didn't pay attention. Lots of 'ego' wrapped up there.
Wow, as I write and read, I realize I've forgotten how to write. This sounds like a sermon. But, for now, I'll leave it. It will remind me what and how not to write.
Today?
Wayne's Level 1-2, 9:30 at The Yoga Center
Semi-Private at 2:30 (I'm teaching)
Inbetween stuff -- laundry (more?), paperwork at the studio, etc.
Have a terrific Tuesday,
I was not able, after all, to attend Tiffany's class; just didn't fit into the scheme of things. Maybe Wednesday.
Since I had offered to send out the list of attendees at our Therapy training, with contact information, I spent some of the day catching up on e-mail conversations with a few of those people. One of the things I found challenging about this path is that everyone is pretty focused on their work and - when not in trainings or workshops - you can feel somewhat alone. Thank goodness Sundari has been my mentor; since she and I formalized our relationship, she has never left me with that feeling (you can imagine my panic when I heard she was going to Maui for the winter). Even before, when we did not have the formal mentor/student relationship, she was always willing to answer questions or discuss 'stuff'.
How did I counter than 'alone' feeling when it did come up? For me, the answer has been to step out of my comfort zone and ask questions, do research, find the people who do have time to talk. So, one of my goals is to emulate Sundari's efforts; hence, this blog and - also - a willingness to answer questions, discuss things, figure out how to move in and thru this extensive and very thorough training process. And, as a result, I learn more. I benefit and I hope others do, as well.
I can become pretty isolated if I just think "I'll figure it out" and then - even worse - I keep that information all to myself. Not that I shout things from the rooftops, but I will share what I've learned, if asked. And, that's a biggie -- sometimes I have to ask. Not easy, it may reveal that I don't know something, or I missed the memo, or I didn't pay attention. Lots of 'ego' wrapped up there.
Wow, as I write and read, I realize I've forgotten how to write. This sounds like a sermon. But, for now, I'll leave it. It will remind me what and how not to write.
Today?
Wayne's Level 1-2, 9:30 at The Yoga Center
Semi-Private at 2:30 (I'm teaching)
Inbetween stuff -- laundry (more?), paperwork at the studio, etc.
Have a terrific Tuesday,
HOME AGAIN, FULL
Yes, full. Full of new (and refreshed) information, full of new (and refreshed) friends, full of passion - passion for teaching, passion for my students, passion for this practice of Anusara® yoga.
I returned this evening from 5 days in Wyoming (Granite Hot Springs area), where 20 women (students and teachers) gathered to study Therapeutics with Certified Anusara® yoga instructor, Sundari.
First, here's the scene: the Safari Club outside Jackson, WY - a compound with facilities to accommodate groups for meetings, meals, sleeping, etc. We arrived Tuesday, late afternoon, and unloaded to settle into our space. We were all housed in the main building of the compound. The upstairs sleeping area was designated "quiet", so when we went up there, talk was minimal and then at a whisper level. Downstairs was the practice room, dining area, library, office, etc. Great space.
Tuesday evening, we had a great dinner prepared by Marcia (a wonderfully creative cook and yoga teacher from Lander, WY), then Sundari introduced us and explained a few 'ground rules' -- things like when you go for a walk, you must sign out and in, and take a can of bear mace with you. Other, less scary, things included our schedule for each day, evening activities, biomat usage, hot springs info, etc.
Each day included meditation and pranayama from 7am-7:45 am; then breakfast from 8-9:15 am. At 9:15 am, we convened for 3 hours of practice and lecture. Lunch promptly at 12:30, time for walks or hot springs or whatever, and we re-convened at 3:45 for another 3 hours of practice/lecture. Dinner followed. Tuesday and Wednesday night, sleep followed dinner. The next two nights, we were treated to videos - one the Anusara® video on Transformation; the other, Anodea Judith's new video, co-created with her son, on the cakra system. Saturday night was campfire night -- lots of hooping and hollering, sans alcohol! (sans = without) I am sure the hunters camping in the area were wondering 'what in the world?'.
I have attended many trainings on this journey, including multiple therapy trainings. All have been great with good information and teaching. This one, however, was special. Imagine 20 women studying with an exceptional teacher and really diving into the therapeutics of yoga. It was palpably outstanding. Enough said - for now.
I'm typing my notes -- still have today's to translate from scribbles to legible, typewritten format. Once done, I may write more about the substance of the training - or, you might have to read each Friday and watch for 'tips'.
So, tomorrow?
I returned this evening from 5 days in Wyoming (Granite Hot Springs area), where 20 women (students and teachers) gathered to study Therapeutics with Certified Anusara® yoga instructor, Sundari.
First, here's the scene: the Safari Club outside Jackson, WY - a compound with facilities to accommodate groups for meetings, meals, sleeping, etc. We arrived Tuesday, late afternoon, and unloaded to settle into our space. We were all housed in the main building of the compound. The upstairs sleeping area was designated "quiet", so when we went up there, talk was minimal and then at a whisper level. Downstairs was the practice room, dining area, library, office, etc. Great space.
Tuesday evening, we had a great dinner prepared by Marcia (a wonderfully creative cook and yoga teacher from Lander, WY), then Sundari introduced us and explained a few 'ground rules' -- things like when you go for a walk, you must sign out and in, and take a can of bear mace with you. Other, less scary, things included our schedule for each day, evening activities, biomat usage, hot springs info, etc.
Each day included meditation and pranayama from 7am-7:45 am; then breakfast from 8-9:15 am. At 9:15 am, we convened for 3 hours of practice and lecture. Lunch promptly at 12:30, time for walks or hot springs or whatever, and we re-convened at 3:45 for another 3 hours of practice/lecture. Dinner followed. Tuesday and Wednesday night, sleep followed dinner. The next two nights, we were treated to videos - one the Anusara® video on Transformation; the other, Anodea Judith's new video, co-created with her son, on the cakra system. Saturday night was campfire night -- lots of hooping and hollering, sans alcohol! (sans = without) I am sure the hunters camping in the area were wondering 'what in the world?'.
I have attended many trainings on this journey, including multiple therapy trainings. All have been great with good information and teaching. This one, however, was special. Imagine 20 women studying with an exceptional teacher and really diving into the therapeutics of yoga. It was palpably outstanding. Enough said - for now.
I'm typing my notes -- still have today's to translate from scribbles to legible, typewritten format. Once done, I may write more about the substance of the training - or, you might have to read each Friday and watch for 'tips'.
So, tomorrow?
- Back to the routine
- Paperwork
- Class with Tiffany
Hope you have a great day,
SHE'S OFF (Again)
Yes, I am off to another training -- 3 this year, whew! But, going to Wyoming to study therapeutics with Sundari for 5 days will be very helpful and, with her going to Maui for the winter, I felt it important to do this training. It is interesting how we each pick and choose what we study, and how our choices change over the years.
So, this is short; just to tell you that I'll be off-line for the next 5 days. (No coverage in the place we'll be; there is a land line and a computer there, so I might surprise you -- no promises, tho.)
Good subs planned, so if you're a student who attends my classes, you will be well taken care of.
Enjoy your week!
So, this is short; just to tell you that I'll be off-line for the next 5 days. (No coverage in the place we'll be; there is a land line and a computer there, so I might surprise you -- no promises, tho.)
Good subs planned, so if you're a student who attends my classes, you will be well taken care of.
Enjoy your week!
'GOOD STUFF' SALE DAY
Today's the day (actually, this morning's the morning) that I'm having my "Good Stuff" Sale. Everything is laying in the entry, or on the sides of the garage, or in the side yards, waiting to be moved into place. As soon as this is written and I've had a second cup of coffee (and it gets a bit lighter out), I'll start moving stuff into place. I wonder who will show (or, if anyone will show). My advertising is minimal, and the fact that it's just happening Sunday morning 8-12, may hamper attendance; we'll see. No matter, it's a step towards de-cluttering.
Friday's Gentle Class was smaller, but no less fun. One long-time student returned from a cruise, and her sense of humor always adds to the fun mix ('Gentle, my a_ _!', she's been heard to utter in class.). These are the moments that will encourage me to print out my first 500 posts to this blog -- as a reminder of the really fun and enriching times I've experienced teaching yoga.
Friday afternoon was filled with cleaning (do you get the impression my house has been 'neglected' over the past couple years?), window coverings were returned, painter came to look at our deck which is in dire need of a sealing. Then, the fun stuff, more yoga -- returned to The Yoga Center to participate in the weekly practice that Jen leads. What am I noticing these day? The weight loss definitely enhances the feel of many poses. My hamstrings are stronger. Once at the wall in handstand, I can stay there for longer and longer. There was more, but the list could get pretty long, so I'll stop here.
Do we think there is an "Anusara® Secret Shopper" network out there? I wonder. (FYI, a 'secret shopper' is a method employed by retail and service industries to ensure clients receive good service. They hire someone to shop and to report back.) O.K. - so why my question? I received a call in the midst of the Friday afternoon hubbub at the house, from a gentleman who had injured his back. He called for advice. After telling him he ought to see a physician, I tried to talk him through postural alignment and a couple things that might offer relief. A few more questions left me wondering; the capper? his e-mail address (I offered to send a link to JF's internet videos on back issues and posture). It included the word 'grace'. Maybe there isn't a network; just wondering, tho.
Saturday began with an early morning private. Student mentioned that her arms were weak, validated by a test her chiropractor performed. So, we did "L" at the wall -- no, not standing down dog, but the preparation for handstand. I think it's important for people to see they may not be as weak as someone else tells them they are. And, while I realize handstand is not a process of arm strength, the confidence you need can be easily deflated IF you think you're weak. First attempt, a face plant of sorts (whoops!); second attempt, both feet on wall, "L" beginning to form; then, she asked for a third go at it -- plant hands, lift hips, lift feet onto wall, move into pose -- easy as that. Good stuff! Better yet, she was beaming from ear to ear with excitement and amazement.
Level 1 students arrived. Not many will ask for specific things, nor do I always ask. This morning, I asked. Request for work at the wall. Which we did -- chest openers, wall dog, wall parsottonasan, modified Warrior I (block between knee and wall), modified parsvokonasan (top hand pressing into wall), chair pose (backside against wall), chair pose twist (backside against wall), full expression of vrksasana (foot on inner thigh, backside against wall for stability). Then 'L' pose for them, also -- each did it at least twice. While we do many of these poses in the middle of the room routinely, the involvement of the wall offers stability and opening that may not happen otherwise. More good stuff!
Left for a bite of lunch, then returned to give a short talk to teacher training students on heart languaging, and my "Road to Certification" journey. Appreciate being invited to do this; another 'comfort zone expansion' moment.
Today?
"Good Stuff" Sale - 9-12 noon
Sort the leftovers for donation
Rest, relax, read, whatever
Hope you enjoy your Sunday,
Friday's Gentle Class was smaller, but no less fun. One long-time student returned from a cruise, and her sense of humor always adds to the fun mix ('Gentle, my a_ _!', she's been heard to utter in class.). These are the moments that will encourage me to print out my first 500 posts to this blog -- as a reminder of the really fun and enriching times I've experienced teaching yoga.
Friday afternoon was filled with cleaning (do you get the impression my house has been 'neglected' over the past couple years?), window coverings were returned, painter came to look at our deck which is in dire need of a sealing. Then, the fun stuff, more yoga -- returned to The Yoga Center to participate in the weekly practice that Jen leads. What am I noticing these day? The weight loss definitely enhances the feel of many poses. My hamstrings are stronger. Once at the wall in handstand, I can stay there for longer and longer. There was more, but the list could get pretty long, so I'll stop here.
Do we think there is an "Anusara® Secret Shopper" network out there? I wonder. (FYI, a 'secret shopper' is a method employed by retail and service industries to ensure clients receive good service. They hire someone to shop and to report back.) O.K. - so why my question? I received a call in the midst of the Friday afternoon hubbub at the house, from a gentleman who had injured his back. He called for advice. After telling him he ought to see a physician, I tried to talk him through postural alignment and a couple things that might offer relief. A few more questions left me wondering; the capper? his e-mail address (I offered to send a link to JF's internet videos on back issues and posture). It included the word 'grace'. Maybe there isn't a network; just wondering, tho.
Saturday began with an early morning private. Student mentioned that her arms were weak, validated by a test her chiropractor performed. So, we did "L" at the wall -- no, not standing down dog, but the preparation for handstand. I think it's important for people to see they may not be as weak as someone else tells them they are. And, while I realize handstand is not a process of arm strength, the confidence you need can be easily deflated IF you think you're weak. First attempt, a face plant of sorts (whoops!); second attempt, both feet on wall, "L" beginning to form; then, she asked for a third go at it -- plant hands, lift hips, lift feet onto wall, move into pose -- easy as that. Good stuff! Better yet, she was beaming from ear to ear with excitement and amazement.
Level 1 students arrived. Not many will ask for specific things, nor do I always ask. This morning, I asked. Request for work at the wall. Which we did -- chest openers, wall dog, wall parsottonasan, modified Warrior I (block between knee and wall), modified parsvokonasan (top hand pressing into wall), chair pose (backside against wall), chair pose twist (backside against wall), full expression of vrksasana (foot on inner thigh, backside against wall for stability). Then 'L' pose for them, also -- each did it at least twice. While we do many of these poses in the middle of the room routinely, the involvement of the wall offers stability and opening that may not happen otherwise. More good stuff!
Left for a bite of lunch, then returned to give a short talk to teacher training students on heart languaging, and my "Road to Certification" journey. Appreciate being invited to do this; another 'comfort zone expansion' moment.
Today?
"Good Stuff" Sale - 9-12 noon
Sort the leftovers for donation
Rest, relax, read, whatever
Hope you enjoy your Sunday,
FABULOUS FRIDAYS
Well, what better title for a post as I sit looking out at the morning sky, the lights of the city sparkling back at me through CLEAN windows. Good stuff!
Despite the cleaning, re-alignment of household articles, and sorting that I've been doing, I have to say it's been a good week. I've accomplished a lot at home, I've taught some great classes with wonderful students, and the private sessions I've taught have been 'over the top'.
Here's the weekly rundown, in case you just read this on Fridays for the 'tip':
1. Saturday's private was fun (this is the one I almost forgot!?!??!) - client new-to-yoga and struggling with chronic fatigue and a back/neck issue. I find as I work with this person that the breath and the action of moving from our heart, our core, are very powerful. Chronic fatigue watch out, as we work with these two elements.
2. Sunday -- house stuff and lunch with Howard (husband) at Sundance, after a leisurely drive through the Alpine Loop enjoying the Fall color.
3. Monday -- more house stuff (broken record), then a semi-private session with the stiffer-than-some couple. This was their second session with me and they were more relaxed (as was I). We moved, we laughed a bit, we shared one or two sarcastic comments (yes, an Anusara-Inspired™ instructor can be sarcastic - in the right setting). I suppose you could say that's the chemistry between student and teacher evolving; we learn about each other, our likes and dislikes, our tolerance for jokes, our desire to be serious and hard working. From that knowledge, I can begin to interlace the teaching and the teaching becomes more meaningful, for me and them.
Then, class with Tiffany. Like I said earlier - language, technical skill, theme/heart quality, fun, feeling good --- all were present during and after class.
4. Tuesday -- subbed for Wayne, more house stuff (br -broken record), back to teach the huge (for me and for 4 pm) Yoga Hour class. Yoga Hour's have evolved into a fun, relaxed 60 minutes of yoga. We just do it, and it appears to be working. Teachers and students love it.
5. Wednesday -- house stuff (br), Gentle Yoga, my own private session with Adam, the second (but, third overall) semi-private for the stiffer-than-some-but-getting-looser couple (I even got a joke with Cajun accent, no less). A very rewarding day.
6. Thursday -- tons of house stuff (br), then Pilates, then another Yoga Hour class. FYI, Leslie has been on a diet of sorts (actually, just cutting down on the amount and changing the type of food I eat), and I've lost about 12 pounds. Everything -- house stuff, yoga, pilates -- everything gets easier without those extra pounds.
7. So, it's Friday -- taking a moment to write this before some more house stuff (br), before going in to teach Gentle Yoga. We worked spanda Wednesday; maybe we'll go for purna today -- full on, perfect, complete (with some spanda thrown in).
8. Tip: I remember when I started teaching, how easy it was to teach -- to talk, to do, to move through a practice. I often rarely looked at the students. Probably because it was hard to speak and describe without doing. Also, I now realize, it's hard to look at students who are looking back at you with questioning gazes, grimaces, perhaps a smile now and then.
I started the process of NOT practicing with students by simply removing the mat from my teaching space. I have 2 blankets on which I sit during the beginning and during savasana. I also place the props I want students to use next to the blankets. (That way when students arrive, they can see what they may need, and they prepare their space similarly (though they do have a mat).) The rest of the time I am up, moving in and around students. Occasionally I demo or ask someone to demo a pose. I rarely do the poses. One exception - a new student -- then I will do a few things, but not much.
And, thank goodness, standing up and taking in the class gets easier. I serve the students better - they know I'm watching. It also becomes fun to field the gazes, grimaces, smiles, etc. -- why? it expands my comfort zone boundaries a lot. Love it.
Today?
Gentle Yoga, 10 am at The Yoga Center
More house stuff (br)
Practice with Jen at 5:40 pm, back at The Yoga Center
Enjoy your fabulous Friday,
Despite the cleaning, re-alignment of household articles, and sorting that I've been doing, I have to say it's been a good week. I've accomplished a lot at home, I've taught some great classes with wonderful students, and the private sessions I've taught have been 'over the top'.
Here's the weekly rundown, in case you just read this on Fridays for the 'tip':
1. Saturday's private was fun (this is the one I almost forgot!?!??!) - client new-to-yoga and struggling with chronic fatigue and a back/neck issue. I find as I work with this person that the breath and the action of moving from our heart, our core, are very powerful. Chronic fatigue watch out, as we work with these two elements.
2. Sunday -- house stuff and lunch with Howard (husband) at Sundance, after a leisurely drive through the Alpine Loop enjoying the Fall color.
3. Monday -- more house stuff (broken record), then a semi-private session with the stiffer-than-some couple. This was their second session with me and they were more relaxed (as was I). We moved, we laughed a bit, we shared one or two sarcastic comments (yes, an Anusara-Inspired™ instructor can be sarcastic - in the right setting). I suppose you could say that's the chemistry between student and teacher evolving; we learn about each other, our likes and dislikes, our tolerance for jokes, our desire to be serious and hard working. From that knowledge, I can begin to interlace the teaching and the teaching becomes more meaningful, for me and them.
Then, class with Tiffany. Like I said earlier - language, technical skill, theme/heart quality, fun, feeling good --- all were present during and after class.
4. Tuesday -- subbed for Wayne, more house stuff (br -broken record), back to teach the huge (for me and for 4 pm) Yoga Hour class. Yoga Hour's have evolved into a fun, relaxed 60 minutes of yoga. We just do it, and it appears to be working. Teachers and students love it.
5. Wednesday -- house stuff (br), Gentle Yoga, my own private session with Adam, the second (but, third overall) semi-private for the stiffer-than-some-but-getting-looser couple (I even got a joke with Cajun accent, no less). A very rewarding day.
6. Thursday -- tons of house stuff (br), then Pilates, then another Yoga Hour class. FYI, Leslie has been on a diet of sorts (actually, just cutting down on the amount and changing the type of food I eat), and I've lost about 12 pounds. Everything -- house stuff, yoga, pilates -- everything gets easier without those extra pounds.
7. So, it's Friday -- taking a moment to write this before some more house stuff (br), before going in to teach Gentle Yoga. We worked spanda Wednesday; maybe we'll go for purna today -- full on, perfect, complete (with some spanda thrown in).
8. Tip: I remember when I started teaching, how easy it was to teach -- to talk, to do, to move through a practice. I often rarely looked at the students. Probably because it was hard to speak and describe without doing. Also, I now realize, it's hard to look at students who are looking back at you with questioning gazes, grimaces, perhaps a smile now and then.
I started the process of NOT practicing with students by simply removing the mat from my teaching space. I have 2 blankets on which I sit during the beginning and during savasana. I also place the props I want students to use next to the blankets. (That way when students arrive, they can see what they may need, and they prepare their space similarly (though they do have a mat).) The rest of the time I am up, moving in and around students. Occasionally I demo or ask someone to demo a pose. I rarely do the poses. One exception - a new student -- then I will do a few things, but not much.
And, thank goodness, standing up and taking in the class gets easier. I serve the students better - they know I'm watching. It also becomes fun to field the gazes, grimaces, smiles, etc. -- why? it expands my comfort zone boundaries a lot. Love it.
Today?
Gentle Yoga, 10 am at The Yoga Center
More house stuff (br)
Practice with Jen at 5:40 pm, back at The Yoga Center
Enjoy your fabulous Friday,
HAPPY TO BE A MESSENGER OF 'MAGIC'
There is a quote from John Friend, Founder of Anusara® yoga that goes something like this:
I feel that magic all the time. I wonder, at times, how many of the students attending my classes feel it. I believe the students who regularly attend classes get it - the magic (they may not, however, call it 'magic'). Yesterday I got a few exciting 'hits' of feedback from people who have not studied with me for extended periods. I am so excited and happy, I feel giddy -- so I'm sharing:
First, Gentle Yoga -- more people than usual in the class (again!?!?!?). Included in the group a couple of friends, one new-to-me and one new-to-yoga (with a bad back). After attending Tiffany's class on Monday, I borrowed her theme of spanda, re-aligned it to fit me and my experiences. Throughout the class we moved in and out of poses -- bending and straightening elbows, knees; extending through fingertips then hugging shoulders and shoulder blades onto the back body, pulsing through this class, bumping our heads (or bodies) against our individual threshholds and using pulsation to create growth. At one point, I overheard the new-to-yoga student say to her friend "this is the mild yoga?". More proof that my definition of 'gentle' includes 'gradually increasing', meaning we work / we take breaks / then we work some more.
So, what happened? As the new-to-yoga student left, she took a moment to tell me that she had worried about her back before taking my class. However, the alignment instructions she received in the class allowed her to do much more than she ever thought possible. (Magic?) It was work, and she left feeling good -- I asked her, I can be subtle as a rock some days. More magic.
Adam arrived just as Gentle Yoga ended, so no time to fret about handstands -- we started working, stretching lower back, hips, legs. Attempted a kick to the wall - can you say 'hang time'? I can, now.
More movement through hips and extending up to mid and upper back and neck. Another attempt. More 'hang time'. Then a little help to the wall. With all the opening he had roadmapped me through, I felt more powerful at the wall (I usually fade after 5 seconds, if helped to the wall). This time, hips, back, neck and shoulders more open, the time at the wall felt good and I was able to stay there for a while and experience it. In my book, Magic!
I ran a quick errand, grabbed something for lunch, then back to the studio to teach a private. The couple I wrote about yesterday returned for their third session for me. As you read this, remember 'third'.
Without giving too much detail, let's just say both are a bit stiff. For her, we talked a bit about a drooped shoulder on Monday and about the benefits of thighs back, feet parallel, feet energized. For him, we worked with his kyphosis, tight hips, sore knee, benefits of energizing the feet. For both, we've been working on balance. Being new-to-yoga, they've also been getting some introduction to the philosophy and methods of Anusara® yoga.
Let me briefly describe a little of what I saw yesterday:
1. Less kyphosis = magic
2. More able to sit in sukhasana = magic
3. Shoulders level = magic
4. Ardha Chandrasana (at the wall) = MAGIC
And the knee? Complaints had been heard about how painful the knee was when driving his car. I suggested a basic alignment principle -- when seated in the driver's seat, manually inner spiral the right leg, then the left. And, do not let the knee move away from the midline while driving. Also, a little seat adjustment might help, so play with that a bit. Result? Knee does not hurt when driving. More magic.
Here's another 'hit' of the magic for me: this couple is really working at this; they see the benefit and they want more. Be still my heart.
Let me just say that none of this is unique to my teaching. It is all information that I've learned through the many trainings, workshops and classes I've attended. I can't take credit for developing any of it; but, I can feel good about being a 'messenger of magic' (should we make some t-shirts, anyone?)
Today's Schedule:
Window Washer at my house -- finally, and let's hope it doesn't rain in the next few days
Housekeeper at my house -- giving in, can't do it all, need some help in this arena
Sorting, cleaning out, etc.
Teaching Yoga Hour at 4 pm at The Yoga Center
Hope you have a magic Thursday,
"When the body is aligned, magic happens."
I feel that magic all the time. I wonder, at times, how many of the students attending my classes feel it. I believe the students who regularly attend classes get it - the magic (they may not, however, call it 'magic'). Yesterday I got a few exciting 'hits' of feedback from people who have not studied with me for extended periods. I am so excited and happy, I feel giddy -- so I'm sharing:
First, Gentle Yoga -- more people than usual in the class (again!?!?!?). Included in the group a couple of friends, one new-to-me and one new-to-yoga (with a bad back). After attending Tiffany's class on Monday, I borrowed her theme of spanda, re-aligned it to fit me and my experiences. Throughout the class we moved in and out of poses -- bending and straightening elbows, knees; extending through fingertips then hugging shoulders and shoulder blades onto the back body, pulsing through this class, bumping our heads (or bodies) against our individual threshholds and using pulsation to create growth. At one point, I overheard the new-to-yoga student say to her friend "this is the mild yoga?". More proof that my definition of 'gentle' includes 'gradually increasing', meaning we work / we take breaks / then we work some more.
So, what happened? As the new-to-yoga student left, she took a moment to tell me that she had worried about her back before taking my class. However, the alignment instructions she received in the class allowed her to do much more than she ever thought possible. (Magic?) It was work, and she left feeling good -- I asked her, I can be subtle as a rock some days. More magic.
Adam arrived just as Gentle Yoga ended, so no time to fret about handstands -- we started working, stretching lower back, hips, legs. Attempted a kick to the wall - can you say 'hang time'? I can, now.
More movement through hips and extending up to mid and upper back and neck. Another attempt. More 'hang time'. Then a little help to the wall. With all the opening he had roadmapped me through, I felt more powerful at the wall (I usually fade after 5 seconds, if helped to the wall). This time, hips, back, neck and shoulders more open, the time at the wall felt good and I was able to stay there for a while and experience it. In my book, Magic!
I ran a quick errand, grabbed something for lunch, then back to the studio to teach a private. The couple I wrote about yesterday returned for their third session for me. As you read this, remember 'third'.
Without giving too much detail, let's just say both are a bit stiff. For her, we talked a bit about a drooped shoulder on Monday and about the benefits of thighs back, feet parallel, feet energized. For him, we worked with his kyphosis, tight hips, sore knee, benefits of energizing the feet. For both, we've been working on balance. Being new-to-yoga, they've also been getting some introduction to the philosophy and methods of Anusara® yoga.
Let me briefly describe a little of what I saw yesterday:
1. Less kyphosis = magic
2. More able to sit in sukhasana = magic
3. Shoulders level = magic
4. Ardha Chandrasana (at the wall) = MAGIC
And the knee? Complaints had been heard about how painful the knee was when driving his car. I suggested a basic alignment principle -- when seated in the driver's seat, manually inner spiral the right leg, then the left. And, do not let the knee move away from the midline while driving. Also, a little seat adjustment might help, so play with that a bit. Result? Knee does not hurt when driving. More magic.
Here's another 'hit' of the magic for me: this couple is really working at this; they see the benefit and they want more. Be still my heart.
Let me just say that none of this is unique to my teaching. It is all information that I've learned through the many trainings, workshops and classes I've attended. I can't take credit for developing any of it; but, I can feel good about being a 'messenger of magic' (should we make some t-shirts, anyone?)
Today's Schedule:
Window Washer at my house -- finally, and let's hope it doesn't rain in the next few days
Housekeeper at my house -- giving in, can't do it all, need some help in this arena
Sorting, cleaning out, etc.
Teaching Yoga Hour at 4 pm at The Yoga Center
Hope you have a magic Thursday,
MORE (when you least expect it)
My week has been busy and a great learning experience for me. To catch you up from Sunday, we did 'do lunch' at Sundance -- nice drive over on the Alpine Loop. I think we were a bit early for the aspens; maybe one more week and they'll peak, but we are entering a busy time with few weekend days for this activity - it was now or next year!?!?!
And, the house begins to take shape. Big furniture cleaned around and under, and moved back into place. Pictures hung back in their 'homes'. Reassembling a little more each day. I'm also cleaning out as I go -- going to have a 'good stuff' sale Sunday morning (dislike the energy of the wording 'garage sale').
Inbetween, I run down to the studio to teach a class or to catch up on studio paperwork. Classes have been good this week. I taught a private on Monday - a nice couple who have a fun, slightly sarcastic sense of humor (my kind of people). If I dish it out, I better expect it back; and vice versa. During the banter that happens between students and teacher, it becomes apparent what kind of interaction may be best -- for this couple, my age (actually, she's younger & he's a couple years older) and coming from a conservative upper middle class (or upper) social strata, I will gradually introduce the many philosophical concepts I've learned. I find that if I push it all at some students right away, I risk pushing them away. The introduction is more gradual for these students; I stick to basic alignment and movement. I love, tho, that he is still calling his mat his 'sanctuary' and, I think, he's truly thinking of it that way.
Monday evening I made the trek to Park City (it's actually only 20 miles of open freeway and a little town driving from my house) for Tiffany Wood's class at The Shop. For those of you in the area, I highly recommend experiencing a few of her classes. She is able to teach a very technically sound class AND incorporate the languaging, heart quality, theme, etc., all through it. As I'm practicing, I find myself thinking "I've got to remember that"; then, I get lost in the moment and movement and forget. Enough of it sticks, tho, that I feel inspired the whole rest of the week to at least throw a few attempts at languaging at the class -- and, each time, it gets a bit easier. Those of you who teach (or practice) Anusara® yoga will understand. For others -- languaging involves the use of descriptive wording to weave a theme throughout the class to motivate, inspire, empower students.
Yesterday (Tuesday) I subbed Wayne's class. The group is growing and people are figuring out that he teaches at The Yoga Center; hence, the two new-to-the-studio students in the group. All but one, very experienced yogis. The one new-new student is very physically adept, making it hard to tell that he had never done yoga before.
Then it was home to do some more assembly and household bookkeeping, before returning to the studio for Yoga Hour (4 pm). 9 - count'em NINE - in the room for that class. I left feeling great. So much fun to teach a larger group (at 4 pm, no less). Interesting phenomenon -- at 3:58pm, I sat in the office thinking 'well, maybe no one will show this afternoon', then the door began opening and closing, opening and closing. We started about 4:05, and a couple more straggled in -- interesting!
Today?
Gentle Yoga at 10 am at The Yoga Center
My own private with Adam - working on those handstands, pincha, hamstrings, quads, upper back,
you name it!
I teach a private at 2:30pm
More sorting, cleaning, re-assembling at home
Hope your Wednesday is busy and productive,
And, the house begins to take shape. Big furniture cleaned around and under, and moved back into place. Pictures hung back in their 'homes'. Reassembling a little more each day. I'm also cleaning out as I go -- going to have a 'good stuff' sale Sunday morning (dislike the energy of the wording 'garage sale').
Inbetween, I run down to the studio to teach a class or to catch up on studio paperwork. Classes have been good this week. I taught a private on Monday - a nice couple who have a fun, slightly sarcastic sense of humor (my kind of people). If I dish it out, I better expect it back; and vice versa. During the banter that happens between students and teacher, it becomes apparent what kind of interaction may be best -- for this couple, my age (actually, she's younger & he's a couple years older) and coming from a conservative upper middle class (or upper) social strata, I will gradually introduce the many philosophical concepts I've learned. I find that if I push it all at some students right away, I risk pushing them away. The introduction is more gradual for these students; I stick to basic alignment and movement. I love, tho, that he is still calling his mat his 'sanctuary' and, I think, he's truly thinking of it that way.
Monday evening I made the trek to Park City (it's actually only 20 miles of open freeway and a little town driving from my house) for Tiffany Wood's class at The Shop. For those of you in the area, I highly recommend experiencing a few of her classes. She is able to teach a very technically sound class AND incorporate the languaging, heart quality, theme, etc., all through it. As I'm practicing, I find myself thinking "I've got to remember that"; then, I get lost in the moment and movement and forget. Enough of it sticks, tho, that I feel inspired the whole rest of the week to at least throw a few attempts at languaging at the class -- and, each time, it gets a bit easier. Those of you who teach (or practice) Anusara® yoga will understand. For others -- languaging involves the use of descriptive wording to weave a theme throughout the class to motivate, inspire, empower students.
Yesterday (Tuesday) I subbed Wayne's class. The group is growing and people are figuring out that he teaches at The Yoga Center; hence, the two new-to-the-studio students in the group. All but one, very experienced yogis. The one new-new student is very physically adept, making it hard to tell that he had never done yoga before.
Then it was home to do some more assembly and household bookkeeping, before returning to the studio for Yoga Hour (4 pm). 9 - count'em NINE - in the room for that class. I left feeling great. So much fun to teach a larger group (at 4 pm, no less). Interesting phenomenon -- at 3:58pm, I sat in the office thinking 'well, maybe no one will show this afternoon', then the door began opening and closing, opening and closing. We started about 4:05, and a couple more straggled in -- interesting!
Today?
Gentle Yoga at 10 am at The Yoga Center
My own private with Adam - working on those handstands, pincha, hamstrings, quads, upper back,
you name it!
I teach a private at 2:30pm
More sorting, cleaning, re-assembling at home
Hope your Wednesday is busy and productive,
WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT
What? When I least expect it, a large group shows for Saturday morning!
I began the morning in a somewhat relaxed manner -- computer time, coffee time, then reviewing the day's activities with Howard when I remembered -- I have private this morning, EARLY!!! Fortunately, it was 6:45 am and the private was scheduled for 7:30. So, pull away from computer, coffee, conversation and quickly get ready. Down to the studio with a little time to spare.
The student arrived on time and we got to work. Before I knew it, it was 8:40 and time to be getting ready for the 9 am class. Good thing? During my computer time earlier in the morning, I had written an outline of what I hoped to teach. So, I had that. As we said our good-byes - private student and I, students began to arrive for the 9 am. And, they kept coming! Among the class, 3 new-to-me students (and somewhat new to yoga), 2 of whom had physical issues to deal with.
What do students, new-to-me and having physical issues, mean? The well-planned class goes out the window. Instead I stuck with the basics; looking at the big picture - how people move, how they handle their issues, their mental state. No big, over-the-top poses. Good, basic work.
Of course, in my morning's rush, I had left the camera at home. Darn! Oh well, maybe next time.
In the afternoon, I attended Jen Hecht's workshop on backbends - my new favorite poses! Well, maybe not yet, but each time I push up I like urdhva dhanurasana more. The ud's are pretty dependable now - as in, 95% of the time I can push up. Now, on to refinement. The workshop's focus was making these poses more accessible. Matt Newman was working with Jen, and they both emphasized the work the shoulders and shoulderblades must do in these poses, with some quad/leg and lower back preparation thrown in. The major backbends -- urdhva dhanurasana and eka pada rajakapotasana.
Fun stuff, and I pushed up again. Plus, I had a good sense of the shoulders, shoulder blades, heart lifting, etc., in epr. Didn't make it to my foot, yet, but it felt good.
Home - do a bit of re-establishment of our household. Not so fun, but necessary.
Today:
More household stuff this morning
Taking an 'aspen break' mid-day, plus lunch at Sundance (our anniversary celebration)
Instructor meeting later today
Hope your Sunday is a great one,
I began the morning in a somewhat relaxed manner -- computer time, coffee time, then reviewing the day's activities with Howard when I remembered -- I have private this morning, EARLY!!! Fortunately, it was 6:45 am and the private was scheduled for 7:30. So, pull away from computer, coffee, conversation and quickly get ready. Down to the studio with a little time to spare.
The student arrived on time and we got to work. Before I knew it, it was 8:40 and time to be getting ready for the 9 am class. Good thing? During my computer time earlier in the morning, I had written an outline of what I hoped to teach. So, I had that. As we said our good-byes - private student and I, students began to arrive for the 9 am. And, they kept coming! Among the class, 3 new-to-me students (and somewhat new to yoga), 2 of whom had physical issues to deal with.
What do students, new-to-me and having physical issues, mean? The well-planned class goes out the window. Instead I stuck with the basics; looking at the big picture - how people move, how they handle their issues, their mental state. No big, over-the-top poses. Good, basic work.
Of course, in my morning's rush, I had left the camera at home. Darn! Oh well, maybe next time.
In the afternoon, I attended Jen Hecht's workshop on backbends - my new favorite poses! Well, maybe not yet, but each time I push up I like urdhva dhanurasana more. The ud's are pretty dependable now - as in, 95% of the time I can push up. Now, on to refinement. The workshop's focus was making these poses more accessible. Matt Newman was working with Jen, and they both emphasized the work the shoulders and shoulderblades must do in these poses, with some quad/leg and lower back preparation thrown in. The major backbends -- urdhva dhanurasana and eka pada rajakapotasana.
Fun stuff, and I pushed up again. Plus, I had a good sense of the shoulders, shoulder blades, heart lifting, etc., in epr. Didn't make it to my foot, yet, but it felt good.
Home - do a bit of re-establishment of our household. Not so fun, but necessary.
Today:
More household stuff this morning
Taking an 'aspen break' mid-day, plus lunch at Sundance (our anniversary celebration)
Instructor meeting later today
Hope your Sunday is a great one,
CORRECTED (OR, ENHANCED?)
I suppose, in this case, I should use the word corrected. I was mistaken in my year count for the anniversary -- it's been 29 years, not 27. I asked Howard how long, he did a bit of finger counting, and we came up with 29; guess what next year is? The big 30. Wow!
And, the painters are done! Except for a little inspection work, put a couple doorknobs back on, remove some tarps, get their $$$, and touch-up anything that looks amiss. I'm thinking we should paint our front door now -- it reveals the house, after all. While it's a good color, it could be better -- also the fact that the paint has stuck over the years and peeled away on the edges, means it could be 'enhanced'.
All right -- correct or enhance? Which one to use and why.
Definitions:
Correct - put right (an error or fault); adjust to function accurately; tell someone they are mistaken
Enhance - intensify, increase, or further improve the quality of . . . .
I have, since day one of my teacher trainings, tried to stay away from the word 'correct'. I've never taken the time to look up the definitions, however. Now I know why using the word enhance, especially when teaching, is more empowering - just look at the definitions.
When I 'correct' I am moving from a place that says what is being done is 'wrong'; when I 'enhance' I move from the place which says 'you are doing great, now add this and watch your pose grow'.
Many of my students are new to the practice (or returning after years away). They, at times, worry whether they are doing things 'right'. That stress can drive them away; that worry that they'll never get it, they'll never be able to do what I ask. It is so easy, with one verbal misstep, to reinforce that worry and that insecurity. Wow!
Thank you, Webster's (actually, it was my computer's built-in dictionary). But, you get the point.
Today's Plan:
9 am Level 1 at The Yoga Center (I'm teaching)
1 pm Workshop with Jen (would love to do it, got to weigh all that needs to happen at home)
Have a great Saturday,
And, the painters are done! Except for a little inspection work, put a couple doorknobs back on, remove some tarps, get their $$$, and touch-up anything that looks amiss. I'm thinking we should paint our front door now -- it reveals the house, after all. While it's a good color, it could be better -- also the fact that the paint has stuck over the years and peeled away on the edges, means it could be 'enhanced'.
All right -- correct or enhance? Which one to use and why.
Definitions:
Correct - put right (an error or fault); adjust to function accurately; tell someone they are mistaken
Enhance - intensify, increase, or further improve the quality of . . . .
I have, since day one of my teacher trainings, tried to stay away from the word 'correct'. I've never taken the time to look up the definitions, however. Now I know why using the word enhance, especially when teaching, is more empowering - just look at the definitions.
When I 'correct' I am moving from a place that says what is being done is 'wrong'; when I 'enhance' I move from the place which says 'you are doing great, now add this and watch your pose grow'.
Many of my students are new to the practice (or returning after years away). They, at times, worry whether they are doing things 'right'. That stress can drive them away; that worry that they'll never get it, they'll never be able to do what I ask. It is so easy, with one verbal misstep, to reinforce that worry and that insecurity. Wow!
Thank you, Webster's (actually, it was my computer's built-in dictionary). But, you get the point.
Today's Plan:
9 am Level 1 at The Yoga Center (I'm teaching)
1 pm Workshop with Jen (would love to do it, got to weigh all that needs to happen at home)
Have a great Saturday,
FRIDAY, FRIDAY, FRIDAY . . .
Want to shake up your world? Paint the interior of your house after living in it for years, steadily accumulating 'stuff', not really paying attention to details; just living. Wow!
Not only did I find LOTS of dust and accumulated pet hair in the hidden spots, but I realize (even more than before) what collectors my husband and I have become -- over the top!
The painters arrived on Monday -- the house was already torn up from when they re-surfaced our ceiling 2 weeks earlier (we were out of town for that experience). We/they are painting the entrance, family room, kitchen, hall, master bedroom and bath. All pictures off the wall; all hooks that are not going to be used again removed, all furniture moved to the center of the rooms involved, all 'nick nacks' and small furniture shoved into the two (of 3) remaining rooms -- the living room and dining room (which are not being painted at this time). We (husband, 2 dogs, 2 cats and 2 birds & I) moved to the lower level, coming up only to visit the kitchen or leave the house.
I hope they will be done today. Then, slowly we will re-occupy the spaces after a thorough cleaning over, under, around each piece - which will also have been wiped of dirt and dust.
Throughout this, we've moved through the house, creating new access trails to needed destinations, becoming more mentally flexible in the process, I think. I look forward to the new look (a slight color, after living with white for 17+ years). One of best parts? No cooking for me -- just too much to deal with in the chaos.
Today is our 27th anniversary (I believe). I know we've passed 25; just not exactly sure by how many years. It's a long story, one I won't bore you with right now. Fortunately, we both have lived it and understand it -- sometimes we might even forget the anniversary, were it not for the timely cards from my Mother-In-Law.
My teaching reflected the happenings at home -- each class beginning with a short progress update. This is the rewarding part of a long-standing class population; they move through your life changes with you. Here's a short rundown of the week:
1. Monday was my private with Adam (which I wrote about earlier). Since then, I've found opportunities to use several of the moves he recommended in my teaching, and I've been doing them as well.
2. Tuesday was Wayne's birthday and another great class, taught by Wayne, of course. Then, Yoga Hour, where a request was made for some movement of back muscles and shoulders. We ventured through pincha, each choosing our threshhold point. Then - for the first time ever - I taught urdhva dhanurasana. Why was it the first time? While it can be done, it is hard to teach a pose if you can't demo it - or at least give students an idea of where they are going. My new found access to the pose adds confidence in teaching it. So, why not? Each student went, once again, to their threshold; some pushing up for the first time. I'd call that moving the back and shoulders.
3. Wednesday - Gentle Yoga day. A small, but always fun group. Several of the regular students are off on gambits around the world, so we did a little more adventuresome practice, as well. Took frequent breaks, tho.
4. Thursday - After a shakey start to the day (painters, window covering cleaner, more disshevelment at home), I made it to the studio once again to teach Yoga Hour. This class was attended by a young woman with what appears to be scoliosis -- though her parents maintain the doctors say "nothing is wrong. She should just do yoga". I agree, but I also can see there is something amiss. Not sure if this is a form of denial or just a language issue -- parents do not speak English very well. So I do what I can, and hope that she does keep 'doing yoga'.
5. Today -- Gentle Yoga, again. Plans? Not sure. I learned long ago that plans for this class can be quickly dismantled by the composition of students who attend.
6. Not necessarily a tip, but I did get a vote of confidence this week. I had written JF about the work I am doing with a private client; one who has several significant issues to be dealt with. (BTW - he asked me to send him a synopsis of this work.) He wrote that I should continue on the same path, what I have been doing is good --- hooray!
Working with private clients is very rewarding and reinforcing of my knowledge base. I find, as I work with individuals more, I become more confident -- especially when I receive feedback that the suggestions I offer are effective!
Today:
More painting - please, be done today
Gentle Yoga - 10 am at The Yoga Center
Errands, sorting, etc.
Have a great Friday,
Not only did I find LOTS of dust and accumulated pet hair in the hidden spots, but I realize (even more than before) what collectors my husband and I have become -- over the top!
The painters arrived on Monday -- the house was already torn up from when they re-surfaced our ceiling 2 weeks earlier (we were out of town for that experience). We/they are painting the entrance, family room, kitchen, hall, master bedroom and bath. All pictures off the wall; all hooks that are not going to be used again removed, all furniture moved to the center of the rooms involved, all 'nick nacks' and small furniture shoved into the two (of 3) remaining rooms -- the living room and dining room (which are not being painted at this time). We (husband, 2 dogs, 2 cats and 2 birds & I) moved to the lower level, coming up only to visit the kitchen or leave the house.
I hope they will be done today. Then, slowly we will re-occupy the spaces after a thorough cleaning over, under, around each piece - which will also have been wiped of dirt and dust.
Throughout this, we've moved through the house, creating new access trails to needed destinations, becoming more mentally flexible in the process, I think. I look forward to the new look (a slight color, after living with white for 17+ years). One of best parts? No cooking for me -- just too much to deal with in the chaos.
Today is our 27th anniversary (I believe). I know we've passed 25; just not exactly sure by how many years. It's a long story, one I won't bore you with right now. Fortunately, we both have lived it and understand it -- sometimes we might even forget the anniversary, were it not for the timely cards from my Mother-In-Law.
My teaching reflected the happenings at home -- each class beginning with a short progress update. This is the rewarding part of a long-standing class population; they move through your life changes with you. Here's a short rundown of the week:
1. Monday was my private with Adam (which I wrote about earlier). Since then, I've found opportunities to use several of the moves he recommended in my teaching, and I've been doing them as well.
2. Tuesday was Wayne's birthday and another great class, taught by Wayne, of course. Then, Yoga Hour, where a request was made for some movement of back muscles and shoulders. We ventured through pincha, each choosing our threshhold point. Then - for the first time ever - I taught urdhva dhanurasana. Why was it the first time? While it can be done, it is hard to teach a pose if you can't demo it - or at least give students an idea of where they are going. My new found access to the pose adds confidence in teaching it. So, why not? Each student went, once again, to their threshold; some pushing up for the first time. I'd call that moving the back and shoulders.
3. Wednesday - Gentle Yoga day. A small, but always fun group. Several of the regular students are off on gambits around the world, so we did a little more adventuresome practice, as well. Took frequent breaks, tho.
4. Thursday - After a shakey start to the day (painters, window covering cleaner, more disshevelment at home), I made it to the studio once again to teach Yoga Hour. This class was attended by a young woman with what appears to be scoliosis -- though her parents maintain the doctors say "nothing is wrong. She should just do yoga". I agree, but I also can see there is something amiss. Not sure if this is a form of denial or just a language issue -- parents do not speak English very well. So I do what I can, and hope that she does keep 'doing yoga'.
5. Today -- Gentle Yoga, again. Plans? Not sure. I learned long ago that plans for this class can be quickly dismantled by the composition of students who attend.
6. Not necessarily a tip, but I did get a vote of confidence this week. I had written JF about the work I am doing with a private client; one who has several significant issues to be dealt with. (BTW - he asked me to send him a synopsis of this work.) He wrote that I should continue on the same path, what I have been doing is good --- hooray!
Working with private clients is very rewarding and reinforcing of my knowledge base. I find, as I work with individuals more, I become more confident -- especially when I receive feedback that the suggestions I offer are effective!
Today:
More painting - please, be done today
Gentle Yoga - 10 am at The Yoga Center
Errands, sorting, etc.
Have a great Friday,
LEARNING HAPPENING EVERYWHERE
I love the posts, pictures and video clips from the Yoga Journal Grand Gathering. Makes me wish I was there. I had hoped to go; instead, I'll attend Sundari's Therapeutic Training in October -- all these things cost money and involve travel logistics. Those factors, plus the fact that Sundari will relocate to Maui for the Winter, made up my mind about what to do / where to go.
Perhaps next year -- tho, 800 people is still daunting (the number anticipated to attend the Grand Gathering).
The breakout sessions (smaller groups) at the Gathering offer a great opportunity to study with different teachers; teachers I might not have studied with before, or those I'd like to experience more of. For example, I have only done one day of a weekend workshop with Sianna Sherman -- would love to expand that. And, Christina Sell -- I've studied with her through workshops and online mentoring, and she truly offers us roadmaps for planning our teaching; so more of her would be great.
However, an opportunity to be in the 'wilds' of Wyoming with Sundari and 20 others studying therapeutics for 5 days is a wonderful growth opportunity, as well.
And, in the meantime, there is always learning happening. Yesterday, Adam came to the studio and we worked privately on my handstands. Lots of hamstring strengthening and stretching, hip stuff, several attempts at kicking up. The best parts? 1) Towards the end of the session, I was definitely feeling myself move higher, and 2) I felt empowered. I worried that I may feel 'less than' during this session, since the emotion I most often feel lately when trying some of these poses is embarrassment - embarrassed that I'm not able to do the poses yet, after all these years. I even find myself avoiding the poses when in a group; just so people won't see how much I can't do. Adam did a wonderful job of moving me from that not-helpful emotion to one of "if I do the work, it will happen". And, the fact that the kick was higher and felt better towards the end of our hour, that helped, too.
The rest of this week, I'll continue to work with the things he showed me and we're meeting up next week for more of the same.
Hence the title of the pose - learning happening everywhere. Even though I'm not at the Grand Gathering, I still learn and grow. Good stuff.
Today's Events:
Taking Wayne's class this morning (9:30 at The Yoga Center)
Painter at the house - what a mess! (Not to criticize my housekeeping skills; but 17 years of dust behind and under the heavy furniture is pretty bad -- it will be clean now!)
Teaching at 4 pm - Yoga Hour at The Yoga Center
p.s. Notice the addition to my 'favorites' list -- a new blog written by Bernadette Birney in partnership with Douglas Brooks.
Enjoy your Tuesday,
Perhaps next year -- tho, 800 people is still daunting (the number anticipated to attend the Grand Gathering).
The breakout sessions (smaller groups) at the Gathering offer a great opportunity to study with different teachers; teachers I might not have studied with before, or those I'd like to experience more of. For example, I have only done one day of a weekend workshop with Sianna Sherman -- would love to expand that. And, Christina Sell -- I've studied with her through workshops and online mentoring, and she truly offers us roadmaps for planning our teaching; so more of her would be great.
However, an opportunity to be in the 'wilds' of Wyoming with Sundari and 20 others studying therapeutics for 5 days is a wonderful growth opportunity, as well.
And, in the meantime, there is always learning happening. Yesterday, Adam came to the studio and we worked privately on my handstands. Lots of hamstring strengthening and stretching, hip stuff, several attempts at kicking up. The best parts? 1) Towards the end of the session, I was definitely feeling myself move higher, and 2) I felt empowered. I worried that I may feel 'less than' during this session, since the emotion I most often feel lately when trying some of these poses is embarrassment - embarrassed that I'm not able to do the poses yet, after all these years. I even find myself avoiding the poses when in a group; just so people won't see how much I can't do. Adam did a wonderful job of moving me from that not-helpful emotion to one of "if I do the work, it will happen". And, the fact that the kick was higher and felt better towards the end of our hour, that helped, too.
The rest of this week, I'll continue to work with the things he showed me and we're meeting up next week for more of the same.
Hence the title of the pose - learning happening everywhere. Even though I'm not at the Grand Gathering, I still learn and grow. Good stuff.
Today's Events:
Taking Wayne's class this morning (9:30 at The Yoga Center)
Painter at the house - what a mess! (Not to criticize my housekeeping skills; but 17 years of dust behind and under the heavy furniture is pretty bad -- it will be clean now!)
Teaching at 4 pm - Yoga Hour at The Yoga Center
p.s. Notice the addition to my 'favorites' list -- a new blog written by Bernadette Birney in partnership with Douglas Brooks.
Enjoy your Tuesday,
WINDY SUNDAY
The wind is already blowing here. In Salt Lake, that is usually sign that a weather change will be coming soon -- either a thunder storm, a cold front; something different from the heat and sunshine we've enjoyed the the past few days. Variety.
Yesterday the breeze had begun during the Yogaaid Challenge at Liberty Park. Unfortunately, I doubt many of the actively participating people (the people doing the 108 sun salutations) noticed the wind by #20, or #45, or #75, or - maybe - anytime. They may have been wishing for shade in any form. Do you get the message that it was a hot day (my car temp. gauge registered 94 at 4 pm)? The participants were in the full sun for the entire practice. Wow, they earned my respect!
I got sunburned just standing in the shade, briefly moving into the sunlight for moments here and there, and then while on stage for the 8 minutes I taught.
Speaking of teaching. Of the 15 (I think) instructors teaching, I was #14. I taught 6 salutations. It was fun, but a last-minute alteration in plans gave me a bit of a nervous jolt. 12 instructors taught Surya Namaskar A series; organizers of the event asked D'ana (who taught before me) and I to change it up a bit and teach the B series. Well, as an Anusara-Inspired™ instructor, I am woefully out of practice teaching the series in any formal way. So, I stressed for a good deal of the event; asking for tips from fellow teachers, then finally deciding I'd pay attention to what D'ana taught and try to replicate it.
How'd I do? Well, not sure -- luckily there was one woman in the front row that was a click ahead of me, so she kept me straight as to which leg we were on (phew!). And, then I finally looked at all those hot people, many of whom were at their limit of physical exertion, and decided to pull out of the rhythm I often fall into --- kick up the voice decibel a bit; offer a few off-the-wall comments; acknowledge the people (i.e. there was one guy there in an orange baseball cap -- he never stopped smiling; he was like the teacher cheerleader for me!). I find mental distraction has saved me a number of times when I was at my limit. And, I survived it also, that's all I can say for sure.
Earlier, my day went like this: taught at 9 am -- fun group, among them two new-to-me students, one of whom was taking her second yoga class. Their first? Somewhere else, where a 'beginner' class - to them - felt more like a 'workout' class. I didn't ask which location; don't want to know. Just thankful these students were smart enough to give another class a try. Too often, people go away after that first mis-step; saying "I tried yoga, didn't like it' or 'It was too hard'. Sad.
After 4 hours at the Challenge, it was back to the studio to teach my Saturday private. This student gets stronger each week, and I'm loving that she does her homework (little things I ask her to do during the week, like focus on lifting her heart and get shoulder blades working). Last week, she asked what I noticed different about her since we began working together. Unfortunately, I'm not sure I gave the best or most motivating answer. This week, I noticed her arms, which previously in urdhva hastasan had stretched more to the front plane of the body; her arms now reach almost in line with her neck and ears! We even journeyed towards bakasana. Wow! Now, that's big change. There's no way I won't be able to comment on that!
Lesson learned? I always notice; I just need to make sure I communicate what I notice to students. They may not realize the radical shifts that are happening. Just like my cheerleader yesterday, I have to be my students' cheerleader, as well.
Today:
Debating on a drive to Park City; the Practice with David, perhaps? Sounds pretty enticing.
If that happens, then it will be lunch in Park City, as well.
Back at home, more painters coming in tomorrow so need to get house ready
Enjoy your Sunday,
Yesterday the breeze had begun during the Yogaaid Challenge at Liberty Park. Unfortunately, I doubt many of the actively participating people (the people doing the 108 sun salutations) noticed the wind by #20, or #45, or #75, or - maybe - anytime. They may have been wishing for shade in any form. Do you get the message that it was a hot day (my car temp. gauge registered 94 at 4 pm)? The participants were in the full sun for the entire practice. Wow, they earned my respect!
I got sunburned just standing in the shade, briefly moving into the sunlight for moments here and there, and then while on stage for the 8 minutes I taught.
Speaking of teaching. Of the 15 (I think) instructors teaching, I was #14. I taught 6 salutations. It was fun, but a last-minute alteration in plans gave me a bit of a nervous jolt. 12 instructors taught Surya Namaskar A series; organizers of the event asked D'ana (who taught before me) and I to change it up a bit and teach the B series. Well, as an Anusara-Inspired™ instructor, I am woefully out of practice teaching the series in any formal way. So, I stressed for a good deal of the event; asking for tips from fellow teachers, then finally deciding I'd pay attention to what D'ana taught and try to replicate it.
How'd I do? Well, not sure -- luckily there was one woman in the front row that was a click ahead of me, so she kept me straight as to which leg we were on (phew!). And, then I finally looked at all those hot people, many of whom were at their limit of physical exertion, and decided to pull out of the rhythm I often fall into --- kick up the voice decibel a bit; offer a few off-the-wall comments; acknowledge the people (i.e. there was one guy there in an orange baseball cap -- he never stopped smiling; he was like the teacher cheerleader for me!). I find mental distraction has saved me a number of times when I was at my limit. And, I survived it also, that's all I can say for sure.
Earlier, my day went like this: taught at 9 am -- fun group, among them two new-to-me students, one of whom was taking her second yoga class. Their first? Somewhere else, where a 'beginner' class - to them - felt more like a 'workout' class. I didn't ask which location; don't want to know. Just thankful these students were smart enough to give another class a try. Too often, people go away after that first mis-step; saying "I tried yoga, didn't like it' or 'It was too hard'. Sad.
After 4 hours at the Challenge, it was back to the studio to teach my Saturday private. This student gets stronger each week, and I'm loving that she does her homework (little things I ask her to do during the week, like focus on lifting her heart and get shoulder blades working). Last week, she asked what I noticed different about her since we began working together. Unfortunately, I'm not sure I gave the best or most motivating answer. This week, I noticed her arms, which previously in urdhva hastasan had stretched more to the front plane of the body; her arms now reach almost in line with her neck and ears! We even journeyed towards bakasana. Wow! Now, that's big change. There's no way I won't be able to comment on that!
Lesson learned? I always notice; I just need to make sure I communicate what I notice to students. They may not realize the radical shifts that are happening. Just like my cheerleader yesterday, I have to be my students' cheerleader, as well.
Today:
Debating on a drive to Park City; the Practice with David, perhaps? Sounds pretty enticing.
If that happens, then it will be lunch in Park City, as well.
Back at home, more painters coming in tomorrow so need to get house ready
Enjoy your Sunday,
WINDY SUNDAY
The wind is already blowing here. In Salt Lake, that is usually sign that a weather change will be coming soon -- either a thunder storm, a cold front; something different from the heat and sunshine we've enjoyed the the past few days. Variety.
Yesterday the breeze had begun during the Yogaaid Challenge at Liberty Park. Unfortunately, I doubt many of the actively participating people (the people doing the 108 sun salutations) noticed the wind by #20, or #45, or #75, or - maybe - anytime. They may have been wishing for shade in any form. Do you get the message that it was a hot day (my car temp. gauge registered 94 at 4 pm)? The participants were in the full sun for the entire practice. Wow, they earned my respect!
I got sunburned just standing in the shade, briefly moving into the sunlight for moments here and there, and then while on stage for the 8 minutes I taught.
Speaking of teaching. Of the 15 (I think) instructors teaching, I was #14. I taught 6 salutations. It was fun, but a last-minute alteration in plans gave me a bit of a nervous jolt. 12 instructors taught Surya Namaskar A series; organizers of the event asked D'ana (who taught before me) and I to change it up a bit and teach the B series. Well, as an Anusara-Inspired™ instructor, I am woefully out of practice teaching the series in any formal way. So, I stressed for a good deal of the event; asking for tips from fellow teachers, then finally deciding I'd pay attention to what D'ana taught and try to replicate it.
How'd I do? Well, not sure -- luckily there was one woman in the front row that was a click ahead of me, so she kept me straight as to which leg we were on (phew!). And, then I finally looked at all those hot people, many of whom were at their limit of physical exertion, and decided to pull out of the rhythm I often fall into --- kick up the voice decibel a bit; offer a few off-the-wall comments; acknowledge the people (i.e. there was one guy there in an orange baseball cap -- he never stopped smiling; he was like the teacher cheerleader for me!). I find mental distraction has saved me a number of times when I was at my limit. And, I survived it also, that's all I can say for sure.
My day went like this: taught Saturday at 9 am -- fun group, among them two new-to-me students, one of whom was taking her second yoga class. Their first? Somewhere else, where a 'beginner' class - to them - felt more like a 'workout' class. I didn't ask which studio; don't want to know. Just thankful these students were smart enough to give another class a try. Too often, people go away after that first mis-step; saying "I tried yoga, didn't like it' or 'It was too hard'. Sad.
After 4 hours at the Challenge, it was back to the studio to teach my Saturday private. This student gets stronger each week, and I'm loving that she does her homework (little things I ask her to do during the week, like focus on lifting her heart and get shoulder blades working). Last week, she asked what I noticed different about her since we began working together. Unfortunately, I'm not sure I gave the best or most motivating answer. This week, I noticed her arms, which previously in urdhva hastasan had stretched more to the front plane of the body; her arms now reach almost in line with her neck and ears! We even journeyed towards bakasana. Wow! Now, that's big change. There's no way I won't be able to comment on that!
Lesson learned? I always notice; I just need to make sure I communicate what I notice to students. They may not realize the radical shifts that are happening. Just like my cheerleader yesterday, I have to be my students' cheerleader, as well.
Today:
Debating on a drive to Park City; the Practice with David, perhaps? Sounds pretty enticing.
If that happens, then it will be lunch in Park City, as well.
Back at home, more painters coming in tomorrow so need to get house ready
Enjoy your Sunday,
Yesterday the breeze had begun during the Yogaaid Challenge at Liberty Park. Unfortunately, I doubt many of the actively participating people (the people doing the 108 sun salutations) noticed the wind by #20, or #45, or #75, or - maybe - anytime. They may have been wishing for shade in any form. Do you get the message that it was a hot day (my car temp. gauge registered 94 at 4 pm)? The participants were in the full sun for the entire practice. Wow, they earned my respect!
I got sunburned just standing in the shade, briefly moving into the sunlight for moments here and there, and then while on stage for the 8 minutes I taught.
Speaking of teaching. Of the 15 (I think) instructors teaching, I was #14. I taught 6 salutations. It was fun, but a last-minute alteration in plans gave me a bit of a nervous jolt. 12 instructors taught Surya Namaskar A series; organizers of the event asked D'ana (who taught before me) and I to change it up a bit and teach the B series. Well, as an Anusara-Inspired™ instructor, I am woefully out of practice teaching the series in any formal way. So, I stressed for a good deal of the event; asking for tips from fellow teachers, then finally deciding I'd pay attention to what D'ana taught and try to replicate it.
How'd I do? Well, not sure -- luckily there was one woman in the front row that was a click ahead of me, so she kept me straight as to which leg we were on (phew!). And, then I finally looked at all those hot people, many of whom were at their limit of physical exertion, and decided to pull out of the rhythm I often fall into --- kick up the voice decibel a bit; offer a few off-the-wall comments; acknowledge the people (i.e. there was one guy there in an orange baseball cap -- he never stopped smiling; he was like the teacher cheerleader for me!). I find mental distraction has saved me a number of times when I was at my limit. And, I survived it also, that's all I can say for sure.
My day went like this: taught Saturday at 9 am -- fun group, among them two new-to-me students, one of whom was taking her second yoga class. Their first? Somewhere else, where a 'beginner' class - to them - felt more like a 'workout' class. I didn't ask which studio; don't want to know. Just thankful these students were smart enough to give another class a try. Too often, people go away after that first mis-step; saying "I tried yoga, didn't like it' or 'It was too hard'. Sad.
After 4 hours at the Challenge, it was back to the studio to teach my Saturday private. This student gets stronger each week, and I'm loving that she does her homework (little things I ask her to do during the week, like focus on lifting her heart and get shoulder blades working). Last week, she asked what I noticed different about her since we began working together. Unfortunately, I'm not sure I gave the best or most motivating answer. This week, I noticed her arms, which previously in urdhva hastasan had stretched more to the front plane of the body; her arms now reach almost in line with her neck and ears! We even journeyed towards bakasana. Wow! Now, that's big change. There's no way I won't be able to comment on that!
Lesson learned? I always notice; I just need to make sure I communicate what I notice to students. They may not realize the radical shifts that are happening. Just like my cheerleader yesterday, I have to be my students' cheerleader, as well.
Today:
Debating on a drive to Park City; the Practice with David, perhaps? Sounds pretty enticing.
If that happens, then it will be lunch in Park City, as well.
Back at home, more painters coming in tomorrow so need to get house ready
Enjoy your Sunday,
475th POST -- ON A FRIDAY, NO LESS
I notice that blogspot offers me the option to have a booklet of my posts printed. For my own memory's sake, I'm considering it, but not until I've posted #500. I think 500 is a milestone that needs some kind of celebration. Besides celebrating, the book will be a good reminder of the offerings presented, the thoughts pondered, the ramblings, etc., that I've experienced over the past 18+ months of blogging, teaching and practicing.
Now, turn to Friday -- official "Notes Day" on the Anusara-Inspired™ Yoga Teaching blog. A day to review the week -- make note of meaningful happenings and offer a tidbit of knowledge from my volumes of notes (these may be things the reader has never heard before, or something heard but not implemented in teaching/practice yet, or just a repeat of often-heard information). Whatever, put on the beginner mind cap when reading.
1. The week began rather uneventfully with sorting and yardwork. What did I learn from sorting? That I have a lot of stuff to review and purge and organize. A good suggestion from one reader was offered. As to yardwork -- do you know how much your glutes are involved when you do yardwork? I have a new appreciation now. Tuesday and Wednesday were spent very gingerly sitting and moving on those very tender muscles. I've done yardwork before without this phenomenon, perhaps it's because I approached the flower beds from some position that I previously had not used (a version of walking malasana, perhaps?). Whatever, my b____ was sore!
2. Tuesday, we celebrated Wayne Belles' new class at The Yoga Center - Level 1-2 at 9:30 am each Tuesday. It was a great class. Thank you, Wayne.
During class, a woman came in late; she'd referred to an old schedule. I broke from the class to speak with her. During that conversation, I learned that she had been referred to Anusara® by a friend in Boston, no less. The tentacles of Anusara® are spreading wide and far. She didn't remain for this class, but I feel certain she'll be back. She wants Anusara® Yoga.
3. I decided to film my Gentle Yoga class on Wednesday. There's some confusion on my part about just what classes we can film for the Certification process. I thought I read that filming should be of a 'level 1' or 'level 1-2' class. That, in my understanding, would eliminate my Gentle classes. However, readers should know that my best classes are my Gentle ones; I enjoy teaching them and the students are very familiar with the Principles of Alignment.
I've gotten advice from friends that I can film any class, so long as I use the principles of Anusara® when teaching (which I do in the Gentle classes). Sundari is going to clarify just what I can film for Certification. Keep you posted on that one.
4. Ever notice how a day begins rather leisurely, then goes into tailspin mode before leveling out to a calm finish? That would describe Thursday. Began with computer work, then to some cleaning, the tailspin? Taking husband to airport, rushing from airport to Pilates, rushing from Pilates to a new semi-private, followed immediately by Yoga Hour, dinner, then the calm again.
I was asked last week how I would approach these new semi-private students. After our Immersion training 2 weeks ago, I answered -- first, I will look at the whole picture. That eliminates the opportunity to plan too much, because - in this case - I had not yet seen the whole picture of this couple. So, as I asked them to move yesterday, I was observing -- how things worked in each person, what issues did each work with, what were their moods (very important), how were they reacting to me (can't be sure about this just yet). They committed to 5 sessions, and - at the end of this first one - indicated that they would probably stay semi-private for the foreseeable future. That's great in my book, because I want them to be enjoying whatever yoga experience they have. If semi-privates are their gateway, so be it.
Interesting note: I began with a brief overview of just what's involved in a yoga practice (along with my usual "people quit when they discover it's work" spiel). During the overview, I mentioned one of my 'pet peeves' - flipping mats out to unroll them; forgetting the mat is actually a sanctuary for the 60-90 minutes we use them in a class, or whenever we use them at home (no matter what the length of time). One of these students latched onto the 'sanctuary' term, and used it throughout our time together. It hit a note, I need to remember that.
5. Fridays is Gentle Yoga again -- 10 am class. I have an idea where I'll head; but could end up changing it all up, depending on who shows for class. Then, the Practice led by Jen H. at The Yoga Center.
6. A tidbit - I've been using the word 'transformation' in class a lot this week (thanks to Wayne). I pulled out my notes and here is a quote I read on the first page I turned to:
"Yoga is the promise you make to yourself. You go to the Yoga mat because of all the things you have ever been, and the experiences that shape who you are and who you want to become. You come to the mat every day to keep your promise to yoga and, in keeping that promise, you infuse the future with hope." and then "Always, the universe will give you what you ask for. So seek the highest, in every moment. Sometimes change happens in leaps and bounds, but most of the time, it is a step-by-step process of cultivation and growth. Learning to maintain positive growth, to hold the change, to keep the promise is far, far harder than simply having good intentions." Christina Sell.
Wow! That quote hits 'transformation' and "mat=sanctuary", all at once.
Today's Schedule:
10 am Gentle Yoga at The Yoga Center
5:40 pm The Practice at The Yoga Center
Remember, tomorrow is the Yogaaid Challenge at Liberty Park, 1-4 pm. 108 Sun Salutation; hopefully in the sun, but always with good friends around us.
Enjoy your Friday,
Now, turn to Friday -- official "Notes Day" on the Anusara-Inspired™ Yoga Teaching blog. A day to review the week -- make note of meaningful happenings and offer a tidbit of knowledge from my volumes of notes (these may be things the reader has never heard before, or something heard but not implemented in teaching/practice yet, or just a repeat of often-heard information). Whatever, put on the beginner mind cap when reading.
1. The week began rather uneventfully with sorting and yardwork. What did I learn from sorting? That I have a lot of stuff to review and purge and organize. A good suggestion from one reader was offered. As to yardwork -- do you know how much your glutes are involved when you do yardwork? I have a new appreciation now. Tuesday and Wednesday were spent very gingerly sitting and moving on those very tender muscles. I've done yardwork before without this phenomenon, perhaps it's because I approached the flower beds from some position that I previously had not used (a version of walking malasana, perhaps?). Whatever, my b____ was sore!
2. Tuesday, we celebrated Wayne Belles' new class at The Yoga Center - Level 1-2 at 9:30 am each Tuesday. It was a great class. Thank you, Wayne.
During class, a woman came in late; she'd referred to an old schedule. I broke from the class to speak with her. During that conversation, I learned that she had been referred to Anusara® by a friend in Boston, no less. The tentacles of Anusara® are spreading wide and far. She didn't remain for this class, but I feel certain she'll be back. She wants Anusara® Yoga.
3. I decided to film my Gentle Yoga class on Wednesday. There's some confusion on my part about just what classes we can film for the Certification process. I thought I read that filming should be of a 'level 1' or 'level 1-2' class. That, in my understanding, would eliminate my Gentle classes. However, readers should know that my best classes are my Gentle ones; I enjoy teaching them and the students are very familiar with the Principles of Alignment.
I've gotten advice from friends that I can film any class, so long as I use the principles of Anusara® when teaching (which I do in the Gentle classes). Sundari is going to clarify just what I can film for Certification. Keep you posted on that one.
4. Ever notice how a day begins rather leisurely, then goes into tailspin mode before leveling out to a calm finish? That would describe Thursday. Began with computer work, then to some cleaning, the tailspin? Taking husband to airport, rushing from airport to Pilates, rushing from Pilates to a new semi-private, followed immediately by Yoga Hour, dinner, then the calm again.
I was asked last week how I would approach these new semi-private students. After our Immersion training 2 weeks ago, I answered -- first, I will look at the whole picture. That eliminates the opportunity to plan too much, because - in this case - I had not yet seen the whole picture of this couple. So, as I asked them to move yesterday, I was observing -- how things worked in each person, what issues did each work with, what were their moods (very important), how were they reacting to me (can't be sure about this just yet). They committed to 5 sessions, and - at the end of this first one - indicated that they would probably stay semi-private for the foreseeable future. That's great in my book, because I want them to be enjoying whatever yoga experience they have. If semi-privates are their gateway, so be it.
Interesting note: I began with a brief overview of just what's involved in a yoga practice (along with my usual "people quit when they discover it's work" spiel). During the overview, I mentioned one of my 'pet peeves' - flipping mats out to unroll them; forgetting the mat is actually a sanctuary for the 60-90 minutes we use them in a class, or whenever we use them at home (no matter what the length of time). One of these students latched onto the 'sanctuary' term, and used it throughout our time together. It hit a note, I need to remember that.
5. Fridays is Gentle Yoga again -- 10 am class. I have an idea where I'll head; but could end up changing it all up, depending on who shows for class. Then, the Practice led by Jen H. at The Yoga Center.
6. A tidbit - I've been using the word 'transformation' in class a lot this week (thanks to Wayne). I pulled out my notes and here is a quote I read on the first page I turned to:
"Yoga is the promise you make to yourself. You go to the Yoga mat because of all the things you have ever been, and the experiences that shape who you are and who you want to become. You come to the mat every day to keep your promise to yoga and, in keeping that promise, you infuse the future with hope." and then "Always, the universe will give you what you ask for. So seek the highest, in every moment. Sometimes change happens in leaps and bounds, but most of the time, it is a step-by-step process of cultivation and growth. Learning to maintain positive growth, to hold the change, to keep the promise is far, far harder than simply having good intentions." Christina Sell.
Wow! That quote hits 'transformation' and "mat=sanctuary", all at once.
Today's Schedule:
10 am Gentle Yoga at The Yoga Center
5:40 pm The Practice at The Yoga Center
Remember, tomorrow is the Yogaaid Challenge at Liberty Park, 1-4 pm. 108 Sun Salutation; hopefully in the sun, but always with good friends around us.
Enjoy your Friday,
AND BALANCE RETURNS . . .
Wayne Belles, Certified Anusara® Yoga Instructor, taught at The Yoga Center (my studio) Tuesday morning. First of many, I hope, at this studio.
I've routinely studied with Wayne over the past year, until a local studio closed two months ago. When that closing happened, I was left feeling a bit adrift. No nearby, regular class with a Certified instructor to build my week around. No easy opportunity to check back in at classes, make sure my practice was moving in the hoped-for direction; no after-class discussions of teaching skills / training / anything to do with yoga (Anusara® yoga, that is).
Tiffany Wood, The Shop / Park City, became a new staple. Driving to Park City once a week, in the evening, is a challenge at times. But, I've tried to become more regular and will continue to make the trek.
But, Wayne - teaching at my studio. What more can I say, except Hoo-Ray!
His class is a Level 1-2. His teaching is calm, encouraging, and takes in the needs of all in attendance; without making the more advanced slow down for the less experienced, and vice versa. Lots of skill to do that. And, I enjoyed the laughter and light-heartedness in his teaching; nice.
My life is returning to a point of balance; at least on the mat, at the studio. I'm hopeful more of our student population will discover the gifts Wayne has to offer us as a teacher and friend.
Other news: I intentionally skipped a day of blogging; taking a tip from my experience teaching over the weekend. What's that? A bit of silence is a good thing. So hard to do, but so necessary -- an opportunity to really look at the students and an opportunity to give myself a moment to check in, see where I am in the scheme of the class. So, skipping a day of blogging gave me an opportunity to read other blogs, study a bit more when I might have been writing, and - this morning - I feel refreshed, ready to step back in. I repeat, a good thing.
My own class yesterday afternoon was a fun group and included several levels of experience and skill. It took a bunch of my skill to teach and encourage, but also to limit. To let the experienced move ahead a bit, to encourage the less skilled to continue their work on the basics. And, I see students don't want to do that; they all want to be doing the most advanced version of the poses.
Thankfully, I have my own yoga lifetime from which to draw parables for these wonderfully ambitious students. My own stories of growth and limitation, and breakthroughs - I hope - will give them insight to the fact that yoga poses happen more slowly in some students than others. That's not all bad - the fact that they develop slowly in me means I can spend a LOT of time refining the poses as I attempt them. When I push up to urdhva dhanurasana, it's with a sense of wonder and exploration -- as in 'what am I doing differently here'. If I had just pushed up on my first try 7 years ago, this exploration might not be happening. (Rationalizing here, just so you know.)
Today's Happenings:
I've routinely studied with Wayne over the past year, until a local studio closed two months ago. When that closing happened, I was left feeling a bit adrift. No nearby, regular class with a Certified instructor to build my week around. No easy opportunity to check back in at classes, make sure my practice was moving in the hoped-for direction; no after-class discussions of teaching skills / training / anything to do with yoga (Anusara® yoga, that is).
Tiffany Wood, The Shop / Park City, became a new staple. Driving to Park City once a week, in the evening, is a challenge at times. But, I've tried to become more regular and will continue to make the trek.
But, Wayne - teaching at my studio. What more can I say, except Hoo-Ray!
His class is a Level 1-2. His teaching is calm, encouraging, and takes in the needs of all in attendance; without making the more advanced slow down for the less experienced, and vice versa. Lots of skill to do that. And, I enjoyed the laughter and light-heartedness in his teaching; nice.
My life is returning to a point of balance; at least on the mat, at the studio. I'm hopeful more of our student population will discover the gifts Wayne has to offer us as a teacher and friend.
Other news: I intentionally skipped a day of blogging; taking a tip from my experience teaching over the weekend. What's that? A bit of silence is a good thing. So hard to do, but so necessary -- an opportunity to really look at the students and an opportunity to give myself a moment to check in, see where I am in the scheme of the class. So, skipping a day of blogging gave me an opportunity to read other blogs, study a bit more when I might have been writing, and - this morning - I feel refreshed, ready to step back in. I repeat, a good thing.
My own class yesterday afternoon was a fun group and included several levels of experience and skill. It took a bunch of my skill to teach and encourage, but also to limit. To let the experienced move ahead a bit, to encourage the less skilled to continue their work on the basics. And, I see students don't want to do that; they all want to be doing the most advanced version of the poses.
Thankfully, I have my own yoga lifetime from which to draw parables for these wonderfully ambitious students. My own stories of growth and limitation, and breakthroughs - I hope - will give them insight to the fact that yoga poses happen more slowly in some students than others. That's not all bad - the fact that they develop slowly in me means I can spend a LOT of time refining the poses as I attempt them. When I push up to urdhva dhanurasana, it's with a sense of wonder and exploration -- as in 'what am I doing differently here'. If I had just pushed up on my first try 7 years ago, this exploration might not be happening. (Rationalizing here, just so you know.)
Today's Happenings:
10 am Gentle Yoga at The Yoga Center
5:40 pm Yoga with Tiffany
Inbetween Some weeding, some sorting, some filing/organizing, some cleaning --- some, some, some
Hope your day is filled with something wonderful,
Hope your day is filled with something wonderful,
SORTING & SORTING
My blogs might indicate that I am a paragon of organization when it comes to notes, etc. Contrary to that impression, I confess that things have gotten out of control, book- and paper-wise around my house.
It became painfully apparent when I could not find one of the booklets distributed at an Immersion I attended. I can get a replacement, but in the process of searching - I find lots of things I'd either thought were lost, forgotten I had, or didn't know existed.
Seems I go merrily along, shoving things here and there as events require. Then, when I need something, I haven't a clue exactly where it might be. Oh, I think I know where it should be; however, in this case, that's not the case. No booklet, nowhere. Lots of other stuff, tho.
That, plus the shifting of household items that painting some of our house required, has caused me to begin sorting through piles. Piles of yoga journal articles that I printed out with good intention of reading and filing (or tossing), piles of books - mine and studio's, journals, notes taken on single sheets of paper, etc.
My chore this past weekend was to begin to sort -- figuring out a way to file all these items so that, when I need something, I can find it. I'll continue with that effort this morning - no classes to teach; lots of time and if I start early, it will happen.
Taught two classes Saturday morning; my own Level 1 then Yoga Basics. I filmed the Level 1 class and will review it, in hopes I can send it to Sundari for review. I have the self-evaluation questionnaire from Anusara®, so ought to be able to evaluate it, send it off or discard it. One thing I noticed about my teaching on Saturday? Well, the thought came to me, as I taught, of Christina's admonition, "if you don't want it to happen, don't ask for it". In other words, part of our 'job' as teachers is to assure that students are carrying out the instructions I offer (or, at least, attempting to do them); otherwise, why ask? Keeping this in mind helps me to serve the students more effectively. I also noticed myself taking time to look around the room - allowing some space without continually speaking.
Today's Schedule:
Sorting & sorting
Laundry / cleaning
Practice
Enjoy your Monday,
It became painfully apparent when I could not find one of the booklets distributed at an Immersion I attended. I can get a replacement, but in the process of searching - I find lots of things I'd either thought were lost, forgotten I had, or didn't know existed.
Seems I go merrily along, shoving things here and there as events require. Then, when I need something, I haven't a clue exactly where it might be. Oh, I think I know where it should be; however, in this case, that's not the case. No booklet, nowhere. Lots of other stuff, tho.
That, plus the shifting of household items that painting some of our house required, has caused me to begin sorting through piles. Piles of yoga journal articles that I printed out with good intention of reading and filing (or tossing), piles of books - mine and studio's, journals, notes taken on single sheets of paper, etc.
My chore this past weekend was to begin to sort -- figuring out a way to file all these items so that, when I need something, I can find it. I'll continue with that effort this morning - no classes to teach; lots of time and if I start early, it will happen.
Taught two classes Saturday morning; my own Level 1 then Yoga Basics. I filmed the Level 1 class and will review it, in hopes I can send it to Sundari for review. I have the self-evaluation questionnaire from Anusara®, so ought to be able to evaluate it, send it off or discard it. One thing I noticed about my teaching on Saturday? Well, the thought came to me, as I taught, of Christina's admonition, "if you don't want it to happen, don't ask for it". In other words, part of our 'job' as teachers is to assure that students are carrying out the instructions I offer (or, at least, attempting to do them); otherwise, why ask? Keeping this in mind helps me to serve the students more effectively. I also noticed myself taking time to look around the room - allowing some space without continually speaking.
Today's Schedule:
Sorting & sorting
Laundry / cleaning
Practice
Enjoy your Monday,
EARLY SATURDAY MORNING
It's early in the Salmon household. Like last week, dogs and husband still sleep. This is the best time for me to contemplate, to plan, to read, to write.
My books from Amazon appeared yesterday. Good choices. It is hard to buy something that you can't see, feel, touch, read much of before purchasing. But, these are keepers. One is titled myth of the asanas, and is a compilation of the stories behind some the poses we do -- I've learned that these may not be the only stories, but this book will offer a point of departure. I read the story of Virabhadra somewhere several months ago, and I love moving students into one of the warrior poses and being able to tell a short version -- for me, the pose takes on a new meaning each time I tell this story. Hope to accomplish more of the same with this new book.
I also ordered two books of poems. I've briefly scanned both, and see many possibilities for contemplation and potential opportunities to incorporate them into my teaching. This is not something I've usually done; I will tend to move towards the technical. That needs to change.
Yesterday's Gentle Yoga class was a bit smaller than Wednesday's. One outstanding thing about the make-up of this class? Well, one person was returning after a LONG hiatus -- so long, that she had only experienced yoga through the instructor who used to teach this class. WHOAAA!!! 4 years ago; it's different now.
I must admit, I was a bit nervous. With one exception, all of the previous instructor's students have drifted away -- disillusioned or not willing to experience a different teacher. Not surprised; if my favorite teacher disappeared, I might be hard-pressed to go to his/her successor's classes. The thing I've learned over the years, is that everyone will teach us something (even if it's that we don't plan to attend their class again). I will always tell new students to give yoga more than one try; sometimes it is the connection between student and teacher that adds 'umph' to the experience. If it's a bad connection - clashing personalities or variant ages - then people ought to return to a different teacher or studio even, at least once.
My memory is triggered to one person who attended my gentle class. Because I have a number of people who struggle with balance issues in this group, I always have chairs by everyone's mat. Yesterday, for example, we didn't use them much; there are other days - depending on what I've planned - that the chairs are used frequently - sometimes for things other than balance work. This student did not return after attending my class with chairs present. Student did call, however, about a year later and told me that was why she didn't return. I explained. I also noted that many times we'll do a pose with the chair, then again without the chair -- after trying a pose with the chair, many will choose to stick with it; others move to the pose without the chair. It's not mandatory, but an offering. Even that was not good enough; student still would not return.
Oh, well; I only hope she found a class somewhere with someone who doesn't use chairs (!?!?).
Enough about chairs.
Today?
9 am Level 1 at The Yoga Center
10:45 am Yoga Basics at The Yoga Center
5 pm Private yoga session
Inbetween & after Errands, eating, sorting, cleaning
Willie was good, by the way. A bit of a slow start; perhaps it was the cool, brisk air (the audience was all dressed for it -- it can only be colder on stage). We didn't stay for the whole show, but got a good taste and - as we left - noted that he was warming up and livening up.
Enjoy your day,
My books from Amazon appeared yesterday. Good choices. It is hard to buy something that you can't see, feel, touch, read much of before purchasing. But, these are keepers. One is titled myth of the asanas, and is a compilation of the stories behind some the poses we do -- I've learned that these may not be the only stories, but this book will offer a point of departure. I read the story of Virabhadra somewhere several months ago, and I love moving students into one of the warrior poses and being able to tell a short version -- for me, the pose takes on a new meaning each time I tell this story. Hope to accomplish more of the same with this new book.
I also ordered two books of poems. I've briefly scanned both, and see many possibilities for contemplation and potential opportunities to incorporate them into my teaching. This is not something I've usually done; I will tend to move towards the technical. That needs to change.
Yesterday's Gentle Yoga class was a bit smaller than Wednesday's. One outstanding thing about the make-up of this class? Well, one person was returning after a LONG hiatus -- so long, that she had only experienced yoga through the instructor who used to teach this class. WHOAAA!!! 4 years ago; it's different now.
I must admit, I was a bit nervous. With one exception, all of the previous instructor's students have drifted away -- disillusioned or not willing to experience a different teacher. Not surprised; if my favorite teacher disappeared, I might be hard-pressed to go to his/her successor's classes. The thing I've learned over the years, is that everyone will teach us something (even if it's that we don't plan to attend their class again). I will always tell new students to give yoga more than one try; sometimes it is the connection between student and teacher that adds 'umph' to the experience. If it's a bad connection - clashing personalities or variant ages - then people ought to return to a different teacher or studio even, at least once.
My memory is triggered to one person who attended my gentle class. Because I have a number of people who struggle with balance issues in this group, I always have chairs by everyone's mat. Yesterday, for example, we didn't use them much; there are other days - depending on what I've planned - that the chairs are used frequently - sometimes for things other than balance work. This student did not return after attending my class with chairs present. Student did call, however, about a year later and told me that was why she didn't return. I explained. I also noted that many times we'll do a pose with the chair, then again without the chair -- after trying a pose with the chair, many will choose to stick with it; others move to the pose without the chair. It's not mandatory, but an offering. Even that was not good enough; student still would not return.
Oh, well; I only hope she found a class somewhere with someone who doesn't use chairs (!?!?).
Enough about chairs.
Today?
9 am Level 1 at The Yoga Center
10:45 am Yoga Basics at The Yoga Center
5 pm Private yoga session
Inbetween & after Errands, eating, sorting, cleaning
Willie was good, by the way. A bit of a slow start; perhaps it was the cool, brisk air (the audience was all dressed for it -- it can only be colder on stage). We didn't stay for the whole show, but got a good taste and - as we left - noted that he was warming up and livening up.
Enjoy your day,