2011 STUDIES

This post was begun on Monday; finished on Tuesday morning - - -

I believe I mentioned this earlier, in another post -- that January is the month I look at what's being offered, I reflect on what I've heard is coming up, and I begin to make some plans for the year. In the way of continuing education, we can only do so much while maintaining our commitment to our students and our personal lives, so it does take some planning. I used to just look for the 'fun' workshops or trainings. Now, knowing more about my teaching and my skills or lack-thereof, I look for what I believe I need to become a better, more well-rounded instructor.

On Facebook this month there have been many, many photos from Douglas Brooks' 2011 Pilgrimage to India. Familiar faces in front of temples, dressed in saris and whatever you call the men's clothing, buying jewelry, sitting on camels, henna 'tattoos', some photos even show the reality of India - its beauty and its other side.

All these photos remind me that in about two weeks, I'll begin study with Douglas -- my first formal, dedicated philosophy study. I've done the Immersions, which are dedicated primarily to philosophy -- but, broken up with asana. This will be pure philosophy. Nervous about that. Grasping the philosophy - which seems to come so easily to many - does not come easily to me. I read, re-read, then read again. Then, 3-6 months later, I may go back and read something again -- it may make more sense this time around, but no guarantees.

I've also signed up for Amy Ippoliti's on-line course on growing and cultivating classes. That, I need as well.

What else? Not sure. The Bliss Brothers will be in SLC the weekend of May 6-8 presenting a fun workshop. That about takes care of the first six months of 2011.

JF will be in Lake Tahoe this Summer for a gathering of Anusara-Inspired™ instructors. I am sure this would be valuable; tho somewhat of a logistical challenge. Logistics also factors in -- how easy is it to get to a venue (plane/train/auto)? how available is housing? what are transportation issues to and from housing to venue? will I need to rent a car? All these things are included in my decision-making process. If it is something I really need to do, I'll get there - by hook or crook (well, not crook - maybe a better phrase: where there's a will, there's a way). And, wouldn't it be nice to be Certified by then, and I could then change my goal to whatever Certified gathering is planned for 2011, if there is one.

I'm sure my planning is not over; I am hopeful more west coast events will be planned for JF. So, I'll keep my eye on his schedule. Would also LOVE to do something with Darren Rhodes (perhaps with Christina?). Need to explore that. After all, I still have late Summer and Fall/Winter to work on.

Now, today?

• 9:15 am Teaching Level 1-2 at The Yoga Center
• Noon, Pilates
• 2:30 pm, Teaching private

Hope you have a nice Tuesday,

POSTING LATE

I rarely write in the blog this late in the day. This is usually an early morning activity, but early mornings have been taken up with other reading this week; so, this will have to do.

It's also a Friday -- I almost forgot. My blogging skills are seriously lagging these days!

This could be called a roller coaster week for me --- ups and downs; peaks and valleys; mountains and canyons.

Tuesday's Level 1-2 class, that I am subbing for Wayne, went well. It is not a large class - Wayne had just begun to grow his student population when the broken-leg-skiing-accident happened. So, I hope I can carry on and increase it by a few before he returns. We are both pretty technical in our teaching (not a lot of flowery language from either of our mouths), so students will not have too much change to deal with upon his return.

Other activities for Tuesday - Pilates, semi-private, errands - happened uneventfully.

Wednesday is Gentle Yoga day (this week, preceded by a new private client). We are gradually and gently increasing population of this class -- 11 in the room. With props - chairs, blankets, blocks, straps - it gets crowded; add the people and their mats and it's downright busy! There is room for more, tho. We'll just have to neaten up the prop piles to make more space.

That will have to happen, anyway (the neatening-up part). Sundari and I decided that this should be the class I video for the Certification Committee. More on that later.

Thursday, always a hectic day, was no different. Housework in the morning, an hour-long phone conversation with Sundari (I NEVER talk on the phone for that long), rush over to Pilates, teach a semi-private, teach level 1-2, home.

Today, Friday, Gentle Yoga again -- 10 in the room. What's going on? Used to be 2, maybe 3 or 4; never did I dream there would be 10 on a Friday. Not complaining; just commenting. A bit of grocery shopping, then home to 'build' a stew for dinner, work on the computer a bit. Going to run to the airport in a couple hours.

So, now about the video. Sundari and I talked at length about the video during our conversation Thursday (wonder how much that will cost us -- Maui to Utah). We discussed staging a class -- inviting friends and fellow instructors. I am not good with that; feel it might look 'staged' -- maybe everyone would be too perfect in their Anusara understanding or - if they tried to 'fake' something, it would look fake (what better word - fake for fake). So, next week, I will begin video'ing all the Gentle Yoga classes I teach.

So what will be challenging? Letting the viewing audience know why I am doing certain things. I thought I could just write a note and attach it to the DVD -- telling people that, as they watch the video, this happens for this reason. Her (Sundari's) opinion - I should be using my words as I teach to tell the viewing audience what they are seeing. For example, why am I behind one student in almost all the standing poses. According to Sundari, I need to communicate that during the video. Today, I practiced that a bit -- trying to verbalize, as I taught, not just instructions but also why it's being done the way it's being done. Not easy, and it could very well embarrass a student, if I'm not careful. I see lots of practice videos in the next few weeks.

Other activities on the horizon: I begin Douglas Brooks' internet work next month -- everyone's buzzing about it. Not quite sure what to 'buzz' about, since I've never studied with him. I have listened to his CD's, tho. I've also signed up to do something with Amy Ippoliti. She's posted info on her Facebook site, with more promised -- an internet series to help build classes, strengthen loyalty -- basically grow things. Need it.

January is the month I look ahead to see what/where I will be studying and with who. Looking for something with JF; not ready to go to Tokyo, so I'm hoping something will pop up here in the Western USA. Wanderlust, maybe? We'll see.

Hope you had a great week.

TUESDAY MORNING

As some (many) of you know, my morning routine goes like this --- up, turn coffee on, sit, pour that first cup, turn on computer, review e-mail and last night's Facebook musings, read some of my favorite blog posts, and - finally - turn to my own blog.

In this blog, I have written about the interesting flow of energy that occurs (i.e. I think of something, someone close to me is thinking similarly). I remember when I first started yoga, I was sure yoga instructors talked to each other and shared lesson plans for the week. At that time, I attended many classes each week and very often different instructors taught similar classes or, at least, poses. I have since learned that, no, we don't talk to one another, but there is an energy thing out there.

For example, read 3 blog posts this morning before beginning to write. Here is a breakdown and analysis of what each different (and from different parts of the U.S.) instructors had to say and how their comments relate to similar events/thoughts in my life:

• MariaCristina - wrote about her intention to attend more classes with favorite and different instructors in 2011. Interesting that I had a conversation last night with a fellow teacher about just such an intention. My fellow teacher's lament - that only on a handful of occasions have other yoga instructors attended her class. I could say the same. Our mentors attend our classes on occasion, but our friends? Not in the room. I suppose that could be chalked up to the fact that many spend so much time teaching that a yoga studio is not the place they choose for their personal yoga practice. Or, something like that. Just an observation, not a judgment.
• Denise Benitez - wrote in her Dec. 2 post that 'free yoga' is a fallacy. I began reading this post with a bit of trepidation, worrying that she might not support my similar belief and/or the story of how I believe, historically, people 'paid' for their yoga instruction. Fortunately, as I read, I breathed a sign of relief. She echoed my belief, and used similar examples to those I've used on my website, www.skillfulyoga.com, where I talk about my fees. The one I'd never heard - that sometimes students were asked to cut off a finger (fingertip?) for their lessons. Ouch! How many of you would do that to come to my class?
• Scott Marmorstein - wrote in his Jan 4 post that "everything is borrowed". Last week I had an e-mail conversation with clients who have been traveling. Just checking in, I told them, letting them know I was ready for them to return - were they ready/willing? What I received were two very complimentary e-mails within which they said 'yes, we're ready'. I copied the phrases from their two e-mails, and created a short, concise e-mail to JF, Sundari, Adam Ballenger, and Christina Sell, acknowledging and thanking them for their contribution to this feedback. What does this have to do with Scott's post? Almost everything I have taught, shared, communicated to these clients is 'borrowed' from these very pivotal people in my studies. These 4 teachers need to hear these compliments, as much as I do. While I certainly put my own 'spin' on the teachings and how I transmit them, I would not have this 'borrowed' knowledge were it not for these teachers (and many others - too many to list here).

I learn a lot from reading other peoples' perspectives. Most importantly, I receive validation for many of my thoughts and actions. Very valuable for someone who has a tendency to fall short on the self-confidence scale. (Working on that!)

And, today:

• Teaching Level 1-2 at The Yoga Center, 9:15 am
• Pilates at 12 noon
• Teaching a semi-private, 2:30 pm
• A couple of errands to run

Have a great day!

BEEN TOO BUSY

Remember many posts back, when I wrote "the excuse, 'I am too busy' is not a valid excuse, in my book". Well -- here I am writing it, using that lame excuse as the reason for not writing in this blog. Couldn't I at least be a bit more creative? Like, who would know any differently, if I wrote that I was ill over the weekend, or I had to go out of town unexpectedly, or my computer broke. Well, there are too many people who saw me over the weekend, to make the first two 'untruths' work; now, the third - the computer one - that could have worked. But, I took the easy (lazy) way out and used "I was too busy". Must be a human thing.

Friday was a day of teaching (big Gentle Yoga class, good for a Friday), then to the lemon store. Adam told me I should get some shorts (rather than long pants), so that I can see my knees and quads in my poses. Just couldn't bring myself to do it. Something about doing uttanasana and staring at knees with wrinkles, turns me off. Fortunately, I found two pair of nice yoga pants to add to my yoga wardrobe. If I need to look at my knees, I'll pull them up (the long pants).

I was to have guided the practice on Friday evening - unfortunately (or fortunately), no one showed -- perhaps a product of renovation, publicity, teacher rotation, or is once a week too often for this studio's population (I don't think so, but some may). No matter, I put the time to good use helping Sheldon and Lyndsey a bit to get the studio ready for the Yoga Festival and Open House, scheduled for the next day (Saturday). Time well spent.

My Saturday was spent at the Festival -- began by taking Sheldon's class at 9, then Michael's at 10, and Kim's at noon. A brief lunch, and back to teach my own class at 2. When asked what I would be teaching, I quickly responded that I'd focus on the 3 A's of Anusara Yoga. I was able to teach to the theme. Interesting thing about the class? One student struggled with her wrists during vascisthasana. When we moved to bakasana (crow), after a brief rest from the other wrist-stressing pose, there was no discomfort in her wrists. Could it be that the arm balance was just more fun? And, therefore, the discomfort disappeared? As a newer-to-yoga student, I don't think she was aware of the hugging-in element that will remove stress from the wrists. Interesting. Perhaps 'attitude' kicking in.

Then home to rest up for the evening's festivities -- an open house back at the studio. Music, yoga demos, friends. Good stuff. We left a bit early and shared dinner with Michael and Shala at Layla's in Holladay. For those of you who haven't tried it, Layla's is the old Confetti's restaurant -- remodeled and menu re-vamped, same owners. Great food and much nicer ambience.

Sunday was husband-time. We spent a quiet morning, then - FINALLY - got to see "The King's Speech". I've been waiting since November to see this film. Definitely worth it. Home to enjoy the fire; mac & cheese with a salad for dinner -- great comfort stuff.

And, today?

• A one-on-one appointment this morning at the Apple Store. My website is running (www.skillfulyoga.com); now to fine tune and tweak it, so that the search engines will find it!
• Errands
• Adam's 5:45 pm class at Sugarspace

Have a marvelous Monday,

PLAN ACCOMPLISHED

Yesterday, I did all that was listed on my blog 'to do' list -- it was a good day, but full (unless I'm really trying to impress, I don't write down the mundane activities -- like housework or laundry). People repeatedly ask me if I have a lot of time on my hands now that I don't own the studio. It doesn't seem like it -- I had fine-tuned work at the studio down to the bare minimum (perhaps a sign I was ready to be done owning a studio); I wasn't spending hours each day marketing, planning, etc. The spare time I have now is just space between activities; space I used to fill with paperwork or cleaning at the studio, but now don't have to worry about.

Pilates was fun and work (huh?). And, I see similarities to my yoga practice when all of a sudden some move previously inaccessible or pretty clumsy is now accessible!?!?!?

Then, time to kill between Pilates and my 4 pm class (that will change in 10 days or so, when the 'less-than-flexible' couple return from their travels). Since there's not enough time to run home, I suppose the efficient person would have some reading material with them -- me? No - stopped in the grocery, got to the studio early intent on practicing a bit; didn't work out quite like I planned as students began arriving EARLY for the 4 pm class.

Continued with my theme of burning the smudge off our images of ourselves (maya). Good one as we begin 2011.

The long-awaited class with Tiffany Wood at The Yoga Center followed. Skillfully crafted, encouraging and, yet, asking for commitment (loved that part) from all of us present. Many of the students had practiced before; not sure if Anusara had been in everyone's repertoire, tho. Impressive that even the beginning students (a couple) were well taken care of, as the rest of us worked hard - in my book, long holds are always hard work, if done with intention and care. Good stuff; look forward to future classes.

Last night, as I practiced, my attention was drawn to the statue of Shiva dancing (Nataraj). This murti is different from the one previously in the studio (brass vs. wood), and one of the things I noticed was the snake -- from a distance, in this murti, the snake is very visible winding around the figure of Shiva.

I have heard in trainings and workshops that this snake represents the kundalini shakti present in all of us. Curious about the snake, I googled it, found a decent website that briefly yet clearly explained many of the elements. The snake, this site explains does represent kundalini, and also symbolizes the Hindu belief in reincarnation. The molting of snakeskin is symbolic of the human soul's transmigration of bodies from one life to another.

In the first Immersion with JF last February, he went on to talk about other components, mentioning:

1. The drum, representing the tick-tock of life; sound reverberating out of silence.
2. The fire held by Shiva represents that which transforms, and is at the same height as the hand holding the drum.
3. The hand in abaya mudra is the hand of sustenance; creates the appearance of stability.
4. Nigraha arm (the arm crossing over and pointing at Shiva's foot) represents concealment.
5. Anugraha; the upraised foot, perhaps saying "don't worry, it's just a dance".

Other interesting things I learned from the website I found:

• There is a small figure in Shiva's dreadlocks - the Goddess of the Ganges. Belief is that the Ganges originally flowed in Heaven. When it was needed on earth, Shiva broke the fall from Heaven to earth with his dreadlocks. So, the Goddess rests in his dreadlocks on her way to earth. I never had heard about that element of the murti.
• The outer ring - fire - represents the Universe with all its suffering, pain and disillusionment. Just inside is another ring - representing the waters of the ocean. (Perhaps tempering the fire a bit??? -- my thought, as I don't remember ever hearing much if anything about the water.)
• The crescent moon in Shiva's hair keeps Kama (the god of nightly love) alive. The waxing and waning of the moon represents the seasons, rejuvenating life.

Interesting to pick one element and explore it -- I learn so much. And, I know students are curious what murtis represent and why they are in our yoga space. Now, I'll feel more confident answering questions about the Nataraj.

Today?

• Gentle Yoga, 10:30 am at The Yoga Center -- I'm teaching!
• Maybe the elusive lemon store is open and I can cash in my gift card.
• I will lead The Practice, 5:40 pm at The Yoga Center. Planning LONNNGGGG holds.

Enjoy your Friday,

SOMEONE, TELL ME WHY

Caution: Not everything written in this post is 'happy, happy'.

So, 'tell me why' what? Why do many of the events scheduled that we would love to attend attach the caveat: "must be able to do handstand at the wall and urdhva dhanurasana (full wheel)".

I used to just see mainly it for JF's advanced events; but, more and more, I'm seeing it attached to weekend workshops, advanced practices, etc., conducted by regular(??? - couldn't come up with a better word) instructors. And - until 3 months ago - I couldn't do either; now, I can do the urdhva -- still working on the kicking up to handstand (12 years on that one so far).

One explanation might be that doing those two poses is a sign of an 'advanced' practice. However, I've been in enough classes, trainings, workshops, etc., to know that sometimes a very new-to-yoga person is more than able to get themselves into these positions. (Imagine my envy - oops, murdita.) So, to me, that is not a valid reason.

Another might be ____?_____. I truly can't think of one for those particular poses. Someone, please tell me why!

It's a discouraging and demoralizing requirement that ought to be stricken from our verbiage - we can be more creative and inclusive, and still communicate that it will be a challenging practice, workshop, whatever. I'll take this statement back, if someone can tell me 'why'.

Understand the UPA's, warm up the body, open shoulders, open quads, work the hamstrings, do every pose with integrity -- in a perfect world those would be my requirements; purna.

Enough.

I did film yesterday's Gentle Yoga class -- almost afraid to watch it. The class is a great one, attended by dedicated and hard-working students. It is also a class full of modifications -- some students doing cat/cow stretches on the floor; others, as they sit in chairs. When we do trichonasana (which isn't often), we always do it twice -- first time EVERYONE uses a chair under their lower hand (why? just to equalize the playing field). Second time around, the chair can be replaced with a block or hand can go to the floor. During balance postures, the chair is handily placed at most peoples' side -- just in case; and many will use it for stability getting in and out of the posture.

By the end of this class, the room looks a bit 'trashed' -- chairs, blankets, blocks, straps, mats and people strewn around (mats and people are lined up in true Anusara(®) style). If this is a class I choose to submit a video for, I'll have to have a lengthy explanation of many of the things I'm doing. Why, for example, am I standing behind one student during many of the standing poses? Because her balance is so compromised by a debilitating disease that she will fall over unexpectedly. We do what we have to do; but, I'm not quite sure every video reviewer will be ready/willing to evaluate a video like this. If nothing else, this will be a challenge for me and them.

I read yesterday that a certain famous fitness-wear company (that is geared towards yoga, among other things) earned over $450million last year. Earlier in the day, I took a gift card I received for my birthday over to try to give them some more money. They were closed; on a Wednesday. Oh, well -- I'll just have to go back on a Thurs, Fri, or Sat. Perhaps they've decided that success is achieved by making yourself 'hard to get', ya' think? (This same company's product, a few years ago, was only available in Canada -- in the USA, we couldn't buy their stuff. Imagine the envy; oops - murdita, when someone walked in with that logo on.)

Enough on that, too.

Today's plan:

• 1 pm Pilates
• 4 pm, teaching Level 1-2 at The Yoga Center
• 5:45 pm, attending Tiffany's class at The Yoga Center -- good stuff!

Enjoy your Thursday,

MAKING SPACE

For whatever reason, blogging is not as easy as it was before December 5. I wonder if it's related to the sale of the studio. More discipline is needed, for whatever reason. So, to make it more easeful, this will just be a compilation of thoughts -- ramblings, if you choose -- from my week so far.

I used 'making space' as my theme for yesterday's class (the one I am subbing for a friend for a while - skiing injury). As I de-clutter my home (making space), it also seems to relate to our practice and any resolutions or intentions that we have set for 2011. We make space to cultivate our intentions, to give them room to root and grow - and, what better place to do that than on our yoga mat. I chose confidence as my heart quality (because it takes a bit of confidence to expand; and the results are often confidence - the calm feeling of accomplishment we experience when we've done something good for ourselves). My UPA emphasis: Inner Spiral (making space, after all). My apex pose (on paper): EPR using a strap.

Students in the room, we began. One commented that she has struggled with many injuries over the years -- pelvis, knee, back and neck. As we moved through the first surya's, she complained about the pressure on her knee during a modified vacisthasana. That caused me to change my plan from putting her knee into EPR - she is newer to the practice and the verbiage, so - instead of EPR with a strap, I asked students to prep for baby nataraj and then move more fully into the pose using a strap. (Bending her knee was not a problem; lateral movement and pressure was an issue. I'm hoping that as she progresses and due to her well-developed body awareness, the concepts of inner spiral, shins in, etc., will come easily to her, and doing EPR will not create issues for that knee. It just seemed that for this class, shifting gears was needed.) So, we shifted and we still had fun. Always good to have an 'exit strategy'.

It is great to teach in the newly-renovated Yoga Center (studio I just sold); just teach. Not worry about any of the details, just plan my class, teach it, talk to students, fill out the paperwork, lock the door. But, truth be told, I do worry about these things; it's still a part of me, tho easier to let go of that I thought it might be. Lyndsey and Sheldon are getting little bits of information from me on occasion, signed with a "take it or leave it" closing.

Anyway, back to teaching. As people get used to the new space and new class times, some classes will be smaller, others larger. O.K. by me -- just trying to get that elusive video in. I think today I'll video the Gentle Yoga class; just to see how it goes. Ought to be interesting.

I attended a class on Monday - Mary's Vinyasa 1. Great class. Great from more than one standpoint. First, I had a good time. Second, I often sub for Mary. Now - after taking her class - I understand some of the blank stares I get when her loyal students experience my teaching. We use different verbiage, we teach poses somewhat differently. The good thing? Mary is very focused on alignment; that, we have in common. Lesson learned? From now on, when asked to sub, if there is enough time before the subbing date, I'll attend that instructor's class. Not so that I will teach exactly like the person for whom I'm subbing, but so that I'll understand what/how students have been experiencing their yoga classes. Important and valuable teaching lesson for me.

Today?

• Gentle Yoga, 10:30 am at The Yoga Center
• Errands

Hope you have a great Wednesday,

PROJECTS IN THE HOPPER

Once one sells her yoga studio, what does she do?

For one, I will continue teaching at that studio (3 classes each week, plus subbing for a few weeks for a friend who was hurt skiing).

That takes up about 6 hours each week (NOT including travel and planning time). What else?

Several weeks (months?) ago I proposed to my physician that her group host a patient education series. This series would last 4-6 weeks, would include aspects of yoga in each week, and would introduce attendees to pro-active means to improve their health -- means they might not otherwise look at (i.e. life coaches, physical trainers, dieticians, Ayurveda, etc.). I offered to organize this series, do all the legwork, but didn't hear anything back after her initial enthusiastic response. So, I waited - upon announcing my website, she contacted me and explained that the group is looking at space options and will be bringing in a new physician this Spring. All this activity has kept her busy; long story short -- she does want to pursue something for patients that includes yoga. Yes! Will keep you posted on progress -- an idea some of you may want to pursue with your physicians.

What else? I am in the process of contacting local Parkinson's Support Groups about their interest in a series of yoga classes. Why? I work with patients who struggle with chronic, debilitating diseases, and I see the positive effects of yoga on their outlook. Keep you posted on this one, also.

In addition to public classes, I am teaching private and semi-private sessions.

Every so often, I think -- maybe I should try to find another public class to teach. Could do that, but these special projects offer an aspect of teaching that I've begun to appreciate -- the benefit of yoga to people who might NEVER walk into a yoga class, much less a studio. Why wouldn't they? They believe they can't afford it. They don't know much, if anything, about yoga - so why would they pursue it? They may believe that yoga is far out of their physical reach. I can work to change many of those factors.

As you can tell, this is an ongoing saga; and it will shift each day, week, month. It's an exciting time, filled with rewarding challenge.

Today's plans:

• Mary's class at the newly-renovated Yoga Center, 10 am
• Pick up cats from vet (more $$$)
• A trip to the airport
• Another class? We'll see.

Enjoy your Monday,

JANUARY 1, 2011

HAPPY NEW YEAR! and Blessings for all of 2011.

It's awfully early to be up on January 1, but when you are in bed before 10 pm -- that's what happens. One of the favorable qualities of being a bit more mature, is the wisdom to know limits. My limit is about 10 pm, no matter what holiday it is.

So, what does one do on New Year's morning when everyone else is sleeping? Well, here's a list:

1. Turn the coffee pot on.
2. Re-kindle the fire. We installed a wood stove insert in one of our fireplaces last winter. Wonderful purchase; maybe one of the best ones we've made for a while. Love it.
3. Pour a cup of coffee, sit a while, watch the fire come back to life, then turn on the computer.
4. Check e-mail, look at Facebook -- what do I find? An amazing picture of The Yoga Center (studio I just sold) in it's new, renovated state -- bamboo floors, higher ceilings, wall sconce-type lighting. All in just 2 weeks! There will be two classes there today (11 am and 4 pm), and more special classes tomorrow; regular schedule begins on Monday -- as promised. As I said, AMAZING!
5. Also on Facebook -- video from the "Tough as Nails, Soft as Ghee" workshop in Tucson with Christina, Noah and Darren. Mental note to self: next year, be there.

As I watch the fire, there's a feature of this wood stove that fits right in with our yoga and theming for classes. Here goes: Every once in a while, there's a smudge in the corner of my new fire place doors -- created by the residue from the fire burning, especially as we start or re-kindle the fire. But, if we continue to burn the fire; to get it hotter and hotter, the smudge disappears - the glass is clean! I can equate that process to maya (my own internal mirrors). My mirror is often smudged and dirty with my negative thoughts and perceptions of myself. That's one reason we practice yoga - to build our own internal (and external) heat and burn (or begin to burn) the smudge off our mirrors. Clear those false perceptions away with the heat of our practice. To see our beauty, our amazing selves.

Maybe this is a stretch; but, remember, it's early.

Lots of cold and snow in this part of the country. Everyone, it seems, is being affected by extreme weather of some sort.

Enjoy your day, whatever it holds; and - again - Happy New Year!

December 29

In all the time I've been writing in this blog, I do not believe I've ever gone this long without posting (5 days!). Each day, I've checked e-mail, looked at Facebook, read other's blogs -- but, my 'blog inspiration' was lacking (or - if it was there - I was interrupted by grandsons running into the room or needing a little attention).

I felt better when I read BJ Galvan's Facebook post about making a choice between India and her "Grand-Drops". Sometimes, we need to let something go (blog posting or India) in favor of more important things ( changing a diaper or taking 'Grand-Drops' to the park). Most probably there will be plenty of time and opportunity for those small things like "India". The feel of someone's little head on my shoulder or a hand reaching for mine -- those moments are more precious, especially when we don't have access every day to them.

So, I'm back -- a bit rusty at writing, I fear, but back. I may also be a bit rusty at yoga -- took a break from that, as well over the past 5 days. In the midst of Christmas morning chaos or a grandson meltdown, I did find myself moving into my breath -- so, some pranayama got practiced, at least. I'll be on the mat this morning.

As to teaching, a break from that until the first week of January - when I'll go back to my regular schedule and also be subbing for a friend for a few weeks.

Today? Watching the weather roll by -- more snow projected for SLC.

Hope your Wednesday is a good one,

CHRISTMAS EVE NOTES

The word 'integrity' has served me well as I've taught for the past 2 weeks. And, each time I use the theme or idea, it gets more clear in my mind -- just have to remember there are students who heard it last week, so change it up a bit (which has happened naturally).

As I taught YogaHour last night, my closing statement was "I love the phrase 'you cannot afford, for even a moment, to be out of integrity' ". When I first said it, it felt awkward, as if some words besides 'out of' ought to be used. This morning tho (and the past few days), it feels just right; as though my thought process has wrapped itself around the wording and is embracing it. The quote, remember, is one I found in Scott Marmorstein's blog.

So, now - to coin Sundari - why do I love the phrase and why does it matter to me or anyone that the phrase exists, what it might mean to them or that I love it. Wow! Why did I write that? That's a challenge to answer and to answer clearly.

One of the great betrayals for me is untruth (aka lying). I notice that I am able to forgive people for many things; lying not so easy. Integrity is the foundational piece of being an honest, upright person. And, how does this paragraph apply to the 'why'?

On the yoga mat, if I do not practice with integrity (meaning applying principles, not taking shortcuts, feeling the pose -- all pieces and parts of it), I will not be satisfied with the outcome of my efforts. Better I do the basics well than skip a step just to get to the end result.

We talked about that in YogaHour -- in attendance were some well-schooled yoga practitioners and a couple instructors. We worked towards padangusthasana. Many of us (present company excluded) are able to grab our foot and extend the leg easily (I am able to do it only when when very well warmed up). As I looked at these students in the pose, I asked them to step back; to forfeit the leg way high in the air and - instead - move the thigh of their standing leg towards back plane of body, assure their hips were level, side body long, heart and head lifted. After a bit of adjustment from them, I reviewed the poses -- truly these poses sang. Best part, I could see one person actually admiring herself in the reflection from a window -- beauty pose.

In life, the same thing happens -- when I move from a place of stability, steadfastness, not forgetting -- I am more confident, I am more caring, I see beauty in many things I might otherwise overlook. Life becomes more meaningful.

Well, not sure if I did it, if you - a reader - understands why never stepping out of our integrity is a practice to embrace. But, I'm clearer on it to myself; that means I'll be able to communicate it better to others, when I decide to use a similar theme in the future.

I was thinking I didn't offer a 'tip' last week, so went to some notes (3/09 Intensive). First page I read lists the 6 qualities of a good teacher. As you read these, remember the word 'integrity' -- it's in each one:

1. Adhikara -- always a great student
2. Humility -- honor our teachers; the source of our knowledge
3. Trustworthy -- do not waver in our conviction to serve
4. Empathetic -- sensitive to our students
5. Burning aspiration to be the best you can be -- excellence
6. Agile mind & intellect -- adapt, assimilate and process information quickly

Also, I use comparision a lot in my classes. Yesterday, doing a shoulder stretch (clasping hands behind hips), I asked everyone to lock their elbows BEFORE they folded and notice the resulting sensation in their back. How can shoulders open well when the back feels like that? Demo/comparison over, it was easier for people to NOT lock the elbows as they then folded. Just an observation.

Today:

• Let the Christmas festivities begin -- I will enjoy 10 days away from teaching and managing; my grandsons will be the focus of my attention for many of those days -- looking forward to that.

May you all enjoy your Holiday / Christmas and New Year's Celebrations & be safe,

THURSDAY MORNING

I'm up early this morning; not sure why, we had a very nice dinner out with friends last night - meaning we got to bed late. There is an internal alarm for me that starts it's vibration about 4:15 am these days. It goes off no matter what time I turn in the night before; so, here I am.

I decided to check on Facebook this morning. Interesting to read another yoga instructor's lament about her 'lack of' stuff and how she worries it impedes her ability to teach. I do similarly once in a while.

The first time was to Sundari, when I commented about how 'silly' I must look in a class of 30-40 year olds. Her response: No, what I am is an example to the other young women in the room of just what someone 60 years old can do. She totally re-framed that thought process for me.

Two weeks ago, working with Adam in a private, I lamented my lack of flexibility and how it may affect my ability to be a really good teacher. His response: No, wrong -- that the lack of flexibility and the resultant time it takes me to approach and work into poses (i.e. urdhva dhanurasana), gives me an insight to working with students struggling with similar issues. Ahhh, another re-framing that I will embrace.

In fact, I did have an ah-ha moment during the workshop I taught earlier this month. I'm teaching; have students in baddha konasana. One student with very flexible hips asked how close feet should be to pelvis (FYI, mine are well away from the pelvis and my knees are about crest-of-pelvis height). This question stymied me for a minute -- I don't know how that feels! What do I do? Well, I punted -- asked her if, with feet that close, she could feel the energetic shift of inner and outer spiral. Her answer, yes. So, my answer -- you can place your feet as close to the pelvis as you wish, so long as you can activate and feel the spirals affect on the hips. What had just happened? Because I am tight, if I pulled my feet in that close, I would not feel or be able to initiate the spirals effectively; so, I couldn't relate.

Not sure if any of that makes sense. For me, inflexibility is now considered an o.k. thing; but I also need to remember I have a lot of learning to do from the point of view of the flexible person who comes into my classes. Like - how does it feel, for starters.

Remember, folks, it's early and the ramblings may be just that - ramblings.

Today's plan:

• Subbing for Mary, 9 am, at The Yoga Center (interim space, 2101 Murray Holladay Rd)
• House cleaning

Hope you have a good, productive day,

STUDIO SOLD - CHECK; PERSONAL WEBSITE CREATED - CHECK !!!

Sale of the studio is already old news; my new, personal website is NEW and exciting news! Check it out at www.skillfulyoga.com.

On my way to whatever lies ahead. What does lie ahead?

I finalized a teaching schedule with the new owners of The Yoga Center. After Jan 1, it will be as follows:

10:30 am, Wednesdays Gentle Yoga

4:00 pm, Thursdays Level 1-2 (a 75-90 minute class)

10:30 am, Fridays Gentle Yoga

I know that several of my readers are also students of the Gentle Yoga class -- this change is minor; just means you have a bit more time to get to class. We'll end between 11:50 and noon, so - plenty of time to get to those lunch engagements or other plans. Remember, too, that it is not effective until 2011.

Now, what will I do with the rest of my time? I hope to do some volunteer teaching, and am working to set that up now. And, my physician - who is part of a large group here in SLC - is re-kindling interest in offering yoga as part of their office education for patients. Wow! That's big and exciting for me; the result of a proposal I presented to them several months ago.

And, as for Certification -- well, it still looms out there. Still working on that video; tho - with the schedule change - I am thinking 'staged' or invitation classes will be the way to go for future videos. But - remember the Gentle classes are o.k. for a video, so long as we use Anusara® principles, theming, etc., and tell the video reviewers what they are looking at. I may just have to be the groundbreaker for this type of video submission (unless one of you beats me to it).

I'm kind of all over the map this morning - thinking of what I need to do, get done, etc., before Christmas. Still have a few gifts to buy (not many). Need to finish the flier for The Bliss Brothers (who are coming to The Yoga Center in May 2011). Create and print some new business cards (logo?). If I put my mind to it, this could turn into a long list.

Right now, tho, I need to think through HOW I am going to get down my hill, the hill that is covered in snow, in a 2wd vehicle. Dicey, at best. Guess I just need to remember that the 2wd drive has the same stopping capabilities as the 4wd. Something about having that 4wd under me, tho, makes it seem different. Today, no choice -- got to take the 2wd down; slippin' and a slidin' we go. Take a breath; put on the brakes, just not too much; let off brakes when appropriate -- just like yoga (I've even used this as a theme once or three times).

Today's plan:

• Subbing for Wayne at 9:30 at The Yoga Center (interim space, 2101 Murray Holladay Rd.)
• Noon - Pilates with Cindy
• 2pm take the 2wd drive in for service, get emission/safety certificate somewhere
• 4:30pm phone appointment

Hope your day is a good one (if you're in SLC - or some other snowy/icy part of the country - drive safely),

SUNDAY, SUNDAY, SUNDAY . . .

A wet, windy, melting-snow kind of day (at least what I can see through the still-dark morning light).

Saturday was a good day. Taught a private at 7:30 am, then my Level 1 class at 9 am, home for a bite of lunch and a short nap, and then to a group practice with Adam.

The private is worthy of comment, since G arrived several months ago struggling with a combination of injury and chronic fatigue - layered with anxiety. Since that first class, we have worked each week in private sessions, developing the breath, grounding, building strength, not to mention time for 'just talk'. The last 3 weeks have shown me just how far G has moved away from the issues that plagued her. What did we do? Well, 3 Saturdays ago I practiced alongside her for 25 minutes -- taking her through a gentle, but steady movement series. She did it and she did it well. Last week, we stepped back a bit, doing hip and leg work. Yesterday - after warming up - AMS (down dog) to plank to chaturanga to cobra; hands on blocks, no less, repeat, repeat, repeat. All with barely a hint of the mentioned 'stuff'.

Her next step -- while I'm on a short break, I asked her to attend Gentle Yoga with Sheldon & Lyndsey. Why? Two reasons -- to take a break from private and give public classes another try (because she certainly is capable!), and to experience a different 'voice'. After my explanation, she agreed.

Level 1 was small (holidays and temp space?), but we did good work. And, those in attendance were students who appreciate a smaller class -- as in, 'I get more attention and I learn more'. Especially good for me, because I learned that I am now able to grab my foot in Ardha chandra chapassana WITHOUT bringing the knee forward (and, this happened without being all that warmed up - remember, I was demo'ing and teaching, not practicing).

Lunch and nap -- good stuff, also.

Then, on to The Practice with Adam at Centered City (this, by the way, is almost moving back to exactly where I began a dedicated Anusara practice -- Adam & Centered City). This is an additional space for Centered, smaller than the main studio but newer and with heated floors. Talk about fun, good yoga, and sweat! Even the skylights were weeping from the condensation in the room. So nice to see many faces I haven't seen for a while and to re-connect. I hope this happens more often; especially, since I was able to move energetically throughout the 3 HOT hours, do much of the requested stuff (or, at least give it my best effort), and see places I need to work more (i.e. tripod headstand --- got to get AWAY from the wall).

Today?

• Sheldon's class at 8 am at The Yoga Center (temp. space, 2101 Murray Holladay Road)
• A rainy day movie
• A few gifts left to buy

Have a great Sunday and if YOU are shopping, remember to breathe.

INTEGRITY

Ever had a word keep popping into your head - either through your own thoughts or other peoples' comments / writings? That is happening this week with this word - integrity. In fact, reminders have been present all along, I just forget once in a while.

Because it keeps 'popping' up, I went back to my 'handy dandy' computer dictionary/thesaurus and found this definition: The state of being honest and morally upright; whole and undivided. In the thesaurus, alternative words were: good character, ethical, unified, strength, solidity.

As to where it keeps 'popping' up for me:

• In my yoga practice - I've been told I practice with integrity; I'm thinking the speakers of that comment meant I practice with strength, fullness and stability. I do as much as I can with my best effort, and I wait and watch and marvel at others who may have a more full expression of poses that are challenging to me (murdita).
• As I enter this new phase (no longer a studio owner) - I have to shift gears to think and dream about what is next. Part of that process caused me to enter into an agreement with The Handel Group, and part of their contract with me is that I do the work asked with integrity -- I'm thinking that means I am going to have to be honest with myself and others as I move through the process. Most importantly and perhaps most difficult - to be honest with myself.
• This morning, I looked at my blog list and saw Scott's name (BTW, Scott doesn't post every day, so I check this one about once a week.). Wouldn't you know, his most recent post topic was targeting integrity, as in "You cannot afford for even a moment to be out of integrity." He goes on "Be wary of your wayward mind and its incessant and insistent thoughts that your inner dramas are more important than what is going on right in front of your eyes." I like that -- 'inner dramas'; a nice way to describe thoughts that are having a field day for me right now -- perhaps the good part of owning the studio was that I had little time to think about 'inner dramas'. Now that I'm aware (Scott reminded me), I am also aware of the negative energy they are capable of bringing my way; so - be careful and stay awake (stay aware of what is 'drama' and what is truly my own story).

Now, I am back to thinking about 'planting a seed' of intention for the new year. Last year, my seed was 'clarity'; I believe this coming year's seed is meant to be 'integrity'.

Step me back 25 years to when we (my husband and I) used a tool from Lou Holtz (not sure if he practices any yoga) -- his 3 guidelines that he used coaching players on the Notre Dame team:

1. Do what's right. You know if something is right or not; it is that gut feeling that comes up as we're about to do something difficult or challenging or wrong. In India and Asia, the belly is the seat of wisdom; I need to listen to it.
2. Do the best you can. Simple and relatable, especially as I've done more work with John and Anusara®. The word 'purna' - fullness - can be applied here.
3. Treat other people as you'd like to be treated. Simple, as well. Challenging at times; especially when I am unhappy with myself or a situation. Easiest thing then -- strike out! (and, that doesn't mean baseball). Take out my frustration with verbal barbs, sarcastic comments, etc. Scott's advice "come back to your heart as fast as you can and be earnest in your endeavors and dealings with others"

O.K. -- pep talk complete. Seed planted. This - by the way - can also be considered a 'tip'. And, if you need more, read Scott's post (click on the link to the right under 'list of favorites'

Today's plan:

• Gentle Yoga at 10 am (guess what I'm talking about today - purna, as in giving it your best effort no matter where your poses are in relation to others or where your ego thinks you should be.)
• Meeting at 2 pm to discuss a volunteer class
• Some last minute stocking stuffers, and one big gift to find / purchase

Have a fun Friday,

THURSDAY MORNING

I just finished reading two comments on Tuesday's post and I have to agree -- I DO ROCK! Not one to make flourishing, wild statements about myself, so this is a departure for me.

By the time I pushed up to Urdhva Dhanurasana, I was about ready to give up. To say, 'forget it, it isn't going to happen', and then - even worse - the next step might have been, 'why am I putting myself through all this, anyway?'

Interesting that, just about the 'give up' time (at least for me), Grace steps in and offers a bit of a boost (or lift). And, then I have good friends to step in and offer their comments and support. Both Tiffany and BJ have played roles in my progress to UD; therefore, they get my thanks - for the shout-out and for their guidance over the years.

Yesterday's Gentle Yoga class was GREAT! If you haven't been paying attention, The Yoga Center (formerly owned by me and sold last week; a good thing) began receiving a 3-week renovation requiring we relocate classes 2 blocks away to a conference room. Talk about a way to potentially decimate classes -- but not the Gentle Yoga group! They turned out, almost in force -- and, since we do expect some downturn in numbers because of the holidays, this turnout was wonderful.

In the room were five regulars and three new-to-me students -- one who really wanted/needed a more active class (BTW, this is a challenge -- how to handle someone doing more advanced variations, in a group not there yet. My solution -- yesterday, I just let her do her stuff and focused on the rest in attendance.) The other two are new to yoga, as well as being a bit stiff and becoming re-acquainted with their bodies.

Gentle Yoga, in my book, is a class of celebration. Yesterday, I saw these things to celebrate, to name a few:

• 8 people, some with significant limitations, braving some snow and a new location to get their yoga in.
• A beautiful French quote by a long-time attendee of this class (can't remember exact definition; something like - we can't accomplish the journey if we don't take the first step - whoaaa!).
• A first for one student -- no blanket under the knees. Why? Not sure, except that perhaps she is energizing her arms and core more as she becomes more conditioned to the practice, and taking pressure off the knees (?).
• Heart opening, all around the room (we also, in this class, call this 'mud-flap posturing' - thanks to Suzanne); whatever works!
• A compliment for all present (from one of the new-to-this-class students) -- the welcoming and fun nature of everyone attending this class makes it all the easier to do and enjoy the work!
• Beautiful, expressive toes, postures and smiles all around the room.

Today's schedule:

• Some housework
• Pilates at 1pm with Cindy
• My semi-private with the 'more-stiff-than-many' couple? We're taking a break til 2011 due to family visits and travel.
• 4 pm YogaHour with ME! THIS WEEK'S UD ROCKSTAR!

Hope you have a great Thursday,

DOING - NOW DEMO'ING - URDHVA DHANURASANA

As many know, urdhva dhanurasana (wheel pose or full backbend) eluded me in my yoga practice for the first 12 years. It wasn't until this September 2010, when I discovered the importance of skull loop/hyoid bone/taking the head back in this pose, that it became a pose I could consistently move into.

Until then, I had placed myself in position, done all I thought was correct, then pushed with every muscle fiber of my arms -- to no avail. I was going nowhere. Why? Because I wasn't using my head (literally). Once I took my head back, using skull loop and the hyoid bone, my shoulder blades became involved and helped to lift me away from the floor. So, my friends, I learned it isn't a pressing up altogether, it's a combination of factors -- one of the most important for consistency, being the 'lift' from the shoulder blades. (ALSO, I am sure every one of my teachers had told me about the head; it's just that I didn't 'hear' it until 3 months ago.)

Now, urdhva dhanurasana - for me - is in the refinement stages (which may last another 12 or more years).

Last night, I attended Tiffany Wood's class in Park City. She gave us fair warning at the start of class -- we were moving towards backbends; all the while focusing on the breath and it's impact on our ability to be grounded in our poses. A new concept for me -- my breath, its movement into the pelvis, and - voila - a more open urdhva!?!?!?.

We moved slowly through our poses -- long holds and slow movement do NOT mean an easy class. If anything, I think it's easier to move quickly, allowing momentum to carry me through poses. In a class like this, moving slowly and mindfully is challenging and sweat-producing. We opened shoulders, lengthened quadricep muscles, worked the rest of the body as we paid attention to the grounding our breath can help us achieve.

Then came the backbend -- first a bridge pose, then urdhva on our own, then a demo. What lucky person was smack dab in the middle of the room, primed for visibility? You guessed it - me. I've been asked to demo this pose once before in the same studio -- JF in the seat of the teacher. That was a couple years ago, when the pose was much less reliable. Result? I did it - barely - and then only because of the power of grace, I'm sure of it. Last night, after Tiffany paid me a very gracious and flattering compliment, I placed hands, waited, lifted hips, waited, moved to top of head, waited, then pushed up. With a little encouragement from Tiff, the arms got straighter and the heart moved, but not before she asked me to soften through the pelvis - to breathe. More opening.

Two more backbends on our own (that makes 4 in a row), each time focusing on maintaining a soft quality to the pelvis. As I did the 4th, I was aware that I had moved further into the pose than any time before - actually holding it long enough to pump the heart away from the hips several times, opening the pose up a bit.

Interesting that this pose, as difficult as it's been for me, now serves as a great learning tool. Each time I am asked or choose to push up, I notice more. Not big things, little things. Things like I can hold it a bit longer each time; my arms are straighter; I can wait and move into the pose more slowly, instead of a big umph up into the pose, as I've been doing in the past several months (notice all the times I wrote 'waited' in my demo description; there was a reason for that); and the power of two places I'd never thought of for backbending -- my head and my soft pelvis. Wow!

Today's Plan:

• Wayne's class, 9:30 am, at The Yoga Center Interim Space - 2101 Murray Holladay Rd.
• Noon Pilates with Cindy
• More yoga -- Sheldon's 7:15 pm class -- same place as Wayne's

Kickin' it up a notch! Have a great Tuesday

AND, HOW'D IT GO?

Not bad, not bad at all. Each time I think about it (the 3 hours), I marvel that I could fill the time. I'd worried that 90 or 120 minutes in, I would be done -- through with the plan -- and, now what do we do? Didn't happen. Filled the time, I had fun, and I am hopeful students did, as well.

As we started, my nervousness was gone (in fact, I didn't struggle with much nervousness all day, yesterday). There probably was some 'underground' stuff going on, since - as I looked down at my notes - I noticed I had 2 pair of reading glasses ready. Usually, I forget them altogether!

I had typed out my thoughts, and my plan, and some words. This is what I would do for any class I teach. It's helpful, though I rarely follow it verbatim. Fact is, I don't look at it all that much while teaching. The process of thinking it through, typing it out, revising it, then printing and reviewing it - all that usually does the trick.

Why words? I want alternative words to use, for example - this workshop was called 'embrace yourself'. I'd like a list of words to use besides 'embrace'; words that mean the same or similar, but I would not want to say embrace over and over during a class. Then, I create another list of words that mean the opposite (i.e. 'release' or 'let go').

And, why this second list? Because it is helpful to be able to give people instructions using the opposite or other side of your theme. For example: I can say "hug muscles to bone as you move into trichonasana" (kind of boring), or I could say "Trichonasana needs full support; release muscle energy from the legs and you deplete your power source, so hold steady - feed the pose with the energy of the legs." (better). And, I used the opposite of 'hug' or 'hold' when I used the word 'release'. Like that.

Now what? Well today's schedule is:

• Yoga with Sheldon, 8 am at the Yoga Center
• Trip to the airport
• Wrap some gifts for mailing

Hope you have a peaceful Sunday,

WHAT CAN GO WRONG?

Many things -- but, I choose to NOT think about them this morning. Just acknowledge them and move forward.

What am I talking about? The workshop, of course. I spent time last night journalling and planning a course, an agenda -- need to print it, review it, massage it. Then, of course, the universe may change it with whoever it sends into the space this afternoon. We'll see and I will be grateful for everyone who chooses to attend.

Yesterday was a nice day -- taught Gentle Yoga in the a.m. Many times, I have written that my Gentle Yoga classes are based on the definition of 'gentle: gradually increasing, as in "gentle slope". And, yesterday - with a smaller group - we were able to take a journey into otherwise untrodden territory (specifically, bakasana - crane/crow pose).

During this 'trip', I closely watched those in attendance -- First, how did they handle malasana? Just fine. Second, were they able to hug legs to midline, elbows resisting? Ditto, on the fine. Third, could they place hands on mat as in down dog, keeping knees in contact with upper arms? Yup. That's all the farther I planned to take this group, but they were doing so well, I asked for more -- look forward, lean forward, move feet away from floor. Two lift-offs in the room! One, a new-to-me student, had never lifted off before. Love it when that happens in one of my classes!

And, one of the best parts? No one, not a person, said "I can't do that". Oh, their eyes were a bit bugged out as we moved towards the pose, but they did all I asked without complaint and appeared happy for it. Good stuff!

In the afternoon, I had my first real contact with Molly at The Handel Group. I did this after reading Bernie Birney's blog posts, and a memory of Elena Brower's work with them. I have a plan to begin working with them, specifically one of their coaches based on the west coast (Laguna Beach, no less). Starting small -- this is kind of scary; might find out stuff I really don't want to know (or acknowledge) about myself. But it may prove to be a very valuable investment. Based on what I've been reading of other peoples' experiences, keep fingers crossed.

Today?

• 7:30 Private
• 9:00 Level 1 at The Yoga Center
• 1:00 pm - Workshop Time !!!

Enjoy Saturday,

NOTES & PLANNING

It's been a big week for me. Seven years have come to a close (a pleasant one), and I am now - as of this past Monday - officially no longer owner of The Yoga Center.

I purchased the studio in 2003, as it was slowly sinking - low attendance; low energy, etc., etc., etc. My husband was the catalyst - he knew I had practiced at this studio for several years and that I had mentioned what I would do if I owned the space. We began discussions only to walk away when it seemed there were others, more qualified, waiting to purchase it. Those did not materialize, and I stepped back in when previous owners contacted me with a deal hard to refuse and a "you buy it, or we close it" statement to back up their intention.

Still a student, and never having owned a business before, this was a big step for me (though a small, relatively speaking, transaction). Lawyer, banker, accountant, instructors, manager -- all had to be contacted and asked for input; instructors and manager, invited to remain. It was then a 'go'. Sadhant (manager) stayed for six months, then I was on my own. The rest is kind of history. Moderate, but steady growth in student population. Development of a great team of instructors - all dedicated, hard-working and skilled in their craft. And, I moved out of my comfort zone and into the role as 'instructor', as well as owner/manager.

Now, it passes to Sheldon & Lyndsey, who have new energy and will re-invigorate the space through that energy and a bit of renovation. Good stuff. No regrets. Looking forward to the next phase.

The rest of my week? Peaceful - taught several classes, taught a couple semi-privates, and had a wonderful private session with Adam. I marvel at the knowledge of that man and wonder if I ever will be able to look at a person suffering from some minor back discomfort (me); put them in uttanasana, discern that one side of their lumbar is a bit elevated, then put the person through the paces to determine what might be the cause (hamstring?, psoas?), give them a recipe of work to do, and send them on their way to feeling better!!! Another best part? I actually did some of the 'recipe' on my own yesterday, not to mention my back feels much better!

Interestingly, I had my first-ever comment that the Anusara® chant made someone uncomfortable. Unfortunately, that person attended a class where the chant has become part of our routine, and I didn't spend time explaining or defining it. That might have helped defray the discomfort.

Sundari once told me she had success explaining to students that they ought to think of it as the 'cheer' we hear at high school and college football games; bringing us onto the mat; getting us ready for a wonderful practice. I have used that, at times.

Most often, tho, I ask people to think of it as an acknowledgment of themselves -- if it weren't for some 'inner teacher', they wouldn't be in class - doing yoga - improving their lives. And, that teacher is always there, always beautiful, always ready to teach us -- if we will just listen.

Then, as I was looking through notes, I came across this entry from an Intensive with JF:

"Why do we chant? To come back to cohesion with one another. To remind ourselves of the good within us and within others."

Another good reason -- there are probably a ton of good reasons and definitions out there. The key, I believe, to my students embracing the chant is how I present it. That includes looking at the audience; and try to determine their receptiveness to chanting something in an unknown language, for which the definition is laced with philosophic meaning. What do I mean? The definition is fine - if your mind works like that; if your mind embraces philosophy. I still read the formal definition and wonder - what, exactly does that mean? Because, literally, some days things are clearer than on other days -- that's the way my brain works.

So, when I look at the people I am teaching, I have a to do a bit of mental calculations -- for this group, how will the chant be received? I choose, in most cases, to keep it simple -- to go back to the 'inner teacher' definition. Most students understand that - it relates to their own intuition.

Just my thoughts on the chant. Would love to hear about other experiences.

Here's another notation from the same training that I will find useful: "What happens when we 'center'? We remember that this is a path of both effort and grace." I am always looking for new ways to explain what becomes routine to me, as an instructor. I am sure people wonder what the purpose of sitting for a few moments at the start of a practice serves. After all, why not just 'get in there and move'?

About planning (in the title of this post) -- that relates to the workshop tomorrow. Excited, a bit nervous, but - once I have a plan, I'm sure it will flow just fine.

Today?

• Gentle Yoga at 10 am at The Yoga Center
• 3 pm EST call with The Handel Group (as excited and nervous about this as the workshop!?!?!?!?)
• Plan, plan, plan

Have a GREAT Friday,