THANKS TO LOOPS & SPIRALS . . .
July 2011, will be remembered as a month of re-connecting. I've already written about Lesley and my old/new friendship (go back to this past Wednesday's post). Out of the blue yesterday came an e-mail from another 'old' friend.
This friend I met in Miami six years ago at the first Teacher Training I attended with JF (John Friend). She and I neighbor'd in the first morning's session, and got to know each other through conversations and partnering.
One important thing to know about Teacher Trainings is that they are challenging. Not simply because I am trying to learn everything being said by the instructor, but add to that the many personalities, egos (yes, egos, including mine) in the room, and differing expectations. It (the training) can come right up to my face and give me a good 'slap', no matter what level of instructor/student I am at that point in time. And, it doesn't even have to be my 'stuff' I'm worried about.
This 'old/new' friend (first name, Lisa) and I both had our share of challenges that week - physical and emotional; fortunately, we had become acquainted that first morning and could bolster each other through the moments that threatened to make a 'train wreck' of the experience. We both survived that first training with JF and, for me, the rest is history you (the reader) may know.
This week, in doing research on loops & spirals, Lisa came upon a blog I wrote about the topic many months ago. She sent me an e-mail, I responded, and we are now Facebook friends -- I look forward to getting reacquainted in the time ahead.
BTW, carpet is in and it looks and feels great. Now dusting off furniture, and unpacking more boxes that had been waiting for this to be accomplished.
Hope your Sunday is a good one!
EVERYONE IS MY TEACHER
The waxing and full moon offered up many opportunities this week -- just looking at it could have been enough; but, I took it a bit further and used it (and the associated holiday, Guru Purnima - when we honor and celebrate our teachers) as theme for classes. I also loved reading how friends wrote about the 'holiday' -- in this case more of an old world definition is applied (holy day).
A short re-cap of the week is in order:
Tuesday's class in Carlsbad turned into a private for one lucky lady. Good stuff, tho, since the more I question, the more I find out about people; and the more I observe, the more I see. Not bad stuff, just stuff that might benefit from a bit of enhancing. In a private class situation, it's easier to do this as you just focus on one person and this gives you opportunities (and excuses) to really dive deep. Once, a student said to me "you notice everything!". Why? She was the only one in the room, the one I was paying attention to and 'seeing' everything about - the good and the rest.
The afternoon Therapeutic/Gentle class in Temecula was small, as well. I was bolstered by the inquiry of one student into doing some private work with her. She is recovering from a very serious car accident, feels yoga is helping her, and cleared it with her physician. Good stuff. This will be my first private client work in California.
Wednesday, well I wrote about my new/old friend. If you have an opportunity, check out her blog (listed to the right, Lesley DuTemple). I am loving her ability to communicate through her writing. I also must admit it's nice to reflect on things other than yoga for a few minutes during my morning computer time.
Thursday -- I received a note from my Certification evaluator (is that what they're called?). Homework is signed off on, next step - create a class plan, get her approval, video! This news, plus the fact that 5 showed for my Carlsbad class, was great support to my theme of honoring and celebration (using Guru Purnima as the basis). I carried the same theme to the Temecula class, switched up the apex based on the student's in the room.
What's happening with my teaching, now that the homework is completed? Well, I have 'connected the dots'. I do go back to the theme, emphasize the heart quality and UPA, tell people 'why'. I can feel and hear myself doing it. It's kind of scary and 'out of the box' for me. I just finished reading "The Gifts of Imperfection". Teaching this way is somewhat like the contents of the second-to-last chapter, called "Letting Go Of Being Cool and Always in 'Control'". That's how I've always been - 'in control' - at least as long as I can remember. Teaching from my heart, adding in motivating adjectives, raising my voice to convey excitement, all these things go right up to my imprinted pattern of 'in control' and scream in its face (there's a story to demo this, too much to write, maybe another time). Scary stuff; GOOD STUFF!
And, Friday -- well the carpet people were to have arrived, change of plans - they are coming today. That throws my yoga plan off; but, will love new carpet without wine stains (from previous owners).
Hope you have a great Saturday. I'll be dodging carpet layers most of the day -- won't be hard to look for the good in that, however.
THE SMALL WORLD WE LIVE IN
I am reminded repeatedly that it truly is a small world. Talking to people, questioning, discussing, I discover a connection -- somewhere, somehow -- with many of them.
One example has been at the forefront of my awareness lately: Perhaps you've seen my Facebook posts about our work with Cate Stillman, Certified Anusara® Yoga instructor and Certified Ayurveda Specialist, who lives and practices both her Certified occupations out of Driggs, Idaho. I met Cate several (many?) years ago, when I began attending classes at Yoga Tejas (now, her studio, but - at that time - owned by Sundari). I loved her classes, and each time we would arrive at our home in Driggs, I'd check the shedule for opportunities to practice with either Cate or Sundari. Over the years, we've connected at trainings and workshops - including two at the studio I owned in Salt Lake City, in addition to our continued relationship through her studio. I also have recently been using her Ayurvedic advice, with success I ought to add.
When I posted my comments on Facebook, I put the @ symbol before Cate's name, which causes comments to go to her page and to be broadcast to her friends and fans (I think that's how it works, anyway). Reading her page and comments was a long-lost friend who (whom?) I had met in Salt Lake City 15+ years ago, and who I had lost touch with after our initial meetings. She and her husband have built their dream home in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan; so, we really lost touch when that happened. When we did occasionally cross paths, we discovered our mutual Michigan connections (mine was through my Dad's last Air Force assignment there and the home of my late brother and his family).
This 'long-lost' friend "facebook'd" me when she saw my name on Cate's page and asked me to be her 'friend'. It took me a few minutes to realize just who she was. Once I figured it out, I quickly responded 'yes' to the friend request and a very nice dialogue has begun.
Besides Michigan, what else do we have in common?
- We both share the first name, Leslie (Lesley, in her case)
- We both practice Anusara Yoga
- We have mutual friends through Anusara Yoga, including Cate and Jamie Allison
- We have mutual friends from our Salt Lake City days
- We both enjoy writing. Lesley is an author of children's books, has recently formed her own publishing company, and writes a great blog (see link at right)
Hope you have a great Wednesday!
THE WEEK IN REVIEW
Not sure if I forgot or just kept getting distracted after Thursday's post -- guess it was a bit of both.
It was a busy week - teaching, unpacking (again), cleaning, spending time with Grand-Dudes. I'll just spend a few lines on both the teaching and the Grand-Dudes.
On teaching -- I find that I am attracting an experienced set of students. That is good; I take it to mean that my teaching is going deep into what some people are looking for. What is that, besides feeling good about themselves at the end of the class? I think it is feeling good, plus knowing why you are feeling good. An observation on this group of students: Many have done yoga for years, some teach, and they have developed habits. Here and there, I see ways of doing things that have become their 'habit', yet not quite an 'optimal' habit. As a new-to-them instructor, I have been pointing out those 'less-than-optimal' habits. Oops! I am sure I have my own set of habits, i.e. hyperextending knees, when I forget (or ignore) shin loop; not taking legs quite wide enough for some of the standing poses; like that. So, I understand. That is one of the major reasons to come into a class - to have an instructor look at our pose, embellish it, offer us kudos on a job well done - feel good about our efforts and the outcome.
And, about the Grand-Dudes. Gratitude - the practice of Gratitude. I know their parents share this goal - to give their children the gift of a Gratitude practice. We (Howard and I) took them to the Birch Aquarium on Saturday. After moving quickly thru the Aquarium (4 and 2 year old attention spans are SHORT, we are finding), we climbed in the car to go get some lunch. First thing out of the 2-year-old's mouth -- 'I had so much fun at the quarium' (not a typo - that's how he says 'aquarium' at this point in his life). Howard and I asked the two boys (and ourselves) to share our favorite parts of this excursion -- a fun practice; one that we plan to keep going -- what we are grateful for and enjoy most about our experiences together.
We made it to the lunch location, one boy voraciously hungry - the other, quickly divebombing into a case of something (flu?). We found ourselves with one who wanted to go home, the other who wanted his 'dilla' (his word for quesadilla), NOW. We quickly satisfied the 'dilla' need and headed for home, to Mother and to their beds; one for a nap, the other to recover. Things are better today. Ahhh, the balancing act.
This week? Going to set a goal to go to class as many times as possible. Inspired Gathering at Wanderlust is on the horizon -- need to kick my ____ (backside)!
Hope your Monday is a good one!
GETTING ORGANIZED
The 'good' of moving. Yesterday, I did not have a formal schedule, so spent the day doing odds & ends - laundry, housework, some reading, some unpacking.
We may be closing in on the last of the boxes -- the books. We have more books than any 'normal' two people should be allowed to own. Granted, there was a valid reason for the acquisition of each book. However, many have never been read - just set on the shelf to wait. Now, months or years after purchase, some we've forgotten 'why' we bought them or, their stated contents are no longer of interest to us. We are 'culling' the collection as the boxes are opened.
In our house there are categories of books, the majority of which my husband, Howard, has bought over the years. My collection leans to yoga (what else?), and - while proportionately much smaller - it still fills two cabinets, along with training notebooks, journals, articles, lesson plans, cd's and dvd's. I pulled all from the cabinets yesterday, sorted them by category - philosophy, asana, poetry, training publications. I also gathered up several manila folders filled with 'who knows what'.
The 'who knows what' turned out to be articles I've collected, plus lesson plan printouts. I sorted one from the other, then began to sort the articles by topic. This morning, I have 2 binders; one, filled with articles about specific poses, the other with articles related to 'what to do for specific body parts, conditions, philosophy'. The articles, upon review, will be helpful -- they aren't all written by Anusara® instructors, but many by respected yoga educators with strong backgrounds in body mechanics. I set a goal to read 1-2 articles each day (I can tell by the check I've made in the upper corner that some have been read; re-reading never hurts.). Next task, sort the lesson plans.
Organizing like this makes me feel good, like I've accomplished something, like I've taken control of the clutter. I now know what is in those two cabinets and will remember as I use the books where to go to find needed information. Cool!
I am scheduled to teach this morning in Carlsbad, am setting an intention for people to show. Then, my regular afternoon class in Temecula. Inbetween, finalize the 'deal' on our new carpet - we had the house measured yesterday; ordered the carpet; now wait for it's arrival from Georgia. Excited - this last interior improvement (for now) will help me settle in, to feel truly at home.
Hope you have a good Thursday!
YESTERDAY (TUESDAY)
A good day; tho, no one came to the class in Carlsbad. Hard to admit -- that no one comes to your class; there's an element of 'shame' in it, like the repeating mantra 'I'm not good enough'. But, the new book I'm reading "The Gifts of Imperfection", advises that owning our shame is one of the first steps to worthiness. That, the less we talk about shame, the more control it has over our lives. I don't plan to let that happen.
So, yesterday - no one in Carlsbad. The good? An opportunity for a fellow teacher to ask me some questions about foot pain, knee placement and hip discomfort. JF tells us that many issues of legs, hips, back, begin with the feet. I asked her to stand in tadasana for me and observed that her tendency in the foot was to roll out (away from the foot discomfort in the ball of the big toe) - tho she was giving it her best effort to stay well grounded, her knee turned slightly in on the same leg and the hip pain is on the same side. We talked for a bit, as I watched her stand -- both from front, back and side views. The back of her knees bulged slightly, indicating hyperextension. I asked her to create more shin loop. The result? She feels like she's standing in utkatasana - chair pose (tho the legs look straight to me); and her inwardly-turned knee straightened itself out. The work, sometimes, is hard -- to control her wonderful flexibility, to make it flexibility created by strength rather than by loose ligaments. I was reminded of JF's strong admonition: when you see hyperextension, move that student out of the pose and re-align her/him before proceeding.
The Temecula class, however, was attended -- not a ton of people (like Sunday), but enough - especially since it is a Gentle/Therapeutic Class. One of the students was a nurse. A challenge, in itself, when I begin to spout the facts I know (and have read) about the physical attributes and benefits of, for example, standing with feet parallel. (How can I purport to know more than the nurse standing in front of me? Certainly confronts my belief in my knowledge - see paragraph 1.) I stood my ground on that one, even tho she'd had 30 years of dance instruction behind her that taught her to stand with toes pointing out. And, best part, she was accepting of it -- it changes her perception of her body at this point, so it is tough work; but I watched as she repeatedly brought the feet back to parallel without being prompted. Love. It.
Today? House stuff -- got to get some lingering projects taken care of, plus excited to see the man coming to measure for new carpet -- YES! Let me just say that 20-year-old carpet, while clean, leaves a lot to be desired.
Hope your Wednesday is a good one!
WHY IS IT SO HARD?
What, you ask. Why is it so hard to accept a compliment with a simple 'thank you'; no excuses, no jokes, no sidestepping, just 'thank you'.
I received a wonderful compliment today, fought back the urge to do all of the above, and simply responded 'thank you'. It was tough! And, as I told the giver of the compliment, I hope a new book I'm reading will help me get over this tendency. The book? "The Gifts of Imperfection", by Brene Brown (an author with many letters after her name). Preface and two chapters in, and I think it's a keeper.
Guest taught in Temecula yesterday (Living Yoga), had 14 in class -- what fun! A basic class, most of the students were well-versed in yoga. I tried something I hadn't for a while -- the silent demo. A suggestion of Christina Sell, I asked everyone to simply watch me. Then, the hard part - to keep my mouth shut as I moved into a modified parsvakonasana (hand on a block). Silent demos are effective, in that there is a part of the brain that receives the information more completely than if I were chattering along with the demo (perhaps distracting them?). I did demo it again, pointing out my theme and the actions I wanted to emphasize. And, upon completion and when everyone was in the pose, they all looked great!
Today, we are going about the day kind of normally -- I'm cleaning, laundering, yard-working; Howard is walking dogs, running a couple errands, and - now - in the garage puttering. We'll leave in about 3 hours for the "Grand-Dude's" house. Will be great to enjoy the 4th of July with them this year.
Hope you have a great holiday and be safe!
FINALLY, WE MEET . . .
Sometime in late 2009, I began reading Christina Sell's blog (see blog list on the right). I was voracious for blogs, for commentary on the practice of Anusara Yoga. One day, looking for more, I scrolled down the list of her favorite blogs and came upon MariaCristina's. Clicked on it. Read it. Good stuff; so I went back a few posts and landed on a November 2009 post titled "The hardest class ever" (her blog link is also to the right).
Read it, laughed, re-read it, laughed even harder, told my friends about it. Not that her other posts weren't funny or entertaining, this one struck a cord -- here was a person with a sense of humor, an ability to poke some fun at herself publicly, be human. I liked that, and have read 98% of her posts since that day (being honest here - to say 100% might be stretching it).
During that time her posts have been inspirational, educational, celebratory, a bit sad (thinking of her Grandmother, here), always human. And, I love the way she ends many of them with the phrase "may we remember to . . . (whatever the blog topic relates to)".
As a result, we struck up a dialogue; can't remember the first contact - MariaCristina reminds me that I commented on the post, "The hardest class ever". And, I continued to comment on her posts, and she would always graciously send a 'thank you'. She began to read my blog and comment, when appropriate. When I blogged about my Certification exam, she gave me one bit of advice (no answer, just advice), which I followed and which helped me immensely! We continued to e-mail and look forward to meeting each other one day. My move to So. Calif. made that possible; and when the b-day celebration for JF was held, we were both there -- just at different times.
So, when she knew she would be coming south for the 4th of July weekend, she e-mailed me. We constructed a plan to meet for a class, meal, whatever. The plan in motion, 3 of us converged in Del Mar yesterday. Marlene Bullock (a friend who has moved here from Phoenix) joined us. We finally met, face to face. And, it was good.
We have a plan to meet again: if not before, she hopes to come back south for my 'expansion' class in August (plug: August 7, 1-3 pm, Expansion Class, "Re-Muster Your Power", at Living Yoga Center in Temecula).
Good stuff -- the kind good and lasting memories are made of.
Hope you have a happy and safe 4th of July!
JUNE 30, ALREADY!
3 months, 9 days, we have been in our home in Fallbrook. Impressions? We are happy. We aren't unpacked yet, but we are happy. Very content with the decision to move, not missing too much about the home we left behind (except the 'unpacked-ness'), and settling in to new routines quite nicely.
The one constant for me has been my practice and my connection to the world of Anusara® yoga. How? Well, for me, Facebook was a strong conduit in the beginning; keeping me up-t0-date on who was doing what, even if they were formally unknown to me (like you, I have a number of 'friends' I haven't met yet).
Within Facebook, I discovered "90 Minutes to Change the World", led by Amy Ippoliti. This is an on-line webinar series designed to help us re-discover and re-claim our power as the 'local yoga teacher' (as opposed to the superstar who comes to town to do a workshop or training). Not that I have anything against the superstar -- I'm right there in class with everyone else when they arrive. It does make sense, tho, for some of us to 'hold the fort', and Amy wisely saw the need to bolster our confidence, our business acumen, and even touches on mechanics of a well-designed class (tho everyone participating does not teach Anusara® yoga).
She offered us a deal to repeat the 'new and improved' course, which I did. Then, she went on to offer 'Superheroes' -- more in-depth sharing. Needless to say, I did that one, as well. I've learned a lot. The best part? The connection to fellow yoga teachers from all over the country (and world). Since joining the group, there hasn't been a morning that someone (or many) from the group are posting within our own "private" FB page, asking questions, generating discussion -- great brain food for us all. Now that the formal webinar has ended, conversation continues -- new friends, even tho I haven't 'formally' met them yet.
Besides my Facebook endeavors, my teaching continues -- the two classes in Carlsbad are holding steady in small numbers; I'm hoping this is a similar phenomenon to one I experienced in Salt Lake. I had a class there that lingered at 2-3 for one year; then magically jumped to 9-10 attendees -- hope I can wait a year. Temecula is certainly a more vibrant studio; more established in the community; more success there - which is a good thing; keeps me from feeling too discouraged. As in SLC, the Gentle/Therapeutic class is very rewarding to me and appears a direction I'll move towards.
Then, there's the connection to Anusara® in general -- much stronger here with the establishment of the center in Encinitas, scheduled to open in October.
Besides yoga, we love being close to Derek, Jess and the 3 calif. grand-dudes. We are having fun coming up with ideas of things to do with them that they might not have done yet (i.e. 'orchestra night').
So, a bit caught up on the blog. No intention to stop writing in it, just many things to do here in sunny So. Cal.
Have a great Thursday,
WHERE, OH WHERE, HAVE YOU BEEN, LESLIE?
Around, here and there, doing this and that. Busy, busy, busy and somewhat distracted.
The distracted part is what has pulled me away from the blog, because I've been busy before and still found time to blog. This time, tho, the distraction has been too powerful and too unresistable -- so, I've been falling prey to it.
Here I am, tho - still around, still unpacking, still working on growing my classes, still working towards Certification, still enjoying 'grand-dudes' and family.
We are pleased to announce that we can now almost get one car into our 3-car garage. Can you imagine 2 people having so much 'stuff' that they can't get one car into a 3-car garage? Well, look no further. I am reading "Life Is A Verb" -- this will be a favorite, if only for this one sentence: "It is stuff that keeps us from participating fully, from saying 'yes'." Our life for the past 3 months has been controlled by 'stuff' - what to do with this, do we sell that?, do we give away this other thing? or, do we just put something in a cabinet, thinking we'll use it someday - better not get rid of it. "Stuff" -- I could write a whole post on this topic.
I am, in the midst of 'stuff', still working towards Certification. A second phase of homework from my mentor arrived last week. I responded yesterday. I love this work. Why? Because there are lessons in the completed work that garnered a 'great' or a 'nice' from my mentor. I look at that work and I learn that it met the objectives and I have a model for moving forward. And, the work that needs enhancement? Well, it's a challenge, but I enjoy re-thinking, re-writing, re-submitting it. It's in, now I wait.
I received a very nice comment from a student who regularly attends my classes. She teaches yoga, and - from what I gather - is always striving to learn more by attending classes in the area. What did she say? That my classes are like attending mini-workshops. She went on to say that she was impressed with how I looked at the group, assessed what I saw, then taught to that. Wow! What can you say to such a nice comment? "Thank you" (then, when alone, jump up and down and stomp my feet with happiness).
A new week - we've invited family out for dinner; not sure if they're coming yet, but still a motivating factor for housework. Once I know their plan, I'll either be cooking/cleaning or going to a class. Need to get to an "Ashley" class (Ashley Lombardo-Fiala, Certified Anusara Instructor).
Hope you have a great Monday!
A FULL WEEK
Taught a lot this week, a good thing. Subbing (guest teaching) will increase my visibility in the two communities where I currently teach, so I am volunteering where possible and needed. Also, I finalized a brochure to leave at the 2 studios -- basically telling people who I am and giving them contact info, schedule, etc. Business cards are next.
My 2 classes in Carlsbad went well -- granted, there was just one student on Tuesday, but - she is new to yoga, enthusiastic, and very thoughtful about the practice. It was very gratifying to be her teacher on that morning. In fact, something I said or did (or, perhaps it's just under the surface) caused her to shed a few tears at the end of savasana. I know I've cried in past classes and I know others experience similar moments. It's just that I rarely have experienced it in the classes I teach. So, what to do -- I simply sat and we talked for a few moments after class -- nothing real personal, like - "why are you crying?". Instead, talked about yoga, her attentiveness and her obvious enthusiasm for the practice. I could speculate why she was teary, but until I know her better, there is no way I can know her story.
Good news - the Tuesday student returned on Thursday, as did a few others. More experience in the room; so my new-to-yoga person got to experience 'kicking it up a notch'. I was also happy that she had good examples in the room to pay attention to. And, even when offered a modification, she gave 'Wild Thing' a shot from down dog (a' la Christina Sell).
In Temecula, classes also went well. Tuesday's, which is a Gentle/Therapeutic, is doing it's job: drawing in the new-to-yoga, the students dealing with physical 'stuff' or just wanting a more gentle practice on that day. So fulfilling to work with a new student recovering from a serious car accident (fractured C1&C7 - no surgery, tho; fractured collar bone and breast bone; broken wrist stabilized by a metal plate). She came with a friend; both indicated they'd buy a pass AFTER class, once they saw how things went (in other words, did I do my job well). No pressure! And, they both bought continuing passes after the class. Whew!
Thursday's is a basic Anusara-Inspired™ class which also attracts the new-to-yoga. Fun to introduce the practice to this group.
And, on Friday, I subbed (guest taught) a class. 9 in the room, be still my heart. Challenges, tho, follow me -- 4 of the 9 were new to the practice; of the remaining 5, just one had significant yoga experience. Talk about teaching to the entire spectrum! It was fun and offered me a chance to teach to a fuller room, which takes the energy up to another level. It also required that I watch 9 foundations, instead of 2-3, and that I remember to acknowledge 9 people - not just the new-to-yoga; remember everyone wants to be noticed.
That was my yoga week. Inbetween, housework, computer work, errands, garage organization, continue unpacking (will it ever end? not if I / we don't get busy!)
Today - off to a friend's son's bride's wedding shower - an opportunity to dress up a bit, see some old friends, meet some new friends.
Hope you have a great Saturday,
ON LISTENING, AGAIN . . .
"Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer." - Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama
Friend, Jenny Otto, posted this quote on her Facebook page this morning. It is so appropriate, since I was in conversation yesterday, but I didn't feel part of it. Why? Because it didn't seem the people I was talking to were listening.
Huh? Ever talk to someone and find them finishing your sentences? That's what I mean.
Several months ago (or longer), I wrote a blog post on just this topic of listening; relating them to the 3 A's of Anusara® Yoga. They go like this:
Attitude - Open, receive
Alignment - Eye contact, ears open, mouth shut
Action - Listen to ENTIRE sentence or phrase; respond, if appropriate.
As in our practice of Anusara® yoga, the first 'A' (Attitude) is the key. Without an open, receiving attitude, the other two are like sails without the wind -- listless and drooping.
And, that's all I have to say about that.
Enjoy your Sunday,
THE WEEK IN REVIEW
It's been a busy week; and, as I sit here 'blogging' away, I'm struck by and enjoying the feeling of no appointments, nowhere I have to be, no one to wait for -- just time to take care of house stuff, do some grocery shopping, enjoy the sunshine.
Stepping back to Monday -- remember the picnic. There are pics on Facebook now. Just one of me that I've found, taken with my friend Debra Hodgen. We're the ones NOT in bikini tops or dressed as mermaids, in case you're wondering.
Tuesday, I think I've written about -- teaching.
Wednesday, Grand-Dude Jack came out for the afternoon, and it went great. He helped me pull out some old plants, plant some new ones, water the new ones (and himself). We then 'harvested' some oranges for him to take home. Our most significant activity, however, was walking the dogs. My Grand-Dudes are not used to dogs; so there is a lot of trepidation on their part (and likewise for the dogs). So, when he asked to walk the dogs, I was happy. He took the little one (name: Driggs); I took the big one (name: Tucker). We walked at least one-half mile, up to our corner and back, lingered a while before going into the yard. That was a big deal moment for him and me, and the dogs.
After all this, he and 'Grandpa RJ' (their name for Howard) still had time to go to the sports store to buy a 'Kan Jam' game, and Jack's first baseball mit and a soft ball. When they returned, there was time to play Frisbee (Kan Jam) for a while before the rest of the family arrived for dinner. Wonderful day.
Thursday, another day of teaching -- my theme for the day was a take-off on Christina Sell's blog about community. Small classes again, but a nice blend of students -- very experienced in Carlsbad; in Temecula, one new student in the group, one 'angry' shoulder, and one with hip issues. My kind of classes!
And, now, today -- which I've already described, and has yet to evolve.
I also spent a lot of time during the week on the computer, listening to teleseminars (wonderful stuff), writing plans and articles / blog entries, reading. I even stuck my neck out and answered a query on the Anusara Inspired Yoga Teacher & Student Discussion Board Facebook page. What, you ask? A question re: Urdhva Dhanurasana; student with a sore shoulder and unable to straighten that same elbow. If you're a Facebook'er, you can log on to the page and read my answer, and the answers of other very experienced teachers. What was remarkable about this? That I stepped out of the comfort zone of just thinking and actually wrote it down to allow all the world to see. She's back!
Hope your Friday and weekend are great!
FUN WEEKEND
This past Memorial Day weekend, we put away the unpacking tools and simply enjoyed the three days. Howard had traveled most of the previous 3 weeks, so it was time to just spend time together.
Saturday was spent running errands - an essential part of most of our weekends. Sunday, we re-traced our old patterns when we attended a matinee production at the LaJolla Playhouse (A Dram of Drumhaccit), followed by a trip to CostCo and then the garden store, followed by dinner at a local eatery.
Monday, Memorial Day, we enjoyed the beach celebration for JF's birthday and welcome to California. We arrived early (party was scheduled for 10-4; we were there at 10:30), and were joined shortly after by our son and his family. Beautiful weather, complimented by family, and connecting faces to names (remember, I'm new to this kula). I also re-connected with old workshop buddies and my new kula of instructors from the Inland Empire. Highlight of the few hours we were there: playing with and enjoying Grand-Dudes (and being able to show them off a bit) and presentation of the 'board' to John (see pic, below). FYI, many donated a few (or many) dollars to this gift, so it has a special meaning for all of us; truly a gift from the Anusara kula's heart.
I am sorry we didn't stay at the 'party' longer; I missed meeting MariaCristina -- so sorry about that.
And, this week? Well, it's off to a good start. I taught in both Carlsbad and Temecula yesterday. The Carlsbad class is still small, but I enjoy having strong students (including one faithful instructor) in attendance. Growth will happen, just takes time. In Temecula, the class was also smaller (it's a Gentle/Therapeutic Class). In attendance were three; one, new to yoga and struggling with a stressed shoulder; another, coming back from joint replacement surgery; and the third, exerienced and looking for a gentle yoga practice. I appreciate the diversity of 'stuff' in this class; it's teaching me to look at everyone, pay attention to everyone, appreciate everyone.
Today? Planting some flowers, cleaning the house a bit, preparing dinner for the family. Then I'll go into town and pick up senior California Grand-Dude (Jack), and bring him out here for some time exploring on his own. The rest of the group will come out for the dinner I'm preparing. I'm loving this new life!
Hope you have a great day,
THERE'S NO 'ROUTINE' - YET
In Salt Lake, after 17+ years in one place, I had a very set and (most of the time) comfortable routine. Each day had a rhythm, with a few blips here and there.
Now, I am in Fallbrook and 'routine' is a word I have yet to encounter. Oh, I have a teaching schedule and that helps, but the rest of my days/evenings remain very fluid and unpredictable. This week was no different, here's the re-cap:
Saturday, I did follow through and attend Ashley's (Ashley Lombardo-Fiala) practice on Saturday afternoon -- a 3-hour, "Eye of the Tiger" practice. Though very out-of-shape for this level of yoga, I gave everything a try, and even found feet lifting from the floor in some arm balances, where never before that has happened. Interesting! The best part? Spending time with new yoga friends, laughing, groaning, etc. Even a couple timed handstands and pinchas. The not-so-good? Well, my urdhva has suffered from lack of attention; not surprising, tho.
On Sunday, Ashley (our Certified Anusara® instructor in the area) hosted the 5 Inspired™ instructors at her home. Another shorter practice, a few photos, and a great salad and meeting. The "Inland Empire Anusara® Kula" (the six of us, plus students and any new Anusara® instructors yet-to-arrive, from Riverside, San Bernardino, and NE San Diego Counties) was born -- plans for Facebooking our presence and offerings, a newsletter, getting the word out, etc., were made. We'll all get together again this weekend -- a Memorial Day Anusara® Beach Party, hosted by John Friend.
Mondays are taking the form of a day of rest from whatever weekend activities we participate in. This week was no different. (FYI, our Salt Lake routine was very laid back on weekends, so rest was not needed.) I spent time listening on-line to Amy Ippoliti's SuperHeroes series (catching up), and Tal Rachleff's 'Yoga Teachers Telesummit'. I highly recommend both. Amy's is a continuation of her '90-minutes to change the world' - a 4-week series of webinars designed to give us nuts & bolts advice and guidance for the business side of teaching yoga and being a 'yoga magnet'. Tal's is a compilation of many different yoga teachers, different styles, speaking on various topics (a good part - participation is free). You can find info on both programs through Facebook or their websites (Amy - Wildspirityoga.com; Tal - facebook.com/trachleff).
Tuesday - teaching in Carlsbad and Temecula; basically becoming a day of teaching and driving. Not much time for other stuff.
Wednesday - More contractors at the house. We now have a beautiful set of garage closets/cabinets and that means we can begin to empty more boxes, continue to organize, with storage space, galore! I also was invited to guest teach a noon Gentle Yoga class in Temecula -- guest teaching is the best way to become known here, so all opportunities are accepted - if possible.
Thursday - another teaching day. Carlsbad class is growing! I've created a flier and left it at that studio in hopes it will spark some interest. Patience.
In Temecula, I subbed (guest taught) an early evening class. It is a flow class. Tho, with me teaching, I confessed from the outset that we'd be working on breaking down some poses, rather than flowing. Not a bad thing once in a while; but not always what some students want to hear. Fortunately, this was a very accepting group. We ventured into Ardha Chandra Chapasana, celebrating our journey. (Vijaya -- incremental celebration)
And, today? Need a haircut, have an appointment. Do you know how scary that is after 17 years with the same hair stylist? Once again, out of the comfort zone. Then workmen at the house in the afternoon.
Everyone here is looking forward to the 'Beach Party' I mentioned earlier in this post. Nice weekend; hope the weather holds.
May you, also, enjoy your Memorial Day weekend, whatever your plans include.
HOMEWORK, TEACHING & HOUSEWORK
Those were major activities of this week -- oh, and lunch with a good friend who also has relocated to the San Diego area within the 2 years. A great way to spend a few hours on Friday.
I enjoyed my first voice-to-voice encounter with my Certification mentor last week. We shared a phone call, in which she offered comments on the video I've submitted. I have to say I was impressed and pleased with what I heard -- the good and the lacking (for lack of a better word). Her work had been thorough and she hit the nail on the head when she offered her thoughts for improvement. The same things I'd been thinking of and worrying about and trying to work on over the last months.
Then, she gave me homework. Not easy homework. Usually, when given something to answer in writing, I can knock it out pretty rapidly -- not this. After thinking about the questions asked for a few days, I began typing - thoughts began to flow - ideas to germinate. All said, the 3-part homework assignment was finished this week - on Thursday - and I sent it in; all 5 pages of single-spaced, typed text. My comment to her: Whew!
And, it was a good exercise for me and will help me as I move forward. Because now, the things I typed I am to put into practice as I teach. Another 'whew', as I contemplate that.
Speaking of teaching, it was a good week. My new student in Carlsbad returned, along with two instructors from the studio. Fun to have people coming to class; it was a lonely first few weeks. As summer begins, I'll be on the lookout for guest teaching opportunities to familiarize myself with the community and increase my exposure.
And, in Temecula, the energy stays good -- more people are coming in to the classes I teach; new-to-me and a few 'repeaters'. In both classes -- the Gentle and the Basics -- we used the wall to experience more opening.
Though I'm hardly in shape these days for a 3-hour practice (that's an admission that I have not been pushing myself very hard, yoga-wise, during this transition period), I think I'll venture out to one led by Ashley later today. Tomorrow, the Anusara (Certified and Inspired) teachers of the 'Inland Empire' (not sure there are very many of us in the Temecula/Riverside/??? area) will meet -- a first! Love it. We will do some yoga and spend time getting to know one another.
The house? It's been a quiet week on the acre -- no painters, no contractor, no window covering person, no gate builders. Even I took a break. I had signed up to go to Tucson for the Intensive with Darren, Amy & Christina; once the decision was made to not follow through on that, the weight lifted and it was as though I was on vacation, I guess. I feel badly I didn't go; however, the good? Reading that participants are now convinced that Hanumanasana is a pose to rest in -- that, to me, means they are working, HARD!
Today - a practice in Temecula. 3 hours of yoga, plus travel time, is a good chunk of the day around here.
Hope your Saturday is a good one!
HERE WE ARE - SATURDAY, AGAIN
Boy, look back one year and you saw Leslie (me) diligently posting in her blog almost every day, without fail. Gradually, this has shifted; maybe that's a good thing. We'll see.
Home life remains much the same -- still unpacking, still have contractors & gate builders & sprinkler people & painters scheduled to work or working on the house. Progress, slow but sure. This weekend we must attack the garage -- clear out one bay and make it presentable and ready for the shifting of older storage cabinets into that space, making space for the new ones.
I had a good week of teaching. The Temecula classes are going well -- for being an unknown commodity, people are coming to experience my classes and returning for more. The Carlsbad classes; well, at least the 'zero' barrier was broken this week. That's what it takes, tho -- one person, then another, and another; and - positive thinking - the word will spread and the classes will grow.
I found it interesting and exciting that the experienced student who joined me this week (Carlsbad) enjoyed a couple of 'ah-ha' moments. One of those included simply softening the elbows in her bhujangasana (cobra pose), allowing her shoulders to glide towards the back plane of the body. Her comment: 'totally different, but good, feeling'. Love it!
This weekend? Like I said, more house stuff.
And next week? I was registered for a training with Darren Rhodes, Christina Sell & Amy Ippoliti. Logistically, considering the move, the work we are having done and Howard's work travel, it just is not going to happen. I believe they will have no trouble filling my space, however -- sounds like that is going to be one great training. But, for me, another time.
How does all this fit with the theme I used this week in my classes? Well, lots of effort + a bit of surrender = freedom. When I reflect on my decision about the training next week, I can see that I over-efforted to even register; I clung to that decision until yesterday (effort). When I made the decision to forego the training (surrender), my mood lifted (freedom). There will be other opportunities. (In fact, Ashley Fiala is offering a one-day workshop in Riverside the next weekend -- that one I can happily manage 'logistically'.)
Hope you have a great weekend,
AN OLD-STYLE FRIDAY TYPE POST ON SATURDAY
As I did regularly several months ago, this post will be a bullet-point summation of my week (each day's high- and low-lights); and then I'll sift through my notes and offer a 'tip'. This was a Friday tradition for a long time in my blog, and I've missed the routine of it. Unfortunately, yesterday (Friday) I wasn't missing it as much as this morning (Saturday). So here goes:
- Monday began with a blog entry detailing my excited expectations for the week, as I began my teaching schedule here in sunny So. Cal. After my own moving, and my week helping my Mother move, it also turned into a day of catching up on rest.
- The big day (first day of teaching) was Tuesday -- a 10:30 am class in Carlsbad, named simply "Anusara-Inspired Yoga". Unfortunately, the class was posted to the studio's schedule just 2 days before, leaving precious little time for people to see it and work it into their schedule. In other words, no one came. I've offered some ideas for marketing for the studio as a whole, and I'll do my part. On to Temecula, where several students attended my Therapeutic/Gentle Yoga class. To be truthful, none needed therapy, but they were looking for a more gentle class, as each was somewhat new to yoga.
- Wow! Wednesday arrived and with it a burst of energy. Lots of our artwork got sorted and hung, a few pieces of furniture re-arranged, the bed - which had been missing it's formal attire - was put right. A very productive day! Best of all, it concluded with time spent with 'grand-dudes' and dinner with the family at their home.
- Thursday -- my second day of teaching in the week. Another 'bust' in Carlsbad; patience, patience, patience (and marketing). Thursdays I have several hours between classes, so I used it to run an errand, then home for some lunch before I headed up to Temecula. The class on Thursdays begins at 4pm and is a 'basics/intermediate' class. Once again, students in attendance -- a good thing.
- Friday fell apart, schedule-wise -- several things I had planned to happen (deliveries, etc.) didn't happen. The big one did, tho -- delivery of the elliptical that will share my yoga space at home. Howard arrived home from his week-long work travels, and we critiqued another Fallbrook dining establishment (we went to dinner).
So, now it's early Saturday morning. Several things to accomplish today, including work on a class plan for tomorrow (I'm guest teaching in Temecula in the morning). And, where's that tip? Be right back.
- tic toc - tic toc - tic toc -
On Thursday, I had the opportunity to demo twice in class -- not having taught for a while, I had to go back to my memory bank and pull out the 'instructions' for demo'ing effectively. As I perused notes, I came across this brief description of a demo -- I'll add my 2-cents in italics:
Demos should include 2 key alignment points. Format for demo:
- Ask all students to move closer to view the demo (Temptation is for students to stay on their mats; take the seat - call them over. If it's a large class, ask the students closest to kneel so that those behind are able to see.)
- Do pose (silence is best -- there is something about the brain's ability to see and absorb without words that is beneficial; per Christina Sell)
- Repeat, pointing out 2 key points (Keep it to 2 points, easier for students to understand. These 2 points should relate to our theme and alignment focus.)
- Repeat again (Yes, repeat; perhaps on the second side or at a different angle so everyone can see.)
- Any questions? (Ask if there are any questions about the pose or the elements being pointed out.)
I hope you all have a great weekend. Enjoy Mother's Day!
CLIMBING INTO THE SADDLE - FINALLY!
What, now you have a horse? No -- that is just my 'catchy' title for my first week of teaching yoga in So. California. Tomorrow is the day - first class at 10:30 am, a basic Anusara-Inspired™ class in Carlsbad. Then, up to Temecula for a 2 pm class, titled "Therapeutic/Gentle Yoga" (I understand there were people trying to attend last week -- a good thing, even tho I wasn't there.).
On Thursday, the morning will be the same - 10:30 am, basic Anusara-Inspired™ in Carlsbad. The afternoon, however, will change a bit -- 4 pm, basic Anusara-Inspired™, back in Temecula.
I think I mentioned in an earlier blog that I'm going to stick with this Tues/Thurs schedule for a while, see how it feels, and - perhaps - fill in around it. When I left Salt Lake, I had built a pretty crazy schedule for myself -- several regular private clients, plus 4 classes each week, everything on a different day/time. I felt like I was always running, and - even - forgetting at times. This will be an opportunity to start fresh and keep it simple.
Just to catch you up on my family 'stuff' - my Mother is moved. She was not happy about the smaller apartment and let us know it in her signature style -- I'd call it passive-aggressive, you might call it stomping your feet while saying "I'll just get used to it". No matter what I (or you) call it, by Friday morning she was in a better humor -- planning where to hang some pictures (something she never did at the previous apartment), and going down to the dining hall for her meals (also something she never did at the previous apartment). Everything was moved by late afternoon on Friday, some pictures were hung, and much of the moved 'stuff' was unpacked.
Saturday morning (early) I was on a plane back to Orange County (via SLC). All going smooth as silk, until I discovered I had forgotten to turn headlights off and had a dead battery. Fortunately, the tow truck arrived quickly and I was on the road south to Fallbrook by 2:30 pm (instead of 1, as I had planned). Double fortunate -- traffic was light and the drive took just an hour.
Dinner Saturday night was out with Howard - nice. And Sunday, was our first opportunity to have the grand-dudes and their cousins out for dinner (plus their parents). We have a great space outside, but no patio furniture to speak of. Instead I suggested a picnic on the grass for the kids -- you'd have thought I offered them gold or something. So fun to see that excitement.
Now, back to my post title -- about the saddle. What will my theme be? What will I teach these new-to-me (and possibly new-to-yoga) students? I think I'll need a couple plans, since they are very different populations on Tuesdays. And, even with plans, I'll need to stay flexible; teach to what appears in the room. But then, I like doing that.
Today? Carpet to be installed in our combination yoga / workout space (I've worked a deal with husband to share the room -- he gets half for his equipment; I get half for my mat. Since it's a decent sized room, I think that's a pretty good deal, considering the size of yoga mats vs. ellipticals and spin cycles.) I'll also work on ideas for tomorrow's teaching, and rest a bit. Might even take in a yoga class later today.
Hope you have a great Monday!
MOVING DAY, AGAIN
This seems like a 'groundhog day' type of title, doesn't it. If you are a regular reader, you are wondering "didn't she already move?", and you are right - I did. Now, tho, I am helping my mother move and today's the day.
This is a move necessitated by finances and by a desire to have her closer to extended family. Not a move of her choice. And, I know she is not happy with the choices ahead of her. Mainly about belongings -- some can stay with her and some have to go to storage due to lack of space.
There it is, again -- aparigraha, staring me in the face. Another reminder to let go of the 'stuff' in my life.
As much as she wants the 'nice' stuff, she also wants her memories. One memory is a wood-bound scrapbook with leather lacing (that she made herself). It's about a foot thick - the leather straps allowed it to grow with time and accumulation of memories. I had seen it throughout my life, but never paid much attention to it. For her, it will offer hours of reminiscence I'm sure. As I moved it into the apartment last night, I took the opportunity to open it and look at the contents -- old news articles, old corsages, high school and lower school memorabilia, etc. All part of another life for her. As she looks through it in the coming months/years, I think it will transport her to another time of her life - when all things were happy, possible and achievable. Hopefully, it will help make this transition more easeful.
I am looking for the good in all this -- she's taken care of, she hasn't used much of the 'stuff' that's been with her during the past year, she'll be closer to people who will visit and care for her. She, unhappily, is looking at all this moving and downsizing as us taking her 'stuff' away from her. Perhaps as she settles in, with scrapbook at her side, she will appreciate some good. I can only hope and do my best.
Howard is holding down the fort in Fallbrook -- getting bids for needed projects, having little things taken care of (Bose system hooked up to TV -- things like that), working (very important to fund all these projects), running errands. Staying busy.
I will return on Saturday and will begin teaching on Tuesday -- so excited. Already thinking about what themes to use -- I've generated a lot over the past 2 months. And, I'm looking forward to Tucson in late May -- going to YogaOasis for Darren, Christina and Amy -- total TSS (Triple Shot of Shakti).
So, time to sign off and get on with the day. Wish me luck and hope you have a great Thursday!