THE BIRDS AND ANIMALS
Sunday, it was an owl serenade as they kept us company. Monday, a moose (HUGE!) wandered into our yard. Tuesday, we were surrounded by buffalo - literally (but, we were in a car; which - to be honest - is not much comfort when one of those looks in the window at you).
I wonder what today will bring.
We are on vacation at our home in Idaho (Driggs, to be exact). Day 4 of 7, in a quiet house surrounded by fields of wheat (barley? hops?) and potatoes; the Teton River flows to the east of us; a panoramic view of the Teton mountains also further to the east. Great place. Love it. Miss it. (FYI, when living in Salt Lake City, we were able to get up here at least once every 6-8 weeks for a long weekend; now, from San Diego, it's a different story.)
Driggs is a comfortable little town -- one stoplight, but development and improvement are creeping in. It has an airport (I've heard Harrison Ford flies his planes in here, then 'copters' to his home in Jackson.); an up-and-coming golf course and resort (some of staff comes from the Del Mar Country Club in San Diego); a wonderful yoga studio, YogaTejas (www.yogatejas.com), owned by 2 Certified Anusara® yoga instructors - Cate Stillman and Bridget Lyons; a reasonable grocery store -- what more could one want? Oh, I forgot to mention the GREAT gift store run by Gooch - sister of . . . (I'm waiting for you to guess). Gooch is Primo Lombardi's sister - what a small world! (If you don't know Primo, he is a Certified Anusara® Yoga Instructor, who shares his teaching in workshops co-taught with Peter Goodman (aka 'THE BLISS BROTHERS').)
In fact, I took a class at YogaTejas on Monday (see yesterday's post). And, I'll film another video there on Thursday night - a free community class beginning at 6pm. When you say 'community class', one might worry about who would wander in. However, in this town, everyone who practices yoga has had an opportunity to study with many of the great ones from our Anusara® community. The studio was built and owned by Sundari for many years; Cate Stillman and Bridget Lyons bought it in 2007. During these years, I've made special trips up to attend workshops presented by Desiree Rumbaugh and Noah Maze (to name a couple). Lots of good teaching going on here.
I am pleased and flattered to be able to offer the class; another example of the communities of Anusara® supporting one another. Where else could you go to have a teacher from the Inland Empire Anusara® Kula teaching students of the Driggs Anusara® Kula; AND have students from the Jackson, Wyoming, Anusara® Kula making a 'road trip' to attend. Good stuff; I am so grateful.
Hope you have a good Wednesday; I'm going fishing!
TRANSFORMATION
Each time I experience an Anusara® yoga teacher who has recently become Certified, I see such transformation. In each case, the instructor is more confident, creative, energetic, just plain GOOD!
I saw it again, yesterday, when I attended Bridget Lyons class at YogaTejas. Strong teaching, creative teaching, fun teaching. Bridget first came to my attention when she purchased YogaTejas, along with Cate Stillman, in 2007. Like me, she stepped into studio ownership with little if any teaching experience. She's moved quickly along the path, becoming Certified in 2010.
Yesterday's class was all about 'watery' hips. Seems a bit of an oxymoron, if you ask me. My hips have never been referred to as 'watery' -- more like sticky dry. Bridget's analogies were creative, the sequence opened and offered space for the hips to really move, and it was fun. I also had an opportunity to watch her skillfully offer individual attention throughout the room. I left feeling good.
We are always growing, even after we become Certified. Good to know -- I am loving this learning and growing part.
Short post - busy day. Hope you have a great Tuesday.
THE RED CAR
We have a new car -- yes, another one. We are the people who are always excited to try the next, newer model. I'm not talking expensive cars, here, tho we have had a few I would have classified as 'expensive'. These days, we look for function, style, then we go to the price; if it's too much, we walk away. What's too much? Well, let's just say our newest member of the garage is a (drumroll, please) bright red Jetta Volkswagon (a station wagon version).
I have never owned (or driven) a red car. When I saw it at the dealership, first thought -- 'it's cute'. When I got in to drive it, the red exterior framed my vision of the road. But, Howard (husband) liked it and the only other option was black at the moment - definitely, no. And, after all, this was a 'spur of the moment purchase'. No waiting, or we might not get it. So, red it must be and is.
Maybe you have driven a red car and know what it feels like. To me, it feels a bit conspicuous at times. I look at other silver, white, tan, etc., autos, being drive by like-aged individuals, and I do wonder 'what am I doing in a red car'? I suppose you might say 'something you've never done before'. It's another growth opportunity, another chance to step out of the comfort zone of conforming to mine and other's expectations.
I must say - before you think otherwise - I am loving the car. Its 'redness' and all. It's fun to drive -- a peppy, yet sturdy, little vehicle that goes from point A to B with no complaints. It has many of the 'bells and whistles' of more expensive models. It has a great radio, my Broadway tunes come in clear at times I'm not listening to my favorite DJ's here in San Diego (Jeff & Jer, 96.5 FM).
What's the best part? So far, I am thrilled to be able to park in the specially-marked spots at the Fallbrook Library, designated for 'energy efficient vehicles'. (This little red car is a diesel, after all! 40+ miles to the gallon. Yes!)
It's a keeper, despite its 'redness'.
After Wednesday, the week calmed. Sundari went to stay with other San Diego friends Wednesday night. I taught 3 classes on Thursday, armed with the knowledge that it's o.k. to step out of the box (or 'off the leash', as she put it). Friday was spent in the yard, running a couple errands (in the white car, this time), and enjoying a fun dinner with Derek (son), Jessie (daughter-in-law), and the grand-dudes - Jack, Brady and Carson.
Have a great Saturday!
(p.s. This has been one of those posts that has nothing to do with yoga.)
ON FEEDBACK
It's been two weeks of significant teaching feedback for me.
First, there was my video class. A good opportunity for me, teaching a group of well-schooled yoga students in a beautiful studio. Feedback to self: not the video to send in. I knew this before I ever watched it. Why? There was just a 'not right' feeling about how I taught the class. A few unsettling things happened at the start of class; I placed myself in an awkward spot (thinking it would be the best spot); and I knew I hadn't served everyone from my highest capability.
I pondered this for 6 days, delayed watching the video. Sundari came to town, offered to watch it with me; which we did on Sunday. We laughed, I grimaced, puzzled looks crossed her face on a few occasions. In the end, her assessment was the same as mine -- not the video to submit. Good teaching, for me, however, as she reviewed the positives and the not-so-positives. She also was generous enough to offer pointers to improve the next one.
Tuesday, we drove into Carlsbad for my 10:30 class, which Sundari planned to attend. Small class; in fact, only one person arrived. New to the studio, about my age, worried she wasn't dressed 'right', and - she admitted - a bit discouraged with her level of physical activity lately. She also noted that she had tried yoga several times, only to leave with a sore neck. We talked. She stayed. Sundari, the new student and I began the class.
When finished, student expressed appreciation and said she'd be back. Her reaction to the class was positive, I saw awareness blossom as she tried a few new things, and she exclaimed on more than one occasion that she had not received the level of explanation before that I had given her -- good stuff.
Sundari and I went to lunch. During that short lunch, I got more than I bargained for (perhaps, to be honest, even wanted). A gift, Sundari began -- this student was a gift. She will teach me so much about my teaching and I need to embrace that. (I agree.) She went on to explain how she might have worked with this student -- pointing out helpful things and not-so-helpful things for a student struggling with a flat neck and a heel spur. I may have heard it before, but had forgotten that there is a connection between the two -- people who have flat necks may develop heel spurs. The feedback was a bit sobering -- not that I did anything really wrong, but that she saw I could have done so much more!. Her role at lunch was to cheerlead and not by telling me how great I had done (false praise), but by telling me how much more I could do. At one point, she said: 'you need to take off the leash, get out of your head, get on your mat, feel your body, then teach from what you have learned from your time on the mat by yourself, feeling the impact of the practice on your body'. Ouch, in a good way.
On to Temecula, where I teach an afternoon Therapeutics/Gentle Class. 4 in the room - 2 with neck issues, one with a need to relax, and Sundari. I was under the gun, so to speak. Remembering what Sundari had said at lunch, I approached the class differently. As she had done for Saturday's workshop, we began in savasana, then went to the wall for shoulder and leg work, returned to the mat for some standing and balance poses. Emphasis - legs and muscular energy; from that extending up through the crown of the head. To the floor, a few twists. Then, using a folded blanket, we moved through two pranayama exercises (don't like that word - exercise, but lacking any other right now). Savasana.
Tea and discussion with one of the students after class. Then the drive home. Anticipating feedback. "Better", she said, "better."
I was relieved, and it felt good to change it up a bit; to look at these students with a fresh eye, and to teach them from the perspective of what would help them, not just from a template of what people expect. Different, and better.
Ahhh, feedback -- gotta receive and accept it; gotta love it; it is a good thing.
Next video opportunity? Next week. All positive vibes will be welcome!
Hope you have a great Wednesday.
SMILING
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." - Dr. Seuss
Nice. Love it. Even posted my love for this quote on Facebook. It reminded me of my students yesterday.
My one-hour class at the Fallbrook Library is clicking right along. I had 9 the first week; 4 of those returned the second week; the other 4 returned yesterday (third week). I view this as a good sign -- everyone (except one) returning for another class -- just not at the same time. Still a positive. I'm on the schedule for the Fall in this same time slot -- looking for more and more as word gets out.
My alignment emphasis in yesterday's Library class was muscular energy (some of the sequence borrowed from Noah's 60-minute class on YogaGlo - same emphasis). With 4 in the room, it's easy to keep track of what everyone is doing, offer enhancements, even get down next to a student and do a pose where there is a language barrier. One student in particular, no language barrier, kept smiling and laughing softly.
I could take this one of two ways. The old Leslie might have been offended -- assuming she was laughing at my verbiage or, worse, my teaching. The new Leslie looks at this as a compliment. I choose to believe that she was truly enjoying the class, happy to be in the room, moving her body, with people who have a like-minded desire. That's what I choose to believe and I'm sticking to it! Because I believe it to be true. That's why I smile and laugh in a yoga class. Because I am happy to be there.
Oh sure, the first few minutes my muscles might ache, I wonder why I bothered, I worry I'm too 'something' to be there. But, as I move, these negative thoughts go away, and I'm left to move without thinking too much. Afterwards, I feel good. Glad I stuck it out. Proud of myself, even.
When my 4 students lifted their hips in eka hasta bhujasana, there were smiles around the room. No matter how high the hips went (or, even if they got off the ground), simply making the effort brought a level of joy into the room. I wonder when or if any of them had ever tried to get their leg on top of their shoulder!?!?! Fun stuff. I smiled, too.
Today? Teaching in Carlsbad, 10:30 am, Intro to Anusara Class; then to Temecula for my 2pm Therapeutic/Gentle Class.
Hope your Tuesday is great!
SUNDARI IN FALLBROOK
Friday, my good friend and mentor - Sundari - arrived in Fallbrook.
Actually, she arrived in San Diego, took the Coaster (a commuter train that runs up the coastline) to Oceanside, where I picked her up. It is so good to see her after several months (and, that was a brief 2 hours). This is planned to be a longer visit.
What have (will) we done (do)? Well, yesterday afternoon was spent at Living Yoga in Temecula, where Sundari offered a 4-hour mini-workshop on therapeutics to us (fellow instructors and students). I was blanketed in remembrance as she began to speak -- such a voice, such great verbiage. I can strive to speak like that, not identically, but still so inspiringly. Then, there were the cues she offered -- memories of classes/times past. The overall tempo of the session was soft (not easy, but soft); using our breath and our inner voice to access the desired movement.
We began with the pelvis, hips and thighs -- Sundari skillfully took us through the anatomy and into the importance of thighs back, seated in hip socket. After this portion, I now have a new tool that offers me a clear sense of inner spiral of the back leg in poses like parsvakonasana, pidgeon, etc. AND, of outer spiral of the front leg. Great psoas work, healthy psoas work. When done, I was almost able to straighten my leg (with hand to foot) in supta padangusthasana AND keep the leg on the floor rooted and strong. Progress in a pose I thought may always require a strap; maybe not (YES!).
Moving on, shoulders, upper back, neck. All good work and valuable to me, posture-wise, and as I work with students.
How was this work received by those attending. One example: Andrea (studio owner), attended and noted in the beginning that she needed to leave at 4:30 (30 minutes early). At 4:45, she was still in the room and Sundari generously reminded her that her departure time had passed. The response? "I know; I don't want to leave." Nice.
Then, each person had questions after the end of our session; we left Temecula at 6 (it was still almost 100 degrees there), drove back to Fallbrook and enjoyed a bit (maybe a lot) of Mexican food on the patio of a local restaurant.
Today? Watching the video together -- will get her input before sending it to Sarah, my Certification reviewer. I am not averse to doing another one if this is not the right video. Then a drive to the beach, where we plan to walk and enjoy the ocean. Maybe lunch somewhere.
Hope your Sunday is a great one!
MOTIVATION
My therapeutic / gentle yoga class is a great forum to experience motivation and it can also be a place to watch a quick decline in motivation. My job just got tougher as the teacher. Huh?
Yesterday's class included 4 students -- H (fibromyalgia), A (recovering from car accident injuries, including a broken neck), C (recently hurt her back, bulging disc, L4-5), and M (similar back issue, but not so recent).
Students arrive in class appearing motivated and ready to work on their 'issues'. Often, tho, when faced with movement, movement that might create discomfort (fear working its magic), their motivation fizzles. Imagine a candle struggling to light, but being overwhelmed by the wax at the base of the wick -- sputtering, needing a bit of coaxing, like that -- this is my analogy to struggling motivation, at this stage.
I think this is especially true for students with back issues -- the pain can/is so severe that to risk re-injuring or re-creating that pain is a prospect they will avoid at all costs. I don't blame them - I have hurt my back and I know how much it hurt; fortunately, mine lasted only 2-3 days (yoga's benefits?). And, my experience in yoga made me well-prepared to return to my practice with a full toolbox of ideas/things to do to further strengthen the core and avoid future 'stuff'. The students coming to this class are often new to yoga, haven't seen the magic happen with a dedicated practice, and are - sometimes - so fearful they will give up at the least little muscle tug in the back.
Yesterday, I worried this was happening for one student -- she began enthusiastically, realized her arms were sore and tired (her explanation: lack of activity because of the back injury), a couple times I heard the comment - 'I better stop now, or I won't come back'. At that point, I began to slow the movement for everyone; we switched gears to restorative mode and I set everyone up in some enjoyable supported poses. The next 30 minutes, students simply focused on their breath, allowing the bolsters, blankets and blocks to support their bodies.
Class over, everyone appeared relaxed and refreshed. I heard everyone say 'see you next week'. I hope so.
Hope you have a great Wednesday,
IT'S A WRAP . . . (I hope)
The video class happened. I had many fears and misgivings about this one; which was a new experience for me -- previously, video'ing didn't make me nervous (I didn't like watching the finished product, however.). What was I nervous about? Here's a short list:
1. My 3-4pm class at the Fallbrook Library would, for some reason, hold me up and I'd get stuck in the Fallbrook traffic (which for a small town can be daunting, especially between 4-6pm)
2. I would escape Fallbrook, only to get to I-15 and see a parking lot. This does happen, not a lot (knock on wood), but it does. Alternate routes are few and feel even slower.
3. I would forget all my well-laid and scripted plans.
4. No one would come to the class.
5. Mid-way through the video, I'd make a HUGE mistake, throw up my arms, have a mini hissy fit, and turn the camera off.
Well, fortunately, none of this happened. I discovered a new route out of Fallbrook - still traffic, but not so heavy. I-15 was moving right along. I didn't forget the sequence, but did improvise the script. 12 people were in class. No HUGE mistakes; a couple missteps, none that would require a 'hissy fit'.
I am not saying that it is a wonderful video. That is yet to be determined -- I have to watch it. My least favorite part, the part where I initially look only at myself, my posture, how I look (vanity). There may be some 'gaffs' in there that will eliminate this video from the running. I hope not. But, I won't know until I watch it (maybe later today).
What I can say about it is that I did carry the theme and alignment emphasis throughout the class. I did look at foundations, enhancing where needed. I laughed a bit (students too, tho quietly). I got one demo in - not sure I was in the best spot of the room, and I forgot to ask them to gather round -- just asked them to watch from their mats. The most remarkable element of the class -- not one chaturanga dandasana. This was a Basic level class, tho many were skilled practitioners; just taught the poses (surya's) without the vinyasa element (chaturanga dandasana, cobra, down dog, second side).
What was my theme? Shradda (trust). I changed up my opening comments to telling students how grateful I was that Ashley had enough trust in me to graciously allow me to teach her class. Wow! Some days themes just fit right in. My heart quality was confidence -- when we trust, we are more confident. My alignment emphasis was shoulder loop. My apex pose was Ustrasana (camel).
It was fun. If I have to do it over, I think I'll feel less nervous -- this hiatus between the previous video and this one has not helped. I really need the camera in the room, reminding me.
Hope your Tuesday is GREAT!
READY, SET, VIDEO!
Yes, my second video will be created tomorrow. Am I nervous? Am I worried? Am I whatever? Not really. And, not sure why.
I have video'd a lot -- this is a tip for those of you fearing the video process. It really does get easier the more you do, so video a LOT; even if you do nothing with those videos but erase them. Watch some, tho; this takes practice, as well -- hard to look at ourselves without looking at outfit, posture, mannerisms. It takes a while to just be comfortable watching with an objective eye.
Video'ing for Certification in Anusara® yoga teaching is a BIG deal. It's the final bridge to a long, long stream of work and study. My Certification reviewer has reviewed my plan for the class -- theme, heart quality, apex, alignment focus -- has given me the 'go'. So, I'll 'go'. Tomorrow.
Ashley, who regularly teaches at 5pm on Mondays, has graciously turned over her classroom to me for this video opportunity. Not really an 'invitation' class, but a well-schooled group of people who love Ashley, yet are willing to allow me into the room for this chance to teach them, all the while the video camera will be running.
My plan to supplement my preparation -- write out a list of words (thesaurus comes in VERY handy at these times), so I don't repeat the same instructions/feelings over and over ad nauseum. I also will go back to my reviewer's notes from the one video she has seen and read them again -- I know what she wanted me to improve; I may pick up other 'pearls', previously un-noticed by me. I will do one more run-thru of the entire class -- practicing it myself, guiding myself through the sequence. Still not entirely comfortable with this -- talking to myself (out loud, no less), as I practice, alone. Perhaps it's o.k. to ask a question of myself as I do this? Really role play the experience. This may be the one time it is all right to answer when I'm talking to myself.
I hope to do all this early in the day, today. Then, I will try NOT to think about it too much; at least, until tomorrow afternoon.
Mental note to self: take the camera and all needed paraphernalia.
Wish me luck!
THE SPECTRUM OF GENTLE/THERAPEUTIC YOGA
First, let me say, it was a great day for me yesterday -- both of my classes were well attended and my teaching felt confident and energetic.
This is in contrast to Monday, when my practice had a bit of a 'struggle-edge' to it (huh?). I am hopeful this corresponds to the fact that I am recovering from the surprise cold I've been dealing with -- two weeks ago, a mild sore throat; then, sore throat followed by the cough; then, into hiding (the cold); until my plane landed in Spokane for my visit with my parents -- then all 'heck' broke lose -- sneezing, nose running, stuffy for 3 days -- so pleasant!
On the mend, I went to class Monday, but felt 'weary' -- no oomph in my get-along, if you know what I mean. I did feel better at the end of the class I participated in, but I was not pleased with my energy level.
Now, to the topic referenced in the title.
My Tuesday afternoon class is attended by students struggling with 'stuff', and is titled "Therapeutic/Gentle Yoga". Whoever shows, gets a practice that I modify to whatever they are dealing with and - hopefully - gives them some insight to finding stability, more movement, less discomfort, etc. I believe I have a knack for working with this population; and I am very aware and thankful of the information passed to me from my teachers (too many to mention here), and also to the Principles of Alignment that I believe work magic.
Yesterday was no different - 3 students in the room (not a problem if this class is small; in fact, it is probably a good thing). The spectrum of physical abilities and knowledge was what I marvel at this morning. K, with a bit of back pain (and who has been in before with regards to his hamstrings - remember '5 Minutes'?); H, suffering from generalized fibromyalgia (meaning it affects the whole body); and D, with a problematic shoulder. While each had a valid reason for being in the class, each also possesses a different level of yoga expertise. This, in itself, could be daunting.
I dove in; laughing at my jokes (very important), trying to offer variations that would challenge, but not over-challenge, observing the outcome - asking for feedback (because otherwise, people tend to be very quiet during yoga class, and - in this setting - feedback is critical; I need to know if they are feeling what I am conveying and also what the result of that is - does it feel good, or hurt, or feel manageable, like that). So, the class becomes a conversation and - hopefully - no one is too shy to share -- which, in this group, was not a problem.
Three people, two of whom had met in passing at other classes, thrown together in my class to work on different issues; all with different levels of yoga expertise. Interesting! And. Fun. Loved. It.
Have a great Wednesday!
FULL STRETCH !!!
Readers who have attended one of John Friend's workshops or trainings know this phrase well. "Full stretch!" is heard several times during a class, especially the morning sessions when standing poses are the emphasis.
Funny how I find those phrases working their way into my vocabulary, as well. Think about it, tho. What better way to get my students to max out their stretching potential than a well-modulated "full stretch!".
Sometimes, tho -- and this will depend on the students' interpretation or my lack of modulation -- it falls flat. I say it. I look into the room. What do I see? Floppy fingers, bent elbows, hands in front plane of body, side body 'short' -- not the things a 'full stretch' is made of. Now, you wonder, where is she headed with all this?
Yesterday, I began a new class -- a volunteer teaching opportunity at the Fallbrook Library. A brand new one-hour class of students new to me, in a strange place. Of the nine students in the room, only 4 had yoga experience (and just one of those had practiced over a period of time; everyone else had limited prior experience). This would be the type of environment to be prepared for the floppy finger'd, bent elbow'd, side body 'short' example of 'full stretch'.
But NO -- it didn't happen. Everyone in that room, from the 12-year-old to the 60-year-old (guessing at exact years), stretched FULLY -- applying great muscular energy in response to my request (command?) of 'full stretch!'. My theme? Courage; Why? it takes courage to try something new (there's that risk of failure or feeling out of place).
Once set up with a firm foundation and heart's lifted, the 'full stretch!' was just these student's next step on our courage journey.
Nine students for a brand-new class and a 'full stretch!' -- be still my heart!
From this class, I jetted (drove, actually) up to Temecula for a 5pm class (this is the class I will teach in the next couple weeks for my second video). I was torn between this class and attending the Beach Party Anusara® Birthday Celebration with John Friend and the local Anusara Kula. Instead, I felt making my presence known was important for this group of students -- after all, I need six people in the room when filming. Choices. Gotta love/hate 'em. There will be other opportunities for 'beach celebrations'.
Today? Teaching in Carlsbad (10:30 am Intro class at Carlsbad Wellness); then in Temecula (2 pm Therapeutic/Gentle Class at Living Yoga). I'll be 'full stretching' right along with them!
Have a great Tuesday,
DID I MENTION EXPANSION?
I think I did. And, it just goes to show you that if you think about it enough, it just may come round to let you experience it -- expansion, that is.
And, what you ask, am I expanding into? Teaching a demographic (right word?) of students new to me -- the student who is pregnant, has just delivered her baby, or - maybe - wants to be in one of those categories.
I have avoided this demographic for the 8+ years I have taught yoga. Why? Not sure - I guess, to be honest, it makes me a bit nervous. Perhaps because I feel responsible for the student standing in front of me, AND for her unborn child growing sight-unseen to me.
And, what has avoiding this demographic done for my skills in teaching them? Not much. I now must spend the next few weeks studying appropriate poses, how to adapt to different levels of pregnancy or post-pregnancy, and - as importantly - make everyone feel as though what they have done in class is a good and heart-felt experience.
So, after contracting back into avoidance for 8+ years, it's time for a bit of expansion; seems to be a theme here, doesn't there? I will assume the prenatal class in mid-September; if I don't procrastinate, I should have time to become book-ready to teach the class and will have practiced my teaching some.
In the interim, I also will begin a new class next week in my own neighborhood of Fallbrook -- a class for whoever shows at the Fallbrook Library. I'm anxious to do this, to teach in my own neck of the woods and to offer Anusara® yoga to the community. It will, however, be interesting to see who shows for a 3pm class (60 minutes) class. I may end up with a class of adults, teens and pre-teens, or both. Add onto that, their yoga experience and any physical limitations (thinking of the adults, here), I could be looking at a most excellent teaching adventure.
Preparation time! Enjoy your Saturday!
CHANGING 'GEARS'
I planned a 'mini-workshop' (called it an Expansion Class) for yesterday afternoon.
Granted, Sunday afternoons are a hard sell -- everyone enjoying the final weekend (at least, here) before school registrations begin; or, just staying inside, avoiding the heat. But, I decided to go for it, anyway -- these are things I must do to get out of my 'comfort' zone from time to time.
My topic? 'Re-Muster Your Power'. Why? The word 'power' keeps popping into my field of awareness lately. Like, in every book I pick up, many of the quotes I'm reading, and the discussions I've been involved in. Not 'power' like strength or vigor, but 'power' as in ability, capacity, potential, confidence -- like that.
Why 'Re-Muster'? Mainly because I was tired of using the word remember; but look up the word 'muster' and you'll find a definition of 'to assemble'. Which, I think is what we have to do; we have to 'assemble' all of our skills in order to re-claim some. And, the 'Re-' part? well, many of us had all those skills assembled at one time in our lives (maybe during childhood), and we've camouflaged, concealed, hidden, or simply forgot, them as we grew to adulthood. Now we are busy taking care of children, working, doing the things we think we 'should' do; 'power' got set aside as we moved into this stage of our lives.
The Universe threw me a challenge. Earlier in the week, I started with a sore throat, that expanded to a feeling like a rock in my lungs, which escalated to a cough that was in full bloom by Sunday. Fun to try to talk, throat tickling, coughing like a person who has smoked one too many cigarettes (BTW, I've never smoked).
Well, there was no way out -- I had to do it; so I prepared, gathered my materials, made my way to the studio, placed my seat with Hanuman at my side. Then I waited for the crowd to arrive for this expansion class, scheduled to being at 1pm. At 12:58pm, in walked one student; at 1pm - on the dot - in walked the second.
Sometimes, things are perfect; this was perfect. Both students were struggling with issues - physical and emotional. The last thing either needed was a 'kick-butt' 2-hour yoga class; and the last thing I could teach effectively, considering my cough, was such a class. Instead, we talked, we shared thoughts about 'power' in our lives, we did move - but it wasn't the backbend class I'd planned -- instead we opened all parts, then spent time in a restorative pose, pranayama, and meditation.
Expansion Classes will become part of my repertoire -- interesting that, during the Wanderlust experience, one of the philosophy scholars noted that almost every expansion (growth) we've experienced has come out of a period of contraction (tightness, dwindling, small). If we look back at our individual history's, that becomes evident. Maybe that will be my next topic!?!??!
Have a great Monday!
EXPLAINING TANTRA
This week, I've been attending classes taught by others who attended the Anusara-Inspired™ Gathering with me in Wanderlust. Why? First reason, because I want to; ulterior motive? to see how they communicate the teachings they came away with.
Kudos to them -- they are keeping it simple; trying not to bombard their students with each detail they learned in the 3 intense days, simply opening a door here and there and allowing a glimpse inside.
One of the expanding moments for me was a forthright discussion of the word 'tantra'. Our (Anusara®'s) philosophy is based on tantra. Knowing that, put yourself in my shoes when I explain to students the 3 differentiating factors of Anusara® yoga from other styles:
- Teaching of alignment principles (our UPA's)
- Strong kula (community of the heart)
- A tantric philosophy supporting the practice (WHAT? TANTRA? -- at least, that's what I worry my students are thinking when I say the word "TANTRA")
What happened at Wanderlust was good for me - a forthright and clear discussion of Tantra, it's roots, etc. Not that I hadn't heard it before; I had, many times. This time, tho, I came away with a clearer way to explain to students that "no, Tantra doesn't mean we practice our yoga with an emphasis on sex". In fact, the word 'tantra' means 'the system' -- a means of doing something. So, we can know that it is not a religion and the word tantra can be an adjective for anything we believe in -- i.e. Tantric Christianity or Tantric Islam; meaning that I am able to practice those two religions - if I choose to - with fullness present in every moment. Using Tantra, I am able to bridge the two aspects so present in my life -- one, money and possessions; the other, spirituality and goodness.
A most clear and primary message: "do not 'google' Tantra on your computer". Why? You will get every website that does give people the message it's all about sex. You have to go back, way back, into the texts and have someone like these scholars define what was really said; not what some people want them to say -- like a blank check to do anything we want; that's not what it's about. It's about living my life, enjoying my life, looking for the good in my life, a 'tantric' way of living.
I did just google 'Tantra' -- Wikipedia does a pretty good job of defining (at least the first 2 paragraphs, which is all I've read this morning):
An important characteristic of this movement was that it is a radically positive, world-embracing vision of the whole of reality as an expression of a joyous Divine Consciousness (for example, as the divine play of Shakti and Shiva.[1]). Tantric spiritual practices and rituals aim to bring about an inner realization of this truth, bringing freedom from ignorance and rebirth in the process.
As I am not a philosophy scholar, if anything here doesn't make sense -- don't call me on it. I am still learning.
Have a great Thursday!
SHARING THE 'PEARLS'
I used to hold my 'pearls' close. Not sharing. I was 'selfish' (ouch). That was then, this is now; that time is history.
Today, I share my 'pearls'; as yoga teachers, we are here not only to teach our students, but to also teach our peers (and to be taught by them), to even teach our teachers on occasion. (A recent issue of YogaJournal addressed this - when it chronicled the relationships of several well-known yoga instructors.)
We keep our knowledge 'close to the vest' when we feel insecure and threatened. Maybe it's age, maybe it's a change of attitude, whatever it is -- it is now much easier for me to share.
Now, that doesn't mean that I'm going to spend $100, $200, or more for a training, then turn around and give all of my hard-earned notes to someone who didn't spend the money or time to participate in the same training. But, I will share 'pearls', dropping them along the way, sharing appropriate pearls with my peers. There are also some trainings I've participated in that are 'closed', meaning - especially in webinar situations - that the teacher leading the webinar has asked we not share the downloaded webinar contents with others who have not signed up. Of course, as I practice what I've learned (and, if people pay attention), the 'pearls' may become apparent. But, that's different.
Anyway, I've come a long way -- I enjoy sharing the teachings I feel are appropriate to be shared. No more do I hoard and keep my knowledge secret. It just feels better.
Have a great Tuesday!
SO MANY 'PEARLS'
I still vibrate with the inspiration offered me at the Gathering, earlier this week (seems it was longer ago, but - no, it was just this week). And, I find myself going back to my notebook over and over, looking for quotes, 'pearls' of wisdom, offered by the philosophers, the instructors, and by John during those 3 days.
Now, I wish I had taken more detailed notes. At the time, tho, it seemed important to just listen. Each time I would begin to write, I'd miss the next 'pearl'. A dual-edged decision to stop writing; leaving my memory in charge of remembering.
Well, remembering will be important in this post also -- the computer or the blog program decided to NOT save my entire post; leaving me to rely on memory to re-write it. Here goes:
I finished yesterday's post with the quote "Lean into your edge." Why? Because, for me, it is a great example for Monday's philosophy topic: Darshan / Sadhana. The sanskrit word, darshan, means 'the view' or 'sight'; sadhana means practice (meditation, asana/poses, spiritual practices, etc.). Think of darshan as the attitude, sadhana is the action, what I do in between is to align.
The best example I came up with in my previous post (now lost somewhere in 'cyberspace') was that every now and then I become stale -- perhaps it's a sign of boredom with teaching the same poses, using similar themes, or practicing the same sequence over and over. Fortunately, it is at those times that a training or workshop comes along. I attend, I learn, I push myself a bit farther than I have been doing on my own, I walk away re-invigorated, with a new 'view' of my practice, my goals, my abilities. Like that.
Darshan - the view - precedes sadhana. Why? Because it is darshan that empowers our sadhana. The view helps me avoid pitfalls; I take the philosophy / teachings in, let them vibrate, and they become the embodiment of my view. My darshan refreshes my sadhana.
So, darshan = attitude, the setting of the foundation. I align through my study. And, my sadhana is the action that comes from setting my foundation and aligning.
My opportunities for study have expanded, as well. These three scholars, Hareesh Wallis, Christopher Tompkins, and Eric Shaw, all offer on-line and in-person opportunities to study with them. I'll be checking them out -- each of them was down-to-earth, approachable, 'regular guys' (just really smart 'regular guys'), who each had a sense of humor. Those are the kind I need -- approachable, down-to-earth, regular, with some humor thrown in. I deal with the smart part more easily if the other qualities are there. Not to put 'smart' philosophers down, but philosophy, at times, goes right over my head -- I need to be able to connect; once connected, the understanding comes more easily.
Hope you have a great Saturday!
BACK TO NORMAL (?)
Yes, in Fallbrook, enjoying my early morning quiet time -- time to sit, time to have a cup of coffee, time to write, and time to contemplate the rest of this day.
I apologize for not posting during the remaining 2 days of the Inspired Gathering at Wanderlust; just too much to do every day (beginning at 7 am and concluding at 6 pm). Early mornings (5 am) were dedicated to quiet time, a bit of computer work, and getting ready for the day. By the end of the day, my greatest desire was to sit, contemplate, and sleep. The time in between went like this:
7 am Meditation / Pranayama with John Friend
9 am 90-Minute Yoga Class, also with John
11 am Roundtable Philosophy Discussion with John,
Christopher Tompkins, Eric Shaw, and Hareesh Wallis
Noon Lunch
2-4 pm Breakout sessions (sequencing, theming/languaging,
adjustments, or therapeutics)
4:30 Philosophy with Hareesh (Mon), Eric (Tues), Christopher (Weds)
The campus for this curriculum is a cluster of hotels, restaurants, and retail businesses called The Village at Squaw. It rests at the bottom of great ski mountains, and is surrounded on one side by needed parking lots; on the other by open space leading to the base of several ski runs. On this open side, was located our 'school' - a cluster of tents, bamboo structures, artists' displays. I'm telling you this because, in three days of schlepping bag, blanket, hat, mat, whatever, back and forth -- we not only exercised our minds, but our bodies got a good feeling for being a bellman in a hotel. Enough on that.
As I mentioned on Monday, the camaraderie was EXCEPTIONAL. Everyone so grateful to be together in this first gathering of Anusara-Inspired™ instructors, and so appreciative of the learning opportunities presented to us during the 3 days.
My learning opportunities took a slight detour during the time at the gathering. I had planned a diverse curriculum; however, Monday's session on sequencing left me yearning for more on this topic, so I continued on that vein. Monday was with Denise Benitez; Tuesday, Christina Sell; and Wednesday, Noah Maze. All exceptional instructors and all with their own styles of teaching (and sequencing). Interesting that there was no repetition of information -- Denise offered a sampling of her method and her knowledge in a discussion format; Christina offered us a hands-on, teach-by-example sequencing class, with us the students and her the teacher (duh!), then gave us some opportunity to ask questions; Noah got out his big paper and easel, showing us the method he uses when sequencing, peppered with some teaching examples which we acted out. From each I took nuggets of information to add to my 'toolbag'.
I also had opportunities to connect and re-connect with friends old and new. And, as I mentioned on Monday, I did carry out my intention -- introducing myself whenever I found myself in awkward silence with another instructor not yet known to me; or starting up conversations with people I had met in the past, but - perhaps - didn't know very well. There also were opportunities to approach instructors who I've admired from a distance and actually talk to them! (That's stepping out of my comfort zone for sure.)
We drove all night on Wednesday to get home early on Thursday. 2 hours of sleep does not make for a very social or invigorated Leslie, so I rested most of the day yesterday. Then, it was in to Carlsbad for dinner with the Grand-Dudes and their parents. A wonderful way to end the day.
Things go back to regular schedule now. Teaching, studying, and video'ing (yes, I am ready to do another video). That's another blog topic.
Hope you have a great Friday! My mantra for this (and future) days:
"LEAN INTO YOUR EDGE"
(compliments of the Wallis, Tompkins and Shaw)
WE'VE ARRIVED; WATCH OUT WANDERLUST!
I rode up from San Diego to Squaw Valley yesterday with two newer friends -- women I've met through my teaching in Temecula (Doreen and Elissa, for you Temecula students). Elissa's daughter rode 97% of the way with us, leaving us to spend the weekend with her Aunt, Uncle and 'big' cousins outside of Sacramento.
It is always amazing to me to witness the camaraderie that develops between people who barely know each other but share this love for yoga, Anusara® yoga in particular. We shared driving, tho thanks to Elissa, Doreen and I spent shorter stints at the wheel. Within minutes of us entering the car, we fell into an easy banter than continued all the way to Squaw (that would be about 11 hours later!). Yoga, life in general, all were discussed. Interesting that there was no negative, it was all good talk; uplifting and, at times, peppered with laughter. Good stuff.
Once in Squaw Valley, we found my room, then walked the grounds which were being set up in anticipation of this big week of Wanderlust. FYI, Wanderlust is a festival featuring the many styles of yoga and is held several times each year at varying locations around the U.S. If you were to attend the entire festival, you would be able to experience several styles of yoga and the many well-known instructors who teach them. This year, Anusara-Inspired™ yoga instructors are gathering for the 3 days prior to the official start of Wanderlust for our first-ever Inspired Gathering; fortunately, for us, Certified Instructors were invited (in addition to those teaching formally), and we will all benefit from their presence and knowledge.
Once we had done our tour, we parted company -- Doreen and Elissa off to meet Shannon -- me off to take a well-deserved nap (did I mention that we had left my house in Fallbrook at 3:30 a.m.?
Rested up, it was time to clean up and head down for the Opening Ceremony. Everyone gathered under the canopy (looks like about 250-300 people, including the entire corps of instructors (Anusara® Certified and Inspired™) from Temecula, Riverside, etc. -- Ashley, Shannon, Lisa, Elissa, Doreen and me). John talked about the evolution of the training process for Anusara® teachers, introduced the Certified instructors who are attending and who will offer their knowledge over the 3 days. What did I notice? A relaxed and congenial attitude among the crowd -- this is good; I set my intention to help foster that over the 3 days. The learning will be intense, but that doesn't mean I have to be intense, as well. I need to relax, learn, have fun, enjoy my friends - new and old, and leave on Wednesday feeling rejuvenated and with lots of great information to influence my teaching and practice. (watch out!)
Today? Meditation at 7 am, followed by breakfast, followed by a 90-minute practice, followed by a philosophy discussion -- these activities all happen with John. Lunch. Then, I go to the breakout classes I've selected on topics like sequencing, therapeutics, philosophy (more?), languaging. Will write more as I go along.
Hope you have a great Monday!
AND NEXT, WANDERLUST INSPIRED GATHERING
I love to be in John Friend's presence; truly love it -- so inspiring, so heart-warming, so fun, etc. And, I find I do things in his presence that I can't (or won't) outside of it (i.e. when in his presence, I rarely go to my knees before lowering to chaturanga dandasana; I will always go to my knees with other instructors or when practicing alone). Why, I wonder? Perhaps because, somewhere deep, I want to do my best, impress, or -- I'd rather think -- that this happens because he is just that motivating.
No matter the reason, I know it happens; just not sure of the reason.
So, here comes Wanderlust and THE FIRST formal gathering of Anusara-Inspired™ Yoga Instructors. 3 days filled with practice and study with John in the mornings; afternoons scheduled with other instructors - teachers I have long hoped to study with and who will offer me different paths to understand and embrace theming, therapeutics, philosophy, etc.
I would be lying if I said I was over-the-top excited. I am happy to be going; glad I can participate; I feel it's important to participate. However, excited? Not much. And, as I sit here, I wonder why.
The only reason I can come up with is that, as much as I enjoy any opportunity to study with John, I have become a bit spoiled over the years with opportunities to do that in settings with 60-100 people in attendance. This promises 300, 500, maybe 700 co-participants. Way too many, in my mind. Why? too many opportunities to look at the younger, thinner, more skilled; this will be my anava mala's playground multipled x several hundred.
Perhaps now that I've said it, admitted it, I'll go with a lighter heart. Kind of like when you speak it, it loses it's power. Let's hope that's the truth of the matter.
Tomorrow morning, I'll join friends for the drive north to Lake Tahoe. I am glad for that (had initially thought I'd be driving alone). We'll study, practice, meditate, hang out, for 3 days, then climb in the car for the drive home on Wednesday afternoon.
So, now that I've said it out loud -- at least in 'blog' land, perhaps I will get excited. I am good enough. As a small pin BJ Galvan selected for Martin & Jordan Kirk's Immersion graduates many years ago says: "Accept Your Greatness". I have that pin in a safe spot, a spot that I look at every day. To remind myself, I am great. It's the 'remind' part I need to get rid of (hope that makes sense). I am great.
Hope your Saturday is a 'great' one!
USE THOSE GLUTES!
Several years ago, I attended a weekend workshop in Springdale, UT (Ann Rutz' community of Anusara yogis), for which Desiree Rumbaugh was our guide. In fact, I think her theme for the weekend had something to do with GPS; tho, this morning, I can't remember the exact title (it was a good one, however).
Springdale is a unique community in Southern Utah (almost down I-15 to St. George); off the beaten path and at the entrance to Zions National Park. If you know anything of Utah and the terrain of this park, you have an idea of Springdale's beauty. Small town, geography making it difficult for the population to get out-of-control. I've traveled down there for several workshops and have learned the people are passionate about their community, their politics and having fun! I even participated in a "Green Jello Eating Contest" one year when a workshop fell on the weekend of St Patrick's day celebrations (I lost).
Enough with the memory lane journey, and back to Desiree's workshop.
As we practiced that weekend, I think her main emphasis was kidney loop. She did, however, take us on a brief journey to the glutes and that, my friends, has changed my yoga life.
Paraphrasing here: "In neutral table, extend your right leg hip height, straight and strong, heel reaching to wall behind you. Hold this, 5 minutes." What? 5 (as in FIVE) minutes?!?!?!? Yes, 5 (as in FIVE).
Once that 5 minutes was done, my right glutes were quivering, screaming, painfully making their presence known. Well, once that FIVE minutes was finished, we released, took a breath and lifted the left leg. For another 5 (as in FIVE) minutes.
This, she explained, was going to do wonders for our hamstrings. Strengthening and then using the glutes in our yoga poses would alleviate the need for our hamstrings to do all the work.
It's hard work, and it's something I'd never thought of before -- glutes working? Don't they just kind of hang out back there? No, they need to work. Look at this image:
Notice that the gluteus maximus (gm) covers the upper hamstring muscle connections. When the muscles of the backside are healthily strong, I am able to activate them, I imagine the gm (and it's associated muscles) caressing those connections and assisting in all the forward folding, lengthening, hamstring-activating poses I can think of. Ahhh, be still my heart.
Life, with this added knowledge, has never been the same. I literally very rarely (if at all) experience those twinges of pain at the top of the hamstrings that used to plague my practice.
Why do I think of this today? Yesterday, in class, a student asked for some help with painful upper hamstring 'stuff'. What did we do? Not 5 (as in FIVE) minutes, but at least 10 breaths on each side to wake them up. (Remember, I am trying to grow class populations here, not decimate them!) Then we stood with balls of feet on a roll, heels on floor, and moved slowly through several uttanasanas, and then to parsvottonasana on each side. Then slowly through several simple surya's, All the while I'm reminding students 'engage your glutes', 'don't let go, keep them active through the entire movement', like that. Broken record stuff.
So, that's the story of 'use those glutes'. If you haven't heard it or tried it, do so. Marvelous, underused muscles on the backside, just waiting for their opportunity to shine!
Hope your Wednesday is a good one (getting my hair cut; after all, Wanderlust is just around the corner)!