WHERE TO START?
Don't be shocked by the fact that this post appears on Tuesday, rather than Thursday - which has been my pattern lately. Reason? I've just returned from a GREAT and LONG weekend in Montana; a retreat organized by Cami Cote, with yoga and meditation sessions conducted by Marc Holzman.
Why would I travel to Montana? Well, 3 major reasons -- (1) I've never studied with Marc and, since he lives in Paris, there aren't a lot of stateside opportunities, (2) the retreat was organized by Cami, and (3) it was a chance to visit Montana - a place I spent a lot of time in as a child/teen/young adult. It also presented an opportunity for Howard and I to get away -- he to explore and flyfish, me to do some yoga - as opposed to teaching.
On night one of the retreat (Thursday), we spent an hour introducing ourselves by first stating our reason for attending this retreat, then telling everyone our favorite food, THEN stating our name. Interesting order of things, right? When all was said and done, the majority of the 16 in attendance (maximum number for this event) stated that one of the reasons for attending was to 'get away', to have some time for themselves and their yoga.
After introductions, we relocated to the barn to move a bit. The barn, I should explain, had an upstairs with a nice space for our yoga practice (even a small air conditioner and fans -- invaluable in the 90+ degree heat Montana was experiencing).
For the next two days, this was the routine:
Why would I travel to Montana? Well, 3 major reasons -- (1) I've never studied with Marc and, since he lives in Paris, there aren't a lot of stateside opportunities, (2) the retreat was organized by Cami, and (3) it was a chance to visit Montana - a place I spent a lot of time in as a child/teen/young adult. It also presented an opportunity for Howard and I to get away -- he to explore and flyfish, me to do some yoga - as opposed to teaching.
On night one of the retreat (Thursday), we spent an hour introducing ourselves by first stating our reason for attending this retreat, then telling everyone our favorite food, THEN stating our name. Interesting order of things, right? When all was said and done, the majority of the 16 in attendance (maximum number for this event) stated that one of the reasons for attending was to 'get away', to have some time for themselves and their yoga.
After introductions, we relocated to the barn to move a bit. The barn, I should explain, had an upstairs with a nice space for our yoga practice (even a small air conditioner and fans -- invaluable in the 90+ degree heat Montana was experiencing).
For the next two days, this was the routine:
- Up to meditate at 7:15am (after 20-minutes of movement and followed by savasana)
- Break for 20-25 minutes
- 2-hour practice (hips, backbends, twists, etc.)
- Brunch (all vegetarian and many dishes gluten-free)
- A break until 4pm, giving many time to go to the Bitterroot River to swim, others to hike and explore, and others to rest.
- At 4, we re-convened outside (in the shade) for another 2-hour practice - this practice closer to the ground, with a few inversions thrown in.
- Followed by dinner
- Kirtan -- Harmonium by Cami Cote, Tambur by Alesha McCully, Drum by Marc et al.
- Personally, next for me was bed; for others, there was hot tub, visiting, more chanting.
The final morning, Sunday, we meditated, practiced (twists), enjoyed brunch, then the closing circle - where we all shared what the retreat had given us. Tears around the room. Then a few photos, good-byes, and Howard and I were off to Missoula, where we spent the night before flying out Monday a.m.
Such a nice event, and Marc -- what can I say -- a wonderful teacher, with a calm almost gentle voice. Don't get me wrong, he can convey, through that gentle voice, instructions that motivate you to go farther, move deeper, open the envelope a bit wider.
I thank everyone who worked so hard to plan and pull off a retreat like this. It truly was a few days of rest and refreshment for most of us.
Now, back to the real world. My plane was a bit late yesterday, causing me to have to get a last-minute sub for my Library class (whew!!!). I did make it home in time to teach at 5 in Temecula -- a group of students with mixed levels of experience and ages 12 - 35(?). It was a nice re-connection to teaching yoga.
Today? Teaching at noon at Yoga For Life; then to Living Yoga to teach 2 classes; and throw in a guitar lesson between those 2 classes. Speaking of guitar, I better go practice!
Hope you all have a great Tuesday, and here's a pic of some of the fun experienced over the weekend:
Pictured (L-R) - Marcia, Alesha, Marc
Take care!
YOGA ACCOMPANIED BY NOVACAINE . . .
HUH???
I did my usual Wednesday trek into Wisdom Warriors today. The difference was that earlier this morning, I had a dentist appointment (cavity). What does that equal = novacaine!!!
And, how does yoga feel when half your face is numb? Well, it's not too bad so long as you don't touch your face and expect to feel anything. Does it change your abilities? No; I was still as stiff as usual, but still daring -- even got into a gnarly cobra with Desiree holding my heels to my backside.
We began with a short talk, during which Desiree spoke about doing one-legged poses. Somewhere we switched gears and ended up doing something she kept calling a Level 4 practice (hardly the stuff of 63-year-olds, if you ask me). But it was fun!
A good moment -- seeing a friend from Scottsdale in the room. It is a small world, after all.
This will be short. Getting ready to go to Montana to meet Marc Holzman, who I have never studied with. Looking forward to yoga, friends, and scenery. Got to get housesitter instructions ready, pack, pick up, etc.
Hope you all have a great weekend and week,
I did my usual Wednesday trek into Wisdom Warriors today. The difference was that earlier this morning, I had a dentist appointment (cavity). What does that equal = novacaine!!!
And, how does yoga feel when half your face is numb? Well, it's not too bad so long as you don't touch your face and expect to feel anything. Does it change your abilities? No; I was still as stiff as usual, but still daring -- even got into a gnarly cobra with Desiree holding my heels to my backside.
We began with a short talk, during which Desiree spoke about doing one-legged poses. Somewhere we switched gears and ended up doing something she kept calling a Level 4 practice (hardly the stuff of 63-year-olds, if you ask me). But it was fun!
A good moment -- seeing a friend from Scottsdale in the room. It is a small world, after all.
This will be short. Getting ready to go to Montana to meet Marc Holzman, who I have never studied with. Looking forward to yoga, friends, and scenery. Got to get housesitter instructions ready, pack, pick up, etc.
Hope you all have a great weekend and week,
EACH TIME I WRITE . . .
Yes, each time I begin to write, I wonder 'what to write about?'. I begin, and the fingers start to move on the keyboard, thoughts come to me, and words magically appear. I finish, I re-read, I edit, then I post. Easy-peasy (a phrase that came from somewhere, but that I find creeping into my vocabulary more and more).
Not so easy-peasy was our Wisdom Warriors practice yesterday. A combination of poses that moved, stretched, asked us to strengthen -- right out of the gate. In fact, we had 4 new faces in the room; Desiree's comment to them: "I bet you thought we'd spend some time warming up, right?" Wrong. No warm-up needed, just hard work.
I have mentioned that the emphasis has been on creating action through udyana bhanda and mula bhanda (energetic locks at lowest of ribs and base of pelvis). This action creates the shape of an egg in your belly (more like a football, I'd say) -- as though someone pushed the egg (FOOTBALL) into your belly lengthwise and your job was to energize the muscles at either end (and in-between). On top of that work, we still stand tall (shoulder loop, to some). If none of this makes sense, please feel free to comment and I'll try to answer questions.
What does this action do? It creates more strength through the core and into the foundation of the pose. For example, in a handstand (or other inversion), if I create this egg (FOOTBALL) shape in my belly, I will move into the poses more easily and be straighter (no more banana shape). BTW, anyone know the sanskrit words for banana and FOOTBALL?
We used the egg (FOOTBALL) analogy for the entire 2 hours, moving towards our goal of a wide-legged press-up to handstand (using chairs if needed). I was especially excited to get into the shape of the pose (with feet on chairs), even tho I didn't press up.
What were other highlights for me? Seated on the floor on left hip, left hand on floor just in front of shoulder, I placed my right foot on the inside of my left thigh, energized my egg (FOOTBALL), and pushed up to vasisthasana, with legs in vrksasana (tree) pose. I NEVER THOUGHT I'D BE ABLE TO DO IT. But, there I was. (Almost as exciting as my first bakasana.) Better yet -- I turned around and did it on my right side!!!
After all that fun, we adjourned, got in our cars and made our way to Desiree and Andrew's home in Cardiff. A beautifully re-done modern home with INCREDIBLE un-blocked view towards Swami's beach and the ocean. (I mean totally unblocked.) Amazing, BIG windows to enjoy the view. So spacious, light, and comfortable. We enjoyed a raw food sampling and a short talk by Mimi Kirk; raw food vegetarian extraordinaire. We also were able to spend some time getting to know our fellow warriors (and others) better. Wonderful way to conclude a great practice.
And, what about my own teaching/practice? Well, since last week's Wisdom Warriors, I have been working on my padangusthasana (standing on one leg, holding the other foot and extending that leg). It has always been a dvesha (sp?) pose for me - meaning I don't like it very well. However, as with all things, a little - or a lot of - practice works miracles. I'm not standing totally erect, but the leg is straight; and, each time it gets better.
My own teaching is moving along -- the Library is humming; 32 students on Monday! I teach 6 other classes at 2 studios in Temecula; those range from basic to gentle/therapeutic, and are smaller but mighty. I truly admire the students who show with an injury or a chronic condition -- so courageous.
I've been sharing a bit of my Laksmi knowledge (taken from Eric Stoneberg's webinar). I love that 99.9% of the students enjoy hearing about this Goddess (and others).
The Grand-Dudes took a vacation this month and were gone for 10 days. I missed them! They've returned, and came out last Sunday for breakfast. So fun to watch them explore our acre, swing on the tire, pick avocados (and plan their how to spend the fortune they are going to make selling same avocados), we even had time to take a short walk up to feed Breeze, the neighbor's horse, carrots.
Today, I'll teach one of my Gentle/Therapeutic classes, then conduct Temecula's Wisdom Warriors practice with much new material to share.
Hope you have a great Thursday.
Not so easy-peasy was our Wisdom Warriors practice yesterday. A combination of poses that moved, stretched, asked us to strengthen -- right out of the gate. In fact, we had 4 new faces in the room; Desiree's comment to them: "I bet you thought we'd spend some time warming up, right?" Wrong. No warm-up needed, just hard work.
I have mentioned that the emphasis has been on creating action through udyana bhanda and mula bhanda (energetic locks at lowest of ribs and base of pelvis). This action creates the shape of an egg in your belly (more like a football, I'd say) -- as though someone pushed the egg (FOOTBALL) into your belly lengthwise and your job was to energize the muscles at either end (and in-between). On top of that work, we still stand tall (shoulder loop, to some). If none of this makes sense, please feel free to comment and I'll try to answer questions.
What does this action do? It creates more strength through the core and into the foundation of the pose. For example, in a handstand (or other inversion), if I create this egg (FOOTBALL) shape in my belly, I will move into the poses more easily and be straighter (no more banana shape). BTW, anyone know the sanskrit words for banana and FOOTBALL?
We used the egg (FOOTBALL) analogy for the entire 2 hours, moving towards our goal of a wide-legged press-up to handstand (using chairs if needed). I was especially excited to get into the shape of the pose (with feet on chairs), even tho I didn't press up.
What were other highlights for me? Seated on the floor on left hip, left hand on floor just in front of shoulder, I placed my right foot on the inside of my left thigh, energized my egg (FOOTBALL), and pushed up to vasisthasana, with legs in vrksasana (tree) pose. I NEVER THOUGHT I'D BE ABLE TO DO IT. But, there I was. (Almost as exciting as my first bakasana.) Better yet -- I turned around and did it on my right side!!!
After all that fun, we adjourned, got in our cars and made our way to Desiree and Andrew's home in Cardiff. A beautifully re-done modern home with INCREDIBLE un-blocked view towards Swami's beach and the ocean. (I mean totally unblocked.) Amazing, BIG windows to enjoy the view. So spacious, light, and comfortable. We enjoyed a raw food sampling and a short talk by Mimi Kirk; raw food vegetarian extraordinaire. We also were able to spend some time getting to know our fellow warriors (and others) better. Wonderful way to conclude a great practice.
And, what about my own teaching/practice? Well, since last week's Wisdom Warriors, I have been working on my padangusthasana (standing on one leg, holding the other foot and extending that leg). It has always been a dvesha (sp?) pose for me - meaning I don't like it very well. However, as with all things, a little - or a lot of - practice works miracles. I'm not standing totally erect, but the leg is straight; and, each time it gets better.
My own teaching is moving along -- the Library is humming; 32 students on Monday! I teach 6 other classes at 2 studios in Temecula; those range from basic to gentle/therapeutic, and are smaller but mighty. I truly admire the students who show with an injury or a chronic condition -- so courageous.
I've been sharing a bit of my Laksmi knowledge (taken from Eric Stoneberg's webinar). I love that 99.9% of the students enjoy hearing about this Goddess (and others).
The Grand-Dudes took a vacation this month and were gone for 10 days. I missed them! They've returned, and came out last Sunday for breakfast. So fun to watch them explore our acre, swing on the tire, pick avocados (and plan their how to spend the fortune they are going to make selling same avocados), we even had time to take a short walk up to feed Breeze, the neighbor's horse, carrots.
Today, I'll teach one of my Gentle/Therapeutic classes, then conduct Temecula's Wisdom Warriors practice with much new material to share.
Hope you have a great Thursday.
SUBBING = AWESOME
Two weeks ago, at Wisdom Warriors, we had a short discussion of the word 'awesome'. Of course, I offered what I'd learned by reading the dictionary -- which is that the word awesome includes the words 'daunting' and 'fear' in the definition. Interesting.
Especially interesting, since we tend to use the word 'awesome' frequently to describe the interesting and inspiring moments of our lives. Those moments may also be a bit 'daunting' and have an element of 'fear' associated with them, correct?
Anyway, to get on with it, I was asked to sub yesterday's Wisdom Warriors practice. Not just for anyone, but to fill in for Geri Portnoy - who was ill - who was filling in for Desiree Rumbaugh. So, if you take that another step, I was subbing for Desiree Rumbaugh! Awesome - remember fear, daunting!
It was a short-notice request. That means I didn't have a lot of time to get nervous. I also figured out that at least two of the three who had attended the last class I filled in on, would not be there. My fallback position, then, was to use the same plan -- perfect! With a little variation on the start.
Exciting, also, in that I'd prepared a music playlist for the previous occasion; never got to use it, because I couldn't figure it out. This time, I was prepared -- just had to figure out the player at the studio.
So, music and plan in hand, I arrived a few minutes early at the studio. Remember it's a holiday week, so attendance has been lower in most classes. In came 3; 2 people I have met before and one of them brought a friend who had a little yoga experience. (None had come to the previous class -- plan in place!). Talk about six degrees -- one introduced herself (with a distinct accent); the new person responded in Russian -- WOW! (He just happened to study the language in school, so could offer a few phrases, which I could see made her very happy.)
After introductions, we talked a bit about injuries, and got started. It is fun to move as the guide for these practices -- a major issue is that I have to remember NOT to mirror; after all, I'm doing the same thing as I'm asking participants to do. After a few minutes, I commented about how quiet everyone was (I do enjoy feedback). And, a few minutes later, the newer participant offered me a few 'obligatory groans' (after all, he said, that's what I asked for, wasn't it?). We kept moving, went to the wall, each had a successful upside-down moment (even if all their legs didn't lift). Just finding the shape is sometimes all it takes to feel good about your work. Then to the floor, then to savasana.
This time, I taught (guided) as I usually do -- watching (as I practiced) what was happening in each person's poses, offering refinements and encouragement. Best part -- I had fun doing it. It was AWESOME.
On July 3, the drive anywhere around San Diego is not the most fun. It took me 45 minutes to drive from home to Del Mar, took me 90 minutes to get back home. But I sang the whole way, part of the residual effect of an 'awesome' practice.
Happy 4th of July!
Especially interesting, since we tend to use the word 'awesome' frequently to describe the interesting and inspiring moments of our lives. Those moments may also be a bit 'daunting' and have an element of 'fear' associated with them, correct?
Anyway, to get on with it, I was asked to sub yesterday's Wisdom Warriors practice. Not just for anyone, but to fill in for Geri Portnoy - who was ill - who was filling in for Desiree Rumbaugh. So, if you take that another step, I was subbing for Desiree Rumbaugh! Awesome - remember fear, daunting!
It was a short-notice request. That means I didn't have a lot of time to get nervous. I also figured out that at least two of the three who had attended the last class I filled in on, would not be there. My fallback position, then, was to use the same plan -- perfect! With a little variation on the start.
Exciting, also, in that I'd prepared a music playlist for the previous occasion; never got to use it, because I couldn't figure it out. This time, I was prepared -- just had to figure out the player at the studio.
So, music and plan in hand, I arrived a few minutes early at the studio. Remember it's a holiday week, so attendance has been lower in most classes. In came 3; 2 people I have met before and one of them brought a friend who had a little yoga experience. (None had come to the previous class -- plan in place!). Talk about six degrees -- one introduced herself (with a distinct accent); the new person responded in Russian -- WOW! (He just happened to study the language in school, so could offer a few phrases, which I could see made her very happy.)
After introductions, we talked a bit about injuries, and got started. It is fun to move as the guide for these practices -- a major issue is that I have to remember NOT to mirror; after all, I'm doing the same thing as I'm asking participants to do. After a few minutes, I commented about how quiet everyone was (I do enjoy feedback). And, a few minutes later, the newer participant offered me a few 'obligatory groans' (after all, he said, that's what I asked for, wasn't it?). We kept moving, went to the wall, each had a successful upside-down moment (even if all their legs didn't lift). Just finding the shape is sometimes all it takes to feel good about your work. Then to the floor, then to savasana.
This time, I taught (guided) as I usually do -- watching (as I practiced) what was happening in each person's poses, offering refinements and encouragement. Best part -- I had fun doing it. It was AWESOME.
On July 3, the drive anywhere around San Diego is not the most fun. It took me 45 minutes to drive from home to Del Mar, took me 90 minutes to get back home. But I sang the whole way, part of the residual effect of an 'awesome' practice.
Happy 4th of July!
BLOG DRAMA
"As she hurriedly finished her breakfast (including one-half of a juicy orange), she turned to the keyboard; only to find her fingers sticky with the afore-mentioned juice. What to do? Wipe it off, and get back to the typing. The end."
Joking . . . it's not the end of this blog post, just the end of the blog drama for which this post is titled. HaHaHaHa !!! (I do love a good (or bad) joke in the morning.)
What is not a joke is the soreness I am experiencing each time I inhale deeply. I can only think of one person to blame for that, and that person's initials are DR (as in Desiree Rumbaugh). She's back and didn't miss a beat yesterday, moving us in all directions -- sideways, up, down, on hands, on knees, on one hand and one knee. You name it, I think we moved there. All with the intention of keeping our back body spread, ribs and belly engaged through front body, shoulder blades on back -- standing tall with the firm foundation that posture gives us.
Breakthrough moment! We did Hanumanasana (splits) and I went lower than usual -- however that's not the breakthrough. The next pose, the one where you are in a lunge, put right shoulder under right knee, stretch right leg forward off the ground, and lift back leg. You know that one? (I can't remember the name of it.) Anyway, I have never (NEVER) taken the front leg off the ground, unless I bent the knee. Yesterday, I not only lifted it from the ground, but the leg was straight. Be still my heart.
Other news from the practice -- the Pasadena Posse was there, including my friend Jose Alvarado. So good to see him. I put my mat across from his, every once in a while we'd both look up and he'd be cheering me on. That, plus LeeAnn next to me, made the practice truly inspirational. Someday, I may be able to do at least a portion of the poses they do; for now, it is fun to watch.
My own teaching has been very rewarding lately. People struggling with conditions or injuries that preclude most from even thinking about yoga, are showing up. They are doing the best they can, and they are finding benefit. Love that part of teaching.
Today? Taking one dog to the vet (routine check), then to Temecula for Gentle Yoga at Yoga For Life, followed by Wisdom Warriors at Living Yoga, and a basic class (also at Living Yoga) that I am subbing for a friend.
Hope you have a great Thursday!
Joking . . . it's not the end of this blog post, just the end of the blog drama for which this post is titled. HaHaHaHa !!! (I do love a good (or bad) joke in the morning.)
What is not a joke is the soreness I am experiencing each time I inhale deeply. I can only think of one person to blame for that, and that person's initials are DR (as in Desiree Rumbaugh). She's back and didn't miss a beat yesterday, moving us in all directions -- sideways, up, down, on hands, on knees, on one hand and one knee. You name it, I think we moved there. All with the intention of keeping our back body spread, ribs and belly engaged through front body, shoulder blades on back -- standing tall with the firm foundation that posture gives us.
Breakthrough moment! We did Hanumanasana (splits) and I went lower than usual -- however that's not the breakthrough. The next pose, the one where you are in a lunge, put right shoulder under right knee, stretch right leg forward off the ground, and lift back leg. You know that one? (I can't remember the name of it.) Anyway, I have never (NEVER) taken the front leg off the ground, unless I bent the knee. Yesterday, I not only lifted it from the ground, but the leg was straight. Be still my heart.
Other news from the practice -- the Pasadena Posse was there, including my friend Jose Alvarado. So good to see him. I put my mat across from his, every once in a while we'd both look up and he'd be cheering me on. That, plus LeeAnn next to me, made the practice truly inspirational. Someday, I may be able to do at least a portion of the poses they do; for now, it is fun to watch.
My own teaching has been very rewarding lately. People struggling with conditions or injuries that preclude most from even thinking about yoga, are showing up. They are doing the best they can, and they are finding benefit. Love that part of teaching.
Today? Taking one dog to the vet (routine check), then to Temecula for Gentle Yoga at Yoga For Life, followed by Wisdom Warriors at Living Yoga, and a basic class (also at Living Yoga) that I am subbing for a friend.
Hope you have a great Thursday!
I'M BACK . . .
One day short of a month, I'm back; back to writing in the blog, since I've always been here -- just silent on the writing front.
What have I been doing? Yoga, teaching yoga, more yoga, more teaching, some housework, practicing my guitar(s) -- yes, plural, spending time with family, a little yard work, and NOT writing in the blog. For a good reason? No, just not writing.
I was reminded 2 days ago (when I received an ad from Apple about the new MacBook Air) that my husband, Howard, bought me this MacBook Pro computer about 4-5 years ago. The reason? I worked on an older laptop (PC) then, and he says he enjoyed walking out and finding me smiling at the computer in the mornings as I wrote.
Then, I touched base with a Wisdom Warriors friend and she commented that she enjoyed reading my blog posts (what blog posts, I thought); perhaps I could take this as a friendly 'nudge' to write again. Whatever the reason, writing in the blog has brought me pleasure -- new friends, reconnection with old friends, education thru researching some of the topics I've written about, sharing information, etc., etc., etc. Basically, a lot of enjoyment just from writing.
SO, I'm back.
What have I been doing? Yoga, teaching yoga, more yoga, more teaching, some housework, practicing my guitar(s) -- yes, plural, spending time with family, a little yard work, and NOT writing in the blog. For a good reason? No, just not writing.
I was reminded 2 days ago (when I received an ad from Apple about the new MacBook Air) that my husband, Howard, bought me this MacBook Pro computer about 4-5 years ago. The reason? I worked on an older laptop (PC) then, and he says he enjoyed walking out and finding me smiling at the computer in the mornings as I wrote.
Then, I touched base with a Wisdom Warriors friend and she commented that she enjoyed reading my blog posts (what blog posts, I thought); perhaps I could take this as a friendly 'nudge' to write again. Whatever the reason, writing in the blog has brought me pleasure -- new friends, reconnection with old friends, education thru researching some of the topics I've written about, sharing information, etc., etc., etc. Basically, a lot of enjoyment just from writing.
SO, I'm back.
My teaching has exploded! I teach more classes now than ever; and, as people learn about me, some of those are well attended. As I've posted on Facebook a couple times -- I am different in my teaching; and many students struggle with that. That's o.k., since there appear to be many who need my style of teaching.
I was even asked to step in as guide for one of our Wisdom Warriors sessions!!! Be still my heart -- standing in for Desiree Rumbaugh (and Mary Payton). This happened just one day after I cracked my big toe doing a 'bad' demo (the sound heard round the room). So, I was a bit compromised when the big day came. That meant I picked the pose list (Desiree left us well prepared with ideas for teaching) with the fewest poses that would challenge that toe. It was fun, it was another growth experience. A few attended (meaning 3, literally); and we worked hard. I misunderstood Desiree's instructions, repeating a pose sequence 3 times (I believed she had written "repeat 5 times", but I made an 'executive' decision to just do it 3 times). What she really meant was 'do the five poses in a row' - NOT do the 5 poses, 5 times. No wonder we ran out of time!
All in all, it turned out well. We collaborated during the practice, each offering thoughts and pose variations that benefitted us all. Another 'be still my heart' moment, and the way I love to practice -- with some help from my friends.
On another topic, my current favorite yoga book is "Yoga at the Wall" -- since I use the wall a LOT in several of my classes, especially the therapeutic/gentle classes. Some great ideas in there.
Guitar goes well -- ups and downs. Some days the fingers work better than others. I'm still taking lessons and I'm still practicing (and I have accumulated a few guitars to work with). Isn't that how guitar players are? My routine is to practice on one, then choose another to work with for a bit. So, I am using the guitars in my 'stable' (is that what you call your collection of guitars?). Anyway, it is fun. I haven't played for anyone yet -- just not nimble or confident enough yet. Someday.
It's Saturday, a free day embellished by dinner with new friends. Hope your weekend is a good one and Happy Father's Day to all who care for others.
Different = AWESOME
I heard it again this week -- that phrase that I have come to re-define.
Every once in a while, especially when I sub a class, I hear this line as one comes out of a pose: "Well, that was different." There was a time when I would feel crushed, feel that I had failed; that feeling of being 'different' would overwhelm me and my teaching.
But, since finding the cute little cartoon on Facebook (the one with the Unicorn, captioned "different is awesome"), my reaction/response has shifted. I think I am really coming to believe in the title of this post (at least when it applies to my teaching).
I was subbing this week when I heard the phrase, and I quickly responded "as in AWESOME". I went on to explain the origin of my shift towards the definition of 'different' to the students in class. They chuckled.
I just looked up the definition of 'awesome' - interesting that this is what it says: extremely impressive or daunting; inspiring great admiration, apprehension or fear. And, there is the answer -- different is sometimes scary, daunting, without comfort zone -- it is awesome. Wow!
Never ceases to amaze me when I re-frame something (a move, a phrase, a thought) and my whole attitude towards it changes.
I am going to Spokane tomorrow, to visit family AND to do a workshop with my long-time teacher, Adam Ballenger -- a great believer in AWESOME. The young man who somewhere, somehow taught me how to work with different and embrace its awesome-ness when I practice yoga. Looking forward to seeing him, meeting some new yoga friends, and visiting family.
But, first, I must write about Wisdom Warriors. It's been different. Desiree is traveling -- off to Europe, I think -- for six weeks. In her stead is Mary, whose teaching style is different (think awesome). Oh, I'd be lying if I didn't say that the first week, I wished for Desiree, for the familiar. The second week, a shift. For one, we did a bunch of more manageable poses (for me), and - two - I am becoming familiar with Mary's style. What does that tell me? Different takes some getting used to, even if it is awesome.
We did tons of backbending and shoulder opening stuff. My right shoulder, which has been bothering me the past weeks (months?) took a day off. I did not push it, however, choosing to keep right arm on my hip at times when others were extending theirs up to the ceiling. I also resisted 'wild thing' on the right side. In the back of my mind was the thought: 'I don't want a sore right shoulder when I practice this coming weekend.', so, I took it easy on that arm. We'll see if my theory pans out.
It was fun. It was more relaxed than the first week. We laughed and talked a bit. And, I have to give Mary credit -- who would want to step into Desiree Rumbaugh's shoes (for six weeks, no less), and risk the wrath of many 50+ year old WisdomWarriors. Good on, Mary!
Today? Teaching Gentle Yoga at Yoga for Life at 12:30, then Temecula's Wisdom Warriors will meet at Living Yoga Center.
I just finished reading Karen Sprute-Francovich's blog. She is an amazing writer and perhaps I'll see her this weekend. She ended hers with this poem -- perfect.
You see, I want a lot.
Perhaps I want everything:
the darkness that comes with every infinite fall
and the shivering blaze of every step up.
So many live on and want nothing,
and are raised to the rank of prince
by the slippery ease of their light judgemnts.
But what you love to see are faces
that do work and feel thirst.
You love most of all those who need you
as they need a crowbar or a hoe.
You have not grown old, and it is not too late
to dive into your increasing depths
where life calmly gives out its own secret.
Rainer Maria Rilke / from The Book of the Hours
(Translated by Robert Bly)
Every once in a while, especially when I sub a class, I hear this line as one comes out of a pose: "Well, that was different." There was a time when I would feel crushed, feel that I had failed; that feeling of being 'different' would overwhelm me and my teaching.
But, since finding the cute little cartoon on Facebook (the one with the Unicorn, captioned "different is awesome"), my reaction/response has shifted. I think I am really coming to believe in the title of this post (at least when it applies to my teaching).
I was subbing this week when I heard the phrase, and I quickly responded "as in AWESOME". I went on to explain the origin of my shift towards the definition of 'different' to the students in class. They chuckled.
I just looked up the definition of 'awesome' - interesting that this is what it says: extremely impressive or daunting; inspiring great admiration, apprehension or fear. And, there is the answer -- different is sometimes scary, daunting, without comfort zone -- it is awesome. Wow!
Never ceases to amaze me when I re-frame something (a move, a phrase, a thought) and my whole attitude towards it changes.
I am going to Spokane tomorrow, to visit family AND to do a workshop with my long-time teacher, Adam Ballenger -- a great believer in AWESOME. The young man who somewhere, somehow taught me how to work with different and embrace its awesome-ness when I practice yoga. Looking forward to seeing him, meeting some new yoga friends, and visiting family.
But, first, I must write about Wisdom Warriors. It's been different. Desiree is traveling -- off to Europe, I think -- for six weeks. In her stead is Mary, whose teaching style is different (think awesome). Oh, I'd be lying if I didn't say that the first week, I wished for Desiree, for the familiar. The second week, a shift. For one, we did a bunch of more manageable poses (for me), and - two - I am becoming familiar with Mary's style. What does that tell me? Different takes some getting used to, even if it is awesome.
We did tons of backbending and shoulder opening stuff. My right shoulder, which has been bothering me the past weeks (months?) took a day off. I did not push it, however, choosing to keep right arm on my hip at times when others were extending theirs up to the ceiling. I also resisted 'wild thing' on the right side. In the back of my mind was the thought: 'I don't want a sore right shoulder when I practice this coming weekend.', so, I took it easy on that arm. We'll see if my theory pans out.
It was fun. It was more relaxed than the first week. We laughed and talked a bit. And, I have to give Mary credit -- who would want to step into Desiree Rumbaugh's shoes (for six weeks, no less), and risk the wrath of many 50+ year old WisdomWarriors. Good on, Mary!
Today? Teaching Gentle Yoga at Yoga for Life at 12:30, then Temecula's Wisdom Warriors will meet at Living Yoga Center.
I just finished reading Karen Sprute-Francovich's blog. She is an amazing writer and perhaps I'll see her this weekend. She ended hers with this poem -- perfect.
You see, I want a lot.
Perhaps I want everything:
the darkness that comes with every infinite fall
and the shivering blaze of every step up.
So many live on and want nothing,
and are raised to the rank of prince
by the slippery ease of their light judgemnts.
But what you love to see are faces
that do work and feel thirst.
You love most of all those who need you
as they need a crowbar or a hoe.
You have not grown old, and it is not too late
to dive into your increasing depths
where life calmly gives out its own secret.
Rainer Maria Rilke / from The Book of the Hours
(Translated by Robert Bly)
A LITTLE R&R TO RE-CHARGE
I returned Monday from a long weekend in Idaho -- a little R&R to re-charge the batteries, so to speak.
It's interesting that many times the 'return' from such a trip is laced with challenges. I choose to believe that's simply to remind us that it is really nice to be home. This trip, I had a short connection time in Salt Lake City. When we left Idaho Falls, we were delayed by 20 minutes as the flight crew asked for more gas and for air traffic to clear. That meant that I would have 25 minutes in SLC to get to the next flight. Once on approach to SLC, the airport put us in a holding pattern due to weather (this also delayed us another 15 minutes). Now, I have 10 minutes to get to my connecting flight. Once off the plane, I waited 2-3 minutes for my bag and, once on my way, I looked at the clock -- 4 minutes until departure.
Fortunately, the connecting gate was reasonably close, other planes had been delayed, and I made it onto my flight. SO GLAD TO BE HOME!
When I leave town, I also leave my students in the care of substitute teachers. I've been hearing that all had a good experience, and enjoyed the teaching they received. Many teachers will tell their students when they are leaving; I choose not to (unless circumstances warrant). Why? Some students will 'skip' their classes if their regular teacher is absent. They may also 'skip' some great teaching. Hence, my way of handling a guest teacher's presence.
Since my return, I've been teaching, teaching, teaching. And, practicing.
Wisdom Warriors Del Mar, yesterday, was fun -- so good to see and work with the friends I've cultivated through that practice. We are experiencing a 'sub' situation for the next 6 weeks, as Desiree is in Europe teaching. In her absence, Mary has taken the helm (with some help from Geri, I think). We had fun, and I am wondering what poses we didn't do -- well, I watched at times. It was a challenging practice - physically and mentally. I was able to really relate to my own students, as I worked to maintain my 'beginner' mind. That doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it (the practice), it means that I had to remind myself that Desiree wasn't there and, instead, Mary is our guide -- her teaching is different, no less challenging or skilled, just different. I am glad I was in the class; good to see how others teach, practice some different poses, sweat a bit, have fun.
So, today? Teaching at 12:30 at Yoga For Life; then Wisdom Warriors at Living Yoga (2:30).
Hope you all have a great Thursday,
It's interesting that many times the 'return' from such a trip is laced with challenges. I choose to believe that's simply to remind us that it is really nice to be home. This trip, I had a short connection time in Salt Lake City. When we left Idaho Falls, we were delayed by 20 minutes as the flight crew asked for more gas and for air traffic to clear. That meant that I would have 25 minutes in SLC to get to the next flight. Once on approach to SLC, the airport put us in a holding pattern due to weather (this also delayed us another 15 minutes). Now, I have 10 minutes to get to my connecting flight. Once off the plane, I waited 2-3 minutes for my bag and, once on my way, I looked at the clock -- 4 minutes until departure.
Fortunately, the connecting gate was reasonably close, other planes had been delayed, and I made it onto my flight. SO GLAD TO BE HOME!
When I leave town, I also leave my students in the care of substitute teachers. I've been hearing that all had a good experience, and enjoyed the teaching they received. Many teachers will tell their students when they are leaving; I choose not to (unless circumstances warrant). Why? Some students will 'skip' their classes if their regular teacher is absent. They may also 'skip' some great teaching. Hence, my way of handling a guest teacher's presence.
Since my return, I've been teaching, teaching, teaching. And, practicing.
Wisdom Warriors Del Mar, yesterday, was fun -- so good to see and work with the friends I've cultivated through that practice. We are experiencing a 'sub' situation for the next 6 weeks, as Desiree is in Europe teaching. In her absence, Mary has taken the helm (with some help from Geri, I think). We had fun, and I am wondering what poses we didn't do -- well, I watched at times. It was a challenging practice - physically and mentally. I was able to really relate to my own students, as I worked to maintain my 'beginner' mind. That doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it (the practice), it means that I had to remind myself that Desiree wasn't there and, instead, Mary is our guide -- her teaching is different, no less challenging or skilled, just different. I am glad I was in the class; good to see how others teach, practice some different poses, sweat a bit, have fun.
So, today? Teaching at 12:30 at Yoga For Life; then Wisdom Warriors at Living Yoga (2:30).
Hope you all have a great Thursday,
FLIP SIDE OF 'CHAIR YOGA'
I have taught Gentle Yoga classes for 10 years now. The longer I am in one spot, the classes grow and flourish -- even when I bring out the props. The one 'prop' that can send people running, however, is the CHAIR.
The CHAIR denotes something to some people that is truly unacceptable.
For me, it brings up a vision of a chair yoga video I purchased many years ago - when I was looking for ideas. That video included about 10 people in a circle, seated on chairs, flapping their arms in the air. I looked at those 10 80-year-olds and thought, 'oh my, what is that doing to their shoulders' and immediately turned the video OFF. Maybe that's what other people visualize, as well, ya think?
Well, I have news for those 'some people' and myself -- CHAIR yoga with Desiree Rumbaugh is as hard, if not harder, than many yoga classes I have tried. And, I saw 50+ year olds in yesterday's practice working on the chair, doing poses like urdhva dhanurasana (with feet on the chair); scorpion (bring feet down to the chair); and shoulder stand (shoulders on a stack on blankets; hips on the chair seat).
We spent 2 hours, in which almost every pose involved the CHAIR.
I need to quickly sit down and write a list of the creative ways we used the CHAIRS, so that I can once again bring them out, bar the doors, and give students a dose of this fun way to open, align and support themselves in their yoga practice. Interestingly, as hard as we worked, I am not sore this morning - yet. We'll see as the day goes on and I move around a little more aggressively.
What else have I been up to since writing 21 days ago in this blog? Teaching, teaching and more teaching. I also am still taking guitar lessons, and I have squeaked in a workshop with Doug Keller, as well.
Wow! I thought Doug's books were good; he, in person, is great! I'm going to go back to the books and re-read them -- much of what I read will have greater impact/meaning now that I've seen things in action.
Today? Teaching Gentle Yoga at Yoga For Life; then Temecula's Wisdom Warriors will gather at Living Yoga Center. For both classes, there may be CHAIRS involved. Fair warning.
Hope you all have a great Thursday!
BUSY, BUSY, BUSY
I have often been heard to scorn the person who tells me they are 'too busy' when asked to do something important to their journey. I might have to eat some words here (stale words), since I've been using the exact phrase on many occasions in the past month or two. Why? Well, let me tell you:
About a month ago, my Certification with the Anusara School of Hatha Yoga was finalized. This monumental accomplishment, while tarnished by the antics of JF, has me standing taller and more confidently in my teaching. I am good at what I do and completing the Certification is living proof! (just needed to say that . . . )
Since then I've taken on a couple more classes to teach, including an Intro to Yoga. Teaching 20+ new students how to 'do' yoga is a challenge. Not that I need to know how to teach them poses, but I also want to instill an enthusiasm -- how do I do that? I decided that one of the things I valued most in my early years was feeling noticed. With that in mind, I did a number of things differently from prior Intros, which has certainly kept me 'busy'. Not sure what I will do for the final class, but I'm thinking about it. I could easily say 'busy' after this.
Then, there are my 'regular' classes - which are up to 8 each week. I never thought I'd teach that much, but it's now or never, I'm thinking. And, at the ripe age of 63, I need to get busy and cram a lot of teaching and learning into the next years. So 'busy' again.
My personal practice has gone up and down; fortunately, I have Wisdom Warriors to keep me motivated and stimulated. I missed two weeks (how can one miss 4 hours of practice with Desiree Riumbaugh - DUMB!). Nevertheless, the damage was done. I returned yesterday, wondering how I would do; could I keep up? I did pretty well. I'm not saying everyone should take 2 weeks off from their practice with Desiree, but sometimes a few days away gives us an unexpected boost when we return.
What did we do? Rather, what didn't we do? Standing poses, backbends, balance, upside down, plus an experiment or two -- all part of 2 hours spent with Wisdom Warriors. Our motto -- keep moving while you keep your ribs contained, your belly engaged, your tailbone moving towards your heels, and your gaze lifted -- something like that. (actually, I just made that up -- early morning mind unravelings).
On the home front, we just returned from our cabin in Idaho. Had planned this 4-day trip for a long time, but didn't realize that it would coincide with the replacement of our roof. Poor dogs, had to stay here with a house sitter, who endured the pounding and stomping on the roof for those days. We are back, roof is almost done (as with many house projects, it took longer and more $$$$$$$ than expected, but what can you say about that). Life might be back to normal at the Fallbrook house soon.
And, Idaho -- wonderful 4 days spent in front of the wood stove reading. I even cooked every night we were there (a remarkable accomplishment). Nice to get away, nice to be home.
Today, up to Temecula to teach -- Gentle at Yoga for Life; Temecula Wisdom Warriors at Living Yoga Center.
Hope you have a great Thursday!
About a month ago, my Certification with the Anusara School of Hatha Yoga was finalized. This monumental accomplishment, while tarnished by the antics of JF, has me standing taller and more confidently in my teaching. I am good at what I do and completing the Certification is living proof! (just needed to say that . . . )
Since then I've taken on a couple more classes to teach, including an Intro to Yoga. Teaching 20+ new students how to 'do' yoga is a challenge. Not that I need to know how to teach them poses, but I also want to instill an enthusiasm -- how do I do that? I decided that one of the things I valued most in my early years was feeling noticed. With that in mind, I did a number of things differently from prior Intros, which has certainly kept me 'busy'. Not sure what I will do for the final class, but I'm thinking about it. I could easily say 'busy' after this.
Then, there are my 'regular' classes - which are up to 8 each week. I never thought I'd teach that much, but it's now or never, I'm thinking. And, at the ripe age of 63, I need to get busy and cram a lot of teaching and learning into the next years. So 'busy' again.
My personal practice has gone up and down; fortunately, I have Wisdom Warriors to keep me motivated and stimulated. I missed two weeks (how can one miss 4 hours of practice with Desiree Riumbaugh - DUMB!). Nevertheless, the damage was done. I returned yesterday, wondering how I would do; could I keep up? I did pretty well. I'm not saying everyone should take 2 weeks off from their practice with Desiree, but sometimes a few days away gives us an unexpected boost when we return.
What did we do? Rather, what didn't we do? Standing poses, backbends, balance, upside down, plus an experiment or two -- all part of 2 hours spent with Wisdom Warriors. Our motto -- keep moving while you keep your ribs contained, your belly engaged, your tailbone moving towards your heels, and your gaze lifted -- something like that. (actually, I just made that up -- early morning mind unravelings).
On the home front, we just returned from our cabin in Idaho. Had planned this 4-day trip for a long time, but didn't realize that it would coincide with the replacement of our roof. Poor dogs, had to stay here with a house sitter, who endured the pounding and stomping on the roof for those days. We are back, roof is almost done (as with many house projects, it took longer and more $$$$$$$ than expected, but what can you say about that). Life might be back to normal at the Fallbrook house soon.
And, Idaho -- wonderful 4 days spent in front of the wood stove reading. I even cooked every night we were there (a remarkable accomplishment). Nice to get away, nice to be home.
Today, up to Temecula to teach -- Gentle at Yoga for Life; Temecula Wisdom Warriors at Living Yoga Center.
Hope you have a great Thursday!
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
First thought this morning was it's Valentine's Day -- need to write in the card I bought and write in my blog. Interesting. Two very different processes, but both valuable.
I've taken care of the first, now the blog which has been sorely neglected over the past weeks/months.
Not sure why. Busy, I guess. Doing what, you ask? Teaching yoga, reading about yoga, preparing for and presenting workshops on yoga, marketing yoga, and - on the side - learning to play the guitar (lessons, even), spending time with family, cleaning house (literally; lots of dog hair in this place), and trying to finalize an important segment of my life - Certification as an Anusara Yoga Instructor.
That last task - achieving Certification - was completed yesterday. A nice phone call, a flurry of internet 'paperwork', a welcome e-mail in my inbox, and - TaDa - I'm Certified. I wish this had happened 14 months ago, prior to the Anusara debacle, but it didn't. It happened 2/13/13. The process, which had been ongoing for several years, went into 'hold' mode over the past 12 months, was awakened 2 months ago, and finished, finally.
Certification is quite an achievement. Not only does it mean I've really finished something, but along the way I've learned so much about the body, life, people; that, to have missed it, would have meant you'd be looking at the old Leslie (this blog probably wouldn't exist). I'd still be concerned with cars, clothes, status. And, still feel a bit 'lacking'. No more. Today and yesterday, and the day before, and the day before - I know I have more to do and be than what I was. Certification is "icing on the cake" (if you are a student of mine, this phrase sounds very familiar, right?) So enough. It's done. I'm Certified. And I'm proud of it.
You know what? I just realized a correlation. On Tuesday, 2/12/13, I taught the second class of my Intro series with 25+ students in the room. I boldly decided to ask them to chant with me, to 'name' Ganesh, to call him into the room, to help cross a threshhold to this new movement practice called yoga. I prepared a handout with Ganesh's history and the chant taught me by Eric Stoneberg, in a past workshop series. Participants repeat the short chant 11 times, breaking old habits and crossing a threshold. I demo'd it to this new group, asking them to chant with me. I took a deep breath (tip from Adam, here) and began. From beginning to end, I heard voices chanting with me. Ganesh joined us (and perhaps was helpful to me, even, as that last little 'push' to cross my threshold). Just thinking here.
NOW, ABOUT WISDOM WARRIORS -- that part of my life and teaching you've really been waiting to hear about. Trekked (drove, actually) to Del Mar. I'd missed last week, so was not feeling particularly 'strong'. I did want to share my Certification news with Desiree, who had encouraged me to finish (along with Sundari). Arrived, settled in. "We're going to take care of ourselves today." she says. We think, oh good, gentle practice. It was, in some ways. It was also challenging and opening, in many others -- hips, hamstrings, twisting, arm balancing, to name some.
One thing I've learned from this Lady (Desiree), is that the great teachers are not afraid to wander away from the 'script'. To teach to the energy room; pushing where necessary, asking for more if needed, leaving alone if that's called for.
Result: I felt strong the entire practice; got a good neck adjustment (neck was stiff, no longer). And, I was surprised by how much I was able to do.
Today? Teaching in Temecula. Gentle at Yoga For Life, 12:30; Temecula Wisdom Warriors at 2:30pm at Living Yoga Center. Looking forward to it!
Have a great Thursday!
I've taken care of the first, now the blog which has been sorely neglected over the past weeks/months.
Not sure why. Busy, I guess. Doing what, you ask? Teaching yoga, reading about yoga, preparing for and presenting workshops on yoga, marketing yoga, and - on the side - learning to play the guitar (lessons, even), spending time with family, cleaning house (literally; lots of dog hair in this place), and trying to finalize an important segment of my life - Certification as an Anusara Yoga Instructor.
That last task - achieving Certification - was completed yesterday. A nice phone call, a flurry of internet 'paperwork', a welcome e-mail in my inbox, and - TaDa - I'm Certified. I wish this had happened 14 months ago, prior to the Anusara debacle, but it didn't. It happened 2/13/13. The process, which had been ongoing for several years, went into 'hold' mode over the past 12 months, was awakened 2 months ago, and finished, finally.
Certification is quite an achievement. Not only does it mean I've really finished something, but along the way I've learned so much about the body, life, people; that, to have missed it, would have meant you'd be looking at the old Leslie (this blog probably wouldn't exist). I'd still be concerned with cars, clothes, status. And, still feel a bit 'lacking'. No more. Today and yesterday, and the day before, and the day before - I know I have more to do and be than what I was. Certification is "icing on the cake" (if you are a student of mine, this phrase sounds very familiar, right?) So enough. It's done. I'm Certified. And I'm proud of it.
You know what? I just realized a correlation. On Tuesday, 2/12/13, I taught the second class of my Intro series with 25+ students in the room. I boldly decided to ask them to chant with me, to 'name' Ganesh, to call him into the room, to help cross a threshhold to this new movement practice called yoga. I prepared a handout with Ganesh's history and the chant taught me by Eric Stoneberg, in a past workshop series. Participants repeat the short chant 11 times, breaking old habits and crossing a threshold. I demo'd it to this new group, asking them to chant with me. I took a deep breath (tip from Adam, here) and began. From beginning to end, I heard voices chanting with me. Ganesh joined us (and perhaps was helpful to me, even, as that last little 'push' to cross my threshold). Just thinking here.
NOW, ABOUT WISDOM WARRIORS -- that part of my life and teaching you've really been waiting to hear about. Trekked (drove, actually) to Del Mar. I'd missed last week, so was not feeling particularly 'strong'. I did want to share my Certification news with Desiree, who had encouraged me to finish (along with Sundari). Arrived, settled in. "We're going to take care of ourselves today." she says. We think, oh good, gentle practice. It was, in some ways. It was also challenging and opening, in many others -- hips, hamstrings, twisting, arm balancing, to name some.
One thing I've learned from this Lady (Desiree), is that the great teachers are not afraid to wander away from the 'script'. To teach to the energy room; pushing where necessary, asking for more if needed, leaving alone if that's called for.
Result: I felt strong the entire practice; got a good neck adjustment (neck was stiff, no longer). And, I was surprised by how much I was able to do.
Today? Teaching in Temecula. Gentle at Yoga For Life, 12:30; Temecula Wisdom Warriors at 2:30pm at Living Yoga Center. Looking forward to it!
Have a great Thursday!
TEMECULA'S WISDOM WARRIORS
Each week, since April, I have chronicled the activities of the 'flagship' Wisdom Warriors in Del Mar. You see, that group is guided by Desiree Rumbaugh (with some help from Geri Portnoy & others), and I have made the trek (40 minutes to and fro) almost every week.
Today, tho, I'd like to focus my writing on the Temecula Wisdom Warriors -- a practice I began to guide about 8 weeks ago. It's an offshoot of the Del Mar Group (Wisdom Warriors is now trademarked by Desiree, due to its popularity and a growing awareness.).
Eight weeks ago, the first Temecula meet-up happened with about six in attendance. It was fun and I thought "wow, good turnout; this is gonna be great". After that first class, attendance wax'd and waned; never reaching the original attendance number, once there was no one! I'm about to think 'throw in the towel'. Then comes 2013.
Attendance begins to grow - first six, then seven. Who knows what the future will bring. What am I thinking now? Hang in there for a bit, see what happens.
I think the shift happened when students realized that it wasn't a class for 'old' people (something like chair yoga), but rather a class for students, aged 50 and older, to come together, refine their yoga skills and push their 'envelopes' a bit.
So, who does attend Wisdom Warriors Temecula at this point -- 50-, 60- and 70-year-olds. And, what does the practice look like? Warm-up, sun salutations, standing poses, twists, balance poses (arm and leg), some backbends, some inversions. Sound familiar? Sound like a 'regular' class? It is -- it's just attended by 'older' students, willing to laugh, groan, etc., together.
Today? To Temecula to teach.
Hope you have a great Thursday!
Oh, and what happened at the Del Mar Wisdom Warriors? Well, a full spectrum of poses; focusing on balance. Not just standing on one leg, but also balancing energy between left and right. Always fun, always challenging (Desiree is on a mission -- urdhva dhanurasana is her goal for me; I better get used to it, and practice it!)
Today, tho, I'd like to focus my writing on the Temecula Wisdom Warriors -- a practice I began to guide about 8 weeks ago. It's an offshoot of the Del Mar Group (Wisdom Warriors is now trademarked by Desiree, due to its popularity and a growing awareness.).
Eight weeks ago, the first Temecula meet-up happened with about six in attendance. It was fun and I thought "wow, good turnout; this is gonna be great". After that first class, attendance wax'd and waned; never reaching the original attendance number, once there was no one! I'm about to think 'throw in the towel'. Then comes 2013.
Attendance begins to grow - first six, then seven. Who knows what the future will bring. What am I thinking now? Hang in there for a bit, see what happens.
I think the shift happened when students realized that it wasn't a class for 'old' people (something like chair yoga), but rather a class for students, aged 50 and older, to come together, refine their yoga skills and push their 'envelopes' a bit.
So, who does attend Wisdom Warriors Temecula at this point -- 50-, 60- and 70-year-olds. And, what does the practice look like? Warm-up, sun salutations, standing poses, twists, balance poses (arm and leg), some backbends, some inversions. Sound familiar? Sound like a 'regular' class? It is -- it's just attended by 'older' students, willing to laugh, groan, etc., together.
Today? To Temecula to teach.
Hope you have a great Thursday!
Oh, and what happened at the Del Mar Wisdom Warriors? Well, a full spectrum of poses; focusing on balance. Not just standing on one leg, but also balancing energy between left and right. Always fun, always challenging (Desiree is on a mission -- urdhva dhanurasana is her goal for me; I better get used to it, and practice it!)
EVERMORE WONDERS . . .
Many blog posts ago, I wrote about the correlation of effective listening to the 3A's of Anusara Yoga -- attitude, alignment and action. At the time, I thought that was a pretty good comparison and I could make a good case for using those A's for many of the things I do. I still can.
Though these days, I'm a bit less vocal about shouting the wonders of Anusara from the rooftops. I still reflect on all the good lessons and happy times I shared in the almost-fifteen years I've studied Anusara.
Today, I include different stuff in my study. Carefully evaluating a presenter's qualifications and material before making a decision to invest. And, I've found the webinars are a great way to go in this new world. No packing, no airports to traverse, no husband (or pets) to leave behind. It's just a more comfortable, yet still effective way of study, and a way to explore new and previously-unknown-to-me instructors.
I've wandered -- back to the title; which comes from this quote:
"If you’re really listening, if you’re awake to the poignant beauty of the world, your heart breaks regularly. In fact, your heart is made to break; its purpose is to burst open again and again so that it can hold evermore wonders."
~ Andrew Harvey
So, for 2013, I've decided to use the word 'listen' as one of my guides. I will continue to learn, I will absorb more, and my heart will hold 'evermore wonders' (LOVE those two words).
Oh, and I was listening yesterday during Wisdom Warriors, as we prepped our way into some backbends. Comes the dreaded phrase, 'lie on your backs'; which always happens before the dreaded pose -- urdhva dhanurasana (aka backbend or wheel). I gave it good effort for the first one, and got on top of my head. Then, she (Desiree Rumbaugh) says: "give me a number between 5 and 10." We do. She picks 13. I know, it doesn't make sense, but it's Desiree; who are we to argue? 13 what? You got it, 13 Urdhva's.
So, we begin. A roomful of 50+ year olds (and three 60+ year olds and one 70+ year old) counting down 13 urdhva's. Each one, my friend (Desiree) is standing over me. Each one, she grabs my shoulders (and shoulder blades) and helps me up. Each one, she directs by heart (which is about to hold 13 EVERMORE WONDERS), over my hands.
I'm not tired, I'm not even thinking about NOT doing all 13, and we finish. 13 Urdhva Dhanurasanas, with some help from a friend. Be still my heart.
Today? Teaching in Temecula: Gentle/Therapeutic at Yoga For Life at 12:30pm; then practicing with my own group of Wisdom Warriors (which is growing!) at Living Yoga, 2:30pm.
Hope your Thursday is a great one,
Though these days, I'm a bit less vocal about shouting the wonders of Anusara from the rooftops. I still reflect on all the good lessons and happy times I shared in the almost-fifteen years I've studied Anusara.
Today, I include different stuff in my study. Carefully evaluating a presenter's qualifications and material before making a decision to invest. And, I've found the webinars are a great way to go in this new world. No packing, no airports to traverse, no husband (or pets) to leave behind. It's just a more comfortable, yet still effective way of study, and a way to explore new and previously-unknown-to-me instructors.
I've wandered -- back to the title; which comes from this quote:
"If you’re really listening, if you’re awake to the poignant beauty of the world, your heart breaks regularly. In fact, your heart is made to break; its purpose is to burst open again and again so that it can hold evermore wonders."
~ Andrew Harvey
So, for 2013, I've decided to use the word 'listen' as one of my guides. I will continue to learn, I will absorb more, and my heart will hold 'evermore wonders' (LOVE those two words).
Oh, and I was listening yesterday during Wisdom Warriors, as we prepped our way into some backbends. Comes the dreaded phrase, 'lie on your backs'; which always happens before the dreaded pose -- urdhva dhanurasana (aka backbend or wheel). I gave it good effort for the first one, and got on top of my head. Then, she (Desiree Rumbaugh) says: "give me a number between 5 and 10." We do. She picks 13. I know, it doesn't make sense, but it's Desiree; who are we to argue? 13 what? You got it, 13 Urdhva's.
So, we begin. A roomful of 50+ year olds (and three 60+ year olds and one 70+ year old) counting down 13 urdhva's. Each one, my friend (Desiree) is standing over me. Each one, she grabs my shoulders (and shoulder blades) and helps me up. Each one, she directs by heart (which is about to hold 13 EVERMORE WONDERS), over my hands.
I'm not tired, I'm not even thinking about NOT doing all 13, and we finish. 13 Urdhva Dhanurasanas, with some help from a friend. Be still my heart.
Today? Teaching in Temecula: Gentle/Therapeutic at Yoga For Life at 12:30pm; then practicing with my own group of Wisdom Warriors (which is growing!) at Living Yoga, 2:30pm.
Hope your Thursday is a great one,
WE WILL ROLL WITH THE POSES . . .
I know that title phrase works better with the word 'punches'; however, it would not have adequately described our Wisdom Warriors' practice yesterday.
Our guide, while Desiree is on holiday, was Geri -- the YogaDelMar studio owner, a wonderful yoga teacher, and - now - a MELT(r) instructor. Lucky us -- we got a practice that blended our yoga with some "MELTing".
What is MELT(r)? The letters stand for Myofascial Energetic Lengthening Technique. Our muscles, organs, tendons -- everything has a layer of connective tissue that basically holds everything in place and ready to work. It used to be that this layer of fascia (connective tissue) was thought to be just that, nothing more; and it was often discarded and/or overlooked when working with clients and patients. In recent months/years, there has been an awakening to the power of the fascia.
With that awakening has come some innovative and effective ways of massaging, re-hydrating, re-enlivening the fascial layers of our bodies. One of those is MELT(r), and Geri introduced us to it in yesterday's practice (along with some good yoga).
We began with the hands, squeezing small balls with our fingers, then rolling the balls on top of and underneath the entire hand. We compared how our hands and fingers felt before and after -- interesting and powerful.
Then, some yoga -- standing poses, a few handstands, some balance work.
And, back to MELT(r) -- this time with a long cylinder (but somewhat squishy) roll that we maneuvered along our hamstrings, then along the IT band (a tough group of fibers that runs from gluteal muscles to knee on lateral aspect of thigh), and then a bit of work on the TFL (tensor fasciae latae - a muscle that begins at our pelvis and connects to the IT band). ISN'T IT FUN HOW ALL THIS FITS TOGETHER!?!?!?)
So, there you have it -- yesterday's Wisdom Warriors practice; finished off with a wonderful savasana.
On my schedule today -- back to teaching. First, to Yoga For Life for a Gentle Class; then to Living Yoga for Temecula's Wisdom Warrior practice.
I wish everyone a Happy and Safe 2013! Keep track of the good things that happen; re-frame the rest.
p.s. I use "re-frame" a lot, both in teaching and in life. I took a moment to look it up:
re-frame: frame or express (words or concept or plan) differently.
It's a keeper.
Our guide, while Desiree is on holiday, was Geri -- the YogaDelMar studio owner, a wonderful yoga teacher, and - now - a MELT(r) instructor. Lucky us -- we got a practice that blended our yoga with some "MELTing".
What is MELT(r)? The letters stand for Myofascial Energetic Lengthening Technique. Our muscles, organs, tendons -- everything has a layer of connective tissue that basically holds everything in place and ready to work. It used to be that this layer of fascia (connective tissue) was thought to be just that, nothing more; and it was often discarded and/or overlooked when working with clients and patients. In recent months/years, there has been an awakening to the power of the fascia.
With that awakening has come some innovative and effective ways of massaging, re-hydrating, re-enlivening the fascial layers of our bodies. One of those is MELT(r), and Geri introduced us to it in yesterday's practice (along with some good yoga).
We began with the hands, squeezing small balls with our fingers, then rolling the balls on top of and underneath the entire hand. We compared how our hands and fingers felt before and after -- interesting and powerful.
Then, some yoga -- standing poses, a few handstands, some balance work.
And, back to MELT(r) -- this time with a long cylinder (but somewhat squishy) roll that we maneuvered along our hamstrings, then along the IT band (a tough group of fibers that runs from gluteal muscles to knee on lateral aspect of thigh), and then a bit of work on the TFL (tensor fasciae latae - a muscle that begins at our pelvis and connects to the IT band). ISN'T IT FUN HOW ALL THIS FITS TOGETHER!?!?!?)
So, there you have it -- yesterday's Wisdom Warriors practice; finished off with a wonderful savasana.
On my schedule today -- back to teaching. First, to Yoga For Life for a Gentle Class; then to Living Yoga for Temecula's Wisdom Warrior practice.
I wish everyone a Happy and Safe 2013! Keep track of the good things that happen; re-frame the rest.
p.s. I use "re-frame" a lot, both in teaching and in life. I took a moment to look it up:
re-frame: frame or express (words or concept or plan) differently.
It's a keeper.
BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE (here in so. cal., even)
The outside temperature reads 42.1 -- warmer than the weatherman predicted on last night's news, but cold for southern california. So glad we didn't ship all our fleece and cold-weather gear to Idaho. Time to layer up!
Speaking of layering up -- these segue's just come out of nowhere sometimes. We layered in Wisdom Warriors yesterday. Three 30-minute 'classes' -- standing poses, forward folds, backbends -- each consisting of about 20 poses. Do the math -- 60 poses in 90 minutes.
NEVER CALL A 'WISDOM WARRIORS' CLASS THE 'OLD PEOPLES' CLASS' !!!
Why would Desiree plan such a class. It actually was a 'dress rehearsal' for a video she's putting together to share with students who don't have access to a Wisdom Warriors practice (currently there are 3 offered in the U.S. -- Del Mar (Desiree) and Temecula, CA (Me - Leslie); and Denver, CO (Michelle Berman Marchildon).
She wanted to 'see' if we could cram 20 poses into 30 minutes and look o.k. doing it (not perfect, mind you; but o.k. -- intermediate level poses, mind you). We succeeded. No one collapsed in exhaustion, no one whined, no one tried to distract her with mindless banter. We did the work and we did it well, if I do say so myself!
I also must thank Desiree for arranging for us to meet with a young man (yes, he was under age 50, by 20+ years, I'd say), whose specialty is "Functional Manual Physical Therapist". Very interesting. Dispelled a few myths and also offered some insights I'd not heard before.
One, I had heard before, but was a great reminder -- look at the whole person when they appear in class complaining of a sore knee. His example: A knee-replacement client still struggling with the same pain as before surgery. Turns out that this client (upon further diagnostic work) has a L2 disc issue, referring pain to the knee -- no real need for a knee-replacement. His mantra: "don't follow the pain".
We've been celebrating Christmas all week. It began Sunday with dinner and some gift opening at our son's home (they will spend actual Christmas Day with other family members); then, last night, the same crew came out for Chinese food at our house. Turns out that the grand-dudes (ages 2, 4, 6), enjoy Chinese food -- who knew? Comment heard from the 2-year-old, upon biting into an egg roll: "Yummy". Then he ate the whole thing, plus another half. Guess he really did like it.
Today? Traveling to Temecula to teach two classes.
Hope you have a great Thursday!
Speaking of layering up -- these segue's just come out of nowhere sometimes. We layered in Wisdom Warriors yesterday. Three 30-minute 'classes' -- standing poses, forward folds, backbends -- each consisting of about 20 poses. Do the math -- 60 poses in 90 minutes.
NEVER CALL A 'WISDOM WARRIORS' CLASS THE 'OLD PEOPLES' CLASS' !!!
Why would Desiree plan such a class. It actually was a 'dress rehearsal' for a video she's putting together to share with students who don't have access to a Wisdom Warriors practice (currently there are 3 offered in the U.S. -- Del Mar (Desiree) and Temecula, CA (Me - Leslie); and Denver, CO (Michelle Berman Marchildon).
She wanted to 'see' if we could cram 20 poses into 30 minutes and look o.k. doing it (not perfect, mind you; but o.k. -- intermediate level poses, mind you). We succeeded. No one collapsed in exhaustion, no one whined, no one tried to distract her with mindless banter. We did the work and we did it well, if I do say so myself!
I also must thank Desiree for arranging for us to meet with a young man (yes, he was under age 50, by 20+ years, I'd say), whose specialty is "Functional Manual Physical Therapist". Very interesting. Dispelled a few myths and also offered some insights I'd not heard before.
One, I had heard before, but was a great reminder -- look at the whole person when they appear in class complaining of a sore knee. His example: A knee-replacement client still struggling with the same pain as before surgery. Turns out that this client (upon further diagnostic work) has a L2 disc issue, referring pain to the knee -- no real need for a knee-replacement. His mantra: "don't follow the pain".
We've been celebrating Christmas all week. It began Sunday with dinner and some gift opening at our son's home (they will spend actual Christmas Day with other family members); then, last night, the same crew came out for Chinese food at our house. Turns out that the grand-dudes (ages 2, 4, 6), enjoy Chinese food -- who knew? Comment heard from the 2-year-old, upon biting into an egg roll: "Yummy". Then he ate the whole thing, plus another half. Guess he really did like it.
Today? Traveling to Temecula to teach two classes.
Hope you have a great Thursday!
TOO MANY THINGS . . .
If I have too many things to write about, doesn't that beg the question: 'why not write more often?'. It does, and I have no good answer so I'll ignore it and continue . . .
First -- Wisdom Warriors, aptly nicknamed "oh, the places you'll go" (whether you ever imagined you'd go there or not). Me? I found myself, supported by Desiree, trying to drop from a headstand into a variation of the pose pictured below. I didn't make it, but I tried. Trying is the value of this type of work.
The rest of the practice? Challenging, a lot of breakthroughs in the room, a lot of watching. Strong core work, carried over into inversions, arm balances, backbends -- just a few poses.
For all of it, I feel great this a.m. and felt great last night. No residual 'stuff'. Love it.
I drove home from Del Mar, grabbed a quick bite, changed into jeans, and got back in the car to drive to Temecula for a kirtan with Daniel Paul and Gina Sala. Wow! After the WW practice, I could have easily said 'I'm too tired'; I didn't and am I glad I didn't. Daniel Paul plays the tabla (small cylinder-shaped hand drums); and is a master at it -- having studied and played with most of the great kirtan groups in the world. Gina -- well, what a voice. And, her joyful personality came through in both her singing and her 'patter' (isn't that what they call chit-chat?) with the audience.
As with kirtans, there was chanting, and dancing. Best parts for me? Hearing their stories - his, an honoring of his teachers and friends, including Ravi Shankar (who passed on Tuesday), plus a bit of education about the tabla. Hers, a smattering of "Christmas Caroling with Friends" meets her Guruji's molecules in India. Such interesting histories!
So glad I made the effort to get there.
Hope you have a great Thursday; hard to believe it's just 12 days til Christmas!
First -- Wisdom Warriors, aptly nicknamed "oh, the places you'll go" (whether you ever imagined you'd go there or not). Me? I found myself, supported by Desiree, trying to drop from a headstand into a variation of the pose pictured below. I didn't make it, but I tried. Trying is the value of this type of work.
 |
| Dwi Pada Viparita Dandasana |
The rest of the practice? Challenging, a lot of breakthroughs in the room, a lot of watching. Strong core work, carried over into inversions, arm balances, backbends -- just a few poses.
For all of it, I feel great this a.m. and felt great last night. No residual 'stuff'. Love it.
I drove home from Del Mar, grabbed a quick bite, changed into jeans, and got back in the car to drive to Temecula for a kirtan with Daniel Paul and Gina Sala. Wow! After the WW practice, I could have easily said 'I'm too tired'; I didn't and am I glad I didn't. Daniel Paul plays the tabla (small cylinder-shaped hand drums); and is a master at it -- having studied and played with most of the great kirtan groups in the world. Gina -- well, what a voice. And, her joyful personality came through in both her singing and her 'patter' (isn't that what they call chit-chat?) with the audience.
As with kirtans, there was chanting, and dancing. Best parts for me? Hearing their stories - his, an honoring of his teachers and friends, including Ravi Shankar (who passed on Tuesday), plus a bit of education about the tabla. Hers, a smattering of "Christmas Caroling with Friends" meets her Guruji's molecules in India. Such interesting histories!
So glad I made the effort to get there.
Hope you have a great Thursday; hard to believe it's just 12 days til Christmas!
THE LITTLE THINGS MAKE MY HEART SING!
Yes, the little things.
This harkens back to a blog I read once (written by Christina Sell). In it, she wrote that - to her - the sign of an advanced practitioner is not how many really hard poses he/she can accomplish; but, rather, how do they place their hands on the mat? do their hands remain on the mat or are they fidgeting? stuff like that. The little things that form the basis of our 'advanced' or even 'basic' poses.
I got a good dose of that thought process over the weekend during the slow movement Bo Forbes asked us to participate in. Could I stay aware enough to slowly transition from one pose to another (slow meaning 4-8 seconds in each transition)? As I mentioned yesterday, this was a teaching I'd experienced before and was, therefore, in a head start position as we did the practice (this doesn't happen for me often -- the head start, that is).
Yesterday at the Fallbrook Library there were 30 people in attendance at the one-hour class I teach. All levels, many ages, many body shapes, and a number of people with injuries or limitations. Let me say that, first, I was truly excited and honored to have 30 in the room. Granted it's a 'free' class, however all but 4 of these people had come to my class over the months. Even 'free' doesn't guarantee people will return. Therefore, I choose to believe that they are finding value in the class -- other than it's 'free'.
So, back to the little things:
I offered the Library crew a brief warm-up; centering - baseline - cat/cow (modified to the way Bo taught us over the weekend) and then asked everyone to come to standing. Standing in mountain pose and moving with the breath, I asked everyone to raise and lower their arms. As I looked at the students assembled, I noticed how straight everyone's arms appeared from the front of the room. I walked the rows to see what was happening in their shoulders -- were their arms moving to front plane or were they next to the ears. Goodness gracious!!! Everyone, and I mean everyone, was standing with arms overhead, no elbows bent, and biceps next to ears -- arms lined up just like railroad tracks. Be still my heart.
It is the little things that reflect studentship in the room. Wow!
Today? Taking a day off to spend with my husband. Looking forward to it.
Hope you have a good Tuesday,
This harkens back to a blog I read once (written by Christina Sell). In it, she wrote that - to her - the sign of an advanced practitioner is not how many really hard poses he/she can accomplish; but, rather, how do they place their hands on the mat? do their hands remain on the mat or are they fidgeting? stuff like that. The little things that form the basis of our 'advanced' or even 'basic' poses.
I got a good dose of that thought process over the weekend during the slow movement Bo Forbes asked us to participate in. Could I stay aware enough to slowly transition from one pose to another (slow meaning 4-8 seconds in each transition)? As I mentioned yesterday, this was a teaching I'd experienced before and was, therefore, in a head start position as we did the practice (this doesn't happen for me often -- the head start, that is).
Yesterday at the Fallbrook Library there were 30 people in attendance at the one-hour class I teach. All levels, many ages, many body shapes, and a number of people with injuries or limitations. Let me say that, first, I was truly excited and honored to have 30 in the room. Granted it's a 'free' class, however all but 4 of these people had come to my class over the months. Even 'free' doesn't guarantee people will return. Therefore, I choose to believe that they are finding value in the class -- other than it's 'free'.
So, back to the little things:
I offered the Library crew a brief warm-up; centering - baseline - cat/cow (modified to the way Bo taught us over the weekend) and then asked everyone to come to standing. Standing in mountain pose and moving with the breath, I asked everyone to raise and lower their arms. As I looked at the students assembled, I noticed how straight everyone's arms appeared from the front of the room. I walked the rows to see what was happening in their shoulders -- were their arms moving to front plane or were they next to the ears. Goodness gracious!!! Everyone, and I mean everyone, was standing with arms overhead, no elbows bent, and biceps next to ears -- arms lined up just like railroad tracks. Be still my heart.
It is the little things that reflect studentship in the room. Wow!
Today? Taking a day off to spend with my husband. Looking forward to it.
Hope you have a good Tuesday,
STEPPING OUT . . .
Since I began yoga, I'd say 95% of the events/workshops/trainings had an Anusara tag (name/topic) to them. (It's called 'comfort zone' - I began yoga late, Anusara spoke to me, and I stuck with it.)
Oh, I read a lot of articles and books, watched a few webinars that were from different orientations. And, some of that stuff slipped into my teaching. The point is, I was Anusara thru and thru (almost). Then Anusara hit rough water (JF debacle) last February, tossing and turning, throwing many into the water, some clinging to the hull, others in life rafts. Not sure where I went, just have been watching the action, maybe I was in a life raft -- who knows, I just have drifted away from the wreckage.
So, over the past 10 months, I have thought long and hard about my yoga's future -- what to study, who to study with, what to do with my teaching. One month ago, I signed up for my first workshop in a year and it was with a teacher totally non-Anusara. Unheard of, for me.
Thursday night, I drove from Fallbrook to LaJolla (about a 60 minute drive if traffic 'gods' are happy), and was introduced to Bo Forbes, Founder and Director of The New England School of Integrative Yoga Therapeutics; and author of the book "Yoga for Emotional Balance". I totally stepped OUT of the box, OUT of my comfort zone and into the world.
This was a workshop for all - teachers and students - and the subject matter was emotional wellness (title: Yoga as Mind-Body Medicine). For the next 3 days, I made the same drive - arriving in LaJolla at noon for 7 hours of talk, demonstration, practice.
What did I learn? Too much to write here and, to be honest, I have a lot to digest and practice before I venture out to teach what I experienced.
I did realize, however, that one of my teachers (Adam) had prepared me well for the practice Bo introduced to us -- slow, intentioned movement. What else? That the breath is a major pathway to emotional wellness. What else? That my 'buddha' belly is o.k. (something Sundari has told me, but not something I've accepted very graciously).
Back to routine today (with a small 'hitch'). I'll be subbing 2 classes this morning at Yoga For Life in Temecula, then back to Fallbrook and the Library crew. Busy day, but happy NOT to be driving to La Jolla again (not that I didn't like the end result, and fortunately the traffic 'gods' were with me all the way, but -- it is a long journey).
Hope you have a great Monday and week!
Oh, I read a lot of articles and books, watched a few webinars that were from different orientations. And, some of that stuff slipped into my teaching. The point is, I was Anusara thru and thru (almost). Then Anusara hit rough water (JF debacle) last February, tossing and turning, throwing many into the water, some clinging to the hull, others in life rafts. Not sure where I went, just have been watching the action, maybe I was in a life raft -- who knows, I just have drifted away from the wreckage.
So, over the past 10 months, I have thought long and hard about my yoga's future -- what to study, who to study with, what to do with my teaching. One month ago, I signed up for my first workshop in a year and it was with a teacher totally non-Anusara. Unheard of, for me.
Thursday night, I drove from Fallbrook to LaJolla (about a 60 minute drive if traffic 'gods' are happy), and was introduced to Bo Forbes, Founder and Director of The New England School of Integrative Yoga Therapeutics; and author of the book "Yoga for Emotional Balance". I totally stepped OUT of the box, OUT of my comfort zone and into the world.
This was a workshop for all - teachers and students - and the subject matter was emotional wellness (title: Yoga as Mind-Body Medicine). For the next 3 days, I made the same drive - arriving in LaJolla at noon for 7 hours of talk, demonstration, practice.
What did I learn? Too much to write here and, to be honest, I have a lot to digest and practice before I venture out to teach what I experienced.
I did realize, however, that one of my teachers (Adam) had prepared me well for the practice Bo introduced to us -- slow, intentioned movement. What else? That the breath is a major pathway to emotional wellness. What else? That my 'buddha' belly is o.k. (something Sundari has told me, but not something I've accepted very graciously).
Back to routine today (with a small 'hitch'). I'll be subbing 2 classes this morning at Yoga For Life in Temecula, then back to Fallbrook and the Library crew. Busy day, but happy NOT to be driving to La Jolla again (not that I didn't like the end result, and fortunately the traffic 'gods' were with me all the way, but -- it is a long journey).
Hope you have a great Monday and week!
MISSED MY THIRD . . .
Since April 2012, I have traveled each Wednesday to Del Mar (about a 40-minute freeway drive, if the 'traffic gods' are with me). That is, excepting 3 Wednesdays -- yesterday was the third.
Why? Well, you can only drive so much and living in So. Calif. requires a LOT of driving. I have a workshop this weekend, which will require I drive to LaJolla (maybe 70-minutes, on a REALLY good day) tonight and each of the next 3 days. I'm excited to do it, tho; drive, that is -- this will be the second more intensive workshop I've done since December 2011.
Now that I've piqued your curiosity, I'll give you the goods: the workshop presenter is Bo Forbes (for those of you who don't know her, neither do I). But, the topic is great (therapeutic yoga), and her credentials are stellar (clinical psychologist and yoga instructor/therapist), and she comes highly recommended. I also did a bit of research on the internet and watched a clip of her teaching before I signed up -- just to be sure what I was getting myself in to.
Why her? and why this topic? Well, in my teaching, there has been a shift to the more therapeutic (my choice - I love figuring out why something is not working at its optimal state). And, I remember a statement from one of my teachers -- that the injury/condition will sometimes become a part of a student's identity. Meaning: take it away or cure it and what have they got to deal with, worry about, talk about; like that.
Example: One day, waiting for my Mother at the beauty shop, when a couple came in (her, for a haircut; him, to wait). He and I acknowledged one another in the small waiting room, and it wasn't long (like 2 minutes) before he was telling me all about his back problems -- how many procedures he'd had, what his limitations were, how bad the pain was. I had noticed a cane, but I had not said word one to unleash his comments -- just 'hello'. That single moment became proof positive of what my teacher had said -- this man's identity was clearly entwined with his back issues. What would happen if someone 'fixed' him; what would he have to think, talk, worry about?
The psychologist part of this presenter promises to unravel just how to deal with students who are tightly connected to their 'stuff'. Promising isn't it? I'll keep you posted.
It's also my birthday -- 63 today. Remember 3 years ago, when I did the dumb countdown to my 60th? That was back when I was posting to this blog every day and - clearly - was searching for stuff to write about. My gift from my husband? A stool specifically designed with the guitarist in mind -- not only can you sit on it, but it has a foot rest, and is shaped so that you can lower two levers and it becomes a guitar stand!!! You must own a guitar to understand how valuable this is. I have two guitars that I play each day. One already had a stand, the other I kept in it's case. How nice it will be to have each guitar out and ready to be played at will. I also got artwork from the Grand-Dudes (special!), and a gift certificate from Nordstrom's (watch out!).
So, what happens today? Taking one of the dogs for a longer walk, then teaching one class, then home until time to drive to the first session of the above-mentioned workshop.
I hope you have a great Thursday!
Why? Well, you can only drive so much and living in So. Calif. requires a LOT of driving. I have a workshop this weekend, which will require I drive to LaJolla (maybe 70-minutes, on a REALLY good day) tonight and each of the next 3 days. I'm excited to do it, tho; drive, that is -- this will be the second more intensive workshop I've done since December 2011.
Now that I've piqued your curiosity, I'll give you the goods: the workshop presenter is Bo Forbes (for those of you who don't know her, neither do I). But, the topic is great (therapeutic yoga), and her credentials are stellar (clinical psychologist and yoga instructor/therapist), and she comes highly recommended. I also did a bit of research on the internet and watched a clip of her teaching before I signed up -- just to be sure what I was getting myself in to.
Why her? and why this topic? Well, in my teaching, there has been a shift to the more therapeutic (my choice - I love figuring out why something is not working at its optimal state). And, I remember a statement from one of my teachers -- that the injury/condition will sometimes become a part of a student's identity. Meaning: take it away or cure it and what have they got to deal with, worry about, talk about; like that.
Example: One day, waiting for my Mother at the beauty shop, when a couple came in (her, for a haircut; him, to wait). He and I acknowledged one another in the small waiting room, and it wasn't long (like 2 minutes) before he was telling me all about his back problems -- how many procedures he'd had, what his limitations were, how bad the pain was. I had noticed a cane, but I had not said word one to unleash his comments -- just 'hello'. That single moment became proof positive of what my teacher had said -- this man's identity was clearly entwined with his back issues. What would happen if someone 'fixed' him; what would he have to think, talk, worry about?
The psychologist part of this presenter promises to unravel just how to deal with students who are tightly connected to their 'stuff'. Promising isn't it? I'll keep you posted.
It's also my birthday -- 63 today. Remember 3 years ago, when I did the dumb countdown to my 60th? That was back when I was posting to this blog every day and - clearly - was searching for stuff to write about. My gift from my husband? A stool specifically designed with the guitarist in mind -- not only can you sit on it, but it has a foot rest, and is shaped so that you can lower two levers and it becomes a guitar stand!!! You must own a guitar to understand how valuable this is. I have two guitars that I play each day. One already had a stand, the other I kept in it's case. How nice it will be to have each guitar out and ready to be played at will. I also got artwork from the Grand-Dudes (special!), and a gift certificate from Nordstrom's (watch out!).
So, what happens today? Taking one of the dogs for a longer walk, then teaching one class, then home until time to drive to the first session of the above-mentioned workshop.
I hope you have a great Thursday!
Wisdom Warriors, "Hot, Power Yoga" and Gratitude
It's been a busy week. So happy, first, to have my laptop back. Not sure its totally fixed, but it's better and it is a lot easier to do typing on than the iPad.
Holidays always bring more subbing into the picture; yoga teachers have families and friends who want them to visit, and so -- we go. I stayed home this year and, as a result, have been able to help my friends by subbing their classes ('guest teach' in some vernaculars).
I began with subbing the Basic class on Sunday morning, then taught a Gentle class Monday morning, returning to Fallbrook to my beloved Library class (25 in the room, with laughter all around). Tuesday, I planned to sub one class then teach my own. I received an unusual request, however -- would I sub the 'hot power' class earlier in the morning -- then teach the following two classes. Me? Teach 'hot power'? I've taken one or two in my 15+ years, but teach? It's a stretch! I said 'yes' with the caveat 'it may not be as hot as they like it'. I ended up in an 85 degree room with 8 beautiful students - all wanting to SWEAT (two even left their hoodies on!?!?!?) Then it was on to the community class -- one hour, two students. And, finally, my own Gentle/Therapeutic. Fortunately, for me and them, they were ready to restore a bit.
Wednesday -- well, we all know what Wednesdays are -- Wisdom Warriors Day! In Desiree's mind -- Backbends Day. Lots of emphasis on our upper back -- getting heart to soften between strong shoulders; armbones seated in shoulder sockets. Many minutes of this work - hard work - to get to one or two backbends! But, that's just me whining, and that doesn't hold much weight. I did do one full urdhva; it's been a long time since that's happened. The BEST moment -- watching (and photographing) Debra in full Hanumanasana with arms stretched to the max! What a pose! So good, I've plastered it all over Facebook and put it here, in case you haven't seen it:
And, then there was Lonnie -- giving us a beautiful version of Ardha Chandrasana:
Remember, you must be 60+ years old to do the Hanumanasana with such expression, and 70+ to do a smiling ardha chandrasana. It's the rule!
Today? Spending it with my son and his family, Jessie's (daughter-in-law) parents are here from Lodi, and a host of friends. Looking forward to a peaceful, harmonious day -- with a bit of grand-dude energy thrown in (that may mean loud and raucous).
May you have a great day!
Holidays always bring more subbing into the picture; yoga teachers have families and friends who want them to visit, and so -- we go. I stayed home this year and, as a result, have been able to help my friends by subbing their classes ('guest teach' in some vernaculars).
I began with subbing the Basic class on Sunday morning, then taught a Gentle class Monday morning, returning to Fallbrook to my beloved Library class (25 in the room, with laughter all around). Tuesday, I planned to sub one class then teach my own. I received an unusual request, however -- would I sub the 'hot power' class earlier in the morning -- then teach the following two classes. Me? Teach 'hot power'? I've taken one or two in my 15+ years, but teach? It's a stretch! I said 'yes' with the caveat 'it may not be as hot as they like it'. I ended up in an 85 degree room with 8 beautiful students - all wanting to SWEAT (two even left their hoodies on!?!?!?) Then it was on to the community class -- one hour, two students. And, finally, my own Gentle/Therapeutic. Fortunately, for me and them, they were ready to restore a bit.
Wednesday -- well, we all know what Wednesdays are -- Wisdom Warriors Day! In Desiree's mind -- Backbends Day. Lots of emphasis on our upper back -- getting heart to soften between strong shoulders; armbones seated in shoulder sockets. Many minutes of this work - hard work - to get to one or two backbends! But, that's just me whining, and that doesn't hold much weight. I did do one full urdhva; it's been a long time since that's happened. The BEST moment -- watching (and photographing) Debra in full Hanumanasana with arms stretched to the max! What a pose! So good, I've plastered it all over Facebook and put it here, in case you haven't seen it:
And, then there was Lonnie -- giving us a beautiful version of Ardha Chandrasana:
Remember, you must be 60+ years old to do the Hanumanasana with such expression, and 70+ to do a smiling ardha chandrasana. It's the rule!
Today? Spending it with my son and his family, Jessie's (daughter-in-law) parents are here from Lodi, and a host of friends. Looking forward to a peaceful, harmonious day -- with a bit of grand-dude energy thrown in (that may mean loud and raucous).
May you have a great day!