A GOOD EXPERIENCE . . .

The meeting of a good portion of yoga studio owners in the SL Valley went well (8 of perhaps 12-14 showed up). After talking about the issue(s) facing us, tasks were assigned, results will be compiled, and we'll meet again. I'm pleased everyone could come together creating a supportive, cohesive group. (This sounds like we were enemies before; not the case - it was more that we were just distant from one another. All doing similar things, but in our own little worlds.)

Gentle Yoga yesterday went well. I was able to try out some of the hip stuff I'd been thinking of. One new person, and he was able to quickly grasp the movements.

I have a 'ritual', so to speak, in the morning. Turn coffee on, turn computer on, get a cup of coffee. Then the first place I go on the internet is to Facebook. It does become addicting to see what everyone's been up to the previous 24 hrs. Lots of pictures are showing up from the Wanderlust Festival (music, yoga, etc., at Lake Tahoe) -- looks like it was fun and, maybe, an attempt to re-create some of that free hippie feeling of the 60's/70's.

Since I was living through those days as a teenager/young adult, re-visiting would be fun but not vital. Kind of like 'been there, done that'. Though, I was never a true hippie (FYI, my father was an Air Force pilot; any kind of unconventional activity would have been out of line, if you get my drift.)

Why tell you all this? Well, perusing the photos from Wanderlust led me to an album of a VERY accomplished yogini. In one of the photos, she was so beautifully 'wound up' in a pose that it was hard to tell from what angle it was shot (front/back/side?). Finally figured it out.

Looking at those kinds of photos gives me pause. Makes me wonder why I'm doing all this -- because, I'm not sure I've enough time left in this lifetime to get into that kind of pose.

I reflect on my words to a class full of people my age and a bit older -- 'why pursue challenge? because it's fun, brings awareness, gives us a greater knowledge of ourselves, makes us more confident'. I do wonder sometimes whether they are listening and thinking -- 'I've seen enough challenge and fun, in my life; I just want to stretch!'

But, here's the rub -- we all need challenge; no matter how much we've seen in our lives. It may be that I am pursuing all this, because I need a challenge (those elusive poses, all the reading, all the study & practice, and stretching emotionally & spiritually beyond long-held boundaries). And, I know that I can communicate to a group of 60+ year-olds the value of challenge in a very plausible way.

Therefore, I am needed and I will be valued for what I can offer to students who are stiffer, a bit older, have injuries -- there's a lot ot be said for 'been there - done that'.

So much for this pep talk to myself.

Enjoy your day,

COMING TOGETHER

As a result of my recent encounter with a government agency endeavoring to change the status of yoga instructors to employees rather than independent contractors, I sent out an 'all call' to area yoga studio owners.

I've invited owners (or their representatives) to a get-together this afternoon to discuss what our experiences have been and how best to proceed, so that we each have a positive outcome.

It will be interesting to watch the dynamics of this diverse group of studio owners/representatives. We all practice our different styles of yoga, we all have our own business success in mind, and this is the first time many of us have been in a meeting together.

Questions for the group: have they received similar correspondence? what will be the financial impact? should we band together to address this issue - politically and legally?

What will come of this? Not sure, but I do know it might open the door for future get-togethers that offer us opportunities to grow and learn from each other; get-togethers that aren't 'crisis-driven'.

What is this? the fun side of studio ownership. Actually, it is fun -- a bit different challenge.

Teaching my Gentle Yoga group this morning -- got some good ideas for hip openers that I'm thinking of introducing to them. Class plans, tho, are always impacted by who shows up for this class.

Have a good day,

THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT THERE . . .

I knew there were a few, but this morning a comment appeared for my last post. This comment is from a person NEW to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you. My response to the comment is posted as a comment to that blog entry. (FYI, I've also sent a note to Anusara about the website listing, since the descriptioon of the Santa Fe training is vague.)

So, redemption -- I'm not just sitting here writing notes to myself (tho I've learned a lot over the last six months doing just that).

My husband and I went to see "Julie, Julia" a couple weeks ago (one of those free premiers, if you're wondering why -- since it doesn't come out til August 7). Not to give anything away, but Julie is blogging about her experience cooking Julia Child's recipes. Her great excitement in the beginning of the movie comes from discovering that people really are reading her entries.

I feel similarly each time someone comments.

So, class yesterday went well. I subbed a class that is not an Anusara® class, but their regular instructor does a lot of work with alignment. So, they were familiar with the Principles. It makes teaching go much smoother when I can use some of the terms I use in my own classes and the students get it.

During the class, I decided to do something that is a first for me. Even tho the group was small, I had a student demo Uttanasana. Very flexible person, who was able to place her hands flat on the floor as she folded easily into the pose. Why is this even remarkable? Because, for the first time, I called everyone over, had them stand close, and asked the student to do a contrast demo. Flat hands, straight arms vs. 10 fingers, elbows bent towards side edges of mat (offering more access to shoulder blades).

Students' Response: Flat hands: good; Fingertips & elbows bent: oohs, aahs, they saw a deeper and stronger Uttanasana with more shri throughout the pose. Standing close gave them a bird's eye view of the shoulder blades in action during Uttanasana.

I wonder why I've never done that type of demo before? Of course, I was nervous. I do, upon reflection, have to thank Christina for giving me courage. During the course of our workshop last weekend, she gave us no choice -- we were asked, invited, then strongly encouraged to gather close to observe demos throughout the weekend.

During my student's demo yesterday, by gathering close everyone got to see the impact of bent elbows on the shoulder blades and the deepening of the fold, plus a good view of a very beautiful Uttanasana.

Why waste our energy on 'gorilla uttanasana's', as I call them -- dangling, limp arms with no energetic connection to the ground. Uttanasana deserves better. That's probably another blog topic.

Have a great day,

I'VE MADE A LIST

And, I must check it twice, three times, four times. This list is of all the Anusara workshops / trainings happening in the next four months that look of value or interest to me. Note, I said 'to me'; since we all will have our preferences and needs as we motor along this path.

There are eight! Some 4-5 days in length, some just a weekend. None are in Salt Lake; two are within 5-hour driving distance.

This list includes some of the best: John Friend, Sundari, Betsey Downing and Amy Ippoliti (both of whom I have never studied with, but would like to experience), BJ Galvan, Siana & Desiree, Christina Sell.

How to decide?

John is doing a weekend worksop in Park City. I've been accepted to that event, so that's a done deal.

My recent inclination for John is to try to do the trainings that I can get to and that will benefit me (that means all of them, right?). For example, I have applied for Santa Fe since MANY of my students will benefit from the knowledge gained at an Advance Therapeutics Training. Then - if time allows - I try to tack on the weekend workshop. Though, after prodding, gripping, and maneuvering various friends for 5 days, and receiving likewise from those friends, I have to admit I wonder why -- until I start the workshop.

Sundari's doing a Teacher Training in Jackson. Good for me to try to get to that one, since each person I study with has so much different and good information to offer. This reminds me -- she's also doing a workshop in Polson, MT. Would LOVE to go there, experience Sundari and see old friends. Eight-plus hour drive, tho -- that's a bunch.

BJ Galvan's doing a workshop in Springdale, UT. What a great community led by Ann Rutz, and what fun BJ is to study with.

Siana and Desiree are offering a training in San Francisco -- darn, to study with those two in that setting would be mind expanding and offer great travel fun.

Christina and Amy are each doing weekend workshops in northern Idaho. Fortunately for me, my family lives in eastern Washington and it's just a 30-60 minute drive to either venue. And, my parents would enjoy having me visit. They might wonder, tho, why I keep disappearing to go do yoga (or, yogurt - as my Dad loves to call it; let's hope he's teasing).

Nestled among all of this is Betsey Downing doing a weekend workshop in San Diego (Yoga Del Mar). Never have done anything with Betsey. My son and his family live in San Diego. What better excuse to go for a visit. Plus, I have wanted to experience Betsey for a long time.

Well, it's settled -- I'll do them all. If it weren't a physical impossibility, I probably would. But, the reality is that I have to think, plan and work on the logistics of all these offerings.

As I think, there's teaching to be done. Subbing again this morning; the class I mentioned last week. If the same people attend, I'll be ready for 'em. If not, I'll still be ready.

Working on a replacement for the 'Favorite' -- that may just need to move down to join "Perfect Offering" as a keeper.

Enjoy the week.

BACK TO YOGA . . .

During the weekend workshop with Christina Sell, I was fortunate to hear from her some tips regarding the Certification process (she is a member of the Certification and, also, the Ethics Committees for Anusara® Yoga).

One major point - one I had given little thought to - is the role our students play in our quest to become Anusara® Certified. After all, I've gone to trainings, I've done the reading, I've practiced teaching, I've video'd classes, I, I, I. Think about it, though -- who is in those videos? Me and my students!

Unlike our Yoga Alliance registration, where we must demonstrate the number of hours spent studying, reading, practicing, teaching; the Certification process for Anusara® yoga is designed to be proof positive that all those hours have been effectively applied. How? OUR VIDEO!!!

As it was explained to me, the Certification Committee is not just looking at how I conduct the class -- i.e. do I get a theme and heart quality in there, do I do enough warming up of the students, do I demo effectively and when needed, does the sequence reflect movement towards the apex pose for that class, etc., etc., etc. The video reviewer is also watching the students -- do the students respond, do they do what I ask (and, if not, do I react appropriately), are the alignment principles visible in my students' poses, etc., etc., etc.?

Wow!

As it should be (and as it should have been), attention to this part of the process is a life-long effort -- not just to be done during preparation for and filming of my video. It will create a habit of paying attention, of diligence, of being demanding when needed, and of being a really good yoga teacher -- one who students can reflect on and think: 'she really paid attention to me; I felt seen in her class'.

So - point to remember, as I move forward. My students reflect my teaching ability; it's not just about me and how I perform.

Have a great weekend!

LET THE GAMES BEGIN

I have received notification from a government agency that the Independent Contractor status used by yoga instructors at my studio is in jeopardy (according to the auditor, it is already changed).

Because I truly believe my instructors are Independent Contractors (IC), I will appeal this determination. Yesterday, I responded to a letter of determination, addressing each of the auditor's findings with the reasons I feel instructors do meet the markers to continue as IC's.

I had procrastinated with this project (one of my always-present traits). Because of the workshop and other happenings at the studio, I had left the letter of determination unopened on my desk. Knowing, however, that I had a 15-day deadline to file an appeal, I opened the letter yesterday.

First reading - panic. Call my attorney, call my husband, try to breathe. After a pep talk from the attorney, I returned to the letter. Second, third & fourth reading - with adrenalin rising, I began to type and address each point set out by the auditor. Typing furiously, I was determined to get the letter finished before my 4 pm class. I finished a first draft. Sent a copy to the attorney and to my husband for their input/suggestions. Then, taught my class.

Response from both attorney & husband -- good letter; a few fine tuning adjustments & it will be good to go this morning.

Why do I tell you this in a yoga blog? Because over the weekend (and in the last month), I've seen the power of doing a yoga pose two times in a row, rather than just doing it once and calling it good (that is until the next practice). Yesterday, notice my reactions -- first read-through, panic; second and following read-throughs, calm & more measured response (also, just a bit angry). My other reason: it's good to vent after an adrenalin-raising event like this.

Just like the yoga poses -- first time through, unsure and wondering how it will turn out; second & following times, a more confident response from the body.

While I love to teach yoga, owning a yoga studio keeps throwing me these curve balls lately. It will also be my yoga to receive them, toss them up at least twice and re-catch them, then give it my best shot to respond effectively.

I'm keeping last week's "favorite" -- it will be good for me to keep that in mind as I move through this event in my life.

Wish me luck,

ONE VERY IMPORTANT THING. . .

During my studies with John Friend and many other Anusara teachers, I have learned to listen. Once I hear the instruction, the next VERY IMPORTANT thing I've learned is to do EXACTLY what he or they tell me to do.

O.K., once in a while I do mix my right and left, but not often.

I learned this early with John -- he is nothing if not demanding about this aspect of our work with him. To not listen is a sign of disrespect. As a result, I carry this learned skill forward into each class I attend. I listen and I at least try to follow instructions and carry out my end of the bargain as the student. In Anusara classes, with a clear sequence leading to an apex pose, many times there are also safety reasons to do just what instructors tell us to do.

If you read much yoga philosophy or history, you will find a long lineage of just such a relationship between student and teacher. The student has always been expected to do the instructor's bidding (so long as it is within proper & ethical boundaries).

The tendency to vary is a recent phenomenon; and perhaps the result of many yoga instructors saying "do whatever your body feels like doing" or "go with the emotions you are feeling". Not bad instructions, but not necessarily safe instructions, either.

Now, to communicate that same message to students in my classes.

If you read back a month or so in this blog, you will find an entry about a student who attended my Gentle Yoga class and did her own practice contrary to the instructions I was offering everyone. Not one of my prouder moments. That morning, for all she got out of my class, she could have stayed home and done her practice, and not offended 8 other people.

I encountered a milder, but similar situation as I subbed a class yesterday. Students who have yet to learn the finer points of studentship and forged ahead without my instruction into a deeper variation of Vasisthasana (side plank) called 'Wild Thing'. Not a bad next step, if you've received the instruction to go there.

After a weekend with Christina, watching - listening - admiring her command of the group, I feel better equipped to deal with such happenings. So, what did I do? I called their bluff. We did a little further exploration of 'Wild Thing', Christina Sell-style. They watched, this time they listened, and the second time around, each had achieved the pose from a different, more challenging approach.

As we moved on in the practice, I kept this tendency towards variance in mind. I even prefaced some instructions with cautionary notes -- like 'do not raise your leg until I tell you to'. I kind of felt like a drill sargeant. On the other hand, I also felt good and in command.

What a rant! Thank you for reading, if you made it this far.

Have a good Tuesday,

SO MANY WORDS

could be used to describe the final day of Christina Sell's workshop at The Yoga Center. As I write, I hope one comes forward as the primary descriptive word -- it was that good.

Unlike other workshops I've hosted, yesterday (Sunday morning) we saw more students arrive for the final session. Some to complete the entire weekend (4 sessions), others to do their 2nd or 3rd session, and a few brave souls to encounter Christina for the first time.

I say 'brave souls' because after a weekend's teaching, we become used to the language, acquainted with the preparatory work for the final session, and just more relaxed with the environment. To arrive for your first experience on the final session, is brave (or, maybe, just unfamiliar with the mechanics of a weekend workshop).

These 'brave souls' (and the rest of us) got to see Christina give it her all. And, take us to new heights as we peaked the mountain on our journey. She called it 'creative flow'. I would call it 'flow with a smart dose of alignment'. We moved, but we moved with such intelligence that even things I might have thought out of my realm of possibility, I found myself doing and enjoying!

The entire weekend was a journey into Anusara Yoga. From getting acquainted on Friday night, to beginning (and continuing) our trek on Saturday, to finding the mountaintop on Sunday -- with a clear path to return to home base at the end of the session. So much good information transmitted and received.

And - always - it was fun.

On their mountaintop ...

Ah, the sweet smile of yoga (Michiko)

GLOWING -- after a weekend of work well-done. (pic: Leslie, Christina, Jen)

Maybe the word is 'fun'. That sounds pretty un-yoga-like, but it just keeps coming back to me over & over & over -- it was fun.

Thank you, Christina, from all of us.

Have a great week!

IT'S ABOUT THE JOURNEY

The title for this weekend's workshop with Christina Sell is Mid-Summer's Journey. Why? It's July, it's summer (and hot), and - for some of us - the journey in asana is as rewarding as the final product.

I flyfish. I don't catch much (haven't quite got the hang of "take'em!" yet; fyi, this term means set the hook and reel the fish in; then release). But, there's great satisfaction for me in casting the line and hook above that spot on the river where you know there's a big, lazy fish laying in wait for an unlucky bug to float by.

Casting to avoid rocks, overhanging bushes, the river's edge. Then, mending the line (which means flipping the fishing line back up the current so it doesn't warn the fish what's coming). Waiting, adjusting, watching the fly approach that waiting fish. If there's no fish there, or if I don't "take'em!", I pull the line in. Then do it again. All that is the enjoyment of flyfishing for me, even if I don't catch the 'big one'.

Yesterday's sessions with Christina involved morning - standing poses/arm balances; and afternoon - backbending. In each session I found the same enjoyment -- that of hearing instructions in a different voice than I'm used to, taking the steps towards each pose, knowing that they will happen - if not today, then soon; she's given me more tools. Progress was made in poses, awareness was created of actions previously overlooked, and - once again - it was fun.

We used the wall quite a bit yesterday, both morning and afternoon. As Christina explained it to us, we use the wall (or other props) to sharpen our skills, so that - next time, when we attempt similar poses in the middle of the room - we can reflect on those skills and apply them. I've used 'almost' language like that when I see resistance to a prop in the classes I teach; but, I need to remember her phrasing -- much more eloquent and reinforcing.

We also did many things twice. Amazing how much easier (or clear) the needed actions of a pose become the second time around. The first time you're just trying to absorb the instructions. The second time, you're applying them with a bit more confidence. Good to remember.

Well, today is a potpourri. We offered some suggestions at yesterday's end, so we'll see.

Enjoy your Sunday,

FUN, FUN, FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME . . .

Just as I thought and hoped, the first night of Christina's workshop is off to a good start. My hips are singing the praises, as well -- at least, this morning. Last night, they might have begged to differ with me, as we inner and outer spiraled our way into pidgeon prep and standing splits.

First night is usually hips, twists, and seated poses as we all get acquainted with each other. This is not a huge group, and everyone there is honestly there for the yoga -- we either know or know of Christina and her skills, and know she will bring new light and knowledge to our practice.

Giving the psoas space -- need to remember that, because I could feel it helping my tight hips.

And, as a houseguest, she's A+. My one rule as a hostess is that my guests MUST make themselves at home. Open cupboards, look around, eat what you wish -- she's fitting right in, and I love it. It takes so much pressure off; not having to ask, to cajole, to serve. I LOVE a guest who just walks in and makes themselves at home. In a way, it's a compliment to me and Howard that they feel it's o.k. to act like of a member of our household.

Also, my dogs are very accepting (not so with everyone).

I'd be lying if I said I was not a bit nervous about what challenges today will bring (standing poses, arm balances, and - later - backbends). The fact that my practice and my awareness will expand keep me moving forward.

And, I will have fun, I will laugh, I will enjoy the company of good yogi friends.

More later (if I can still type),

SITTING DOWN

I'm taking a moment to write, because all the things I need to do are spinning in my head. Maybe by sitting for a moment and letting things settle a bit, I will be better able to prioritize.

First on my list, no matter what, is a class with Wayne this morning. Then I'm still involved with Pilates with my friend, Cindy, so that will be next. Then a series of errands, including a car wash -- must have a clean car for Christina.

I know this will be a fun weekend -- could tell yesterday when I wrote her an e-mail asking about food, special needs, etc. (a big stressor in my book). Response went something like this "as to the care and feeding of Christina Sell . . . ". A good sign of a lively sense of humor.

Roofers arrived at my house yesterday. (Unfortunately, the roof won't be finished for Christina -- just torn off and looking lovely, with a BIG dumpster out front.) Oh well, so much for that yardwork!

I'm hoping that - on the studio front - the new faucet is installed, the screens are back on the windows, the swamp cooler doesn't decide to throw a tantrum, the water people deliver new bottles today, MANY people show up, etc., etc., etc.

The fun begins tomorrow at 6:30 pm.

So, calmer now -- just will write one e-mail, then on to Wayne's class.

Enjoy your day,

BUSY WEEK OF ANTICIPATION

I thought the last few weeks were hectic -- here I am, sitting - drinking coffee - writing in this blog; all while I should be cleaning, organizing, etc., etc., etc.

Why? Christina Sell is coming this weekend! Friday, in fact.

I'll pick her up at the airport and, depending on how much time we have, we'll either go directly to the studio or maybe stop off at home to drop things off. Then, 'let the games begin'!

Christina's workshop begins Friday at 6:30pm, with a session focusing on hips, seated poses, twists. Saturday will be a bit more intense (standing poses and arm balances in morning; backbends in afternoon). Sunday will be a potpourri of the previous 3 sessions.

Great stuff, guaranteed to help us exceed our perceived boundaries, remember our power, embrace our beauty, and just have fun.

To say I'm nervous and a bit anxious would be an understatement. I have a list of things to do that gets longer each day -- better get to it.

Anyone know how to install a faucet?

Enjoy your week,

READING, READING, READING

Never in my life have I done so much reading as since I began this path as an Anusara-Inspired™ yoga instructor. I read the Anusara® reading list books, I read other yoga books I find of interest, I read an occasional novel, I read articles from magazines and the internet, and - of course - I read my favorite blogs.

Today's were great - both Christina and Sundari have so much to share and give. And, as you read them, you see what very different people they must be. Both disciplined and devoted to their yoga, but differently. It becomes clear in their writing, just as it becomes clear when you are in their presence.

Good for me to see that we don't have to be "cookie cutter" yoga instructors in order to teach Anusara® yoga. We each have our own voice; for some of us it just takes a while to come forward. Like a flower opening, we begin as a bud using words and techniques we've learned from our own teachers (and, some of us sound like little parrots). But, gradually - as we teach longer, learn more - the outer casing of that bud releases and we begin to open into our own voice; our own style of teaching.

Wow -- as I wrote the above paragraph, I am wondering where all that came from. Maybe from all my reading, or just maybe it's some of my own voice pushing out; striving to make itself heard.

Fun stuff - love this blog and what it's done for my awareness!

Enjoy your weekend,

NOTES

Well, I hope your 4th of July weekend was great. Mine was pleasant -- no major exciting activities, just a nice relaxing weekend.

After teaching Saturday, Howard (my husband) and I went downtown to Salt Lake's Farmer's Market. We enjoy the market, but what really drew us down was curiosity about 'Bruge's'. We had heard about this small store on the news. The owner, who long had a booth in the Market, finally has a permanent home across the street, from which he serves sweet waffles and wonderful looking french fries (both Belgium style).

His business philosophy: "keep it simple and do it well".

We each had a waffle (unlike waffles we're used to - these were sweet and chewy, in a good way) topped with vanilla ice cream and strawberries. Yum! As I mentioned, other items on their menu include the french fries (which we'll try next trip), and he did have a Flemish Stew listed. That's all -- keeping it simple and doing it well. And, the service was very nice.

Sunday morning I taught a Meditation Class and Hatha Class for Natalie. Nice group of people in both classes. Stuck with the discipline theme and video'd the class (now I have 2 to watch). Then we drove to Park City to see what the "Park City Silly Market" is all about. It's a condensed version of the big Arts Festival coming in August. Just 3 blocks long, with food, artwork, specialty clothing, etc. Lots of people there enjoying the last day of their long weekend. Fun.

Discovered the "Bliss Brothers" last night. A partnership between Primo Lombardi and Peter Goodman (both Anusara® teachers; one Certified, one Inspired), doing a workshop in August on the East Coast. I know both from lots of trainings and workshops. Only these two could pull off "Bliss Brothers".

Hope you have a great week!

BEEN A WHILE . . .

My laptop computer has been down this week, so my blogs have been non-existent. My best time of day is morning (early morning), once I get to the studio blogging is not possible. So, I missed a few or five days.

I subbed yesterday for Adam Ballenger -- the second time I've subbed for a Certified Anusara® Instructor. Pressure on -- what do I teach?

Decided that, since I've been reading Yoga of Discipline, that discipline would be a good theme. Discipline in my practice and my life always has led to contentment and joy; so, why shouldn't it for everyone? Fun class - 10 in attendance. I even video'd it. Haven't yet had the nerve (or time) to watch it. Maybe later today.

Today's class (9 am) was free - so saw a few new people to me, plus a mix of experience levels. Challenging, but also fun to teach.

Now it's off to enjoy what I can of this weekend holiday. Will try to post more tomorrow.

Enjoy your 4th!