JUNE 30, ALREADY!

3 months, 9 days, we have been in our home in Fallbrook. Impressions? We are happy. We aren't unpacked yet, but we are happy. Very content with the decision to move, not missing too much about the home we left behind (except the 'unpacked-ness'), and settling in to new routines quite nicely.

The one constant for me has been my practice and my connection to the world of Anusara® yoga. How? Well, for me, Facebook was a strong conduit in the beginning; keeping me up-t0-date on who was doing what, even if they were formally unknown to me (like you, I have a number of 'friends' I haven't met yet).

Within Facebook, I discovered "90 Minutes to Change the World", led by Amy Ippoliti. This is an on-line webinar series designed to help us re-discover and re-claim our power as the 'local yoga teacher' (as opposed to the superstar who comes to town to do a workshop or training). Not that I have anything against the superstar -- I'm right there in class with everyone else when they arrive. It does make sense, tho, for some of us to 'hold the fort', and Amy wisely saw the need to bolster our confidence, our business acumen, and even touches on mechanics of a well-designed class (tho everyone participating does not teach Anusara® yoga).

She offered us a deal to repeat the 'new and improved' course, which I did. Then, she went on to offer 'Superheroes' -- more in-depth sharing. Needless to say, I did that one, as well. I've learned a lot. The best part? The connection to fellow yoga teachers from all over the country (and world). Since joining the group, there hasn't been a morning that someone (or many) from the group are posting within our own "private" FB page, asking questions, generating discussion -- great brain food for us all. Now that the formal webinar has ended, conversation continues -- new friends, even tho I haven't 'formally' met them yet.

Besides my Facebook endeavors, my teaching continues -- the two classes in Carlsbad are holding steady in small numbers; I'm hoping this is a similar phenomenon to one I experienced in Salt Lake. I had a class there that lingered at 2-3 for one year; then magically jumped to 9-10 attendees -- hope I can wait a year. Temecula is certainly a more vibrant studio; more established in the community; more success there - which is a good thing; keeps me from feeling too discouraged. As in SLC, the Gentle/Therapeutic class is very rewarding to me and appears a direction I'll move towards.

Then, there's the connection to Anusara® in general -- much stronger here with the establishment of the center in Encinitas, scheduled to open in October.

Besides yoga, we love being close to Derek, Jess and the 3 calif. grand-dudes. We are having fun coming up with ideas of things to do with them that they might not have done yet (i.e. 'orchestra night').

So, a bit caught up on the blog. No intention to stop writing in it, just many things to do here in sunny So. Cal.

Have a great Thursday,

WHERE, OH WHERE, HAVE YOU BEEN, LESLIE?

Around, here and there, doing this and that. Busy, busy, busy and somewhat distracted.

The distracted part is what has pulled me away from the blog, because I've been busy before and still found time to blog. This time, tho, the distraction has been too powerful and too unresistable -- so, I've been falling prey to it.

Here I am, tho - still around, still unpacking, still working on growing my classes, still working towards Certification, still enjoying 'grand-dudes' and family.

We are pleased to announce that we can now almost get one car into our 3-car garage. Can you imagine 2 people having so much 'stuff' that they can't get one car into a 3-car garage? Well, look no further. I am reading "Life Is A Verb" -- this will be a favorite, if only for this one sentence: "It is stuff that keeps us from participating fully, from saying 'yes'." Our life for the past 3 months has been controlled by 'stuff' - what to do with this, do we sell that?, do we give away this other thing? or, do we just put something in a cabinet, thinking we'll use it someday - better not get rid of it. "Stuff" -- I could write a whole post on this topic.

I am, in the midst of 'stuff', still working towards Certification. A second phase of homework from my mentor arrived last week. I responded yesterday. I love this work. Why? Because there are lessons in the completed work that garnered a 'great' or a 'nice' from my mentor. I look at that work and I learn that it met the objectives and I have a model for moving forward. And, the work that needs enhancement? Well, it's a challenge, but I enjoy re-thinking, re-writing, re-submitting it. It's in, now I wait.

I received a very nice comment from a student who regularly attends my classes. She teaches yoga, and - from what I gather - is always striving to learn more by attending classes in the area. What did she say? That my classes are like attending mini-workshops. She went on to say that she was impressed with how I looked at the group, assessed what I saw, then taught to that. Wow! What can you say to such a nice comment? "Thank you" (then, when alone, jump up and down and stomp my feet with happiness).

A new week - we've invited family out for dinner; not sure if they're coming yet, but still a motivating factor for housework. Once I know their plan, I'll either be cooking/cleaning or going to a class. Need to get to an "Ashley" class (Ashley Lombardo-Fiala, Certified Anusara Instructor).

Hope you have a great Monday!

A FULL WEEK

Taught a lot this week, a good thing. Subbing (guest teaching) will increase my visibility in the two communities where I currently teach, so I am volunteering where possible and needed. Also, I finalized a brochure to leave at the 2 studios -- basically telling people who I am and giving them contact info, schedule, etc. Business cards are next.

My 2 classes in Carlsbad went well -- granted, there was just one student on Tuesday, but - she is new to yoga, enthusiastic, and very thoughtful about the practice. It was very gratifying to be her teacher on that morning. In fact, something I said or did (or, perhaps it's just under the surface) caused her to shed a few tears at the end of savasana. I know I've cried in past classes and I know others experience similar moments. It's just that I rarely have experienced it in the classes I teach. So, what to do -- I simply sat and we talked for a few moments after class -- nothing real personal, like - "why are you crying?". Instead, talked about yoga, her attentiveness and her obvious enthusiasm for the practice. I could speculate why she was teary, but until I know her better, there is no way I can know her story.

Good news - the Tuesday student returned on Thursday, as did a few others. More experience in the room; so my new-to-yoga person got to experience 'kicking it up a notch'. I was also happy that she had good examples in the room to pay attention to. And, even when offered a modification, she gave 'Wild Thing' a shot from down dog (a' la Christina Sell).

In Temecula, classes also went well. Tuesday's, which is a Gentle/Therapeutic, is doing it's job: drawing in the new-to-yoga, the students dealing with physical 'stuff' or just wanting a more gentle practice on that day. So fulfilling to work with a new student recovering from a serious car accident (fractured C1&C7 - no surgery, tho; fractured collar bone and breast bone; broken wrist stabilized by a metal plate). She came with a friend; both indicated they'd buy a pass AFTER class, once they saw how things went (in other words, did I do my job well). No pressure! And, they both bought continuing passes after the class. Whew!

Thursday's is a basic Anusara-Inspired™ class which also attracts the new-to-yoga. Fun to introduce the practice to this group.

And, on Friday, I subbed (guest taught) a class. 9 in the room, be still my heart. Challenges, tho, follow me -- 4 of the 9 were new to the practice; of the remaining 5, just one had significant yoga experience. Talk about teaching to the entire spectrum! It was fun and offered me a chance to teach to a fuller room, which takes the energy up to another level. It also required that I watch 9 foundations, instead of 2-3, and that I remember to acknowledge 9 people - not just the new-to-yoga; remember everyone wants to be noticed.

That was my yoga week. Inbetween, housework, computer work, errands, garage organization, continue unpacking (will it ever end? not if I / we don't get busy!)

Today - off to a friend's son's bride's wedding shower - an opportunity to dress up a bit, see some old friends, meet some new friends.

Hope you have a great Saturday,

ON LISTENING, AGAIN . . .

"Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer." - Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama

Friend, Jenny Otto, posted this quote on her Facebook page this morning. It is so appropriate, since I was in conversation yesterday, but I didn't feel part of it. Why? Because it didn't seem the people I was talking to were listening.

Huh? Ever talk to someone and find them finishing your sentences? That's what I mean.

Several months ago (or longer), I wrote a blog post on just this topic of listening; relating them to the 3 A's of Anusara® Yoga. They go like this:

Attitude - Open, receive

Alignment - Eye contact, ears open, mouth shut

Action - Listen to ENTIRE sentence or phrase; respond, if appropriate.

As in our practice of Anusara® yoga, the first 'A' (Attitude) is the key. Without an open, receiving attitude, the other two are like sails without the wind -- listless and drooping.

And, that's all I have to say about that.

Enjoy your Sunday,

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

It's been a busy week; and, as I sit here 'blogging' away, I'm struck by and enjoying the feeling of no appointments, nowhere I have to be, no one to wait for -- just time to take care of house stuff, do some grocery shopping, enjoy the sunshine.

Stepping back to Monday -- remember the picnic. There are pics on Facebook now. Just one of me that I've found, taken with my friend Debra Hodgen. We're the ones NOT in bikini tops or dressed as mermaids, in case you're wondering.

Tuesday, I think I've written about -- teaching.

Wednesday, Grand-Dude Jack came out for the afternoon, and it went great. He helped me pull out some old plants, plant some new ones, water the new ones (and himself). We then 'harvested' some oranges for him to take home. Our most significant activity, however, was walking the dogs. My Grand-Dudes are not used to dogs; so there is a lot of trepidation on their part (and likewise for the dogs). So, when he asked to walk the dogs, I was happy. He took the little one (name: Driggs); I took the big one (name: Tucker). We walked at least one-half mile, up to our corner and back, lingered a while before going into the yard. That was a big deal moment for him and me, and the dogs.

After all this, he and 'Grandpa RJ' (their name for Howard) still had time to go to the sports store to buy a 'Kan Jam' game, and Jack's first baseball mit and a soft ball. When they returned, there was time to play Frisbee (Kan Jam) for a while before the rest of the family arrived for dinner. Wonderful day.

Thursday, another day of teaching -- my theme for the day was a take-off on Christina Sell's blog about community. Small classes again, but a nice blend of students -- very experienced in Carlsbad; in Temecula, one new student in the group, one 'angry' shoulder, and one with hip issues. My kind of classes!

And, now, today -- which I've already described, and has yet to evolve.

I also spent a lot of time during the week on the computer, listening to teleseminars (wonderful stuff), writing plans and articles / blog entries, reading. I even stuck my neck out and answered a query on the Anusara Inspired Yoga Teacher & Student Discussion Board Facebook page. What, you ask? A question re: Urdhva Dhanurasana; student with a sore shoulder and unable to straighten that same elbow. If you're a Facebook'er, you can log on to the page and read my answer, and the answers of other very experienced teachers. What was remarkable about this? That I stepped out of the comfort zone of just thinking and actually wrote it down to allow all the world to see. She's back!

Hope your Friday and weekend are great!

FUN WEEKEND

This past Memorial Day weekend, we put away the unpacking tools and simply enjoyed the three days. Howard had traveled most of the previous 3 weeks, so it was time to just spend time together.

Saturday was spent running errands - an essential part of most of our weekends. Sunday, we re-traced our old patterns when we attended a matinee production at the LaJolla Playhouse (A Dram of Drumhaccit), followed by a trip to CostCo and then the garden store, followed by dinner at a local eatery.

Monday, Memorial Day, we enjoyed the beach celebration for JF's birthday and welcome to California. We arrived early (party was scheduled for 10-4; we were there at 10:30), and were joined shortly after by our son and his family. Beautiful weather, complimented by family, and connecting faces to names (remember, I'm new to this kula). I also re-connected with old workshop buddies and my new kula of instructors from the Inland Empire. Highlight of the few hours we were there: playing with and enjoying Grand-Dudes (and being able to show them off a bit) and presentation of the 'board' to John (see pic, below). FYI, many donated a few (or many) dollars to this gift, so it has a special meaning for all of us; truly a gift from the Anusara kula's heart.

I am sorry we didn't stay at the 'party' longer; I missed meeting MariaCristina -- so sorry about that.

And, this week? Well, it's off to a good start. I taught in both Carlsbad and Temecula yesterday. The Carlsbad class is still small, but I enjoy having strong students (including one faithful instructor) in attendance. Growth will happen, just takes time. In Temecula, the class was also smaller (it's a Gentle/Therapeutic Class). In attendance were three; one, new to yoga and struggling with a stressed shoulder; another, coming back from joint replacement surgery; and the third, exerienced and looking for a gentle yoga practice. I appreciate the diversity of 'stuff' in this class; it's teaching me to look at everyone, pay attention to everyone, appreciate everyone.

Today? Planting some flowers, cleaning the house a bit, preparing dinner for the family. Then I'll go into town and pick up senior California Grand-Dude (Jack), and bring him out here for some time exploring on his own. The rest of the group will come out for the dinner I'm preparing. I'm loving this new life!

Hope you have a great day,