NICE 'BIRTHDAY' DAY

We had a bit of a rocky start, but Howard's Birthday Day went pretty well after that.

What rocky start?  The class I was teaching in Carlsbad created a rush-rush aspect to the morning, which is not the way we like weekends to go. Hurry through the coffee & conversation aspect of the morning, rush to walk the dogs, scramble to find phone, race up the drive - like that.   Then, as we drove a few blocks away from home, it became apparent he thought we were going to Temecula -- wrong!  That added to the stress a bit, but - in the end - I made it to class, he made it to a 24-Hour Fitness somewhere, and we re-connected for coffee and grocery shopping after.

The class I taught was another small one -- I am getting superb at teaching small classes.  This one, 4 people.  I realized the other day that I hadn't taught ardha chandrasana (or chapasana) for a long time, so that was the apex pose for this class. It fit well with my theme (madhya - or middle/center - again), and I focused on muscular energy and organic extension as the alignment principles.

After rushing, teaching, shopping, we came home and I finished up some homework for my Certification mentor. You guessed it - the process continues.  I received very good feedback from her on my video, yet there remain a couple things to get more of into my classes -- more going back to the theme and more linking instructions.

FYI, 2 years ago, I felt I was too 'soft' when teaching. I knew the stuff, but the transmission just didn't 'pack much punch'.  At that time, Christina Sell was offering her first on-line mentoring program. She has 'punch', so I signed up immediately. My teaching expanded greatly and my 'punch' improved. Why tell you this? Well, now I have too much 'punch' -- as in I am pretty directive when teaching:  "step your leg back", "move to plank", like that.  I have gone so far into the 'punch' that I have eliminated much of the linking.  Need to find the madhya (middle), more balance of 'punch' and linking to create flow.

Interesting to receive feedback. Feedback that isn't what you wanted, yet you still feel good about it. (FYI, I wanted her to say "yes, it's good enough, you're Certified"; didn't happen.)

I heard someone talking the other day about a friend who submitted a video and, when it wasn't approved, has become discouraged, 'hurt' and has stepped back from the process.  I wonder what part of 'this is a learning process' was missed in the Immersions and Teacher Trainings that person attended. Didn't they hear that the video will be assessed and they might be asked to do more; or were they just sure the first one would pass?  I don't know this person, or I might go to them and say "look at the video again with your assessor's comments in hand". Stay open and I'll bet you see what they saw -- enhance (correct) that; then do it again. This is training us, whether we want to think it or not.  It will never be an immediate 'pass'. Enough on that. Oh, and I'd add: "you better get used to it, because every year someone will evaluate your classes, should you decide to return to the journey". There, that's enough.

Today? The formal Birthday Party. We've planned chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream (because chocolate and vanilla are our two grand-dudes' (Jack & Brady) favorites.  Other 'fun' activities: pick up the yard a bit more, help put the shed back in order, laundry (no, that's done), housework - especially picking up pet hair (that's never done).

Have a great Sunday, or "enjoying the weather wherever you are, have a great day!"  (practice linking, practice linking, practice linking),

AS WORRISOME AS IT SEEMS . . .

this, too, shall pass; it has passed. A blip on the radar of life (not a little blip, but it's happened and it's over). Now to watch and see what happens.  (This whole first paragraph relates to my last post; if you read it, it makes sense. If not, that's o.k. too.)

I think it's interesting to take a mental inventory this morning and see that I am not nearly so 'upset' or 'saddened' or whatever, as I was 2 days ago.  It must be true, what they say, that 'life goes on', just a bit differently.

Thursday I taught two fun classes.  The first, in Carlsbad, was a group of ladies - all with yoga experience, but new to Anusara. One had studied Iyengar, another Bikram; not sure about the rest. Interesting to work with a student who wants both worlds -- Bikram and Anusara.  The questions like "In my Bikram classes, the instructor asks me to lock my knees; you say not to do that. Which is correct?"  Questions like that cause me to 'plead the fifth' or to say "I believe the flow of prana is blocked when we 'lock' a joint. My advice: do what you feel is best for your body while being respectful of whatever style of class you're in.".  How's that for walking the 'fine line'.

One of the first things I was taught, almost right after 'look for the good FIRST', was don't 'dis' another yoga style.

I had a very brief lunch with my son (he's a busy guy), then home to let dogs out for a bit, then up to Temecula to teach a 4pm 'Basic' class.

My 'regular' 3 were in attendance; the twins and their mother. The one who does not like yoga is coming along.  I think there is bribery happening for that young person (I heard "you do this or no Halloween party"). Whatever. I try to stay in the madhya (middle) -- not being too nice, but not too unfeeling to teenage emotions.  I had fun and I think - based on the laughter - that they all enjoyed the class, as well.

FYI, I have no problem with bribery or whatever it takes. I remember doing the same with my son -- he wanted to quit soccer, to skateboard and surf instead; I believed playing soccer would expose him to another type of friend and get him involved in team activities. Ended up soccer paid for a good portion of his college education and the 'team' aspect of the sport now supports his work ethic. Moms sometimes do know best.  (BTW, he still plays soccer each week and surfs on occasion.)

No class on Friday; dog to vet, laundry, some long-overdue yardwork (taking out some truly ugly plants), homework for my Certification mentor, and then a drive to airport to pick up husband. The drive was rewarded with dinner out -- I love when that happens.

Got a last-minute request to sub this morning, so off to teach in a couple hours.  It's also Howard's birthday today; we will celebrate formally tomorrow with dinner, cake, presents -- all at the Grand-Dudes' house.

Hope you have a great Saturday!

THE ELEPHANT . . .

There's a phrase often heard when something disturbing happens, which refers to the "elephant in the middle of the room".  As in, there are some things said, but the reasons (the real meat) are left for you to wonder about (hence, the elephant).  There's 'something' out there that isn't being said or revealed.

That's my concern now, as I contemplate the resignation of two of Anusara's well-known Certified instructors. Why? And, why now? And, what changed?  (Maybe there is more than one elephant in the room; there are certainly - in my mind - more questions.)

The announcement from John Friend told us what we needed to know -- they resigned, he accepted the resignation. Then comes a letter from one of the resignees, telling me that resigning Certification was simply tearing up a 'piece of paper' (paraphrasing here). Wait - hold the presses. That just doesn't gel. This person has been a big force in my movement towards that 'piece of paper', a major influence, a person I've quoted and complimented time and time again. Now, to casually drop a 'bomb' and to tell me that it's just a 'piece of paper' is not acceptable (to me).

Many are willing (based on comments on Facebook and responses to the above-mentioned letter) to live and let live, offer congratulations and well wishes. I want more. I want to know why.  I want the 'elephant' to reveal itself.  And, I want to know that what I've worked for for 7+ years (that 'piece of paper') is not just something to cast off with platitudes of 'friendship is stronger than a piece of paper'.

As I write this, I admit to myself that I am not close enough to any of the people involved to ever know the real reasons.  They may reveal themselves over time, or maybe never. I'll just have to get used to it.

My journey to Certification continues.  I still want that 'piece of paper' -- it has value, more than just as gilded paper -- it encapsulates a period of time in my life of growth and expansion, of pushing myself more than ever in the previous 50+ years, and - certainly - of new friendships. It's a BIG deal to me.

My best to John Friend and the two who have resigned.

Have a good Thursday,

DEFINE 'ADVANCED'

Here is what my MacBook dictionary says:

Advanced: far on or ahead in development or progress, OR, new and not yet generally accepted.

I looked this up as a result of one person's comment yesterday evening. In what context? I was telling the person about the Sunday 'advanced' class I taught (see yesterday's post). I mentioned the pose, the students attending, their reaction to the sequence. And, what did this person say? "do you think you worked them hard enough?"

Wait, stop the presses, think (or not). Where in the definition above does it say anything about "work hard enough"? And, come to think of it, doesn't just thinking about the pose, vishvamitrasana, conjure up thoughts of hard work?

But, back to my original thought -- why, when people think of an 'advanced' class, do they automatically go to the words 'work hard', 'tough', 'brutal', 'sweat-producing' -- words that do not appear anywhere in the definition of 'advanced' (think progress, development, new). Maybe if you used the word 'work' in the right sentence, it could apply; something like "she worked hard to make progress".

So, I am seriously thinking about what people expect when they attend an 'advanced' yoga class. Do students get up in the morning and think "I want to get my rear-end kicked today, so I'll go to an 'advanced' class." or are they considering the new, the development, the progress they will make in a class labeled with the word 'advanced'?

Based on the comment I heard yesterday, I worry that we (yoga teachers, in general) have promoted an image of tough, brutal, sweat-producing when we recommend our 'advanced' classes. As in, how many chaturanga dandasana's can a class include, on top of handstands, backbends, twists, etc. Why?

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good sweat once in a while. What I enjoy even more is to work hard (with or without the sweat), and make progress in my yoga practice -- even if that progress is simply making an ordinary uttanasana extraordinary. To me, that is 'advanced'. (Can't seem to get off this ordinary/extraordinary train of thought.)

All this is a 'rant', as C. Sell so aptly labels some of her blog posts. This one may not be as eloquent as hers, but I think it's food for thought. I plan to promote 'advanced' classes as places to hone our yoga skills; truly embrace citananda -- awareness and the ability to create beauty through that awareness. 'Advanced' classes require I walk in with a beginner mind, just like every other class -- the ability to step back, be the student, embrace my strengths and weaknesses, learn and grow. Enough.

Today? House and yardwork, a meeting with our financial planner, pick up a light I've had re-wired, then - taking a cooking class on Indian cuisine.

Hope your Wednesday is a good one,

A FIRST - FOR ME AND THEM

I was asked to 'guest-teach' a class this past weekend: Sunday morning's 9:30 Advanced/Intermediate Yoga Class at Living Yoga in Temecula.

This was a last-minute request, one laced with desperation, so I accepted. Normally I avoid 'advanced-intermediate' like the plague. Why? Not because I can't, but because I question my skills at teaching this level of student. As in, will they get what they came for? Will I be able to work them hard enough? There's also the fact that many of the poses taught in this level of class are not poses I normally practice (many dvesha poses here); how does one teach what one doesn't practice well?

I accepted anyway. Decided to kick myself out of my 'basic' comfort zone right into 'advanced'.

My worries began late Saturday; I procastinated, however -- which is my nature. Sunday morning (EARLY), I was up looking through tried-and-true lesson plans (all for 'basic' classes). How to make those 'advanced'? Nothing clicked.

Then I stumbled on an article written by Christina Sell which would take students to vishvamitrasana. It was an abbreviated plan -- meaning the valuable pieces were there; I had to add 'filler' -- a down dog here, a chaturanga dandasana there, instructions to get to the floor, like that. I began typing, including the sequence she suggested, adding poses I thought would be valuable, voila! Print it out and off to the studio.

Just 4 came to class on Sunday. We began. About 20 minutes into the class, a case of 'major misgivings' began to seep into my confidence reservoir -- as in "what do I think I'm doing, trying to teach these people ANYTHING"? My choices -- stick it out or walk out. Made the right decision to stick it out and continued. It got easier, students were welcoming, they laughed, they worked hard - following all instructions to the letter.

We reached the knee-down version of vishvamitrasana. One student, a yoga teacher herself, said "Oh, this is the pose I see in all the magazines. I've always wanted to do it, but have never been able to get to it." We continued. Knee-down went well; on to the full version. That also went well. Ecstatic laughter in the room, even from one 'not-quite-to-the-pose' student - who was cheering the rest on. Time almost up, a relaxed cool-down, a centering pose, savasana, and closing comments.

Then, an ovation -- from students to me.

I came clean about the article, and I've thanked Christina for helping me experience this grand moment -- a chance to teach a great class to attentive students. I also must acknowledge that I was able to transmit it all effectively. I still get goose bumps just thinking about the looks on their faces (and the giggles) when they came down from their poses. So great!

Today? Back to regular schedule -- 10:30 'basic' class in Carlsbad, 2pm Therepeutic/Gentle Class in Temecula, 4:30pm Pre/Postnatal Class in Temecula. Inbetween? A bit of driving.

Hope your Tuesday is great!

WHEW!

Taking care of youngest Grand-Dude, Carson, for 2 days and nights was fun; enjoyable; good bonding; all that, but I am stiff and sore today. And, last night, I could not keep my eyes open past 7pm. Could it be that one 1yr old can have that affect on me? I suppose so.

Gives me expanded respect and admiration for Jessie & Derek (son & daughter-in-law) who do this every day with our 3 youngest Grand-dudes; all under the age of 5. Triple WHEW!

FYI, they took a 2-day 'vacation' with their 2 older sons (ages 4 and 3) to Disneyland; hooking up with the other set of grandparents in that experience. Carson, age 1, would have spent his days in a stroller, wanting to be out and enjoying things; but unable to due to his age, size, comprehension of the experience. Better that he remain at home with me (or, rather, that I spend a couple nights in his home).

All this rambling to tell you that I've been away from my regular routine.

Now, home and back to the routine stream of things -- teaching, house- and yardwork, study, etc.

I did teach yesterday -- continuing with my theme of 'mudhya' and working students into some arm balances. It was fun and I am developing a 'usual' group of 3 (the family I mentioned in an earlier blog). They, plus one, made up the class yesterday. Not only are poses looking more polished, there are more smiles and even a bit of laughter as they get to know me and, I guess, develop a comfort level that it's o.k. to express like that.

Even better was watching the effect of the 4th student's advanced practice on the other three. Everyone 'kicked it up a notch', thanks to David's presence in the class. Even hand placement changed, became more precise and dedicated.

Today? Not much, except to settle back in. The weekend holds promise for yoga with friends -- a heavy-duty practice on Saturday, teaching on Sunday, then a partner workshop. Fun!

Hope your Friday is a good one!

17 (count'em SEVENTEEN)

The number of students in my Library yoga class yesterday -- 17. Be still my heart!

At 2:45, I sat with 2 students waiting (and chatting). I was beginning to worry; normally this class arrives early, with one or two sneaking in at the last minute. At 2:50, in walks a friend from the yoga classes I've been attending at the studio in Temecula. So, we're at 3. Then -- it was like the gates opened and in came the remaining 14. Amazing!

Many said they had seen my flier at the Library and were impressed with it. I'd better take a closer look at it. I didn't create it, but had glanced at it briefly. One of the repeated comments was that it is so simple, yet effective. Good work, flier-creator whoever you are!

What did we work on? Madhya, the Sanskrit word for middle. One of my favorite words. It kind of rolls off the tongue the more you say it (pronounced mud-ya). And, it so effectively describes the balance between effort and surrender. For this group, I especially wanted them to 'get' that, in our asymmetrical standing poses, we often feel discomfort in the front leg. In my experience, that happens because we are not asking both legs to share in the work of the pose. Usually the front leg takes the brunt of the work, and the back leg just kind of 'hangs out', waiting - for what, I don't know. I hoped to bring the madhya to their attention in these poses -- equally working both legs, embracing the midline, enjoying a more easeful, stable foundation.

What happened? At the completion of side one of a modified parsvakonasana, I asked for feedback (FYI, during the pose, I'd asked students to fire up the back leg, especially if the front leg was beginning to 'complain'.) One new-to-me student spoke up, saying that 'yes' the discomfort did go away. There were several nodding heads accompanying her comment. Yes!

I love moments like that -- when one student will speak up, validating what I had been trying to relay to them in my comments and instructions. Sometimes, I have to pry it out of people (shyness?); this time, there was little hesitation -- even better!

Today? I am taking care of youngest grand-dude (Carson) for 2 nights / 2.5 days. This is a biggie for me and his parents -- a first. I'm excited to experience it; not sure how he feels about it - tho, at 1yr, I doubt he will realize much is happening except that he won't see his parents and siblings for a couple nights. (We'll see; I'll keep you posted.)

Hope your Tuesday is a good one!

EXPECTATION

"Students will rise to the level of expectation."

Another quote taken from Facebook (Thank you, Abby Tucker). She wrote it in quotation marks, but didn't credit anyone - not sure if it's hers or something she is relaying; perhaps the author is unknown. No matter, it's still a keeper (and, very true in my experience).

It's something that took a while for me, as a yoga teacher, to understand. For a long time, I played to the audience -- I surveyed the group and then only taught as much as the weakest (or most injured) could handle (in my mind). I noticed, while doing this, that other - more experienced and/or confident instructors - were asking classes with new or challenged-by-injury students to do poses I would never dream of asking for. Yet, it was working for them -- no one got hurt, everyone was happy - even if they worked their ____ off.

My theory, then -- I didn't want to overwork students, perhaps take them to places they might hurt themselves, or - worse - have them NOT like me. So, I kept it on the 'down low', meaning my volume of 'energetic output' in classes was modest (I'm being kind here). I kept the volume low for a long time - it seemed to work, but I didn't feel like I was 'hooking' anyone. You know, like that yoga teacher who has the almost cult-like following for her Tuesday/Thursday morning classes (I'm thinking of one particular friend; but it happens everywhere). What were they doing that I wasn't. I was being nice. I was teaching Anusara-Inspired™ yoga. I was including the principles. I was NOT challenging the students in my classes; my expectations were low.

This mirrors my life in many ways. Travel along the easeful path, don't get too 'out there', don't make waves, try to make people like me by being careful - in speech, mannerisms, appearance. I've never pushed the boundaries of my existence much, until yoga.

With yoga came a shift. That's a long blog in itself, and this one is about asking students to do more than I "think", for whatever reason, they are able to accomplish.

Yet, I want to be challenged. I grow when I'm challenged. I must give that gift to my students. I've realized that and - while teaching yesterday - I almost took a step back and briefly considered turning the volume down. But, to do so, would have meant no challenge, no expectation of greatness, no sense of accomplishment or fun. So, I worked in and around the sore knee and elbow/back issues. I challenged most; one might have taken more, but I still need to strike a balance. Too much of a good thing (in this case, my expectations and challenge), and I lose them. It's a balance -- always, a balance.

What was my theme yesterday? Ordinary becomes extraordinary, of course.

I teach again this morning -- what will the theme be this morning? Still working on that.

After that -- all the things I didn't get done yesterday.

Hope you have a wonderful Sunday!

ORDINARY BECOMES EXTRAORDINARY

I've been enjoying the transmission of quotes from John Friend this week via Facebook (taken from his Teacher Intensive in New Jersey). I would love to be there listening myself, so I appreciate people sharing the meaningful statements coming from this training. One, in particular, caught my eye this morning (if you know me, personally, you'll know why). It goes like this:

"To be able to find the extraordinary in the ordinary, you have to slow things down." (per John Friend)

I wrote several months back about my dilemma, as a yoga teacher. That age projects an image to people that may or may not be accurate. Huh? One example I used was a fellow instructor who, when I mentioned people may avoid my class because of my age and the perceived lack of 'energetic output' I will demand of them, responded: "Oh, I don't think so, I love a slow class once in a while." This from someone who had never taken a class from me. It got me to thinking -- that I may project that image, or I may have that reputation, or - perhaps (thanks to JF) - I am finding the extraordinary in the ordinary and - in order to do that - I do slow things down (not always, but often).

I'll go with the last of those three statements - thank you, again, John.

Slowing things down, really feeling the movement and how it affects the body, the action, and the movement is NOT a negative. It truly brings another dimension of awareness to me. In particular, body parts - bones, muscles, nerves, brain - working together. I don't know about you, but I get really excited when I feel my inner thigh muscles fire and help me to hug in when moving in to poses. I love to feel the shoulder blades move onto my back and aid the opening in trichonasana, long before I extend the upper arm to the sky (think "icing on the cake"). And, activating my toes in any seated pose, brings such a feeling of stability. There's more, but I could get boring. Important to note that these things are easily overlooked, even if they are happening optimally.

They are all ordinary things. They are supposed to happen. The problem is that some students have not been given the gift of 'noticing' them or becoming 'aware' of them. When I teach, I bring it into their field of awareness. This may make a class seem slower, but I guarantee when they attend another instructor's class, they will remember and maybe they'll thank me for it.

How do I get out of this semi-rant? I don't; I'll just leave it to sit with, to let readers explore ordinary moments in order to experience the extraordinary, more slowly perhaps.

Today? Teaching a basic class at 10am this morning. Then, a few errands including grocery shopping, house stuff, etc.

Hope you have a good Saturday!

OSMOSIS

OSMOSIS (figurative definition): the process of gradual or unconscious assimilation of ideas,knowledge, etc. : what she knows of the blue-blood set she learned not throughbirthright, not even through wealth, but through osmosis.

I think it's working -- that 'osmosis' stuff. What do I mean?

I taught yesterday -- first class in 9 days (because I was away helping in an Immersion). As I taught, I felt relaxed, free of scripts, yet juggling most of the 'balls' it takes when teaching an Anusara® or Anusara-Inspired™ class. I felt confident and attuned to many of the things happening in the class - though I realized I need to work on my ability to see individuals while taking in the whole room (I think there is a word for that; some kind of __?__ vision -- I want to say the word in the blank is a bird, like an owl or eagle. Anyone?)

Things went well, but I do need to work on that vision part. Example: In one instance, I was asking everyone to move through a modified chaturanga dandasana and I was looking specifically at the students' shoulder alignment and head position. It was very challenging to stay open to the entire room, to not focus too much on any one student -- when I focus on one student, it then means the entire class must to do it over again (and over again), so I am able to watch everyone. Get my drift?

Additionally, I have long known that when the shoulders and elbows are level to one another after lowering towards the floor, the transition from chaturanga dandasana to cobra is enhanced. Better yet, the strain on the shoulders is less. What I had not heard much of was the instruction to keep skull loop engaged and the cervical curve in place throughout the movement (admission here: I may have been told it in the past, I just didn't HEAR it.). How many times have I allowed students to do this transition, insisting that they keep shoulders and elbows level to one another, but not paying much attention to the head? Heads and necks could droop to the floor and I wasn't noticing. Too many, I fear.

So, I'm watching. My vision, however, was on individuals -- meaning that, in order to see all 7 students clearly, the poor students would need to do it 7 times! I realized after the first go-round what was happening, and I tried to open up my visual field - to see the whole room (kind of like JF does, or Sundari, or any number of experienced Anusara® instructors), while still seeing the individual. It's definitely a practice, one I need to hone.

Back to osmosis - why title this blog post in that way? Because, having spent 5 days with the grace and eloquent language of Sundari (plus her toughness - yes, she can be 'tough'), I felt some of it coming through me -- my vocabulary changed a bit AND I assumed my 'seat' with more confidence and knowing than I believe I was doing just 9 days ago. Good stuff.

Today's schedule? Big choice to make -- beach or housework? Grand-Dudes or dogs? I'm leaning towards beach and Grand-Dudes -- it's so warm here that a beach day would be a good thing and what fun to hang out with the 'Dudes' and their Mother for a couple hours.

Hope your Friday is a good one.

ALMOST TO 'THE BOILING POINT'

Have you ever been in a situation where you became so upset, your breath was rapid yet there was a feeling of helplessness?

Recently I was; it was during my flight home (SLC to Orange County); and I found it's a scary feeling -- one that is challenging to control. What happened?

Recently, I purchased a small guitar (traveling size). Since I am just learning to play, I decided to take it with me and try to get in some practice time. On the flight out of Orange County, I asked if it could rest in the closet at the front of the plane -- no problem, flight attendants were more than happy to accommodate. On the flight home, I was told the closet was 'too small' and I should place it above my seat. I would normally not blink an eye at this, except the tone and mannerisms of the attendants were terse and less-than-helpful.

I found a spot for the guitar, said a small prayer that someone with a big roller bag wouldn't smash it, and settled into my window seat.

Along comes a gentleman (?) to take the middle seat. He sits and proceeds to take possession of the two middle armrests. Worse, he sat slouched in the seat, knees spread wide and into my 'space'. Now, I know that it's no fun to sit in the middle; so, I am more than happy to give that person two armrests -- they deserve it. However, draw a line from headrest to seat, along the space between the seats, and I consider the space on my side to be 'my space'. I do not want to rub shoulders or elbows with anyone (except my husband).

I sat and simmered, as his knee came into contact with mine, and his shoulder expanded beyond the boundaries of 'his space'. (What if this had been a large person, you ask? Well, he wasn't; he just didn't know how to 'hug the midline' -- he just sat and spread out, like jelly.)

In these situations, breathing helps. I felt, however, that it took a LOT of breathing to bring this under control and to relax. On a couple occasions, I deliberately bumped his knee, trying to get him to move it back to midline (didn't work). Finally, I moved closer to the window, breathed deeply, and decided to sleep my way to Orange County -- to try to ignore it.

I did, briefly, entertain the thought of asking him to hug the midline - to tell him that I was too old to rub shoulders or knees with him. As I remembered the recent incident on a plane where this same situation led to threats and someone being arrested, I decided to remain silent.

But, I will ask that question of the airline. First, tho, I sent them a nice 'complaint', asking why I am sent surveys to evaluate the performance of ground crews, but never in-flight crews. That, I fear to say something to these employees about their 'less-than' attitude is asking to be removed from the plane. Response from airline? An apology, a commitment to bring up the survey issue at their next meeting, and a $50 travel voucher -- all within 6 hours.

So, part of my steam has been let off; now, any thoughts on handling the space 'hoggers' on a plane?

I re-read this post and notice a pattern here -- one of being held 'hostage' by perceived threats. First threat, being booted off the plane if you say anything they don't like; the other coming from fellow passengers - which may be a result of the stress we all feel when flying these days. Interesting, isn't it?

Have a good Wednesday!

HEADED HOME

It was a great 5 days, and I am forever grateful to my friend, Sundari, for inviting me to assist her in this Immersion. It was a great group of friends and practitioners and supporters of Sundari -- what a combination that leads to great heart-opening!

This was a new role for me -- to be an assistant; which, to me, felt like teacher and student combined, yet with less intense emphasis on one or the other. I was able to listen, to observe, to adjust where enhancement would help, to offer my insights -- all while like being like the 'fly on the wall'. Not too 'in there', if you get my drift.

And, at the end, to experience the gratitude for my 'efforts' was an unexpected and welcome surprise. I had to remember, at that moment, to just say 'thank you' and 'you are welcome'.

So, it's home I go; back to Fallbrook. Clean up this house, change the sheets (put the flannel ones on for a winter trip back -- FYI, this is not a warm house in the winter.). Call the gentleman who watches over the house for us and tell him I'm leaving, and drive away for my flights home, which begin in Idaho Falls. I'm enjoying a few last moments in front of a small fire, before kicking into gear and packing up.

Once home, I'm making some internal promises to myself; setting a couple intentions that will make me feel better about myself and my contributions. Ahhh! Another benefit of assisting in the Immersion -- I come away with tools and motivation.

I hope you all have a great day!

p.s. GO PONTEIR!!!

DAY 4

Since I'm writing this (in the comfort of my great room, in front of a fire), you know that I survived the drive yesterday morning.

The roads were wet (probably slick in spots), and the snow had become packed down on the road at the top of the pass, but I and my little front-wheel-drive vehicle made it. Then, because I was heading out to the 'wilderness' and over that pass (which has very steep sides and small side rails), I had left the house prepared. A bag of warm clothes, bottle of water, apple, and I was wearing jacket, hat and boots.

The native Jacksonians laughed at me.

But, I remember the story of the man recently found off the side of a California road by his family - 6 days after his car had gone off the road over a steep embankment. He survived, but - sadly - the person in another vehicle that had gone off the same spot several weeks/months(?) before, had not. The 2 cars sat in the ravine side-by-side until family members arrived. Hence, my preparation. Enough said. Except: Always go prepared for anything!

Day 3 was another good one. Feeling a growing confidence in my skills to help teach in this type of situation (an Immersion), I offered a bit more. It's not my class, tho, and that's an important balance to remember. To offer, but not get too mouthy or too adjustment-happy. That's a learning opportunity, as well. These students know Sundari, they don't know (or trust) me yet. I can use the same analogy to braking while driving on snow/ice as I did yesterday - "Don't go too fast, yet don't be too on-the-brakes". That analogy works in a lot of situations, because it's a balance -- finding the middle spot, the mudhya (sp?).

Today? We'll see. It could have snowed a bit more at altitude, but I won't bore you with that. I made it yesterday, I ought to be able to make it today. I will take my bag of 'gear', tho; screw what the 'natives' may thing of my over-cautiousness.

Enjoy Saturday. And for Jack -- Go Soccer Star!

SNOW!?!?! (or, WHY DIDN'T I RENT A 4-WHEEL DRIVE???)

Yes, friends -- SNOW.

I hear this is not unusual for the Driggs, ID, and Jackson, WY, communities - many times the first snowfall is in September. BUT, in fairness, I checked weather forecasts, I did my homework. Nowhere did it say "expect snow".

Having lived in Utah, and driven to Driggs (remember the book title, previous post) many times, I've driven in snow. But, I live in sunny California, now (which I hear is not so sunny this week). I had hoped for nice Fall weather, a bit of sunshine warming a crisp morning, looking at colorful aspens -- like that. Not snow; rain, maybe, NOT snow.

Snow means driving over the Driggs to Jackson pass (about 20 miles) on roads that are less-than-optimal, icy probably. That's the reason people here use 4-wheel drive vehicles. If you live here, you own at least one 4-wheel drive; maybe 2 if there's more than one driver in the household.

FYI, I rented an economy-sized auto -- nice enough, but NOT 4-wheel drive; front-wheel drive, I'm sure, but NOT 4-wheel drive. My confidence, without 4-wheels pulling the vehicle, is lacking. 4-wheel-drive does NOT help with stopping, I know that. There is just nothing worse than NOT being able to make forward momentum on a steep (or slight incline).

Oh well, enough whining -- I'll get in the front-wheel drive vehicle this morning and give it a go. Trust that there is enough traffic over the pass to have worn off this skiff (1" on our deck). Put my 'game face' on. Go slow, but not too slow; brake, but not brake too hard; give it a go -- that's all I can do.

I wrote once that I used that particular analogy as a theme in my yoga classes. That, when going downhill in the snow (in your car), if you brake too hard you will certainly slide. But, if you don't brake at all, then watch out. You have to find the balance. Similar to our yoga poses, right? We have to go for it, or we'll just sit on the sidelines and watch. But, we have to go for it with a modicum of attentiveness. Find the balance -- effort & surrender.

Now -- wish me luck!

BTW, day 2 went extremely well. Sundari had asked me to offer input; which I did in the morning. At lunch, I received the advice to offer my input without a caveat - like instead of saying "in my experience, I find using the outer spiral helpful in driving the knee . . .", say "use your outer spiral to drive the knee into the 90 degree angle, rather than thinking about bending the knee". Like that. So, in the afternoon, that's how it went -- and, I felt good; competent; like a teacher!

Have a great Friday,

WEDNESDAY MORNING

Up early to get ready for Day 2 of assisting in Sundari's Immersion I, Jackson, WY, and I noticed it's been a few days since my last post. I've let life get in the way of my writing, once again.

Or, perhaps, the inspiration to write hasn't been there -- that may be the better reason. In any case, I'll bring you (whoever is reading out there) up-to-date on my past few days.

Monday turned into a somewhat hectic day -- EARLY appointment in Encinitas (which means I have to be on the road EXTRA EARLY to get to destination). We have placed ourselves back in the situation we thought we would love to be out of -- traffic. FYI, we lived in San Diego 18 years ago before moving to Salt Lake. Traffic is never predictable. You never know when something is going to happen on the roads; and - some days - there's not even a logical reason for the slowdown. I hit one of those non-logical slowdown on Monday; making me 10 minutes late for my appointment. Fortunately, it worked out. On with my day, I ran a couple errands, had lunch at home with Howard, then a few house things, before heading out to the Library for the Monday Yoga Class.

Wow! 14 in the room at 3pm on a Monday afternoon at the Library. It is a community class, but 14 at 3pm on a Monday? Who knew! And, I love it. There is something about people coming together, chatting, laughing, getting ready to do yoga that I love. Everyone smiling, everyone happy to be in the room, to be in good company. Good stuff. FYI, all levels are encouraged to attend this class, so - for now - I'm staying pretty basic in the teaching.

Home to pack and organize a bit for Tuesday -- my class in Carlsbad and then a flight out of Orange County to Idaho Falls. All that went well; made it to class on time, drive to airport/parking/flights -- all were on time. I arrived in Idaho Falls at 9pm, drove to Driggs (I am naming a book or a song "Driving to Driggs", someday; not sure what will be in it, but it will be good -- so, buy a copy.

Huh? Yes, I am in Driggs, sitting in our small home, enjoying a cup of coffee. In a few minutes I'll begin to get ready to assist in day 2 of Immersion I with Sundari. (Howard and dogs/cats are holding down the fort in Fallbrook.)

It's quiet here. So quiet, I can only hear the ticking of the cuckoo clock; nothing else.

Day one (yesterday) started well. I marvel at watching Sundari teach for 6+ hours. She has been so busy, that we hadn't really discussed my role (other than I knew it would include a lot of 'gophering'). 'Gophering' is fine with me -- I'm getting to hear all the Immersion content again (it's been 5 years since Martin & Jordan; and 2 years since John). And, I am getting to meet a group of wonderful people -- people from all walks of life coming together like my Libray group, because they love yoga. We talked last night and I was told to interject my thoughts/suggestions more; we'll see. Be careful what you wish (ask) for.

I love that I got a note from one of my Facebook friends wishing me luck on this new adventure. What a thoughtful and kind person. I will pay that one forward.

One other thing, Congratulations to Barbara Adams (Yoga Village, Scottsdale) on her Certification! I met Barbara at my trainings with Martin & Jordan, and we have kept in touch since then. Such an accomplishment!

Hope you have a wonderful Thursday!

NICE WEEKEND!

It was -- a very nice weekend. And, warm -- having moved to So. Calif. from Utah, we'd gotten used to variations in weather at this time of year (thunderstorms, a chill in the air, like that). Here, it's just nice. Even had the A/C turn on a few times; in October, no less.

Add to the weather, we shared some fun activities with son and family -- Jack's soccer game Saturday morning (he scored at least one goal), followed by breakfast with all at a restaurant. I mention that because Derek commented that he believed it was the first time they had taken all 3 to a real restaurant as a family. All were well behaved and in good spirits -- fun and enjoyable.

Once home, laundry - sweeping (this new dog has added exponentially to the amount of critter hair floating around on our floors) - other misc. Saturday stuff.

Sunday, taught the 10am class at Living Yoga. Nice group of 10; some new-to-yoga, some experienced, some in-the-middle. We warmed up, without wearing out the arms, and went to the wall. At least 3 had never given handstand a try; so, that's where we went. Impressed with the level of adventuresome-ness in the room. All were willing to give it a go; several kicked up alone, the rest I gave a leg up. Good stuff! This is new for me - including handstand in my classes and I'm enjoying it. With smaller groups like this, I can control the mayhem that often breaks out when people are having fun - so, it's a good thing.

Today? An early appointment, then home to take care of more house stuff, then the library class from 3-4pm.

And later this week -- I'll travel north to Idaho (leaving husband with critters holding down the Fallbrook Fort). Why? I've been invited to assist Sundari in her Immerson I, beginning Wednesday. New experience for me; growth experience; out of the comfort zone -- a good thing.

Hope your Monday is a good one,