LET THE WEEK BEGIN . . .

First, a pic taken Christmas, 2010, of Howard and I with our San Diego 'Grand-dudes'. Cute, huh?

As I begin this week, it is with a commitment to NOT forget anything. So, let me go through my week quickly (my commitments), just to cement them in my brain cells:

• Monday - No appointments/classes to teach
• Tuesday - 9:15 am, Level 1-2 at The Yoga Center; Noon, Pilates; 2 pm, Webinar with Amy Ippoliti (download and view later); 2:30 pm, Private
• Wednesday - 9 am, private; 10:30 am, Gentle Yoga at The Yoga Center; 6 pm MST, Srividyalaya Course (History of Hatha Yoga) begins online
• Thursday - 1 pm, Pilates; 2 pm, Webinar with Amy (download and view later); 2:30 pm, Private; 4 pm, Level 1-2 at The Yoga Center
• Friday - 10:30 am, Gentle Yoga at The Yoga Center
• Saturday - 7:30 am, Private
• Sunday - No appointments/classes

There -- for me, just the process of writing things down has a definite affect on my memory. And, even as I wrote, I found myself leaving things out -- duh!

Not that you want to read about my schedule, but this is for my own benefit and this is, after all, my blog.

Looking it over, the week looks pretty active (I'm avoiding the word 'busy' here). Additionally, there will be class planning to do for each of the 4 classes I teach, I'll need to learn the technology to download Amy's webinar (help is available for those of us who are challenged in this endeavor), and Srividyalaya -- well, let's just say I'm concerned a week with only that course in it would seem overwhelming. Perhaps the other activities will keep me from stressing about it too much.

And, I deliberately left out the yoga classes I hope/plan to attend during the week; need to take that one day at a time. So, today - since I have no other scheduled activities, I will attend Adam's 'Yoga for Seniors' at a local aquatics center. This is good - it will give me some insight to what other, more experienced instructors teach in a class of students who may have some limitations; and a more gentle yoga class for myself.

The rest of the day?

• Errands
• Housework, including some laundry
• Watch for books to arrive that I ordered for the Srividyalaya course (4 of the 6 needed; I already had 2 and have read most of those - a little review won't hurt, tho.)

Hope your Monday is productive and fun!

WHAT'S HAPPENED?

I rarely forget appointments or schedules, especially those revolving around my yoga teaching. This week, tho, I managed to forget two things related to my teaching -- a private session and my turn to guide a practice. For each of those missteps, I apologize.

Not knowing who might have shown up to the practice, I apologize -- and, I'll continue to apologize when/if those people come forward. For the private client, I have apologized personally to that student. There was no good excuse for either incident of forgetfulness.

That doesn't mean I'm not sitting here trying to come up with a few (excuses). Human nature? Perhaps.

On my recent visit, I noticed my middle grandson, the 2-year-old, often says 'it's o.k.' right after he does something he realizes may not be o.k. It's cute and often he is forgiven; I did (in my stern grandmother way) point out to him that - on a couple occasions - it was 'not o.k.'; it made a mess, or it hurt someone, etc.

So, when my private client offered me an out -- 'it's o.k., things happen', I was reminded of this interaction with the 2-year-old. My response to her, "no, it's not o.k. and I apologize; I'll do a better job of writing things down from now on". I had to own it - the embarrassment, the feeling bad, the realization that I do forget - it's all mine. Once owned, I could move forward with how I plan to solve it in the future, should that person decide to give me another chance.

Enough for another session of "True Confessions on Blogspot.com". This is one post I hope few of you read.

But, if you are reading, I attended a good class with Adam yesterday. Since the sale of my studio, the buyer has assumed teaching the apex Saturday morning class - a good thing. That leaves my Saturday morning's open. Not knowing who was subbing for Sheldon, I decided the class with Adam would be of value. It was either that or his practice in the afternoon. My 'hard-core' yoga practice needs work, so a softer version was needed. Didn't necessarily turn out that way (softer), but I got a lot out of the class, I saw a few old friends, and I felt good when done. All good things.

Remember the word 'vijaya' from yesterday's post? Well, as I practiced yesterday, I thought of it often. We did padangusthasana(!?!?!), I reminded myself of how much I loved hugging the leg-to-be-extended in as I prepared to continue in the pose. Then voila! the left leg extended -- all the way -- not high, but straight and my torso was upright! Definitely a few 'vijayas' from that experience. I am sure the right leg would have amazed me also, but the left just was not in the mood for holding me up in balance postures yesterday. A little celebration is better than no celebration.

Today?

• Husband time
• Household tasks
• A trip to the airport
• Class with Tiffany

Have a great Sunday,

THE LITTLE THINGS

I've been working with a woman for 3 sessions now; she's a bit older, suffered a major injury, and now is trying to move back into her life. Our goal -- strengthen her legs and other bodily functions; my goal -- have her move to and from the floor with more ease and confidence. There, I've said it -- there are two sets of objectives in our teaching: ours and mine. How about for you?

Before I met with her yesterday, I planned my Gentle Yoga class. Thanks to Eric S., I've been telling students in that class about the aspects of Laksmi and trying to apply these aspects to our yoga (and life). I was gone on Wednesday, so had a couple to catch up on. Worked with Vira and Vijaya Laksmi.

Vijaya means something like a 'slice of victory' (break it down to jaya=celebrate and vi=increment). We celebrate all the victories of life, big and small. I notice that in my practice; that I am able to incrementally enjoy a pose(?). For example, padangusthasana -- certainly a dvesha pose for me (meaning I avoid it). But, when asked to do the pose, I love the feeling of being able to bring in the leg-to-be-extended, hold the foot, and then hug that leg to midline as I inner spiral both legs and prepare for the as-yet-elusive full extension. I even remember the first time I felt that hug; such celebration (or vijaya) I felt inside. Kind of like, 'wow, I didn't know I could hold that leg in like that, my inner thigh muscles are really getting strong'. That's what I mean by 'vijaya'. I'll be happy when I can fully extend the leg, but - right now - the little victory keeps me happy and doing the pose, a pose I very much disliked.

Back to the topic at hand. Our first session, knowing what I did at that time, was a 'get to know you session'. I went prepared with a list of 8 movements that I planned for her; we moved briefly through each and, when we finished, I asked her to do 2-3 each day and mix them up.

The second session, similar movements - but, I had noticed that her breath needed work. Work? Yes, and many of you can relate because you have students who breathe shallowly and/or irregularly. So, my client and I worked on the breath -- I tried having her place her hand on her belly to feel her breath, that didn't seem to do the trick. She suggested hand on heart and that worked better. We did a few more leg movements, etc., got down and up from the floor. I left.

Session 3, yesterday: I am seeing greater awareness of the breath. Her idea worked, it seems to connect her with her breath. Vijaya! And, for the 3rd time, she moved down to and back up from the floor -- she doesn't like it, but she is doing it -- so important to know you can do it. And, something I read recently is that when older people find themselves on the floor, either by falling, slipping, or sliding out of a chair for example, the first thing to go haywire is their breath and then panic/fear can set in, compounding the negative impact of the situation.

She is happy about the breath, feels a sense of accomplishment just knowing that she's breathing with more awareness. I am happy that, grumbling all the way, she is moving to and from the floor.

Then, it was on to Gentle Yoga. Among the group were 4 new students, 3 of whom had physical stuff (bad knees, old ankle injury). One little victory here: they all are aware of the impact these have on their ability to move.

Today:

• Class or practice with Adam B.
• Weekend time with husband

Enjoy your Saturday and weekend,

WTSIR,TTA; or could it be WTTIR, TSA?

Serious problem with the keyboard -- NOT! Just didn't want to take up all my 'title' space and energy typing out: 'when the student is ready, the teacher appears'.

I was reminded of this phrase yesterday (a phrase I love) when I looked back at blog posts (MariaCristina's, in particular). She referenced the phrase, then re-phrased it to: WHEN THE TEACHER IS READY, THE STUDENTS APPEAR.

Been thinking about that a lot since reading it. I had credited increased attendance in my Gentle Yoga classes to their being 'ready'. Instead -- is it possible I'm 'ready' to competently teach them? Yup, I think that's an accurate statement/question.

So, thank you - Maria - for bringing that to my attention.

Another wake-up? Attitude affects attendance (another 3 A's). Brought to the forefront of my thought process in regards to the 4 pm class I teach on Thursdays. Thursdays have evolved into a LONG day for me. I reach 4 pm with a bit of a 'tired chip' on my shoulder. That, coupled with the fact that it requires more effort on my part to make this time slot grow I've dropped the ball on this one. Need to re-frame and re-energize for this time slot.

Must be a 'true confession' Friday.

What 'tip' for the day? I've just purchased a great set of books, written by Ray Long, M.D., it's a 3-book set - each book dedicated to a class of poses. Lots of great anatomy information. I learned about Dr. Long from Sundari through books titled "The Key Muscles of Yoga" and "The Key Poses of Yoga" (which I've also purchased). Lots of opportunities for reading!

And, today:

• Private at 9 am
• Gentle Yoga at 10:30 am
• Errands (to include picking up new car!)

Hope your Friday is a good one,

GOING TO WRITE QUICKLY

We have been spending the past few days visiting with and helping take care of our 'Grand-Dudes', aka grandsons. Where does this come from? Well, I know BJ calls her Grandchildren, 'GrandDrops'; my 2-year-old called me 'dude' one morning as I changed him out of his pajamas. He was being funny, I remembered -- there you have it, the story of 'dude origination'. Since then, they have been my 'Grand-Dudes'; I suppose if I had a granddaughter, I would have to call her a 'Grand-Dudette' !!!!

And, why do you care? Well, it has been since Thursday that I've written in this blog -- maybe one or more of you is in serious withdrawal from my writing, or not. In any case, one of the longer periods I've gone without writing.

I went back to review what I wrote about way last week. I see that it was about filming the previous day's Gentle Yoga Class. Since that one was lacking in some areas, I decided to give it another go on Friday. Plenty of people in the room, more than enough to satisfy the filming requirements. And, I figured, it would be easier second time around. Also, the second aspect of Laksmi, Saubhagya Laksmi (could also be defined as the Laksmi of Discernment). Wisdom. In this class, due to the injuries and conditions present, wisdom about what our bodies will do or not do is valuable stuff. And stuff students must listen to, look at, and discern the value of.

For example, many students arrive in this class complaining of back pain. The fear of the pain, for some, is almost paralyzing. During the movement I request of them, it takes their own wisdom to determine whether and how far they are going to take a movement. I never ask for more than I think is possible; I also realize that, for some, we will start with small steps. Might not do that full, well-aligned, twist the first day; however, can we align, and - perhaps - move the legs off to one side, then the other, and explore a bit. Some have not moved for a while, so this fear may just be a fear of the unknown or the forgotten.

Enough on that.

Our weekend was nice. I spent it with 2 coaches from the Handel Group in Laguna Beach (no less), and 17 others. We talked life changes (mostly career), parental traits, and our own 'hauntings' (memories that have lived with us, perhaps all our lifetime) and how they relate back to our path in life. Interesting.

Monday was spent with 'Grand-Dudes'. 4-year-old, Jack, loves books and is in pre-school. As we talked in the morning, I mentioned the book "Dictionary", and it's uses. When his mother awoke, he was after her for the dictionary, which she couldn't find. Well, you can see where this day led -- a trip to B&N (Barnes & Noble), Children's Section, purchasing a children's dictionary. He is his father's son. Derek was always interested in facts, not stories, so books like this dictionary which tell a story about a word would have appealed to him. I knew that we would not leave without one or two more books (actually 5). Mission accomplished, we returned home to book reading, dinner, bed.

Today? Yet TBD. More grand-dude time, guaranteed.

Hope your Tuesday is great!

AND, IT'S A KEEPER!

What's a keeper? The flier mentioned in yesterday's post. Everyone liked the version sent to them (with a very minor 'tweak'). Whew! Now, the question -- who is in charge of printing / distributing / etc.? Will ask this a.m.

Wednesday's Gentle Yoga class was a blast -- more than enough people in the room to film and all in good spirits, willing to even place themselves front and center in the video (not always the case). The presence of the video camera adds another dimension to classes - that of some self-consciousness. That is, most classes - this group? Well, the camera became almost a non-entity. Everyone did their stuff, no one held back on the groans or sighs (this is a very verbal group), they even added a bit of creative expression to the poses I asked them to do, we all had fun.

The challenge for me is to communicate from my teaching to the camera why certain things were being done certain ways. For example, why some people began class seated in chairs, others on the floor. Well, there are a number of hip/knee replacements in the room; another with a debilitating disease; for the new-to-yoga, sitting in the chair is just an easier way to listen to me for a few minutes; and then everyone aligns as they sit on the chair or the floor. Yes, align -- no comfortable, slouchy chair sitting; everyone is asked to sit with knees over ankles, feet parallel, rooting down through pelvis and from hips to armpits creating length. Shoulders rise, and move towards the back of the room -- all the same as for those in sukhasana; except for the legs. For this group, while some might move easily into seated on the floor; there are enough others who would need help in setting themselves up safely and comfortably, that it becomes a 'time' thing. We get to the floor, just not in the beginning.

There was one new student in the group. As I began, my commitment to the group was to speak about the goddess energies, beginning with Laksmi, and her 16 aspects. This first segment I relayed the story of Laksmi's appearance from the depths of the ocean - how she came to be. I'm talking away, and look at the new student's face - blank / no expression. I am sure she is wondering 'what?', 'didn't I come for yoga?', 'is this class story hour?', 'Goddesses and Gods and Demons?' -- or some other thought along those lines. As class proceeded, her facial expression stayed the same, a bit 'blank' -- no smiles, no grimaces -- I guess stoic might be a good word for it. This is worrisome for me, not to know -- I can't feel what's going on inside.

We had a good class, with some poses I usually don't throw at this group, and - at the end - the new student stopped me. Her comment "I loved it; one question, tho - why do we activate the feet and spread the pinkie toe?" I answered her question and she commented she'd be back. Good stuff. Another sigh of relief on my part.

Well, enough about the class. Got to get some elements in before the video will work. I didn't speak enough about the 5 principles - supposed to touch on those in 50% of the poses. I did, tho, move back to the theme, so I am pleased by that -- and, I told them 'why'; maybe not as much as some might like it, but I did it. This class keeps me busy, just making sure everyone is doing o.k., not getting discouraged, not hurting, not falling -- juggling a few more elements will take practice. But, all in all, I feel encouraged and ready to do more. A good thing.

And, I am so grateful the group is filled with Laksmi spirits -- all beautiful, helpful, caring. This will be a fun story theme to continue on for a few weeks.

p.s. As I re-thought the post, I noticed I didn't speak to the 'why' and how it relates to this (or any) group. In the churning of the ocean, many gifts appeared -- some good, some not-so-good; similarly with our yoga practice. We move, we feel, we notice our strengths and our weaknesses. We may want to give up (just as the Gods & Demons may have wanted to do, as they churned away), but something keeps us going. For this group, in particular, it may be the desire to be pain-free, or to get back in shape, or to strengthen the bond with a loved one, or to be with other people as their old group of friends shrinks and they face the remaining years of life. In any yoga class, everyone has their reasons. This is where, I believe, the 'kula' (community) is so important - if the kula is strong, the desire to return and return and return to a group of like-minded, loving individuals and friends keeps us in our yoga. Then, magically, it's a part of us, even if we move away or separate from this 'kula', the yoga is still there, in us. Kula - a topic for another post.

Today?

• Morning meeting
• 1 pm, Pilates with Cindy
• 2:30 pm, Private
• 4:00 pm, level 1-2 - I'm teaching at The Yoga Center
• 5:40 pm, Level 1-2 - Tiffany's teaching, I'm attending at The Yoga Center

Hope your Thursday is terrific,

VALUE IN PROCRASTINATION?

Is there? value in procrastination? Maybe.

Why do I think so this morning. Well, over the weekend I spent at least two hours on my computer searching for a flier I created for the Bliss Brothers weekend workshop, coming to The Yoga Center in May 2011 (May 6-8, to be exact). I took myself to the point of frustration, finally shutting the computer with a firm 'slam', and giving up on Sunday -- thinking, 'I'll re-do it tomorrow' -- meaning Monday.

Well, it's Wednesday morning and I still hadn't re-done it, as of 4:30 a.m. I'd thought about it, but re-creating a flier on this Mac (which I love, don't get me wrong) is a challenge -- it's not what I'm used to, it's change, it's growth.

Lo and behold, in my morning e-mail was a message from Peter, about to embark on the Bliss Brothers' tour and needing the flier, so he can update their website before departing. Pressure is on. Not only am I embarrassed that I've procrastinated, I HAVE TO GET IT DONE so everyone else can get on with their part of this workshop presentation.

So, 4:30 am, coffee in hand, I began. Gather pics, gather old data from old e-mails, put it together as well as I can remember the old one was. Wouldn't be so bad if I could remember how to move photos, re-size and crop photos, get a lot of info onto one 8x11 sheet of paper. That's where procrastination came into play -- the power of pressure. I've always been one to work best under pressure, and it proved itself again. Pictures moved, I began to write. Condensing words to fit into a concise workshop flier came easily -- BOP (Benefit of Procrastination) or POP (Power of Pressure)?

Or, maybe it was that I have done it once, so doing it again is much easier -- just like some of the yoga poses we do or we ask our students to do. Many are just much easier the second time around. We (or they) have been there, our (or their) bodies know what to expect, we (or they) have heard instructions; things just move and settle into place without the initial 'I can't do that' reaction.

So, flier is done. E-mailed to Peter, Primo, Sheldon & Lyndsey. Let's hope they are o.k. with it. Not sure I want to do it a third time.

Today?

• Private early this morning (9 am)
• Gentle Yoga at 10:30 am (I'm teaching and filming - if you are a regular attendee and reading this, please come to class.)
• Laundry, housework, a few errands

Hope your Wednesday goes well,

2011 STUDIES

This post was begun on Monday; finished on Tuesday morning - - -

I believe I mentioned this earlier, in another post -- that January is the month I look at what's being offered, I reflect on what I've heard is coming up, and I begin to make some plans for the year. In the way of continuing education, we can only do so much while maintaining our commitment to our students and our personal lives, so it does take some planning. I used to just look for the 'fun' workshops or trainings. Now, knowing more about my teaching and my skills or lack-thereof, I look for what I believe I need to become a better, more well-rounded instructor.

On Facebook this month there have been many, many photos from Douglas Brooks' 2011 Pilgrimage to India. Familiar faces in front of temples, dressed in saris and whatever you call the men's clothing, buying jewelry, sitting on camels, henna 'tattoos', some photos even show the reality of India - its beauty and its other side.

All these photos remind me that in about two weeks, I'll begin study with Douglas -- my first formal, dedicated philosophy study. I've done the Immersions, which are dedicated primarily to philosophy -- but, broken up with asana. This will be pure philosophy. Nervous about that. Grasping the philosophy - which seems to come so easily to many - does not come easily to me. I read, re-read, then read again. Then, 3-6 months later, I may go back and read something again -- it may make more sense this time around, but no guarantees.

I've also signed up for Amy Ippoliti's on-line course on growing and cultivating classes. That, I need as well.

What else? Not sure. The Bliss Brothers will be in SLC the weekend of May 6-8 presenting a fun workshop. That about takes care of the first six months of 2011.

JF will be in Lake Tahoe this Summer for a gathering of Anusara-Inspired™ instructors. I am sure this would be valuable; tho somewhat of a logistical challenge. Logistics also factors in -- how easy is it to get to a venue (plane/train/auto)? how available is housing? what are transportation issues to and from housing to venue? will I need to rent a car? All these things are included in my decision-making process. If it is something I really need to do, I'll get there - by hook or crook (well, not crook - maybe a better phrase: where there's a will, there's a way). And, wouldn't it be nice to be Certified by then, and I could then change my goal to whatever Certified gathering is planned for 2011, if there is one.

I'm sure my planning is not over; I am hopeful more west coast events will be planned for JF. So, I'll keep my eye on his schedule. Would also LOVE to do something with Darren Rhodes (perhaps with Christina?). Need to explore that. After all, I still have late Summer and Fall/Winter to work on.

Now, today?

• 9:15 am Teaching Level 1-2 at The Yoga Center
• Noon, Pilates
• 2:30 pm, Teaching private

Hope you have a nice Tuesday,

POSTING LATE

I rarely write in the blog this late in the day. This is usually an early morning activity, but early mornings have been taken up with other reading this week; so, this will have to do.

It's also a Friday -- I almost forgot. My blogging skills are seriously lagging these days!

This could be called a roller coaster week for me --- ups and downs; peaks and valleys; mountains and canyons.

Tuesday's Level 1-2 class, that I am subbing for Wayne, went well. It is not a large class - Wayne had just begun to grow his student population when the broken-leg-skiing-accident happened. So, I hope I can carry on and increase it by a few before he returns. We are both pretty technical in our teaching (not a lot of flowery language from either of our mouths), so students will not have too much change to deal with upon his return.

Other activities for Tuesday - Pilates, semi-private, errands - happened uneventfully.

Wednesday is Gentle Yoga day (this week, preceded by a new private client). We are gradually and gently increasing population of this class -- 11 in the room. With props - chairs, blankets, blocks, straps - it gets crowded; add the people and their mats and it's downright busy! There is room for more, tho. We'll just have to neaten up the prop piles to make more space.

That will have to happen, anyway (the neatening-up part). Sundari and I decided that this should be the class I video for the Certification Committee. More on that later.

Thursday, always a hectic day, was no different. Housework in the morning, an hour-long phone conversation with Sundari (I NEVER talk on the phone for that long), rush over to Pilates, teach a semi-private, teach level 1-2, home.

Today, Friday, Gentle Yoga again -- 10 in the room. What's going on? Used to be 2, maybe 3 or 4; never did I dream there would be 10 on a Friday. Not complaining; just commenting. A bit of grocery shopping, then home to 'build' a stew for dinner, work on the computer a bit. Going to run to the airport in a couple hours.

So, now about the video. Sundari and I talked at length about the video during our conversation Thursday (wonder how much that will cost us -- Maui to Utah). We discussed staging a class -- inviting friends and fellow instructors. I am not good with that; feel it might look 'staged' -- maybe everyone would be too perfect in their Anusara understanding or - if they tried to 'fake' something, it would look fake (what better word - fake for fake). So, next week, I will begin video'ing all the Gentle Yoga classes I teach.

So what will be challenging? Letting the viewing audience know why I am doing certain things. I thought I could just write a note and attach it to the DVD -- telling people that, as they watch the video, this happens for this reason. Her (Sundari's) opinion - I should be using my words as I teach to tell the viewing audience what they are seeing. For example, why am I behind one student in almost all the standing poses. According to Sundari, I need to communicate that during the video. Today, I practiced that a bit -- trying to verbalize, as I taught, not just instructions but also why it's being done the way it's being done. Not easy, and it could very well embarrass a student, if I'm not careful. I see lots of practice videos in the next few weeks.

Other activities on the horizon: I begin Douglas Brooks' internet work next month -- everyone's buzzing about it. Not quite sure what to 'buzz' about, since I've never studied with him. I have listened to his CD's, tho. I've also signed up to do something with Amy Ippoliti. She's posted info on her Facebook site, with more promised -- an internet series to help build classes, strengthen loyalty -- basically grow things. Need it.

January is the month I look ahead to see what/where I will be studying and with who. Looking for something with JF; not ready to go to Tokyo, so I'm hoping something will pop up here in the Western USA. Wanderlust, maybe? We'll see.

Hope you had a great week.

TUESDAY MORNING

As some (many) of you know, my morning routine goes like this --- up, turn coffee on, sit, pour that first cup, turn on computer, review e-mail and last night's Facebook musings, read some of my favorite blog posts, and - finally - turn to my own blog.

In this blog, I have written about the interesting flow of energy that occurs (i.e. I think of something, someone close to me is thinking similarly). I remember when I first started yoga, I was sure yoga instructors talked to each other and shared lesson plans for the week. At that time, I attended many classes each week and very often different instructors taught similar classes or, at least, poses. I have since learned that, no, we don't talk to one another, but there is an energy thing out there.

For example, read 3 blog posts this morning before beginning to write. Here is a breakdown and analysis of what each different (and from different parts of the U.S.) instructors had to say and how their comments relate to similar events/thoughts in my life:

• MariaCristina - wrote about her intention to attend more classes with favorite and different instructors in 2011. Interesting that I had a conversation last night with a fellow teacher about just such an intention. My fellow teacher's lament - that only on a handful of occasions have other yoga instructors attended her class. I could say the same. Our mentors attend our classes on occasion, but our friends? Not in the room. I suppose that could be chalked up to the fact that many spend so much time teaching that a yoga studio is not the place they choose for their personal yoga practice. Or, something like that. Just an observation, not a judgment.
• Denise Benitez - wrote in her Dec. 2 post that 'free yoga' is a fallacy. I began reading this post with a bit of trepidation, worrying that she might not support my similar belief and/or the story of how I believe, historically, people 'paid' for their yoga instruction. Fortunately, as I read, I breathed a sign of relief. She echoed my belief, and used similar examples to those I've used on my website, www.skillfulyoga.com, where I talk about my fees. The one I'd never heard - that sometimes students were asked to cut off a finger (fingertip?) for their lessons. Ouch! How many of you would do that to come to my class?
• Scott Marmorstein - wrote in his Jan 4 post that "everything is borrowed". Last week I had an e-mail conversation with clients who have been traveling. Just checking in, I told them, letting them know I was ready for them to return - were they ready/willing? What I received were two very complimentary e-mails within which they said 'yes, we're ready'. I copied the phrases from their two e-mails, and created a short, concise e-mail to JF, Sundari, Adam Ballenger, and Christina Sell, acknowledging and thanking them for their contribution to this feedback. What does this have to do with Scott's post? Almost everything I have taught, shared, communicated to these clients is 'borrowed' from these very pivotal people in my studies. These 4 teachers need to hear these compliments, as much as I do. While I certainly put my own 'spin' on the teachings and how I transmit them, I would not have this 'borrowed' knowledge were it not for these teachers (and many others - too many to list here).

I learn a lot from reading other peoples' perspectives. Most importantly, I receive validation for many of my thoughts and actions. Very valuable for someone who has a tendency to fall short on the self-confidence scale. (Working on that!)

And, today:

• Teaching Level 1-2 at The Yoga Center, 9:15 am
• Pilates at 12 noon
• Teaching a semi-private, 2:30 pm
• A couple of errands to run

Have a great day!

BEEN TOO BUSY

Remember many posts back, when I wrote "the excuse, 'I am too busy' is not a valid excuse, in my book". Well -- here I am writing it, using that lame excuse as the reason for not writing in this blog. Couldn't I at least be a bit more creative? Like, who would know any differently, if I wrote that I was ill over the weekend, or I had to go out of town unexpectedly, or my computer broke. Well, there are too many people who saw me over the weekend, to make the first two 'untruths' work; now, the third - the computer one - that could have worked. But, I took the easy (lazy) way out and used "I was too busy". Must be a human thing.

Friday was a day of teaching (big Gentle Yoga class, good for a Friday), then to the lemon store. Adam told me I should get some shorts (rather than long pants), so that I can see my knees and quads in my poses. Just couldn't bring myself to do it. Something about doing uttanasana and staring at knees with wrinkles, turns me off. Fortunately, I found two pair of nice yoga pants to add to my yoga wardrobe. If I need to look at my knees, I'll pull them up (the long pants).

I was to have guided the practice on Friday evening - unfortunately (or fortunately), no one showed -- perhaps a product of renovation, publicity, teacher rotation, or is once a week too often for this studio's population (I don't think so, but some may). No matter, I put the time to good use helping Sheldon and Lyndsey a bit to get the studio ready for the Yoga Festival and Open House, scheduled for the next day (Saturday). Time well spent.

My Saturday was spent at the Festival -- began by taking Sheldon's class at 9, then Michael's at 10, and Kim's at noon. A brief lunch, and back to teach my own class at 2. When asked what I would be teaching, I quickly responded that I'd focus on the 3 A's of Anusara Yoga. I was able to teach to the theme. Interesting thing about the class? One student struggled with her wrists during vascisthasana. When we moved to bakasana (crow), after a brief rest from the other wrist-stressing pose, there was no discomfort in her wrists. Could it be that the arm balance was just more fun? And, therefore, the discomfort disappeared? As a newer-to-yoga student, I don't think she was aware of the hugging-in element that will remove stress from the wrists. Interesting. Perhaps 'attitude' kicking in.

Then home to rest up for the evening's festivities -- an open house back at the studio. Music, yoga demos, friends. Good stuff. We left a bit early and shared dinner with Michael and Shala at Layla's in Holladay. For those of you who haven't tried it, Layla's is the old Confetti's restaurant -- remodeled and menu re-vamped, same owners. Great food and much nicer ambience.

Sunday was husband-time. We spent a quiet morning, then - FINALLY - got to see "The King's Speech". I've been waiting since November to see this film. Definitely worth it. Home to enjoy the fire; mac & cheese with a salad for dinner -- great comfort stuff.

And, today?

• A one-on-one appointment this morning at the Apple Store. My website is running (www.skillfulyoga.com); now to fine tune and tweak it, so that the search engines will find it!
• Errands
• Adam's 5:45 pm class at Sugarspace

Have a marvelous Monday,

PLAN ACCOMPLISHED

Yesterday, I did all that was listed on my blog 'to do' list -- it was a good day, but full (unless I'm really trying to impress, I don't write down the mundane activities -- like housework or laundry). People repeatedly ask me if I have a lot of time on my hands now that I don't own the studio. It doesn't seem like it -- I had fine-tuned work at the studio down to the bare minimum (perhaps a sign I was ready to be done owning a studio); I wasn't spending hours each day marketing, planning, etc. The spare time I have now is just space between activities; space I used to fill with paperwork or cleaning at the studio, but now don't have to worry about.

Pilates was fun and work (huh?). And, I see similarities to my yoga practice when all of a sudden some move previously inaccessible or pretty clumsy is now accessible!?!?!?

Then, time to kill between Pilates and my 4 pm class (that will change in 10 days or so, when the 'less-than-flexible' couple return from their travels). Since there's not enough time to run home, I suppose the efficient person would have some reading material with them -- me? No - stopped in the grocery, got to the studio early intent on practicing a bit; didn't work out quite like I planned as students began arriving EARLY for the 4 pm class.

Continued with my theme of burning the smudge off our images of ourselves (maya). Good one as we begin 2011.

The long-awaited class with Tiffany Wood at The Yoga Center followed. Skillfully crafted, encouraging and, yet, asking for commitment (loved that part) from all of us present. Many of the students had practiced before; not sure if Anusara had been in everyone's repertoire, tho. Impressive that even the beginning students (a couple) were well taken care of, as the rest of us worked hard - in my book, long holds are always hard work, if done with intention and care. Good stuff; look forward to future classes.

Last night, as I practiced, my attention was drawn to the statue of Shiva dancing (Nataraj). This murti is different from the one previously in the studio (brass vs. wood), and one of the things I noticed was the snake -- from a distance, in this murti, the snake is very visible winding around the figure of Shiva.

I have heard in trainings and workshops that this snake represents the kundalini shakti present in all of us. Curious about the snake, I googled it, found a decent website that briefly yet clearly explained many of the elements. The snake, this site explains does represent kundalini, and also symbolizes the Hindu belief in reincarnation. The molting of snakeskin is symbolic of the human soul's transmigration of bodies from one life to another.

In the first Immersion with JF last February, he went on to talk about other components, mentioning:

1. The drum, representing the tick-tock of life; sound reverberating out of silence.
2. The fire held by Shiva represents that which transforms, and is at the same height as the hand holding the drum.
3. The hand in abaya mudra is the hand of sustenance; creates the appearance of stability.
4. Nigraha arm (the arm crossing over and pointing at Shiva's foot) represents concealment.
5. Anugraha; the upraised foot, perhaps saying "don't worry, it's just a dance".

Other interesting things I learned from the website I found:

• There is a small figure in Shiva's dreadlocks - the Goddess of the Ganges. Belief is that the Ganges originally flowed in Heaven. When it was needed on earth, Shiva broke the fall from Heaven to earth with his dreadlocks. So, the Goddess rests in his dreadlocks on her way to earth. I never had heard about that element of the murti.
• The outer ring - fire - represents the Universe with all its suffering, pain and disillusionment. Just inside is another ring - representing the waters of the ocean. (Perhaps tempering the fire a bit??? -- my thought, as I don't remember ever hearing much if anything about the water.)
• The crescent moon in Shiva's hair keeps Kama (the god of nightly love) alive. The waxing and waning of the moon represents the seasons, rejuvenating life.

Interesting to pick one element and explore it -- I learn so much. And, I know students are curious what murtis represent and why they are in our yoga space. Now, I'll feel more confident answering questions about the Nataraj.

Today?

• Gentle Yoga, 10:30 am at The Yoga Center -- I'm teaching!
• Maybe the elusive lemon store is open and I can cash in my gift card.
• I will lead The Practice, 5:40 pm at The Yoga Center. Planning LONNNGGGG holds.

Enjoy your Friday,

SOMEONE, TELL ME WHY

Caution: Not everything written in this post is 'happy, happy'.

So, 'tell me why' what? Why do many of the events scheduled that we would love to attend attach the caveat: "must be able to do handstand at the wall and urdhva dhanurasana (full wheel)".

I used to just see mainly it for JF's advanced events; but, more and more, I'm seeing it attached to weekend workshops, advanced practices, etc., conducted by regular(??? - couldn't come up with a better word) instructors. And - until 3 months ago - I couldn't do either; now, I can do the urdhva -- still working on the kicking up to handstand (12 years on that one so far).

One explanation might be that doing those two poses is a sign of an 'advanced' practice. However, I've been in enough classes, trainings, workshops, etc., to know that sometimes a very new-to-yoga person is more than able to get themselves into these positions. (Imagine my envy - oops, murdita.) So, to me, that is not a valid reason.

Another might be ____?_____. I truly can't think of one for those particular poses. Someone, please tell me why!

It's a discouraging and demoralizing requirement that ought to be stricken from our verbiage - we can be more creative and inclusive, and still communicate that it will be a challenging practice, workshop, whatever. I'll take this statement back, if someone can tell me 'why'.

Understand the UPA's, warm up the body, open shoulders, open quads, work the hamstrings, do every pose with integrity -- in a perfect world those would be my requirements; purna.

Enough.

I did film yesterday's Gentle Yoga class -- almost afraid to watch it. The class is a great one, attended by dedicated and hard-working students. It is also a class full of modifications -- some students doing cat/cow stretches on the floor; others, as they sit in chairs. When we do trichonasana (which isn't often), we always do it twice -- first time EVERYONE uses a chair under their lower hand (why? just to equalize the playing field). Second time around, the chair can be replaced with a block or hand can go to the floor. During balance postures, the chair is handily placed at most peoples' side -- just in case; and many will use it for stability getting in and out of the posture.

By the end of this class, the room looks a bit 'trashed' -- chairs, blankets, blocks, straps, mats and people strewn around (mats and people are lined up in true Anusara(®) style). If this is a class I choose to submit a video for, I'll have to have a lengthy explanation of many of the things I'm doing. Why, for example, am I standing behind one student during many of the standing poses? Because her balance is so compromised by a debilitating disease that she will fall over unexpectedly. We do what we have to do; but, I'm not quite sure every video reviewer will be ready/willing to evaluate a video like this. If nothing else, this will be a challenge for me and them.

I read yesterday that a certain famous fitness-wear company (that is geared towards yoga, among other things) earned over $450million last year. Earlier in the day, I took a gift card I received for my birthday over to try to give them some more money. They were closed; on a Wednesday. Oh, well -- I'll just have to go back on a Thurs, Fri, or Sat. Perhaps they've decided that success is achieved by making yourself 'hard to get', ya' think? (This same company's product, a few years ago, was only available in Canada -- in the USA, we couldn't buy their stuff. Imagine the envy; oops - murdita, when someone walked in with that logo on.)

Enough on that, too.

Today's plan:

• 1 pm Pilates
• 4 pm, teaching Level 1-2 at The Yoga Center
• 5:45 pm, attending Tiffany's class at The Yoga Center -- good stuff!

Enjoy your Thursday,

MAKING SPACE

For whatever reason, blogging is not as easy as it was before December 5. I wonder if it's related to the sale of the studio. More discipline is needed, for whatever reason. So, to make it more easeful, this will just be a compilation of thoughts -- ramblings, if you choose -- from my week so far.

I used 'making space' as my theme for yesterday's class (the one I am subbing for a friend for a while - skiing injury). As I de-clutter my home (making space), it also seems to relate to our practice and any resolutions or intentions that we have set for 2011. We make space to cultivate our intentions, to give them room to root and grow - and, what better place to do that than on our yoga mat. I chose confidence as my heart quality (because it takes a bit of confidence to expand; and the results are often confidence - the calm feeling of accomplishment we experience when we've done something good for ourselves). My UPA emphasis: Inner Spiral (making space, after all). My apex pose (on paper): EPR using a strap.

Students in the room, we began. One commented that she has struggled with many injuries over the years -- pelvis, knee, back and neck. As we moved through the first surya's, she complained about the pressure on her knee during a modified vacisthasana. That caused me to change my plan from putting her knee into EPR - she is newer to the practice and the verbiage, so - instead of EPR with a strap, I asked students to prep for baby nataraj and then move more fully into the pose using a strap. (Bending her knee was not a problem; lateral movement and pressure was an issue. I'm hoping that as she progresses and due to her well-developed body awareness, the concepts of inner spiral, shins in, etc., will come easily to her, and doing EPR will not create issues for that knee. It just seemed that for this class, shifting gears was needed.) So, we shifted and we still had fun. Always good to have an 'exit strategy'.

It is great to teach in the newly-renovated Yoga Center (studio I just sold); just teach. Not worry about any of the details, just plan my class, teach it, talk to students, fill out the paperwork, lock the door. But, truth be told, I do worry about these things; it's still a part of me, tho easier to let go of that I thought it might be. Lyndsey and Sheldon are getting little bits of information from me on occasion, signed with a "take it or leave it" closing.

Anyway, back to teaching. As people get used to the new space and new class times, some classes will be smaller, others larger. O.K. by me -- just trying to get that elusive video in. I think today I'll video the Gentle Yoga class; just to see how it goes. Ought to be interesting.

I attended a class on Monday - Mary's Vinyasa 1. Great class. Great from more than one standpoint. First, I had a good time. Second, I often sub for Mary. Now - after taking her class - I understand some of the blank stares I get when her loyal students experience my teaching. We use different verbiage, we teach poses somewhat differently. The good thing? Mary is very focused on alignment; that, we have in common. Lesson learned? From now on, when asked to sub, if there is enough time before the subbing date, I'll attend that instructor's class. Not so that I will teach exactly like the person for whom I'm subbing, but so that I'll understand what/how students have been experiencing their yoga classes. Important and valuable teaching lesson for me.

Today?

• Gentle Yoga, 10:30 am at The Yoga Center
• Errands

Hope you have a great Wednesday,

PROJECTS IN THE HOPPER

Once one sells her yoga studio, what does she do?

For one, I will continue teaching at that studio (3 classes each week, plus subbing for a few weeks for a friend who was hurt skiing).

That takes up about 6 hours each week (NOT including travel and planning time). What else?

Several weeks (months?) ago I proposed to my physician that her group host a patient education series. This series would last 4-6 weeks, would include aspects of yoga in each week, and would introduce attendees to pro-active means to improve their health -- means they might not otherwise look at (i.e. life coaches, physical trainers, dieticians, Ayurveda, etc.). I offered to organize this series, do all the legwork, but didn't hear anything back after her initial enthusiastic response. So, I waited - upon announcing my website, she contacted me and explained that the group is looking at space options and will be bringing in a new physician this Spring. All this activity has kept her busy; long story short -- she does want to pursue something for patients that includes yoga. Yes! Will keep you posted on progress -- an idea some of you may want to pursue with your physicians.

What else? I am in the process of contacting local Parkinson's Support Groups about their interest in a series of yoga classes. Why? I work with patients who struggle with chronic, debilitating diseases, and I see the positive effects of yoga on their outlook. Keep you posted on this one, also.

In addition to public classes, I am teaching private and semi-private sessions.

Every so often, I think -- maybe I should try to find another public class to teach. Could do that, but these special projects offer an aspect of teaching that I've begun to appreciate -- the benefit of yoga to people who might NEVER walk into a yoga class, much less a studio. Why wouldn't they? They believe they can't afford it. They don't know much, if anything, about yoga - so why would they pursue it? They may believe that yoga is far out of their physical reach. I can work to change many of those factors.

As you can tell, this is an ongoing saga; and it will shift each day, week, month. It's an exciting time, filled with rewarding challenge.

Today's plans:

• Mary's class at the newly-renovated Yoga Center, 10 am
• Pick up cats from vet (more $$$)
• A trip to the airport
• Another class? We'll see.

Enjoy your Monday,

JANUARY 1, 2011

HAPPY NEW YEAR! and Blessings for all of 2011.

It's awfully early to be up on January 1, but when you are in bed before 10 pm -- that's what happens. One of the favorable qualities of being a bit more mature, is the wisdom to know limits. My limit is about 10 pm, no matter what holiday it is.

So, what does one do on New Year's morning when everyone else is sleeping? Well, here's a list:

1. Turn the coffee pot on.
2. Re-kindle the fire. We installed a wood stove insert in one of our fireplaces last winter. Wonderful purchase; maybe one of the best ones we've made for a while. Love it.
3. Pour a cup of coffee, sit a while, watch the fire come back to life, then turn on the computer.
4. Check e-mail, look at Facebook -- what do I find? An amazing picture of The Yoga Center (studio I just sold) in it's new, renovated state -- bamboo floors, higher ceilings, wall sconce-type lighting. All in just 2 weeks! There will be two classes there today (11 am and 4 pm), and more special classes tomorrow; regular schedule begins on Monday -- as promised. As I said, AMAZING!
5. Also on Facebook -- video from the "Tough as Nails, Soft as Ghee" workshop in Tucson with Christina, Noah and Darren. Mental note to self: next year, be there.

As I watch the fire, there's a feature of this wood stove that fits right in with our yoga and theming for classes. Here goes: Every once in a while, there's a smudge in the corner of my new fire place doors -- created by the residue from the fire burning, especially as we start or re-kindle the fire. But, if we continue to burn the fire; to get it hotter and hotter, the smudge disappears - the glass is clean! I can equate that process to maya (my own internal mirrors). My mirror is often smudged and dirty with my negative thoughts and perceptions of myself. That's one reason we practice yoga - to build our own internal (and external) heat and burn (or begin to burn) the smudge off our mirrors. Clear those false perceptions away with the heat of our practice. To see our beauty, our amazing selves.

Maybe this is a stretch; but, remember, it's early.

Lots of cold and snow in this part of the country. Everyone, it seems, is being affected by extreme weather of some sort.

Enjoy your day, whatever it holds; and - again - Happy New Year!