A GOOD DAY

Yesterday, very nice.

Left the house early to drive in to Carlsbad - teaching at 10:30am; a Basics class.  I do believe I am finally developing a following -- same people each week, and they talk about coming back on Thursday. Doesn't take much to get me excited, does it?

From that class, I hit the roads to make a teaching staff lunch in Temecula hosted by the studio owner, Andrea.  Great Indian food, not far from the studio -- make mental note of this.

The 2pm Gentle/Therapeutic was attended by just 2; but I'm not displeased with that.  In this type of class, too many and the purpose is lost.  Both students were in decent shape, one - however - had had both hips replaced; the other struggling with back pain 24/7, which she's had explored by physicians to no avail.

In this class we do keep it Gentle -- in fact, we started in savasana, moved to pelvic tilts, 'hip hikers' (Sundari's creation), and - finally - to standing.  Talked a bit about posture. Did some moves. No pain or discomfort from either - score!  I had taught the hip student once before; the back student was an unknown to me.  After class, she commented that the back never felt compromised and that, now, she was standing with more curve in her lumbar spine.  Yes!

Then, a Prenatal Class.  Just one, but a new-to-yoga student who appeared really nervous.  So nervous that I wanted to put my arm around her and say "it's all right".  I resisted; we did some moves; she finally smiled, commented occasionally. We'll see if she comes back.

Dinner with Howard at a winery in the Temecula Valley capped the day. Beautiful restaurant, great food, good company -- need I say more?

Today?  Breakfast Club in Fallbrook - working on getting myself known in this community. Then teaching a class in Temecula - 11:30 Gentle Yoga.  Then?

Hope you have a good Wednesday!

THE SHIELDS WE PUT UP . . .

Today is my birthday.  62 years old.

I remembered that 2 years ago (birthday #60), I actually did a countdown to that magic number. It was a bit traumatic -- kind of like crossing the line from middle-age to old (in my mind, anyway).  By doing the countdown, I was able to ease into it.  And, yes -- I know -- 60 is not 'old'; but, it is older.

I also had set a goal for myself at age 58. Jokingly with another now-Certified instructor, we coined the phrase "CBS - Certified By Sixty".  We also thought about having t-shirts made up with this phrase on them (SO glad that didn't happen).  Today -- well, he's 58 and Certified; I'm 62 and working on it (Good for him and good for me!).

The other day a friend asked me to post my birthday on Facebook so people could send me their well wishes.  I didn't and won't do it.  In fact, a year ago, I deliberately removed that feature from my page.  Why?  It's a shield.

You can tell that birthdays, now - for me - are a challenge.

Last night, the Grand-Dudes and their parents hosted us for a birthday celebration -- dinner, CAKE, fun family time.  Today?  Teaching, as usual, then dinner somewhere with Howard (he's made reservations). A nice, quiet evening.

BTW, yesterday's Library class was another 'goodie'.  We worked on Virabhadrasana I (thanks to Noah's YogaGlo 60-minute class).  Another 15 students.  Would have been 16, but I lost one during the introduction -- I can only surmise that, when I began to explain the origin (story) of the pose name, she decided that this class was not for her.  Too bad -- we did some good work after that intro, and I do believe that it's important to recognize the history of yoga; we don't have to believe all the 'stories', but it is of value to know where a pose's name comes from.  In eight years of teaching, that's my first 'walk-out'; guess I ought to feel good about that, but I do hope she will return. We'll see.

Hope you have a great Tuesday!

'splain it to me', please!?!?!?

Just a folksy way to start this post -- "splain it" -- who used to say that?  Movie or TV show person, I think.  Just 'googled' it -- it was Ricky Ricardo saying "splain it to me, Lucy" aka Lucille Ball.

So what do I need "splain"-ing?

Saturday, I tweaked something in my lower ribcage, left back.  I made it thru my lunch with the Grand-dudes; the Jesus Christ Superstar production -- with a twinge or two; then came immediately home to the heating pad.  Ibuprofen would not touch it (the discomfort).  I slept o.k., woke feeling better on Sunday; only to have the pain return the longer I was awake and moving.  Note: if it sat still, no discomfort; if I moved symmetrically, no discomfort; any twisting, severe sensation.

Went to bed last night feeling not much better than the night before; hoping that this wouldn't sideline my efforts to get in shape for JF in Denver in a few weeks.

Up this morning, same discomfort.  Decided that a practice was in order, no matter what.  Found one on YogaGlo by Noah -- a level 1, 60 minutes.  Pushed and prodded myself out to the studio, onto my mat.  As is many times the case, when I am engaged and practicing, painful sensations subside. It happened again, with a couple exceptions - twists being one.

I did the whole practice, not going quite as deep into twists as he (Noah) might have liked, but I did give my lengthening full power (remember, symmetrical).  This practice culminated in Warrior I, which does involve a twisting action from the hips to shoulders (no problem).  Then a couple cool down poses, savasana.

After, I put a couple loads of laundry in the washer, made the bed, put clothes away -- then I noticed. What?  Very little discomfort in those ribs.  Oh, I feel them when I twist, but the overall feeling is so much better.

Hence, the 'splain it to me', someone.  I am convinced that movement with muscle engagement is key to helping injuries; but, I've been trying to move with engagement for the past 2 days and still having pain. Maybe it was the sequence.  Maybe it was movement for an hour, where before I'd been sitting until absolutely necessary to get up and do something. No matter, I'll take it -- give me more of this magic.

Hope you have a great Monday!

I DON'T GO BACKWARDS . . .

Yes, friends, that is what I heard as I taught yesterday.  Just as I was to begin a demo offered me by Betsey Downing (see description later).

I was a bit taken back by that comment since this is a student I have seen many times in passing at the studio. I continued with the demo, but after class another student echoed the same sentiment -- that she doesn't go backwards, either.

Wow!

Well, they did yesterday. Ustrasana, to be exact. We began in a COLD studio (62 degrees outside, no more than 55 inside) -- small space heaters running full blast.  Got them warming up (literally), opened shoulders, quads, hamstrings. Worked on inner and outer spiral (since I was subbing, this was not a group very familiar with Anusara 'lingo').

When it came time to 'go backwards' in the demo (which was a partner pose), they all did it.  O.K., O.K. -- here's the demo:

2 partners stand face to face, Partner #1 with arms raised as tho they were lying on their bellies getting ready to move into cobra - elbows a bit to front plane of body.  Partner #2 places her/his hands under upper arm, close to elbow. Partner #1 presses elbows down into Partner #2's hands, as the hands resist. Nobody's hands/arms are moving, but Partner #1 is able to lift their heart, bend ('go') backwards.  Standing backbend - voila!  Into the unknown and un-tread territory, as I was finding out.

So, we did a few more poses, then came Ustrasana.  Each person went back; of seven in the room, just one had a tweaking in lower back -- fixed with more emphatic spiraling and lengthening (or, lifting of the heart).  I think it went well and I believe they liked it also.  Anything that goes o.k. and doesn't hurt is usually a keeper.  Comments were overheard as they left the studio -- "I liked that going backward.  I've never done that before."  Be still my heart.


Class over, it was off to pick up the 2 older grand-dudes and take them to lunch.  Their favorite restaurant, Ruby's, has a 50's feel with trains running on overhead tracks. Drawback:  it's located in a huge outlet mall, and it's the Saturday after Thanksgiving which equals a parking challenge. Not just finding a space, but also parking their car which is a HUGE Suburban (easier to not change out car seats).  But, we found one;  had a nice lunch, then back to car and off to a park for 15 minutes of 'playtime'.

Took the boys home, changed my clothes and Howard was waiting to take me to "Jesus Christ Superstar".  An amazing production that will go to Broadway in March.

Today?  Nursing a sore left ribcage (something - I don't know what - that happened while encouraging 7 people to 'go backwards').  Knelt down to offer a thought and there it was -- pain.  Still present this morning.

Hope your Sunday is a good one!

LET THE HOLIDAYS BEGIN (CONTINUE?)

We (Howard and I) had a very nice Thanksgiving - as I'm sure many of you did. All the right things -- good company of family, wonderful food, laughter, sharing of gratitude. It even included six children, 'Grand-Dudes and Grand-Neices/Nephew', ages 1-6, at the table who are at an age to contribute to the merriment.  It was a good day.

I mention laughter because Howard said to me yesterday:  "When did Derek (son/stepson) become so funny; or, has he always been funny and we just didn't notice?"

FYI, Derek is 37 years old.  We noticed the funny streak emerging a few years ago when he made a comment so off the wall that it made us both laugh harder than we had in a LONG time.  And, over the years since, at dinners, family get-togethers, etc., more and more this funny streak emerges.  Wonder why? or, has he always been this way and we just didn't notice?

Was he funny in a different way until recently? or, were we just too busy being 'serious about our parenting' -- allowing little time for laughter.

One thing you need to know about Derek, he has always been able to strike up a conversation with ANYONE.  Doesn't matter age, status, limitations, gender -- anyone.  I have always admired that about him, wondered where that skill comes from -- me? his Father? the Universe?  As a blended family of 3, Howard, Derek and I traveled and moved a lot.  Derek was routinely on planes, traveling from wherever back to visit his Father -- maybe that had something to do with his comfort level with people. We were always throwing him into situations that challenged him and he consistently stepped up.

No matter the source -- it is good to laugh and even better to see our son happy, relaxed, comfortable in his ability to walk in the world.  Waxing a bit sentimental this morning.

As you've figured out, our Thanksgiving was, indeed, a good one.  Yesterday, also good -- a full day at home; marred only by the presence of police officers on our street investigating a neighbor's possible criminal activity.  Does make things interesting, however.

Today?  Teaching in Carlsbad at 9am; then taking 'Grand-Dudes' to lunch, then Howard and I will go to see "Jesus Christ Superstar" at the LaJolla Playhouse.  Full day, doing the things I love.

Hope your Saturday is a good one.

LIBRARY CLASS, ETC.

I just re-read yesterday's post; I almost accomplished all of what I hoped to -- all except watching the video. Something is holding me back; perhaps I already know that it's not one to submit.  If not, then what? Have to find a 90-minute class to teach with at least 6 people in attendance; not the easiest task in communities that have shifted to 75 minute class duration.  Something will happen.

The library class was, once again, well attended. Each week I add in a bit more Anusara lingo and influence. This week, it was lining up the mats. With 15 people attending, it is important to be able to see down the rows quickly for any needed alignment enhancements. In previous classes, I have surreptitiously slid mats forward or back to create alignment; yesterday, I explained my rationale and asked students to line up into 3 rows, leaving space for a 4th row in case any late comers arrived (which they did -- HOO-RAY!).

After class, I received a nice compliment from one long-term student. Her take on my teaching? That I keep things casual and easy to accept (I'm paraphrasing here), noting that I don't add in a lot of 'pomp & circumstance', which can make people uncomfortable; that people new to the practice are easily turned away if we 'lay on' the yoga philosophy too heavily.

My first impression of Fallbrook is that the population, as a whole, is friendly yet kept-to-itself, down-to-earth.  And, I'm still getting a feel for the 'personality' each day I live here.  Why tell you this? One of the stories I remember from John Friend is how he began teaching in Texas. He observed his audience and taught from that observation.  I see him do it to this day -- if we are in Los Angeles, you can count on a STRONG practice; if in a more laid-back community, he will ask for our best but in a less demanding format. As a result of observing him and the effectiveness of that teaching style, I look at my audience (my class), in how they live and function day-to-day (as much as I can), and teaching from that place.  For me, humor is a great connector.  And, in this Library class, we do laugh -- or, perhaps, they are just being kind. No matter, I'm having a good time and they're working (isn't this the way it's supposed to be?).  More humor (???).

From Fallbrook, I headed to I-15 and north to Temecula.  It's 10 miles once you get to the I-15. At 4pm, it's kind of a 'toss of the dice' as to what you'll experience.  Once at I-15, you could be looking at a parking lot. Fortunately, that didn't happen last night, and I made it in plenty of time for Ashley's class.

One of the things I've picked up from Sarah (video assessor), is being able to participate in a class and see all the pieces and parts as the teacher (in this case, Ashley) juggles them for our pleasure.  Ashley has the verbiage down and I love to listen to how she instructs - using her own lingo and voice to move us from pose to pose. Her enthusiasm and love of it all comes through loud and clear.  Love it.

Also love that Howard called just as I was leaving the studio, offered to pick up dinner. No cooking - double nice!

Today?  Teaching in Carlsbad at 10:30am, then back to Temecula for a 2pm Gentle/Therapeutic class and 4:30pm Prenatal.

Hope you have a great Tuesday!

NICE WEEKEND

We left mid-day Friday for Kansas City to attend our daughter's wedding reception -- 2nd marriage for both, they eloped 2 weeks ago.  Arrived at midnight Friday, up Saturday for a somewhat leisurely breakfast, then hit the road for 'the ranch'.  Yes, she married a cattle rancher who lives outside of KC -- about a 90-minute drive from the airport hotel.

We arrived, got a tour of the ranch, some discussion of their plans for the future (building a house on recently acquired property), and a short 4-wheel ride with our oldest grandson, Jake.  Then, they had chores, so we went into their small town for a bite of lunch.  Met them at 4pm to set up tables, decorate, etc., for the reception at the 4H community hall.

It was fun - a chance to meet their friends; both from KC and from Burlington. Food was good too -- BBQ.  Country music, cowboy boots -- relaxed and fun.

Drove back to the hotel, then up early Sunday morning to catch the first of 2 flights back to San Diego.

Congratulations to Gailyn, Bobby, Jake, Nick, Sydney and Ally -- a beautifully 'combined' family.

Friday's activities also included a bit of time in front of the video camera, filming a class in the morning.  I am not so excited about this one as the previous, so need to watch it.  It was a great group of students, however.  Just not sure that I hit all the 'markers'.

My theme: staying calm/balanced during the holidays.  Alignment emphasis:  Inner/outer spiral.  Apex pose: ardha hanumanasana (or full hanumanasana, if accomplishable).  It was fun and comments were that getting to the pose was much less effort-filled than in previous attempts; so that tells me the sequence worked.  Need to watch it, tho; 'proof's in the pudding', they say (whatever that means!?!?!)

Today:  Watching video, teaching at the Library, perhaps I'll take in Ashley's class. Unpacking and house stuff.

Hope your day - this Monday before Thanksgiving - is a good one.

WHY GET CERTIFIED?

Sometimes I wonder, myself.  I heard the other day a teacher tell me that being Inspired was good enough, going through the process of Certification was not that person's 'cup of tea'.

I've heard that before and I trust that people know what's best for themselves.

However, let me point out a few of the benefits I've received from moving down the Certification path:

1. Applying -- what better way to explain myself than by filling out a questionnaire that asks 'why do you want to be Certified?'  My answer?  something like 'I want to be among the best, the most well trained.' Not a bad goal, and true.  
2. Acceptance -- when I received my acceptance notice; the one that told me I could continue down the path towards Certification, it was a joy-filled moment.  I knew, at that moment, that I was good enough.  Why/how?  Well, because others believed I could do it - I know that I should feel 'good enough' without others saying so, but it's still in my make-up to rely on other opinions.  I loved knowing that people thought of me as 'certifiable' and I savored that feeling for a long time (continue to savor it, even).  
3. Written Test -- a true test of your organizational skills. How to accomplish a test in 10 days, rumored to take 30 hours to complete (I also had heard from a scientist-also-certified-Anusara-instructor that she felt like she was writing her dissertation all over again!?!?!?!).  I set up my space, I logged my time, I filled in all the answers, I mailed it off in time (on the 10th day), and I felt good.  What a great learning experience that was, all that review and -- I did it!
4. Video -- or, better known as 'dreaded video'.  It took me a while, between my and my mentor's activities, but we finally got one in to the Certification Committee. A reviewer was assigned (Sarah Faircloth).  On moving day last Spring, I got the call regarding that assignment and a request to set up a one-hour conference call at a future date.  We did the call. I was nervous, but this is what I got:  
1. A comprehensive breakdown of almost every minute of the class I had submitted. 
2. Many good, helpful comments about my teaching.
3. Many enhancements, for which Sarah offered clear guidance and a written homework assignment.
4. Follow-through on my homework response, with more enhancements.
5. On to Video #2 - similar experience.  Great and helpful comments, encouragement and kudos about the progress I made from video #1, a bit more homework.
6. Now to Video #3 - preparation guided by homework; wait and see.  

Each step has provided me with learning -- about myself and this yoga I've chosen to teach. I have not regretted a moment; I have even enjoyed each part of the experience. That's not saying it's easy, just saying that it has been a continual enhancement of my skills as a teacher.  Worth every penny and each minute of work, effort and teaching.  

No regret; on to video #3 (hopefully, tomorrow).  

Enjoy your Thursday,

A NEW WEEK

Isn't it interesting that the things that were so troublesome 2-3 days ago seem like vague memories today? I looked at my last post and thought, "well -- that was a 'whine-y' one, wasn't it!"

Today, I am feeling better.  Granted I felt a bit down on Saturday afternoon/evening (just sat in my chair and looked blankly at the ceiling -- poor Howard!).  Sunday was a new day - a message from Sarah (my Certification reviewer, I guess they're called), gave me some good advice and some refinements to consider and include in my homework.  Something to think about other than my experience on Saturday -- which I needed.

We met old friends for brunch, then home for a bit, then off to the 'Grand-Dudes' for a raucous dinner (almost all dinners are raucous at their house -- so different from ours; that's a good shift every so often -- we (H & I) can be very quiet.

Monday morning was spent listening to the beginning of "Yoga for Osteoporosis" - a webcast by Ellen Saltonstall and Dr. L. Fishman.  Wonderful information and I love listening to both of them -- she, calm; he, excited and finishing many comments with 'but that's enough about that' -- like he's reining himself in.  I even got H (that's short for Howard) on the mat in vipariti karani and had him listen to a short portion.  He's (H) ready for more!

Then house stuff, get ready and in to the library.  Another nice group -- with a couple new-to-me students added to the mix. Interesting that I taught uttanasana (standing forward fold) as the peak pose.  3 months ago, I would have never dreamt of doing that; I would have felt that I needed to give them more.  This (uttanasana) is what was needed today; even had them partner and help each other to move further into the pose after warming up a bit.  The poses were beautiful and watching each person help another made it even more rewarding.

Today?  Teaching in Carlsbad, 10:30am; then on to Temecula for the 2pm class (Gentle/Therapeutic) and the Prenatal at 4:30pm.  Driving Day.

Hope your Tuesday goes well,

WARNING! THIS POST CONTAINS WHINING; read at your own risk!

I taught a Basics class yesterday, 10am.  Perfect for a video, I thought; tho, the 10 students were not familiar to me.  I decided to go for it, anyway.

Set camera up - 9:55am, I asked everyone to hug in a bit for maximum camera coverage.  I also explained the purpose of the camera briefly -- not too much, just enough that they would know it was there to film me, not them, and was needed for my progress towards Certification.

10am, I turned camera on and took my seat, asking everyone to do likewise. As I scanned the room, I felt the eyes on me -- eyes that didn't know me, but many eyes that said 'we're glad to be here' -- my interpretation, anyway. I also noticed 2 pairs of eyes - one more than the other - that said 'let's get moving, I'm bored'.  I introduced my theme, mentioned that Hanumanasana would be our peak pose, and we would be preparing for the pose. (Note, there also was one new-to-yoga person in the room - a young man.)

We began, centering, chanting and warming up slowly. I paused when students were standing to briefly explain the sequence of a class to the new-to-yoga person (remember, this is a 'basic' class). We began to move through the surya namaskars I had planned.  The 2 pairs of eyes mentioned above -- well, one of them moved as instructed (very seriously); the other, did likewise and continued to look bored.

Let me say this positive note -- of the 10 people in the room; in the end, 9 did a stellar job.  There was no question that they were with me throughout the class.

Now, to the 10th (and the whining - you might want to stop reading now or skip to the last 2 paragraphs).  As we moved from the surya's into some wide-legged standing poses (Parsvakonasana, Warrior II), she broke into her own routine -- doing many poses I had not requested yet.  In one instance, I acknowledged it -- hoping she might realize the error of her ways -- and return to the fold of the class.  It didn't work.

We continued -- student #10, as I'll call her, threw in variations, vinyasas, extra poses wherever possible. I tried to ignore her, until we came to a runner's stretch - one that I hoped to add some intricate instruction to in order to open the hamstrings. #10 took parsvottonasana (rather than back knee down), causing the student next to her to do the same thing.  I came between them, asked them both to release their back knees to the floor -- 'we are doing a different pose here', I said, in a FIRM voice.

Class continues -- during my demos, #10 continued to do poses. All the while, I am thinking:  toss this video, my anger rises and I lost focus, which I am sure is reflected in this video.

Savasana - finally.  As I sit, eyes closed, I feel tears behind my closed lids and a feeling of almost-desperation -- like, when - where - how am I going to get this done?  Perfect class, right numbers, 9 of 10 are giving me their best.  This won't do, however.  All 10 must give me their attention and respect me enough to stay with me throughout the class.  Oh, I've seen other teachers have this happen; they ignore it; especially if it is a first-time encounter with a student (which this was). This happens in a yoga class. However, it won't fly in a Certification video. Taking the seat (being in command; having people do what you ask) is an important component of what my reviewer is looking at.  It didn't happen. Not this class.

I left the room feeling let down, and, if I were to say to #10 how I feel, the response could very well be "well, this was my class and my practice; I didn't come to be video'd".

Right answer.  Quandary.  Enough.

Today?  Meeting old friends for brunch. I have another opportunity to video this week.  The good thing?  It's all prepared, homework done and ready to go.

Hope your Sunday is a good one,

ON TO #3

#3 video, to be more precise.   I've done my homework, I've been practicing the recommended elements; now to video another class.

A challenge -- not that I am nervous or unprepared, but finding a class to teach that is 90 minutes long and occupied by more than 3-4 people is my task now.  My own classes are either 75 minutes long, therapeutic/gentle in nature, or at odd periods of the day (in other words, not attended by the requisite six people).  In response to this 'challenge', I've been volunteering like crazy when a sub request for a 90 minute class emerges.

Good plan. But, so far, not working. The instructor I subbed for this week (90 minute classes) has loyal students; students that have stayed away in light of her absence (I think/hope). So, classes have been 4-5 people rather than her usual 8-10. Bummer!

Next option:  I signed up to teach 2 classes this Saturday morning. Saturday ought to be a well-attended class; at least, the 10 am class.  The noon class - questionable for many people.  It will be a double-pronged 'crap' shoot.  First, the schedule at this studio is a rotation of instructors and styles for the class.  Unusual for a Saturday morning (Saturday mornings are usually the territory of the strongest and most crowd-drawing instructor).  The rotation here seems to work, tho; people do come, sometimes large numbers.  So, we'll see.

And, second, the people who attend will not necessarily be Anusara devotees.  They may have attended an Anusara class or two, but their preferred style may be something else.

I don't have much problem with the second issue -- what happens, happens; and the first, I can't control -- other than to set my own intention to teach a good class.  I will have the camera available, see what happens, and go from there.  Fingers crossed.

This week's pose emphasis has been hanumanasana.  I attended Ashley's class on Monday, and she set the tone for all my teaching this week.  Well, without the chocolate.  Ashley celebrated her birthday on Monday; cupcakes in the studio, and one fired up instructor (was it the chocolate? or, can someone really get so excited and exuberant about their birthday?  If it is the latter, good for her!)  It was a great class and one in which we did ardha (or - some of us - 3/4 or even full) hanumanasana. Since then, each of my classes has been able to experience the pose (well, not the Gentle - that's another story); myself included, as I demo.

What else has happened for me?  The moonwalk continues to be easier each time I do it.  A great way to experience progress in the work we do.  What is moonwalk, you ask?  Experienced yogis:  Begin in table, with feet at a bare wall, hands slightly in front of shoulders. Move to a short down dog, press your heart towards the wall and, staying strong in shoulders, lift feet onto the wall about hip height (your legs and arms are straight and you are in the shape of an "L"). Begin on right side, hugging a straight right leg back in towards your right hip (it will move 1/2 inch or so away from the wall). DON'T BEND THAT RIGHT KNEE!  Allow the straight right leg to release towards the floor, as you bend the left knee, keeping left toes and foot firmly on the wall. Lifting the straight right leg towards the ceiling, straighten the left knee. Repeat once or twice, each side.  What have you just done?  A'la Betsey Downing, you have begun to imprint the kicking action needed to be a 'kicker' (great handstand prep) -- read one or two posts back.  You are also strengthening your arms, shoulders, torso.  Great work.

My gentle class was a private - a scenario of what damage can happen over time when awareness is not available.  Beautiful woman, mid-60's, with a torn medial meniscus (no remarkable incident, just discomfort and pain over the past few years).  As a model, she was reminded over and over to stand with her tailbone over-scooped and thighs moving forward. She also stands with feet turned out. As we worked together, it was obvious her body awareness is great and she is able to do all the things I asked of her.  Her work will be to create the 'habit' of feet parallel and thighs back. The meniscus might still be intact, had this work begun years ago (or never been necessary).

Today?  Haircut -- do I keep it short or let it get a bit longer.  In SLC, longer was the pattern.  After all, I wanted a bit of hair to show from under the ski hats and helmet.  Here?  Not so necessary.  Decisions, Decisions!

Hope you have a great Friday!

PRECISION

Interesting post title, isn't it?  It comes from a student in a class that I guest-taught yesterday. As he thanked me for stepping in for his regular teacher, he noted that he has appreciated the 'precision' of my teaching each time he has encountered me.

Well, I like it.  I'll take it.  Just call me the 'precision princess', or some such name.

(As I re-read the previous paragraph, the staccato of the first 2 sentences remind me of a song from "Wicked" -- just an aside; comes from listening to the Broadway channel a bit too much, perhaps?)

Let's step back a couple days -- I've told you about Saturday, the no-urdhva backbend class day; but, not about Sunday, the 3-hour handstand day.

What fun, that was.  My inclination: to stay away, to not put myself in a position of embarrassment because I don't kick up yet. Instead, I pushed and pushed and stepped through the door and into an amazing experience.  Several levels of experience in the room, from non-kickers to the people trying to balance in the middle of the room (the kickers, I'll call them). How did she do it? How did she handle these different levels with so much skill -- practice, practice, practice.

First, Betsey watched the skilled kick to the wall. Then, she asked the rest of us to show her what we could do. And then, she paired each of the non-kickers with a kicker.  (If you do yoga, this makes sense; if not, keep reading.) We went through a series of exercises, rotating time at the wall. This was great - why? Time for the wrists and arms to rest, as our partner worked. We would work on a task, and when finished get a demo of the next exercise or task -- one for the kicker; one for the non-kicker.  Skillful teaching.  Loved it.

FYI, I didn't kick up by myself, but I have tools now. Things to do to create strength and muscle memory for putting myself upside down, on my hands, against the wall (someday, without the wall) -- to be a 'kicker'.

We also were give homework -- to do random acts of kindness throughout our weeks. Yes!

Moving on to Monday -- a bit of yoga in the a.m. (on my own, practiced some things to make me a 'kicker'), some laundry and housework, then in to the Library for the BIGGEST class so far: 18! On to Temecula to participate in Ashley's class, then guest-taught (read first paragraph). Dinner with Howard, then home to our family of critters.

Today?  Headed to my yoga room for a bit of practice, then to Carlsbad to teach, then to Temecula to teach.  Busy driving day.

Hope you have a great Tuesday,

I DID IT

The two sessions yesterday with Betsey, that is.  Afternoons, backbends; evening, forward folds.

The good news:  no urdhva dhanurasana; the bad news: no urdhva dhanurasana.  But, what we did do in the way of backbends was pretty challenging, and perhaps a bit more technical.  I found that I haven't lost all my backbending talent -- there were moments of revelation; like, wow -- I can do this (or, at least it felt like I was doing it).

The forward fold class was 'no easy matter', either.  Some challenging stuff there that worked our hips.

I am enjoying this time with Betsey. She is VERY knowledgeable, and - being a bit closer to my age - I am hearing many of the things I say in class used in her languaging.   Maybe it's an 'age-thing', the verbiage we choose to use; or maybe something else about our make-up that is a bit similar.  Haven't figured that out, but I love having some of the phrases I use validated.

I am going to leave this training with some new stuff to try on students, as well.  Betsey, with her 30+ years of teaching experience, has developed some great moves that help to prepare us for the more challenging poses of our practice.

Today?  Handstands.  Another nemesis or dvesha pose.  I enjoy it once I'm in it; it's the kicking-up part that has me baffled, still.  Betsey has lots of good experience in this realm -- let's see what I'm saying after 3 hours of whatever she throws at us.

I'll keep you 'posted'.  And, thank you, Cindy for the 'kick-in-the-rear' reminder about urdhva.

Have a nice Sunday, be it upside-down or rightside-up,

TO PARTICIPATE OR NOT . . .

I attended the first of 4 sessions with Betsey Downing last night.  A nice potpourri class that was do-able and enjoyable.  As we rolled up our mats, she announced that this afternoon's practice will be 'backbends', my nemesis, my dvesha poses.

So, as I sit here this morning, I am struggling with my desire (or lack thereof) to attend.  Should I just skip it?  I envision everyone reading this screaming (either out loud or to themselves), "NO!"  Further, they are saying, "you need to get back in the backbend saddle".  True dat.

I have circuitously avoided backbends (in particular, urdhva dhanurasana) for the many months I have been in Fallbrook.  It's easy; I just don't practice them.  In a class, I choose bridge; if asked, I would feign a sore shoulder, or some such malady (I really do have a sore right shoulder, at times.).

So now, here I am all signed up. Enthusiastic to study with Betsey. On the verge of 'chickening out' because of one pose.

For a few minutes, let's think about something else.  Yesterday was one of the rainiest we've spent at this new home in Fallbrook.  It was great to hear the rain hitting the ground and to know that our avocado and citrus trees will be soaking up all that moisture.  It was also a day with lots of comings and goings:  contractor here to install a couple lights; people picking up dog-loos we had sold on Craigslist; and a young woman picking up a box of classical music (also a Craigslist sale).  What's left to sell?  Probably lots of stuff, but right now the only listing that remains is the chandelier from our dining room (the one we replaced yesterday with our 'traveling' chandelier).

When we lived in Nashville, we purchased a solid brass chandelier -- simple design and HEAVY.  Over the years, as we've bought and sold houses, down comes the chandelier to be replaced with something a future owner might like. We pack it up and it moves with us.  For a few of those moves, I helped my husband install it.  After a few, we figured out that our marital sanity deserved better - so, now we hire someone to take it down and re-install it.  Brass is 'out' according to interior design magazines; I figured that much out during this last home sale and purchase. But, the 'traveling' chandelier has too many memories, it makes our house truly our home, it makes me happy to look at it.  Besides what goes around, comes around -- brass will be 'in' again someday.

Now back to the workshop.  I'll go; swallow my pride -- because that is really what's stopping me, my ego.  To be a yoga teacher in a room of studied yogis and not be able to achieve a pose is really what holds me back.  And, yes - I know, if I practiced the pose, it wouldn't be this way.  But, it is.  Maybe this is what it takes to kick my you-know-what back into action.  We'll see.

And, tomorrow?  Handstands.  I may be writing the same post tomorrow -- just changing the words a bit.

Hope our Saturdays go well,

BEES & OTHER LITTLE CRITTERS (people) . . .

I read sometime recently about a woman who purchased a home, moved in, got settled, then noticed a dripping brown goo running down her walls.

This, my friends, is the result of exterminating a hive of bees who have set up residence in your walls or roof.  The bees die (or go away), the hive remains and begins to disintegrate.  All that honey has to go somewhere -- so, it begins to seep through the walls, dripping down to the floor (or furniture) below.  Eventually the dead bees, the rotting hive, and the honey will begin to smell.  

The scenario I describe is now happening to me!?!?!  A hive of bees, entry point right above the patio, which we had exterminated (this, I'm told, is the way -- no way to relocate the bees; they're too happy with this spot).  So, the bee man came and sprayed. His evaluation: the hive is not too big; not enough bees swarming around, not to worry. Well, that was wrong.  The hive is disintegrating and one day I saw a spot and, thinking it was a bug, took tissue to pick it up -- sticky!  Looked up -- two large drips coming from a seam in the ceiling. No smell yet, but not going to even let this get to that point.  

Ahh, home ownership and its challenges.  Call bee man; he will open my wall and remove the hive tomorrow, spray the area with a light bleach to eliminate residual pheromone odor (which will attract them back), replace insulation, seal their entry CLOSED. Then, in comes the contractor to repair the hole in the drywall.  

As happy as we are with this decision -- Fallbrook, an acre of land, smaller home, fruit trees, it comes with a price. That price -- property management and maintenance.  We've always done it, nothing new; just a different kind of maintenance than we experienced in Salt Lake.  

Oh, well -- we could be shoveling snow.  Looking for the good here.  

Yesterday was a home maintenance day, with a break in the afternoon to sub 2 classes for a fellow ill instructor. Kids classes. I now know my limitations -- kids classes are not my 'cup of tea'.  Nice kids in attendance, but I had not a clue what to do with them to keep them interested and motivated.  Well, they got a class, no one got hurt, they did move.  I am sure they'll be happy to have their regular instructor back next week.  

Today?  Two classes -- one in Carlsbad this morning, 10:30am; second one in Temecula at 4pm. Adults.

Hope you have a great Thursday,

ACTIVE FEET

I taught yesterday; an all-levels class at the Fallbrook Library.  This is my volunteer class.  I love teaching it.  Not because it's volunteer, but because of the level of studentship in the room.

As I scanned the room, everyone in their best janu sirsasana, I noticed the feet.  Of the 10 pairs of feet (20 in all - feet, that is), not one was 'flopping in the wind'.  All were active - toes bright and pointing towards the ceiling on extended leg; on the other bent leg, toes were pressing to the floor.  This is unusual; since, my experience has been that in a class of 10 students, I am bound to have one or two who forget, who don't see the value, who aren't 'in the class' enough to activate (and keep activated) the feet.

I believe I've commented before about this group, about their full participation in class. The last time was about 'full stretch', and the level of effort being expended to get into the 'full stretch' I had requested.

And, the longer I teach, the more convinced I am that this reflects how much students value being in the practice of yoga.

Not sure where I am headed with this.  I could go off on a diatribe about studentship, or I could simply say this is a great group to teach, or I could stop and go off on another topic.  Let's just say that I am impressed.  A volunteer class, at the library, just 60 minutes long, all levels of experience, is not the place I expect to see this kind of dedication to the practice.  But, I'm seeing it.  They embrace, accept, carry out instructions; they don't forget.

Kudos to the Library Class!

Today?  Teaching in Carlsbad - 10:30am; then to Temecula to teach at 2pm and again at 4:30.  Busy day, lots of driving, fueled by memories of happy toes, active feet.

Hope your Tuesday is a good one,