Conflicts do happen and yesterday turned in to one of those days. Driving that additional trip into Del Mar, only to turn around and do it again for an early evening event, made attending the Wisdom Warriors practice a bit 'over the top'.
Don't get me wrong - I'd drive almost anywhere for a good yoga practice, but that '40+ minutes times 4' just was not what I needed yesterday. Yesterday, I think I needed a rest from the road.
I can tell when it's happening -- I'm driving along the freeway, 65-75 mph, and up comes a motorcycle or other fast-moving auto passing me, right or left side, doing at least 80-90. Varoommmm! I jump about six inches out of my driver's seat, heartbeat jumps about 20 bpm, and breath becomes more rapid. That's a sign to me that road weariness is approaching; time for a break.
So, yesterday, no driving; let the husband do it -- and, he did a mighty fine job on our one drive in to LaJolla last night.
What else is new in my world? My workshop over the weekend was nicely attended -- the topic, The Feet, is a valuable one but not one of the more exciting for the masses. I realize that and appreciate those who were there because their inner teacher led them to spend 2 hours with me on a hot Saturday afternoon. I talked, then we began by massaging our feet, paying attention to how that felt before and after. We did some stretching of calves, soles of feet. We did some strengthening work, balance work, and I got to talk - something I find fun to do, especially when it's about the interesting and unusual aspects of our bodies.
This workshop is a series -- I decided to spend 4 2-hour time slots offering information in the following order: Feet, knees, hips, and the finale' "Puttin' it all Together". I'll do one session each month from August forward.
When not in a yoga studio teaching or practicing, I've been spending a lot of time on this computer. There is little travel planned this year for workshops or trainings, so I've decided to use the time/resources on some webinars with teachers I've come to know and respect. I just finished sequencing with Christina Sell (will do part 2 in September), and am currently catching up on Martin Kirk's anatomy webinar. I love that if you are unable to participate live, you can go back and watch (and re-watch, if needed) these sessions. In the quiet of my kitchen, with little distraction, I learn a lot.
I also have some catching up to do with "10 Wisdoms", presented by Eric Stoneberg.
And, today -- a trip to the Social Security office (a true sign of age) this morning, then to Temecula to teach -- 12:30 Gentle at Yoga for Life; 4pm Basics at Living Yoga. More driving, but I'm ready for it after yesterday's rest.
Hope you have a great Thursday!
And -- check it out: http://www.delmartimes.net/2012/08/15/new-wisdom-warriors-class-takes-off-at-yoga-del-mar/
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Friday, August 17, 2012
THE FEET
It often begins in the feet.
What? Whatever is causing the pain in the knee, hip, back, shoulders, even up to the neck.
Tomorrow, I'm conducting a short workshop to introduce some students to their feet. It seems needed. Especially after the past 6 days, in which I saw and learned the following:
What? Whatever is causing the pain in the knee, hip, back, shoulders, even up to the neck.
Tomorrow, I'm conducting a short workshop to introduce some students to their feet. It seems needed. Especially after the past 6 days, in which I saw and learned the following:
- An intermediate yoga student, struggling with a heel spur and resolving plantar fasciitis. After talking a bit, we agreed that the special shoes and orthotics are valuable, but working with the feet, exercising them, massaging them, asking them to work a bit is a way to perhaps eliminate the foregone surgical conclusion that many of her specialists speak of.
- Another experienced student, with a sore right knee. She'd been in class many times with other instructors and had received good advice about shins in. The problem? She pronates both feet. To move shins in any more (without working on the feet) is going to exacerbate the problem (further shortening the outer shin muscles and lengthening the inner calf muscles, and weakening tibialis anterior more than it already is). We did some work, on the feet again, energizing the sole of the foot (trying to create stronger arches). Also did some foot massage and toe 'exercises'. Then moved to the ankles, which roll in and further compound the pronation.
All this is hard work -- we are not used to working with the feet, therefore it can be really frustrating. Trying to spread toes that have been used to staying in their comfortable, safe spot inside shoes. Then, ask one or more of those toes to move independently! Super frustrating work. As I mentioned to both of these students, 'do not be surprised if your legs are a bit sore after this'.
Additionally, I am participating in a webinar with Martin Kirk over the next few weeks. Each time I tell students to stand with feet parallel, I mention that this position is a 'life lesson' - that allowing the feet to turn out as we stand or walk has a negative impact on our hips, slightly moving the femurs out of the socket and lengthening the supporting ligaments and muscles. He added more ammunition to my 'armory' of reasons -- specifically, when we stand with feet turned out, the lumbar curve (which we need) actually begins to straighten out.
Students learn, I learn. What a great cycle of experience and education.
In closing, my approach: no matter what the problem, I stand back, listen and observe. I may learn more than I expected and I will be better prepared to help.
Have a great Friday!
Thursday, August 16, 2012
WISDOM WARRIORS X5 (months)
5 months of weekly Wisdom Warriors practices; every Wednesday driving to Del Mar from Fallbrook (minimum of 40 minutes); sweating for 2 hours; doing things I had avoided for the previous 12 months. 5 months -- for what?
To be part of a fun group that doesn't mind stepping outside of their comfort zone to experience a new opening for the body. Not to mention the mental aspect - feeling stronger, more competent, more accomplished, younger(?).
I put a question mark behind younger because I am not sure the purpose of this practice is to make us be younger (I think that's rather impossible). Rather, the biggest purpose is to remember my power (and, I have to admit, when I remember it, I do feel younger).
And remember it, I have.
Over and over, if you have been reading this blog for any period of time, you come across statements like "I feel stronger", "I didn't get tired", "I stuck it out". All signs that the power I speak of is returning. I had worried for a while, six+ months ago, that I was on the downhill slope - not practicing enough, not feeling terrifically enthused, not as happy in my practice as in previous years. Of course, there was all the Anusara Yoga debacle to deal with and think about; my yoga goal of becoming a 'Certified' Anusara instructor crashing in a heap. I found it easy, then, to avoid the practice.
Then, like "Superman" (or SuperWoman), in swooped Desiree with her fire, enthusiasm, skill at bringing the best out in people, and her nice-ness. Add to that, Geri with her calm, empowering nature, and you end up with the perfect balance of personalities and teaching skill to help anyone remember their power.
Enough with the power -- about yesterday's WW practice; well, it was tough. By 20 minutes in, the sweat was dripping off my face - not because it was too hot; simply because I was working hard. Well-rounded is a good descriptive. Standing, seated, upside down, twisted, balancing (did I miss anything?). One highlight -- being in a kneeling lunge, right knee and right hand on floor, then bending and reaching for the right foot with the left hand, without dropping the left shoulder forward -- all the work happening in the back body. If you know me, you know that my back does not go to this shape easily.
Always fun and interesting stuff!
Today? I have make-up listening to do for a webinar, then teaching two classes.
Hope you have a great Thursday!
To be part of a fun group that doesn't mind stepping outside of their comfort zone to experience a new opening for the body. Not to mention the mental aspect - feeling stronger, more competent, more accomplished, younger(?).
I put a question mark behind younger because I am not sure the purpose of this practice is to make us be younger (I think that's rather impossible). Rather, the biggest purpose is to remember my power (and, I have to admit, when I remember it, I do feel younger).
And remember it, I have.
Over and over, if you have been reading this blog for any period of time, you come across statements like "I feel stronger", "I didn't get tired", "I stuck it out". All signs that the power I speak of is returning. I had worried for a while, six+ months ago, that I was on the downhill slope - not practicing enough, not feeling terrifically enthused, not as happy in my practice as in previous years. Of course, there was all the Anusara Yoga debacle to deal with and think about; my yoga goal of becoming a 'Certified' Anusara instructor crashing in a heap. I found it easy, then, to avoid the practice.
Then, like "Superman" (or SuperWoman), in swooped Desiree with her fire, enthusiasm, skill at bringing the best out in people, and her nice-ness. Add to that, Geri with her calm, empowering nature, and you end up with the perfect balance of personalities and teaching skill to help anyone remember their power.
Enough with the power -- about yesterday's WW practice; well, it was tough. By 20 minutes in, the sweat was dripping off my face - not because it was too hot; simply because I was working hard. Well-rounded is a good descriptive. Standing, seated, upside down, twisted, balancing (did I miss anything?). One highlight -- being in a kneeling lunge, right knee and right hand on floor, then bending and reaching for the right foot with the left hand, without dropping the left shoulder forward -- all the work happening in the back body. If you know me, you know that my back does not go to this shape easily.
Always fun and interesting stuff!
Today? I have make-up listening to do for a webinar, then teaching two classes.
Hope you have a great Thursday!
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Therapeutics X5
Yesterday, 5 yoga instructors of a similar style (myself included) came together in a lovely studio - Living Yoga Center - in Temecula, CA, for 4 hours.
Why? To offer a gift to our community.
What was the gift? A means to yoga (in other words, a chance to walk in, talk to a yoga instructor about the physical 'issues' that are inhibiting their practice, or holding them back from beginning a practice). At no charge, by the way. We also provided snacks and live music!
And, what happened? We had a lovely opportunity to each spend the time with at least 3 students (or potential students), discussing their 'issue', exploring ways to work with and around it, and offering some movement examples to take home or into their next class. When one of us was idle, we included that person in our 'consultations'; sharing information; getting 'second opinions', so to speak.
4 hours is a long time for just 3 students each, what else did you do? First, realize these students were either new to the practice or very seasoned. As such, they either had a ton of questions or they needed to have more introduction to the practice. Each needed time -- I'd say 45 minutes to an hour of talk, 'try this, now try that', more transmission of information, then - perhaps - simply chatting. The newer students, we observed later, clearly were a bit worn out by these sessions - not surprising. You try something brand new, focus intently for 45 minutes, and see how you feel when done.
And the leftover time? We talked amongst ourselves about our latest 'ah--ha' moments; what we had learned from each other or from another source that we felt would be valuable to the group.
We also drank chai and laughed and snacked on fruit, dark chocolate pretzels, and coconut cookies.
What were your three? I had one student struggling with the residual discomfort of healing plantar fasciitis compounded by a heel spur. Another, new to yoga, dealing with knee and hip discomfort. And, the third, some hamstring and psoas tightness.
How about the others? Well, I can't say - I was pretty involved on my own three. I think we all had some interesting and challenging times.
What's the first thing you do when beginning to work with someone? Then what did you do?
Will you do it again? YES! and, the other instructors feel similarly. It was fun, it was great learning (for students and for us), and it expanded my skills - for sure.
So grateful that I was invited to participate. More grateful that students entrusted us to work with them.
Fun Saturday!
Today? Staff meeting, then some Grand-Dude time. Hope you have a great Sunday!
Why? To offer a gift to our community.
What was the gift? A means to yoga (in other words, a chance to walk in, talk to a yoga instructor about the physical 'issues' that are inhibiting their practice, or holding them back from beginning a practice). At no charge, by the way. We also provided snacks and live music!
And, what happened? We had a lovely opportunity to each spend the time with at least 3 students (or potential students), discussing their 'issue', exploring ways to work with and around it, and offering some movement examples to take home or into their next class. When one of us was idle, we included that person in our 'consultations'; sharing information; getting 'second opinions', so to speak.
4 hours is a long time for just 3 students each, what else did you do? First, realize these students were either new to the practice or very seasoned. As such, they either had a ton of questions or they needed to have more introduction to the practice. Each needed time -- I'd say 45 minutes to an hour of talk, 'try this, now try that', more transmission of information, then - perhaps - simply chatting. The newer students, we observed later, clearly were a bit worn out by these sessions - not surprising. You try something brand new, focus intently for 45 minutes, and see how you feel when done.
And the leftover time? We talked amongst ourselves about our latest 'ah--ha' moments; what we had learned from each other or from another source that we felt would be valuable to the group.
We also drank chai and laughed and snacked on fruit, dark chocolate pretzels, and coconut cookies.
What were your three? I had one student struggling with the residual discomfort of healing plantar fasciitis compounded by a heel spur. Another, new to yoga, dealing with knee and hip discomfort. And, the third, some hamstring and psoas tightness.
How about the others? Well, I can't say - I was pretty involved on my own three. I think we all had some interesting and challenging times.
What's the first thing you do when beginning to work with someone? Then what did you do?
- I did some query about the onset (how did whatever happen, especially if it was an injury?; duration?; what other stuff had they done?) Kind of reminded me of the history & physicals our physicians do.
- Then, I did a bit of observation - just looking (which can be a bit unnerving to the student -- like, 'what is she looking at?'). As I've been taught, the observation began at the feet and moved upward (remember, many things develop from the way a student stands and/or walks). Even with a hamstring pull, I did this observation.
- I then shared my initial thoughts, and offered a few movement suggestions.
- More talk, more movement.
Will you do it again? YES! and, the other instructors feel similarly. It was fun, it was great learning (for students and for us), and it expanded my skills - for sure.
So grateful that I was invited to participate. More grateful that students entrusted us to work with them.
Fun Saturday!
Today? Staff meeting, then some Grand-Dude time. Hope you have a great Sunday!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
OF TOMATOES AND ENSTACY
"The practice of yoga helps us connect with that part of ourselves that is always virgin and untouched: the place within us that can never be damaged. While pain may be the catalyst that brings us to yoga practice, it is joy that renews our commitment. As our glimpses of calm and clarity become more frequent, and as our response to the challenges of life becomes more skillful, we wish to practice not simply to get ourselves out of a fix, but also to strengthen our connection with the base state of contentment. The joy that I refer to is not the climactic high we associate with excitement or stimulation, but a deep sense of awe and wonder that can suffuse the most ordinary things and the most ordinary moments. This joy arises out of our own intrinsic nature and does not depend on external circumstances. Thus one of the highest expressions of this state of being, samadhi, is translated most accurately not as ecstasy, which means "to stand outside the ordinary self", but enstacy, which means "to stand inside the Self". "
(A quote from Donna Farhi, that I found online when 'googling' the
word enstacy - A word coined by Georg Feuerstein.)
As I re-typed the above paragraph, I had a great sense of gratitude to Geri Portnoy for introducing me to this word. I also kept thinking, to myself, 'yup, that's us -- the Wisdom Warriors'.
Geri led our practice yesterday, taking time to tell us the story of tomatoes and a recent trip to the midwest (you had to be there). Her theme correlated to 'enstacy', sharing much of what is written above. She then took us through a hot (as in temperature) practice, leaving my mat a bit soggy, my hair a mess, what little make-up I had on - gone.
Why do I think this quote applies to us? Well, some of us began the practice for just what is stated -- to get ourselves out of a fix -- be it pain from an injury; stagnated physical conditioning (need something new); depressed or out of sorts, maybe -- like that.
I also know that some of us came just out of curiosity or at a friend's request -- owning a yoga studio and watching people come and go, taught me that. The people who stay in the practice - no matter how or why they started - do become more clear, more skillful, more contented.
And, as I looked around the room at the women practicing alongside me, I see that -- a contentment, yet tied to a desire to know more, to experience more, to 'stand inside the self' if only for 2 hours once a week.
For me, it is not about the 'big pose' (how/when do I get there, and will there be a photographer around), it's about the 'pieces and parts' -- how does that foot feel wrapped around your triceps? can I feel/sense the tip of my shoulder blades? -- like that (and, something I've said before).
So, add this new word to my vocabulary - enstacy. Thanks, Geri.
The week has been good - a great class at the Fallbrook Library on Monday (3pm & free). We took a bus ride (thanks, Christina) north to bakasana (crow). Fun ride! Tuesday's therapeutics class presented with one sore neck (actually everyone could relate to that complaint), a sore knee, and a chronic condition. The prenatal class turned into a private -- I'm hoping that was the result of the extreme heat that day. Once again, tho, these things happen for a reason, and - since the young mother was struggling with some hip issues - we were able to focus on that.
Today? Another Therapeutic/Gentle class at YogaForLife (12:30pm), and Basics at Living Yoga (4pm).
Hope your Thursday is great! Since it sounds like almost everywhere is dealing with higher than normal temps, stay cool, wherever you are.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
THE USUAL, PLUS A FEW OTHER NOTES
Yup, you guessed it -- Wisdom Warriors (the practice for 50+ year olds) happened yesterday. But more about that in a few paragraphs.
I spent the past weekend visiting with my family, small as it is. This meant an early morning plane ride, one connection, arriving in Spokane at noon on Friday. I then spent time with my Mother, my cousin and his wife (I did say small family, didn't I? There are others in this 'small', just didn't get to see them this trip.). Left Monday morning -- same drill: early flight - one connection - home by 12:30pm, in time to drive back to Fallbrook for the Library Class.
What a class it was -- well worth the early rise, the plane rides, the long drive -- 30 students! Be still my heart! I think the only time I've had more than 30 students was when I did a lunchtime presentation to a group of 100 or so IRS managers in Utah - all in business clothes and many seated. But, they could still breathe and so that's what we did -- breathe, stretch, twist, etc. But, back to the library.
Because many have done yoga somewhere, sometime, and have been regularly attending this class, I've been gradually increasing the intensity a bit (with modifications offered, since there are still newer people in the room). We moved towards bound parsvakonasana, accompanied by lots of groans and grunts; nevertheless, everyone gave it a try - some with the help of a strap.
Tuesday, Therapeutic/Gentle Yoga turned into a private. Not such a bad thing when the student is struggling with pain in many areas. But, as she pointed out -- one of the reasons to come to class is to get out of the house, away from her computer and into a setting with other people. Not that I'm not a person, but you get her drift, I hope. That class done, I waited a bit and it was time for Prenatal Yoga. I've got a few regulars - a newer crop of expecting young women - which makes it fun. Still honing my skills on that niche.
Wednesday morning was spent subbing for a friend's Intermediate/Advanced class; something I don't do often. Way out of my comfortable niche area, but do-able. I just don't have that 'kick-ass' look about me, I guess. It turned out to be a great group - 4 regulars, 3 of whom brought their teen or adult children. The best part? I asked the youngest of this class to modify his down dog - take a narrower stance, bend his knees slightly and lengthen through his back. Not only did he do it, but he remembered each time we went back to down dog!! Another 'be still my heart' moment!
And what about WISDOM WARRIORS, you ask? Photographer in the room! Big time yoga magazine may publish a blurb and photo about the class, plus we want to plaster ourselves all over Facebook.
Out of the box (aka, from the start), Uttanasana (a long one), down dog, parsvakonasana, trichonasana, ardha chandrasana, chapasana, parvritta chandrasana, warrior I, warrior III. And, that was just the beginning. I could rattle off a lot of pose names, let me just say that we did many things, all challenging, all mind (and back) bending. For 2 hours.
I am not complaining, because in each of the poses we did yesterday (even if I couldn't do it), I was able to see change in myself -- I either felt stronger, or I could isolate something I wasn't able to a week or month ago, or I could ground a hip. As I've said, for me the pieces and parts of this practice (and its poses) make my day. Love it.
Today? Teaching again -- Gentle/Therapeutic at 12:30, Yoga For Life; then Basics at 4pm, Living Yoga Center -- both studios are in Temecula.
Hope your Thursday is grand!
I spent the past weekend visiting with my family, small as it is. This meant an early morning plane ride, one connection, arriving in Spokane at noon on Friday. I then spent time with my Mother, my cousin and his wife (I did say small family, didn't I? There are others in this 'small', just didn't get to see them this trip.). Left Monday morning -- same drill: early flight - one connection - home by 12:30pm, in time to drive back to Fallbrook for the Library Class.
What a class it was -- well worth the early rise, the plane rides, the long drive -- 30 students! Be still my heart! I think the only time I've had more than 30 students was when I did a lunchtime presentation to a group of 100 or so IRS managers in Utah - all in business clothes and many seated. But, they could still breathe and so that's what we did -- breathe, stretch, twist, etc. But, back to the library.
Because many have done yoga somewhere, sometime, and have been regularly attending this class, I've been gradually increasing the intensity a bit (with modifications offered, since there are still newer people in the room). We moved towards bound parsvakonasana, accompanied by lots of groans and grunts; nevertheless, everyone gave it a try - some with the help of a strap.
Tuesday, Therapeutic/Gentle Yoga turned into a private. Not such a bad thing when the student is struggling with pain in many areas. But, as she pointed out -- one of the reasons to come to class is to get out of the house, away from her computer and into a setting with other people. Not that I'm not a person, but you get her drift, I hope. That class done, I waited a bit and it was time for Prenatal Yoga. I've got a few regulars - a newer crop of expecting young women - which makes it fun. Still honing my skills on that niche.
Wednesday morning was spent subbing for a friend's Intermediate/Advanced class; something I don't do often. Way out of my comfortable niche area, but do-able. I just don't have that 'kick-ass' look about me, I guess. It turned out to be a great group - 4 regulars, 3 of whom brought their teen or adult children. The best part? I asked the youngest of this class to modify his down dog - take a narrower stance, bend his knees slightly and lengthen through his back. Not only did he do it, but he remembered each time we went back to down dog!! Another 'be still my heart' moment!
And what about WISDOM WARRIORS, you ask? Photographer in the room! Big time yoga magazine may publish a blurb and photo about the class, plus we want to plaster ourselves all over Facebook.
Do you know what happens when you put a camera in the room with Desiree Rumbaugh?
Out of the box (aka, from the start), Uttanasana (a long one), down dog, parsvakonasana, trichonasana, ardha chandrasana, chapasana, parvritta chandrasana, warrior I, warrior III. And, that was just the beginning. I could rattle off a lot of pose names, let me just say that we did many things, all challenging, all mind (and back) bending. For 2 hours.
Most frequently heard phrase during those 2 hours? "o.k., now let's try this . . ."
I am not complaining, because in each of the poses we did yesterday (even if I couldn't do it), I was able to see change in myself -- I either felt stronger, or I could isolate something I wasn't able to a week or month ago, or I could ground a hip. As I've said, for me the pieces and parts of this practice (and its poses) make my day. Love it.
Today? Teaching again -- Gentle/Therapeutic at 12:30, Yoga For Life; then Basics at 4pm, Living Yoga Center -- both studios are in Temecula.
Hope your Thursday is grand!
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