SO, HOW'D IT GO -- THE WORKSHOP, THAT IS?

Few people knew I was presenting a workshop.  I guess I kept it a pretty good secret.

For a while, I thought I might break the attendance barrier -- after all, there were people signed up in advance (3).  In the final count, 4 students chose to attend.  What to do?

Proceed, full speed.

I've been taking another on-line course (LOVE those on-line courses) with Eric Stoneberg, New York yoga instructor and philosophy buff who studies with Douglas Brooks.  I became acquainted with Eric thru his blog, after stumbling on it one day and reading a long, but interesting, post about Akhilandeshvari (I think).  I kept reading, and loved his writing on the 16 Laksmi's.  Then, the moon goddesses.  And, this was just the blog.

Back to the course -- this month's topic is Ganesh (last month it was Lalita Tripura Sundari).  Ganesh, as Eric explains it, stands at every threshhold (in India, this is literally 99% true, as each household and business has a Ganesh monitoring the door).

As I planned this workshop, I wondered exactly how to 'do' it -- it's not like a class where you sequence to an apex pose.  It's a longer 'class', focusing - in this case - on a specific body part, the hips.  I put my workshop ideas together with some thoughts from Eric's presentation and, voila!  For the opening, I spoke a bit about the threshhold idea, then we did a short Ganapati mantra 11 times (why 11? That's the number of times we must do something to remember.) I continued using Ganesh throughout the class -- equating hip opening to walking across a threshhold into a new room (a new thought process about the process of opening our hips - see next paragraph).

Then, I needed a goal for the workshop -- something students would take away from this session. I decided that the goal would be 'hip opening is better done from the inside out'.  Meaning that, opening will happen more effectively if we strengthen our body and mind, and use both to create opening.

And, what happened?  Well, I ran out of time -- I looked up at the clock, as we finished standing poses, only to discover that it was 3:55.  Oh, no!  5 minutes to do some more effective hip opening stuff on the floor, and get in a good savasana.  We did do a couple of the things I had planned, then to savasana.  My consolation -- reflecting on the work we had done, I could truly see why Martin Kirk says 'every pose is a hip opening pose'.

Response from students was positive.  The best one?  "It hardly seemed like 2 hours."  That's good.  I'll take it.

Maybe I'll do another one -- "Happy Hips, Part Deux, II, or 2".

Hope your Monday is a good one.  Library, here I come!

THE 'FRIEND' COUNT

As we muddle through the Anusara upheaval, what is one good thing?  My Facebook "Friend" count has gone up -- like, by 31 people!

31 people I might have met somewhere, or may never have met; nevertheless, they want to be my 'friend'. As one who always hoped to be the 'popular' girl (but never was), this is great fun.  People wanting to hang out with me, if only on Facebook.  

Be still my heart.  

But, don't get too cocky, Leslie.  They could just as easily 'unfriend' me -- in the Facebook world, you're just a 'click' away from being cut off, de-friended, asked to leave a group.  

It's happened, to me -- that being 'asked to leave a group' part.  During all the mess of the past 3 weeks, three groups formed on Facebook -- one for teachers, another for teachers (only), and a third for those who were not sure what the future holds (at least that was the stated intention in the beginning).  I joined all three; I wanted to hear it all, everyone's position.  It's been challenging (as I wrote a bit earlier this week), holding my tongue (or keyboard fingers). 

Then came 'the' message.  A request on the third site (I call it the 'on the fence' site), asking that those of us who were not resigning to please leave the group.  A bit offended, I decided to 'sign off'; used just those terms - 'signing off', and left the group.  

It's easier now -- just two pages to check in on and many of the comments I read are duplicates, so the second time thru I can usually skim.  Saves time.  

What rankles me a bit is when I see a comment on one of MY 2 pages from someone who has resigned. Not that I don't want to hear what they have to say, but they asked ME to leave their group. What's that about?  What makes it worse is that the person asking ME to leave the group had been my friend (not Facebook but real friend); at least I thought she was.  We had spent an entire week together in Boston at the last Level 2 Teacher Training John did there - partnering, chatting, sharing info.  Then she asks ME (and a few hundred others, I'm sure) to leave the group.  Well!  Let's just say I won't be sending her a 'friend request' any time soon.  

So, onward.  Enough about my desire to be popular, well-liked.  Those who know me, like me or not.  I often use Christina's saying of "I'm an acquired taste".  Just look at my classes.  If you want more information that you ever hoped possible, if you want to move more slowly, if you want the question answered that you didn't ask, if you want someone to nitpick at you; then, come to my class.  OOOH, I better read that and learn from some of my mistakes.  

Workshop today -- Happy, Healthy Hips -- and I already have people signed up.  Hoo-Ray!

Hope your Saturday is a good one, 

PREPARATION

I am in the final stages of preparing for a 2-hour workshop that I will present tomorrow (Saturday, 2-4pm), in Temecula at Living Yoga (plug for you locals).  Topic of the workshop:  "Happy, Healthy Hip Opening".

Let me begin by saying my hips are tight.  I am not the yoga teacher who effortlessly slides in Hanumanasana (forward splits) and Upavista Konasana (seated with legs spread laterally) is a dvesha, or to-be-avoided, pose no matter what.

 ((Someday, when all the JF upheaval has died down, I'll tell you my own personal UK and John Friend story.))

So, last month, I signed up for Doug Kellar's webinar on YogaUOnline, called Safe Hip Opening.  I had two reasons.  One, I want to be able to do Hanumanasana, and UK with ease.  And, two, when I first began Anusara Yoga, I read Mr. Kellar's book, "Hatha Yoga in the Anusara Style".  After reading that book, I clearly understood muscular energy, inner and outer spiral, the loops, and gained a ton of anatomy info that had previously been a mystery to me (as in, not covered in the college anatomy classes I'd taken 30 years ago).  His ability to write all this out speaks to me, to the way I learn best, so why wouldn't I take the course?

I had also recently purchased 3 books of his -- 2 on therapeutics and 1 on pranayama, rekindling my interest in his offerings.

Curled on the sofa, laptop in hand, I listened to the first of the two webinar sessions.  Jaw-dropping information.  The next week, I listened again -- tho, not live (something got in the way).  Fortunately, these are recorded so you can listen at any time.  More info that left me wanting more; and also left me knowing that the two poses mentioned above may never be easeful for me, depending on the bone structure of my femurs.  So long as I know why, it becomes an easier acceptance.

I continued, after those webinars, to read -- I'm now 3/4 of the way through the Therapeutics books. As I read, the temptation to skip parts is not there. I read every word. I might not remember every word, but as I read, I visualize and - hopefully - some of the info is trapped in my memory bank.  That's the affect his writing has on me -- the ability to visualize.

Then, I offered to present the workshop mentioned in para 1.  Why?  Because hip opening has sometimes been presented to me as 'violent' work -- like 'get them open', now hold or keep them there (if you struggle with fire log pose, reflect on how you feel when in that pose!).  Hip opening, rather, appears to me to be gentle work, feeling work; not just inner spiral and scoop, but movement that strengthens and lengthens the ligature and muscles on all sides of the hips - glutes, adductors, abductors, psoas, iliacus, etc. -- and these are all affected by the feet, knees, back, not just the joint itself.

Whens students indicate they want 'hip-opening' poses, I remember Martin Kirk's response:  "EVERY pose is a hip opener!"

Wow!  2 hours will certainly not be long enough.  But, it will be a start.

Hope you have a great Friday!

THE CHALLENGES OF THIS DISCUSSION

As we move through the Anusara upheaval, Facebook has provided lots of information - good and not-so-good.  It is a source of connection, however, to the greater community; which, right now is fractured and waiting (at least, many of us are waiting).

There is a promise of a re-structuring of the organization (and some other promises).  A task that is not easy in any 'business' -- re-structuring.  It takes time.  Fortunately, I've had enough experience in the world of business to know this, so waiting is not a problem or a sign or non-action to me. It all takes time -- weeks, maybe months.

As I wait, however, I would not be telling the truth if I said 'all this is easy'.  It's not.  Each time I look at Facebook and read something I disagree with, I am tempted to comment; perhaps to say something I will regret (you can only push me so far and then I 'bite').  Some days it is just NOT possible to keep my mouth shut (or my fingers from typing).  Each time I give way to the temptation, I am careful tho.

It is important, at these weak moments, to remember that these people are my friends -- whether I have met them or not. We might have partnered in a workshop somewhere and I've forgotten; or we may have met in a line waiting to use the restroom somewhere; or, we could have participated in a webinar or teleseminar together. In my 10+ years of practicing Anusara Yoga, I've met hundreds of people.  Besides, civility dictates, in my book. And, as my wise husband had said many times, 'don't burn your bridges'.

I am learning to read comments, and to step back and take a breath.  This is a good lesson for me.  I do know how to do it in class (remember my experience with 'it's slower' -- I didn't react there, did I?). I am not so sure I know how to do it very well in life outside the classroom, workshop, training, etc. This is good training.

Today? Cleaning.

Yesterday?  Classes went well - Gentle/therapeutic and Prenatal - using chairs, learning from the students; from their physical stuff and from their experiences.

And, my study?  Wow, I read, I practice, I experience and understand.  Amazing!

Hope you have a great Wednesday,

THINGS HAVE CHANGED BUT THEY HAVEN'T

HUH?

What do I mean by that title?  That things are different.  Anusara Yoga is in the throes of change -- many of us hope the change will be for the good and that we will move forward as a strong system, tho with a different management style.  There is the possibility that it all may come apart; we will splinter, still friends but studying with different groups/schools, teaching with Anusara in our history but different verbiage.  All still good yoga teachers, just not within the community we've grown accustomed to.

I look back on the week and what hasn't changed?  My thirst for knowledge.  I am still reading Doug Kellar's Yoga as Therapy book, and - when the house is quiet - I'm listening to Eric Stoneberg's teleseminars; current topic is Ganesh.

Another difference:  I've been on the elliptical trainer three times in three days.  Just getting in 10 minutes, with 2 to warm up and 2 to cool down (14 in all !).  Then, going to my mat, working on the exercises outlined in Mr. Kellar's book, experimenting with balls, blocks, rolls, movement.  I've even tried jump roping -- just once, tho.  Maybe I'll give it another try.

I've been teaching - that hasn't changed, either.  (Just read yesterday's post.)  I filled in last night and taught a Hatha & Meditation Class - 60 minutes (how do you teach ANYTHING in 60 minutes).  My plan was to move students for 20 minutes, do 5 minutes of meditation, and repeat.  I got stuck focusing on one student's back issue -- which reminds me that I need to go back to Mr Kellar's book and re-read the section on the psoas and the effect of trauma on it's functioning.  My initial reaction to her description of the back pain, cause, lack of definitive diagnosis, and recent hip discomfort make me think there may be a connection.  We'll see.

Back to the class -- we did one meditation, but ran out of time - so, just did a supported savasana; a little longer than usual.  They appeared to like it; who wouldn't?

Today?  Teaching Gentle/Restorative at 2pm; then Prenatal at 4:30pm. Housework inbetween. Probably will check in on Facebook, tho the vitriol there is getting tough to handle.  Maybe I'll just stay on my own page, rather than venture into the discussion groups formed as a result of the upheaval.

I hope you have a great Tuesday,

P.S. (read previous post first, please)

After class, both Mothers of the teens came to me with questions (one of whom had made the "it's slower" comment).

First was, 'I teach school and my feet hurt more frequently these days. Thoughts?'  After looking at her stance more closely, I was able to offer some ideas; including my 'life lesson' (as I call it) of standing with feet parallel.

Second Mom asked 'My inner right hip hurts and, especially recently, won't open as much as the left in sukasana (ease pose). Thoughts?'  Create space, do not try to force it.  Put something under the leg as you sit so that the inner hip flexors can relax.

That's all the time I had with a big Immersion group clamoring at the door to come in; perhaps I'll see them in another class.

SLOWER EQUALS WHAT?

I taught a morning class yesterday for a friend - a basic/intermediate class.  And, I had six students in the room, 5 of whom had done little yoga.

How do I know this?  Well, first -- I asked.  Then, 2 were teens (about 13 years); I doubt they've done much yoga (or much in-depth yoga).  Their Mothers were in attendance, as well -- one saying she was new; the other had a bit more experience. The 5th person, well let's just say the mat tells your truth.  Not being critical here, but the 1/2" thick black foam is kind of a give away.

The teens and their mothers all asked if I was going to teach something 'different' from their last class.  I honestly didn't know who had taught their last class, but I could truthfully say 'yes, it will be different, because I am not that teacher.'

Settled in the room, I introduced myself (which I often forget to do), checked in on injuries, and we began.

The first down dog gives everyone's experience (or training) away.  Rounded backs, lifted heels and heads, crooked and lifted palms -- like that.  Still not being critical, just setting the scenario for you.

One of my first jobs was the 'down dog primer' -- checking hands for placement and foundational integrity, asking people to keep their knees bent until their hips are lifted, then - keeping the back as it feels with knees bent - begin to extend the thighs towards the wall behind, straightening the knees and allowing the heels to descend.

That done, we continued to move.  Everyone held their own, the teens listened and did 99% of what I asked - as did their Mothers.  The other 2 followed instructions impeccably.  Based on what I observed to be the experience level of the 5 (of 6) students, we moved carefully.  About 3/4 of the way through the class, I asked:  "Well, tell me, is this different from your other class(es)?"

Response:  "It's slower."

Bite my tongue (so hard not to offer "well slower is sometimes better"). Continue teaching. Resist the temptation to speed it up. Keep teaching what the majority of the group needs.  But, I can't honestly say I liked the answer.  I much prefer hearing "this is great" or "I love hearing why we do stuff" -- things like that; not "it's slower".

Took them to the floor, a few twists, then supta tadasana (to experience back of thighs touching the floor), then a brief meditation as they lay relaxed, then savasana.  

Slower.  Damm!

But, in my heart I know it was right for everyone, even the sixth person (who is dealing with a sore right hip). As a friend pointed out to me yesterday, my training and my study equal a well-schooled yoga teacher who will challenge students and keep them safe.

Thank you to Adam Ballenger, Desiree Rumbaugh, Sundari Lucey, Martin & Jordan Kirk, Christina Sell, and to John Friend for teaching me to teach.  Best of all, for offering me the knowledge to recognize that sometimes slower is better.

Today?  Library is closed for the President's holiday; planning for my workshop on Saturday; spend some time with the Grand-Dudes.

Hope you have a great Monday,

HUGGING MY MIDLINE

It's been a number of day since my last post.  I did write one, but it remains in the 'draft' file.  Why? It was laced with frustration, a bit of anger and disappointment. In what? Some of the reactions I've seen as we move through the upheaval of Anusara yoga.

My stance:  that I will continue to teach, that I will retain my license, that I will wait.  I used to make hasty decisions, but no more.  Sometimes those work, sometimes not.  This time, I have a sense that I need to wait.  That said -- enough.

So, what have I been doing (besides logging on to Facebook a minimum of 3 times every day?)?  I've been teaching and had a routine colonoscopy (All is good, and - if anyone wants to know what physicians and nurses discuss during those procedures - just ask. Unfortunately, or fortunately, the meds wore off quickly and I was awake for much of the procedure. Ugg!)  I've also done some yardwork, taken a long walk with my husband (first one in a while, why? don't know, it was a good thing), planned classes, practiced, and done homework for an upcoming hip workshop I'll present on the 25th.

Simple stuff.  I feel calm and energized; not sure why, I should be agitated and angry.  After all, my assessor quit! (oh, I said enough, didn't I?)

I am still here and I am still teaching Anusara-Inspired(TM) Yoga.

Hope you're doing well and hope you have a great Sunday!

THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING !?!?!?

What?  On the cusp of attaining Certification in Anusara Yoga, a rumor-filled, yet factual in some respects, scandal.

If you want details, it's all available on the internet -- Yoga Journal has printed a small piece; Bay Shakti (www.bayshakti.com) has more; Facebook has lots of info.  Enough to drive one nuts or, at the very least, to frustration.

I wish it would go away, but it won't.  That won't happen until there are significant changes in the organization of Anusara Yoga and amends made for past transgressions.  I, for one, will wait and watch.

The selfish part of me wishes it had not happened.  The even more selfish part of me wishes my Certification assessor had not resigned (what now?). But it did.  She did.

Enough.

We often hear our teachers say that the stories we read (in particular the Bhagavad Gita), are comprised of each of us as the characters -- if we look closely and reflect on our lives, we will see ourselves in the characters.  If you are familiar with the story, bear with me:

Arjuna (a warrior) is called to fight in a great battle; Krishna (his chariot driver) advises him as they prepare.  Arjuna's dilemma:  that the two armies to fight are comprised of his family members -- brothers, cousins, etc. -- lined up on both sides of the battlefield.  Arjuna would rather not fight than kill or injure any of his family members.  Krishna's message to him -- it is your duty in life to participate in this battle; Arjuna agrees after significant discussion. End of story.

I am the warrior (suddenly faced with a battle of whether to continue or not); I am also the chariot driver (advising myself of the dutiful action to take); and I am the two armies (part of this yoga family, on both sides of the field -- some choosing to leave, some choosing to stay).

It's not fun being all the characters, but now I understand.  I'll stay.  The method of Anusara Yoga has given me so much, has helped my students so much, that I cannot walk away.

With love to all and to myself,

VIDEO'ING (or, how to teach a private)

I made plans to video my class yesterday (4pm, Temecula).  For the past 4-6 weeks, there have consistently been six in the room -- the required number for a video.  I computed that, if those six arrived and I invited a few more, I'd have plenty of students to meet the requirement.

My plan included arriving early (I'd made plans to use the large room, which makes video'ing possible), getting camera set-up and ready, and review my plans for the class at least one more time. Then, I thought, I'd have a few extra minutes to move a bit; to get warmed up.

So (the ever-present 'so'), all went according to plan, except the student part.  Just one person came to class.  I must admit that I was a bit relieved -- to video with the stress of the past few days and months, video'ing seemed a bit silly.  I do want to get it done, tho; I'd like to accomplish Certification, sooner than later.

Now, with one student in the room, this does NOT a video make. Shift gears, adjust attitude (mine), teach the one. She was a new-to-the-studio student; had done yoga a few times many years ago. And, many years ago had suffered a horseback riding accident that damaged her back and left hip.  Perfect private material.  We began; she quickly tired, so I slowed things down a bit and - rather than a 'regular' class - got therapeutic on her.  Not sure that's what she was looking for, but that's what she got.

We worked with feet, legs, got to hips and back.  As I talked and she moved, she kept saying things like 'this is just what I need', 'I wondered why my back was hurting in that area', 'my neck has been hurting lately, as well', and 'my feet cramp - will this help?'.  I watched her move -- beautiful body awareness.  But a body that has definitely been injured - short on the right side, torqued to the right through the torso, left shoulder well above the right and moving towards the front plane of the body.

After one hour, to her relief - I'm sure, I asked her to lie down, do a twist keeping the core muscles activated, then move through apanasana, and into savasana.

As we left the room, I thought "no video, but this - this private - needed to happen".  Things work in interesting ways.

Leaves me wondering, however, WILL I EVER GET THAT VIDEO DONE?

Hope you have a great Friday,

WILD WEEKEND

In many ways, this was one wild weekend.  

First, the workshop with Sundari and Peter was great -- so nice to be with friends, practicing and learning.  This kula (the 'bad ass' Jackson Hole group) is a great one.  So gracious, so welcoming, so much fun to be with.  And, the teachings we received from Sundari and Peter were unforgettable -- just ask me about "DD=T" (my one and only note from the weekend).

I returned yesterday morning (up at 2:30 am PST to drive to Idaho Falls, climb on an early flight, spend a few hours in SLC, then a full flight to Orange County.  Arrived on time (maybe a little early), in the car and homeward bound.  My goal was to arrive in time to teach the 3pm Library Class -- no problem; I had time to visit my house, check on pets, and change clothes, before driving in to teach.  

Get this:  25 in the room!  Among those, six new students -- some just came to observe, but the kula (the class participants) soon had them on mats, doing the practice.  We worked with the feet -- I'm going to work from the ground up for a few weeks.  Been doing a lot of reading and study in anticipation of a hip-opening workshop I'm conducting in late Feb.  Do you know how our feet affect everything else?  I am continually amazed as I read and learn.  

Then, reviewing Facebook, troubling comments about JF, and another resignation.  I've kind of figured out what happened -- an article alleging questionable religious beliefs, home-wrecker behavior, and fraud.   Here are my immediate thoughts (until proven otherwise):  

• Questionable religious beliefs - Or, more specifically, Wiccan practices.  In almost every workshop or training I have attended with John, this belief and practice has been mentioned by him as he reviews his background.  I don't know much about it; didn't care to -- that's not what I was there for.  Yoga, in particular Anusara Yoga, was why I attended.  (Let me emphasize this -- many of the people commenting attended these same workshops; I hope they don't plead ignorance.)
• Home-wrecker behavior - not much to say about this, except that it is a two-way street.  
• Fraud - this relates to business practices with regards to employees of Anusara.  I have heard the implications, seen a letter stating all is good and legal. I'll hold any opinion until I hear or see more.  

Enough.  

Off to the vet this a.m. with little Driggs, who is trying to chew her leg off (an exaggeration, but . . .).  Maybe he can get her to stop.

Then, teaching in Temecula -- 2pm, Gentle/Therapeutic; 4:30pm, Prenatal.  

Looking forward to a great day and week, 

OFF TO IDAHO. . .

Yes, me -- off to Idaho (and Wyoming) for a weekend of yoga with good friends, Sundari and Peter Goodman, at Akasha Yoga.  (Howard will remain in Fallbrook, holding down the fort).

This trip has given me good material for my teaching this week.  The prospect of driving in snow (especially over the significant mountain pass between Driggs and Jackson), has always been fodder for themes.  Basically playing off John's theme of effort & surrender / braking & letting off (like that).

And, the classes this week were challenging to teach -- Tuesday's Gentle presented with one sore knee, one fresh hip replacement, two really bad knees, and one ready to give yoga a try.  Wow!  Each with different challenges, each with different mobility levels, each with a different level of acceptance of the practice.  I'm brushing up on my knee / hip / everything therapeutics over the weekend.

Prenatal was similar, in that each was her own bag of 'stuff' -- very flexible, very disciplined, sore hip (3 students / 3 'stuff').  Back to that therapy book.

I leave this morning and return Monday morning.  Flying out of Orange County -- always a challenge to predict traffic, so need to get on the road sooner than later.

While there, I'll be able to enjoy our cabin, a wood fire, and - perhaps - get some photos of animals for Grand-Dude Brady (his request).

I hope to have a great weekend; hope yours is similar!