Thursday, September 27, 2012

IT'S THURSDAY !!!

What happens on Thursday?  I write (and you read) about Wednesday's Wisdom Warriors practice.  Simple.

So, let's get started:

Short chat to begin the practice, where Desiree talked a bit about last week's raw food dinner/demo.  It was good and another is planned for the future sometime.  In the meantime, we are adding a monthly lunch to our 'practice routine'.  This lunch will not be on a Wednesday; it will be on a Monday (probably).  In October, it will be October 8, at a restaurant in Fashion Valley (YES! I rarely get to a mall these days).  At this time I can't remember the restaurant name, but - it's on our Facebook page; if you're interested, check it out.

Enough about social activities of the group; what about the yoga?  Let's just say my arms, hands and upper body got a significant working; not to mention the hips and hamstrings.  An all-over forward fold, arm balancing practice, with hip work thrown in.  Sounds fun, doesn't it?  It was.

The moment for me? Becoming better acquainted with Sirsasana 2 (tripod headstand).  A pose that I have avoided, mainly because when I kick up my neck feels vulnerable -- as in, not supported by anything (which is different from the headstand where your hands and forearms are on the floor, stabilizing head).  What made the difference?  2 things:  a competent partner, and ribs & belly in (a mantra in this group now).

The competent partner is simply a trust thing - she stepped in, sounded authoritative, said the right things, and I got into the pose - simple. It's something I try to teach when asking students to partner with one another. It takes time and practice to cultivate good partnering skills, and - unfortunately - many teachers do not have people partner much or, if they do, they are watching the end result, not the dynamic between the two partners (enough).

The ribs & belly in -- well, it's something I began to experience from Desiree several years ago, then forgot. She has re-birthed it for me in my practice and it is powerful. Important to remember that it's just ribs and belly moving in; lumbar and cervical curves are still there. If we are familiar with 'kidney loop', it is very similar.

How to learn it?  Well, when I first experienced 'kidney loop', it was winter and I was skiing regularly. When I learned to ski, my Mother (a ski instructor) repeated to me: 'when you want to turn, bend knees - lift up - bend knees (visualize a down-up-down action), and turn'.  So, I went back to this, as I was skiing, and practiced my down-up-down, incorporating ribs & belly in -- more emphatically on the down action.  OK, OK, OK, we're not winter yet and - at least in Del Mar - there will be no skiing. So, how do we learn it?

Stand in tadasana, draw lowest ribs together and move your belly back towards spine.  There, keep that, as you continue to extend your spine up, and gently move your shoulder blades onto your back and lift your heart space. Basically, rather than letting your lowest ribs flare, you are containing that energy -- saving it for the work to come; and it is proving to be very effective.

That said, we did all manner of arm balances.  At one point, Desiree was even to heard to say "I'm worn out!".  I am not sure you hear Desiree utter that phrase much.  But, even after saying that, she kept going -- kind of like that bunny -- pose after pose, finishing with Hanumanasana.

So, what about the rest of my week?  Monday's Library class numbered 30. The summer lull is over perhaps.  Tuesday's Gentle/Therapeutic was attended by some strong and capable yoga practitioners, so we worked a bit harder than usual for that class -- even making it to a forearm "L" pose using the wall.  And, today?  Teaching 3 classes.

Hope you have a great Thursday!




Sunday, September 23, 2012

HOW DO 'UN-ADVERTISED' WORKSHOPS WORK FOR YOU?

You might think that an un-advertised workshop is a workshop destined for failure, or low attendance anyway.  Yes, that's the logical thought process.

I found out a bit differently yesterday, and here's the story:

About a month ago, I decided that the Library population could use a workshop focusing on the feet - their make-up, purpose, etc., etc.  I got in touch with the Library, they put me on the calendar tentatively. I then confirmed.

Last Monday, as I was about to begin my class at the Library, I ran into one of the Librarians and asked about the workshop publicity - which had been nonexistent.  She did a bit of research and noticed that the calendar still said 'tentative', and - therefore - no publicity.  Things happen, I wasn't worried or upset, and I decided to postpone it until October.

In class, I mentioned this to students. Three spoke up, saying they were planning to attend (I had mentioned the workshop to the class a week or two earlier).  Re-thinking my postponement idea, I decided to do the workshop anyway.  Even if just 3-4 showed, it would still be good practice for me.  When I got home that day, I sent an e-mail to all the Library students who've given me their e-mail addresses. Got a couple responses. So, at this point, I'm thinking 5-7 students, maybe.

So, yesterday, armed with 10 copies of my handouts, I headed to the Library. Arrived 20 minutes early, one person already in the room, and she had brought a friend.  Over the next 20 minutes, people gradually trickled in, until there were 19 in the room!  Some of the class 'regulars', and several new-to-me students, all gathering to work with and learn more about their feet.  (Confession:  This is the most I have ever had attend ANY of my workshops, unless it was a corporate event.)

One student made some more copies of handouts for me and we were off. 2 hours of massaging, standing, walking, experiencing the power of our feet. And, we did a bit of other movement, as well.  Good feedback, grateful students, even more grateful instructor (me).

In the future, I'm not sure I'll rely on this method of non-advertising, but yesterday it worked. Thank you all for attending! Don't forget your foot massaging and/or toe exercises.

Hope you have a great Sunday,

Friday, September 21, 2012

LOVE THE 'FIRSTS'

Each student arrives with expectations, hopes, desires.  Many times they are met, often - however - it takes time, a few (or many) classes to satisfy their e..., h..., and d... (saving typing energy here).

As I get to know each student, I also develop e..., h..., and d... for them.  These might be radically different from theirs, but no less important.

So, if there is chemistry, we work.  They come to class as faithfully as possible.  I teach towards both of our e..., h... and d...; all this while handling the remaining class members similar e..., h... and d...'s .

All this to say, my story today is one of a satisfied desire.  One student, who has faithfully attended one of my gentle classes, whose desire was to lie on her belly, bend one knee, and reach back with the corresponding hand to clasp the foot and/or ankle.  That's all -- just reach her foot.

So, over the weeks she has worked with me, we've focused on side body long, shoulders moving back (which also will help her sore shoulder).  What happened?

Yesterday, lying on belly, she came up to pyramid pose, inch-wormed her torso away from her hips (lengthening), bent the left knee, lifted left shoulder and moved the left shoulder blade towards center. Then, she reached and reached and reached. First time -- touched her heel with fingertips; second time, gripped her heel with fingers; third time, a firm grip on the top of her foot.

Be still my heart!  (and hers)

Her desire, fueled by the cheers of her fellow classmates, is responsible. I was the guide, showing her a way I thought would work.  So glad it did!

Today?  Another Gentle Yoga class (maybe another 'first').

Enjoy your Friday,

Thursday, September 20, 2012

YOGA & RAW FOOD

The smile says it all.

Wisdom Warriors rocked the house yesterday - truly!

We did lots of back bending, accompanied by laughter, 'rib knitting', arm and core strengtheners, and dancing!  Love it when one of ours breaks into unsolicited 'happy dancing'. I've included some pics from both the practice and the raw food dinner demo many of us participated in after the practice.

Raw food?  Yes, food that has not been cooked - which, I know, many of you are familiar with. I am not vegetarian, and I do cook the food that I've habitually cooked. But, I saw many possibilities in this class.

Our chef, Fuji, came prepared with all the 'stuff'. We began with a taste of her almond milk, moved on to cheesecake (yes, dessert first), then a blended lemongrass/coconut/bell pepper soup, then hummus wraps using collard greens for the 'wrap', another beverage - this time a 'Berry green smoothie'. We weren't done, however, still had lettuce wrap tacos to create (using a nut mix as our 'meat'), and kelp noodle alfredo.  Unfortunately, I had to leave before the kelp alfredo was being served, so I didn't get a taste -- smiles and eyebrows told me it was good, however. Everything was very good!

Everything she created looked easy to do; somewhat effortless -- the blender (a good one) and a food processor are mandatory tools, and - I suppose - as you embrace this type of food preparation, you'd purchase a food dehydrator. It would require that you plan your shopping around area farmers' markets and get to know your vendors well. We also talked a bit about logistics - like, how do you do this when living in areas of the country covered by snow in winter; one answer, lots of planning ahead and freezer use.

For now, I am going to re-instate morning green drinks - I got some good ideas from this class.  We'll see where it goes from there.  My husband likes his food cooked and I'm not interested in planning and/or cooking 2 menus for each meal.  So, we'll just take it baby steps.
A close-up of our 'fearless leader.

Part of the fun!  (Our 'happy dancer' is the yogi in red.)



And the party?  Well, just look at the food, the great company, and the beautiful surroundings!


Today?  Teaching 2 classes, then our own Wisdom Warriors practice in Temecula.  I've got ideas for all 3; going to refine a bit over the next couple hours.  

Hope you have a great Thursday!

p.s.  If you want recipes for any of the above-mentioned, let me know.  

Sunday, September 16, 2012

MY WEEK IN REVIEW

It's been a good week, so - I thought - what better topic than the week's activities for this post.  And, I am trying to get back into posting mode; something that's been missing for a while.

It all began last Monday at the Fallbrook Library.  I teach there from 3-4 pm each Monday, a one-hour class for all levels, ages (above 12 years), shapes, sizes, gender, etc.  Everyone is welcome. The fact that the Library had been closed the previous week (Labor Day) affected attendance; just 20 in class this week (and, I'm complaining?!?!?!?).  FYI, I NEVER have had 20 in my classes until I began this class (caveat: it is free, but that doesn't mean I am not developing a loyal following).

The challenge in teaching this type of class is that 'all levels' means you will have a very experienced student in one part of the room and a beginner in another. How to handle this? Well, I have to admit I have no set rule -- I just observe, ask for what I think the person can offer, and go from there.  I do, however, keep a close eye on the beginning students. To satisfy the experienced person(s), I'll throw in an arm balance, or a challenging twist pose, something for them to wrap their heads (and bodies) around; modifying it for newer students.

Tuesday, I spent the morning learning more about our sprinkling system (very important when you have 20 avocado and 10 citrus trees, plus assorted other plants).  Then, it was get ready, get in the car and drive 10 miles north to Temecula to teach the 2:00 Gentle/Therapeutic class at Living Yoga Center.  2 in that class (which is the normal attendance - I think the word 'Therapeutic' keeps people away). One student with knee issues, another with just malaise (a general feeling of discomfort).  I was able to focus on knee stuff and movement that would help to strengthen muscles/ligaments above and below. The person with 'malaise' was happy to just move a bit and loosen up.

I drove to Del Mar on Wednesday for the Wisdom Warriors Practice with Geri Portnoy (after a morning spent with two of my Grand-Dudes, plus some time at Lululemon and the Apple Store).  I wrote about this particular practice in an earlier post, so won't write much more here; except to say that Wisdom Warriors is the BEST thing that's happened to me in years.

Thursday, another Gentle/Therapeutic class - this one at Yoga For Life in Temecula. This is a new class for me, I've just been teaching it for 3 months. Since the beginning, I've consistently had 3-4 students each week. This week, however, 12:30 arrived and I was alone in the room. I decided to practice a bit on my own, and at 12:35 in walked one of the 'regulars' for this class. Switching gears, we talked about what she would like to focus on and began. At 12:40, in walked another 'regular'. Switching gears again, we modified the practice to include some chair work and began. Got thru my centering talk when, at 12:45, a new student arrived (one I had been told might be in class). Needless to say, we switched gears again and began. Each of these students has a very different range in their practice -- one, a healing shoulder strain and very fit; two, a significant illness last winter/spring has left her weak, hence the chairs; and, the third, 5 (yes, five) herniated discs as a result of many auto accidents (none of them her fault).  Hard to describe this class -- lots of trial and error, modifications, talk. Some days are like that, yeah they are.  (Anyone remember where that saying came from?)

The exciting part of Thursday was my own Wisdom Warriors practice at Living Yoga in Temecula. Yes, I've started a group for Temecula's (and surrounding area) 50+ year olds. Best part, 6 showed up for the 2:30-3pm practice! All six are regular students in the Gentle classes, and some venture into the Basic or Intermediate classes.  I don't believe any had done this type of 'practice' before - meaning, where the teacher is a participant and is simply announcing poses, doing poses, and not correcting (unless the 'danger' flag presents itself).  I had a great time, and I think most of the participants did, as well.  The proof will be whether they return and if they bring their friends.  We'll see, and I'm hopeful.

Friday, another Gentle class at Living Yoga (do you see a 'niche' developing here?). 8 in the room - a large class for this type. Two were visitors -- experienced yogis from Breckenridge, who were willing and able to tone it down a bit for this class.

And, finally, Saturday, my second in a 4-class workshop series at Yoga For Life -- this one called "Healthy Knees" (title borrowed from an old Florida friend).  This series began with the feet, progressed to the knees, and next month we will focus on the hips. In November, the finale will be "Putting It All Together" - a general workshop of standing poses, hip openers, etc.  It was good for me and I believe everyone left with a smile on their face and a new awareness of their knees. What did I learn -- the knees are fascinating, and cannot be covered completely in just 2 hours; you need more like 2-3 days.

Today?  Well, it's a day off and it is my son, Derek's, 38th birthday. I've got a bit of shopping to do, then will go to a birthday dinner to help him celebrate his day with family (and, probably, some football).

All in all, a great week.  I hope yours was good and that you look forward to good times in the next and coming weeks.

Take care,

Thursday, September 13, 2012

WHERE HAVE I BEEN?

To put it simply, all over the place!  (and, that's no joke)  I have a laundry list of things I've been doing instead of writing in this blog.  The list includes:

1.  Living my 'at home' life -- that includes some yardwork (bruises to prove it); spending time with Grand-Dudes; some sorting out (making space); dog care (bathed 3 dogs in one day); learning to run the sprinkler system(s) on our property; trying to cook more; gearing up to do a household inventory.  There may be more, but you get the point.

2.  Living my 'yoga teaching' life -- that includes practice (Wisdom Warriors is a part of that, tho I've missed 3 weeks; made it back yesterday); teaching 5 weekly yoga classes; teaching workshops (have two coming up on the next 2 Saturdays); listening and watching the backlog of webinars I've signed up for over the past several months, including Sequencing with Christina Sell; Anatomy with Martin Kirk; Wisdom of the Goddesses with Eric Stoneberg; and - coming up - a year-long study of Ayurveda with Cate Stillman.  

3.  Living my 'fun' life -- including a short trip to our 'vacation house' (a moniker assigned to the small home we still own in Driggs, Idaho, by Grand-Dude Jack).  

4.  Living my 'miscellaneous' life -- all the other things that have happened that don't necessarily fall into one of the above categories, including the monumental effort to FINALLY pull out the IPAD my husband bought me 2 years (yes, years) ago and firing it up.  Do I know how to run it? no -- that required a visit to the Apple Store and an embarrassing admission of my technical ignorance. Happy to report that IPAD now is up and running, and I am playing around with it a bit.  Remember that inventory I mentioned earlier; I see uses for the IPAD in that task.

If you are reading this, you are probably most interested in #2 -- the yoga teaching part of my life.  My 5 classes include 3 Gentle/Therapeutic classes, one mixed-level class which is a volunteer effort at the Fallbrook Library, and a start-up Wisdom Warriors practice in Temecula (modeled after Desiree and Geri's practice which I attend).

Speaking of Wisdom Warriors, Geri led a nice practice yesterday.  It was as if she read my mind -- having been away from a strong practice for 3 weeks, I was a bit tentative.  We moved slowly and deliberately (my preferred way). Not easy, by any means; but purposeful. Geri moved us through standing poses, hip openers, some upside-down stuff, and finished with a 5-minute shoulder stand and a long savasana.  Loved it; welcome back, Leslie.  Next week, Desiree returns and the volume will be amp'd up a bit, I'm sure.  We're also planning a raw, vegan dinner after the practice at one of our fellow practitioners' homes. I've done raw before, but it has never been my first choice; I will give it another try.

Today, subbing for a friend, then teaching 2 of my own classes.

Hope you have a great Thursday!