Thursday, October 25, 2012

FAVORITE LINE?

Of course, this post is triggered by the Wisdom Warriors practice yesterday (Wednesday) with Desiree Rumbaugh.  And, as I searched my memory bank for 'cute, catchy' titles, up came the chosen one; which refers to the line I remember vividly from this practice.

I have always struggled with padangusthasana.  Call it tight hamstrings, call it lack of desire or giving up, call it whatever-you-want; it just has always been a challenge.  And, it was one I knew I would always face when entering a workshop/training with John Friend.  Unfortunately, that didn't make me work any harder towards perfecting it; in fact, I avoid it -- like the plague.  I don't even ask my students to give it a try.

Reel back to yesterday, a practice focusing on bending -- forward, sideways, and - yes - backwards. A demo:  Come to standing, balance on one leg a bit. Reach down for the foot - engage ribs and belly - hold the foot - begin to stand extending the leg.  Here is the point for the favorite line of the practice:  "once you get this far (leg extended), it's just a short trip to standing tall".  OK.  Got it.  Giving it a try.  What happens?

With a little verbal chatter in the room, I stood with right ankle on left knee (think the number 4). I pulled in my ribs and belly - energizing the midsection.  I reached down with right hand to hold the outer edge of the right foot. Keeping belly engaged, even slightly hunched, I lifted foot away.  Pressing hand into foot, foot into hand, belly engaged, I began to (tentatively) straighten the leg. Whoa -- it did it!  It straightened, with my hand still holding the foot!

And, it probably is a short journey to standing tall.  I'm happy with straightening the leg and slightly lifting my torso, looking across the aisle at a fellow 'Warrior'.

I must admit there was no hamstring issue; they felt fine. No more excuses.

And, my teaching?  Library class still going strong - averaging 20 loyal, fun-loving students in the room every Monday.  Therapeutics/Gentle classes also going well -- still small, but I think that will always be the case (and, perhaps, that's for the best).  My 'Wisdom Warriors' practice will happen today. Looking forward to sharing some of what we did yesterday with them.

Hope you have a great Thursday,

Thursday, October 18, 2012

DON'T MISS A PRACTICE . . .

Yesterday, was our Wisdom Warriors practice.  I had missed the previous week, not something I'll do again (if I can help it).  I still felt strong, but clearly she is on a mission to have us create a container of stability onto which our poses will build.  Seemingly simple poses, but complex and challenging under Desiree's guidance.

While keeping ribs knitted (lowest ribs moving to midline and towards spine), belly energized, tailbone moving towards heels; then we were asked to work the muscles supporting our our shoulders and shoulder blades(!?!?!).  IN EVERY POSE.

Now, I am not complaining.  This is work I need to do.  When I began my yoga practice, I was 48 years old and quickly moving into the family pattern of rounded posture.  To this day, I still get the comment from BJ Galvan each time I see her "My god I can't believe your back!  So different!"  That's a great compliment, by the way.  It means that all this work is working!

And, a good moment -- welcoming Bob into our fold.  Bob is 74; that means I am no longer the oldest. YES!  Plus, he's a great yogi, with a wonderful spirit.

About my teaching -- I had a very rewarding Therapeutic Class on Tuesday.  A student who had struggled thru 4 surgeries in the span of one month to correct issues with her back (L4-5).  This had happened one year ago, and she had finally gotten up the nerve/gumption/whatever to step into a yoga class (first one ever).  She came to my class!

To be honest, when someone comes into my class after back surgery I get nervous - nervous about just what they will be willing/able to do, nervous about whether what I am suggesting is appropriate, nervous about whether the student will 'like' it (the yoga).  

We moved, she did everything I asked. There was a bit of tentative movement; especially when it came to twisting.  I was glad I was there and attentive enough to offer her a helping hand as she brought knees back to center after twisting off to one side.  It all went very well.

Afterwards, she made the effort to spend a few minutes, and to tell me that she was very happy with the class, that - despite the fear - everything she did felt good and beneficial for her.  I thanked her.  Love hearing about a positive experience.

A good day.

Today?  Another therapeutic class at Yoga For Life; then, Wisdom Warriors at Living Yoga Center.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

THINGS (life) HAPPEN(s)

I have been teaching a lot this week.  Many subbing opportunities presented themselves and I took them -- maybe too many; leaving me a bit tired and hoping I haven't forgotten to write something down.  (So far, so good.)

Yesterday began with an early morning class (8:15); another opportunity to sub and become acquainted with more students at Yoga For Life.  It was a small group - - 3 eager and willing students; and the class was just one hour long.  Needless to say I am not used to 60-minute classes - we are doing standing poses when I realize it's 10 minutes til end of class; so, to the floor, calm down, savasana.

My well-laid plan had been to teach this early class, return home and spend some time doing 'house-ly' things. Then, climb into the car and drive to Del Mar for the Wisdom Warriors practice with Desiree and Geri.

The first part worked -- taught the class, returned home at 10am.  What did I return home to?  A sick dog; one who, in desperation, had messed in several spots on our relatively new carpet.  This is not something to ignore -- it's vet time.  I made the phone call, told them I needed to come get some magic 'stopper-upper' med, finished cleaning up the mess, loaded the dog in the car and was off (it's now 11am).  FYI, you don't mess around when the dog in question is a german shepherd. we're talking BIG messes here.

One hour later (noon), dog and I left the vet, loaded with meds and soft food.

A new plan was hatching -- as in, no Wisdom Warriors.  So sorry to miss it, but - as I tell students who are giving me their reasons for not attending class - life happens.  I could insert another word for 'life', but I hope I've given you a clear picture of the situation without going there.

The good in this?  That I had NOT scheduled the carpet cleaning yet; will make that call today since the culprit dog had a quiet night.  Also good that this appears to be just a change-in-diet dilemma for the dog.

Today?  Teaching at 12:30pm at Yoga For Life, then guiding the Temecula Wisdom Warriors group, 2:30pm at Living Yoga.  We are small in number, mighty in age, and enthusiastic!

Hope you have a good Thursday!

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

4 CLASSES - 1 DAY

I am not sure I have done that before -- taught 4 classes in one day.  I might have, but - if so - the memory has left me.  To state it mildly, I was tired when it (the day) was over.

A sign of age? (hope not)  A sign of burnout?  (don't think so)

The good thing?  Students showed for all 4 of these classes; from the 8:15am to the final one, at 3pm.

Another good thing?  It all coordinated nicely.  There have been days when I have offered to sub and find myself rushing from point A to point B, wondering 'why did I say I'd do this?'.  You may need to live in So. Calif. to understand this point.  Traveling via car is often fraught with obstacles (traffic jams, multitudes of other cars, etc.).  Yesterday, tho, all went smoothly.  The first 2 classes at one studio, then a short (traffic-free) drive to the 3rd class at another studio (both in Temecula), then back to Fallbrook where I took 20 minutes to stop at the house and let our dogs out. Onward to my own Library class, the final of the day.

Despite it being a holiday (Columbus Day), the Library was open (it usually is closed on holidays). I worried at 2:50pm, looking out at a room populated with 20 chairs and 5 people, that everyone else had thought the same -- 'it's a holiday, the library is closed; won't be yoga'.  At 3pm the room was full -- all 20 chairs had an occupant, plus a couple without chairs.

We used the chairs to get at our feet more easily -- began with a massage and some foot exercises.  I understand why, but am always a bit surprised when students come up after these classes and tell me how good their feet feel.  Then stood and walked a bit, then a few lunges, some twists and push-ups (in yoga? yes, in yoga); and to the floor to work towards dhanurasana (bow pose) and maybe ustrasana (camel pose).  I had fun and I think many in the class did as well.

What happens today?  Webinar (right now) with Christina Sell, then housework, then teach in Temecula at 2:30. Then a guitar lesson (!?!?!?!).  That's another story.

Have a great Tuesday,

Thursday, October 4, 2012

'PACING'

I mentioned yesterday that the word 'pace' might be part of my mantra during the afternoon's Wisdom Warriors' practice.

Instead, I inserted the word 'patience' -- because, as some of you know, a practice with Geri often involves longer holds that one with Desiree.  To compare the two excellent instructors is like comparing apples to oranges -- both are good for you, but have very different textures and 'consuming' styles (unless you peel your apples).

So, inwardly chanting the word 'patience', I practiced.  Holding poses like trichonasana, ardha chandrasana, parsvakonasana, and hanumanasana for longer than 2-3 breaths is challenging work. Giving us lots of time to feel, explore, figure out what works and what doesn't. It's not easy, but - personally - I do like it, when its over.

We did all of the above poses, added in some upside down stuff and hamstring work, plus more work for the psoas (eka pada supta virasana with hips on a block, bent knee on or close to floor?!?!?).

There was laughter and chatting -- good stuff.  Just what Wisdom Warriors is all about.

Today?  Teaching a Gentle class at 12:30 at Yoga For Life, Temecula; then my own 'Wisdom Warriors' practice at Living Yoga Center, also Temecula.  One of the attendees said to me the other day that she is going to start wearing a sign around her neck.  It will say:  "I'm not 47, 57, or 67; I'm 77 and I reserve the right to say 'no'."  I'll remember that.

Hope you have a great Thursday!

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?

Yesterday, following one of my classes, a student approached with his dilemma:

He has lived a very athletic life so far (i.e. runner, hiker, baseball in college), and is still young (30-35, maybe).  He has, over the past months, hurt his knee.  He suspended his active yoga practice as a result, but has missed it.  So, is gradually making a comeback to yoga, accommodating the knee as his physician tries to figure out what's going on and including my gentler classes once in a while.

It all sounds good, right?  What could be wrong?

Well, according to the student, when in a 'regular' (as in 'not gentle') class, surrounded by other active and vibrant yogis, he succumbs to the 'rush' -- he does everything asked of him, forgets about the injury, and just does it; and enjoys the class.  Next day or two, he pays the piper for this forgetfulness -- knee hurts, other body parts hurt.  And, perhaps, because he is getting older than the college days, it is taking longer for the body to recuperate.

Frustrating dilemma.

He asked my advice.  What could I say?

I offered a one word answer 'pace'. I suggested he use the word as his mantra for the coming months; at least until his knee is feeling better and he is back in 'yoga shape' (his words).

It wasn't the answer he wanted. He wants to do it all, to enjoy the classes and the energy in the room.  I admit, I felt a bit 'stumped' to help him. He agreed, however, to give it a try.

I have no trouble with 'pace'.  I do it all the time.  If in a group where I know the energy will be high and the movements strong, I use 'pace' a lot.  Example:  Instead of knee-up chaturangas from the get-go, I'll give myself permission to release the knees to the floor, at least for the first 20 minutes or so of the class. Saves a bit of strength for the poses coming, is my thinking.

Why write this? As a teacher, I need to welcome this attitude into my classes.  Accept that not everyone will do everything, nor should they. Simple; just needed to vent a bit.

Off to Wisdom Warriors in a couple hours.  I bet I'll use 'pace' a lot in that practice.

Have a great Wednesday!