2013 RE-CAP

It seems most appropriate to re-cap 2013 on this, the last day of the year; almost our third year in Sunny So. California.  At least as much as I can remember (thank goodness for the blog).

January 2013
I was honored to introduce 25+ students to the practice of yoga; one of the largest intro classes of the year.  So much fun and such a great group.

I also accomplished 13 Urdhva Dhanurasana's (with help of my friend, Desiree) in ONE Wisdom Warriors practice.

February 2013
I received my Certification through the Anusara School of Hatha Yoga.  Not quite the heralded accomplishment as it might have been before the school leader's fall from Grace and its subsequent re-organization, but still an accomplishment.  One I worked towards for most of my yoga teaching tenure -- 11 years.

March 2013
A short 'vacation' -- a trip to our cabin in Idaho.  Always a welcome respite, and an opportunity to pile on layers of clothing (the house is not necessarily equipped for winter living - barely 55 degrees, despite the small heaters' efforts).

AND, a weekend workshop with Doug Keller -- my first meeting with him.  I've read his books, which truly speak to me; in person, he is even more informative.

April/May 2013
I continued to study, mainly through online courses. Lots of good information to be gained!  Love YogaUOnline.  Another short trip to Idaho.  And, a weekend workshop with long-time teacher, Adam Ballenger, in my hometown of Spokane.  Very fun.

June 2013
Subbed for Desiree Rumbaugh; what more is there to say?

July 2013
Subbed AGAIN for Desiree; this time with music (a first for me).

And, some travel to Montana - a retreat with Marc Holzman; another first for me (to study with Marc).  It was fun, challenging, relaxing, re-charging.

August 2013
Reunion with good friends -- Jen Hecht and Matt Newman appear in Lajolla (his Father was performing on the Harpsichord in town).  Jen and I met for a class at The LaJolla Yoga Center, then breakfast where Matt joined us.

I also experienced Los Angeles yoga during this month when I participated in a 3-day intensive with Noah Maze and Douglas Brooks (another first, as I had read and listed to Douglas, but never met him).  Wow! Challenging work, but very enjoyable.

September 2013
Another trip to Idaho (can you tell we love it there?).  And, another reunion of sorts -- I re-connected with one of my long-time mentors, Sundari.  We hiked, did yoga, enjoyed each other's company for a few days, promising to stay in better touch in the future.

I spent a few days in Spokane visiting my family. I was blessed to spend these days with my Mother, as she passed away within a week of my return to Fallbrook.

October 2013
Teaching and settling back into routine.  I found that every few days I'd think "I need to call my Mom", only to remember.

November 2013
Reflecting and offering gratitude to all my teachers.  The result of which becomes apparent in December.

December 2013
A somewhat quiet month.  Teaching lots of classes, watching my Gentle classes grow at Living Yoga, adjusting my schedule a bit for 2014.  Uneventful, that is, until yesterday . . .

I taught a class at MAC in the morning.  Just 2 attending - one a long-time student; and the other, a yoga instructor.  This is when the November comment becomes meaningful -- both students commented on how challenging my classes are.  This comment is meaningful since I've been thinking I'm not challenging enough.  Upon reflection, I believe my teaching reflects the discipline my teachers instilled in me.  The teaching of 'don't do it unless you are going to give it your best effort -- even if you don't reach the full expression of a pose'.  A practice that involves awareness and discipline.

It's been a great year and this little walk down memory lane is just a sampling of what I've done, learned and experienced.

I also need to mention that the family is well.  Howard continues to work and loves it.  Children, their spouses, and grand-dudes are all well.  We are a lucky bunch!

Happy New Year to you!

MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS, HAPPY HANUKKAH, ETC., ETC.

Yesterday, as with most Wednesdays, I made my way to Del Mar (YogaDelMar, specifically) for a practice with my Wisdom Warriors friends.

I thought of titling this blog "about long holds", but I think I've used that before -- so, no go on that.  Instead a message to you for the holidays, however you celebrate (or not).

As you now know, we did longer holds yesterday (we also did LONG holds a week ago).  Yesterday's class was Desiree's version of a 'yin' class -- alternating between challenging poses and holds and releasing into a less challenging pose.  How did it go?

Well, right out of the box (like pose #4), we were doing Ustrasana.  One more inbetween pose, then another ustrasana.  The second ustrasana, I - tight back and all - was able to move into Ustrasana (heels up, mind you) placing BOTH hands on the heels simultaneously.  This is quite a feat for me.  What were the 'inbetween' poses?  1.  Use of chair seats to open the thoracic spine.  2.  laying over the chair seat, feet at wall, hands reaching overhead and holding the chair somewhere.

Then, some hip openers and moving into another backbend (kneeling lunge, twisting open, bend knee resting on floor, reaching back to clasp the foot of the leg on the floor).  Wow!!!  (( FYI, usually I will bend forward, grasp foot and move into backbend; NOT this time -- open all the way!!! ))

All in all a great class and a wonderful way to stay 'present' in the practice.

Christmas preparations are taken care of; gifts purchased; the ones mailed that needed mailing; others just waiting to be wrapped.  Looking forward to spending time with family and friends.

Once again, enjoy the holidays. Resist stress (not just yours, but the stress around you -- that can be almost as intense).  Relax, breathe deeply.

Now, on with Thursday!