I am SO blessed to have you as a teacher! You have given me the foundation for this course. The teacher stresses all the same things as you; however we do JUMP!!!!"
I copied this salutation and 2 sentences from an e-mail I received this morning. It is written by a dedicated student who traveled to India earlier this week in order to attend a yoga retreat (emphasis on Iyengar Yoga). And, as I write these sentences explaining who/what/why she wrote, I have a big smile on my face.
First, tho, an explanation about jumping: I am a not-so-good jumper; therefore, I do not normally include it in my classes (and I rarely demonstrate). Hence her comment about "JUMP"-ing.
But, back to the compliment. She deserves much of the credit. If she hadn't listened and embraced the teachings I pass on to her, she wouldn't be writing these complimentary words. And, I say "pass on", because all that I teach comes from my teacher(s), from reading, from practicing, from study. Little is 'original stuff', and the 'stuff' I think is original, I will eventually hear someone else say. (So, maybe none of it is 'original'(?!?!?!))
Anyway, what a great way to begin the day.
The comment is catalyst for this blog post. The blog is a means for sharing information -- and, once in a while, offer up a testimonial (for me and from me).
Wisdom Warriors, with Desiree Rumbaugh, was a great practice yesterday. Fun, slow, mindful, fun, challenging, and fun. Twists, forward folds, a few arm balances. Emphasis on trying to maintain the curves in our back. A challenge for me, one with a not-so-long spine that wants to curve into a rounded shape (if I would let it). We 'refined' most of our poses by using a blanket.
Desiree talked a bit about the resistance our students may have to using a blanket or any prop. I offered the word I often use in class: refine. When we use a prop, it's not because we can't do the pose, it's to give us more space, move us closer to the final expression of a pose, to refine.
So, as we twisted, folded, balanced, our blankets and a block were our friends, our co-workers in this practice. Made many things more manageable, made awareness of movement in elusive body parts more available, just made things better. Now, take away the blanket, block, whatever, and I find that I continue to feel those new-to-me sensations; at least until I need to be reminded, again.
Good stuff.
On a personal note, we are re-doing our kitchen. Interesting meditative practice taking pots, pans, dishes, cutlery, junk out of the cabinets and drawers, and finding a somewhat organized temporary home for them. Totally messes with your mind, if you let it.
I mentioned meditation, since I watched a YouTube video of Sharon Salzburg (posted on Facebook by Scott Lewicki). I had never heard of Sharon, but I enjoyed her down-to-earth take on meditation as I watched the video. I went quickly to Amazon.com (my 'one-click' friend) and bought her book, "Real Happiness". Such a clean, nuts-and-bolts, book about meditation. I've added her ideas to my practice, and am now introducing meditation to skeptical students, with better answers than I had before. Check her out.
Teaching today. Kitchen workers will come; poor dogs are locked out for the day; and Ben (our new cat) will be confined to his laundry room. All so we can have a beautiful new kitchen in a week or so, I hope.
Have a great Thursday!
