After the 5-day intensive, I returned to teaching over the weekend. I taught a class in Fallbrook on Friday afternoon, and I taught a class in Temecula on Sunday. A little background:
The class in Fallbrook is part of my schedule; the students are usually regulars, I know them by name, by injury, by practice, even by personality. The Temecula class is a different type of class, in that instructors rotate teaching it. Almost every Sunday there is a different instructor in the 'seat'. A challenge for instructor and a challenge for students.
As an instructor, I walk into a room only familiar with 4-5 of the students attending (and perhaps only from previous times I have taught in this rotation). The remaining students are new to me; I don't know their practice, or their personalities, and I must ask about injuries, etc. There are also more times that a new-to-yoga or new-to-the-studio student may attend this class than the weekday classes.
If I attend this Sunday class as a student, I am never quite sure what I will walk in to -- will the instructor focus on flow? on alignment? will there be emphasis on the physical? or on the spiritual? will we move fast or slow? will I even be able to do the practice? A different instructor each week means that, as a student, I must be very flexible and open to 'whatever'.
So, yesterday, I taught the Sunday class (which, this Summer, I have done a few times already). Many familiar faces in the room; one or two new ones - new to me, that is.
One student, in particular, stood out. Why? Well, first, I didn't know the person; second, as I talked about my experience over the past week and the emphasis for Sunday's class, she continued moving (warming up? bored?). The class chanted and, after centering, we began to move. Simple movement, designed to get the bodies ready for some work.
After warming up a bit, I asked everyone to get a blanket. I planned to have them roll the blanket and sit on vajrasana with blanket behind the knees to further work the legs. It was during this break in the action, that the new-to-me student rolled up her mat and left.
Well! That's a first. I can think of any number of reasons a student might leave - illness, emotional stress, time constraints, not liking what I am teaching, or not liking me. Unfortunately, I am prone to focus on the latter two -- not liking me or my style.
When I teach, especially to a group who are new to the practice, I will always tell people to experiment -- to go to different classes (within their experience level), to go to different instructors, even to go to different studios. Why? Because not all studio vibes will speak to me; not all styles are good for me; and I know - from personal experience - that I will not like every instructor. Let's face it, I am human; I will not enjoy everyone's style of teaching.
However, it struck a flat note for me when a student left the room so early in class. I saw it, I got a bit flustered over it, and I tried to ignore it. Finally, because everyone else in the room noticed it also, I acknowledged it -- kind of like 'naming the elephant in the middle of the room'. I simply said 'too bad that person left and missed out on all this fun' -- this, while we were doing a bit of challenging work. People chuckled, and I was able to move on and not think about it -- until after class.
Students appeared to enjoy the class; the teachings I shared appeared to be effective. All I can do now is wonder why that person left; was it me? my teaching style? the pace of the class?
I choose to move on. I did a good job teaching that class, and too bad that person felt the need to leave.
Still, one must say "Well !!!"
Hope you have a great Monday; I plan to.
Monday, August 11, 2014
Saturday, August 9, 2014
DAY FIVE: Revealment (saying 'see ya later', reflecting, playing, expressing gratitude)
Such a good week -- 5-day Intensive Yoga retreat (Raising Your Vibration) in Encinitas, with Desiree Rumbaugh and Andrew Rivin -- and so hard to let go. But we did, however not before everyone had a chance to reveal a tidbit of their thoughts.
I arrived early. Each day, I moved my mat to different spaces around the room. Why? Well, I become acquainted with more people, I get a different perspective from each location, and I enjoy the energy each location provides. Don't get me wrong, I could very easily stay in the same spot all week and have done so in the past. But, this week, I set out to move around the room.
My choice on Friday, front row across from a new friend, and up close to our guides/partners on the week's journey.
The first task of the day for Desiree and Andrew was to hear from those in the room who had never attended a 5-day event like this before. There were probably 10-15 in the room, several of them men. Each - no matter the gender - offered that this experience was entered with a bit of trepidation ('can I make it 5 days', 'am I skilled enough', 'will it be too much'); yet, ended with a note of gratitude. Gratitude for the teaching, the community, the support, the breakthroughs, the work, and the refinements. Almost everyone new-to-this-type-of-event spoke and then we moved on to the asana.
Interesting that, for me, on days four and five the muscle stiffness was gone. My movement on my mat was easeful, even though I know I was working hard. (If you know me, you know that I will focus on little accomplishments -- so, if the big poses don't come there is always something to celebrate -- today it was moving with ease).
We did a mixed practice -- no inversions, but there were backbends, including drop backs. Desiree even offered us several minutes in which to do whatever our hearts desired -- to play.
Savasana accompanied by live guitar music ended the asana practice - so fitting.
Then a BIG circle (65 people). Once again, we were asked to go around the circle offering a few words about our experience (emphasis on 'few', since we numbered so many). Once again - gratitude, breakthroughs, work, joy, love, community, friends, renewal, etc., etc., echoed as we spoke.
Plans for another gathering are in the works for next August; registration will open in November. I plan to do it again -- for all of the reasons I've offered up over the past 5 days, and because studying with Desiree and Andrew is expansive and inspiring and fun.
I left the gathering, grabbed a bite of lunch, headed home. Got to our house, let dogs out for a moment (then back in), and sat down. Fortunately, I set my alarm for 15 minutes, because I fell sound asleep. Awoke, drove into Fallbrook and taught my Friday afternoon class.
Today? Some rest, lots of housework, practice the guitar.
Hope you have a great Saturday,
I arrived early. Each day, I moved my mat to different spaces around the room. Why? Well, I become acquainted with more people, I get a different perspective from each location, and I enjoy the energy each location provides. Don't get me wrong, I could very easily stay in the same spot all week and have done so in the past. But, this week, I set out to move around the room.
My choice on Friday, front row across from a new friend, and up close to our guides/partners on the week's journey.
The first task of the day for Desiree and Andrew was to hear from those in the room who had never attended a 5-day event like this before. There were probably 10-15 in the room, several of them men. Each - no matter the gender - offered that this experience was entered with a bit of trepidation ('can I make it 5 days', 'am I skilled enough', 'will it be too much'); yet, ended with a note of gratitude. Gratitude for the teaching, the community, the support, the breakthroughs, the work, and the refinements. Almost everyone new-to-this-type-of-event spoke and then we moved on to the asana.
Interesting that, for me, on days four and five the muscle stiffness was gone. My movement on my mat was easeful, even though I know I was working hard. (If you know me, you know that I will focus on little accomplishments -- so, if the big poses don't come there is always something to celebrate -- today it was moving with ease).
We did a mixed practice -- no inversions, but there were backbends, including drop backs. Desiree even offered us several minutes in which to do whatever our hearts desired -- to play.
Savasana accompanied by live guitar music ended the asana practice - so fitting.
Then a BIG circle (65 people). Once again, we were asked to go around the circle offering a few words about our experience (emphasis on 'few', since we numbered so many). Once again - gratitude, breakthroughs, work, joy, love, community, friends, renewal, etc., etc., echoed as we spoke.
Plans for another gathering are in the works for next August; registration will open in November. I plan to do it again -- for all of the reasons I've offered up over the past 5 days, and because studying with Desiree and Andrew is expansive and inspiring and fun.
I left the gathering, grabbed a bite of lunch, headed home. Got to our house, let dogs out for a moment (then back in), and sat down. Fortunately, I set my alarm for 15 minutes, because I fell sound asleep. Awoke, drove into Fallbrook and taught my Friday afternoon class.
Today? Some rest, lots of housework, practice the guitar.
Hope you have a great Saturday,
Friday, August 8, 2014
DAY FOUR: Concealment
I am about to leave the comfort of my computer and coffee, go get ready, and drive in to Encinitas for the final session of Raising Your Vibration -- the 5-day intermediate yoga intensive I've been attending with Desiree Rumbaugh and Andrew Rivin. But first, a few words about Day Four:
Theme was concealment. In my mind, concealment means those parts of me that I keep hidden or, at least, restrained. Hiding weaknesses, not shouting my triumphs -- just quietly moving around the edges. Not sure if that's healthy thinking on my part; but, its part of my program - the way I was asked/directed to work in the world. It causes me to wonder just where I would be without this practice of yoga, especially since I came to it later in life (age 48) and am now 64. Shudder at that thought.
So, despite a late night for everyone (including Desiree and Andrew), she busted out a great (and intense) practice of inversions, arm balances, twists, arm balances with twists; all using the bandhas to move further into poses AS we also kept sight of the curves in our back -- tough work even if one was not able to attain the poses requested (speaking of myself here).
In the room are some amazing practitioners, and everyone is a great student -- listening, applying the instructions, moving further. So impressive to come up from a pose and just look around the room at some of the variations being applied.
Today, who knows? We are having fun, I know that. We are being asked to work with and interact with people we haven't met yet, to move out of our comfort zone. It's good, I see that; tho not always the place I would put myself in.
Lunch yesterday was with the Grand-Dudes and their mother, Jessica. So good to spend time with them.
Today is just a half-day session; then back to Fallbrook and teaching at 3:30 at MAC. Hope you have a great Friday!
Theme was concealment. In my mind, concealment means those parts of me that I keep hidden or, at least, restrained. Hiding weaknesses, not shouting my triumphs -- just quietly moving around the edges. Not sure if that's healthy thinking on my part; but, its part of my program - the way I was asked/directed to work in the world. It causes me to wonder just where I would be without this practice of yoga, especially since I came to it later in life (age 48) and am now 64. Shudder at that thought.
So, despite a late night for everyone (including Desiree and Andrew), she busted out a great (and intense) practice of inversions, arm balances, twists, arm balances with twists; all using the bandhas to move further into poses AS we also kept sight of the curves in our back -- tough work even if one was not able to attain the poses requested (speaking of myself here).
In the room are some amazing practitioners, and everyone is a great student -- listening, applying the instructions, moving further. So impressive to come up from a pose and just look around the room at some of the variations being applied.
Today, who knows? We are having fun, I know that. We are being asked to work with and interact with people we haven't met yet, to move out of our comfort zone. It's good, I see that; tho not always the place I would put myself in.
Lunch yesterday was with the Grand-Dudes and their mother, Jessica. So good to spend time with them.
Today is just a half-day session; then back to Fallbrook and teaching at 3:30 at MAC. Hope you have a great Friday!
Thursday, August 7, 2014
DAY THREE: Dropback Time
Yesterday was day three of the "Raising Your Vibration" intermediate intensive, held in Encinitas and hosted by Desiree Rumbaugh and Andrew Rivin.
All I can say this morning, with a small smile on my face, is that I am SO happy I signed up for this one. It is fun, the other attendees are wonderful to spend time with, Andrew & Desiree are great guides, and - though the drive is long each early morning and late afternoon - I am happy to be close to home.
Our theme yesterday was 'dissolution'. Interesting, right? I was sure that one would be Friday's theme. One of the great things about Desiree (& Andrew) is that they are not predictable -- you never quite know what you will walk into on a given day. So dissolution, it was.
Desiree began by moving us through a slow flow (notice I didn't say 'easy'). Slow, in my book, is never easy. She also gave us license to modify where needed and, also, to expand where we knew we could. Example, if we were in parsvakonasana, we could keep elbow on knee (modification); alternatively, if we were able, we were welcome to move into a clasp or other variation of parsvakonasana -- like that. She did clarify that during that parsvakonasana, we ought NOT be doing urdhva dhanurasana. In other words, stay within the parameters of the pose asked for.
We partnered for some opening and help with challenging poses - which was fun. When new to yoga, few students enjoy partner poses (it is challenging to touch and trust someone we don't know); as intermediate and/or advanced practitioners, a partner is a welcome support to advance a pose. Personally, I got a great assist into a drop back from Desiree. That assist, coupled with the nice things she said in preface to helping me into the pose, brought tears to my eyes.
Great morning, followed by a nice (and long) lunch break.
Back to begin at 2:30. We talked a bit about the things we are experiencing in this Intensive - awakenings, ah-ha moments, feel good times. One thing that wasn't mentioned is timing -- we have begun and ended each session on time. Very considerate of them, as they adhere to their commitment to attendees.
The afternoon -- twists and hip openers, including hanumanasana. Imagine a room of 60+ people, partnered into groups of 3's. One person in the middle in their version of hanumanasana (splits); the other two each taking a leg and helping to move the pose deeper.. Haven't seen any photos of that on FB yet, but I am sure one or two may appear.
And then the party -- what can I say. Andrew & Desiree live in a beautiful home overlooking the ocean (an unobstructed view over the orchard, railroad tracks, and entrance to Swami's Beach). They hosted us all -- treating us to a vegetarian meal, a beautiful sunset, great company, and fun entertainment (some from our own group).
So, back for day 4. Usually on day 3 of these events, I am feeling a bit 'less than'. That isn't happening this time - a sign of maturity? comfort? feeling better about myself? Not sure, but I am noticing and appreciating the lack of that discomfort.
Who knows what today will bring.
Hope you have a great Thursday,
All I can say this morning, with a small smile on my face, is that I am SO happy I signed up for this one. It is fun, the other attendees are wonderful to spend time with, Andrew & Desiree are great guides, and - though the drive is long each early morning and late afternoon - I am happy to be close to home.
Our theme yesterday was 'dissolution'. Interesting, right? I was sure that one would be Friday's theme. One of the great things about Desiree (& Andrew) is that they are not predictable -- you never quite know what you will walk into on a given day. So dissolution, it was.
Desiree began by moving us through a slow flow (notice I didn't say 'easy'). Slow, in my book, is never easy. She also gave us license to modify where needed and, also, to expand where we knew we could. Example, if we were in parsvakonasana, we could keep elbow on knee (modification); alternatively, if we were able, we were welcome to move into a clasp or other variation of parsvakonasana -- like that. She did clarify that during that parsvakonasana, we ought NOT be doing urdhva dhanurasana. In other words, stay within the parameters of the pose asked for.
We partnered for some opening and help with challenging poses - which was fun. When new to yoga, few students enjoy partner poses (it is challenging to touch and trust someone we don't know); as intermediate and/or advanced practitioners, a partner is a welcome support to advance a pose. Personally, I got a great assist into a drop back from Desiree. That assist, coupled with the nice things she said in preface to helping me into the pose, brought tears to my eyes.
Great morning, followed by a nice (and long) lunch break.
Back to begin at 2:30. We talked a bit about the things we are experiencing in this Intensive - awakenings, ah-ha moments, feel good times. One thing that wasn't mentioned is timing -- we have begun and ended each session on time. Very considerate of them, as they adhere to their commitment to attendees.
The afternoon -- twists and hip openers, including hanumanasana. Imagine a room of 60+ people, partnered into groups of 3's. One person in the middle in their version of hanumanasana (splits); the other two each taking a leg and helping to move the pose deeper.. Haven't seen any photos of that on FB yet, but I am sure one or two may appear.
And then the party -- what can I say. Andrew & Desiree live in a beautiful home overlooking the ocean (an unobstructed view over the orchard, railroad tracks, and entrance to Swami's Beach). They hosted us all -- treating us to a vegetarian meal, a beautiful sunset, great company, and fun entertainment (some from our own group).
So, back for day 4. Usually on day 3 of these events, I am feeling a bit 'less than'. That isn't happening this time - a sign of maturity? comfort? feeling better about myself? Not sure, but I am noticing and appreciating the lack of that discomfort.
Who knows what today will bring.
Hope you have a great Thursday,
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
DAY TWO: RAISING YOUR VIBRATION INTENSIVE (or Day of The Sore Muscles)
Yes, very sore and they continued to get sore-er as the day progressed; what's that about?
It's all a product of too little hard-work yoga over the past several weeks; I know, it's my own fault. I fall into the trap of doing 'enough', which in the real world of yoga workshops (no matter who is guiding them), is never 'enough' -- there are always sore muscles.
So, I know you are dying to know what happened in day two, the day of maintenance (remember, we are working the theme of the five acts of Shiva); here goes:
It began rather intensely -- Andrew's warm-up had me worried, as we moved a bit more energetically than the day before (warming up, no less). Desiree took over, and we began a series of Pilates-like exercises, all with the intention of preparing us for inversions. So far, so good. As we moved, I even entertained the image of kicking up to handstand; that's how strong I was feeling.
As with Monday, the ever-present instruction of shoulders back, neck back, lengthen (as ribs remain engaged close) was there, intended to make our inversions stronger and straighter.
After about 90 minutes, we moved to the wall for handstand. One kick and I knew my image was not to happen today. So, in keeping with the intention to 'stay in the practice', I inverted by doing "L" pose. Then relinquished my spot to the next group. (There are 60+ of us, and wall space for 30, so sharing is necessary). Then switch again and back to the wall for headstand, lifting the head away. Successful effort this time. Rotate spots. Then back to the wall for tripod headstand (Sirsasana 2). Now, tripod headstand is not one I take lightly -- my neck has always made me nervous in this one. However, the prep work we've been doing through shoulder and neck gave me confidence to try it. A successful kick and fall to the side, then a little help from Desiree, and I was up. Held it for minute or so, felt o.k. AND, a 5-minute headstand (Sirsasana 1). Onward . . .
We cooled down, enjoyed a long savasana, then lunch. In keeping with the theme for the day (maintenance), I had brought my guitar. I remained behind in the big (empty) room to practice. Some thought I had brought it to play for them -- oh no, not yet. So, practice the guitar, eat my lunch brought from home, read, take a short nap, awaken sore-er than before. AHHH, the cycle.
Our afternoon work was to prepare us for shoulder stand. We took one detour into urdhva dhanurasana. Once again, Desiree to the rescue. I must remember how good it feels to backbend like this, so I will cultivate the strength to do it by myself.
Set up for shoulder stand about 90 minutes in; everyone up for a good 10 minutes. Some twisting and another long savasana. I ought to mention that there was also emphasis on that lumbar curve. I believe I've got it, but the pictures of myself don't look anything like others who have REALLY got it. Practice, girl, practice.
Head home, picking up dinner along the way, do some laundry, pick up the house a bit, water plants, then to bed. Up early; another day of yoga fun!
Hope you have a great Wednesday,
It's all a product of too little hard-work yoga over the past several weeks; I know, it's my own fault. I fall into the trap of doing 'enough', which in the real world of yoga workshops (no matter who is guiding them), is never 'enough' -- there are always sore muscles.
So, I know you are dying to know what happened in day two, the day of maintenance (remember, we are working the theme of the five acts of Shiva); here goes:
It began rather intensely -- Andrew's warm-up had me worried, as we moved a bit more energetically than the day before (warming up, no less). Desiree took over, and we began a series of Pilates-like exercises, all with the intention of preparing us for inversions. So far, so good. As we moved, I even entertained the image of kicking up to handstand; that's how strong I was feeling.
As with Monday, the ever-present instruction of shoulders back, neck back, lengthen (as ribs remain engaged close) was there, intended to make our inversions stronger and straighter.
After about 90 minutes, we moved to the wall for handstand. One kick and I knew my image was not to happen today. So, in keeping with the intention to 'stay in the practice', I inverted by doing "L" pose. Then relinquished my spot to the next group. (There are 60+ of us, and wall space for 30, so sharing is necessary). Then switch again and back to the wall for headstand, lifting the head away. Successful effort this time. Rotate spots. Then back to the wall for tripod headstand (Sirsasana 2). Now, tripod headstand is not one I take lightly -- my neck has always made me nervous in this one. However, the prep work we've been doing through shoulder and neck gave me confidence to try it. A successful kick and fall to the side, then a little help from Desiree, and I was up. Held it for minute or so, felt o.k. AND, a 5-minute headstand (Sirsasana 1). Onward . . .
We cooled down, enjoyed a long savasana, then lunch. In keeping with the theme for the day (maintenance), I had brought my guitar. I remained behind in the big (empty) room to practice. Some thought I had brought it to play for them -- oh no, not yet. So, practice the guitar, eat my lunch brought from home, read, take a short nap, awaken sore-er than before. AHHH, the cycle.
Our afternoon work was to prepare us for shoulder stand. We took one detour into urdhva dhanurasana. Once again, Desiree to the rescue. I must remember how good it feels to backbend like this, so I will cultivate the strength to do it by myself.
Set up for shoulder stand about 90 minutes in; everyone up for a good 10 minutes. Some twisting and another long savasana. I ought to mention that there was also emphasis on that lumbar curve. I believe I've got it, but the pictures of myself don't look anything like others who have REALLY got it. Practice, girl, practice.
Head home, picking up dinner along the way, do some laundry, pick up the house a bit, water plants, then to bed. Up early; another day of yoga fun!
Hope you have a great Wednesday,
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
RAISING YOUR VIBRATION
This week, I am attending an intermediate intensive yoga gathering hosted by Desiree Rumbaugh and Andrew Rivin, right here in San Diego County (Encinitas, to be exact). It began yesterday (Monday), 9am sharp, with a few words from Desiree. The intensive is 5 hours of yoga each day for 4 days; broken down to 2 ½ hours in the morning and again in the afternoon. Friday's session will be just the morning.
Let me preface all this by saying that I have not done an intense practice like this for a long time (too long). Add to that my continuing saga of 'bumps' (you need to read previous post), and back pain from sitting too long in a car with poor lumbar support this past weekend (4 hours). All these things could have been my excuse to not attend, or to not participate fully. I decided to do the practice, see what happened, back off if/when needed. Briefly, let me say that the back never hurt during the practice, the bumps were not an issue (except the one on the knee during knee-down lunges), and the one time I felt the intensity was a long-timed pidgeon. So, I think it went pretty well. Here are some details:
We began, as many of these yoga days do, with an active morning practice -- standing poses, backbends, inversions. Andrew started the day off with a nice warm-up, then Desiree stepped in. There are approximately 60 people attending. I was amazed that they are from all over the country; even one student from Argentina. And, I know a lot of the people attending; maybe I couldn't say each one's name, but I have seen them repeatedly over the years at other trainings and workshops. This fact made me feel right at home.
Desiree's emphasis for the day (we are following the five acts of Shiva - creation, sustainment, concealment, revealment, dissolution - over these five days), was 'creation'. In her beginning talk, she defined 'intermediate' for us -- the student who is not a beginner, has learned enough about his/her body to begin to 'create' a healthy practice. This 'intermediate' student is also the one who may get hurt more often than beginners or advanced practitioners; we are still learning, after all -- still creating. She went on to say that the new-to-yoga student is a bit more cautious, while the advanced student has been through the phase of 'intermediate', knows what will help/hurt them. Certainly there are 'advanced' practitioners in the room, and they will become known to us over the days.
So, what did we create? In the morning, there was a foray into her 'one, two, three' phases of poses. For example, when standing in Warrior I once the foundation is set - step one: shoulders up and back, step two: sides of the neck moving back, step three: extend up out of the stable foundation (there turned out to be other components of step three; many, in fact). But, the longer we are in a pose, the more opportunity we have to open, refine, stabilize, etc.
We had a luxurious 3-hour break for lunch -- many went to the beach during this time; I took the opportunity to visit the salad bar at Whole Foods and spent my time eating as I got to know my neighbor-on-the-mat better. She and her friend are here from Colorado. Then, I took myself to shop a bit, then back to the practice space to read and rest.
The afternoon began with an introduction to our lumbar curve, aided by multiple blankets. We kept that emphasis throughout the afternoon. Learning how to control our desire to 'flop' deeply into a forward fold; instead retaining the lumbar curve and NOT folding so deeply. Great afternoon practice of hip movement.
After a long drive home, a bowl of soup, a bit of computer time, I was ready to sleep. Up early, preparing lunch, getting ready to go again -- to move deeper.
Have a great Tuesday,
Let me preface all this by saying that I have not done an intense practice like this for a long time (too long). Add to that my continuing saga of 'bumps' (you need to read previous post), and back pain from sitting too long in a car with poor lumbar support this past weekend (4 hours). All these things could have been my excuse to not attend, or to not participate fully. I decided to do the practice, see what happened, back off if/when needed. Briefly, let me say that the back never hurt during the practice, the bumps were not an issue (except the one on the knee during knee-down lunges), and the one time I felt the intensity was a long-timed pidgeon. So, I think it went pretty well. Here are some details:
We began, as many of these yoga days do, with an active morning practice -- standing poses, backbends, inversions. Andrew started the day off with a nice warm-up, then Desiree stepped in. There are approximately 60 people attending. I was amazed that they are from all over the country; even one student from Argentina. And, I know a lot of the people attending; maybe I couldn't say each one's name, but I have seen them repeatedly over the years at other trainings and workshops. This fact made me feel right at home.
Desiree's emphasis for the day (we are following the five acts of Shiva - creation, sustainment, concealment, revealment, dissolution - over these five days), was 'creation'. In her beginning talk, she defined 'intermediate' for us -- the student who is not a beginner, has learned enough about his/her body to begin to 'create' a healthy practice. This 'intermediate' student is also the one who may get hurt more often than beginners or advanced practitioners; we are still learning, after all -- still creating. She went on to say that the new-to-yoga student is a bit more cautious, while the advanced student has been through the phase of 'intermediate', knows what will help/hurt them. Certainly there are 'advanced' practitioners in the room, and they will become known to us over the days.
So, what did we create? In the morning, there was a foray into her 'one, two, three' phases of poses. For example, when standing in Warrior I once the foundation is set - step one: shoulders up and back, step two: sides of the neck moving back, step three: extend up out of the stable foundation (there turned out to be other components of step three; many, in fact). But, the longer we are in a pose, the more opportunity we have to open, refine, stabilize, etc.
We had a luxurious 3-hour break for lunch -- many went to the beach during this time; I took the opportunity to visit the salad bar at Whole Foods and spent my time eating as I got to know my neighbor-on-the-mat better. She and her friend are here from Colorado. Then, I took myself to shop a bit, then back to the practice space to read and rest.
The afternoon began with an introduction to our lumbar curve, aided by multiple blankets. We kept that emphasis throughout the afternoon. Learning how to control our desire to 'flop' deeply into a forward fold; instead retaining the lumbar curve and NOT folding so deeply. Great afternoon practice of hip movement.
After a long drive home, a bowl of soup, a bit of computer time, I was ready to sleep. Up early, preparing lunch, getting ready to go again -- to move deeper.
Have a great Tuesday,
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