WE WILL ROLL WITH THE POSES . . .

I know that title phrase works better with the word 'punches'; however, it would not have adequately described our Wisdom Warriors' practice yesterday.

Our guide, while Desiree is on holiday, was Geri -- the YogaDelMar studio owner, a wonderful yoga teacher, and - now - a MELT(r) instructor. Lucky us -- we got a practice that blended our yoga with some "MELTing".

What is MELT(r)?  The letters stand for Myofascial Energetic Lengthening Technique.  Our muscles, organs, tendons -- everything has a layer of connective tissue that basically holds everything in place and ready to work.  It used to be that this layer of fascia (connective tissue) was thought to be just that, nothing more; and it was often discarded and/or overlooked when working with clients and patients.  In recent months/years, there has been an awakening to the power of the fascia.

With that awakening has come some innovative and effective ways of massaging, re-hydrating, re-enlivening the fascial layers of our bodies.  One of those is MELT(r), and Geri introduced us to it in yesterday's practice (along with some good yoga).

We began with the hands, squeezing small balls with our fingers, then rolling the balls on top of and underneath the entire hand.  We compared how our hands and fingers felt before and after -- interesting and powerful.

Then, some yoga -- standing poses, a few handstands, some balance work.

And, back to MELT(r) -- this time with a long cylinder (but somewhat squishy) roll that we maneuvered along our hamstrings, then along the IT band (a tough group of fibers that runs from gluteal muscles to knee on lateral aspect of thigh), and then a bit of work on the TFL (tensor fasciae latae - a muscle that begins at our pelvis and connects to the IT band).  ISN'T IT FUN HOW ALL THIS FITS TOGETHER!?!?!?)

So, there you have it -- yesterday's Wisdom Warriors practice; finished off with a wonderful savasana.

On my schedule today -- back to teaching.  First, to Yoga For Life for a Gentle Class; then to Living Yoga for Temecula's Wisdom Warrior practice.

I wish everyone a Happy and Safe 2013!  Keep track of the good things that happen; re-frame the rest.

p.s.  I use "re-frame" a lot, both in teaching and in life.  I took a moment to look it up:  
       re-frame:  frame or express (words or concept or plan) differently.  
       
       It's a keeper.