TAKE IT SLOW

My yoga teaching is slower than most.  I tend to move students through poses (sun salutations, individual standing poses, balances, etc.) with a more deliberative thought and movement process.  (Notice I am trying to avoid using the word "slow" too much in this post.)

For me, in my personal practice, I find I get more out of the work if done at a steady pace.  My heart rate accelerates, my muscles work harder, and I am able to move inside and truly feel and appreciate the work I am doing.

I realize that this type of practice is not for everyone. I learned early in the days of studio-ownership (back in SLC), that many people come to the practice to 'get in shape' - a worthy goal, since any movement is better than no movement, in my book. To many, this means moving fast, breaking a sweat, doing the BIG poses. Some may come into my class to 'get in shape', but - I hope - that along that path they will discover more about themselves.  Like what you ask?  Like how strong they really are ("my arms won't hold me"), how much focus they are able to apply ("I get bored easily"), what they are able to learn ("I'll never remember those Sanskrit pose names"), and - best of all - they will become better acquainted with themselves and their bodies ("I didn't know I could do that").  Good stuff.

So, here in Driggs, Idaho, I have regularly attended one of my teacher's classes. Whether it is a 'therapeutic gentle' class or an all-levels class, there has not been much fast movement (tho I know she could kick my backside, if that were her goal).  Yet, my heart rate has gone up in each class, my muscles are working very hard, and I am able to allow time to truly feel and appreciate the work the body is doing. I am given the time to travel inside, so to speak.

Unraveling a yoga pose is the road to success, in my book (yet to be written). Taking it step by step, not rushing, not letting peer pressure get the better of me. I work with steady determination, safe in the knowledge that this is the best way for me.

All this leading up to my latest 'trailer yoga'.  We will spend the next 2 days preparing for our trip back to Fallbrook. Idaho has been good to us -- sunny, warm days for the most part, peppered by a few rain and thunderstorms. I even gave kayaking a try the other day -- that's fun!  Not a rapid running, adrenaline-raising experience, but a nice float on a calm river, becoming acquainted with the kayak beneath and the oars propelling me (sounds a bit like my yoga).

Back to the trailer -- we parked it in a small area off the drive in to our home here. Yesterday's challenge?  Move it out of that space onto the drive and back it up to the house to hook to water and power. Avoid the tree branches (they will scratch the surface on the trailer).  Step by step, slow & steady, no hurrying, and it was out and backed up (and I did it!).  ((Howard says that once I get really comfortable with backing it up, I can begin teaching him how.))

Sounds a bit like the yoga -- slow and steady, moving with control, keeping mind-body-breath in the game, and - perhaps - achieving desired outcome.

We leave Sunday a.m., and are taking 2 nights on the road back (could do it in 1, but ...).  I'll be back in the classroom on Thursday, Oct. 2.  My schedule remains the same, with a couple additions -- I'll teach a dedicated class for students with Multiple Sclerosis at Living Yoga in Temecula, beginning Oct. 3; and I'm adding in one or two group 'practices' -- where we all do yoga together.

I've loved the 'sabbatical', and I am looking forward to being back to my routine (and the Grand-Dudes).

Have a great Thursday!