The class I attended yesterday was at YogaTejas in Driggs. It was a Level 1, taught by Bridget (who co-owns the studio with Cate Stillman).
Nice class -- she used Durga's story plus the qualities of powerfulness and patience as her theme/heart quality. As we progressed in her sequence, she related parts of poses back to previously done work. I think that instills in the student a bit of "I've already been there, this should not be a problem." I enjoy that.
I mention patience in the title, because I have spent quite a bit of time on the new Anusara website, and e-mailing Jimmy at Anusara, with questions, issues, etc. I just sent him an e-mail, thanking him for his time and pointing out that we may be best friends by the time I get through. I am sure his patience will be tested over the next few days, weeks and - maybe - months as the site becomes de-glitched.
Be sure to check the website if you are Inspired or Certified. As I mentioned yesterday, I was not on there (I am now). Some people, for some reason, did not get pulled over from the old site. Then, when you look at your listing notice that there are a number of questions & bio info spaces. You must login (top right) and then you will be able to edit your profile, fill in the spaces and answers.
This is short -- gotta get ready to drive back to SLC.
Enjoy your Tuesday,
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
MORE NOTES
I've decided that once a week (maybe Mondays?) I will just do this 'notes' blog. It will be a good change in focus from the other six days, and offer me an opportunity to write just whatever comes into my head, thru my hands, and onto the blog.
Working on that pose I've been asking for input on. Marlene, I tried supta padangusthasana (SP) with success -- at least holding the big toe. But, that gives me hope. I could take the leg out, while maintaining good alignment in the remainder of my body -- that's a good thing. So, I will keep doing hamstring stretches per Cindy and Marlene, practicing SP (which is a laying-down form of utthita hasta padangusthasana (UHP)), continue to work on taking the leg out using a strap while standing (the balancing adds a significant challenge to the pose). Keep you posted.
Logged on to the new Anusara™ website this morning. I guess it went on-line on Sunday (yesterday), and it looks good. On my laptop, it's a bit slow coming up -- but that could be my laptop since everything is slow this morning. I also noticed my name is NOT listed under Anusara-Inspired™. Breathe, Leslie. I tried to contact them thru their website -- error message. Breathe again, Leslie. So, I sent an e-mail to John, since his is the only e-mail address I know. I'll call them in a few minutes. I am understanding about new websites, getting the glitches out, kinks straightened, etc., etc., etc. But, why did they have to leave my name off? Keep breathing, Leslie.
Talking to Anusara as I type -- so, hopefully, this will be resolved a.s.a.p.
I am talking better with my hands, as a result of the ASL classes. Problem is, that as I study the signs for certain things (from books, printouts), each community develops its own variation on some of the signs. So, I tried one in last week's yoga class -- 'see you next week'; turns out that this community uses a bit different sign -- so, they all looked at me a bit inquisitively, figured it out, then told me what they use. Flexibility (as in UHP) is required in all parts of our lives.
Hope to go to class this a.m.
Working on that pose I've been asking for input on. Marlene, I tried supta padangusthasana (SP) with success -- at least holding the big toe. But, that gives me hope. I could take the leg out, while maintaining good alignment in the remainder of my body -- that's a good thing. So, I will keep doing hamstring stretches per Cindy and Marlene, practicing SP (which is a laying-down form of utthita hasta padangusthasana (UHP)), continue to work on taking the leg out using a strap while standing (the balancing adds a significant challenge to the pose). Keep you posted.
Logged on to the new Anusara™ website this morning. I guess it went on-line on Sunday (yesterday), and it looks good. On my laptop, it's a bit slow coming up -- but that could be my laptop since everything is slow this morning. I also noticed my name is NOT listed under Anusara-Inspired™. Breathe, Leslie. I tried to contact them thru their website -- error message. Breathe again, Leslie. So, I sent an e-mail to John, since his is the only e-mail address I know. I'll call them in a few minutes. I am understanding about new websites, getting the glitches out, kinks straightened, etc., etc., etc. But, why did they have to leave my name off? Keep breathing, Leslie.
Talking to Anusara as I type -- so, hopefully, this will be resolved a.s.a.p.
I am talking better with my hands, as a result of the ASL classes. Problem is, that as I study the signs for certain things (from books, printouts), each community develops its own variation on some of the signs. So, I tried one in last week's yoga class -- 'see you next week'; turns out that this community uses a bit different sign -- so, they all looked at me a bit inquisitively, figured it out, then told me what they use. Flexibility (as in UHP) is required in all parts of our lives.
Hope to go to class this a.m.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
50 & COUNTING
50 is not my age (I'm older), it's the number of blogs I've written since starting this venture. Amazing to me -- amazing because my tendency is to start strong & fizzle -- so, blogging and yoga must be a good fit. As I write this, I am also reminded that I am still writing a weekly letter to my grandson, Jack. (See new photo -- while it's a few months old, it is a better representation of his current look - cute, huh?)
Actually, I think of blogging like writing letters to myself. Reinforcing my knowledge, my strengths, acknowledging my weaknesses, and just chatting (I am VERY good at talking to myself, just so long as I don't answer!). It also appears to commit me to a plan of action -- how can I reneg on a commitment I make to my family, friends, peers, students, community, the Universe and myself.
That brings me back to utthita hasta padangusthana. I have received one comment, plus a couple personal e-mails in response to my blog: PIN (Pose Input Needed).
FYI, since some of you are new to Sanskrit, utthita hasta padangusthana is a standing balance pose where you hold one foot and extend the leg to the front, then out to the side -- while still holding the foot.
Looks like my fear is realized -- the hamstrings are key; there's no other 'magic bullet'. So, daily warming up, and then a bit of lengthening work is needed and I must be diligent. I've been doing more of that this week, just have to keep it up. Thank you for your input -- anyone with a 'magic bullet' is still welcome to comment.
I have applied to the Anusara™ workshop in Park City (September) -- maybe, just maybe, I will be diligent enough to let my neighbor have the pleasure of holding my heel. That's assuming I get in (I have a real reticence to saying I'm going, until I have that acceptance e-mail in my hot little computer.) .
Going to take a walk with husband & dogs, then work on those hamstrings.
Enjoy Sunday,
Actually, I think of blogging like writing letters to myself. Reinforcing my knowledge, my strengths, acknowledging my weaknesses, and just chatting (I am VERY good at talking to myself, just so long as I don't answer!). It also appears to commit me to a plan of action -- how can I reneg on a commitment I make to my family, friends, peers, students, community, the Universe and myself.
That brings me back to utthita hasta padangusthana. I have received one comment, plus a couple personal e-mails in response to my blog: PIN (Pose Input Needed).
FYI, since some of you are new to Sanskrit, utthita hasta padangusthana is a standing balance pose where you hold one foot and extend the leg to the front, then out to the side -- while still holding the foot.
Looks like my fear is realized -- the hamstrings are key; there's no other 'magic bullet'. So, daily warming up, and then a bit of lengthening work is needed and I must be diligent. I've been doing more of that this week, just have to keep it up. Thank you for your input -- anyone with a 'magic bullet' is still welcome to comment.
I have applied to the Anusara™ workshop in Park City (September) -- maybe, just maybe, I will be diligent enough to let my neighbor have the pleasure of holding my heel. That's assuming I get in (I have a real reticence to saying I'm going, until I have that acceptance e-mail in my hot little computer.) .
Going to take a walk with husband & dogs, then work on those hamstrings.
Enjoy Sunday,
Saturday, April 4, 2009
VIDEOS . . .
For those of you reading this and new to Anusara™, video'ing myself as I teach is an important 'stone' on my path towards Certification. If you are in my class, know that I am not video'ing you (tho you might be seen on the camera); the purpose is to eventually demonstrate my teaching skills to an evaluation committee comprised of long-time Certified Anusara™ yoga teachers. Many videos are not going anywhere, they will be viewed by me and give me valuable information on areas that need enhancement.
My plan is to just set the video camera up in The Yoga Center. Whether it is on or not, will remain a mystery to students. Hoped-for result: students won't spread themselves to the far corners of the room in fear of their backside being recorded in down dog. I also will get more comfortable with the camera and my voice (as it sounds on the camera).
Speaking of the camera -- I took it back to the store for a brief lesson on operation. Didn't get as much help as I expected or wanted. So, I am back to the manual.
Wayne's theory: the video process is actually a well-disguised arm of the Certification process. As in, can we do it? Can we operate a camera, teach in front of a camera, evaluate the video, then - when right - get that class video OFF the camera and onto a disc? Oh, yes, we need to teach effectively on the video, but just the process of video'ing ourselves is a BIG challenge in itself. It is another measure of just how badly we want to be a Certified Anusara™ Yoga Teacher.
The camera will be in the room this morning, so get ready . . .
My plan is to just set the video camera up in The Yoga Center. Whether it is on or not, will remain a mystery to students. Hoped-for result: students won't spread themselves to the far corners of the room in fear of their backside being recorded in down dog. I also will get more comfortable with the camera and my voice (as it sounds on the camera).
Speaking of the camera -- I took it back to the store for a brief lesson on operation. Didn't get as much help as I expected or wanted. So, I am back to the manual.
Wayne's theory: the video process is actually a well-disguised arm of the Certification process. As in, can we do it? Can we operate a camera, teach in front of a camera, evaluate the video, then - when right - get that class video OFF the camera and onto a disc? Oh, yes, we need to teach effectively on the video, but just the process of video'ing ourselves is a BIG challenge in itself. It is another measure of just how badly we want to be a Certified Anusara™ Yoga Teacher.
The camera will be in the room this morning, so get ready . . .
Friday, April 3, 2009
POSE INPUT NEEDED (aka PIN)
I have thought for a while that setting a goal and working towards a specific pose is a good idea. The thought came to me while reading Christina's blog. Each year, she does just that -- if there's a pose she wants to accomplish, that's her pose goal for the year (this year, it is to grab her ankles in kapotasana) -- a worthy and challenging goal).
Mine, while valuable, is less lofty: I would like to stand straight, hold my foot and take that leg straight in utthita hasta padangusthasana.
My experience with this pose is mainly during workshops/trainings. I - until now - rarely do it on my own.
Many of you have been in a workshop/training when John will ask for this pose -- everyone gets their leg up, straightens it, extends it out to the side, and then their neighbor holds the heel. My neighbors rarely get that opportunity, since my leg is still bent. Or, if I do get it extended, it's so low that they practically have to do a "side uttanasana" to reach the heel. That adds a little 'extra' to their experience; it does not, however, make me feel very good.
So, I am putting it out to the Universe -- I need help. I know that these components are essential:
Mine, while valuable, is less lofty: I would like to stand straight, hold my foot and take that leg straight in utthita hasta padangusthasana.
My experience with this pose is mainly during workshops/trainings. I - until now - rarely do it on my own.
Many of you have been in a workshop/training when John will ask for this pose -- everyone gets their leg up, straightens it, extends it out to the side, and then their neighbor holds the heel. My neighbors rarely get that opportunity, since my leg is still bent. Or, if I do get it extended, it's so low that they practically have to do a "side uttanasana" to reach the heel. That adds a little 'extra' to their experience; it does not, however, make me feel very good.
So, I am putting it out to the Universe -- I need help. I know that these components are essential:
- Stand straight (IS/OS, side body long)
- Bring leg up, clasp foot, with knee bent
- IS again, maintain upright posture
- OS as you take leg forward, pressing foot into hand
I also know that warm and lengthened hamstrings are an integral part of the pose. But, I get stuck when my hamstrings begin to scream and my back starts to round. Some of that 'stuck' is caused by fear that something is going to explode.
Suggestions?
At my first teacher training with John, he told us that we need to have 3 ways to say every instruction. This is because each student learns differently, and what rings for the majority may not compute for one -- so, we may need to re-phrase for that one. I am hopeful that someone will have a re-phrasing (or a component I'm missing), and I'll get it.
Enough -- just send a little bit of energy and your thoughts.
Enjoy Friday,
Thursday, April 2, 2009
SELF PROMOTION
Self promotion goes right along with the theme I've been using this week -- that of cloaking (as in throwing it off or - at least - opening the buttons a bit. That's because, one of my weakest points is the ability to acknowledge my knowledge and let it shine. (Interestingly, Wayne's theme on Tuesday was 'stand in your light'. ARE YOU TALKING TO ME?)
So, I've been self-promoting this morning on Facebook -- put my blog address in as I joined two Anusara groups. Then, I mentioned it again in my newsletter to students. Plus, I talk it up in each of my classes and have it posted on my website. All this, as a result of an article forwarded to me by a friend re: 'how to get people to read your blog'. There's more, but this is a good start.
Today will be a busy one -- I teach at the Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing this morning. My intention was to study some of the signs I've been learning (refresh my memory) and maybe use them during class. I better get this blog done, walk the dogs, and - hopefully - carry out that intention.
Then, I have scheduled myself to teach a new class at The Yoga Center (based on one Darren & John described in Tucson) -- YogaHour. I'll let you know how that goes. Classes at my studio grow notoriously slow, but most do grow. Especially at 'bargain basement' prices.
Then, it's back to the Community Center for the Thursday installment of my ASL classes (I'm going twice a week - Tuesdays & Thursdays!).
Interspersed in all this will be a couple short trips home to let the dogs out. They've gotten horribly spoiled this winter -- because one is getting very old and we worry about her on the steps, we have let them all stay inside during the day.
All this to tell you that I am moving into the realm of self-promotion, because - I realize - if I don't do it, no one is going to do it for me. Oh sure, there's good word-of-mouth. But, I also have to 'stand in my own light'; otherwise, all the good 'word-of mouth' in the world is not going to attract people to me. Students might come for a preview, but if I am meek, shy, reticent, and don't effectively take my seat as the teacher -- they probably will NOT be back.
Website back on track; no worm (that I'm aware of); so far, so good!
So, I've been self-promoting this morning on Facebook -- put my blog address in as I joined two Anusara groups. Then, I mentioned it again in my newsletter to students. Plus, I talk it up in each of my classes and have it posted on my website. All this, as a result of an article forwarded to me by a friend re: 'how to get people to read your blog'. There's more, but this is a good start.
Today will be a busy one -- I teach at the Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing this morning. My intention was to study some of the signs I've been learning (refresh my memory) and maybe use them during class. I better get this blog done, walk the dogs, and - hopefully - carry out that intention.
Then, I have scheduled myself to teach a new class at The Yoga Center (based on one Darren & John described in Tucson) -- YogaHour. I'll let you know how that goes. Classes at my studio grow notoriously slow, but most do grow. Especially at 'bargain basement' prices.
Then, it's back to the Community Center for the Thursday installment of my ASL classes (I'm going twice a week - Tuesdays & Thursdays!).
Interspersed in all this will be a couple short trips home to let the dogs out. They've gotten horribly spoiled this winter -- because one is getting very old and we worry about her on the steps, we have let them all stay inside during the day.
All this to tell you that I am moving into the realm of self-promotion, because - I realize - if I don't do it, no one is going to do it for me. Oh sure, there's good word-of-mouth. But, I also have to 'stand in my own light'; otherwise, all the good 'word-of mouth' in the world is not going to attract people to me. Students might come for a preview, but if I am meek, shy, reticent, and don't effectively take my seat as the teacher -- they probably will NOT be back.
Website back on track; no worm (that I'm aware of); so far, so good!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
STRIKE FEAR IN MY HEART . . .
Just logging on -- checked e-mail, looked at my facebook page (BJ & Marlene contributed a couple of good youtube videos - one of Darren Rhodes and the other of AcroYoga, both impressive).
Next, check my website. Horrors! It doesn't come up. Now what -- I've been coasting along without a website person for a year. The site has been reliably self-sufficient, and I haven't had the $$$ to hire someone to become familiar with it 'just in case'. Besides, if it's not broke, why fix it. Well, now what, Einstein?
Maybe it's the worm! Or, maybe, since this has happened before - just once - it is a fluke that will be o.k. in an hour or so. Send positive energy that it is the latter possibility, please.
My view on websites: Example -- let's say you are going to a restaurant that has been highly recommended by your friends for the GREAT food. You drive up, the parking lot and restaurant are poorly lit, the awnings outside are torn, the doorstep is clogged with debris, the glass in the door is dirty. Does it give you pause? It does me. I think websites can be viewed the same way -- they are the first impression someone may get of us. And first impressions are lasting impressions.
Therefore, my website maintenance is of high priority. I get a lot of compliments on it (if you could view it now, I'd send you there -- darn). And, a majority of people are coming to my studio because of the internet. I can only assume they look for yoga in SLC, check out the websites, something clicks with them and they come to the studio. Then - assuming all goes well with the next step (their yoga class) - they continue coming to the studio.
Word of mouth (as argued by one of my yoga friends) is good, too -- but only if you are not running your website in the same manner as my restaurant example.
Boy, I was wondering what to write about this morning. Thank you, Universe. Please, tho, let my website be o.k.
Wednesday -- Gentle Yoga at 10 a.m.; Jail Yoga at 2:30.
p.s. Editing this post to tell you that it's back -- turned out it was a server issue. Whew! But a reminder that a website person would be a valuable tool to have, just in case.
Enjoy your day,
Next, check my website. Horrors! It doesn't come up. Now what -- I've been coasting along without a website person for a year. The site has been reliably self-sufficient, and I haven't had the $$$ to hire someone to become familiar with it 'just in case'. Besides, if it's not broke, why fix it. Well, now what, Einstein?
Maybe it's the worm! Or, maybe, since this has happened before - just once - it is a fluke that will be o.k. in an hour or so. Send positive energy that it is the latter possibility, please.
My view on websites: Example -- let's say you are going to a restaurant that has been highly recommended by your friends for the GREAT food. You drive up, the parking lot and restaurant are poorly lit, the awnings outside are torn, the doorstep is clogged with debris, the glass in the door is dirty. Does it give you pause? It does me. I think websites can be viewed the same way -- they are the first impression someone may get of us. And first impressions are lasting impressions.
Therefore, my website maintenance is of high priority. I get a lot of compliments on it (if you could view it now, I'd send you there -- darn). And, a majority of people are coming to my studio because of the internet. I can only assume they look for yoga in SLC, check out the websites, something clicks with them and they come to the studio. Then - assuming all goes well with the next step (their yoga class) - they continue coming to the studio.
Word of mouth (as argued by one of my yoga friends) is good, too -- but only if you are not running your website in the same manner as my restaurant example.
Boy, I was wondering what to write about this morning. Thank you, Universe. Please, tho, let my website be o.k.
Wednesday -- Gentle Yoga at 10 a.m.; Jail Yoga at 2:30.
p.s. Editing this post to tell you that it's back -- turned out it was a server issue. Whew! But a reminder that a website person would be a valuable tool to have, just in case.
Enjoy your day,
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