By now, if you are a faithful reader, you know me well enough (at least from what I tell you), to know that I make progress by pushing myself out of my comfort zone.
Saturday afternoon I went to the practice at Kula Studio (also their 3rd anniversary celebration). It was fun and it was pushing myself out of my comfort zone. I haven't done that in a month (since John's workshop in Park City), and I think this practice might have been a bit more challenging - as in, smaller group, more detail, and greater focus.
I rarely do (or even attempt to do) some of the poses done on Saturday. I also saw at least one that I'd never seen before. So, the question -- where do I even start? I start by staying focused, doing what I can, and creating a vision of the pose for myself.
Interestingly, as I reflect on my practice, I know I've made 'gentle' progress. As in, 'gradual'. Moving forward by imperceptible steps. Some poses, never before available to me, were at least moving into the 'grasp' range. Why? I tell students this will happen -- their bodies will change, and become stronger and more accepting of these more challenging movements. I tell the truth!
So, this week is pretty regular -- as in teach, do studio stuff, and get ready to be in Driggs for the next week. I'm going up with a yoga friend, meeting a few others up there, and we all are participating in Sundari's week-long teacher training in Jackson. My husband will stay home with the dogs -- I used to worry about meals, etc. for him when I left for these trainings. But, over the years, I've discovered that he's very capable of taking care of himself. (I think there's an analogy in there -- I sometimes don't give my students enough credit for their knowledge and skill. That makes my classes less-than-challenging for them. Got to remember that.)
First task - clean the studio. Ahhh, the pleasures and glamour of owning a yoga studio.
Enjoy your week,
Monday, October 12, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
STEPPIN' IT UP
Just checked all settings for this blog -- while I didn't find what I wanted, I did find that there is a new 'editor' function. So - this will be the first blog using that feature.
Thought I'd have to skip blogging today due to an early private. Wrong -- checked messages and found that the couple who had scheduled are not going to make it. So, more time -- time to blog, time to get ready, time to get a bit more housework done.
That leaves the 9 am, Level 1, class this morning to plan for. Yes, plan for. I have been doing a lot of work on that part of my teaching this week. Hopefully, the planning will be easier because of that, as in not requiring quite as much time as normal.
My week was consumed by stuff that I can't even remember right now. Of note, my Friday a.m. Gentle Yoga class changed start times, at the request of the Wednesday students. So, we start a bit later now -- 10 am, instead of 9:30 am. Result? A couple more people, which always adds to the energy, even in a Gentle class.
I checked the definition of the word 'gentle' yesterday (http://www.yourdictionary.com/). Everything written seemed pretty 'milk-toast', until I reached the last point of the definition - "gradually increasing, as in 'gentle slope'". Then I looked up 'gradual' - "taking place by almost imperceptible steps or degrees; developing little by little, not sharply or suddenly".
Just the definition of those two words gave me material for this group, known to utter "gentle my _ _ _ (backside)" during some poses. Gentle doesn't mean lying around. For my group it means just as the definitions told me - gradually moving in almost imperceptible steps, little by little, step by step. For these students -- all dealing with an injury, or recovering from surgery, or just getting back into movement -- this is just what they need. They must progress, but to take them too quickly into places that create anxiety and fear, is counterproductive.
So, yesterday, we worked on the legs. As we worked on the legs, we started to feel movement in the back -- just from the legs. So, almost imperceptibly, they got a bit of back work, without the fear/anxiety that sometimes accompanies movement in the back for many of these students; those with other issues, also got some good leg and back work.
Later today, I'll go to the practice at Kula Studio -- see if I remember anything from my 'marathon weekend' of a few weeks ago.
Now I need to go get ready.
Have a great day & weekend,
Thought I'd have to skip blogging today due to an early private. Wrong -- checked messages and found that the couple who had scheduled are not going to make it. So, more time -- time to blog, time to get ready, time to get a bit more housework done.
That leaves the 9 am, Level 1, class this morning to plan for. Yes, plan for. I have been doing a lot of work on that part of my teaching this week. Hopefully, the planning will be easier because of that, as in not requiring quite as much time as normal.
My week was consumed by stuff that I can't even remember right now. Of note, my Friday a.m. Gentle Yoga class changed start times, at the request of the Wednesday students. So, we start a bit later now -- 10 am, instead of 9:30 am. Result? A couple more people, which always adds to the energy, even in a Gentle class.
I checked the definition of the word 'gentle' yesterday (http://www.yourdictionary.com/). Everything written seemed pretty 'milk-toast', until I reached the last point of the definition - "gradually increasing, as in 'gentle slope'". Then I looked up 'gradual' - "taking place by almost imperceptible steps or degrees; developing little by little, not sharply or suddenly".
Just the definition of those two words gave me material for this group, known to utter "gentle my _ _ _ (backside)" during some poses. Gentle doesn't mean lying around. For my group it means just as the definitions told me - gradually moving in almost imperceptible steps, little by little, step by step. For these students -- all dealing with an injury, or recovering from surgery, or just getting back into movement -- this is just what they need. They must progress, but to take them too quickly into places that create anxiety and fear, is counterproductive.
So, yesterday, we worked on the legs. As we worked on the legs, we started to feel movement in the back -- just from the legs. So, almost imperceptibly, they got a bit of back work, without the fear/anxiety that sometimes accompanies movement in the back for many of these students; those with other issues, also got some good leg and back work.
Later today, I'll go to the practice at Kula Studio -- see if I remember anything from my 'marathon weekend' of a few weeks ago.
Now I need to go get ready.
Have a great day & weekend,
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Ahhh, FACEBOOK
I've been so busy on Facebook the last couple days, that I neglected the blog -- horrors!
If you follow this blog, and are on Facebook, check out "Anusara Yoga in Utah". New group to communicate to and promote the local Anusara community.
I even invited John Friend to join. He hasn't accepted yet, BUT he did respond -- acknowledging it as a good idea and asking how it's going. Wow! When you see his name pop up on your e-mail, it's pretty exciting!
My mornings are pretty much devoted to this computer. Up early, make coffee, log on, and even have a specific order of how I log in to various sites, including my e-mail. Not that I'm compulsive, or anything. I guess I just like routine.
I've been busy teaching and promoting the studio the last couple of days. Tuesday - lunch marketing gig at a local company (had to spend the early part of the morning pulling materials together for that), then pilates (again!), then to the studio to teach YogaHour, then home. Took a walk up Neff's Canyon with Howard and our dogs -- nice, crisp, Fall evening.
Wednesday - after computer, a bit of housework; to studio to teach Gentle Yoga; home for a quick lunch; then to the Jail to teach. I decided to take this group to parvritta trichonasana, as I've been doing with others lately. Wouldn't you know that Jane had introduced the pose the week before! There goes that energetics stuff again. It was fun, tho, and they REALLY know that pose, now. They're also hooked on bakasana (sp?) - crow - so, we spent a bit of time refining that.
Today, I am taking a yoga class, then a routine appointment with a dermatologist, and - hopefully - I'll get to the studio in time for 4 pm YogaHour. I say hopefully, because doctors' appointments are never a time-dependable endeavor.
I will teach "Yoga Specific" tonight at 5:45 -- focus on Anusara® Yoga tonight.
Enjoy your Thursday,
If you follow this blog, and are on Facebook, check out "Anusara Yoga in Utah". New group to communicate to and promote the local Anusara community.
I even invited John Friend to join. He hasn't accepted yet, BUT he did respond -- acknowledging it as a good idea and asking how it's going. Wow! When you see his name pop up on your e-mail, it's pretty exciting!
My mornings are pretty much devoted to this computer. Up early, make coffee, log on, and even have a specific order of how I log in to various sites, including my e-mail. Not that I'm compulsive, or anything. I guess I just like routine.
I've been busy teaching and promoting the studio the last couple of days. Tuesday - lunch marketing gig at a local company (had to spend the early part of the morning pulling materials together for that), then pilates (again!), then to the studio to teach YogaHour, then home. Took a walk up Neff's Canyon with Howard and our dogs -- nice, crisp, Fall evening.
Wednesday - after computer, a bit of housework; to studio to teach Gentle Yoga; home for a quick lunch; then to the Jail to teach. I decided to take this group to parvritta trichonasana, as I've been doing with others lately. Wouldn't you know that Jane had introduced the pose the week before! There goes that energetics stuff again. It was fun, tho, and they REALLY know that pose, now. They're also hooked on bakasana (sp?) - crow - so, we spent a bit of time refining that.
Today, I am taking a yoga class, then a routine appointment with a dermatologist, and - hopefully - I'll get to the studio in time for 4 pm YogaHour. I say hopefully, because doctors' appointments are never a time-dependable endeavor.
I will teach "Yoga Specific" tonight at 5:45 -- focus on Anusara® Yoga tonight.
Enjoy your Thursday,
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
NOTES . . .
Well, it's Tuesday and it feels like a 'notes' day. So here goes,
Yesterday was pretty busy -- the day started innocently enough, that is until I listened to phone messages at 8 am and was reminded that I had a dentist appointment at 8:30 am.
This was for a crown 'installation', so it was not to be missed. Rarely do I move this quickly when getting ready -- shower, dress, make-up, hair & in the car by 8:16 am. Then the drive -- stoplights were with me until I got to the University area, then they all plotted against me, I'm sure. Made it to the dentist at 8:38. Of course, they were waiting and whisked me back. Within 45 minutes, crown was 'installed' and I was out the door. Whew!
From there, it was on to Pilates with Cindy. She invited me to a class, rather than doing a private with her. Interesting how the energy shifts when you are in a group of students, as opposed to being the only one in the room. You find yourself a bit more challenged and a bit more willing to do the more challenging stuff. Could that be a bit of competitiveness? Whatever it was, it was fun.
On to the studio. A brief discussion with Mary after her class, about studio stuff & workforce stuff. She is such a good 'sounding board' for me -- everyone needs someone like that in their life.
Once Mary left, it was on to paperwork and studio stuff. We've had road construction on all sides of the studio since April. It didn't affect us in May, June or July; but, August - coupled with back to school activities and last-minute vacations - was a disaster. I am now digging out of that hole. As a result, instructors and I met. We've made some adjustments in prices, which students will begin experiencing today. Don't panic students -- these aren't huge; just in line with the rest of the area. It was time.
Which brings me to marketing. Interesting that we are in business but reluctant to market ourselves (here I'm speaking of instructors, not the studio). The studio is marketing some, but there isn't a ton of money for that effort right now. It is important that the instructors market themselves. This can be as simple as sending an e-mail to current and new students - something I'm encouraging; we'll see if they embrace or reject my encouragement.
I believe a lot of our success is created by how much our students feel valued by us - as in me (the instructor). If I acknowledge them - both in and out of class, by simply letting people know I am aware they're supporting me, how can that be a bad thing? Any thoughts for or against?
Enjoy your Tuesday,
Yesterday was pretty busy -- the day started innocently enough, that is until I listened to phone messages at 8 am and was reminded that I had a dentist appointment at 8:30 am.
This was for a crown 'installation', so it was not to be missed. Rarely do I move this quickly when getting ready -- shower, dress, make-up, hair & in the car by 8:16 am. Then the drive -- stoplights were with me until I got to the University area, then they all plotted against me, I'm sure. Made it to the dentist at 8:38. Of course, they were waiting and whisked me back. Within 45 minutes, crown was 'installed' and I was out the door. Whew!
From there, it was on to Pilates with Cindy. She invited me to a class, rather than doing a private with her. Interesting how the energy shifts when you are in a group of students, as opposed to being the only one in the room. You find yourself a bit more challenged and a bit more willing to do the more challenging stuff. Could that be a bit of competitiveness? Whatever it was, it was fun.
On to the studio. A brief discussion with Mary after her class, about studio stuff & workforce stuff. She is such a good 'sounding board' for me -- everyone needs someone like that in their life.
Once Mary left, it was on to paperwork and studio stuff. We've had road construction on all sides of the studio since April. It didn't affect us in May, June or July; but, August - coupled with back to school activities and last-minute vacations - was a disaster. I am now digging out of that hole. As a result, instructors and I met. We've made some adjustments in prices, which students will begin experiencing today. Don't panic students -- these aren't huge; just in line with the rest of the area. It was time.
Which brings me to marketing. Interesting that we are in business but reluctant to market ourselves (here I'm speaking of instructors, not the studio). The studio is marketing some, but there isn't a ton of money for that effort right now. It is important that the instructors market themselves. This can be as simple as sending an e-mail to current and new students - something I'm encouraging; we'll see if they embrace or reject my encouragement.
I believe a lot of our success is created by how much our students feel valued by us - as in me (the instructor). If I acknowledge them - both in and out of class, by simply letting people know I am aware they're supporting me, how can that be a bad thing? Any thoughts for or against?
Enjoy your Tuesday,
Monday, October 5, 2009
RAIN, SNOW, HAIL ---
Yup, we got it all yesterday. Nice taste of Fall (winter?) for Salt Lake City and surrounding communities.
Not too much to report from my Sunday in SLC -- in this house it was a very quiet day. A bit of personal paperwork, a bit of computer work and studying, did go out to buy a new shower fixture (now have to find someone to install it), then lunch and back home. Football season -- not sure how I feel about that. Luckily my husband is not a big football person.
Today, Pilates with Cindy (I do believe this is helping the yoga -- I feel stronger, even though some of the moves make me shake my head and cause me fear!)
Then, time to settle with the State regarding the independent contractor vs. employee debacle. So vague, but I am trying to have each of the instructors do similar to what they say reflects an independent contractor. But, this is not a consistent ruling throughout studios in the valley -- puzzling. There will be $$ to pay, especially since the ruling extends back to 2006 -- just hope they will take small payments!
Well, this is short -- got to get on with the day.
Hope yours goes well,
Not too much to report from my Sunday in SLC -- in this house it was a very quiet day. A bit of personal paperwork, a bit of computer work and studying, did go out to buy a new shower fixture (now have to find someone to install it), then lunch and back home. Football season -- not sure how I feel about that. Luckily my husband is not a big football person.
Today, Pilates with Cindy (I do believe this is helping the yoga -- I feel stronger, even though some of the moves make me shake my head and cause me fear!)
Then, time to settle with the State regarding the independent contractor vs. employee debacle. So vague, but I am trying to have each of the instructors do similar to what they say reflects an independent contractor. But, this is not a consistent ruling throughout studios in the valley -- puzzling. There will be $$ to pay, especially since the ruling extends back to 2006 -- just hope they will take small payments!
Well, this is short -- got to get on with the day.
Hope yours goes well,
Sunday, October 4, 2009
GOTTA DO THE WORK ...
Saturday's classes were fun. Apparently, I'm on a PT kick (parvritta trichonasana). The early group (Anusara-Inspired™ Level 1) got a good dose of this pose.
Even though I don't enjoy the pose, I can see it's potential (even for me). It's a great pose to teach
Even though I don't enjoy the pose, I can see it's potential (even for me). It's a great pose to teach
- the value of muscle energy, especially in the legs,
- the value of side body long (so much easier to get twisted if you have a long spine), and
- the value of listening to yourself (is it wise for me to take that top arm up, or should I just work with the hand on my hip moving shoulder blades more firmly on the back as I open towards the front leg?)
to name a few.
There's also the value, when teaching this pose, of students really experiencing the entry and exit of the pose -- demonstrating that the pose is NOT just about getting to the final expression; it's a journey in and out.
The second class, Yoga Basics, I subbed. Not as many in attendance as usual (don't take it personally, Leslie). Those that were there, tho, were willing and eager to do what I asked. I felt good about it and - based on the after-class discussion - I think they did, as well.
Went up Big Cottonwood canyon to check out the color -- a tradition for us each year. Had lunch at the Silver Fork Lodge, then back home.
It's raining today, with a bit of lightning and thunder.
Enjoy your day,
Saturday, October 3, 2009
BUSY WEEK
I try not to use the term "I'm too busy" as a reason for not doing something (or forgetting); but, this week would be the exception. It has been a busy week -- very little down time (as in, naps), lots of teaching, and lots of thinking, cleaning, errands, etc.
So, I'll just do a blog of thoughts today -- it's the easiest some days, to just write what bubbles to the surface.
On Monday, I spent time with Sundari helping her pack to move and getting feedback regarding the video I had sent a week or so ago. I am going to switch gears here and just say, that a friend who will look at and critique a video while in the middle of a move is a blessing and a friend, indeed. Now, back to the evaluation.
Her overall thought: I am so much better, I take the seat of the teacher, I stand so much taller (which I was relieved to hear, because one of my first reactions when I watched an early video was "STAND UP STRAIGHTER, LESLIE") -- all good stuff.
One of her suggestions is that I "move in". As she watched, she could see me walking in front, shifting from side to side, and going in to adjust where needed. What she wants to see more of is teachers "moving in". I know what she means, and will try to explain: Often, I stay on the periphery and do the requisite moving from front to side, and adjusting. Her thought -- that I must 'move in' and really interact with the individual students, as well as the group; let them know I care.
So, this week, that has been my mission -- to "move in". It's been fun. I use the story of Sundari's observation, pick out a student well known to me, and really "move in to their space", as I demonstrate to the rest of the class they can expect more of this in the future. Eeks, maybe they won't come back!?! But, I think they will -- if they know I'm doing it for their good, for their best interests.
I subbed for Wayne on Thursday -- some people stayed away; oh well, don't take it personally. Those that came got a good dose of parvritta trichonasana, plus other twists thrown in. As much as I dislike doing that pose (PT), I enjoy teaching it.
Thursday was also the first day of my "YOGA SPECIFIC" class. Thursdays are historically an evening of low attendance at my studio. The instructor who had been teaching returned to school, so I decided to begin a class that focuses on different pieces and parts each week. Hopefully, I thought, I could get other instructors interested and share the teaching (also a dicey experiment, since some students love only their one instructor). Topic for this last Thursday: "Backs - the good, the bad, and the just plain stiff". I taught and six (6) people came -- I emphasize 6, because in the last 6 months there haven't been that many people in this studio on a single Thursday night. Fun class, fun people in attendance, some with glitchy backs, others with o.k. backs.
Friday's a day of teaching, paperwork and cleaning. The teaching is fun; the rest, no comment. It does feel good, tho, when I'm done. Short meeting with a new website guy -- not changing the website, but I need someone who can help when there's a glitch or a new bit of information to put on the site. I think this will work.
Teaching both classes this morning - Anusara-Inspired™ Level 1 and Yoga Basics.
Also, CHECK THIS OUT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXRVGQxQX-w. A video of Yoga Center instructors, with background music by Michael Lucarelli.
Have a good weekend,
So, I'll just do a blog of thoughts today -- it's the easiest some days, to just write what bubbles to the surface.
On Monday, I spent time with Sundari helping her pack to move and getting feedback regarding the video I had sent a week or so ago. I am going to switch gears here and just say, that a friend who will look at and critique a video while in the middle of a move is a blessing and a friend, indeed. Now, back to the evaluation.
Her overall thought: I am so much better, I take the seat of the teacher, I stand so much taller (which I was relieved to hear, because one of my first reactions when I watched an early video was "STAND UP STRAIGHTER, LESLIE") -- all good stuff.
One of her suggestions is that I "move in". As she watched, she could see me walking in front, shifting from side to side, and going in to adjust where needed. What she wants to see more of is teachers "moving in". I know what she means, and will try to explain: Often, I stay on the periphery and do the requisite moving from front to side, and adjusting. Her thought -- that I must 'move in' and really interact with the individual students, as well as the group; let them know I care.
So, this week, that has been my mission -- to "move in". It's been fun. I use the story of Sundari's observation, pick out a student well known to me, and really "move in to their space", as I demonstrate to the rest of the class they can expect more of this in the future. Eeks, maybe they won't come back!?! But, I think they will -- if they know I'm doing it for their good, for their best interests.
I subbed for Wayne on Thursday -- some people stayed away; oh well, don't take it personally. Those that came got a good dose of parvritta trichonasana, plus other twists thrown in. As much as I dislike doing that pose (PT), I enjoy teaching it.
Thursday was also the first day of my "YOGA SPECIFIC" class. Thursdays are historically an evening of low attendance at my studio. The instructor who had been teaching returned to school, so I decided to begin a class that focuses on different pieces and parts each week. Hopefully, I thought, I could get other instructors interested and share the teaching (also a dicey experiment, since some students love only their one instructor). Topic for this last Thursday: "Backs - the good, the bad, and the just plain stiff". I taught and six (6) people came -- I emphasize 6, because in the last 6 months there haven't been that many people in this studio on a single Thursday night. Fun class, fun people in attendance, some with glitchy backs, others with o.k. backs.
Friday's a day of teaching, paperwork and cleaning. The teaching is fun; the rest, no comment. It does feel good, tho, when I'm done. Short meeting with a new website guy -- not changing the website, but I need someone who can help when there's a glitch or a new bit of information to put on the site. I think this will work.
Teaching both classes this morning - Anusara-Inspired™ Level 1 and Yoga Basics.
Also, CHECK THIS OUT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXRVGQxQX-w. A video of Yoga Center instructors, with background music by Michael Lucarelli.
Have a good weekend,
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