ASK FOR HELP

I sometimes stop before I ask for help; thinking that the act of asking may imply a lack of knowledge. (Refer back to a blog several weeks ago.) Lately, tho, I've given up that premise; maybe asking for help is a sign of intelligence, me thinks.

You'll notice, if you look back at yesterday's blog, I got a couple of very nice comments; one that gives me lots to work with as I teach.  I took advantage of the opportunity and the knowledge displayed, to ask that teacher about other issues that have presented in my classes.

Wow! I got a veritable treasure trove of advice and information. All done in a very matter-of-fact manner; none of it reflecting my insecurity of "don't you know that by now?".

After reading the e-mail response, I went to the blog and read the last couple days' entries. Both were full of information. I am always so amazed when blog authors write theme ideas, plans, sequences - so generous. I've never copied or used someone's sequence, but reading others' ideas has caused a few of my own to come to life.

Another post related to a gift she had given a grieving couple and their gift back to her - a testimonial.

This reminded me that we all are offered things at times - even if it is a simple compliment or the words 'thank you'. What is challenging for me - at times - is accepting those gifts. Many times, my tendency is to receive a 'thank you' or a compliment with the response 'it was just something . . . '.  Think about that for a moment -- if it was 'just something. . .' then what or why are they thanking or complimenting me? I just negated their effort to give me a gift of appreciation.

I get so into the 'giving' mode, that I forget that 'accepting' sometimes goes hand in hand with 'giving'.

On another matter, I got a call last night from a person wanting to start yoga. She asked a number of questions and finished with the 'closer' - "what do you charge for a class, because I'm broke but my doctor said 'do yoga'". Well, how do you handle that one? If it hadn't been for the blunt honesty, I might have reacted differently. We came to an agreement; now we'll see if she shows for a class. A bit of yoga 'pro bono' in action. (This goes hand in hand with my old fundraising mantra "if you don't ask, you don't get".)

I usually try not to preach here; try to keep everything from the "I" or "me" perspective.  But, I am stepping off that platform with a subtle hint to studio owners reading this -- ANSWER YOUR PHONES (OR, AT LEAST, RETURN YOUR CALL MESSAGES)  When I bought the studio 7 years ago, I made a pledge to myself to answer the phones. (Too many times I've traveled, looked for a studio, called that studio - never to get a response.) Since I'm not always in the studio, how do I do that? I forward the land line to my cell. So, I'd estimate I can answer 80% of the calls that way. And I also return calls - most of the time. And, it makes a difference - just last week I had a new student arrive. Her reason for choosing me - the class description sounded appropriate and I ANSWERED THE PHONE. 

On with the day. Hope your Wednesday is a great one.

THE THERAPEUTICS OF YOGA

This week (and this morning, in particular), I was reminded full-force of the power of yoga to help people. And, not just with their physical conditioning; tho, that seems to be the reason most uninjured people start yoga.

During the week, I had several seasoned and newer-to-me students appear in class with injuries or conditions, asking for help.  This morning, I received an e-mail with an attachment to a blog that listed the 101 health benefits of yoga.  If you wish to look at that link, let me know. (I hesitate to link anything that I'm not absolutely sure is not 'infected' with something that will negatively affect our computers.)

I also received an invitation to participate in a local program for people suffering from MS.  This will be the studio's second year at this event; one of the better ones I've participated in. Smaller and more comfortable, and totally geared to the comfort of attendees, first, and presenters, second.

In 2007, I attended my first "Therapy Training" with JF in Cincinnatti. It was fun and it was overflowing with information. At the time, I wondered "where/how am I going to use some of this"? I remember going to dinner with some of the training participants and there, a fellow trainee - more experienced than me, but still a student - remarked "You will be amazed at what happens after these trainings. People begin appearing, asking for you to work with them." I nodded, thinking to myself "no, that won't happen - they go to their doctors".

Three years later, I realize that yes, they do go to their doctors and physical therapists - who often refer them to yoga.  Who knew?  I love it, I think it's smart, but who knew?

What, you might ask, am I seeing? Here's a short list of things people are struggling with:

1. Bad knees, shoulders, backs, ankles, etc. (it is an active population we work with here - hiking, biking, skiing, exercising, etc.). So, lots of alignment -- shins in, thighs out, shoulder loop, expanding spiral & contracting spiral, etc. Sometimes I think of it as a puzzle; trying to figure out what's happening and what will serve the student.
2. Total joint replacements. The newer generation of these is amazing - much more range of motion than some I've seen. One recent incident involved someone who has just not moved her knees much since her surgery(s). There's fear of pain and an uncertainty of just what she is capable of in her mind. A big hurdle to overcome, but do-able.  
3. Pulled muscles. Neck, ribs, legs - you name it, it can be traumatized. I go back to JF's repeated reminder of what happens when a muscle is traumatized - that it pulls away from the supporting structure beneath it. Muscle energy is a good place to start for these injuries; hugging the irritated muscles back into their optimal position. Hard work.  
4. Anxiety. There are many students appearing these days as a result of anxiety. One phone call involved a young man whose friend thought yoga would help, and probably a restorative class. I wonder. I love restorative yoga, but wonder if the slow-moving class, the class where we stay in poses for 3-5-7 minutes, the right class for someone with anxiety issues? I believe 'it depends'. So an inquiry is in order. What happens when this person is asked to sit or lie in a position for that long? In anxiety, there is a fight or flight response of the body - will lying still help with that in everyone? Maybe a class with a pulsation of work - some energetic, some rest - grounding and rooting down as we rotate between activity and rest; like that.
5. Degenerative Diseases. I mentioned MS earlier. The balance work we do in yoga, plus just general movement is very beneficial to the students struggling with degenerative conditions. Participating in a class, participating in life, is a mental boost for these students; and a social connection. Very important, in my mind. 

So, my co-trainee was right; people are arriving for help and there are more. These are just a few. People are looking for help, something that doesn't involve pills, that gets them into good company, an activity that gets them moving. An activity that creates movement and leaves them feeling better about themselves. Yoga?  Yes, yoga!

Feel free to offer your thoughts.  

Enjoy your Tuesday,  

'HOLDING DOWN THE FORT'

Last night, I spent a few minutes scanning Facebook entries -- catching up on peoples' 4th of July plans/celebrations etc.  Came across one from an Anusara-Inspired™ (working towards Certification) teacher from California in which she commented on her passion for Paris.

At first I thought she might be there on vacation. Then, I remembered, JF is in Paris; part of the European tour - before returning in early August to prepare for the rigors of Utah. So, of course, at least I believe, that is why she is in Paris - working and following John on this tour. What fun! What an adventure!  

Somedays, I dream I were in her shoes. Traveling to exotic places, being in good yoga company. Yet, each time I travel to that thought process, there's this other side of me that says 'you are where you are meant to be'. I am first a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a yoga teacher and yoga studio owner, and householder (and, at times, still a child with parents to care for). Lots of people to contemplate and think about, before I jet off to exotic places to do yoga and study.

Fortunately, Utah is on John's schedule each year (fingers crossed), and I can enjoy his teaching when he visits. And, my life allows me to squeeze in a trip or two to study with him (or someone) in some other U.S. location to supplement that experience.

On the one hand, I'm a bit envious; on the other, I reflect on my family, my life and my students, I see the importance for some of us to 'hold down the fort'. To be the example of the teaching he is sharing with the world. I am proud and happy to do that.

Enjoy the remainder of your holiday weekend,

CHALLENGES ...

Yesterday morning, I followed through with the 'challenge' theme. Challenges for those in class -- working through some balance series.

My challenges in class?

1. The camera - always a challenge; hope it filmed, hope it got the whole class (a bit worried that the camera is getting full from all this filming - will take care of that 'worry' this weekend). 
2. Multiple levels of yoga experience in class - newer, experienced, more advanced - the challenge? give everyone a good experience.
3. Different attitudes in class - the challenge? don't be too silly, don't be too serious (me, not them).
4. Cultivate the theme throughout the class - always a challenge, but I find myself moving back to it more often than not; almost surprising myself when it happens.
5. A teacher in the room

Yup, a teacher in the room - Cindy, who is actually teaching more Pilates now but has trained with Sianna Sherman. I've been working closely with Cindy for over a year as she accomplished her Pilates teacher certification. What does that mean when she shows in class? That I was a bit nervous; but, not so much as I thought would happen.  

What is it about peers in the room that cause nervousness? More so, even, than someone who is there to evaluate my teaching (i.e. Sundari)?

The class went fine. I didn't stick exactly to the sequence I had planned, but that seems to be the way. 

Working to get something off that darn video camera this weekend to send to Sundari.  That will be my challenge for the next day or two.

Hope your 4th is safe and happy, 

THE PRACTICE

The Yoga Center hosted its first practice ('THE PRACTICE') yesterday. Jen H., an Anusara-Inspired™ yoga instructor, is leading it each Friday for two hours (5:40-7:40 pm).

This is a new activity for my studio. Offering a practice is commonplace at an Anusara® studio; but, with just 2 Inspired teachers at my studio (for a total of 6 of 22 weekly eclectic hatha classes), I could hardly call my studio full-fledged Anusara®.  That ratio is shifting. This month also sees a shift in the kula of SLC; Jen and I agreed, what better time than now to offer a practice to our community.

It (The Practice) was a nice success - several new faces in the room, plus regulars, and me. We hope that, as word gets out, it will continue to grow; but, even if it stayed as is - we call it a success.

The best part for me? Seeing people in the room; seeing the seeds of a revived community being planted right on my studio floor. Be still my heart!

Second best part? Practicing with friends and some strangers (now friends), laughing, challenging myself, sweating a bit, having fun. (I realize that's five 'parts', but they all fit in the same category of 'fun' to me.)

It was a well-rounded week, then -- I challenged myself in my practice and I was challenged in my teaching. Think I'll use 'challenge' as a theme this morning. Great quote from John via AJ appeared on Facebook this morning, 'the fruit of our great yoga practice is how we think and speak in response to the challenges in our life'. Perfect starting point!

Once I have a starting point, then I go into the 'development' phase - journalling my story, figuring out my apex, what alignment principle and heart quality to focus on, how do I connect it philosophically, and the sequence. I do not have to do it in this order, sometimes the apex comes to me and I start from there. Or, I want to work on a specific UPA. Whatever, the elements must all be there. For me, writing it all down is a good habit to develop, because the video review committee wants to see the sequence in writing along with the video. It also cements it a bit in my mind.

Fireworks last night - restless-shivering-panting dogs, as a result. Not looking forward to this weekend (for that reason). Fireworks and thunder are our dogs' least-best friends. Bought some "Rescue" just for the occasion - it's a highly recommended concoction created from herbs that have a calming effect. There's even "Rescue" for people -- dog and people version all sold in the same section of our local health food store.

Enjoy the day,

NOTES BECAUSE I CAN . . .

It's Friday.  Not sure if it's the upcoming Holiday or what, but my week has seemed all messed up.  As I sit in class, ready to close, I find myself having to count the days -- figuring out what day of the week it is, so that I can give an appropriate sendoff.  Strange.

But, I know it's Friday; the end of most peoples' workweek. So - notes, it is:

1.  It used to be that I taught 3 classes on Thursdays and took a pilates class. Don't need to say that I was a bit tired by the end of a Thursday. Now that Kula has 'ceased to operate', I no longer teach in the morning. I was left with an open morning -- housework, ironing, shredding an accumulation of personal paperwork; then ran a couple errands, and to pilates with Cindy.  I taught YogaHour at 4; nice group - several levels of experience (newer and more experienced). The 3rd class was a Level 1 beginning at 5:45 - I've shifted that to another instructor; so, home for a nice dinner with Howard.

2.  I received the newsletter from John (as did many of you). It was great he took the time to address the worries of some. With all that's been going on in my life, I hadn't had the time to get worried or unsettled; was just going about my business. I picked up some of what he talked about during the phone conversation -- that nothing has changed but the specific naming of the philosophy of Anusara® Yoga. If you didn't participate, you may have heard that through the grapevine, or not.

What I read is that he's traveling, he's studying, he's teaching; the vision of Anusara® Yoga remains the same. Oh, sure, there are a few hula hoops in the picture lately; but, if we stay stagnant and unwelcoming to these new elements - we stand to lose the fun-loving and accepting side of the Anusara® philosophy. Just my thoughts - and, I did buy a hula hoop recently (shades of my past life!).

3.  Reading Facebook and talking to friends, lots of relief that the Immersion acceptance notes for Park City are out and most are in. I've developed a number of long-distance friendships over the past year and many of those people will be at this Immersion - it will be so good to meet them face-to-face.  If you're attending, and looking for accommodations, it might be best to contact The Shop (www.parkcityyoga.com). Also, if you can get a group together, there are probably a number of houses/condos available in Park City available for summer rental. I'm sure 'googling' something will find results leading you to resources. I'll be envious - driving from Salt Lake each day; but, hard to justify staying 20 minutes from home - it is fun to stay at the site of the training.

4.  Reading some un-transcribed notes from one of Noah's workshops. I wrote down "we are always in an asana". It struck me, since I had several therapeutic issues arise this week, plus some common sense things. I believe Noah meant this as a philosophical concept, but I think we can also apply it to the physical as well.

First, students with injuries - falling, over-efforting, etc. - and arriving in class with sore muscles as a result; so sore, that their movement is impeded. I looked in my memory bank and found John's instruction that these injuries commonly cause the muscles to pull away from their positions in the body, and the best thing for these painful muscles is to apply muscle energy, moving the stressed muscles back into place.  It requires work and memory - however, reflecting on an injury, I know that the pain of letting go of that muscle energy is a very good reminder.

Then, the student who stands with feet unparallel - toes turning out (former or current dancers are usually seen standing this way, but many others are prone to do likewise). I take the liberty to tell students why this is unhealthy - it causes the femur head to move slightly out of the hip socket, irritation and ligament stretching results. When I tell students to stand with feet parallel, I inevitably remind them that this should be a practice they cultivate off the mat. I am so subtle, that I noticed as I talked to one student I was staring at her feet -- yup, very subtle and she got the message.

Finally, bunions showed up twice this week in classes. Bunions, I understand are both hereditary and self-created (bad shoes, etc.). Many people choose to take the surgical route, having the bunion removed. I never discourage a student from doing something that they and their physician believe will help. However, I do ask the willing student to pursue some foot massage/manipulation/movement, just to see what happens. For me, my own bunion tendency has been reduced, I believe, by this manipulation. Here's a short routine:

1. Sit in a chair (or on floor, if you are comfortable); cross an energized foot on top of your other knee.
2. Thread fingers of opposite hand (if you've crossed the right foot, you'll be using your left hand) between toes from sole-side of the foot. Grip firmly (this will help reduce any pain in the joints), and move toes gently back & forth.
3. Keep fingers threaded, as you move ankle in a circle several times, first one way then the other; then, point & flex the ankle, 3-4 times.
4. Now, with fingers still between toes, relax their grip, but keep them in there. Squeeze fingers with toes. (Toes are squeezing the fingers.)
5. Remove fingers, and use your thumbtips to massage the sole of the foot; get in there deep.
6. When finished, grip each toe individually and give it a gentle lengthening and a wiggle.
7. Release the cross of your ankle, place the foot on the floor and compare with the un-massaged foot. Wow!
8. Now, do the other foot.

I always notice the spacious feeling in my feet, no matter how often I do this each week.  The movement of the toes and joints will help to reduce inflammation (though it might not be comfortable). Your firm grip on the front of the foot, stabilizing, will help reduce this discomfort.  Ankle circles and flexing will be beneficial to your balance. The massage loosens the fascial layer of the foot. The toe pulls? They're just fun and create space in the joints -- be sure to stabilize especially the painful joints before you do this.  

O.K., that's enough -- got to go teach Gentle Yoga (this foot massage is a part of almost every class). Then the first practice at The Yoga Center - it is now a weekly event, 5:40 each Friday.  

Have a great Friday,

THREE THINGS . . .

There have been times in my life when I did not work outside my home. I might have been called a 'corporate wife'; staying home, taking care of my son, entertaining friends and co-workers of my husband, etc., etc., etc.  Whenever we entertained (as in, had people for dinner), the common question of friends was 'what are you serving?'. My response was 99% of the time, '3 things' -- I would never call myself a great or adventurous chef/cook/whatever. But, I can do '3 things' pretty well (a starch, a protein, and a vegetable). I never counted dessert, but we usually had something.


So, the title of this post, 'three things' returned easily when I considered what I was going to write about.


First of the 'three things' is a thank you to Anusara Yoga West LA and Santa Monica (a Facebook group) for their following and support of this blog. It is so flattering to be reading through Facebook and come upon my latest blog entry re-posted on their page. And the way it was introduced:  "Lost in translation and the latest installment of Leslie's on the way to certification blog! xoxo" is so much fun -- especially the 'on the way to certification' part.  Love it.  So, thank you, again.


Second, I had a good and long chat with Sundari yesterday. I am so appreciative of her as a friend and mentor - she is truly exemplifying the manner in which I hope to act and be treated. She is creating for me an atmosphere of friendship, support and sincere interest, as I move along this path. That is so important and I appreciate it more than I probably express to her. The example she sets is powerful for me.


I had sent a video for her to review and offer fine-tuning tips, and to use as the basis for my annual Inspired renewal. As we talked, she asked about my teaching. I described what I have encountered recently - the challenges presented by students and the actions I've recommended to them. We exchanged thoughts and - fortunately - all that I've been saying and recommending is supported by her. Our conversation shifted to deeper aspects of teaching. I came away from all this feeling good about my journey and re-energized to continue video'ing, studying, teaching.


When choosing a personal mentor (which is different from the mentor assigned to us once a video is submitted for Certification review), here are some things to consider:

1. How available is this mentor to you?
2. What are this mentor's time constraints?
3. Do you 'click' with this person? Are your experiences, background, goals similar enough that you will be able to develop a comfortable conversation, especially when receiving feedback?
4. This mentor does not have to be the person with whom you've done Immersions or Teacher Trainings, simply a Certified Anusara® teacher with whom you have experience and who knows you and is willing to work with you as you move along your teaching path.
5. Do not overlook that a personal mentor should be compensated for their time. Discuss this part of the arrangement.

A few conversations with the desired mentor ought to give you a sense about these points, a gut feeling about whether it will work or not. The process can be long, so take care on this early step to assure it is the best experience possible.

Third, well it's been so long since I started writing this blog (lots of interruptions), that I've forgotten. When I remember, I'll make a note and include it in 'notes' tomorrow.


This morning, cleaning house, yard, etc. Pilates at 1 pm; teaching YogaHour at 4 pm.


Enjoy your Thursday,