Friday notes day (& 10-year-olds)??? What could she mean?
In my Yoga Hour class yesterday, I had a 10-year-old appear. Now, this is a one-hour class designed for an adult population. I do make one exception - 10-year-olds. They are focused and very attentive students -- even laugh at my jokes! What more could I ask of any student.
The week was a good one; back to my normal schedule of teaching and attending classes. What did I learn?
1. That it is difficult to film a class you're subbing. I tried it on Monday - the students are great practitioners, but unwilling to line their mats up in true Anusara® style (this is not an Anusara® class and I believe they have their regular spots in the room, plus - if they noticed it - the camera was a bit intimidating.) I cajoled and encouraged a bit; but, for the sake of class harmony, I let it go. Filmed with a big empty space in the front row -- good for demos, anyway.
2. Students struggling with high blood pressure can benefit from as much as a 20-point drop in pressure after a yoga class. This shared to me by a student who regularly tracks blood pressure.
3. Even one yoga class can make a difference. I have a student who regularly brings family members to class. Her brother attended his first yoga class in May; showed up for his second in August. I didn't remember his name, but as we moved through the practice, I remembered the way he moved in the first class. In the second, I was pleased to see increased awareness. One class. Now, two. Can't wait to see what I see in #3. (Ahhh, poets -- watch out!)
4. Make your suggestions - what's the worst that can happen? So long as they're well thought through and clearly stated. I worry many times about asking questions, making suggestions, commenting on something - why? I worry I won't sound smart enough, or maybe I should have learned this already, or maybe it's already been thought of. BUT, if there's even a 'niggle' (new favorite word) of doubt that it's been asked, thought of, or suggested, I now will go ahead. Stick my neck out.
Oh, it's not always going to work out in my favor. For example: I recently answered a question - quite authoritatively and with confidence I was correct, I thought. Turns out, according to another person, I was wrong. Now what? Move forward; learn from it; take it in stride, be humble. Not easy, but do-able.
5. SSA (or ASS) - Sensitivity, Stabilize, Adjust
I find I've been doing a lot of therapeutics in my classes lately (remember a post a while back about how 'students will begin to appear; students who have stuff going on'). I'm going through notes, and I came to John's acronym to use in adjustments and therapeutics. His teaching: do SSA; because if you reverse order, you see what we may become in the eyes of someone we're trying to help.
Sensitivity - Tell the student what is going to happen. Then touch and sync with the student, through their breath and heartbeat. Touch is firm, yet sensitive. Fully engaging with hands. I've had an adjustment once that was a light brushing of the hand over my leg -- I've never forgotten it (eeaaauuuu!). I did, however, move away from the hand -- which might have been the intention of the assisting person.
Stabilize - the firm touch of your hands will transmit your sensitive side and also help to stabilize whatever/wherever you are attempting to adjust. There are poses where we use our legs, hips, etc., to help stabilize. Once the adjustment is made, I always let the student know that I'm going to move away -- just a precaution, in case they're relying on me to hold them up.
Adjust - As with my touch, my adjustment needs to be firm yet sensitive. I check in as I move the student. I use my sensitivity to their breath to make the adjustment more effective.
These 3 things transmit to the student that I am capable, I know what I'm doing, and they are safe with me. And, if the adjustment doesn't work (doesn't relieve whatever I'd hoped), then I must be humble enough to acknowledge that, think for a moment, and try something different or tell student I am going to research this a bit more, and I can work with them further when they visit me next (then do it - the research).
6. And, finally, a quote I found 3 days ago and is so applicable this morning: "Change is inevitable; growth is optional."
Have a nice Friday,
Friday, August 20, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
IDEAS & THEIR IMPLEMENTATION . . .
Yesterday, I finally took action on an idea I've had rolling around in my head for several years. I suggested to my physician a 'wellness series' for patients. A series of classes that might include discussion of diet, exercise, lifestyle adjustments, meditation & yoga (of course), etc., held in their offices, perhaps one evening a week for 4-6 weeks.
This physician is part of a large group, with a good-sized office, staff, and patient population. My doctor has mentioned, in the past, referring patients to me - so, I knew there was respect for yoga's potential. Then, why do this? Well, for a number of reasons:
This physician is part of a large group, with a good-sized office, staff, and patient population. My doctor has mentioned, in the past, referring patients to me - so, I knew there was respect for yoga's potential. Then, why do this? Well, for a number of reasons:
- It's a 'pro-active' method of healthcare management (my physician's words),
- Many patients will benefit from the topics that could be discussed/presented in this forum,
- Some patients may not search out resources for #2; but, if their physician puts it in front of them, that might change, and
- Some patients are not aware of the health benefits of some services (i.e. yoga)
For me (or other yoga teachers), this potential forum will provide us an opportunity to offer yoga and its benefits to a population that may not, as a whole, consider entering a yoga studio or yoga class. Why? Well, for some, cost is a factor. And, for a lot of people, physical factors may affect this thought process (i.e. "Me? Do yoga? I can't touch my toes and I'm not young or fit or thin (whatever) enough."
Yet, think about the benefits of yoga for people:
- Breathwork - increase lung function; not to mention the breath's impact on anxiety and other wellbeing issues.
- Blood pressure - as in, lowering.
- Weight control - for me, beginning yoga also brought an unexpected 30-lb loss (needed); and with the exception of 5 lbs, that weight has stayed off as I continue to practice.
- Emotional wellness - anxiety is an increasing issue for many people. Consider, also, self-esteem and self-confidence issues.
- Therapeutic benefits of movement for joints, muscles, osteoporosis, etc., etc., etc.
- A social connection, which will contribute to emotional wellness.
I could go on (I remember an article somewhere with over 100 benefits of yoga), but I'll stop here. There are many benefits; and getting that message to more people is the challenge.
So, I quickly wrote an e-mail to my physician yesterday, then went in for a routine appointment in the afternoon - at which I brought it up again. This morning, I awoke to an e-mail from said physician expressing pleasure with the suggestion and asking for more details. Wow!
What did I learn? Once again, I'm reminded that my ideas are good ones and have merit. I just have to get them out there. After all, what's the worst thing my physician could have said? "No". No big deal, because nothing happens unless we ask (a good axiom I've brought along from my fundraising days).
Today's Activities:
- Expand on my suggestion and send it off -- no procrastination; strike while the iron is 'hot'
- Pilates at 1 pm
- Teaching YogaHour at 4 pm at The Yoga Center
- Jen's class at The Yoga Center
Hope your day is a good one - and, remember, sometimes we have to niggle our way into peoples' thought processes. Not necessarily 'answering the question that hasn't been asked', but at least letting people know we're out here and we have good, valuable ideas and teachings to offer.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
FIVE DAYS
Spending a week with JF in a training and workshop can be both exciting and daunting. There will be so much to learn (and re-learn); there will be tons of physical effort in each day; yet there will also be the aspects of community, friendship, laughter and respect that balance the anticipated effort and work.
I posted last year that during the weekend workshop, I practiced in all 8 sessions. Perhaps not prettily, but I was there and I was giving it my best effort. I've been wondering about a repeat 'performance' this year. After a full week of asana each day, it may be better for me to just do the workshop I've signed up for and let someone else do all 8 sessions. We'll see.
My class(es) yesterday were fun. I have a new student who continues to surprise and please me, as a teacher. He has a stressful job, and has never done yoga before. He came in with a very open attitude, ready and willing to work to reduce the stress in his life. I enjoy introducing him to the poses, the UPA's, the magic of this practice. Best of all, he relates that his BP is lowered by the practice.
In YogaHour we ventured into handstand territory. First, in the middle of the room, we partnered and used the 'leg-press' method to come up ('leg-press' = down dog, step one foot forward slightly, lift other and press that straight leg into your parner's hand to come up). Then each student went to the wall and practiced their kicks. Fun and powerful!
As we gear up for a week with JF, The Shop is getting ready also. A volunteer sign-up sheet was available, so I signed up to be a 'mat monitor' on two days -- meaning? I'll set up a sample mat layout and help people align their mats to maximize space. I understand there are 150 people signed up for the Immersion, so mat space will be tight.
Today's schedule:
Gentle Yoga, 10 am at The Yoga Center
Errands and an appointment in the afternoon
Hope your Wednesday is great,
I posted last year that during the weekend workshop, I practiced in all 8 sessions. Perhaps not prettily, but I was there and I was giving it my best effort. I've been wondering about a repeat 'performance' this year. After a full week of asana each day, it may be better for me to just do the workshop I've signed up for and let someone else do all 8 sessions. We'll see.
My class(es) yesterday were fun. I have a new student who continues to surprise and please me, as a teacher. He has a stressful job, and has never done yoga before. He came in with a very open attitude, ready and willing to work to reduce the stress in his life. I enjoy introducing him to the poses, the UPA's, the magic of this practice. Best of all, he relates that his BP is lowered by the practice.
In YogaHour we ventured into handstand territory. First, in the middle of the room, we partnered and used the 'leg-press' method to come up ('leg-press' = down dog, step one foot forward slightly, lift other and press that straight leg into your parner's hand to come up). Then each student went to the wall and practiced their kicks. Fun and powerful!
As we gear up for a week with JF, The Shop is getting ready also. A volunteer sign-up sheet was available, so I signed up to be a 'mat monitor' on two days -- meaning? I'll set up a sample mat layout and help people align their mats to maximize space. I understand there are 150 people signed up for the Immersion, so mat space will be tight.
Today's schedule:
Gentle Yoga, 10 am at The Yoga Center
Errands and an appointment in the afternoon
Hope your Wednesday is great,
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
AND, NOW, SIX
Six days until Immersion III begins.
The class I subbed for Mary went well - very well-schooled practitioners, who have learned tons of alignment from Mary (who is working towards a Certification with Dave Stryker). Her dance background contributes to this alignment emphasis, plus her continuing work to attend training and workshops, including many with Anusara® instructors.
And, I did do some work around the studio after class - including some cleaning. Next stop my storeroom - it's a bit out of control right now.
I stuck with my plan to attend Tiffany's class last night. Great class, accompanied by Leraine Horstmanshoff on guitar, didgeridoo, voice, etc. One of the fun parts was Leraine's little dog - cutest little thing, and he has attitude -- you just don't walk up to that dog and expect to be welcomed. He does not have the Golden Retriever or Lab personality -- more of a Schnauzer with a little pit bull thrown in (all wrapped in a 3-lb package). He conducted himself very well, sleeping as we practiced; once or twice throwing in a well-timed bark as people walked their dogs by the studio.
Enough about the dog -- an indication of how much I love dogs.
A practice with Tiffany is fun and a great learning experience for me. She has worked hard to develop her voice and the students clearly love her. Big group - must have been 40 in the room. Add Leraine to the mix and the energy level goes way up. Leraine's timing is impeccable -- throwing in a few didgeridoo 'dog barks' each time we were asked to assume down dog. Even a little 'cat meow' towards the end.
Tiffany worked us in handstand at the wall and in urdhva dhanurasana. She knows me. That explains why each time she explained both of these poses to the group, I believe there were well-placed looks in my direction. I'd like to think she was transmitting 'you getting this?' The timing and partnering didn't allow me time to try to kick, but I did do a reasonable assisted handstand to the wall -- that was fun and I felt good afterwards.
The urdhva -- well, let's just say the journey to the top of my head went well. Then, hit the 'stop' button. Funny how this pose is really sporadic for me. I pushed up Friday night, but Monday - no (at least not without some help). I'm still stuck on trying to push up with my arms 75% of the time (once in a while, the shoulders and shoulderblades get it - those are the successful times). My hope is that - with continued practice and a knowledge and cultivation of the push, it will begin to happen more consistently.
So, today?
Teaching Level 1 at The Yoga Center at 10 am
Practice
A few errands
Teaching YogaHour, also at The Yoga Center, 4 pm
Hope your day is a good one,
The class I subbed for Mary went well - very well-schooled practitioners, who have learned tons of alignment from Mary (who is working towards a Certification with Dave Stryker). Her dance background contributes to this alignment emphasis, plus her continuing work to attend training and workshops, including many with Anusara® instructors.
And, I did do some work around the studio after class - including some cleaning. Next stop my storeroom - it's a bit out of control right now.
I stuck with my plan to attend Tiffany's class last night. Great class, accompanied by Leraine Horstmanshoff on guitar, didgeridoo, voice, etc. One of the fun parts was Leraine's little dog - cutest little thing, and he has attitude -- you just don't walk up to that dog and expect to be welcomed. He does not have the Golden Retriever or Lab personality -- more of a Schnauzer with a little pit bull thrown in (all wrapped in a 3-lb package). He conducted himself very well, sleeping as we practiced; once or twice throwing in a well-timed bark as people walked their dogs by the studio.
Enough about the dog -- an indication of how much I love dogs.
A practice with Tiffany is fun and a great learning experience for me. She has worked hard to develop her voice and the students clearly love her. Big group - must have been 40 in the room. Add Leraine to the mix and the energy level goes way up. Leraine's timing is impeccable -- throwing in a few didgeridoo 'dog barks' each time we were asked to assume down dog. Even a little 'cat meow' towards the end.
Tiffany worked us in handstand at the wall and in urdhva dhanurasana. She knows me. That explains why each time she explained both of these poses to the group, I believe there were well-placed looks in my direction. I'd like to think she was transmitting 'you getting this?' The timing and partnering didn't allow me time to try to kick, but I did do a reasonable assisted handstand to the wall -- that was fun and I felt good afterwards.
The urdhva -- well, let's just say the journey to the top of my head went well. Then, hit the 'stop' button. Funny how this pose is really sporadic for me. I pushed up Friday night, but Monday - no (at least not without some help). I'm still stuck on trying to push up with my arms 75% of the time (once in a while, the shoulders and shoulderblades get it - those are the successful times). My hope is that - with continued practice and a knowledge and cultivation of the push, it will begin to happen more consistently.
So, today?
Teaching Level 1 at The Yoga Center at 10 am
Practice
A few errands
Teaching YogaHour, also at The Yoga Center, 4 pm
Hope your day is a good one,
Monday, August 16, 2010
SEVEN DAYS & COUNTING
Counting down until JF begins Immersion 3 in Park City. Happy to be anticipating and participating in this great week - another opportunity to connect with old friends and meet some new ones, enjoy practicing under John's guidance, and learning.
I attended John's Immersion 1 in San Francisco. I'm embarrassed to say that "super note-taker" (me) fell down on her job for that event -- oh, I took notes, I just didn't transcribe them as soon as I should have. Some of their 'sakti' has been lost to procrastination. Unfortunately, I missed Immersion 2 -- a long way to travel right about the time my Father and Mother were moving.
My plan is to do a better job at this Immersion of both note-taking and note-transcribing. Then, there's the practice portion -- a major memory of San Francisco is the amount and intensity of the asana we did during each of the 5 days. Not necessarily the most challenging poses, but lonnnggg holds and lots of them.
It will be fun!
I had lots of good stuff planned for Saturday morning and had planned to video; at the last minute, decided - no, not this morning. Why? One new-to-yoga person arrived - now, that would be a good thing to incorporate into a video -- an indication of how I handle the unexpected. Sometimes, tho, I just can't predict what will happen -- how much body awareness the person has, what their learning style is, what injuries they have. Plus, with the camera on, everyone gets a bit more nervous -- not the best or nicest thing to do to a new-to-yoga person. So, no video this week.
My Saturday afternoon was quiet - culminating with a weekly private, then dinner with Howard. Sunday was equally quiet - we started out with a nice walk in a nearby canyon (lots of uphill), then puttered around the yard and house, then dinner and an outdoor concert. Nice day.
As I re-read my last post, I felt I didn't quite explain the value of the bullet-pointed things I keep noticing in my notes. It's important to know that these are things that JF tell us in every training - maybe multiple times in a training. Rather than filling space in my notes, I hope they reflect the importance of remembering these points when I plan and teach. Just needed to say that.
Today's schedule:
Painters coming to the house to give an estimate (!?!?!)
Teaching for Mary at 10, Vinyasa 1-2 (Anusara-Inspired™ by me)
Home to do laundry, clean, whatever
Class with Tiffany
Enjoy your Monday,
I attended John's Immersion 1 in San Francisco. I'm embarrassed to say that "super note-taker" (me) fell down on her job for that event -- oh, I took notes, I just didn't transcribe them as soon as I should have. Some of their 'sakti' has been lost to procrastination. Unfortunately, I missed Immersion 2 -- a long way to travel right about the time my Father and Mother were moving.
My plan is to do a better job at this Immersion of both note-taking and note-transcribing. Then, there's the practice portion -- a major memory of San Francisco is the amount and intensity of the asana we did during each of the 5 days. Not necessarily the most challenging poses, but lonnnggg holds and lots of them.
It will be fun!
I had lots of good stuff planned for Saturday morning and had planned to video; at the last minute, decided - no, not this morning. Why? One new-to-yoga person arrived - now, that would be a good thing to incorporate into a video -- an indication of how I handle the unexpected. Sometimes, tho, I just can't predict what will happen -- how much body awareness the person has, what their learning style is, what injuries they have. Plus, with the camera on, everyone gets a bit more nervous -- not the best or nicest thing to do to a new-to-yoga person. So, no video this week.
My Saturday afternoon was quiet - culminating with a weekly private, then dinner with Howard. Sunday was equally quiet - we started out with a nice walk in a nearby canyon (lots of uphill), then puttered around the yard and house, then dinner and an outdoor concert. Nice day.
As I re-read my last post, I felt I didn't quite explain the value of the bullet-pointed things I keep noticing in my notes. It's important to know that these are things that JF tell us in every training - maybe multiple times in a training. Rather than filling space in my notes, I hope they reflect the importance of remembering these points when I plan and teach. Just needed to say that.
Today's schedule:
Painters coming to the house to give an estimate (!?!?!)
Teaching for Mary at 10, Vinyasa 1-2 (Anusara-Inspired™ by me)
Home to do laundry, clean, whatever
Class with Tiffany
Enjoy your Monday,
Saturday, August 14, 2010
CAN'T BELIEVE I MISSED FRIDAY . . .
True, but unbelievable nevertheless. I love writing in the blog on Fridays. I know that it will be a 'bullet-point' format; so, I don't need to write much on any one topic, plus I love offering a bit of information that readers might find useful. Oh, well -- I'll just take the opportunity on Saturday morning to write Friday's 'notes'. Here goes:
1. I just spent a few frantic moments trying to remember why I didn't write yesterday. I did remember -- I was watching a video (yoga, of course); more therapeutic in nature, by Gary Kraftsow. Not sure how he fits in the scheme of Anusara® technique, but there are obviously things I can 'borrow' and use. Movement that will help students and that can be adapted. The video was about upper and lower back issues. Just hearing his description of causes, types of pain, back mechanics, etc., was good for me.
2. This week I was hit with awareness - from Monday's night class with Tiffany until yesterday (and, perhaps, beyond) - the word 'awareness' kept moving into my field -- either through verbal transmission, reading, or practicing. One very powerful awareness for me came in the form of my own legs.
To explain, Cindy's theory about my lack of success in kicking up is that my hamstring muscles are tight, which means they are weak, leaving no 'kick' in my kick.. No argument with the tight part, but I had not thought of them as weak. So, since she mentioned this phenomenon, I've been doing work to strengthen and lengthen them (probably something I should have been doing for years; but, no one ever said it to me like that before).
As I participated in the Pilates class Thursday, another revelation -- weak abductor muscles!!! So, hips are weak, also. More work. The good part? I have goals, I know specifics to work on -- that always makes me a happier camper.
3. Teaching this week felt stiff, until yesterday. Not sure why -- maybe out of practice after almost two weeks away. The absence also decimates class attendance - blahhhh! Yesterday, however, I went in prepared -- my stuff, plus a few new things I adapted from the Kraftsow video. The students in class struggle with low back, hip and SI joint issues, so what I 'adapted' offered them specific things to work on. Unlike 99% of the classes I teach, I did a few of these hip strengtheners with them -- need it.
4. I attended The Practice last night at my studio. Fun and laughter were present throughout the room; plus some challenging poses offered. Let's just say, there were some glistening droplets of perspiration adorning my mat about 10 minutes into the actual practice. I am always amazed that I can work up a good 'sweat' doing what seem to be simple (and slow) things. For me, it demonstrates that I am truly working within my body - this 'glistening' represents my whole body's active participation in the poses. I don't have to move fast, never pausing, never 'thinking' (horrors) -- I just have to apply myself.
5. I'm going through my notes, looking for something to offer and I keep seeing these phrases:
1. I just spent a few frantic moments trying to remember why I didn't write yesterday. I did remember -- I was watching a video (yoga, of course); more therapeutic in nature, by Gary Kraftsow. Not sure how he fits in the scheme of Anusara® technique, but there are obviously things I can 'borrow' and use. Movement that will help students and that can be adapted. The video was about upper and lower back issues. Just hearing his description of causes, types of pain, back mechanics, etc., was good for me.
2. This week I was hit with awareness - from Monday's night class with Tiffany until yesterday (and, perhaps, beyond) - the word 'awareness' kept moving into my field -- either through verbal transmission, reading, or practicing. One very powerful awareness for me came in the form of my own legs.
To explain, Cindy's theory about my lack of success in kicking up is that my hamstring muscles are tight, which means they are weak, leaving no 'kick' in my kick.. No argument with the tight part, but I had not thought of them as weak. So, since she mentioned this phenomenon, I've been doing work to strengthen and lengthen them (probably something I should have been doing for years; but, no one ever said it to me like that before).
As I participated in the Pilates class Thursday, another revelation -- weak abductor muscles!!! So, hips are weak, also. More work. The good part? I have goals, I know specifics to work on -- that always makes me a happier camper.
3. Teaching this week felt stiff, until yesterday. Not sure why -- maybe out of practice after almost two weeks away. The absence also decimates class attendance - blahhhh! Yesterday, however, I went in prepared -- my stuff, plus a few new things I adapted from the Kraftsow video. The students in class struggle with low back, hip and SI joint issues, so what I 'adapted' offered them specific things to work on. Unlike 99% of the classes I teach, I did a few of these hip strengtheners with them -- need it.
4. I attended The Practice last night at my studio. Fun and laughter were present throughout the room; plus some challenging poses offered. Let's just say, there were some glistening droplets of perspiration adorning my mat about 10 minutes into the actual practice. I am always amazed that I can work up a good 'sweat' doing what seem to be simple (and slow) things. For me, it demonstrates that I am truly working within my body - this 'glistening' represents my whole body's active participation in the poses. I don't have to move fast, never pausing, never 'thinking' (horrors) -- I just have to apply myself.
5. I'm going through my notes, looking for something to offer and I keep seeing these phrases:
- Keep it simple.
- Go back to the basics.
- See the beauty first.
- Remember the source.
- You must be strong to become flexible.
- Every student is a gift.
Finally, I saw the entry 'doing something more advanced allows us to do the more basic with more awareness'. That explains a long-standing memory - Noah in a workshop, teaching challenging poses. When through with a series, he asked for questions - one was asked (not by me): "why did you sequence with the less challenging pose following the more difficult one". There's the answer -- doing something more advanced allowed us to step back and do the less challenging pose with more integrity, more awareness. Gotta love it. (I also think it is a good thing to end on a successful note - so, I credit Noah with that same thought process -- offering workshop attendees a chance to end the series feeling good about the effort expended.)
Have a nice Saturday and weekend,
Thursday, August 12, 2010
PONDERING WHAT TO WRITE . . .
Ever have a day (or morning) when there are thoughts percolating so rapidly that it's difficult to focus. That would describe me right now. I think of something to write about, then forget or get distracted, come back to it - only to be distracted again.
I just received a Facebook message from a friend who is on an incredible journey -- loaded her car with baggage and cat, and headed out on a road trip. She's at her destination with only one minor glitch - the cat got sick for a couple days, postponing travel as the cat recovered. Fortunately, the cat chose to get sick where the scenery is beautiful, there is a great yoga studio and a wonderful ayurvedic specialist (and a good vet); so their time spent as cat recovered was not wasted.
Why tell you all this? This friend spent several months incapacitated with an illness recently. So ill, that her regular yoga practice was interrupted -- much to her dismay. At that time, she asked me for thoughts on how to deal with this turn of events.
Upon reflection, I remembered a similar situation (different friend), who - due to an injury - was bedridden for several months. JF's advice to this person was "do your practice; do your practice in your mind".
I shared JF's advice with the traveling friend. She has since told me that the advice was helpful. She's back to her regular physical practice, and though she worried she would be 'rusty' at it - she wasn't; she credits the 'mental movement' for carrying her through the physically inactive phase of her life.
As I sit here, I just tried it -- moving through a sun salutation in my mind. Interesting how the breath immediately sync'd up with the 'mental movement'. I became more relaxed, my breath deepened.
And, I'm sharing this with you because I think - especially with 3 examples (my 2 friends and myself) - that it can be a healing tool. Not just to carry us through times when we worry our practice may get 'rusty', but also as a means to calm a mind that may be confined in a less-than-mobile situation. A means for even the mobile to get their yoga in, if only in their mind.
So, try it -- I think I may incorporate some 'mental movement' into my days when long waits or stressful situations are involved (DMV, dental or doctor appointments - like that).
Today the schedule looks like:
House & studio work (paperwork / cleaning) in the a.m.
Pilates with Cindy
Teaching YogaHour at 4 pm
Hope your Thursday is a good one,
I just received a Facebook message from a friend who is on an incredible journey -- loaded her car with baggage and cat, and headed out on a road trip. She's at her destination with only one minor glitch - the cat got sick for a couple days, postponing travel as the cat recovered. Fortunately, the cat chose to get sick where the scenery is beautiful, there is a great yoga studio and a wonderful ayurvedic specialist (and a good vet); so their time spent as cat recovered was not wasted.
Why tell you all this? This friend spent several months incapacitated with an illness recently. So ill, that her regular yoga practice was interrupted -- much to her dismay. At that time, she asked me for thoughts on how to deal with this turn of events.
Upon reflection, I remembered a similar situation (different friend), who - due to an injury - was bedridden for several months. JF's advice to this person was "do your practice; do your practice in your mind".
I shared JF's advice with the traveling friend. She has since told me that the advice was helpful. She's back to her regular physical practice, and though she worried she would be 'rusty' at it - she wasn't; she credits the 'mental movement' for carrying her through the physically inactive phase of her life.
As I sit here, I just tried it -- moving through a sun salutation in my mind. Interesting how the breath immediately sync'd up with the 'mental movement'. I became more relaxed, my breath deepened.
And, I'm sharing this with you because I think - especially with 3 examples (my 2 friends and myself) - that it can be a healing tool. Not just to carry us through times when we worry our practice may get 'rusty', but also as a means to calm a mind that may be confined in a less-than-mobile situation. A means for even the mobile to get their yoga in, if only in their mind.
So, try it -- I think I may incorporate some 'mental movement' into my days when long waits or stressful situations are involved (DMV, dental or doctor appointments - like that).
Today the schedule looks like:
House & studio work (paperwork / cleaning) in the a.m.
Pilates with Cindy
Teaching YogaHour at 4 pm
Hope your Thursday is a good one,
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