THREE COMMENTS

Three comments -- all about the same; same person?  Same issue, for sure.  No matter, I'll try to describe my experience with the hyoid bone (a small horseshoe-shaped bone that sits at the front of our throats and anchors our tongue; where skull and shoulder loop intersect).

Three weeks ago, when I had a true breakthrough on urdhva dhanurasana, it was because I finally 'heard' JF say take my head back and look more towards my hands and feet as I moved from the top of my head.  At first, it was like a slow motion elevator.  Perhaps that was because I could hardly believe it was happening, I was experiencing 'lift off'; not having to struggle to get 3-4 inches away from the floor, but truly experiencing my shoulder blades assisting in the lift.

So, since then, I've continued to do that - take my head back; and, each time it gets easier.

FYI, I put the word 'heard' in quotes, because I know I have been told this by many teachers; for some reason, this time I 'heard' it and I was able to execute it.  

The past week, with Sundari in Wyoming, we spent days working shoulder loop, and on Sunday did get to the backbends.  In ustrasana, her instructions went like something this:

• Inner body bright (from hips to arm pits get long)
• Gaze forward, move your hyoid bone back
• Begin to move shoulder loop
• Once again, re-emphasize inner body bright
• Your gaze is still forward, hyoid bone engaged
• Shoulder loop begins to spin a bit faster
• Heart lifting, as you begin to lift your gaze and extend the occiput
• Shoulder loop spinning faster
• Inner body expanding
• Gaze moving back; hyoid bone toned and occiput extending
• repeat, repeat, repeat

Before I knew it, my hands were on my ankles without the usual collapse on one side, just a nice ride back.  

Then, we moved to urdhva dhanurasana. Her first instruction, soften.  Simply place my feet and hands, then allow the arm pits to move to the floor. Engage the hyoid bone (how? press my occiput into the floor), keep that engagement as I press hands into the floor and lift to top of head.  With hyoid toned, top of head pressing into the floor (this is the occiput extending), re-position hands as needed, and begin the journey to urdhva dhanurasana.  Do take gaze back further towards hands and feet, but do not lose the tone of the hyoid. Once we disconnect form the hyoid, we disconnect kidney and shoulder loop (this info, thanks to Wayne).  Wow! How many times do we have to hear something for it to begin to stick?  Many, I guess.

Not sure about 'anonymous' or 'imagine', but this works for me.  Almost effortlessly, I've been rising into urdhva dhanurasana each time that instruction is given. Once again, this is something I've heard again and again, different verbiage depending on the instructor. I finally 'heard' it.  

So, give it a try. Let me know if anything changes.  

Enjoy your evening,

AHHH, PAINTERS

Gotta love 'em, tho. I would not want to be doing any of this myself. What do I mean? That, even tho the inside of my house is coming back together; now, the painters are on the outside.  That should be easy; but, only if you have no dogs.

I came home last night (gone from 9-6, while painters were doing their thing - sealing & staining the deck, touching up the trim paint, preparing doors for painting). My two dogs had spent the day in the basement (or lower level). I released them from their confinement, ready to set them free in the back yard, only to find the sliders to the deck tarped over! What does that mean? No traffic on the deck allowed. My alternative, now, is to walk them every so often so they can relieve themselves.

We used to do this 24/7 in San Diego, because of the living situation we were in (condo with patio, no yard). Funny how you fall out of patterns and into easier ones.

Up early this morning to two 'hoppin' dogs ready and eager to relieve themselves. What? A mini-walk at 5:15 am? You've got to be kidding me! We did it, tho, and I can now enjoy my coffee, my time.  We'll take a longer walk in a couple hours when the sun begins to rise.

What does this have to do with teaching yoga?  Nothing!  Just taking the opportunity to vent a bit.

Except that there may be some stories and themes in here. Let's go back and examine.

1. Do we have habits? Yes. Habits we ought to change? Yes. Well, there you go - a theme. A favorite quote that might apply: "we make our habits, then our habits make us". Now, why do we want to change?  (attach a spiritual/philosophical reason here).
2. Push the envelope, but not too far. In several instances, I've stressed these two dogs to their limits -- yesterday from 9-6, and last night. We do want to grow, expand, but not at the risk of resultant negative consequences (you get my drift).  Why?
3. Obviously, they needed a little more time to run and play during the day. Not one of the two main reasons we do yoga (chit ananda / awareness & beauty), but a good one in my book -- play.  Usually these dogs wake up a bit slowly; this morning, they were excited and eager to get out of this house -- and, I found, not just to relieve themselves.  More to get a breath of fresh air and move around a bit -- play.  Why?
4. If I take care of my business or the practicalities (walking the dogs), I have time. We could stretch this a bit and apply it to our yoga practice; like - if I approach the practice with purpose and love, I will align more skillfully. The poses will become more accessible.  Why do I care if this happens?

Notice I left the 'whys?' blank. I could have filled in my reasons, but we each have our own and they will ultimately bring us back to a connection with our heart and the divine, but I will say it differently than you.

Things went almost as planned yesterday.  Class with Wayne was great -- the urdhvas get easier and easier. I even think my arms are becoming straight, and I was able to lift one heel, then the other, on the third urdhva dhanurasana. Think hyoid bone. Curious?  Ask me. (All I can think through this past few weeks, is about the difference one small adjustment or piece of knowledge can make -- think 12 years of working at this pose.)

The semi-private turned into a private, and just a short one. One of the duo must have knee surgery; so, they will put yoga on hold until after that happens - doctor's advice. I'm disappointed; there are many things we could do that don't involve the knee and would be beneficial - especially in the shoulder/neck region. But, it's their decision.

Yoga Hour was fun; a small group and - for just the second time - I taught urdhva dhanurasana. One student had not been able to push up the previous time. This visit, using hyoid bone technique, urdhva #1 was done with slight pressure in the shoulder blade region from my fist; #2 and #3 were done without help. Hoo-Ray!  Another student commented that, even though she has been able to do the pose, the way out of the pose has always been a mystery to her. We cleared that up; how? (from Sundari)  chin towards chest, bend elbows, head and shoulders to floor, hips to floor - smooth.

Interesting that students don't know the way OUT of challenging poses.  Something to think about.

Today's schedule:  

• Gentle Yoga, 10 am, at The Yoga Center
• My own private with Adam, early afternoon
• Home time

Have a great day,

RUNNING BEHIND

On time, that is.  I spent yesterday doing laundry, resting, taking my cat to the vet, doing laundry, re-aligning some of the house, doing laundry, resting, doing laundry, answering phone messages and e-mails, doing laundry -- notice a pattern here?  There was no Good Fairy residing at home 'doing laundry' for me while I was gone; plus I brought a good bit home with me (laundry, that is). The Good Fairy (in the form of my husband, Howard) did, however, keep the house picked up and took care of clearing out and cleaning the living room -- which had become a repository of sorts for all the stuff we moved in order to paint. So, thank you for that.

I was not able, after all, to attend Tiffany's class; just didn't fit into the scheme of things.  Maybe Wednesday.

Since I had offered to send out the list of attendees at our Therapy training, with contact information, I spent some of the day catching up on e-mail conversations with a few of those people.  One of the things I found challenging about this path is that everyone is pretty focused on their work and - when not in trainings or workshops - you can feel somewhat alone.  Thank goodness Sundari has been my mentor; since she and I formalized our relationship, she has never left me with that feeling (you can imagine my panic when I heard she was going to Maui for the winter).  Even before, when we did not have the formal mentor/student relationship, she was always willing to answer questions or discuss 'stuff'.

How did I counter than 'alone' feeling when it did come up?  For me, the answer has been to step out of my comfort zone and ask questions, do research, find the people who do have time to talk.  So, one of my goals is to emulate Sundari's efforts; hence, this blog and - also - a willingness to answer questions, discuss things, figure out how to move in and thru this extensive and very thorough training process.  And, as a result, I learn more. I benefit and I hope others do, as well.

I can become pretty isolated if I just think "I'll figure it out" and then - even worse - I keep that information all to myself.  Not that I shout things from the rooftops, but I will share what I've learned, if asked.  And, that's a biggie -- sometimes I have to ask.  Not easy, it may reveal that I don't know something, or I missed the memo, or I didn't pay attention. Lots of 'ego' wrapped up there.

Wow, as I write and read, I realize I've forgotten how to write.  This sounds like a sermon.  But, for now, I'll leave it.  It will remind me what and how not to write.

Today?
    Wayne's Level 1-2, 9:30 at The Yoga Center
    Semi-Private at 2:30 (I'm teaching)
    Inbetween stuff -- laundry (more?), paperwork at the studio, etc.

Have a terrific Tuesday,

HOME AGAIN, FULL

Yes, full.  Full of new (and refreshed) information, full of new (and refreshed) friends, full of passion - passion for teaching, passion for my students, passion for this practice of Anusara® yoga.

I returned this evening from 5 days in Wyoming (Granite Hot Springs area), where 20 women (students and teachers) gathered to study Therapeutics with Certified Anusara® yoga instructor, Sundari.

First, here's the scene:  the Safari Club outside Jackson, WY - a compound with facilities to accommodate groups for meetings, meals, sleeping, etc.  We arrived Tuesday, late afternoon, and unloaded to settle into our space.  We were all housed in the main building of the compound. The upstairs sleeping area was designated "quiet", so when we went up there, talk was minimal and then at a whisper level.  Downstairs was the practice room, dining area, library, office, etc.  Great space.

Tuesday evening, we had a great dinner prepared by Marcia (a wonderfully creative cook and yoga teacher from Lander, WY), then Sundari introduced us and explained a few 'ground rules' -- things like when you go for a walk, you must sign out and in, and take a can of bear mace with you.  Other, less scary, things included our schedule for each day, evening activities, biomat usage, hot springs info, etc.

Each day included meditation and pranayama from 7am-7:45 am; then breakfast from 8-9:15 am. At 9:15 am, we convened for 3 hours of practice and lecture. Lunch promptly at 12:30, time for walks or hot springs or whatever, and we re-convened at 3:45 for another 3 hours of practice/lecture. Dinner followed. Tuesday and Wednesday night, sleep followed dinner.  The next two nights, we were treated to videos - one the Anusara® video on Transformation; the other, Anodea Judith's new video, co-created with her son, on the cakra system. Saturday night was campfire night -- lots of hooping and hollering, sans alcohol!  (sans = without) I am sure the hunters camping in the area were wondering 'what in the world?'.

I have attended many trainings on this journey, including multiple therapy trainings.  All have been great with good information and teaching. This one, however, was special. Imagine 20 women studying with an exceptional teacher and really diving into the therapeutics of yoga. It was palpably outstanding.  Enough said - for now.

I'm typing my notes -- still have today's to translate from scribbles to legible, typewritten format. Once done, I may write more about the substance of the training - or, you might have to read each Friday and watch for 'tips'.

So, tomorrow?

• Back to the routine 
• Paperwork
• Class with Tiffany

Hope you have a great day,

SHE'S OFF (Again)

Yes, I am off to another training -- 3 this year, whew!  But, going to Wyoming to study therapeutics with Sundari for 5 days will be very helpful and, with her going to Maui for the winter, I felt it important to do this training.  It is interesting how we each pick and choose what we study, and how our choices change over the years.

So, this is short; just to tell you that I'll be off-line for the next 5 days. (No coverage in the place we'll be; there is a land line and a computer there, so I  might surprise you -- no promises, tho.)

Good subs planned, so if you're a student who attends my classes, you will be well taken care of.

Enjoy your week!

'GOOD STUFF' SALE DAY

Today's the day (actually, this morning's the morning) that I'm having my "Good Stuff" Sale. Everything is laying in the entry, or on the sides of the garage, or in the side yards, waiting to be moved into place.  As soon as this is written and I've had a second cup of coffee (and it gets a bit lighter out), I'll start moving stuff into place.  I wonder who will show (or, if anyone will show).  My advertising is minimal, and the fact that it's just happening Sunday morning 8-12, may hamper attendance; we'll see.  No matter, it's a step towards de-cluttering.

Friday's Gentle Class was smaller, but no less fun. One long-time student returned from a cruise, and her sense of humor always adds to the fun mix ('Gentle, my a_ _!', she's been heard to utter in class.). These are the moments that will encourage me to print out my first 500 posts to this blog -- as a reminder of the really fun and enriching times I've experienced teaching yoga.

Friday afternoon was filled with cleaning (do you get the impression my house has been 'neglected' over the past couple years?), window coverings were returned, painter came to look at our deck which is in dire need of a sealing.  Then, the fun stuff, more yoga -- returned to The Yoga Center to participate in the weekly practice that Jen leads. What am I noticing these day?  The weight loss definitely enhances the feel of many poses. My hamstrings are stronger.  Once at the wall in handstand, I can stay there for longer and longer. There was more, but the list could get pretty long, so I'll stop here.

Do we think there is an "Anusara® Secret Shopper" network out there? I wonder. (FYI, a 'secret shopper' is a method employed by retail and service industries to ensure clients receive good service. They hire someone to shop and to report back.) O.K. - so why my question? I received a call in the midst of the Friday afternoon hubbub at the house, from a gentleman who had injured his back. He called for advice. After telling him he ought to see a physician, I tried to talk him through postural alignment and a couple things that might offer relief. A few more questions left me wondering; the capper? his e-mail address (I offered to send a link to JF's internet videos on back issues and posture). It included the word 'grace'. Maybe there isn't a network; just wondering, tho.

Saturday began with an early morning private. Student mentioned that her arms were weak, validated by a test her chiropractor performed. So, we did "L" at the wall -- no, not standing down dog, but the preparation for handstand. I think it's important for people to see they may not be as weak as someone else tells them they are. And, while I realize handstand is not a process of arm strength, the confidence you need can be easily deflated IF you think you're weak. First attempt, a face plant of sorts (whoops!); second attempt, both feet on wall, "L" beginning to form; then, she asked for a third go at it -- plant hands, lift hips, lift feet onto wall, move into pose -- easy as that.  Good stuff!  Better yet, she was beaming from ear to ear with excitement and amazement.

Level 1 students arrived. Not many will ask for specific things, nor do I always ask. This morning, I asked. Request for work at the wall. Which we did -- chest openers, wall dog, wall parsottonasan, modified Warrior I (block between knee and wall), modified parsvokonasan (top hand pressing into wall), chair pose (backside against wall), chair pose twist (backside against wall), full expression of vrksasana (foot on inner thigh, backside against wall for stability). Then 'L' pose for them, also -- each did it at least twice.  While we do many of these poses in the middle of the room routinely, the involvement of the wall offers stability and opening that may not happen otherwise. More good stuff!

Left for a bite of lunch, then returned to give a short talk to teacher training students on heart languaging, and my "Road to Certification" journey.  Appreciate being invited to do this; another 'comfort zone expansion' moment.

Today?  
    "Good Stuff" Sale - 9-12 noon
    Sort the leftovers for donation
    Rest, relax, read, whatever

Hope you enjoy your Sunday,

FABULOUS FRIDAYS

Well, what better title for a post as I sit looking out at the morning sky, the lights of the city sparkling back at me through CLEAN windows.  Good stuff!

Despite the cleaning, re-alignment of household articles, and sorting that I've been doing, I have to say it's been a good week. I've accomplished a lot at home, I've taught some great classes with wonderful students,  and the private sessions I've taught have been 'over the top'.

Here's the weekly rundown, in case you just read this on Fridays for the 'tip':

1.   Saturday's private was fun (this is the one I almost forgot!?!??!) - client new-to-yoga and struggling with chronic fatigue and a back/neck issue.  I find as I work with this person that the breath and the action of moving from our heart, our core, are very powerful. Chronic fatigue watch out, as we work with these two elements.

2.   Sunday -- house stuff and lunch with Howard (husband) at Sundance, after a leisurely drive through the Alpine Loop enjoying the Fall color.

3.   Monday -- more house stuff (broken record), then a semi-private session with the stiffer-than-some couple.  This was their second session with me and they were more relaxed (as was I).  We moved, we laughed a bit, we shared one or two sarcastic comments (yes, an Anusara-Inspired™ instructor can be sarcastic - in the right setting). I suppose you could say that's the chemistry between student and teacher evolving; we learn about each other, our likes and dislikes, our tolerance for jokes, our desire to be serious and hard working. From that knowledge, I can begin to interlace the teaching and the teaching becomes more meaningful, for me and them.

Then, class with Tiffany. Like I said earlier - language, technical skill, theme/heart quality, fun, feeling good --- all were present during and after class.

4.  Tuesday -- subbed for Wayne, more house stuff (br -broken record), back to teach the huge (for me and for 4 pm) Yoga Hour class. Yoga Hour's have evolved into a fun, relaxed 60 minutes of yoga. We just do it, and it appears to be working. Teachers and students love it.

5.  Wednesday -- house stuff (br), Gentle Yoga, my own private session with Adam, the second (but, third overall) semi-private for the stiffer-than-some-but-getting-looser couple (I even got a joke with Cajun accent, no less). A very rewarding day.

6.   Thursday -- tons of house stuff (br), then Pilates, then another Yoga Hour class. FYI, Leslie has been on a diet of sorts (actually, just cutting down on the amount and changing the type of food I eat), and I've lost about 12 pounds. Everything -- house stuff, yoga, pilates -- everything gets easier without those extra pounds.

7.   So, it's Friday -- taking a moment to write this before some more house stuff (br), before going in to teach Gentle Yoga. We worked spanda Wednesday; maybe we'll go for purna today -- full on, perfect, complete (with some spanda thrown in).

8.   Tip:  I remember when I started teaching, how easy it was to teach -- to talk, to do, to move through a practice. I often rarely looked at the students. Probably because it was hard to speak and describe without doing. Also, I now realize, it's hard to look at students who are looking back at you with questioning gazes, grimaces, perhaps a smile now and then.

I started the process of NOT practicing with students by simply removing the mat from my teaching space.  I have 2 blankets on which I sit during the beginning and during savasana.  I also place the props I want students to use next to the blankets. (That way when students arrive, they can see what they may need, and they prepare their space similarly (though they do have a mat).) The rest of the time I am up, moving in and around students. Occasionally I demo or ask someone to demo a pose. I rarely do the poses. One exception - a new student -- then I will do a few things, but not much.

And, thank goodness, standing up and taking in the class gets easier. I serve the students better - they know I'm watching. It also becomes fun to field the gazes, grimaces, smiles, etc. -- why? it expands my comfort zone boundaries a lot. Love it.

Today?
     Gentle Yoga, 10 am at The Yoga Center
     More house stuff (br)
     Practice with Jen at 5:40 pm, back at The Yoga Center

Enjoy your fabulous Friday,