FEELING STRONGER EVERY DAY

Is that a line from a song?  Can't remember, but it could be if it isn't. I notice this (feeling stronger) each time I practice -- especially in the past couple weeks. It has to have something to do with losing some weight and also practicing more; working on those skills.  I don't want to place too much emphasis on the weight loss, but it is part of the equation (not that I've lost that much; but enough to notice my belly doesn't get in the way like it used to (or hang out, like it used to; clothes also fit better).

Sheldon's class yesterday was great -- he does a very good job of handling different skill levels, asking everyone for their level of practice -- and, not underestimating the skills of the newer-to-yoga practitioner in the room. It took me a long time to get over 'babying' the newer person. People really are stronger than I (or they) think and, unless there is a physical issue there, they probably are able to do much more than I sometimes give them credit for.

The rest of the day, Sunday? We raked some leaves, took the bags to the community collection spot; then took ourselves out for lunch (got to have a reward for this industrious work). Then home to sit by the fire, watch a little football, read, relax.

Today?

• Running one car in for service this morning
• Subbing for Michael, 5:40 pm, at The Yoga Center

Hope you enjoy your Monday (sorry this is so short, rushing to get in for the car appointment),

ABOUT THE PICTURE

We all have favorite moments, moments we'd love to have chronicled with a photograph -- the photo I posted in yesterday's blog came from one of mine (thank you, BJ).

And, why did I post it? The day before, I had shared the recent article about JF in which there is the short story and photo of an 82-year-old doing an assisted drop-back. The Gentle Yoga class I was teaching seemed impressed and there were expressions of "not me", "not in this lifetime", like that. I told them my story about being in a workshop and being selected for a dropback demo (just one guy - JF - doing it) because I was / am stiffer than most in the room.

At the time of this photo, pushing up to urdhva dhanurasana (wheel) was not in my repertoire of poses. Not even sure I could easily get to the top of my head; I could do a 'killer' bridge pose, however.  That's why I look so happy in the photo --  I had never viewed a room from this perspective.

I was not lying when I mentioned serendipity yesterday. As I edited yesterday's post, I was looking for a feature in the editing bar and clicked on the photo icon. Up came 3 photos in the box alongside the post; one of them was this. Wow, talk about a coincidence! Therefore, I just had to post it.  A great memory.  (FYI, if you told me to go to my photo file and find the photo I published, it might take me many minutes and be filled with frustration; so, having it pop up like that was truly amazing.)

Yesterday went much as planned.  I taught at 9 am -- enough people in the room to video (Hooray!). I am not sure about the video, tho -- why? From the first lunge, things were different. Students were stepping back further, their back legs were straighter, their front knee was bent to 90 degrees, they were on their fingertips -- in other words, as close to perfect as I've seen -- and everyone was doing it! From that moment on, I was in a sort of marvel-state. Poses unfolded as I tried to remember things like:

• Go back to the theme (tho, I did do it on occasion)
• Touch on the 5 alignment principles in 50% of the poses (I tried)
• Use creative, dynamic language (I tried, but - to tell the truth - this class brought me close to tears of appreciation)
• Demo using your heart quality / theme (I can't remember if I even thought about it -- will have to go check)
• I had a plan written out, but I'm pretty sure if I go re-read it, I didn't stick with it (not sure that that's such a big deal, so long as the class moves along appropriately for the apex pose - which I believe it did)
• Etc., etc., etc.

It was just that enjoyable watching this group of students give me their all, watch them infuse their poses and practice with the sri we always talk about. 

There is the possibility that I taught a class that resonated with what was going on in their lives, and that was the catalyst for the poses offered. Whatever.  I couldn't have been happier. If this video goes anywhere, I'm sure the smiles on my face will be as big as the one in the urdhva picture. 

So, what about today?

• Would love to attend Sheldon's class at 8 am at The Yoga Center; got to see what Howard has planned.
• Some laundry, some more housework, some leaves to rake and dispose of

Have a great Sunday,

A GENTLE NUDGE

Up very early; not sure why - just woke up.  So, here I am - a bit sleepy, but up nevertheless.

After writing my post yesterday, I did remember that it was Friday and that Fridays are dedicated to 'notes'. Well, what I wrote was important to get off my chest and out to the world, so I decided to leave it.  Today, Saturday, will be 'notes' day.  Executive decision.

Writing about a workshop was a good idea. Why? Because I now am talking about it. I checked in with other Anusara-Inspired™ instructors in town about conflicts.  None and, hopefully, I get the same consideration.  I do realize that that coordination of schedules is required for visiting presenters, not local stuff; but, it's a good habit - at least in my mind.

But, first -- this is for my Gentle Yoga students:  I shared the story of how I'm in a workshop in San Diego a few years ago; JF looks around the room, saying "I need someone a bit stiffer" with eyes meeting mine, I knew what was in store. This image just popped up; how's that for serendipity?

Now, back to the thought, at hand:

Once I put something out to the Universe, the wheels begin to spin a bit faster I've noticed.  For example, the gentle nudge I mentioned in the title? Jen calling to ask if I'd stand in for her at our weekly practice last night. No conflicts, no reason to say 'no', other than I've never led a practice before! I said yes, spent a leisurely afternoon doing whatever, only to find myself later that afternoon at my computer researching and typing a sequence. What did I learn? That I need to know more of the Sanskrit names for the more challenging poses -- I don't teach many of them, I practice them (or attempt to practice them) only when I'm in a workshop situation -- therefore, I don't know them very well.  As I typed, I consoled myself with the thought:  it might be good for everyone to step back to the basics. I also reminded myself that it is a practice -- we all can contribute ideas.

With those thoughts in mind, I stepped into the room with 5 other brave souls - only two who I had met before. A brief query about desires for a practice direction, a few questions about injuries, etc., and we were off.

And? It was fun. It was challenging. For example, I've spent many years teaching without practicing alongside the students -- this was hard to let go of now.  Thank goodness for the mirrors. I could watch for major, injury-producing misalignments, and offer suggestions, without having to turn and look or come out of the poses to check everyone. Even though it was a practice, I still felt a responsibility to keep everyone as safe as possible.

We also stuck with the basics -- moving in and out of the poses many of us do almost every day. But, for me, there was more openness, more extension from the focal point -- something I've been working on and something I talked a bit about as we began.  The apex -- parvritta trichonasana (no clasp).

All right, back to 'notes'. If you're curious you can go back and read the week's posts -- no need to summarize them today. But, what about the tip?  Well . . .

I looked back to notes from an Intensive from Tucson (the last one for that venue, 2009 -- so sad).  Since videos are on my mind these days, I found this list of 'missing' pieces that JF repeatedly sees in videos:

• Missing:  Going back to the heart quality / theme repeatedly in the class.
• Missing:  Checking that everyone is in the general shape of the pose before proceeding.
• Missing:  Checking everyone's foundation (go to the 'red flag' first). Give students a moment to simply breathe while you do this, no need to talk.
• Missing:  Making sure an instruction is being carried out. (I know I've written this before -- when I ask for something, I better be sure I'm ready to enforce it, or - as I've heard Christina say - 'if you don't care if they do it, don't ask'.  
• Missing:  Saying why it matters; and how it connects to the highest (a biggie for me).  

Lots of 'balls to juggle' as I teach.  And, this isn't all -- just think of the things I do get into the video; ultimate multi-tasking!

It's Saturday; what's on the agenda?

• Teaching Level 1 at 9 am at The Yoga Center
• Errands, groceries, laundry

Happy Birthday to Maria Cristina!  

Everyone else, have a great day, 

WHAT HOLDS ME BACK?

What does hold me back?  This question is at the forefront this morning because, even though I am moving forward on my path towards Certification, I seek out challenging trainings, I push myself in my practice, there are still 'sticking' points.  Places I avoid, places I don't allow me to see myself occupying.

Like what? Well, in the past few weeks, I've thought to myself "self, you ought to offer a workshop - it's about time". Whoa, now that's stepping out of the comfort zone. But, it IS time. So, what's holding me back? Many things. Things that reveal insecurities, like 'maybe no one will attend', 'what/how do I fill 2+ hours', 'what would I teach', 'what would the workshop name be', 'what would the focus be', 'could I really do it' - to name some.

Yesterday, I took a big step towards this out-of-the-comfort-zone goal. I asked two good friends (Sundari & Cindy) what they thought. Response? Yeah! Do it! Don't stop, go for it!

So, I will.  Having said (written) that, I am now pretty committed. If I don't do it, I really look like a wimp, like a coward.

THEREFORE, ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON IN DECEMBER (December 11, maybe), LESLIE SALMON WILL OFFER HER FIRST-EVER YOGA WORKSHOP !!!

This will be a 2-3 hour event, offered at The Yoga Center, in the afternoon.  We'll see what we shall see in terms of interest, attendance, etc.  All I know is that I've stepped out of the box labeled 'comfort zone' again. (It would be so easy to just sit in that box. Just sayin'.)

I just finished writing some ideas for workshop names, a brief description of why people should attend, some quotes that will come in handy as I plan, my info. There's a big 'blank' in the middle of all this. The 'blank'? The actual workshop plan -- the poses I will teach based on my initial ideas of workshop name and description.  But, now that the wheels are beginning to move off the slick tracks and onto the deeper, grippier part of the road, there's momentum. The plan will come.

What's holding me back now? Not much. Many of the same 'concerns' are there -- will people attend is one that will nag me until the day of the workshop. If I spend too much time lingering there, I will never move off the 'dime'. So, what happens - happens.

For the rest of today:

• Taking my cats in to be boarded for the weekend - one has something going on health-wise, so it's better that he be observed by the vet for a couple days.  The other one, well these cats are 'joined at the hip', so he'll go along for the 'vacation', as I'm calling it.
• MUST be at the studio by 9 am to meet the person who will put my swamp cooler to bed for the winter.  
• Teaching Gentle Yoga at 10 am at The Yoga Center
• Mail some packages and run any other needed errands

Hope your day's a good one.  

ONCE AGAIN

Yes, once again I am hearing it.  'You are strong and stable enough, now soften.' I teach it, I think I'm practicing it, but - in a private yesterday - I am hearing it again.

And, when I let myself soften I see that I am much more flexible that I give myself credit for.  Where does it come from?  That focal point revelation I mentioned a couple posts back.  Example:  In a standing pose like trichonasana (triangle), I am able to feel the hugging in to the pelvic focal point - rooting back down through the legs - and the associated rise that happens as a result of the rooting, out of the pelvis.  That rise offers the freedom to expand in the pose.  Not a 'floppy' freedom, but freedom, nevertheless.

Where did I first hear it?  In Austin, at a retreat with JF, about 5 years ago. He really hammered it to the group, and - I think I remember - a personal entreaty (def. earnest request) directed at me. Otherwise, I might not be remembering it quite so clearly.

Then, when did I hear it again? At the recent JF Immersion in Park City. Practicing next to Sundari, in padangusthasana (a dvesha pose for me, but getting easier). I'm struggling (as usual), and I hear a whisper voice "root down, rise up" -- Sundari, of course. What happened? For me, the pose grew as much as I can grow it these days. A very effective whisper.

In the interim, I've begun to 'feel' it as I practice -- the effect of the stable foundation, rooting down. And then, the successive rise.

Now, third time's a charm -- from Adam, yesterday. His question of me "do you feel strong and stable in your poses?" Answer, "yes". Then his response "you are strong and stable, now let's work on some freedom -- root down and extend out".

So, that's what we worked on.  Establishing the foundation, then allowing the extension to happen from the focal point. Good stuff.

I am continually amazed by the wealth of knowledge that the more experienced instructors have. As I sat listening, I wondered 'will I ever get to that point'. Well, yes, it's just that I'm getting a later start on the learning process, right? right!

For any readers who do not practice yoga (or Anusara® yoga), in Anusara® we work with 3 possible focal points -- the pelvis, the heart, and/or the upper palate. In every pose, there is one of these active depending on it's proximity to the foundation.  For example, in standing poses, the pelvis is the focal point; in a pose like headstand, the upper palate is the focal point; in a pose like urdhva dhanurasana (wheel backbend), the heart is usually the focal point (note that it can shift to the pelvis, depending on the practitioner's range of motion in this pose).  So, when you're standing in the grocery line, pull energy up your legs from your feet to your pelvis (lift your toes, you'll feel the muscles in your legs begin to fire) - imagine a small orb in your pelvis collecting energy - send the energy back down your legs - now send energy from the 'orb' up to your head.  I'll bet you feel something.  If not, and you're curious -- try a yoga class (preferably Anusara®).

About yesterday -- almost all got accomplished; except for Tiffany's class. The drive up Parley's canyon when it's snowing, even just a little, is intimidating.  I know how I drive; I'm not so sure about others on the road. Lately, there have been a couple accidents where very experienced snow drivers have become the victims of the inattentive or not-so-skilled. So, I'm leery. Next week, maybe. Supposed to warm up this weekend.

Today?

• Housework / laundry in the a.m.
• Run some errands
• Pilates at 1 pm
• Yoga Hour at 4 pm at The Yoga Center (I'm teaching)

Hope your Thursday is a good one,

TUESDAY MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

When I type my schedule for the day in these posts, I try to be realistic; what can I really get done or not in a day. I want to honestly be able to say "I did it all!" the next morning. This may go back to my relationship with the word 'commitment'.

I'm not sure when (or why) it started, but when my son began participating in team (or individual) sports, my husband and I began to focus on the word 'commitment'.  It's very easy, as a parent, to move with the whim of the child, from activity to activity, with little thought to what their talent might be and where 'staying power' ought to be applied.

Derek (our son) participated in two main activities from age 4-12 - soccer and swimming. When we moved to So. Cal., swimming had evolved simply into something he enjoyed doing, wasn't interested in participating in competitively, and he was ready to let it go as a regimented activity. He tried baseball. He continued soccer. Then, as he approached high school, I began to hear -- 'I think I'll quit soccer and just surf and skateboard'. "No", I responded -- "you have a talent for soccer, it puts you in with a group of guys different from the surfers and skateboarders, and we've invested a lot of time and effort in the sport -- let's keep it".  I didn't say he couldn't try the other things, but I did stand firm that he had to continue the soccer.

Come to find out, the thought about quitting was a reaction to upcoming tryouts. Once on the team, he continued to play well and with dedication. He also surfed and skateboarded, and continued a little baseball. As he matured, soccer remained a staple in his life until the first year of college - a rough one, with little physical activity but lots of partying. He came home after that year, and we suggested he stay home the next year, go back into soccer, attend an area school. He did, the scouts were watching, and long-story-short - soccer ended up paying for and being the catalyst for his completing his college education.

Commitment was key in all these decisions - his and ours (as his parents). Whether he played or sat on the bench, he stayed committed to his teammates and his teams. That value has served him in the workplace setting as well (a story for another post). And, at age 36, he still plays soccer on a men's team that includes some friends from college.

Now, why did I even start on this in my blog post today -- oh, it was about writing my schedule down, then sticking with it. When I write it, I feel a commitment to do it -- funny thing, we're back to the 'c' word.  So, as I wrote yesterday that I was going to do two yoga classes, one pilates class, shovel snow, and whatever else, I thought it was ambitious; almost didn't write it.  But, I did. And, because I did, I did it -- I did it all, even the shoveling snow part (which wasn't so bad). And, if you read the post, you also know that I cleaned my oven (it's about time!), and replaced a wearing-out toilet seat. I also subbed a class for an instructor who was a bit under the weather!

I love productive days!  (And, I think I have a theme for the day/week.)  Watch out, here comes Leslie with her favorite 'c' word!

Today's happenings:

• Walk dogs (brrrrrrr!!! It's cold outside, but they aren't letting me forget they want a WALK!)
• Gentle Yoga at 10 am at The Yoga Center
• My own private with Adam
• Carpet cleaning guy at my house to do some touch-up
• IF the weather holds (as in no new snow), I'll drive up for Tiffany's 5:30 class at The Shop
• Whatever else (laundry, errands, car wash -- like I said, whatever)

Hope your day is a good one,

A GOOD OCTOBER

The Yoga Center (the studio I own) experienced one of it's best months this October -- more students were in class than any other October in the history of my ownership - 7 years (perhaps in the history of the studio - 20+ years).

When I bought the studio, there was little student recordkeeping done.  Oh, there was a lot of recordkeeping but it was focused on $$$, not students.  I purchased the business with no student database to rely on, just a bunch of props (and, I do mean a 'bunch' of props).  If anything, the Yoga Center can be described as 'prop intensive'.

Today, the opposite is true -- I've dispensed with some of the $$$ records (letting my accountant do that), and have tried to focus on student info. After all, what is a studio without its students?

Now, why the upswing? We have a great space, old but great. We are a great, diverse team of instructors, offering a mix of classes -- some Anusara® or Anusara-Inspired™, and others including Vinyasa, Restorative, Raja, etc., etc. But, keeping all that in mind, I do need to recognize that one of the larger studios closed this past summer. People branched out, tried other places, then found some of their favorite (or, soon to be favorite) instructors at The Yoga Center. Good for them; good for the studio.

When I meet a new-to-yoga student, I offer two bits of advice.  First, make sure you take at least two classes. Why? You may not 'connect' with the instructor. After all, we are human and we will not enjoy everyone's style of teaching.  Or, we might enjoy the instructor, but not the style of class being taught (too hard, too gentle, too ???).  The second piece? If you don't like yoga at The Yoga Center, then try it at least once at another studio.

Why? Because each studio has it's own vibe. The Yoga Center's vibe is calm and peaceful.  It is older, has carpet (newer carpet, but carpet nevertheless) and some cannot handle carpet in a yoga studio. Oh, well. (We also have mirrors!) But, to balance those, let's not forget - the wonderful view of Mt. Olympus out the windows.

Other studios in town will each have their own 'personality'; a reflection of the yoga taught, and the personalities of the owner, instructors and students.

We're all different and that's a good thing -- if we were all the same, it would be difficult to choose where to go or who to study with.

So, there you have it -- a brief, guided tour of yoga in the Salt Lake Valley.  While writing this, let it be known I cleaned my oven and changed a toilet seat -- ah, jack of all trades; master of __?___.

The rest of today:

• Yoga with Wayne, 9:30 am at The Yoga Center (where else?)
• Pilates at noon
• Yoga again with Sheldon at 7:15 pm, also at The Yoga Center 
• Might shovel a bit of snow inbetween

Hope your Tuesday is terrific,