That's my interpretation of Christina in Driggs. Could be defined as 'work, work, work', as well. I'll choose the "fun" word.
Plus, being in Driggs, the weather relatively clear (which means roads are o.k. and we've had a clear view of the Tetons each day), and being with good friends makes it especially fun. And, I've had the added delight of learning to use a new wood insert in our fireplace -- so, the house is a bit warmer. For clarification, our Driggs house is more of a 'vacation house'; built for summer fun. No central furnace; each room heated by it's own little electrical heater. That means that the great room -- living room, dining room, kitchen -- with very HIGH ceilings is not the warmest room in the house. So, this past month, we had an insert installed and I got to 'christen' it this weekend. Ahhh, warmth!
Interestingly, this all coincides with Christina's theme of fire -- night one, building the fire; morning of day two, stoking the fire; afternoon of day two, enjoying the warmth of the fire (the soma / nectar). Day three -- well, I am sure we'll re-stoke the fire, enjoy it's fury for an hour or so, then go back to the soma. Muscles sore (What? after 7 days with John, 2 days with Desiree, and now moving into session 4 with Christina -- why would my muscles be sore?). But, I'm ready.
Fire -- a theme that has occupied much of my weekend.
Today's session runs from 9-12, then Clytie and are on the road back to SLC. Howard got home last night, so I'll be able to spend a bit of time with him this evening -- nice).
Have a sumptuous Sunday,
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
GETTING READY
Up early to get organized. Trying to leave the house in somewhat decent shape for my husband (who, unfortunately, is not 'driving to driggs' with us today).
Things to do? Sort some paperwork (always paperwork); pack yoga clothes; pack computer attachments and a few books; load the car; generally pick up; maybe vacuum. Can you tell vacuuming is low on the priority list?
I remember a day when I didn't leave my house without vacuuming it first (every day) -- what a different life that was!
We (Clytie and I) will get to the house about 3, giving us time to unwind a bit before the 6 pm start tonight of Christina Sell's workshop at YogaTejas (in Driggs). Bonnie will roll in about the same time, we think; Sundari is joining us sometime during the day or evening.
Classes yesterday went well; plus Wayne and I spent some time discussing preparation for tests/videos - all related to the Certification path.
YogaHour at 4 was fun (like Tuesday). Several had attended the Tuesday class, where we did some significant hip openers. Comments heard were 'my quads are feeling it'; 'my inner thighs are sure noticing something happened; 'we better continue doing all that, or stop it'. So, we continued -- more hip openers and inner thigh work. I remember just 3 years ago being in the same situation -- I was not using the inner thigh muscles enough. Once I began to use and strengthen them, my world changed. I love the feeling of putting a leg over my shoulder and the sensation of that leg hugging in to my torso -- feels so strong and secure. Everyone needs that same sensation, in my opinion.
Level 1 was Level 1 -- fun, basic stuff. Interesting how many people have NEVER been told to un-lock their knees. They do yoga with knee discomfort because their knees are locked back, and they just keep doing it because no one has told them otherwise. When I reflect on my studies, one lesson that came through loud and clear from John was: 'if their knees are hyperextended, take them out of the pose, adjust/discuss/whatever, then have them do the pose again WITHOUT the hyperextension'. Some things really stick with me, that was one of them.
Well, got to get off this computer and continue getting ready. Can't be late!
Have a fabulous Friday,
Things to do? Sort some paperwork (always paperwork); pack yoga clothes; pack computer attachments and a few books; load the car; generally pick up; maybe vacuum. Can you tell vacuuming is low on the priority list?
I remember a day when I didn't leave my house without vacuuming it first (every day) -- what a different life that was!
We (Clytie and I) will get to the house about 3, giving us time to unwind a bit before the 6 pm start tonight of Christina Sell's workshop at YogaTejas (in Driggs). Bonnie will roll in about the same time, we think; Sundari is joining us sometime during the day or evening.
Classes yesterday went well; plus Wayne and I spent some time discussing preparation for tests/videos - all related to the Certification path.
YogaHour at 4 was fun (like Tuesday). Several had attended the Tuesday class, where we did some significant hip openers. Comments heard were 'my quads are feeling it'; 'my inner thighs are sure noticing something happened; 'we better continue doing all that, or stop it'. So, we continued -- more hip openers and inner thigh work. I remember just 3 years ago being in the same situation -- I was not using the inner thigh muscles enough. Once I began to use and strengthen them, my world changed. I love the feeling of putting a leg over my shoulder and the sensation of that leg hugging in to my torso -- feels so strong and secure. Everyone needs that same sensation, in my opinion.
Level 1 was Level 1 -- fun, basic stuff. Interesting how many people have NEVER been told to un-lock their knees. They do yoga with knee discomfort because their knees are locked back, and they just keep doing it because no one has told them otherwise. When I reflect on my studies, one lesson that came through loud and clear from John was: 'if their knees are hyperextended, take them out of the pose, adjust/discuss/whatever, then have them do the pose again WITHOUT the hyperextension'. Some things really stick with me, that was one of them.
Well, got to get off this computer and continue getting ready. Can't be late!
Have a fabulous Friday,
Thursday, February 25, 2010
ON WRITING . . .
As I approach 300 posts on this blog, I feel like reflecting on the benefits of this endeavor.
I began on a whim. I had been reading Christina's blog for quite a while, enjoying her wisdom. But, I also could see a lack of connection in the Inspired™ community. So, I thought, I'll blog -- call it Anusara-Inspired™ and fill the gap. Little did I realize the number of people doing exactly the same thing (perhaps for different or similar reasons). For whatever reason, this new knowledge did not stop me, I kept writing. Because my take on things is very different from another Inspired™ or Certified Anusara® instructor.
As you read my blog, probably one of the first things you'll notice is that it's pretty 'down to earth'. I have a 'common sense' slant to things, rather than a philosophical. Philosophical is good/great, but that's not me. I don't talk that way; so I won't write that way. I'd love to have the philosophy of what I do pour out of my mouth or onto the keyboard; it doesn't happen (yet), so for now I'll just write what feels comfortable to me.
Oh, I have moments. But, they are few and far between.
What writing this blog has done for me is bring out a part of me seldom seen by others. It's given me confidence that I know my stuff (I even know the philosophy, I just don't have the confidence yet to write about its application in our lives). Part of the confidence comes from the feedback I receive from readers -- that they appreciate and can relate to my writing. If I didn't have that, I'd still write. Because I've discovered the writing is good for me. It reminds me of the great and wonderful things I am a part of in this endeavor of teaching yoga.
So, on to the next 300 posts !
Teaching 3 classes today -- 'Everyone's Yoga' at Kula at 10 am; YogaHour at 4 pm and Level 1 at 5:45, both at The Yoga Center.
It's snowing here. Hope that means tomorrow will be sunny and dry as Clytie and I drive up to Driggs for Christina's workshop at YogaTejas. Bonnie is joining us at the house, as is Sundari -- fun, fun, fun.
Have an outstanding Thursday,
I began on a whim. I had been reading Christina's blog for quite a while, enjoying her wisdom. But, I also could see a lack of connection in the Inspired™ community. So, I thought, I'll blog -- call it Anusara-Inspired™ and fill the gap. Little did I realize the number of people doing exactly the same thing (perhaps for different or similar reasons). For whatever reason, this new knowledge did not stop me, I kept writing. Because my take on things is very different from another Inspired™ or Certified Anusara® instructor.
As you read my blog, probably one of the first things you'll notice is that it's pretty 'down to earth'. I have a 'common sense' slant to things, rather than a philosophical. Philosophical is good/great, but that's not me. I don't talk that way; so I won't write that way. I'd love to have the philosophy of what I do pour out of my mouth or onto the keyboard; it doesn't happen (yet), so for now I'll just write what feels comfortable to me.
Oh, I have moments. But, they are few and far between.
What writing this blog has done for me is bring out a part of me seldom seen by others. It's given me confidence that I know my stuff (I even know the philosophy, I just don't have the confidence yet to write about its application in our lives). Part of the confidence comes from the feedback I receive from readers -- that they appreciate and can relate to my writing. If I didn't have that, I'd still write. Because I've discovered the writing is good for me. It reminds me of the great and wonderful things I am a part of in this endeavor of teaching yoga.
So, on to the next 300 posts !
Teaching 3 classes today -- 'Everyone's Yoga' at Kula at 10 am; YogaHour at 4 pm and Level 1 at 5:45, both at The Yoga Center.
It's snowing here. Hope that means tomorrow will be sunny and dry as Clytie and I drive up to Driggs for Christina's workshop at YogaTejas. Bonnie is joining us at the house, as is Sundari -- fun, fun, fun.
Have an outstanding Thursday,
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
JUST NOTES
Seems like a good 'notes' day, since I've spent the last hour typing notes from the San Francisco Immersion. I learned a valuable lesson - too much socializing does not benefit the learning experience. Usually I do the notes day by day at trainings; this time, tho, I've put it off and - therefore - my memory is not supporting the sketchy notes I took. Oh, well - lesson learned.
Yesterday's YogaHour was fun, fun, fun. The class seems to have caught on and I had 14 in attendance! All but 2 had participated in the class before, so it wasn't a fluke; they knew me. We worked some hip openers. The most rewarding part for me, however, was looking around the room as everyone stood with arms raised and NOT seeing even one bent elbow -- fingers were spread, as well. It doesn't take much (or does it?) to rock my world. I felt like it was this great compliment -- that they had listened, and had embraced my previous teaching, and were able to give it to me. I hope they felt as good as I did - they looked GREAT. Wonderful !!!
Reading Facebook earlier this morning. Came upon some dialogue about Anusara®. A little disappointed to see that other teachers may think we teach Anusara-Inspired™ because it's tough to teach Anusara®. They're right that teaching Anusara® yoga is not easy; but what they may not realize is that we - as Inspired™ instructors - are on a path to teaching Anusara® and that being Inspired™ has taken a ton of work on our parts and support from Certified instructors.
To clarify for people, as an Anusara-Inspired™ instructor, one must have studied Anusara® with a Certified instructor for two years, have taught yoga for two years, have completed an Anusara® Immersion series and Teacher Training, and had our teaching reviewed and evaluated by a Certified Anusara® Instructor. This then goes into Anusara® for approval before we can call ourselves Inspired™. We are not legally able to call our classes "Anusara-Inspired™" unless we've done the work and been approved. Enough on this rant.
Going to teach my Gentle Yoga this morning, then have a Mac lesson.
Hope your Wednesday is fabulous,
Yesterday's YogaHour was fun, fun, fun. The class seems to have caught on and I had 14 in attendance! All but 2 had participated in the class before, so it wasn't a fluke; they knew me. We worked some hip openers. The most rewarding part for me, however, was looking around the room as everyone stood with arms raised and NOT seeing even one bent elbow -- fingers were spread, as well. It doesn't take much (or does it?) to rock my world. I felt like it was this great compliment -- that they had listened, and had embraced my previous teaching, and were able to give it to me. I hope they felt as good as I did - they looked GREAT. Wonderful !!!
Reading Facebook earlier this morning. Came upon some dialogue about Anusara®. A little disappointed to see that other teachers may think we teach Anusara-Inspired™ because it's tough to teach Anusara®. They're right that teaching Anusara® yoga is not easy; but what they may not realize is that we - as Inspired™ instructors - are on a path to teaching Anusara® and that being Inspired™ has taken a ton of work on our parts and support from Certified instructors.
To clarify for people, as an Anusara-Inspired™ instructor, one must have studied Anusara® with a Certified instructor for two years, have taught yoga for two years, have completed an Anusara® Immersion series and Teacher Training, and had our teaching reviewed and evaluated by a Certified Anusara® Instructor. This then goes into Anusara® for approval before we can call ourselves Inspired™. We are not legally able to call our classes "Anusara-Inspired™" unless we've done the work and been approved. Enough on this rant.
Going to teach my Gentle Yoga this morning, then have a Mac lesson.
Hope your Wednesday is fabulous,
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
TIME FOR REFLECTION . . .
Each time I return from a training or workshop, I have notebooks full of ideas, tips, words of wisdom, cautionary notes, etc. My routine is to take these scribbled notes and transcribe them into an easier-to-read version, typed & 3-hole-punched & safely stored in a binder. Then I read them, re-read them, read them again.
I might take a tidbit or two from a training and teach them right away; it depends. Like this weekend, Desiree asked us to bend our knee into Warrior II using outer spiral, rather than simply bending the knee. I hope that makes sense. For those of you who study Anusara and know the 5 UPA's, as you stand with your feet wide apart, turn the right (or left) leg out, inner spiral your thighs, then outer spiral the turned leg more than the other, and initiate the bend of that knee with the outer spiral. Play with that one for a while! I guarantee your glute muscles will feel it.
Why did I feel I could teach that tidbit? Because I had heard and practiced it before in Adam's classes. I was also regularly doing it in my own practice; I just wasn't teaching it that way, YET.
I must always temper the urge to rush into class and teach everything I heard during a workshop or training in one class. The reading, re-reading, then practicing it many times myself, will give me the confidence and knowledge to teach something effectively.
And, I realize that there are many things I heard months or years ago, that I am reminded of during these events. Like using outer spiral to initiate and carry out the bend of the knee -- when reminded, I can contemplate it, then incorporate it into my teaching.
To rush in is not authentic; it's not my voice or my experience. To serve my students, I have to embody the teachings for a bit before I pass them on.
SOMETHING I NOTICED: In the past, I have asked students to turn their foot out in preparation for some of these wide-stanced poses. I noticed a couple weeks ago a student who did as asked, but their knee stayed somewhere inbetween. At that time, I reflected on Christina's teaching from July -- where she commented that the whole leg must turn. I knew that the whole leg must turn, but students might not and will do what I ask them to do, and simply turn the foot - leaving the knee somewhere inbetween. So -- I must use new verbiage. Now I ask students to turn their whole leg out - from hip to foot. Better!
Going to Wayne's class this morning, then some free time before 4 pm YogaHour.
Have a delightful Tuesday,
I might take a tidbit or two from a training and teach them right away; it depends. Like this weekend, Desiree asked us to bend our knee into Warrior II using outer spiral, rather than simply bending the knee. I hope that makes sense. For those of you who study Anusara and know the 5 UPA's, as you stand with your feet wide apart, turn the right (or left) leg out, inner spiral your thighs, then outer spiral the turned leg more than the other, and initiate the bend of that knee with the outer spiral. Play with that one for a while! I guarantee your glute muscles will feel it.
Why did I feel I could teach that tidbit? Because I had heard and practiced it before in Adam's classes. I was also regularly doing it in my own practice; I just wasn't teaching it that way, YET.
I must always temper the urge to rush into class and teach everything I heard during a workshop or training in one class. The reading, re-reading, then practicing it many times myself, will give me the confidence and knowledge to teach something effectively.
And, I realize that there are many things I heard months or years ago, that I am reminded of during these events. Like using outer spiral to initiate and carry out the bend of the knee -- when reminded, I can contemplate it, then incorporate it into my teaching.
To rush in is not authentic; it's not my voice or my experience. To serve my students, I have to embody the teachings for a bit before I pass them on.
SOMETHING I NOTICED: In the past, I have asked students to turn their foot out in preparation for some of these wide-stanced poses. I noticed a couple weeks ago a student who did as asked, but their knee stayed somewhere inbetween. At that time, I reflected on Christina's teaching from July -- where she commented that the whole leg must turn. I knew that the whole leg must turn, but students might not and will do what I ask them to do, and simply turn the foot - leaving the knee somewhere inbetween. So -- I must use new verbiage. Now I ask students to turn their whole leg out - from hip to foot. Better!
Going to Wayne's class this morning, then some free time before 4 pm YogaHour.
Have a delightful Tuesday,
Sunday, February 21, 2010
YES, IT WAS PACKED
This is a p.s. to this morning's post, plus my entry for tomorrow -- tomorrow is a busy day that starts very early with a dentist appointment then teaching Level 1 at Kula.
I am going to share the weekend now; I worried that posting to Facebook before I knew what Sunday would bring might jinx attendance. So, read today's earlier entry also.
Well, the house was packed to the gills again this morning. Many who had attended through the weekend, plus some new. Arm balances -- fun arm balances. Arm balances made achievable (maybe in the future for some - including me) by hip openers. Hip openers!?!?!? Arm balances performed in such a manner that whether we accomplished the pose or not, it didn't matter -- making progress mattered; making a shift mattered. Wow! I will risk saying that EVERYONE made a shift.
To my right and to my left were wonderful teachers willing to share tips and hints; epitomizing a community that plays and works together and supports one another. And, as a partner, I was able to participate in one's first-time balancing alone in pincha mayurasana -- how rewarding is that!
So, a great day. Then, home for lunch out with my husband, a couple errands, and home to watch Olympics.
What I plan to talk about tomorrow is that when we work on ourselves, we are better able to affect others; the poses are beautiful and fun to do, but there is so much more to be gained from them than just the physical.
Enjoy Sunday evening and Monday,
I am going to share the weekend now; I worried that posting to Facebook before I knew what Sunday would bring might jinx attendance. So, read today's earlier entry also.
Well, the house was packed to the gills again this morning. Many who had attended through the weekend, plus some new. Arm balances -- fun arm balances. Arm balances made achievable (maybe in the future for some - including me) by hip openers. Hip openers!?!?!? Arm balances performed in such a manner that whether we accomplished the pose or not, it didn't matter -- making progress mattered; making a shift mattered. Wow! I will risk saying that EVERYONE made a shift.
To my right and to my left were wonderful teachers willing to share tips and hints; epitomizing a community that plays and works together and supports one another. And, as a partner, I was able to participate in one's first-time balancing alone in pincha mayurasana -- how rewarding is that!
So, a great day. Then, home for lunch out with my husband, a couple errands, and home to watch Olympics.
What I plan to talk about tomorrow is that when we work on ourselves, we are better able to affect others; the poses are beautiful and fun to do, but there is so much more to be gained from them than just the physical.
Enjoy Sunday evening and Monday,
"DES POWER", aka 'pack the house'
There is no more wonderful sight than a yoga studio packed to the gills (?) with happy, energetic, raring-to-learn yoga practitioners. Add Desiree Rumbaugh to the mix and you have a party, albeit a party where you work while you play.
I taught yesterday morning (my students got a taste of hip openers, as well - see yesterday's post), then made my way to Kula for the morning session. I arrived late. The parking lot didn't look too bad, so I thought maybe not so many people today. Wrong. Almost as many, but there was space for one more mat and I was in - late, but in. I learned one lesson of arriving late -- people are already comfortable with the partners they've been working with and don't (won't) change unless the instructor specifically says "find a new partner". O.K. on the first time or two, because I was pretty cold and tight compared to them. After that, I would just wander the room until I found someone to work with.
Break time (and lunch time). Whole Foods, naturally. Back to the studio to find an old friend with her new baby visiting with Desiree (!?!?) Now I know more about where she's been!
The afternoon was great therapeutic stuff, which we got to see demonstrated then tried individually and with each other. I was able to snag a partner from the start (lucky me -- it was Jose). Desiree went through the body, from neck to knees. The parts of most value for me personally? Shoulders, upper back and wrists. In fact, my upper back is talking to me right now about how I probably should do more of what we did yesterday.
Quickly drove home for some time with husband - dinner at home and attended the play "12 Angry Men". Well acted, and nice to get out in public -- hard, tho, not to notice all the sloped shoulders, rounded backs, and forward thrusting necks. What we do to ourselves (and, if everyone only realized that's not the way it has to be - I know of which I speak).
Back to the morning session today (10-1); luckily I go early to help sign people in (and find a place for my mat). We did some challenging poses yesterday, yet she (Desiree) kept talking about kicking it up a notch today -- so, stay calm, focused & breathe (my mantra for the day).
Have a relaxing Sunday,
I taught yesterday morning (my students got a taste of hip openers, as well - see yesterday's post), then made my way to Kula for the morning session. I arrived late. The parking lot didn't look too bad, so I thought maybe not so many people today. Wrong. Almost as many, but there was space for one more mat and I was in - late, but in. I learned one lesson of arriving late -- people are already comfortable with the partners they've been working with and don't (won't) change unless the instructor specifically says "find a new partner". O.K. on the first time or two, because I was pretty cold and tight compared to them. After that, I would just wander the room until I found someone to work with.
Break time (and lunch time). Whole Foods, naturally. Back to the studio to find an old friend with her new baby visiting with Desiree (!?!?) Now I know more about where she's been!
The afternoon was great therapeutic stuff, which we got to see demonstrated then tried individually and with each other. I was able to snag a partner from the start (lucky me -- it was Jose). Desiree went through the body, from neck to knees. The parts of most value for me personally? Shoulders, upper back and wrists. In fact, my upper back is talking to me right now about how I probably should do more of what we did yesterday.
Quickly drove home for some time with husband - dinner at home and attended the play "12 Angry Men". Well acted, and nice to get out in public -- hard, tho, not to notice all the sloped shoulders, rounded backs, and forward thrusting necks. What we do to ourselves (and, if everyone only realized that's not the way it has to be - I know of which I speak).
Back to the morning session today (10-1); luckily I go early to help sign people in (and find a place for my mat). We did some challenging poses yesterday, yet she (Desiree) kept talking about kicking it up a notch today -- so, stay calm, focused & breathe (my mantra for the day).
Have a relaxing Sunday,
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