NOTES DAY (No matter what's going on.)

Friday; so here is a recapitulation of the week's activities and some thoughts for the future:

1. Last Friday, July 23, Carson - our newest grandson - was born. Today, a week later, he is still in the hospital; improving each day, after giving doctors, nurses, parents, grandparents, everyone, a bit of a rough introduction. While he has fought, we have been unwillingly reminded of the many babies who are sicker, in more distress, and our prayers have been offered for them, as well as Carson. We learn from even the worst situations.

2.  I returned from San Diego, squared things away at home for critters and housesitters, and flew up to Spokane to visit my parents and try to figure out a better situation for them. Seeing them - Father in skilled nursing and believing he doesn't need to be there; Mother in Assisted Living, somewhat oblivious to the happenings of the world - is hard. Trying to figure out what next step will be best and extend their resources as best possible is also hard.  So far, we're batting 1,000 on making questionable decisions.  Learning once again.

3.  I'll return to SLC for the weekend, then go back to San Diego to relieve the maternal Grandmother in helping Carson's family. Fortunately, my supportive husband will remain at home - critters will be happy about that.

4. Attended a great yoga class yesterday with Karen Sprute-Francovich.  Karen just returned from a meditation/asana retreat, and her first class was this one - a Level 1-2.  As I drove to Garden Street Yoga in Coeur d'Alene, I wondered whether this was wise -- lots of stress in the past week - could I hold up through handstands, backbends, or whatever she might ask me to do (considering the emotions, that is).

Her introduction included a description of the retreat and then she queried each of us in the room about what we had been experiencing. I could tell 'I'm fine' would not be the answer of choice - we were to tell the truth. Several had been dealing with physical stuff, one with exhaustion, me with stress. Karen skillfully crafted her class plan on the spot - after hearing what all of us had going on. AND, IT WAS A WONDERFUL CLASS - we moved, we opened, we carefully entered a standing pose or two, then - the final 20 minutes - were restorative. Sometimes things just feel right; this class felt right. Thank you, Karen.

5.  I continue to read with interest all the responses to the Times article about Anusara® yoga. If you read my post of a couple days (My Story), you'll know my history. I have practiced other styles of yoga. Once I found Anusara®, however, the wisdom of the practice to align the body, the lightheartedness of the practice as we look for the good, and the people I've shared this experience with, all have made this style my style. Nothing I've read will change my mind or make me question anyone's motives or aspirations. John Friend has been a wonderful teacher, an approachable guide, and a good friend to me along my journey.

6.  Sundari reviewed the video, and - in the midst of planning for a BIG family event, her own Therapeutics Training this Fall, teaching, etc. - took the time to send me 3 pages of single-spaced, typewritten comments. I am so blessed. I have a feeling that, once I get a video through her and move to the next step in this process; it will be a pretty darn good class. (Advice to readers, once again: choose your personal mentors wisely.)

As complimentary as she was (because she is looking for the good first, right?), there are things which need "cleaning up". The good thing? Suggestions for alternative languaging were offered; and she didn't just say something like 'improve your demo'; she said 'improve your demo by . . . . . .'; so helpful.

7.  I opened my 'notes' and came upon this entry, which relates to some of the comments Sundari made. (This is from a Level 2 Teacher Training with John, 10/09.) "Effort is fueled by meaningfulness. You have to give students something to hold onto." Then, a few lines down, "make it meaningful and they will do it or at least try".  A good time to reflect on or notice my language when I teach.

Example:  I'm teaching a class on courage or trust. Do I say "take your right leg back to high lunge" (boring) or could I say "use your muscle energy to hug the midline, and from the courage and trust this creates, step your right leg back for a high lunge" (better).  Like that.

Enjoy your 'notes day', aka Friday,

UPDATE, Etc. . . .

My newest Grandson, Carson, is having better days. Weaning off the ventilator, being held and getting diapers changed by his Mother. (When, in our previously uncomplicated lives, would she ever have enjoyed changing a diaper so much!?!?) It's a better time; there may still be issues to deal with; but, better.

I returned to SLC on Monday, squared away the critters for the housesitter, and took a flight up to deal with parental issues. I receive my updates on Carson and family via phone (and, now a blog started by the parents). If things weren't going so well, that would be difficult; but, we do what we have to do. And, things are going well.

Thank you, all, for your positive thoughts and prayers for this little one.

Then, I've been reading with interest reaction to the Times article regarding Anusara® Yoga and John Friend, first was the response from instructors of Anusara® Yoga, and - most recently - John's personal response. In all of these, the intention has been to acknowledge the article was mostly accurate; and, then, to point out inaccuracies with explanation. (to read John's response, go to Anusara.com, click on community, go to 'John's blog' (the original article is also linked there).

I know when I read the article, I was a bit put off by the author and wondered about her intentions. I read similar comments and felt justified. Then, I read BJ Galvan's blog and was able to put my reaction more in perspective. Still, tho, I sense an unsettledness in the community as a result; and I know that when I'm unsettled I can fall victim to saying unwarranted or unhealthy comments.

A good reminder this morning came from Olga's blog (www.aligningwithgrace.blogspot.com), in which she talks about the '4 Gates of Speech' when considering the words we use.

Are they true? 

Are they necessary? 

Are they beneficial? 

Are they kind?

In my year of trying to speak more clearly, I refer to these 'gates' frequently - and, I find there are many times that I'd love to say something that doesn't meet the criteria to pass the gate. It would make for much more interesting conversation, if I could get it through the gate.

Another 'gate' I've been introduced to is "Is it my story?".

What does 'is it my story?' mean to me? That my right to relay the story is limited. I cannot relay it with accuracy, because I'm not one of the characters. I also don't have permission to relay another person's story.

Besides, I have enough on my plate. When I begin to communicate other persons' issues ('stories'), then I often times will assume the associated worry or angst. I don't need that. Right now, there are enough stories that involve me, and taking on someone else's only increases the 'story' burden I'm carrying.

So, Gate #5:  "Is it my story?"

Going to do some yoga today in Coeur d'alene. Need it.

Have a good Thursday,

MY STORY

Many of you reading this blog know little about me, except that I write a blog and that I am an Anusara-Inspired™ yoga instructor.  I read Christina's blog this morning, in which she encouraged us to tell our stories.  Her words on Anusara®:  "I think each one of us is its integrity. I think that each one of us is its majesty. And in my heart I know that each one of us is its future. The stories we tell today about yesterday will shape our present."

My story (so far) goes like this:  

John Friend once described me as one of the “slow movers” of Anusara® (my words for his description of me).  I was not offended; conversely, I took it as a compliment -- because I saw watchfulness in these words.  He continued to explain to the group that I began very slowly to step into Anusara®, and I had steadily continued my studies until I became a very regular and loyal student of his and the practice. 

Step back to 1997, at age 48, when I decided to try yoga.  My husband and I had relocated; my decision not to go back to work left me with loneliness as a frequent companion, and depression visiting frequently.  

He (my husband) suggested yoga; so, I found a studio and took a class.  I returned a week later to take another.  Then, stopped.  Six months later - an even more desperate person (me) returned to try again.  In this class, a different instructor talked about ‘grace’, and her blooming studies in this newer system of hatha yoga.  Golf, running, working out, and skiing had taken their toll, leaving me with tight hips, a rounding back, and sore knees.  Never had ‘grace’ and my name been included in the same sentence.  I was intrigued -- even though today I know the ‘grace’ of which she spoke meant so much more than just physical grace.  

This was my first exposure to Anusara® Yoga.  

As I continued to practice Anusara®, I was told it would be next to impossible to study with John Friend, based on his growing popularity.   Now, I am not the ‘step-out-of-your-comfort-zone’ type of person, but this challenged me.  

I applied to one of the final retreat weeks at Inner Harmony.  I called after a few weeks to check on the status of my application and was told the week I’d applied for was full, but there was space in the week prior.  I accepted the spot -- I was in -- for what, I had not a clue.  

Inner Harmony, at that time, was a wonderful retreat center outside of Cedar City, UT, with space for 60+ workshop attendees, some in shared rooms, some in dormitories, some in yurts and tents.  

On a Sunday in September 2004, I climbed in my car, by myself, and drove approximately 200 miles south of Salt Lake City to Inner Harmony.  Of the 60 people attending this session, I was one of four who had never met John before; and, for me, it was the first time I had ever done anything like this.  

  

Three days into the retreat a family emergency called me back to Salt Lake City.  In the following months, cards and e-mails arrived from many present at Inner Harmony that week, expressing their regret that circumstances required me to leave.  

John’s impression on me was great; the kula’s impression on me was over-the-top.  I applied for the next workshop with him in Tucson (perfect, since my mother-in-law lived there).  At that workshop, two things happened that began to solidify this partnership:  

First, from across a room of 200 people, he called out my name to remind me it was left leg forward in pidgeon, not right.  Imagine my shock -- one, that he would remember me after those few Inner Harmony days, and, two, that from across the room he could see I was off on the legs!

The second happened as I talked to him at the end of class.  I waited my turn, I thanked him and told him of the outpouring of support I had received - to me it spoke volumes about his work to create a community as part of our Anusara® practice.  Then - a mind-searing occurrence.  Someone came up to talk, interrupting us.  He turned to that person, politely asked her to wait, and turned back to me to finish our short conversation.  Wow!  Someone who teaches yoga so well AND listens attentively. 

The label of “slow mover” fits, as it did take me a while to really get into Anusara®.  Not sure why; perhaps because there was a lot to unravel so I could begin this new venture in my life.  

And starting ‘slow’, I believe, contributes to my sticking with it.  Too often, I have rushed in, excited and eager, taking  on too much too quickly.  Only to find interest fizzles.  By starting ‘slow’, I received little delicious tastes that kept enticing me to look for more, to do more.  


Today, I am an Anusara-Inspired™ yoga Instructor, and have been accepted onto the Certification path.  Just like many of our yoga poses -- this experience keeps getting more challenging and more fulfilling. 

Much of my life is not that different today -- same caring husband, same family (plus some new grandchildren), same house, etc.  And, there’s this ‘new’ part; a part filled with many friends from our kula plus new and different memories, goals, aspirations, and yoga.  I must say thank you to that ‘same caring husband’.  And, that I am proud to be called a “slow mover” by John Friend.


So, that's my story (and, I'm sticking with it). As I re-read it, I am filled with gratitude - to my husband, to the fact that I did 'try' yoga, to being able to meet John Friend and the many people at that first retreat -- many of whom are now very good friends, to being part of Anusara®, 'the yoga of yes'.  


Enjoy Wednesday,

HOME AGAIN . . .

As I typed the title for this post, several similar ones came up -- a sign of my life lately. Lots of travel, making me appreciate my previous stay-at-home existence - unless the travel was for fun stuff.

I arrived home, dropped off suitcase, visited with dogs for a bit, then headed to the studio to do the dreaded paperwork.  Each time I leave, I complain that the studio becomes like flypaper -- always something to be done. It was similar last night. Forms had run out, so had to be re-printed; deposits needed to be made; data needed to be entered; and the monthly newsletter needed publishing.  We have tons of new offerings at the studio in August, so an early heads-up was important -- give everyone a few days notice to plan these new classes into their schedules.

Home, again, after 11 pm -- there have not been many studio nights like that one, fortunately.

I also had scheduled a private session which happened sometime between entering data and doing the newsletter.

Love privates.  They give me so much to learn from.  Once someone asked me how I structure a private. Well, there isn't much to structure until you actually meet and get to know the student.  But, here is a brief rundown from last night, which might be helpful to those of you who don't do privates much.

First, is to get to know the student a bit. (If you have ever attended a JF therapy training, one of the first things he does is get to know the person he will work with. Not just their therapeutic issue, but also a bit about their likes, dislikes, activities, etc.) This student has done several classes with me, so I had some knowledge of what the student wanted to work on. The first part of our session was embellishing that history, without seeming too nosey. It's their session, so I will begin by asking them what they would like to work on -- a pose, something therapeutic, whatever. From there, we progress.

Last night, the goal was to work with the after-effects of a whiplash injury.  If you remember, I've mentioned that - in therapeutics trainings with JF (and other Anusara® instructors) - injuries like whiplash cause the muscles to pull away from their underpinnings; leaving them 'blowing in the wind' (how's that for an analogy).  Our instinct is to stretch them, this - we think - will help them heal. The pain makes us think that the muscle is sore because it's tight; so stretching is good, right? Not necessarily.

Stretching may be good, eventually; once we've learned to stabilize the injured area. But first, think about the 'blowing in the wind'; a sail flapping against the mast doesn't do the sailor much good -- a taut sail can handle the wind much more effectively. The answer, then, for these muscles that have been traumatized, is to get them back to their position of security. How? Muscle energy.

Remember, this position of security may not be the most comfortable - it may cause discomfort. I tell students who complain of discomfort that the muscles have been 'flapping' out there and bringing them in to the 'mast' won't necessarily feel wonderful at first. Those muscles are a bit tender to start with, or they wouldn't be doing the private; activating them will naturally be an 'interesting sensation'.

This student complained of right side neck and shoulder blade pain from the whiplash. I reflected on what I've learned. I first just looked - observed what the body was telling me visually. Right shoulder lower than left and moving forward slightly, and neck moving forward; the back was slightly rounded through the thoracic region. So -- side body long, head of arm bones back, shoulder blades secured on back; now, pull ears towards back of room to counter the head and neck thrusting forward. After we adjusted and talked about this (feels weird, right?), I had student lie on floor. Then, press the back of the head into the mat, press elbows into floor and lift shoulders from floor.  Did that a couple times - this will strengthen the back of neck and shoulder blade muscles. I decided some restorative might help; placed a thin roll just below armpits and asked student to simply lie over it for a couple minutes as we talked. Moved off the roll, and had student replicate the posture instructions, securing shoulder blades on the back. We did some hip stuff as student lay on the floor. I find that if we just work on the one spot of complaint, we can overdo it; so, distraction.

As I re-read this, I remembered how interesting it is that students often do not realize one shoulder is lower and sometimes won't believe it. Ahhh, the power of mirrors. This student was worried that other people might have noticed the slight lopsidedness, reassured when told that I had to look closely and carefully to notice these things.

During the hip stuff, the neck pain returned - especially when reaching the right arm across to grab the opposite leg in supta padangusthasana.  What happened?  Student released the ME in the shoulder blade, stretched that poor muscle, which - in turn- pulled on the neck muscles. I repeatedly asked the student to notice, because this is one of the great things yoga teaches us -- awareness. If this student notices what feels good and secure (if a bit uncomfortable) vs. what is painful, then discerning choices can be made. And I know this student will do the 'homework'.

After the hip work, we worked with the breath a bit (there's some anxiety mixed with all this, and we've discovered - student and I - that the breath is having a positive affect). Finally, savasana.

So, there you have it -- my structure for this private (observe, discuss, move, distract, address other associated complaints). Granted, not your typical private. But, what private is typical? People usually don't drop money for a private unless there is an issue. As I explained to the student last night -- it's similar to doing a puzzle, figuring out which pieces go where - what's the best fit. The body, then, grasps that and, if the work is done, improvement (aka 'magic') happens.

Gotta love it.

Enjoy your Tuesday,

CARSON'S ARRIVAL . . .

My fifth grandson, Carson, arrived unexpectedly Friday night. He is a bit premature (4 weeks), which I wouldn't have thought too much about.  Unfortunately, his lungs are not as developed as his outer body, so he is being helped to breathe and given a bit of support in this first period of his life.

After a few hours of phone calls, I flew to San Diego to support my son and his family as much as I could. Lots of people in their life, but another one (including your Mom), never hurts.  I arrived Saturday early evening. Got updates, visited, settled in; an early morning wake-up on Sunday, brought the news that they were transferring baby to a more advanced facility with a specific ventilator to help him.

After 36 hours, he is still giving them 'fits and starts' - perhaps an advance notice of his personality?  We can hope that's it.  Nurses and doctors say "it won't be easy, hills and valleys, but he ought to be fine; with no residual effects from this".  That's encouraging -- just what two parents who have 2 healthy youngsters at home and have never dealt with this kind of an issue, need to hear.

Life throws us challenges when we least expect them.  They teach us how to grow, act and react gracefully.  I'm not happy that this happened, but I know that Carson is teaching them a lesson -- a lesson in patience, a lesson is resilience, a lesson in love.  I could go on -- he is teaching them so much that they have never been exposed to. Who knew that someone so young could impart such valuable lessons.

I don't like to have my newest Grandson teaching these lessons; I'd rather he be a healthy, bawling baby boy. But, we take the not-so-good and work with it. Always learning.

On my way back to SLC as I write -- just waiting for the plane.  A short visit. Once the crowd around them thins, I'll return and help as best I can.

I missed you, but I hope this entry explains my absence for a couple days.

Enjoy Monday,

FRIDAY, FRIDAY, FRIDAY . . .

I have forgotten or been 'too busy' for two weeks. This morning I am not going to forget or be sidetracked from my 'notes'.  Let's not waste any time:

1. CONGRATULATIONS to Tiffany Wood.  Officially a Certified Anusara® Yoga Instructor. No more needs to be said. But, I will say more. Those of us who have studied, practiced, and are moving towards Certification know how much work and dedication is involved in this process. It's a HUGE accomplishment and one that Tiffany ought to be standing on rooftops and shouting out to the whole Universe -- or, maybe she is; I just can't see her right now.  
2. The Anusara world is a-buzz over the 5-page spread in the NY Times, compiled from an interview with John Friend and research on Anusara® Yoga. I skimmed the article when I got home late last night. Will go back and read it again more thoroughly. I enjoyed what I read - a good article that 'seemed' objective and brings more attention to this wonderful style of hatha yoga. From the sounds of Facebook entries, the article ruffled some feathers. I won't (and may not ever) comment much more -- I know that Anusara® is my yoga. It has brought immeasurable personal growth to my life. Whether JF is or can be demanding is not my business - unless it directly affects me; but, having worked for successful people in my life -- I understand. You are NOT effective at what you do and bring to the world, sitting back saying 'sweet' or 'nice'; you have to work hard and tread on some toes at times. Enough. (The Yoga Mogul - John Friend, Creator of the Anusara School - NYTimes.com)
3. On readership: I was excited and proud to receive a comment from a reader from Australia (is it good yogic form to be 'proud'? I say 'yes', if it's life-affirming). I remember being happy when someone from New Jersey popped up one day -- Australia is a lot farther away; but, I'm finding, in this Anusara® world, very close.  Thank you, all, for reading and for writing. I did some 'research' on this reader, found that she just started a blog. I read the first entries and find good stuff; I especially like some of the analogies used. Her blog:  http://findingcurrents.blogspot.com. 
4. All classes are interesting - I could write a blog entry about each; about the students, about what I taught, about how that teaching was received. Yesterday's YogaHour was no different. All new-to-me students (as in, they'd done yoga before, but only one had been to one class with me before). They were all relatively new to Anusara®. That was kind of a first - since I began the class, I've always had one or two 'regulars' in attendance. Not complaining, just describing. These kinds of classes are good for me to go back to my default class - moving through the modifications of vascisthasana. Why? Because I am able to teach without having to 'think' too much, which leaves me able to observe more effectively. Not sure if that makes sense. But, with a new group, being able to teach a well-practiced sequence allows my thought processes to be more with them, and less on "ok, what pose do I teach next".
5. Going to open one of my notes binders and try to see what pops up on the first page I turn to. Here goes: (Truth be told, I had to turn the page to get this one - one I have been working on recently.) 'When teaching a large group or class, distinguish between a universal instruction (one that all students embrace) and a personal modification.  Personal modifications ought to be addressed softly only to the person needing the enhancement.' 

• I think, upon reading, this sounds pretty clear. No matter how nicely we 'couch' it, a shout-out to the class (i.e. "Good extension, Sally; now take your gaze to the lifted arm.") may be received as a criticism. Better to offer the compliment, then move to 'Sally' and ask her to lift her gaze.  This has been tough for me to get into my teaching; but, I noticed (upon review of those 'handy-dandy' videos) that it is happening.  
• And, I may, on occasion, give an enhancement that applies to 2 or more people, and - in those cases - I do say it to the entire group and attempt to make eye contact with the ones needing it most. What happens? They get it, and the others in the class get bigger and brighter. Everyone can benefit from a 'secure your shoulder blades and lift your heart' once in a while.  

It's a holiday weekend here in Utah - Pioneer Day Celebration. (This is celebration of the day the Mormons entered the Salt Lake Valley and proclaimed "This is the place".) Interesting that it's almost a bigger celebration than the 4th of July. For the studio, no change in class schedules. For me, a couple of sleepless nights -- our dogs and fireworks do not mix. 

On the slate for today:  

Gentle Yoga at 10 am at The Yoga Center

Some practice, some errands, some housework

Another hair appointment at 4 (we cut it yesterday - oh, it's short; we are going to liven the color up today -- the grey is nice, but a bit straw-like on me; need to do something)

Hope your Friday is a good one, 

MY REBEL'S EXPERIENCE

We all have one - a person in our lives who resists convention and, even, caution at times.

Mine is a woman I've come to know through my teaching. She arrived in my class 3 years ago, seemingly healthy yet struggling with balance issues. From the start, she displayed a fiery demeanor - determined and dedicated to bring physical balance back to her body.

Ultimately, it was found that a complex and unusual condition was causing the balance issue. According to this diagnosis, no amount of yoga will improve the balance.

By the time she received the diagnosis, yoga had become an integral part of her life; an important element in her routine and she continues coming to class. We experience tumbles occasionally. This does not stop her. She continues to come to yoga and we continue to learn - she and I - what we can and can't do.

So, what about the rebel? Yesterday, I took attendees in the Gentle Yoga class to the wall with their mats, chairs and blocks. I'd been reading a book (dangerous) and had some new ideas for doing poses using the wall. One was to stand perpendicular to the wall, wide-stanced, with a block against the wall. Then place the foot closest to the wall on the block and move into Warrior II. The block is meant to equalize the pelvis level (I think is also gets students further into the bent knee). The idea came from "Yoga for Osteoporosis".

This version of a pose is probably not the best for someone challenged by their balance. Yet, as I taught the pose, I was surprised (and pleased) to see this student giving it her best effort - and, doing it excellently, despite my suggestion she take the easier route and skip the block.

Students continue to amaze me - students struggling with issues/conditions and the students who arrive with no apparent limitations. In our conservative neighborhood (close to The Yoga Center), it is not the easiest thing to take the path less traveled and attend a yoga class.  Imagine, the new student walking into my studio:

1. Review the schedule and decide which class to take (what's Anusara®?, what's vinyasa?, which class suits me best? etc., etc., etc.). ((More validation for answering the phone, answering these questions in person.))
2. Walk in the door (it took me three passes before I'd walk in the door - true story)
3. Remove the shoes (what? take my shoes and socks off? I attended 3 classes before taking my socks off - another true, embarrassing story)
4. Walk up a long flight of stairs to ???
5. Look into a big room occupied with some funny looking statues, some wall hangings, and a ton of blankets, big oval fabric tubes (bolsters), blocks, straps, etc.  
6. Fill out a registration form, sign in, and pay money (for what? what do we do in yoga?)
7. Get a mat, get some blankets, a block, a strap -- now, line them up:  facing a certain direction, in line with the rest, props neatly arranged (what, again, are props? and what will we use them for?)

Quite a bit to do before the instructor arrives and begins to explain this whole yoga thing. Lots of hurdles to cross and hoops to jump through. So much easier to just take a walk (we know what to expect on a walk), or just stay on the couch.  

I appreciate that each of the students coming to classes makes this journey, and makes a choice to 'stay in the room'.  And, I love the rebels.  

Today's Plan:  

Haircut (yeah!)

Teach YogaHour at 4 pm

Have a good day,