"Now where?" seems to be the consistent question this year. It's either north or south; this time south. Housesitter will arrive in a little bit and I will head off to visit son and his family. To complicate matters, there is some work being done on our house -- kind of a logistical nightmare, but end results will be good.
The week and weekend workshop ended on a satisfying note yesterday. I felt great all week. None of those nagging 'why am I here' thoughts or 'am I good enough'. It was a good week and I felt I belonged all the way through, that I am good enough.
Similarly, the weekend workshop was a nice finish. After a full week of asana (5-6 hours every day), wisdom had stepped in and caused me to sign up for the Mixed Level (definitely the 'lighter' session). So glad to have done that. I could practice, I could absorb a few more teaching tips, and I could enjoy poses that were well within my range. For me, a good finish -- kind of like that last ski run that goes really well; or the last golf shot that 'sings' through the air. To finish feeling good is always the best.
We went to see the Doobie Brothers last night. As we drove home, I had my first 'hit' of being truly tired. That kind of tired that causes you to be irritable. Well, I thought, I have been going about non-stop for 7 days -- 12-hour days, driving up to Park City and back each day, listening, studying, practicing inbetween those journeys up the canyon and back. No naps this past week! I guess I ought to be a bit tired.
I am anxious, though, to put what I learned into action as I teach. I did teach one private this week, and I was able to use one of our teachings -- to look at the bigger picture, before focusing in on the issue that brings the student in. JF told us to look at the whole -- for example, a stiff neck most likely is emanating from a shoulder issue. If I just work on the student's neck, I may not solve the problem. So, I step back, do an overview, hone in, overview again, hone in -- another one of those pulsations, I think.
Well, lots to do before housesitter arrives.
If you are a student in one of my classes -- I will be back next week. Know that I am missing you!
Have a great week,
Monday, August 30, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
WEEKEND WORKSHOP
Well, the party's almost over. Just the weekend to go.
Yesterday began in a most unusual manner. I had heard of JF's sense of humor and play, but have not experienced tons of 'out of the box' stuff -- he always is poised and polished, with a little humor on top to sweeten the package. I got a taste of 'play' yesterday as we began our session. He's in front of the group, it's 9:05 am, and he says "ok, lets get ready". I'm expecting the chant, so I get ready. Sit tall, cross my legs, soften my eyes.
Instead? He cues David, who starts the music in the studio. On comes the Beatles' song "Love, Love, Love". Wow! For the next few minutes everyone enjoyed the music and lyrics -- so appropriate after all we have been talking about this week. The group (all 147 of us) swayed along, held hands, or simply did their own expression of joy at hearing this departure from routine, such a great song.
Then, he calls an attendee to the stage who (I apologize for not remembering her name; I will never forget the beautiful hair, tho) is an opera coach and singing instructor, plus yoga instructor. She proceeds to explain her presence, stating that she realized the night before that her seva (service) to the community could be giving us some advice on using our voices in kirtan, chanting, etc. For the next few minutes, she gave us breath instructions, talked about using skull loop as a tool in chanting. Good stuff.
Now, a real departure -- he asks this instructor to lead the chant. She graciously accepted the challenge and led the most powerful chant I've heard in a long time. We all were using our breath so effectively that the sound was full, energetic, yet we all were hearing one another (one of the key points to chanting).
From that point forward -- business as usual. Lots of questions and answers. Then a 'rockin' practice. That means more challenging and moving at a faster pace. 6, yes 6, Urdhva Dhanurasana's in a row for me; plus a couple handstands; plus an attempt at an assisted scorpion. Fun, Fun, Fun.
Got to get ready for this morning.
Hope you have a great Saturday,
Yesterday began in a most unusual manner. I had heard of JF's sense of humor and play, but have not experienced tons of 'out of the box' stuff -- he always is poised and polished, with a little humor on top to sweeten the package. I got a taste of 'play' yesterday as we began our session. He's in front of the group, it's 9:05 am, and he says "ok, lets get ready". I'm expecting the chant, so I get ready. Sit tall, cross my legs, soften my eyes.
Instead? He cues David, who starts the music in the studio. On comes the Beatles' song "Love, Love, Love". Wow! For the next few minutes everyone enjoyed the music and lyrics -- so appropriate after all we have been talking about this week. The group (all 147 of us) swayed along, held hands, or simply did their own expression of joy at hearing this departure from routine, such a great song.
Then, he calls an attendee to the stage who (I apologize for not remembering her name; I will never forget the beautiful hair, tho) is an opera coach and singing instructor, plus yoga instructor. She proceeds to explain her presence, stating that she realized the night before that her seva (service) to the community could be giving us some advice on using our voices in kirtan, chanting, etc. For the next few minutes, she gave us breath instructions, talked about using skull loop as a tool in chanting. Good stuff.
Now, a real departure -- he asks this instructor to lead the chant. She graciously accepted the challenge and led the most powerful chant I've heard in a long time. We all were using our breath so effectively that the sound was full, energetic, yet we all were hearing one another (one of the key points to chanting).
From that point forward -- business as usual. Lots of questions and answers. Then a 'rockin' practice. That means more challenging and moving at a faster pace. 6, yes 6, Urdhva Dhanurasana's in a row for me; plus a couple handstands; plus an attempt at an assisted scorpion. Fun, Fun, Fun.
Got to get ready for this morning.
Hope you have a great Saturday,
Friday, August 27, 2010
NO MATTER WHAT, NOTES!
It may be day 5 of Immersion III with JF, I may be tired, I may be a bit pressed for time, but -- I love a 'notes' day so much, it can't be ignored. Here are some highlights, plus info:
1. To re-state, the Bhagavad Gita is the story of our life. Our battle with ourselves to do our best, to do our dharma.
2. Watch Bagger Vance (the movie). If you've read the Gita, you will see correlations -- even in the names of the characters. (and, little things like == 18 holes on a golf course / 18 chapters in the book). There are energetic ties everywhere!
3. Our battle on our yoga mats is more like a dance -- we do it with love and respect. When we cooperate artistically with spirit, our poses reflect that beauty.
4. On the first full moon of each August, remember it's Rakhi Day -- a day to offer protection and love to those closest to us. You can do it by offering a bracelet made of string or it can be a spiritual offering.
5. There are 3 types of teachers:
- Pundit -- knows the technical knowledge
- Acharya - technically has the knowledge; also has wisdom and is able to inspire
- Guru - all of the above, plus has passed levels of attainment; additionally, has tremendous psychic powers.
6. When I work with a student therapeutically for a neck issue; I must start at the shoulders (perhaps even the hips). Interesting how one part being off can affect so much else in the body.
7. The best teachers lead students to find their own best teacher within themselves.
Got to type some notes.
Enjoy your Friday,
Thursday, August 26, 2010
LOOKING FOR THE GOOD - IN OURSELVES
Another beautiful day in Park City -- both from a weather and a training standpoint. More on the Bhagavad Gita, but opportunities for more discussion and more questions as well. And, a longer practice in the morning.
Wednesdays used to be kind of a negative 'hump' day in trainings for me - the day when I would wonder 'why in the world am I here?', or 'what do I have to offer', or - worse - 'I'm not good enough to be here'. This training (as I think it was in San Francisco) has a different feeling -- I'm comfortable, I'm able to comment and ask questions (though, not too many), and I feel that I belong. It's a great thing.
One of many big learnings for me yesterday -- what to do with the neck in Ustrasana. And, when you do it, it makes the pose so much more accessible. (This question is one of the most common heard in yoga classes and trainings, in my experience.) We apply the 5 principles of the neck as we move up and back into the pose. These are:
When I did all five as I moved into the pose, the pose seemed effortless and my neck felt great. The key, for me, is thinking of all five as I go into the pose -- otherwise, I'm holding my heels and trying to figure out how to get my neck in position; not the way I want to be.
Other practice and therapeutic highlights:
Wednesdays used to be kind of a negative 'hump' day in trainings for me - the day when I would wonder 'why in the world am I here?', or 'what do I have to offer', or - worse - 'I'm not good enough to be here'. This training (as I think it was in San Francisco) has a different feeling -- I'm comfortable, I'm able to comment and ask questions (though, not too many), and I feel that I belong. It's a great thing.
One of many big learnings for me yesterday -- what to do with the neck in Ustrasana. And, when you do it, it makes the pose so much more accessible. (This question is one of the most common heard in yoga classes and trainings, in my experience.) We apply the 5 principles of the neck as we move up and back into the pose. These are:
- Inner Body Bright - use the breath to lengthen the torso all the way up to the crown of the head. The back of the neck should feel soft as you gaze straight ahead, eyelids level (top & bottom).
- Muscle energy - hyoid bone moves back (the hyoid bone is situated at the base of the tongue in the front of the neck). This action will tone the neck.
- Create a cervical curve using shoulder loop
- Now do skull loop (circular loop of energy from upper palate, back and up back of skull - over top - and down face)
- Organic extension through top of head.
When I did all five as I moved into the pose, the pose seemed effortless and my neck felt great. The key, for me, is thinking of all five as I go into the pose -- otherwise, I'm holding my heels and trying to figure out how to get my neck in position; not the way I want to be.
Other practice and therapeutic highlights:
- A brief foray into hopping; then hopping into handstand (well, mine was a good effort)
- For me, a well-integrated padangusthasana on the left side (I was even standing up straight). If you know me and my hamstrings, you understand. The right side still needs work, but the leg was up. Tip from Sundari: Re-focus on the focal point -- very helpful.
- I may not 'melt', 'root', 'extend', etc., as much as needed - another pair of eyes is often helpful to tell me that - even though I think I am doing as much as I can - I need to do more; we all may, as JF said.
- 3 most common misalignments of pidgeon prep: Hip of bent leg drops to floor, lack of muscle energy in the front leg, hips not squared.
- Remind myself of my good 'stuff' more often - this was an exercise for us in a group of 3 - telling each other about our good points. Not easy. A practice that should happen every day.
Enjoy your Thursday (Jupiter's Day) - a very auspicious day,
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
AND, DAY TWO
I wrote some of this last night after returning from dinner; finishing it on Wednesday morning -- EARLY.
Another great day in Park City with 3 more urdhvas under my belt, two drop-backs and one stand back up (don't know what else to call it). If you do yoga, you'll understand; if you don't, just know that for me it's a BIG accomplishment.
My day began early, driving up to PC to place mats so that I could be close to Sundari, Primo, and Peter - all good yoga friends. We practiced, we laughed, we learned, and then we went to dinner -- perfect ending to a great day.
I received my first Rakhi bracelets today - both physically and symbolically. Rakhi Day is a traditional Indian holiday, which began as families committed annually to protect and love one another. Over the years, it's expanded to include family and friends, and the tradition has spread across oceans and continents. A Rakhi bracelet is a simple braided string tied to the wrist, symbolizing that person's love and commitment to protect you and vice versa. Rakhi Day always falls on the first full moon of August.
My physical Rakhi bracelet is red, gold and white (embroidery thread) and came from my friend, Lynn. Sundari offered her Rakhi blessings over dinner tonight to me, as well. Special.
Tuesday's lecture was more on the second six chapters of the Bhagavad Gita. JF pointed out on Monday that, if you pay attention, you'll notice that the second six chapters are a repeat of the first six - just with more explanation (not sure if that's the right word, but - it's early). Then, the third six are another repeat. Well, I didn't notice that - so, a learning experience for me.
We explored the cakras more with input from Anodea. They become so much more clear when hearing about them, than when trying to read about them. Puts a 'story' to each, not just fact. Love it.
Our practice in the morning was intense - long, mindful holds. I revisited an 'old friend pose', as John asked me to demo ardha chandrasana - as an example of leg height (mine is not high enough; there's work to be done!). The rest of the pose was o.k. -- I held it, I felt in control, and good about the effort.
As I mentioned, 3 more urdhva's (wheel) plus a drop back (one person assists the other in tipping back into the pose) and an assisted coming back up. I was able to do two, since Peter helped me and - being all about proper alignment - he wouldn't pull me back up because my arms were bent on the first go-round. Second time, feel more - he said; this time arms better, so I got to stand back up (I've only done that once or twice before).
Afternoon practice was a mix of meditation/pranayama, seated poses, a few uttanasana to feel the effects, finishing with a wonderful savasana.
And dinner - fun. Great laughs and good food (food always tastes SO good at these events, and I eat much more healthily).
Onward -- notes to type, dogs to walk, mat duty this morning, then -- I'll keep you posted!
Have a nice Wednesday,
Another great day in Park City with 3 more urdhvas under my belt, two drop-backs and one stand back up (don't know what else to call it). If you do yoga, you'll understand; if you don't, just know that for me it's a BIG accomplishment.
My day began early, driving up to PC to place mats so that I could be close to Sundari, Primo, and Peter - all good yoga friends. We practiced, we laughed, we learned, and then we went to dinner -- perfect ending to a great day.
I received my first Rakhi bracelets today - both physically and symbolically. Rakhi Day is a traditional Indian holiday, which began as families committed annually to protect and love one another. Over the years, it's expanded to include family and friends, and the tradition has spread across oceans and continents. A Rakhi bracelet is a simple braided string tied to the wrist, symbolizing that person's love and commitment to protect you and vice versa. Rakhi Day always falls on the first full moon of August.
My physical Rakhi bracelet is red, gold and white (embroidery thread) and came from my friend, Lynn. Sundari offered her Rakhi blessings over dinner tonight to me, as well. Special.
Tuesday's lecture was more on the second six chapters of the Bhagavad Gita. JF pointed out on Monday that, if you pay attention, you'll notice that the second six chapters are a repeat of the first six - just with more explanation (not sure if that's the right word, but - it's early). Then, the third six are another repeat. Well, I didn't notice that - so, a learning experience for me.
We explored the cakras more with input from Anodea. They become so much more clear when hearing about them, than when trying to read about them. Puts a 'story' to each, not just fact. Love it.
Our practice in the morning was intense - long, mindful holds. I revisited an 'old friend pose', as John asked me to demo ardha chandrasana - as an example of leg height (mine is not high enough; there's work to be done!). The rest of the pose was o.k. -- I held it, I felt in control, and good about the effort.
As I mentioned, 3 more urdhva's (wheel) plus a drop back (one person assists the other in tipping back into the pose) and an assisted coming back up. I was able to do two, since Peter helped me and - being all about proper alignment - he wouldn't pull me back up because my arms were bent on the first go-round. Second time, feel more - he said; this time arms better, so I got to stand back up (I've only done that once or twice before).
Afternoon practice was a mix of meditation/pranayama, seated poses, a few uttanasana to feel the effects, finishing with a wonderful savasana.
And dinner - fun. Great laughs and good food (food always tastes SO good at these events, and I eat much more healthily).
Onward -- notes to type, dogs to walk, mat duty this morning, then -- I'll keep you posted!
Have a nice Wednesday,
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
MONUMENTAL DAY ONE !!!
Day one of the Immersion III training with JF went like this -- lecture, practice, lecture in the morning; lecture, practice, short meditation in the afternoon.
In addition to talking about the Tattvas (principles), he moved into the Bhagavad Gita. This book, I had been told, is actually our story. I had resisted that notion. Why? Because no one ever told me why -- they just said it. And, even though I have read it at least 3 times, I had never done an in-depth study with anyone on the book. Yesterday JF began to tell us why (through the first six chapters). Ahhh, the light of understanding begins to shine. (oh, well, only took 8 years or so)
We moved into Cakras, and - with Anodea Judith in attendance - we had not only JF to offer, but Anodea gave us some great info to work with, as well.
And, as I begin to write, know that I have some notes to transcribe, so this will be another 'quickly' written blog post; just enough to let you know what I'm up to and that I'm still around.
At an event like this, we meet many of our friends from past events, many of our current kula companions, and there's this incredible opportunity to meet new friends -- people we may have communicated with on Facebook or through things like this blog, or never have had contact with. It is an amazing opportunity. It is also a bit daunting for someone like me. My 'love my comfort zone' personality is thrown into a whole new realm at an event like this. I'm asked to really step into a space I'm not always comfortable with. Not a bad thing, just fact. It also fit perfectly with JF's theme for our morning practice -- turning up the tapas (heat) once in a while, stir the pot, and voila! Some change, some growth, certainly more awareness.
Best news of MY day: 5 (count'em FIVE) urdhva dhanurasanas in a row with almost-straight arms ! (For my non-yoga friends - those are backbends or wheel.) The key? Taking my head further back, which created more shoulder blade support, which resulted in a slowmotion ride into the pose. Slow, not because it was hard; slow, because I could feel what was happening and maybe I just wanted to savor it (!?!?!?).
So, on to notes.
Have a great Tuesday, I plan to. . .
In addition to talking about the Tattvas (principles), he moved into the Bhagavad Gita. This book, I had been told, is actually our story. I had resisted that notion. Why? Because no one ever told me why -- they just said it. And, even though I have read it at least 3 times, I had never done an in-depth study with anyone on the book. Yesterday JF began to tell us why (through the first six chapters). Ahhh, the light of understanding begins to shine. (oh, well, only took 8 years or so)
We moved into Cakras, and - with Anodea Judith in attendance - we had not only JF to offer, but Anodea gave us some great info to work with, as well.
And, as I begin to write, know that I have some notes to transcribe, so this will be another 'quickly' written blog post; just enough to let you know what I'm up to and that I'm still around.
At an event like this, we meet many of our friends from past events, many of our current kula companions, and there's this incredible opportunity to meet new friends -- people we may have communicated with on Facebook or through things like this blog, or never have had contact with. It is an amazing opportunity. It is also a bit daunting for someone like me. My 'love my comfort zone' personality is thrown into a whole new realm at an event like this. I'm asked to really step into a space I'm not always comfortable with. Not a bad thing, just fact. It also fit perfectly with JF's theme for our morning practice -- turning up the tapas (heat) once in a while, stir the pot, and voila! Some change, some growth, certainly more awareness.
Best news of MY day: 5 (count'em FIVE) urdhva dhanurasanas in a row with almost-straight arms ! (For my non-yoga friends - those are backbends or wheel.) The key? Taking my head further back, which created more shoulder blade support, which resulted in a slowmotion ride into the pose. Slow, not because it was hard; slow, because I could feel what was happening and maybe I just wanted to savor it (!?!?!?).
So, on to notes.
Have a great Tuesday, I plan to. . .
Monday, August 23, 2010
QUICKLY
Just a few minutes before the big day begins. Monday of a training is always a bit hard on the nerves -- do I have writing materials, do I need any manuals, do I have my props, do I have a snack, and the biggie: WHAT DO I WEAR?
Yoga clothes - yes; but, which ones? Oh my, such a decision on this day. The fact that I have lost a few pounds gives me greater flexibility in choices (and more choices). Hate tight yoga clothes and having my belly hanging out; not to mention those over-flowing yoga tops (referred to as 'boobalicious' by a good friend of mind). Enough on that.
So, wish me luck. This morning -- the culmination of one of my big dreams -- I'm going early to help direct the set-up of mats.
Before I go, however, a big SHOUT-OUT to MariaCristina on her Certification! HIP HIP HOORAY!
Enjoy Monday,
Yoga clothes - yes; but, which ones? Oh my, such a decision on this day. The fact that I have lost a few pounds gives me greater flexibility in choices (and more choices). Hate tight yoga clothes and having my belly hanging out; not to mention those over-flowing yoga tops (referred to as 'boobalicious' by a good friend of mind). Enough on that.
So, wish me luck. This morning -- the culmination of one of my big dreams -- I'm going early to help direct the set-up of mats.
Before I go, however, a big SHOUT-OUT to MariaCristina on her Certification! HIP HIP HOORAY!
Enjoy Monday,
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