This may sound simple to most of you, but wrapping arms around legs has never been easy. I had perfected it to one side, but the other remained elusive. Yesterday, that changed!
Not sure why. Maybe it's because I've lost a few pounds -- but, I usually won't accept extra poundage as an excuse for not doing something, so I must apply the same logic to myself. Better reason -- it may be because I'm become more mobile in my shoulders. What has changed?
First, the training with Sundari offered me an 'opportunity' to have her work my shoulders and shoulder blades. Second, Adam has been doing similarly - though, not with the compassion that Sundari offered. He is getting in there and making them move (shoulder blades). I am sure I had bruises. It's all for the greater good, so I will accept and appreciate it, through discomfort and all.
Where did this breakthrough happen? I attended a class at Yoga Tejas yesterday morning. A good one, themed around Halloween -- turning on the lights inside, so our spirit world - which is scary at times - wouldn't be quite so forbidding; then hugging to the midline for security; and putting on our 'costume' of choice. We worked with balance poses, requiring that midline hug, then opening with our bright inner light and 'costume' on. Fun class.
This will be short -- just checking in. I find giving myself permission to write less frequently, results in not writing (duh!). But, I want to write and it's good for me. So, need to find the balance.
Hope you have a good Halloween Sunday,
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
FRIDAY FORGOTTEN
I awoke this morning with this blog on my mind. And, what was I thinking? That I had forgotten to post yesterday. Not necessarily forgotten - I thought about it; I just was juggling many things in the morning, so decided to pass. I forgot, however, that it was Friday and my favorite day to post. Otherwise, I might have done differently. Oh, well.
So, imagine it's Friday and you are reading this on Friday morning or afternoon.
I believe I mentioned my week actually began on Wednesday (perhaps that could be my excuse!?!?!), due to our journey to play with Grandsons last weekend. It will be a short week's worth of 'notes'. But a week worthy of comment, because I now know people are listening.
Wednesday, as I have done for the past 3 years, I taught Gentle Yoga. It was a snowy morning, which makes attendance questionable - as in, some may choose to stay inside. Happy to see many turned out and even happier when one mentioned her ankle was a bit stiff. Her words "the chi seems to be stuck in my ankle". Well, I had talked about Prana (or chi) the week prior; as in, when the prana can move easily through the body, we feel good. Why would this make me 'happier'? To have a student use a word they haven't heard or used in their 60+ years of life, means they are listening.
Later on Wednesday (and again on Thursday), I taught the semi-private I have mentioned before (the couple who are both a bit stiff). Good for them -- trying to get in some classes before they head out of town for a couple weeks. And, good for them, that they are practicing what we work on in class at home. The result -- after Wednesday's session, he is beginning to notice and move his shoulder blades on demand; she is working on "owning" the pose.
What do I mean by "own" -- in this situation, she is flexible enough to place hands flat on floor with straight legs. Rather than do that, I asked her to come to fingertips and bend elbows out to side, accessing shoulderblades and maybe moving more deeply into the fold. I asked her to 'own' the pose. She can do it very well, why not do it with a bit more finesse. Sounds silly as I write it, but in the context of this couple, it works -- and, that is what I look for in students - a way to connect. I think she will continue to work well in this pose and the concept of 'owning' it will serve her (might not serve everyone, tho).
Thursday also included pilates. I was alone with Cindy, which means she made me work hard. Usually my jacket doesn't come off until mid-way into the session. This time, jacket off after the first movement series. Good session. Then, back to the studio for the semi-private you already heard about. And, then Yoga Hour. A small group, but fun, nevertheless. Some of my first students from when I started the class attended; great to connect with them.
Friday, another Gentle Yoga class. As usual, a smaller group. What does that mean? Well, one of two things -- we either work harder or we work more gently. This week, it was a blend; with a little bit of camel thrown in -- just to see if the hyoid bone lesson had sunk in. And, for me, there was the residual good feeling from a note in which a student had told me the benefit my offerings to them about the breath was having for her (something she has known for a long time, but has embraced as she began attending class regularly). More proof people are listening!
What tip can I offer after this week? A simple one. There was a student in class this week with a sore hip. Young, active person, who runs. I asked what she could observe about recent activity -- nothing out of the ordinary. I mentioned that most problems begin with the feet and that the hip may be reacting to her running shoes - were they worn down? No, she just bought new ones. Well, how about if the new shoes are putting her back into better foot alignment, therefore the hip is being asked to readjust and is just 'telling' her about how the change is affecting it (the hip). After class, she came up to tell me that she is a 'pronator' by nature, and is trying to over-compensate to correct that issue. Maybe that's part of the problem. If possible, someone should watch her run (in the new shoes), and tell her what the right foot is doing -- that may answer the hip issue. What's the tip? Look at the whole person when offering therapeutic advice, and start with the feet - especially when looking at an issue in the lower body.
AND -- I share my good moments with my teachers. I've had a couple reminders lately that my teachers need to know - just like I need to know - that the teachings are being received and embraced. They deserve the credit, as much as I do. After all, they taught me.
Today? R&R (fighting off a slight cold -- expecting that it will either resolve itself or move into a full-blown, sneezing, stuffy, sore throat condition).
Hope your Saturday (Friday?) is a good one,
So, imagine it's Friday and you are reading this on Friday morning or afternoon.
I believe I mentioned my week actually began on Wednesday (perhaps that could be my excuse!?!?!), due to our journey to play with Grandsons last weekend. It will be a short week's worth of 'notes'. But a week worthy of comment, because I now know people are listening.
Wednesday, as I have done for the past 3 years, I taught Gentle Yoga. It was a snowy morning, which makes attendance questionable - as in, some may choose to stay inside. Happy to see many turned out and even happier when one mentioned her ankle was a bit stiff. Her words "the chi seems to be stuck in my ankle". Well, I had talked about Prana (or chi) the week prior; as in, when the prana can move easily through the body, we feel good. Why would this make me 'happier'? To have a student use a word they haven't heard or used in their 60+ years of life, means they are listening.
Later on Wednesday (and again on Thursday), I taught the semi-private I have mentioned before (the couple who are both a bit stiff). Good for them -- trying to get in some classes before they head out of town for a couple weeks. And, good for them, that they are practicing what we work on in class at home. The result -- after Wednesday's session, he is beginning to notice and move his shoulder blades on demand; she is working on "owning" the pose.
What do I mean by "own" -- in this situation, she is flexible enough to place hands flat on floor with straight legs. Rather than do that, I asked her to come to fingertips and bend elbows out to side, accessing shoulderblades and maybe moving more deeply into the fold. I asked her to 'own' the pose. She can do it very well, why not do it with a bit more finesse. Sounds silly as I write it, but in the context of this couple, it works -- and, that is what I look for in students - a way to connect. I think she will continue to work well in this pose and the concept of 'owning' it will serve her (might not serve everyone, tho).
Thursday also included pilates. I was alone with Cindy, which means she made me work hard. Usually my jacket doesn't come off until mid-way into the session. This time, jacket off after the first movement series. Good session. Then, back to the studio for the semi-private you already heard about. And, then Yoga Hour. A small group, but fun, nevertheless. Some of my first students from when I started the class attended; great to connect with them.
Friday, another Gentle Yoga class. As usual, a smaller group. What does that mean? Well, one of two things -- we either work harder or we work more gently. This week, it was a blend; with a little bit of camel thrown in -- just to see if the hyoid bone lesson had sunk in. And, for me, there was the residual good feeling from a note in which a student had told me the benefit my offerings to them about the breath was having for her (something she has known for a long time, but has embraced as she began attending class regularly). More proof people are listening!
What tip can I offer after this week? A simple one. There was a student in class this week with a sore hip. Young, active person, who runs. I asked what she could observe about recent activity -- nothing out of the ordinary. I mentioned that most problems begin with the feet and that the hip may be reacting to her running shoes - were they worn down? No, she just bought new ones. Well, how about if the new shoes are putting her back into better foot alignment, therefore the hip is being asked to readjust and is just 'telling' her about how the change is affecting it (the hip). After class, she came up to tell me that she is a 'pronator' by nature, and is trying to over-compensate to correct that issue. Maybe that's part of the problem. If possible, someone should watch her run (in the new shoes), and tell her what the right foot is doing -- that may answer the hip issue. What's the tip? Look at the whole person when offering therapeutic advice, and start with the feet - especially when looking at an issue in the lower body.
AND -- I share my good moments with my teachers. I've had a couple reminders lately that my teachers need to know - just like I need to know - that the teachings are being received and embraced. They deserve the credit, as much as I do. After all, they taught me.
Today? R&R (fighting off a slight cold -- expecting that it will either resolve itself or move into a full-blown, sneezing, stuffy, sore throat condition).
Hope your Saturday (Friday?) is a good one,
Thursday, October 28, 2010
NOTHING NEW -- YET
In my last post, I alluded to a new 'look' for the blog. Checked out options this morning; choices between red, pink, green, even purple, are just too much to think about this morning. So, we'll wait for a while.
After a busy weekend playing with grandsons, I returned Tuesday night and am still a bit turned around, time-wise. Begin a week on Wednesday, and try it. Well, teaching Gentle Yoga yesterday morning, I had lots of good stories to tell about the way it is now with 3 grandsons, and the way it used to be (back when I went to visit and made a trip to Yoga Del Mar for some yoga; ahhh, the good old days). Now, I call it good if I can get in a few good stretching moments.
Yesterday morning, I started the day with reviewing my latest video. Then, I turned to a printout of the latest self-evaluation form from Anusara. If we honestly answer the questions (I did have to say 'no' and 'maybe' at least once), we can see the parts missing from our teaching. Where did I say no? Did I connect the heart quality and theme through my demo? No, I was too busy keeping it to 1-2 minutes and trying to point out just two things that I wanted them to get from the demo. I don't think I even considered heart quality/theme during the demo -- after all, it was just me doing and talking about the poses I was demo'ing. Lesson learned.
After the self-eval., I still feel good about the video and have sent it on to Sundari. Keep fingers crossed!
In Gentle Yoga, we worked with skull loop -- my favorite loop this year. After all, for me, it is the key to backbending. I just wish saying 'hyoid bone' many times was a bit less tongue-tying (or, as I try to say it this morning many times over, it's more of a lip-challenge). But, I digress.
I hadn't intended to do that - teach skull loop, but as I watched students move into anjanae asana, and take their gaze up (by dropping their head back), it seemed like a good teaching moment. (Seeing teaching moments, is also a variation of a question on the Self-Evaluation form -- "Did you teach to what you were seeing?) The connection from skull loop to the upper and mid back, will help in this pose -- which can be a bit challenging for the lower back. It was amazing to watch the following attempts at the pose - so much more potent (and beautiful).
Then home for a bit, and back to the studio (I felt like a yo-yo yesterday) to teach a semi-private. We worked skull loop here, also. Home again, where we have 3 inches of snow on the deck -- yes, snow; in October. We've gone from balmy, sunny Fall to Winter -- FAST! Maybe we'll journey back to the balmy, but winter is here today.
Today?
After a busy weekend playing with grandsons, I returned Tuesday night and am still a bit turned around, time-wise. Begin a week on Wednesday, and try it. Well, teaching Gentle Yoga yesterday morning, I had lots of good stories to tell about the way it is now with 3 grandsons, and the way it used to be (back when I went to visit and made a trip to Yoga Del Mar for some yoga; ahhh, the good old days). Now, I call it good if I can get in a few good stretching moments.
Yesterday morning, I started the day with reviewing my latest video. Then, I turned to a printout of the latest self-evaluation form from Anusara. If we honestly answer the questions (I did have to say 'no' and 'maybe' at least once), we can see the parts missing from our teaching. Where did I say no? Did I connect the heart quality and theme through my demo? No, I was too busy keeping it to 1-2 minutes and trying to point out just two things that I wanted them to get from the demo. I don't think I even considered heart quality/theme during the demo -- after all, it was just me doing and talking about the poses I was demo'ing. Lesson learned.
After the self-eval., I still feel good about the video and have sent it on to Sundari. Keep fingers crossed!
In Gentle Yoga, we worked with skull loop -- my favorite loop this year. After all, for me, it is the key to backbending. I just wish saying 'hyoid bone' many times was a bit less tongue-tying (or, as I try to say it this morning many times over, it's more of a lip-challenge). But, I digress.
I hadn't intended to do that - teach skull loop, but as I watched students move into anjanae asana, and take their gaze up (by dropping their head back), it seemed like a good teaching moment. (Seeing teaching moments, is also a variation of a question on the Self-Evaluation form -- "Did you teach to what you were seeing?) The connection from skull loop to the upper and mid back, will help in this pose -- which can be a bit challenging for the lower back. It was amazing to watch the following attempts at the pose - so much more potent (and beautiful).
Then home for a bit, and back to the studio (I felt like a yo-yo yesterday) to teach a semi-private. We worked skull loop here, also. Home again, where we have 3 inches of snow on the deck -- yes, snow; in October. We've gone from balmy, sunny Fall to Winter -- FAST! Maybe we'll journey back to the balmy, but winter is here today.
Today?
- Still cleaning (can you tell the house has not been my priority for a while?)
- Pilates at 1 pm
- Semi-private at 2:30 pm
- Yoga Hour at 4 pm, taught by me
Hope your day is a good one,
Monday, October 25, 2010
SO, HERE IT IS . . . POST #500
Let the whistles blow and the cymbals clash; let the sparklers light the sky; etc., etc., etc. I've done it -- 500 posts; as I sit here, it's almost as anti-climactic as the 60th birthday countdown. Oh, well!
When I'm away from the studio, I depend on Facebook and e-mail to keep me informed of goings on. This morning, I found an entry from BJ Galvan, a forwarded one of Scott Marmorstein doing a jig to a Jamaican tune. I usually would pass by this type of message, however this morning I paused and watched the video. Reminder, Scott is the young man who works with JF frequently and is an energy healter (cakras). The other fact many of us know is that he nearly died 8 or so months ago from heart issues.
I watched the 'jig' video, then noticed in the history bar another video of Scott from a year ago. He's seated in front of a window and talks about his work. Such a difference between now (the jig, the look, the energy) and a year ago (posture, the look, the energy). If you can find it, check it out. So happy to see him and to see him looking well and happy.
Our grandsons are great! We had a fun day yesterday -- took in Sealife (an aquarium extension of Legoland). Well done and a perfect place for pre-school and early school-age children. Since the boys have been to this place many times, we were given the tour - taken into all the nooks and crannies, encouraged to watch the puppet show and the dive show; just take it all in, move with their flow (a 2 and a 4-year-old flow is very different than our 60+ year flow). It was a fun morning, that even included lunch at the aquarium. Such good grandparents - pat, pat, pat (the sound of me patting myself on the back). Then back home for naps, more play, dinner, then we (the older ones) could relax.
Today, I'll enjoy grandsons some more; Howard will work. Our housesitter is 'in charge' - dealing with pets and care of SLC house. The studio? Well, I'm not missing any classes; and it can run itself for a couple days.
I was serious about ordering the printed archive of the first 500 posts. I plan to continue, maybe I'll change the display - I've seen some pretty neat ones around the internet.
Thank you for reading,
When I'm away from the studio, I depend on Facebook and e-mail to keep me informed of goings on. This morning, I found an entry from BJ Galvan, a forwarded one of Scott Marmorstein doing a jig to a Jamaican tune. I usually would pass by this type of message, however this morning I paused and watched the video. Reminder, Scott is the young man who works with JF frequently and is an energy healter (cakras). The other fact many of us know is that he nearly died 8 or so months ago from heart issues.
I watched the 'jig' video, then noticed in the history bar another video of Scott from a year ago. He's seated in front of a window and talks about his work. Such a difference between now (the jig, the look, the energy) and a year ago (posture, the look, the energy). If you can find it, check it out. So happy to see him and to see him looking well and happy.
Our grandsons are great! We had a fun day yesterday -- took in Sealife (an aquarium extension of Legoland). Well done and a perfect place for pre-school and early school-age children. Since the boys have been to this place many times, we were given the tour - taken into all the nooks and crannies, encouraged to watch the puppet show and the dive show; just take it all in, move with their flow (a 2 and a 4-year-old flow is very different than our 60+ year flow). It was a fun morning, that even included lunch at the aquarium. Such good grandparents - pat, pat, pat (the sound of me patting myself on the back). Then back home for naps, more play, dinner, then we (the older ones) could relax.
Today, I'll enjoy grandsons some more; Howard will work. Our housesitter is 'in charge' - dealing with pets and care of SLC house. The studio? Well, I'm not missing any classes; and it can run itself for a couple days.
I was serious about ordering the printed archive of the first 500 posts. I plan to continue, maybe I'll change the display - I've seen some pretty neat ones around the internet.
Thank you for reading,
Sunday, October 24, 2010
#499
Yesterday's class (Saturday) was one where I felt really connected to a new voice, yet still teaching and still doing all the same 'stuff'. What do I mean?
Well, it was interesting to hear myself offer instructions, and - while offering these instructions - interlace them with verbiage supporting my theme, heart quality, UPA's, etc. It all seemed to click. The problem? Not enough people in the room to do a viable video (one that the Certification Committee will accept). But, no matter. I am so happy that things are finally falling into place; it's kind of like my 'urdhva feeling' -- a whole new world is opening to me.
My theme yesterday centered around Desire-Study-Work (also known as Attitude-Alignment-Action). I went back through notes and found that during this past year these three elements have been the topic of some key teachings I've received.
First, from John -- our desire fuels our practice. When we move from this desire; a place of focus, many things become possible. Second, from Desiree -- study and practice the basics. Her point? We don't have to do the many challenging poses every time we go to the mat; they are always available to us to attempt or accomplish, if we are well-schooled in the basics. Third, from Christina -- do the work. Practice, get on your mat push yourself a bit further than is comfortable once in a while, do the work.
Oh, I learned tons of other stuff this year, but these three fit right into what I hoped to teach yesterday morning. Desire brought them to class; study keeps them coming to class; and work -- well, we lengthened lunge and down dog stances, we worked some backbends (difficult for some in the room), we tried ustrasana (camel) without resorting to one hand on the foot, then the other -- both hands hit the feet at the same time. I didn't necessarily ask for this, tho I did suggest it -- their desire to do the pose incorporating the UPA's and truly lengthening into the backbend (study), resulted in each doing Ustrasana, both hands moving to the feet at the same time while the rest of their body's remained in good alignment (the work).
I also had a little side-learning experience. One student, who has had a back injury, commented after the first attempt at just moving part of the way up and back into Ustrasana (camel), that her body was shaking all over. I decided to give a little assist and - sure enough - as she began to rise with my hands on her ribcage, she did begin to tremble all over (FYI, she was not in any pain.). Once her hands reached her heels, the trembling stopped. It began again, as I assisted her up and out of the pose. All I can figure is that her body is fearful of the potential for pain in backbends. It doesn't matter that we are applying the UPA's to prevent injury. The body knows what hurting the back felt like; it doesn't want to go there again, hence the response (the shaking). I think that, as she works the UPA's, and her body comes to accept that this movement does not result in a painful experience, the shaking may subside. We'll see. Interesting!
Today?
Well, it was interesting to hear myself offer instructions, and - while offering these instructions - interlace them with verbiage supporting my theme, heart quality, UPA's, etc. It all seemed to click. The problem? Not enough people in the room to do a viable video (one that the Certification Committee will accept). But, no matter. I am so happy that things are finally falling into place; it's kind of like my 'urdhva feeling' -- a whole new world is opening to me.
My theme yesterday centered around Desire-Study-Work (also known as Attitude-Alignment-Action). I went back through notes and found that during this past year these three elements have been the topic of some key teachings I've received.
First, from John -- our desire fuels our practice. When we move from this desire; a place of focus, many things become possible. Second, from Desiree -- study and practice the basics. Her point? We don't have to do the many challenging poses every time we go to the mat; they are always available to us to attempt or accomplish, if we are well-schooled in the basics. Third, from Christina -- do the work. Practice, get on your mat push yourself a bit further than is comfortable once in a while, do the work.
Oh, I learned tons of other stuff this year, but these three fit right into what I hoped to teach yesterday morning. Desire brought them to class; study keeps them coming to class; and work -- well, we lengthened lunge and down dog stances, we worked some backbends (difficult for some in the room), we tried ustrasana (camel) without resorting to one hand on the foot, then the other -- both hands hit the feet at the same time. I didn't necessarily ask for this, tho I did suggest it -- their desire to do the pose incorporating the UPA's and truly lengthening into the backbend (study), resulted in each doing Ustrasana, both hands moving to the feet at the same time while the rest of their body's remained in good alignment (the work).
I also had a little side-learning experience. One student, who has had a back injury, commented after the first attempt at just moving part of the way up and back into Ustrasana (camel), that her body was shaking all over. I decided to give a little assist and - sure enough - as she began to rise with my hands on her ribcage, she did begin to tremble all over (FYI, she was not in any pain.). Once her hands reached her heels, the trembling stopped. It began again, as I assisted her up and out of the pose. All I can figure is that her body is fearful of the potential for pain in backbends. It doesn't matter that we are applying the UPA's to prevent injury. The body knows what hurting the back felt like; it doesn't want to go there again, hence the response (the shaking). I think that, as she works the UPA's, and her body comes to accept that this movement does not result in a painful experience, the shaking may subside. We'll see. Interesting!
Today?
- Enjoying my son, my daughter-in-law and my grandsons
Hope you have a nice day,
Friday, October 22, 2010
POST #497
I've unexpectedly arrived at post #497 ! Send up the fireworks, it's a monumental moment (well, in 3 more posts), as I will reach 500! Then, I'll order the printed archive -- just for my own memory's sake.
It's also Friday - my favorite day to post. I love just typing snippets of information; no big, overall message to think about. Just bullet points of the week, plus a tip, and we call it good.
And, it's been a great week -- each day with a highlight to share. Now, let's see if I can remember:
1. Monday - Class with Tiffany was the highlight. Adhikhara setting the stage for my teaching this week, as I was reminded of the importance and value of paying attention to the details, of refinement and discipline in my practice.
2. Tuesday - I attended another class, this one with Wayne. (p.s. both Wayne and Tiffany were mentored into and through the Certification process by Jamie Allison) It was a smaller group than Tiffany's, so we were able to get a bit more individual attention and there was more banter (very important questions, NOT small talk) during the class. Four urdhva dhanurasana's (backbends), one with feet on blocks (now, that's another first for me!). We went to the wall with chairs (chairs at wall for stability), and tried the same pose with our feet on the chair seat. Made it to the top of my head. Not disappointed -- I couldn't do that a couple weeks ago.
3. Wednesday - the fun (and growing) Gentle Yoga class. What more can I say? I love this group of people who have given me their trust. Such a gift!
4. Thursday - Highlight? Semi-private with somewhat-stiffer-than-most couple. It is great to be with people as they discover that yoga is not a bunch of whoo-ey (sp?). Those were their words, plus: "A while back, I would have listened to you and said bull____. Today, I feel all the things you are talking about; there is something about yoga I can't explain." I just smiled and said "magic" in a small, wistful voice. Then, I applied all my muscle strength to both of their VERY tight shoulder blades! Whew.
5. And, Friday? Well, we'll see who shows for Gentle Yoga. Then some practice - working on the stuff Adam showed me earlier in the week, plus doing some things to re-open that upper back of mine.
6. My 'tip' for the week? I've worked consistently with the breath since returning from the therapy training with Sundari. I turned to those notes, and immediately read this:
Wherever you go in this movement, are you in the flow of prana? Are you aware of the breath in transition? The sign of an advanced practice is this awareness. How is prana flowing? Are you receiving your breath? Are you giving back? Thru awareness we discover ways to collaborate with the breath. We must be the example; it moves thru us to others.
I love that I don't have to put my foot behind my head (or do any number of other challenging poses), in order to feel that I am moving towards an advanced practice. It's not just about being 'advanced', but knowing that when I place hands mindfully, or breathe with purpose and intention, I move to a more refined place in my practice, I feel very good. Because, I know what it feels like to struggle with a pose for 12 years and then to have it break loose, like a dam breaking open. What's good about that -- that the 12 years created enough awareness in me that I can know what was holding me back and what it took to move over the threshhold. It wasn't easy; it was worth it.
Friday's Events:
It's also Friday - my favorite day to post. I love just typing snippets of information; no big, overall message to think about. Just bullet points of the week, plus a tip, and we call it good.
And, it's been a great week -- each day with a highlight to share. Now, let's see if I can remember:
1. Monday - Class with Tiffany was the highlight. Adhikhara setting the stage for my teaching this week, as I was reminded of the importance and value of paying attention to the details, of refinement and discipline in my practice.
2. Tuesday - I attended another class, this one with Wayne. (p.s. both Wayne and Tiffany were mentored into and through the Certification process by Jamie Allison) It was a smaller group than Tiffany's, so we were able to get a bit more individual attention and there was more banter (very important questions, NOT small talk) during the class. Four urdhva dhanurasana's (backbends), one with feet on blocks (now, that's another first for me!). We went to the wall with chairs (chairs at wall for stability), and tried the same pose with our feet on the chair seat. Made it to the top of my head. Not disappointed -- I couldn't do that a couple weeks ago.
3. Wednesday - the fun (and growing) Gentle Yoga class. What more can I say? I love this group of people who have given me their trust. Such a gift!
4. Thursday - Highlight? Semi-private with somewhat-stiffer-than-most couple. It is great to be with people as they discover that yoga is not a bunch of whoo-ey (sp?). Those were their words, plus: "A while back, I would have listened to you and said bull____. Today, I feel all the things you are talking about; there is something about yoga I can't explain." I just smiled and said "magic" in a small, wistful voice. Then, I applied all my muscle strength to both of their VERY tight shoulder blades! Whew.
5. And, Friday? Well, we'll see who shows for Gentle Yoga. Then some practice - working on the stuff Adam showed me earlier in the week, plus doing some things to re-open that upper back of mine.
6. My 'tip' for the week? I've worked consistently with the breath since returning from the therapy training with Sundari. I turned to those notes, and immediately read this:
Wherever you go in this movement, are you in the flow of prana? Are you aware of the breath in transition? The sign of an advanced practice is this awareness. How is prana flowing? Are you receiving your breath? Are you giving back? Thru awareness we discover ways to collaborate with the breath. We must be the example; it moves thru us to others.
I love that I don't have to put my foot behind my head (or do any number of other challenging poses), in order to feel that I am moving towards an advanced practice. It's not just about being 'advanced', but knowing that when I place hands mindfully, or breathe with purpose and intention, I move to a more refined place in my practice, I feel very good. Because, I know what it feels like to struggle with a pose for 12 years and then to have it break loose, like a dam breaking open. What's good about that -- that the 12 years created enough awareness in me that I can know what was holding me back and what it took to move over the threshhold. It wasn't easy; it was worth it.
Friday's Events:
- 10 am, Gentle Yoga at The Yoga Center
- Practice
- Whatever happens, happens
Enjoy your Friday,
Thursday, October 21, 2010
A GREAT DAY
Each day this week has been 'great'; yesterday, tho, was 'extra great' or 'great with an extra dollop of whip cream'.
My morning started with breakfast with Jen -- we have worked together for 6+ years. Jen 'inspired' me to take my first teacher training with Desiree; and we've attended many classes, workshops and trainings together (sometimes being mistaken for mother (me)/daughter (Jen) - but, we won't go there). It was a good conversation - sharing info on how our lives and teaching progress.
Then, off to teach Gentle Yoga. I've said this before, will say it again -- the pattern at my studio is for students to arrive right on time for class or a minute or two late. Not this class - they began to arrive 10 minutes early yesterday! Perhaps it's because they're eager to be with me (!?!?!) or perhaps it's because the class is growing lately, and they would like to be in their favorite or non-squeaky spot. (FYI, the floor has some noise-producing qualities that accompany your poses, if you are placed just right.)
No matter the reason, it is fun to see the studio filling and to hear the banter among these fun people. No one sits and tries to meditate, or tries to warm-up; no -- they're in class to enjoy the community; each other. Once we start class, tho, the room quiets to a very respectful decibel level -- with only the brief comment and/or groan and/or laugh to be heard. We worked with the breath, the arms - exploring 'hugging'. I asked if everyone understood what I meant by "hug" muscles. A couple were brave and inquisitive enough to say 'no'; so we did a bit of exploration and explanation. We worked the shoulders and shoulder blades, and did a bit of 'energy thumping' that I picked up at the therapy training a couple weeks ago. All in all, a fun time for me (and, I hope, for them).
On to my own 'private' with Adam -- we all know that my goal is to kick to the wall in handstand. I had an interesting awakening yesterday. While I'm not kicking to the wall, I can be aided to the wall and stay there for much longer than two or three weeks ago. But, that's not what I discovered. As we worked, Adam's attention was on my hips and legs -- getting them stretched out and warmed up for kicking up (all this, by the way, will also improve much of my overall practice).
Towards the 45-minutes mark of our 60-minute session, we went to the wall and I attempted to kick up; not yet, so he helped me. Here's what I discovered -- my shoulders and upper back are tight and, because we had focused on my legs, the upper body was not 'melting' as I had felt it 'melt' in earlier sessions. Why? Because we didn't do any of the challenging work to open up the upper back. It was easier for me, in this session, to actually balance - take feet away from wall - than to allow the legs to rest on the wall and melt my heart into the room. And, I felt it! Isn't it amazing when you feel and are aware of something like that? (I didn't necessarily figure it out myself - he did explain it to me.) Once verbally explained, I was able to reflect on the feeling in my body and realize why it was easier to stay more upright in the pose, as opposed to melting heart and moving feet to the wall. Amazing!
On to other things - picked up Howard from the airport, home for a quick bite of lunch, then on to get my hair cut. After that, relax. Then there was an unexpected phone conversation with Sundari - such a nice way to finish the day.
Today?
My morning started with breakfast with Jen -- we have worked together for 6+ years. Jen 'inspired' me to take my first teacher training with Desiree; and we've attended many classes, workshops and trainings together (sometimes being mistaken for mother (me)/daughter (Jen) - but, we won't go there). It was a good conversation - sharing info on how our lives and teaching progress.
Then, off to teach Gentle Yoga. I've said this before, will say it again -- the pattern at my studio is for students to arrive right on time for class or a minute or two late. Not this class - they began to arrive 10 minutes early yesterday! Perhaps it's because they're eager to be with me (!?!?!) or perhaps it's because the class is growing lately, and they would like to be in their favorite or non-squeaky spot. (FYI, the floor has some noise-producing qualities that accompany your poses, if you are placed just right.)
No matter the reason, it is fun to see the studio filling and to hear the banter among these fun people. No one sits and tries to meditate, or tries to warm-up; no -- they're in class to enjoy the community; each other. Once we start class, tho, the room quiets to a very respectful decibel level -- with only the brief comment and/or groan and/or laugh to be heard. We worked with the breath, the arms - exploring 'hugging'. I asked if everyone understood what I meant by "hug" muscles. A couple were brave and inquisitive enough to say 'no'; so we did a bit of exploration and explanation. We worked the shoulders and shoulder blades, and did a bit of 'energy thumping' that I picked up at the therapy training a couple weeks ago. All in all, a fun time for me (and, I hope, for them).
On to my own 'private' with Adam -- we all know that my goal is to kick to the wall in handstand. I had an interesting awakening yesterday. While I'm not kicking to the wall, I can be aided to the wall and stay there for much longer than two or three weeks ago. But, that's not what I discovered. As we worked, Adam's attention was on my hips and legs -- getting them stretched out and warmed up for kicking up (all this, by the way, will also improve much of my overall practice).
Towards the 45-minutes mark of our 60-minute session, we went to the wall and I attempted to kick up; not yet, so he helped me. Here's what I discovered -- my shoulders and upper back are tight and, because we had focused on my legs, the upper body was not 'melting' as I had felt it 'melt' in earlier sessions. Why? Because we didn't do any of the challenging work to open up the upper back. It was easier for me, in this session, to actually balance - take feet away from wall - than to allow the legs to rest on the wall and melt my heart into the room. And, I felt it! Isn't it amazing when you feel and are aware of something like that? (I didn't necessarily figure it out myself - he did explain it to me.) Once verbally explained, I was able to reflect on the feeling in my body and realize why it was easier to stay more upright in the pose, as opposed to melting heart and moving feet to the wall. Amazing!
On to other things - picked up Howard from the airport, home for a quick bite of lunch, then on to get my hair cut. After that, relax. Then there was an unexpected phone conversation with Sundari - such a nice way to finish the day.
Today?
- 9:30 am Meeting
- 1:00 pm Pilate
- 2:30 pm Semi-Private
- 4:00 pm Yoga Hour (I'm teaching)
Hope your day is a good one!
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