BITTERSWEET DAYS

The past two weeks have brought me some bittersweet moments.

First, is that Desiree has decided to stop the Wisdom Warrior classes at Yoga Del Mar due to her travel schedule for the rest of this year.  I am sad.  There is no better way to say it.  A mainstay and a highlight of my weeks is no more.  So, how does one 'look for the good' in this?

Well, I do have August (a retreat with Desiree and Andrew) to look forward to.  And, I am able to consider Desiree a friend.  She even sent me a note during the fires last week asking how we were doing; were the fires affecting us?  Made me smile.

Mentioning the fires, I must say that 'yes' we are o.k.  They surrounded us on 3 (of 4) sides, but were not close enough to create the need for evacuation.  I had the car loaded with needed paperwork and precious 'stuff'; the most precious - dogs and cat - were ready, if needed.  Howard was traveling, so he escaped the 2 major days of stress, came home to smoke and another fire on Camp Pendleton, which turned out to not be a threat to us.  So, we are o.k.  Gearing up, however, for a long, hot and dry summer.

Yesterday was the last class at the Fallbrook Library for 10 weeks.  That is a bittersweet moment, also.  30 people who have faithfully come to this class for many months (years?) are now without their mainstay.  Hopefully, they will come find me in other locations, and will return in mid-August when our 'Library vacation' ends.  This was not my choice; budget limitations and the Summer reading program for children pushed us out, but just for the summer.  We'll be back.

I now offer 7 classes each week -- 4 in Temecula and 3 in Fallbrook.  If you read this and are curious where -- go to my website, www.skilllfulyoga.com for that information.

This past Saturday, I offered the first of a 3-session workshop series titled "Head to Toe".  First session was on the feet, knees and hips, and - considering it was my first workshop in Fallbrook - it was very well attended.  We moved through significant facts about feet, then did some movement to create flexibility and increase movement; we did similarly for the knees and hips.  This is a LOT of information to offer in one 2-hour session (and, in the past, I have offered workshops on just the feet OR knees OR hips; not all at one time).  We got through it, tho, and a follow-up e-mail question to attendees tells me that they enjoyed it (many had never attended a workshop, so didn't know what to expect).  I look forward to June (Lower, Mid & Upper Back) and July (Shoulders, Arms & Neck).

My study with Doug Keller two weeks ago was really helpful in preparing for the workshop, and in my teaching in general.  Such a smart man!  I highly recommend a workshop with him, if you get the chance.

KITCHEN IS DONE !!!  (in case anyone was wondering).

Hope you have a great Tuesday,

A TESTIMONIAL (for me) AND ONE FOR DESIREE (from me)

"Dear Leslie,
I am SO blessed to have you as a teacher! You have given me the foundation for this  course. The teacher stresses all the same things as you; however we do JUMP!!!!"

I copied this salutation and 2 sentences from an e-mail I received this morning. It is written by a dedicated student who traveled to India earlier this week in order to attend a yoga retreat (emphasis on Iyengar Yoga).  And, as I write these sentences explaining who/what/why she wrote, I have a big smile on my face. 

First, tho, an explanation about jumping:  I am a not-so-good jumper; therefore, I do not normally include it in my classes (and I rarely demonstrate).  Hence her comment about "JUMP"-ing.  

But, back to the compliment.  She deserves much of the credit.  If she hadn't listened and embraced the teachings I pass on to her, she wouldn't be writing these complimentary words.  And, I say "pass on", because all that I teach comes from my teacher(s), from reading, from practicing, from study.  Little is 'original stuff', and the 'stuff' I think is original, I will eventually hear someone else say.  (So, maybe none of it is 'original'(?!?!?!))

Anyway, what a great way to begin the day.  

The comment is catalyst for this blog post. The blog is a means for sharing information -- and, once in a while, offer up a testimonial (for me and from me).  

Wisdom Warriors, with Desiree Rumbaugh, was a great practice yesterday. Fun, slow, mindful, fun, challenging, and fun.  Twists, forward folds, a few arm balances.  Emphasis on trying to maintain the curves in our back.  A challenge for me, one with a not-so-long spine that wants to curve into a rounded shape (if I would let it).  We 'refined' most of our poses by using a blanket.  

Desiree talked a bit about the resistance our students may have to using a blanket or any prop.  I offered the word I often use in class:  refine.  When we use a prop, it's not because we can't do the pose, it's to give us more space, move us closer to the final expression of a pose, to refine. 

So, as we twisted, folded, balanced, our blankets and a block were our friends, our co-workers in this practice.  Made many things more manageable, made awareness of movement in elusive body parts more available, just made things better.  Now, take away the blanket, block, whatever, and I find that I continue to feel those new-to-me sensations; at least until I need to be reminded, again.  

Good stuff.  

On a personal note, we are re-doing our kitchen.  Interesting meditative practice taking pots, pans, dishes, cutlery, junk out of the cabinets and drawers, and finding a somewhat organized temporary home for them.  Totally messes with your mind, if you let it.  

I mentioned meditation, since I watched a YouTube video of Sharon Salzburg (posted on Facebook by Scott Lewicki).  I had never heard of Sharon, but I enjoyed her down-to-earth take on meditation as I watched the video.  I went quickly to Amazon.com (my 'one-click' friend) and bought her book, "Real Happiness".  Such a clean, nuts-and-bolts, book about meditation.  I've added her ideas to my practice, and am now introducing meditation to skeptical students, with better answers than I had before.  Check her out.  

Teaching today.  Kitchen workers will come; poor dogs are locked out for the day; and Ben (our new cat) will be confined to his laundry room.  All so we can have a beautiful new kitchen in a week or so, I hope.  

Have a great Thursday!

URDHVA DHANURASANA (a backbend)

There are many poses that fall into the category of back bending in yoga.  One that I have struggled with over the years is Urdhva Dhanurasana or wheel pose (think lie on back, place hands and feet, and push belly up towards ceiling).  That's a pretty simplistic description of all that's happening in the pose, but - if you are not a yoga person - it may help.

I realized a few months ago that I avoid doing this pose (and handstand) because I have not been able to do them. Better to not do a pose than become embarrassed by my inability to do a pose, right?  Not sure that that's the way to move forward.  However, it's been my 'go-to' place lately -- don't do it; no problem (or is there?).

Over the years that I have written in this blog, and if you are a long-term reader of the blog, you have heard all this.  Maybe it's getting boring, or at the very least you are losing interest.  Well, here's another sojourn into the world of Leslie's UD (urdhva dhanurasana); and I won't guarantee it will be the last.

I signed up over the holidays to participate in Christina Sell's "Asana Junkies".  FYI, I enjoy anything Christina does -- such a smart yoga teacher and person.  Christina began this on-line practice work about a year ago.  Every 5-6 weeks, she's begun a new session.  The one I've been participating in focuses on backbends, and each week for 5 weeks, we've gotten:

1. Videos of 2 90-minute general sequences (one level 1, the other level 2-3)
2. Lecture
3. Strengthening and opening sequences for shoulders, upper back, legs
4. Snippets of video tips (this is available on her website all the time)
5. Encouragement
6. Connection to other practice participants through a Facebook page

I just finished the week 5 overview, which included some work to add to the general sequence, and video tips on how to make UD better and bigger.  

Have I been doing the work?  Yes.  Of the many online programs I've participated in, Christina's was the first - I took her first Mentoring Course.   I remember sitting in our family room in Salt Lake each week and waiting patiently for the computer to download the mentoring video.  Then I would watch and listen, taking copious notes.  EVERY WEEK FOR 12 SESSIONS.  I have to say, it was great.  And, one of the best parts is that I did do the work, I did sit down EVERY week, watch and write what I was being taught, AND incorporated it into my practice and teaching.  

So, when this session of Asana Junkies appeared, with the emphasis on improving backbends, I knew I wanted to do it and I knew I would do the work (history, my friends).  

The result:  I have been doing the work -- practicing the sequence and added strength/opening work.  Taking notes from the lecture and storing them for future reference.  I've even added some of the work to my teaching, much to the enjoyment of students.

Yesterday, in Wisdom Warriors, Geri Portnoy (who is filling in for Desiree while she is in Australia/New Zealand) asked us what we'd like to work on.  Everyone was silent, so I jumped in with a request for strength work towards UD.  Might as well do a little 'extra credit' work. 

Geri crafted a great 120-minute practice, on a moment's notice (impressive!). Emphasis was on strength and opening.  And, not just strength in arms, but she included shoulders, upper back, and legs.  Loved it.  Then came the moment of truth -- UD at the wall, using blocks to help us.  I'd love to be able to write that I placed my hands and pushed up.  I can't.  I can write that I placed my hands, pushed up some, Geri stepped in to help, and up I went -- 3 times.  The 3rd felt stronger and more controlled.  Plug in more was her advice when we finished, since her opinion is that I have the strength, just need to get my shoulders more over my wrists.  

So, there you have it -- my work over the past weeks.  The great byproduct of all this?  More open in shoulders, feeling stronger, feeling like there is hope!  

Now, on with the day.  Thursdays I teach 2 classes in Temecula; one at Living Yoga, then another at Yoga For Life.  

Hope your Thursday is a great one; and, Happy Valentine's Day !!!

ON YOGA ALLIANCE 'BASHING'

I try to stay neutral on topics political (even in yoga, there's 'political').  When I write in this blog, I avoid the words 'we' (as in 'we need to'), 'you' (as in 'you should . . .'), 'us' (as in 'it isn't good for us'), etc., etc. Why?  because this is a blog about MY experience, not our experience.

And, I am still a fan (or addict) of Facebook.  I belong to several groups, many are yoga-related.  Lately, it seems that the topic of choice for peoples' blogs and comments is Yoga Alliance (YA) - its purpose, benefits provided, the value of membership; many of these are negative.  It hit one of my 'hot' buttons last night, so I decided to go public, come out of the YA closet and share 'my' opinions/feelings/comments.

In each major group of professionals (doctors, lawyers, dentists, psychologists, etc.), there is an organization that oversees and, in many cases, mandates training to call oneself such a professional.

I joined Yoga Alliance when I began teaching yoga, because - coming out of the healthcare field - I was familiar with such organizations, and I do believe that credentials that speak to the quality/quantity of training are valuable.  I also wanted to be viewed as a professional, to demonstrate to students that I had completed a body of work to be able to have the initials "RYT" behind my name.

There are many school of training to become a yoga teacher.  I have personally heard of students trekking all the way to Costa Rica in order to take a teacher training (I believe the attraction of Costa Rica was the determining factor for that person; not the quality of the training.).  Their disappointment in the CR training was palpable, and I met them as they re-took their teacher training. (That's not to say that CR trainings are all bad; it's just to make the point that there needs to be some way of discerning which trainings are worth the money to enroll in, to travel to, and to pay for housing at; because, goodness knows, teacher trainings are NOT cheap.)

As a former studio owner (for 7 years), I saw that a valuable revenue stream for studios was the ability to offer teacher trainings. It is hard to survive the world of 'studio owner' while offering public classes alone.  Workshops, trainings, events make up a great percentage of income for successful studios. In my studio, I did not offer such trainings; not because I wouldn't have liked to, it just never happened. If I had offered such trainings, I would have registered for school status with Yoga Alliance.

My point is this:  to monitor the training being provided future teachers is a valuable piece of the matrix. Schools who provide teacher trainings ought to be accountable to someone.  The only 'someone' I see doing this is Yoga Alliance.  They're not perfect, but in the relative scheme of things, they are new to the game; the others have been at this a while.

One frequently-heard argument against them is 'they just take our money'.  Well, this is the case - I assure you - for all professional monitoring groups. They can't do their job and improve the outcomes (become better) without money.

When a student arrives in class, after reading biographies on a website, I'd like them to know that I not only received a Certification from the Anusara School of Hatha Yoga, but that that school submitted their credentials to and was granted license to designate their teacher training graduates with the RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) moniker.

Rather than complain or, worse, quit -- why not get in the game?  Work to make Yoga Alliance a good thing - an organization that filters training programs, eliminating the 'lunkers' while telling students and potential yoga teachers who the 'gems' are -- the schools who have jumped through the hoops and provided documentation to attain the RYS label.  Additionally, tell students who the teachers are that attended these schools and are proud to wear the label.  (I know, this sentence contains an implied 'you'.  But, I need to say it.)  

Enough.

Hope you all have a great Friday!

'BE STILL MY HEART"

The title quote is one I often use in this blog.  For me it is a sign of celebration, gratefulness, happiness -- anything good that happens in relation to life, and my practice and teaching of yoga.

Yesterday, there were several of these "BSMH" moments at the Wisdom Warriors practice with Desiree Rumbaugh.  (Not that these don't happen with Des a lot, but these were BIG - for me).  I'll list them in order of occurrence, with a bit of a preface.

Some of us were a bit late arriving to the practice due to a single car accident on I-5 Southbound, just north of the studio's exit.  Bummer! (especially for the driver, who was being extricated as I drove by)

I can only guess this was a signal for Desiree (who also was delayed) to amp it up a bit, in part to take our minds off this stress-inducing incident.  She announced that we would do arm balances -- many said 'yes'; I thought 'oh, no'.  But we began -- a few down dogs and forward folds.  Then what?  30 (THIRTY) leg squats (think utkatasana, if you are in your yoga brain right now).  Each squat was accompanied by fired-up leg muscles, making each one a bit more energetic that we might normally do them.  After that -- upside down; handstand (not; at least 'not' for me).  I am getting more 'air time', tho.

Then some standing poses WITHOUT arms; all this to really get us into our legs, get the leg muscles nice and warmed up.  It worked.

O.K. enough of the preface, here are the breakthroughs that I experienced:

1. Hanumanasana - front leg resting on lowest block height (it's always been on the highest).
2. Bakasana (which I do fairly well); the breakthrough?  Staying in the pose and beginning to extend one leg to the side and towards straight.  Whoa!  That was fun.  
3. Sanskrit name eluding me - think lunge, with right shoulder UNDER right knee, straighten right leg off the floor, extend left leg back.  Granted, I didn't lift the back leg (yet), but I did get that front leg straighter than ever, and extending the back leg, toes on the floor, was a huge deal, also.  

3 big moments.  There were others, not so big, but no less important.  I realized that, when twisting, the waist muscles opposite the direction you are turning (if you're turning left, then think right waist) must be working.  For me this happens most effectively when twisting to the left and firing up the right waist.  My left waist needs some work.  It became apparent when trying to do parsva bakasana.  I can get my right arm way deep on the left leg due to a deeper twist aided by the waist, which makes lifting legs much easier.  On the other side, not so much.  I know there's a lots of right / left directional stuff in here; you might have to read this twice (I know I had to).  

These are the things I come to Wisdom Warriors for -- that awareness of body parts; things I may never have realized or things I have chosen to ignore - just to 'get' into the poses.  Wise things.  

On the home front?  we are settled in after the short vacation.  It was nice (cold), but so great to see Idaho and to relax for a week.  In Driggs, I was able to take a class from one of my teachers and mentors, Sundari (Joanne) Lucey, and we spent some time catching up on each other's lives.  

I'm also doing a study with Christina Sell (Asana Junkies); she is one person that I can study with online and she holds my attention and energy the whole time.  Good stuff, that will make me stronger; strength I am noticing in my practice already.  

Since returning, we've acquired a new family member - his name is Ben and he is a cat.  I think I said once I didn't think I wanted a cat again (because of the work involved - think litter box, here).  But, I missed a cat on my lap in the evenings, and along came Ben.  

Today?  Teaching 2 classes.  

Hope you have a great Thursday, 

VACATIONS

I just returned from a short week (6 days) at our place in Idaho.  It was good to get away from the routine, to feel COLD (3 degrees as we left yesterday morning), to sit in front of the wood stove, to take walks, and to re-connect with old friends (and, to shop in Jackson - got the cutest Christmas Tree cookie jar; just what a yoga-teaching grandmother needs).

I also took time to do some yoga, using online video(s) to guide me (I am not the most inventive home practitioner; and a video pushes me out of my comfort zone, at times).  And, there was time to take in a class with Sundari (Joanne Lucey) - one of my teachers and mentors.  It was a great class, just what my sore SI joint needed that day.

One of the good things about this vacation is that I not only relaxed, but I also learned.  I've been doing an online course with Christina Sell (backbends - my nemesis).  I am pleased that she is not just doing backbends, but spending time on the preparatory work; leaving me with hope!!!  I also did some reading from a favorite blog - Core Walking.  The class with Sundari gave me some new ideas for the classes I teach.

And, I planned out a few trainings for the coming months.  I enrolled in Angela Farmer's weekend workshop in April in San Francisco.  I have never studied with her, but Sundari sang praises and I certainly trust her vote of confidence.  Previous to that, I had signed up to take a weekend workshop with Doug Keller again this year.  Doug will be back at Yoga Del Mar in May.  Looking forward to more new and embellished 'seasoned' stuff (how's that for saying 'old' in a nice way -- 'seasoned').  Then, there's Desiree and Andrews' retreat in August in Encinitas.  What more could I ask for?

As I wait and plan for these trainings, I continue to do online study, and there is a ton of stuff to be learned from my students.

In planning a trip, there is always the question of subs (guest teachers) teaching classes, and will students persevere in the absence?  I was pleased to hear that all classes were well attended.  I take that as a compliment; a sign of students' trust in me to leave them in good hands.  Thank you to all the teachers who helped cover my classes!

Off to walk dogs, then get ready to go teach.  Some new material, perhaps more students, a revitalized instructor -- all good stuff!

Have a great Thursday,

FEAR & YOGA

I have been teaching a lot this year, more than any other time in the 11+ years I've been teaching yoga. This past week, I've been more aware of a phenomenon I talk about on occasion in class -- Fear.

Usually, it is in conjunction with a new pose.  Students struggle with a pose (say, an arm balance or inversion), when introduced to the pose for the first time.  My theory is that the 'fear factor' kicks in, compromising the students' willingness to pursue the pose.  Our bodies are, in my words, saying to us "what? what do you want me to do? why do this?".  All those questions that raise doubt about our abilities, causing us to wobble to resist to fall out of poses.

Then, what usually happens is that the next week, when asked to do a similar or same pose, the body is like "oh, I've been there before; piece of cake!", and things begin to go more smoothly.  Or, at least the body has experienced the pose, so the fear is not to great.  A bit of confidence has crept in to neutralize the fear (maybe not all of it, but it is a process).

This is on my thought radar this morning, since two students arrived this week; both new to my class.  One mentioned her fear of twists, as in - she is not confident enough yet to twist.  Just getting her 'yoga legs' under her.

The second mentioned her fear of her unexplained wrist pain.  That she will avoid putting weight on the wrist since something (she doesn't know what) created pain a number of years ago.  She has seen doctors, no definitive diagnosis.  It just hurts, therefore she doesn't weight it (hasn't for 1-2 years).

The first - fear of twists - is understandable. And, I believe, as her foundation for poses strengthens, so will her confidence.  It is a process.  She stepped into my class and, when I said 'this isn't a fast class', the sign of relief was audible.  We moved slowly, deliberately, with lots of explanation about the foundation.  We did simple twists and we used props - including the wall.  Her comments at the end of class were that firing up her legs through the spreading of toes and reaching of heel, offered a sense of security she hadn't felt before.  I love it when students think through why things are doing what they're doing; makes my job much easier.

The second - fear of a mystery pain - is more challenging.  We will continue to work slowly.  I offer modifications that keep the weight off the wrist. but still offer strengthening for the arms.  After several weeks, this student is returning regularly; so, I have hope (and, so does she).

Fear is defined (on my Mac) as "an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat".  The definition goes on to say more, but I think this pretty much sums up what I'm seeing in these students (and the students who are trying something for the first time).  Holding back is a natural reaction to a threat.

When I speak about the yoga journey, I say it is wonderful and full of moments that create great awareness.  I also say that is accompanied by boulders we must crawl over at times.  Many of these boulders could be labeled 'fear'.  Patience will be the watchword here.

Enough.

Continuing to dismantle Christmas decorations in our home, trying to pull things back to pre-Christmas state.  And, trying to shove all those tree decorations into the same box they came out of (!?!?!?!?).  A challenge.

Hope you have a great Saturday!