Every now and then I catch myself saying something in class, and immediately feel a cringe run through my body. Not that I said anything inappropriate (though I have to guard myself against that from time to time) or mean-spirited (that's really not in my nature...often). No, sometimes I say something that just doesn't sound like ME. Sometimes it's something I pick up from another teacher, but more often it's when I am trying to sound deep, profound and yoga-like. As soon as it's out of my mouth I feel the eyes of the entire class on me, and they are rolling.
I'm probably the only person who is accutely aware of when this happens. But every time it does, I feel like I've let the class down. After all, they made time in their day to come to my class, and they deserve something better than some recycled, re-hashed, regurgitated philosphical BS. Some of these pearls are prefaced with the words, "It is said that..." or "I'm told...," but often I'm just spouting something that I thought sounded clever. That's really just another way of saying, "I have no firsthand knowledge of this, but I don't want to appear ignorant so I'm going to hide behind this mask for a minute and I hope you don't notice."
Now I'm not saying that every morsel that trips off my tongue needs to be an epiphany or even an original thought...after all, there is so much written on the subject of yoga by people far more experienced than I, so I don't have to try to reinvent the wheel each time I teach. But, as a teacher, the one unique thing I have to offer is my own personal experience with whatever it is that I'm teaching. If my students want to know what Seane Corn or Pema Chodron or Cyndi Lee have to say on a particular subject, there are plenty of resources available. I might reference their wisdom, but if all I have to offer is what someone else says, then I might as well pop in a DVD and let the students follow that.
I've come a long way in finding my "authentic voice" as a teacher, but there is still plenty of room for growth. If I'm lucky, I'll continue learning and growing and gaining more and more experiences to draw from to illustrate the points I'm trying to make in class. But I guess in putting this out there, I'm holding myself accountable. Or at least keeping myself aware.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
What's the appeal?
I often wonder...what is it that draws people to yoga? I'm sure each of your reasons would be unique. Are you looking to be challenged physically, mentally and spiritually? Or do you get enough of a challenge in your everyday life, and just want a place that is a happy and peaceful refuge?
Is it the workout? If it's just the physical aspect, then why yoga?
Is it the spiritual aspect? If so, then why not go to a more traditional house of worship?
Is it the sense of community? Why not volunteer?
What is it that keeps YOU coming to class?
Is it the workout? If it's just the physical aspect, then why yoga?
Is it the spiritual aspect? If so, then why not go to a more traditional house of worship?
Is it the sense of community? Why not volunteer?
What is it that keeps YOU coming to class?
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Small Victories
I remember when I was a relatively new yoga student, and I imagined that I would be fully content if I could only get up into a headstand away from the wall. I tried and tried and tried, and after months (and falling through a wall) I finally got there. Of course, the next day I had completely lost the ability, and it took several more weeks before I was able to make my way up into the pose again. But by that time, I had my sights set on another "unachievable" pose: Handstand.
Throughout my yoga "career" I continually find poses that seem nearly impossible. Some I've been able to achieve, some I'm still working on. What I've learned, though, is that achievement of a particular pose is really immaterial, though it's still very exciting and empowering. (I also take a great deal of delight whenever one of my students, after weeks or even months of practice, achieves a goal that they set for themselves.) The important thing is that we keep trying and practicing. We keep taking action, and once in a while we can even let go of our attachment to the results of our efforts. For me, that is when yoga transcends the physical and the practice becomes an expression of play and of joy.
But not all of the achievements come from turning ourselves upside down, or twisting ourselves into a contortion that human beings should not be able to do. I teach a Chair Yoga class for a group of (primarily) seniors. Most of them have mobility issues of one type or another. Over the months that I've been teaching this class, I've seen definite improvement in all of the students, but it's really their dedication and commitment that inspires me. A few weeks ago, a new gentleman joined our class. He's roughly in his mid-eighties, and except for using a cane for balance, he appeared to be in relatively good health. He did complain of some balance issues, but mainly he felt "out of juice." I was immediately won over by his slightly mischievous personality. Anytime I asked him to do anything, he just chuckled to himself, as if to say "OK, I'll try, but don't expect too much."
Today, just four weeks into the session, he showed up without his cane, claiming he "forgot it." We worked on some seated breathing and stretching, all accompanied by his chuckle of resignation, then got up and worked on some standing poses to help with balance. We finished off with some seated twists, seated forward folds and a seated meditation/relaxation. At the end of class, the gentleman stood up (again, without the cane), and said, "Watch this." He bent over, reached down to the floor as if he were picking something up, then stood back up. He said that when he started the class, he couldn't even get halfway there, and walking without his cane was impossible. He said that once in a while throughout the day he even remembers to take some slow deep breaths. "I still feel out of juice, but this has helped," he chuckled as he left.
I've been witness to yoga's transformative effects in my own life, and I've seen students achieve inversions, binds and arm balances that they thought were impossible. I've been very happy and proud of each of them. I don't think, though, that I've ever felt as much satisfaction as a teacher as I did this morning when this gentleman told me that he could tie his own shoes for the first time in a long time.
Throughout my yoga "career" I continually find poses that seem nearly impossible. Some I've been able to achieve, some I'm still working on. What I've learned, though, is that achievement of a particular pose is really immaterial, though it's still very exciting and empowering. (I also take a great deal of delight whenever one of my students, after weeks or even months of practice, achieves a goal that they set for themselves.) The important thing is that we keep trying and practicing. We keep taking action, and once in a while we can even let go of our attachment to the results of our efforts. For me, that is when yoga transcends the physical and the practice becomes an expression of play and of joy.
But not all of the achievements come from turning ourselves upside down, or twisting ourselves into a contortion that human beings should not be able to do. I teach a Chair Yoga class for a group of (primarily) seniors. Most of them have mobility issues of one type or another. Over the months that I've been teaching this class, I've seen definite improvement in all of the students, but it's really their dedication and commitment that inspires me. A few weeks ago, a new gentleman joined our class. He's roughly in his mid-eighties, and except for using a cane for balance, he appeared to be in relatively good health. He did complain of some balance issues, but mainly he felt "out of juice." I was immediately won over by his slightly mischievous personality. Anytime I asked him to do anything, he just chuckled to himself, as if to say "OK, I'll try, but don't expect too much."
Today, just four weeks into the session, he showed up without his cane, claiming he "forgot it." We worked on some seated breathing and stretching, all accompanied by his chuckle of resignation, then got up and worked on some standing poses to help with balance. We finished off with some seated twists, seated forward folds and a seated meditation/relaxation. At the end of class, the gentleman stood up (again, without the cane), and said, "Watch this." He bent over, reached down to the floor as if he were picking something up, then stood back up. He said that when he started the class, he couldn't even get halfway there, and walking without his cane was impossible. He said that once in a while throughout the day he even remembers to take some slow deep breaths. "I still feel out of juice, but this has helped," he chuckled as he left.
I've been witness to yoga's transformative effects in my own life, and I've seen students achieve inversions, binds and arm balances that they thought were impossible. I've been very happy and proud of each of them. I don't think, though, that I've ever felt as much satisfaction as a teacher as I did this morning when this gentleman told me that he could tie his own shoes for the first time in a long time.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
IYA Fall Yoga Retreat - Day Three
Today was the final day of the IYA retreat. I'm a bit sad. As ready as I was to come home, I was having a great time hanging out with many friends, both old and new. There was a great energy and synergy going on.
So, last night I went down to socialize, but the only others there were prenatal teacher Jean Arnold and her husband and ADORABLE little boy. Jean and I had not officially met, even though we both taught at the same studio for a while, and it was great to get to know her a bit.
Got a bit more sleep last night, though I was still interrupted at about 2 a.m. by some folks returning from the downstairs bar. Reminded me of living back in NYC. I skipped Dona Robinson's Pranayama this a.m., opting for some sleep instead. Too bad, I'm sure it was wonderful. Dona is such a well-respected teacher in this area, and her depth of knowledge is amazing. My Adjustments and Alignment workshop went well, though I wish I had 2 more hours. We only got to about 4 or 5 poses, and really didn't get a chance to fully explore these.
The final workshop I went to was on the use of sound and chanting to enhance our pranayama and asana practice. Led by Devin McGuire, this was a unique method (to me, at least) of utilizing sound in order to locate and engage the bandhas, as well as a way to practice breath awareness, retention and suspension. I'm hoping that Devin is open to bringing his workshop up north...I think it would be very welcome at one of the studios I teach at.
Ended the day with lunch with some members of the IYA board. I'm considering volunteering, but probably not as a Chairperson. I'm sure there's more opportunities for service.
As always, I left the retreat feeling inspired, uplifted, and hopeful for the role of yoga in our State.
Namaste to all my friends and yoga buddies!
So, last night I went down to socialize, but the only others there were prenatal teacher Jean Arnold and her husband and ADORABLE little boy. Jean and I had not officially met, even though we both taught at the same studio for a while, and it was great to get to know her a bit.
Got a bit more sleep last night, though I was still interrupted at about 2 a.m. by some folks returning from the downstairs bar. Reminded me of living back in NYC. I skipped Dona Robinson's Pranayama this a.m., opting for some sleep instead. Too bad, I'm sure it was wonderful. Dona is such a well-respected teacher in this area, and her depth of knowledge is amazing. My Adjustments and Alignment workshop went well, though I wish I had 2 more hours. We only got to about 4 or 5 poses, and really didn't get a chance to fully explore these.
The final workshop I went to was on the use of sound and chanting to enhance our pranayama and asana practice. Led by Devin McGuire, this was a unique method (to me, at least) of utilizing sound in order to locate and engage the bandhas, as well as a way to practice breath awareness, retention and suspension. I'm hoping that Devin is open to bringing his workshop up north...I think it would be very welcome at one of the studios I teach at.
Ended the day with lunch with some members of the IYA board. I'm considering volunteering, but probably not as a Chairperson. I'm sure there's more opportunities for service.
As always, I left the retreat feeling inspired, uplifted, and hopeful for the role of yoga in our State.
Namaste to all my friends and yoga buddies!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
IYA Fall Yoga Retreat - Day Two
Here I am at 8 p.m., sitting in my hotel room while some yoga socializin' is beginning downstairs. I needed a few minutes to myself to reflect on the day (and rest my achin' knee!).
First, my hotel-neighbor was enjoying something funny on TV till about 2 a.m., so I got very little sleep. Still, I made it to the Pranayama class this morning, led by the wonderful Nancy Schalk. It was a wonderful way to start the day, though I had to run across the street to get a cup of coffee beforehand. The pranayama soothed my jangled nerves and I went forth balanced and serene to Ann Miller's Moon Salutation class. I've done Moon Salutations only a couple of times in the past, and despite their name, I find them very nice in the morning. A gentle, but by no means non-challenging way to heat and stretch the morning-tight muscles and joints. Ann does a wonderful job of preparing the body with simple yet powerful warm-ups, and then guides you through the Moon Salutation series 3 times, once for each day of the New Moon, with gradually increasing pace and depth.
I was very pleased with how my Inversion workshop went. I had about a dozen participants, which is a great number for a good energy level, but not so many that we couldn't do some individual work. Hopefully it was well received.
After an enjoyable lunch with some Yoga Buddies, I went to Nancy Schalk's Yoga Therapy class. I had to choose between that and a Restorative Yoga class. It was a tough choice, but I was afraid I'd fall asleep in Restorative, given the lack of sleep and the recent lunch. I got a lot of good info from Nancy that I hope to use in my Chair Yoga class.
Finally got a chance to take one of Sage Hale's Kripalu classes. I've heard such good things about her classes at Invoke, so I was pleased that she was here. Never taken a Kripalu class before...it's a bit slower than the vinyasa flow classes I usually prefer, but I found the class to be very powerful, and it left me with a very relaxed, energized feeling. Sage has a very nice manner as a teacher. She allows her slightly mischievous personality to come through nicely.
Thom Adams led an Iyengar class, which was very informative and challenging. Iyengar classes are a bit different in approach than other classes. The teacher demonstrates the pose, we go to our mats and work on it, then the teacher demonstrates the pose again, with more specific alignment issues to work with, and then we practice again. I got some good info from him on some alignment, as well as some good partner assists.
After dinner, I went to my friend Renee Bogard's Yoga Nidra (like an extended, guided Savasana). it was a great way to cap the day. Renee has a wonderful voice which is very soothing without being droning.
So, now I'm changing out of my comfy yoga clothes, putting on some jeans, and heading down to see what the festivities are. I may call it an early evening, though. I still have to finalize my class for tomorrow.
First, my hotel-neighbor was enjoying something funny on TV till about 2 a.m., so I got very little sleep. Still, I made it to the Pranayama class this morning, led by the wonderful Nancy Schalk. It was a wonderful way to start the day, though I had to run across the street to get a cup of coffee beforehand. The pranayama soothed my jangled nerves and I went forth balanced and serene to Ann Miller's Moon Salutation class. I've done Moon Salutations only a couple of times in the past, and despite their name, I find them very nice in the morning. A gentle, but by no means non-challenging way to heat and stretch the morning-tight muscles and joints. Ann does a wonderful job of preparing the body with simple yet powerful warm-ups, and then guides you through the Moon Salutation series 3 times, once for each day of the New Moon, with gradually increasing pace and depth.
I was very pleased with how my Inversion workshop went. I had about a dozen participants, which is a great number for a good energy level, but not so many that we couldn't do some individual work. Hopefully it was well received.
After an enjoyable lunch with some Yoga Buddies, I went to Nancy Schalk's Yoga Therapy class. I had to choose between that and a Restorative Yoga class. It was a tough choice, but I was afraid I'd fall asleep in Restorative, given the lack of sleep and the recent lunch. I got a lot of good info from Nancy that I hope to use in my Chair Yoga class.
Finally got a chance to take one of Sage Hale's Kripalu classes. I've heard such good things about her classes at Invoke, so I was pleased that she was here. Never taken a Kripalu class before...it's a bit slower than the vinyasa flow classes I usually prefer, but I found the class to be very powerful, and it left me with a very relaxed, energized feeling. Sage has a very nice manner as a teacher. She allows her slightly mischievous personality to come through nicely.
Thom Adams led an Iyengar class, which was very informative and challenging. Iyengar classes are a bit different in approach than other classes. The teacher demonstrates the pose, we go to our mats and work on it, then the teacher demonstrates the pose again, with more specific alignment issues to work with, and then we practice again. I got some good info from him on some alignment, as well as some good partner assists.
After dinner, I went to my friend Renee Bogard's Yoga Nidra (like an extended, guided Savasana). it was a great way to cap the day. Renee has a wonderful voice which is very soothing without being droning.
So, now I'm changing out of my comfy yoga clothes, putting on some jeans, and heading down to see what the festivities are. I may call it an early evening, though. I still have to finalize my class for tomorrow.
Friday, November 7, 2008
IYA Fall Yoga Retreat - Night One
Well, I got here around 9:30 p.m., so not a lot going on. There were a few people sitting around talking about how they got into yoga, what it means to them, and why they're here. Seems like a nice group. Different backgrounds and styles. My friend Andrea is here, and Eric Banter and his mother Linda are also here. It's always good to see some familiar faces.
There have been a few schedule changes, some I'm disappointed about. Overall, though, I'm really looking forward to spending the weekend learning and practicing. Oh, and teaching too. But mainly learning and practicing.
Gotta go...I want to make the 6:30 a.m. pranayama class!
There have been a few schedule changes, some I'm disappointed about. Overall, though, I'm really looking forward to spending the weekend learning and practicing. Oh, and teaching too. But mainly learning and practicing.
Gotta go...I want to make the 6:30 a.m. pranayama class!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
We Shall See
It's been so long since I've posted on here. Life has been incredibly busy and full (an amazing and much needed trip to Spain, a very exciting and challenging opportunity to do some fight choreography, some yoga workshops and retreats), and now things are starting to come to a low boil.
Like much of the country, I've also been wrapped up in the recent Presidential race. It's been exciting and energizing to witness so many people getting really involved in the process, from the debates to the media, to the actual voting. This is truly what makes our country so amazing. Despite some of the problems of our nation, despite some of the problems in the process, and even despite some of the devisiveness that political seasons can uncover, the fact that We The People have a say in how we want our country to be shaped is inspiring.
I was very pleased with how the election turned out. This was an historic moment for our nation. Our first President, elected of the people, by the people and for the people, who happens to be African-American. It gives me hope for the world that my grand-daughter will grow up in. It gives me hope for the way our country is now perceived in the world. It gives me hope on so many different fronts, but I am constantly reminded of my favorite Yoga parables:
There once was a farmer. One day the farmer’s only horse broke out of the corral and ran away. The farmer’s neighbors, all hearing of the horse running away, came to the farmer's house to view the corral. As they stood there, the neighbors all said, "Oh what bad luck!" The farmer replied, "We shall see."
About a week later, the horse returned, bringing with it a whole herd of wild horses, which the farmer and his son quickly corralled. The neighbors, hearing of the corralling of the horses, came to see for themselves. As they stood there looking at the corral filled with horses, the neighbors said, "Oh what good luck!" The farmer replied, "We shall see."
A couple of weeks later, the farmer's son's leg was badly broken when he was thrown from a horse he was trying to break. A few days later the broken leg became infected and the son became delirious with fever. The neighbors, all hearing of the incident, came to see the son. As they stood there, the neighbors said, "Oh what bad luck!" The farmer replied, "We shall see."
At that same time in China, there was a war going on between two rival warlords. The warlord of the farmer's village was involved in this war. In need of more soldiers, he sent one of his captains to the village to conscript young men to fight in the war. When the captain came to take the farmer's son he found a young man with a broken leg who was delirious with fever. Knowing there was no way the son could fight, the captain left him there. A few days later, the son's fever broke. The neighbors, hearing of the son's not being taken to fight in the war and of his return to good health, all came to see him. As they stood there, each one said, "Oh what good luck!" The farmer replied, "We shall see."
While I'm pleased with the outcome of the election, we really don't know how things are going to go. Right now, for many people, this seems like a fresh ray of hope. I was moved by President Elect Obama's speech on the eve of the election, as well as Senator McCain's. Was this an historic moment? Absolutely, but once we get past the historic significance, this election was won more on a desire for change in the country than the election of the first black President. I'm sure PE Obama would agree with that. As PE Obama stated in his speech, "This victory alone is not the change we seek – it is only the chance for us to make that change."
Will this election, and the next four years be all many people are hoping and expecting? "We shall see."
Like much of the country, I've also been wrapped up in the recent Presidential race. It's been exciting and energizing to witness so many people getting really involved in the process, from the debates to the media, to the actual voting. This is truly what makes our country so amazing. Despite some of the problems of our nation, despite some of the problems in the process, and even despite some of the devisiveness that political seasons can uncover, the fact that We The People have a say in how we want our country to be shaped is inspiring.
I was very pleased with how the election turned out. This was an historic moment for our nation. Our first President, elected of the people, by the people and for the people, who happens to be African-American. It gives me hope for the world that my grand-daughter will grow up in. It gives me hope for the way our country is now perceived in the world. It gives me hope on so many different fronts, but I am constantly reminded of my favorite Yoga parables:
There once was a farmer. One day the farmer’s only horse broke out of the corral and ran away. The farmer’s neighbors, all hearing of the horse running away, came to the farmer's house to view the corral. As they stood there, the neighbors all said, "Oh what bad luck!" The farmer replied, "We shall see."
About a week later, the horse returned, bringing with it a whole herd of wild horses, which the farmer and his son quickly corralled. The neighbors, hearing of the corralling of the horses, came to see for themselves. As they stood there looking at the corral filled with horses, the neighbors said, "Oh what good luck!" The farmer replied, "We shall see."
A couple of weeks later, the farmer's son's leg was badly broken when he was thrown from a horse he was trying to break. A few days later the broken leg became infected and the son became delirious with fever. The neighbors, all hearing of the incident, came to see the son. As they stood there, the neighbors said, "Oh what bad luck!" The farmer replied, "We shall see."
At that same time in China, there was a war going on between two rival warlords. The warlord of the farmer's village was involved in this war. In need of more soldiers, he sent one of his captains to the village to conscript young men to fight in the war. When the captain came to take the farmer's son he found a young man with a broken leg who was delirious with fever. Knowing there was no way the son could fight, the captain left him there. A few days later, the son's fever broke. The neighbors, hearing of the son's not being taken to fight in the war and of his return to good health, all came to see him. As they stood there, each one said, "Oh what good luck!" The farmer replied, "We shall see."
While I'm pleased with the outcome of the election, we really don't know how things are going to go. Right now, for many people, this seems like a fresh ray of hope. I was moved by President Elect Obama's speech on the eve of the election, as well as Senator McCain's. Was this an historic moment? Absolutely, but once we get past the historic significance, this election was won more on a desire for change in the country than the election of the first black President. I'm sure PE Obama would agree with that. As PE Obama stated in his speech, "This victory alone is not the change we seek – it is only the chance for us to make that change."
Will this election, and the next four years be all many people are hoping and expecting? "We shall see."
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