Wow, I haven't posted here since February??
It would seem that the Universe has diverted my attention away from documenting my yoga practice. It's also quite significant in that I returned to the yoga studio only today for the first time in five months. It would seem that when I needed it the most, I neglected actually using it. The month of May was killer, and June was a close second - stress-wise anyway.
Nevertheless, I returned today to a quite satisfying practice. I chose to walk to the studio - about a 2KM jaunt - and it got my metabolism moving for the first time today. I've been spending a great deal of time sitting, over the last couple days.
Audra was instructing today. She's a pretty gentle soul. She didn't adjust anyone in the class today - likely because the outside temps were bordering on winter conditions. Allowing the body to do what it will is a big deal when it comes to taking charge of your practice. You take charge by letting go, and I think it's a lesson from which everyone would benefit.
My body was clunky (is that an industry term?) today as I made my way through the Primary. I wonder if the reason I had such a great practice is that I did quite literally let things happen as they would. If my body said 'no', I complied. If my body said 'rest', I did. I truly felt as though I had this incredible focus on only me, and that was a liberating feeling.
In terms of routine, I think things are making their way back to 'normal' in comparison to the craziness of mid-year. There's a little fall-out to deal with in the non-yoga world this week, but I feel centred and ready to face it full-on. I likely won't blog about it because it's personal, but I will say that the strength I took away from class tonight is going to aid me in the upcoming life challenges.
Namaste and peace,
TG
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
In a way, it's exactly like going to the gym
I discovered this on Friday when I returned to the Mysore class in the morning. My right shoulder not only ached, but was downright painful. I've been concentrating on controlled lowering in Chaturanga - pushup if you will - and learned from Audra on the previous Wednesday that MOST people rush through lowering and don't get the benefit of the strength training. I was pleased with myself for taking it on, however what I had done was common to a lot of people who go to the gym.
I'd done too much.
You see, what I had also learned about people who go to the gym is that they use it, sometimes, to release stress, anxiety and sometimes even anger. I'd done just that since I had gone to Pat's class Thursday at lunch, followed by a 7:30 class Thursday night with Carolina. Here I was at a 7:30 Mysore instructional on Friday morning... what was I thinking???
Later that afternoon I addressed my shoulder issue with my student massage therapist, Rashida. She didn't seem to be concerned one way or the other except to say that it appeared that the work we'd done over the last two weeks seemed to have reversed itself. We'd managed to level out my scapula to within one centemeter (from seven at the beginning of the treatments). Disappointing, to say the least. I began to wonder if I'd ever be fixed. I started doing math in my head to figure out what this treatment would cost me in dollars at a massage therapy clinic. It seems my little stint at the yoga studio not only over exhurted my body, but my budget as well. If I had been paying for the treatments, it would have translated to a $350.00 oops. I'm not sure I need any of those, really. Either Rashida was looking for payback, or simply being 'cruel to be kind'. That day she dug around my shoulder and arm pit to the point of almost-tears on the part of her client. Today, Sunday, my shoulders, neck and anything directly connected hurts.
I'm feeling this incredible sense of frustration with keeping healthy. The body, it seems, isn't so simple, and with all the bits and pieces that require constant attention I'm wondering when anyone who is conscious of what's going on with their physical well-being ever has time to do anything else?
Perhaps all of this is simply to re emphasise the point, "Do not push your practice. Yoga happens only in the now. Listen to your body. Be honest with yourself."
I was going to make an 11:00 yoga class this morning, however I think the 4:00 is a better bet. The other Emily is teaching at four, and she's a gentle soul.
I need a little of that right now.
I'd done too much.
You see, what I had also learned about people who go to the gym is that they use it, sometimes, to release stress, anxiety and sometimes even anger. I'd done just that since I had gone to Pat's class Thursday at lunch, followed by a 7:30 class Thursday night with Carolina. Here I was at a 7:30 Mysore instructional on Friday morning... what was I thinking???
Later that afternoon I addressed my shoulder issue with my student massage therapist, Rashida. She didn't seem to be concerned one way or the other except to say that it appeared that the work we'd done over the last two weeks seemed to have reversed itself. We'd managed to level out my scapula to within one centemeter (from seven at the beginning of the treatments). Disappointing, to say the least. I began to wonder if I'd ever be fixed. I started doing math in my head to figure out what this treatment would cost me in dollars at a massage therapy clinic. It seems my little stint at the yoga studio not only over exhurted my body, but my budget as well. If I had been paying for the treatments, it would have translated to a $350.00 oops. I'm not sure I need any of those, really. Either Rashida was looking for payback, or simply being 'cruel to be kind'. That day she dug around my shoulder and arm pit to the point of almost-tears on the part of her client. Today, Sunday, my shoulders, neck and anything directly connected hurts.
I'm feeling this incredible sense of frustration with keeping healthy. The body, it seems, isn't so simple, and with all the bits and pieces that require constant attention I'm wondering when anyone who is conscious of what's going on with their physical well-being ever has time to do anything else?
Perhaps all of this is simply to re emphasise the point, "Do not push your practice. Yoga happens only in the now. Listen to your body. Be honest with yourself."
I was going to make an 11:00 yoga class this morning, however I think the 4:00 is a better bet. The other Emily is teaching at four, and she's a gentle soul.
I need a little of that right now.
Monday, February 9, 2009
A new soul and a different take on Ashtanga
Gosh, it's been a while since I've posted here. Been taking in yoga several times a week though. I've noticed a decidedly more focused attitude in myself, too. I'm payimg more attention to the correctness of each posture - somewhat A-type of me, I know, which goes against what yoga stands for, but I feel driven about it somehow. Probably much like how those who go to the gym feel about their daily work outs. I discovered a new class, too. Early mornings offer the Mysore Room which is effectively an environment which offers one-on-one instruction on the Primary Series Ashtanga. I decided to go on Wednesday last week, and it was a workout like I've never worked out! I explained to the attending instructor, Audra, that although I'm all for letting my practice "happen", I am interested in at least going in the right direction as far as learning the correct posture for each... posture. This includes things like being mindful of pelvic control in a pushup, wrist creases in downward-facing dog (too much of a crease is an indication of yout weight being too far forward in the posture)and pacing the postures with the breath... oh, and everyone's favourite: core strength.
On Sunday it was Sara who commented to me about my sense of control in Chatarunga (low plank). I was impressed with my progress!
There are two instructors in the Mysore room - Audra and Emily. Emily is shown here with her instructor from one of her trips to Mysore, India. I saw her in passing, but didn't take a class with her until Friday night. She subbed, so it was quite by chance that I bumped into her. Crazy thing was that she recognized me from Wednesday morning! Often the instructors will adjust a posture for you even in a led class, but what Emily did for me took me completely by surprise, and provided me with a rather intense experience. Balance postures are no one's favourite, and I am certainly no exception. I usually hang out in a very elementary state, simply looking for balance and not concerning myself with the full posture of extending the raised leg or binding with my arms, bowing my nose to my knee or any of that. Emily said nothing, but simply walked up, grabbed my raised leg and extended it out in one motion, telling me to grab my toe. I was so completely shocked, I forgot to fall over! There I was, standin on my left leg, right leg extended out in front, and my fingers wrapped around my big toe. Emily of course, was offering couter balance by holding my extended leg under her arm. I now had a feeling of what it was like to be in a deeper expression of a pose that's simply frightened me from day one. She did the same on the left side, and was completely calm about the whole thing. She even encouraged me to look over my opposite shoulder which sounds simple enough until it comes to doing it. Amazing.
On Sunday it was Sara who commented to me about my sense of control in Chatarunga (low plank). I was impressed with my progress!
There are two instructors in the Mysore room - Audra and Emily. Emily is shown here with her instructor from one of her trips to Mysore, India. I saw her in passing, but didn't take a class with her until Friday night. She subbed, so it was quite by chance that I bumped into her. Crazy thing was that she recognized me from Wednesday morning! Often the instructors will adjust a posture for you even in a led class, but what Emily did for me took me completely by surprise, and provided me with a rather intense experience. Balance postures are no one's favourite, and I am certainly no exception. I usually hang out in a very elementary state, simply looking for balance and not concerning myself with the full posture of extending the raised leg or binding with my arms, bowing my nose to my knee or any of that. Emily said nothing, but simply walked up, grabbed my raised leg and extended it out in one motion, telling me to grab my toe. I was so completely shocked, I forgot to fall over! There I was, standin on my left leg, right leg extended out in front, and my fingers wrapped around my big toe. Emily of course, was offering couter balance by holding my extended leg under her arm. I now had a feeling of what it was like to be in a deeper expression of a pose that's simply frightened me from day one. She did the same on the left side, and was completely calm about the whole thing. She even encouraged me to look over my opposite shoulder which sounds simple enough until it comes to doing it. Amazing.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
A good practice
Today's practice was much better than Tuesday's. I felt more centred, more 'in the now'. I noticed things like a natural progression throughout the class - my practice sped up as my body warmed up, my muscle groups lengthened easily. I also noticed some knee pain in the right. My right knee has been grumpy ever since we replaced the orthodics. We added a lift a week or so back and it's unclear to me whether it really helps or not.
On may way to the change room I bumped into Pat. I said,
"How are you on this balmy day?" (The temps have dipped back down around -22C)
"Blammy.", he said.
I found out after class that he still has brochitis. I offered up what I know about Oil of Oregano, and he nodded, remembering that he had some.
Still thinking about S.'s words from Wednesday.
On may way to the change room I bumped into Pat. I said,
"How are you on this balmy day?" (The temps have dipped back down around -22C)
"Blammy.", he said.
I found out after class that he still has brochitis. I offered up what I know about Oil of Oregano, and he nodded, remembering that he had some.
Still thinking about S.'s words from Wednesday.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
I haven't been attending classes outside of Pat's noon hour offerings. I simply haven't felt inspired. I suppose that's the way, really, you go when you feel like going. But it reminds me about this thing we call diceplin. Growing up, I believed it to be something of a negative term - that sense of "have to do, against your will", like the little kid who doesn't want to go to school, but because his parents say he has to, he does. Or... 'diceplining a child' meaning, quite litterally, to spank them. Both kinda negative, but I heard a very positive view of diceplin once that I really rather like. It likens it to freedom. If you practice a 'diceplin', you learn and if knowledge is power and with power comes the freedom to act freely, then 'diceplin' is quite a positive thing.
I began to think of the things I practice regularly like a diceplin. Anything that requires a focused attention to it in order to achieve, I suppose, would be a diceplin.
To get away from the notion of 'harsh' being associated with diceplin, that's the key. Perhaps "focused atten to" could replace harsh.
I began to think of the things I practice regularly like a diceplin. Anything that requires a focused attention to it in order to achieve, I suppose, would be a diceplin.
To get away from the notion of 'harsh' being associated with diceplin, that's the key. Perhaps "focused atten to" could replace harsh.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
A Turtley start to the New Year
Yoga was what I needed today. I went to Lunch Flow with Pat, and one of the things that caught my ear at the beginning of class was,
"Keep your practice honest, keep it real; I expect nothing from you."
Guided Ashtanga appeals to me for several reasons, not the least of which is the sense of taking one's own time to do it. At the same time, the challenge is present to push forward if one so desires - there's somewhere to go. One of the greatest challenges I've discovered is in fact simply letting things happen in their own time.
For instance, a downward-facing dog posture has the heels firmly planted on the floor. I have extremely short hamstrings which translates to elevated heels. The good news, and something to look forward to? The heels settle to the floor eventually and in their own time.
I've noticed this with my body in hip openings. If I fold my leg toward Lotus, my knee is often quite elevated, but if I sit there for a spell, the knee comes down toward the ground.
One of the weakest areas of my body is the core. For my physical size, you'd think I'd have less belly, but no.
For the last couple weeks I've put my body under some strain and stress. Today the span across my upper back and shoulders was stiff as a board. A massage therapy appointment followed yoga today. The most painful area Allison worked on today was where my Deltoid muscle meets my Pec-minor.
OOOOOOWWWWWWWWCCCCCHHH!!!!
(to say the least)
I have muscles that are standing in for other muscles simply by my posture and various weak points in my body. I learned a little bit about what other muscles do to compensate for the ones that are not pulling their own weight, and it's not pretty. In fact, it sounds expensive.
I still have to work out a plan, but I think with increased yoga, I can keep the massage therapy bills at bay.
Think I'll go do some upward and downward dogs.
Namaste.
"Keep your practice honest, keep it real; I expect nothing from you."
Guided Ashtanga appeals to me for several reasons, not the least of which is the sense of taking one's own time to do it. At the same time, the challenge is present to push forward if one so desires - there's somewhere to go. One of the greatest challenges I've discovered is in fact simply letting things happen in their own time.
For instance, a downward-facing dog posture has the heels firmly planted on the floor. I have extremely short hamstrings which translates to elevated heels. The good news, and something to look forward to? The heels settle to the floor eventually and in their own time.
I've noticed this with my body in hip openings. If I fold my leg toward Lotus, my knee is often quite elevated, but if I sit there for a spell, the knee comes down toward the ground.
One of the weakest areas of my body is the core. For my physical size, you'd think I'd have less belly, but no.
For the last couple weeks I've put my body under some strain and stress. Today the span across my upper back and shoulders was stiff as a board. A massage therapy appointment followed yoga today. The most painful area Allison worked on today was where my Deltoid muscle meets my Pec-minor.
OOOOOOWWWWWWWWCCCCCHHH!!!!
(to say the least)
I have muscles that are standing in for other muscles simply by my posture and various weak points in my body. I learned a little bit about what other muscles do to compensate for the ones that are not pulling their own weight, and it's not pretty. In fact, it sounds expensive.
I still have to work out a plan, but I think with increased yoga, I can keep the massage therapy bills at bay.
Think I'll go do some upward and downward dogs.
Namaste.
Monday, December 29, 2008
"I am not the leaf blowing in the wind, I am the wind blowing the leaves."
I've come to appreciate Shavasana for more than simply a rest at the end of a yoga practice.
It's more than simply lying on my back with my arms and legs extended, exhaling the breath from my lungs and letting go of the physical stress of the practice and the day.
It's an opportunity to not only calm, but focus my mind.
I found focus quite difficult to achieve today. It's been a number of days since my last class - a little over a week, actually. I missed it, but accepted it as a result of the Christmas break.
I'm tired, I've lost weight (about ten pounds since the end of August)and coming around to the realization that this year to come is going to bring with it a great deal of energy and excitement, but will also require a lot from me to make it happen. Yoga, I assert, will help to keep me healthy, active and focused. I also must focus on my diet and my rest.
For many, many years I simply used my body to get around. I didn't really pay it any mind; never really paid it back for all the work I put it through. In amongst the wishing that I'd taken up yoga years ago, I have this sense that perhaps I needed to reach a certain level of emotional and physical maturity to take it on.
I come back to profound words,
"Don't worry about the future, forget about the past; we're gonna have a ball, we're gonna have a blast - gonna make it last."
I used to reflect, a lot, on the good times of the past. Three years ago I made the observation that I wasn't moving forward, simply existing. It was boring, to be honest, but not knowing how to go about making a change, it was truly quite difficult to initiate forward motion.
Making a shift toward not worrying about the future and forgetting the past has been difficult. Yoga has helped. It seemed silly to me at first to talk about bringing my mind to the present moment, but once I learned (feebly, I might add) to do it, it put a whole new perspective on where I focus my energy.
I used to give my all to 'work' and 'making a living' and 'worrying about money'.
I wasn't happy, or very rarely was I happy.
I've experienced a joy that is sometimes beyond words because I now know what it's like to give TO myself, not only OF myself.
I've learned that you cannot give that which you do not have.
The "...gonna make it last" part is my next challenge.
I want to grow old. I want to grow old and healthy. I don't want to BE old, particularly before my time.
I may not make it past today, who knows? But chances are I will. I want to stand up with pride and say,
"Look what I have: isn't it beautiful!"
So, to quote myself, I'm going to "turn it into something you love"
Today's blog title was spoken to us in class today; another reason I'm thankful for Shavasana.
Namaste.
It's more than simply lying on my back with my arms and legs extended, exhaling the breath from my lungs and letting go of the physical stress of the practice and the day.
It's an opportunity to not only calm, but focus my mind.
I found focus quite difficult to achieve today. It's been a number of days since my last class - a little over a week, actually. I missed it, but accepted it as a result of the Christmas break.
I'm tired, I've lost weight (about ten pounds since the end of August)and coming around to the realization that this year to come is going to bring with it a great deal of energy and excitement, but will also require a lot from me to make it happen. Yoga, I assert, will help to keep me healthy, active and focused. I also must focus on my diet and my rest.
For many, many years I simply used my body to get around. I didn't really pay it any mind; never really paid it back for all the work I put it through. In amongst the wishing that I'd taken up yoga years ago, I have this sense that perhaps I needed to reach a certain level of emotional and physical maturity to take it on.
I come back to profound words,
"Don't worry about the future, forget about the past; we're gonna have a ball, we're gonna have a blast - gonna make it last."
I used to reflect, a lot, on the good times of the past. Three years ago I made the observation that I wasn't moving forward, simply existing. It was boring, to be honest, but not knowing how to go about making a change, it was truly quite difficult to initiate forward motion.
Making a shift toward not worrying about the future and forgetting the past has been difficult. Yoga has helped. It seemed silly to me at first to talk about bringing my mind to the present moment, but once I learned (feebly, I might add) to do it, it put a whole new perspective on where I focus my energy.
I used to give my all to 'work' and 'making a living' and 'worrying about money'.
I wasn't happy, or very rarely was I happy.
I've experienced a joy that is sometimes beyond words because I now know what it's like to give TO myself, not only OF myself.
I've learned that you cannot give that which you do not have.
The "...gonna make it last" part is my next challenge.
I want to grow old. I want to grow old and healthy. I don't want to BE old, particularly before my time.
I may not make it past today, who knows? But chances are I will. I want to stand up with pride and say,
"Look what I have: isn't it beautiful!"
So, to quote myself, I'm going to "turn it into something you love"
Today's blog title was spoken to us in class today; another reason I'm thankful for Shavasana.
Namaste.
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