“As long as we breathe, as long as we eat and drink, we have to do something, because consciously or unconsciously, we are taking something from the Nature....and we have to return something to Nature. Otherwise we become debtors. So the air, the light, the water, the food, everything that we get from Nature, we convert into energy and utilize that energy for the benefit of the world. Something comes in, and in its place something goes out—we become only the channel. Then we are not debtors."
This is an excerpt of this week's words from Satchidananda. I think there are many levels of what we do to decrease our debt and I think about how people become debtors. Just living peacefully with others is one way to give back to Nature. Sharing, caring, loving--very easy to do. Having a job and family is another level, teaching them to care and love. A higher level would be community service or volunteering to help others who can not help themselves.
Someone who is debting themselves would be someone who is stealing, hoarding, or in constant anger at the world. Someone who places to much attachment on things would increase their debt because they would not be happy. A terrible debt to Nature is harming someone or taking a life.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Pranayama Saturday session
These are my notes from the pranayama session I attended today.
Prana = Life force, Energy
Yama = Control, restraint
In addition to today's workshop, I found much background information about pranayama on this Web site. When practicing pranayama on your own, it is best to pick one form and practice it for several months instead of several techniques at once. When teaching pranayama to people, talk them through every step, including counting pauses between breaths (a count of 3 or 4). But remind students that they can pause longer or shorter as they feel is necessary in their practice.
Practicing pranayama may be easiest to do when sitting in lotus or laying in savasana. Especially for a beginner, practicing pranayama in poses is more difficult, requiring more focus on breath and pauses as they may not be even. For instance, in handstand, I found my breath easy to exhale, harder to inhale. In triangle, lungs had less capacity for movement, and even less so in reverse triangle. In reverse triangle, I could only inhale and exhale about half to three quarters the amount, and I had to breathe normally once in a while.
It is important to remember that as with all yoga, nothing should be forced. Pranayama should not be practiced if your nasal passages are blocked and it is not recommended for pregnant women as the developing fetus needs as much fresh oxygen as possible and holding your breath reduces oxygen flow in the blood.
As we have already learned in practicing yoga, we inhale and exhale ujjayi breath through the nose. This is important for keeping the breath hot. Heated breath heats the body, including muscles for greater endurance and flexibility, and the circulatory and nervous systems to purify from toxins whether they be mental or physical. Anytime we breathe through the mouth, it begins to cool the breath and the body. Inhale through nose, exhale through mouth--or even a backwards breath such as inhale through mouth and exhale through nose (this is rare, awkward...purposefully done in swimming or done as one "bites their tongue"). Breathing through the mouth only is "panting" as dogs do to cool off. More about cooling breath is found at the bottom of this post.
Puraka Kumbhaka Rechaka Kumbhaka
This basic pranayama technique focuses on the four stages of breathing: Inhale, Pause, Exhale, Pause. During this breathing, the three bandhas are locked during the pause. So, the technique is Inhale, Lock Bandhas, Pause, Release Bandhas, Exhale, Lock Bandhas, Pause, Release Bandhas.
Many "how to" yoga pages explain that pranayama techniques should be done with a 2:8:4:8 ratio, but we discussed that pranayama can be altered to one's needs. Any and all secdtions can be altered. A long inhale, short pause, long exhale. A short inhale, short pause, long exhale. Etc.
Viloma Pranayama
Also known as "three-lobed" pranayama, it is done by inhaling and exhaling in thirds, with a pause between each third of the breath. The ways of practicing this pranayama are:
Assisted Ujjayi Breathing
In a seated lotus pose, we took turns using two people to assist our ujjayi breathing. Sitting on opposite sides of our body, the assistants held our abdomen and/or chest and back in three ways:
Also known as "bellows breath", like the tool used in fanning a fire with air. It is a forced inhale and exhale. It is a long, full breath, working the breath. Some who practice this type of pranayama find the eyes tingle, a light-headed sensation (but do not do this form of pranayama to "pass out") and they may feel the upper lip and cheeks tingle or go numb.
Kapalabhati Pranayama
This form of pranayama is also known as "skull-shining" or cleansing breath and the effect gives the practitioner a clean energy rising to the skull. It is done by inhaling to full, and "punching" the exhale out. When I tried this, I felt a small inhale naturally with each exhale punch. I thought this was incorrect so I focused on not letting any air back in on the exhale. I found I could not exhale very long, a few seconds maybe. Later, I discussed this with other student and they explained that there is some inhale, which allows one to exhale for several minutes.
Nadi Shodana(Anuloma Viloma)
Alternate nostril breathing seems to have a few names and various ways of practicing it. As nadi shodana, it is called nerve or energy purification. To practice this technique, fold the middle and pointer fingers of your right hand. Use your right thumb to close the right nostril and inhale through the left nostril. Immediately close the left nostril with your right ring finger and little finger, and at the same time remove your thumb from the right nostril. Exhale through the right nostril. This completes a half round. With the ring and little fingers still on the left nostril, inhale through the right nostril. Close the right nostril with your right thumb and exhale through the left nostril. This completes one full round.
It is believed in Ayurvedic medicine, which is closely followed by many ancient yogis, that we don't breathe equally with both nostrils. One nostril is dominant at certain times of the day than the other--following a natural, circadian rhythm that alternates approximately every two hours in people in good health. It is also believed that this nasal cycle corresponds with brain function. As we have learned in anatomy class, the right side of the brain controls creative activity, while the left side controls logical, verbal activity. We also know from anatomy that the physical sides of our body (ie right and left) correspond to the opposite brain lobe. Therefore, when the left nostril is dominant, the right side of the brain is predominant. Similarly, when the right nostril is dominant, the left side of the brain is predominant. Yogis also believe that the clear right nostril indicates a more aware mental state, and the clear left side signifies a more relaxed mental state.
Testing this theory, I found that during this exercise, my left nostril was blocked although many attempts to clear it were futile. That being said, I noticed that I was very alert and ready to learn. Later, I came home and felt a yawn, I wanted to relax. I tested my nostrils and sure enough, the left one was miraculously cleared, and the right side was blocked.
There are more facets to the Ayurvedic theories behind left- or right-side dominant nostrils which we did not get into. Such as breathing in through the left, out through right can help calm you down and conversely, in through right and out through left can help you increase your energy level. But the summary of this is that by practicing alternate nostril breathing, one can rebalance a disturbed nasal cycle.
Buzzing of the bees
Kathy mentioned that exhaling of the "M" of "OM" is a form of pranayama called the buzzing of the bees.
Cooling breath techniques
We practiced sithali, a cooling pranayama technique where the tongue is curled and you inhale and exhale through the mouth. It is called "teeth-hissing" for the sound you make while inhaling. Some resources mention that you exhale through the nose, but I think it depends on how fast you want to "cool" whether you exhale through the nose or mouth. We tried two techniques: curling the tongue back so the tip is flat back and inhaling through the left and right sides of the tongue and then curling the tongue sides up like a tube and sipping the air in through the tip like a straw. In both techniques, I could feel the air cool my mouth. The first technique I felt it more in the molars and cheeks and the second technique the cooling air went to the back of my throat.
Prana = Life force, Energy
Yama = Control, restraint
In addition to today's workshop, I found much background information about pranayama on this Web site. When practicing pranayama on your own, it is best to pick one form and practice it for several months instead of several techniques at once. When teaching pranayama to people, talk them through every step, including counting pauses between breaths (a count of 3 or 4). But remind students that they can pause longer or shorter as they feel is necessary in their practice.
Practicing pranayama may be easiest to do when sitting in lotus or laying in savasana. Especially for a beginner, practicing pranayama in poses is more difficult, requiring more focus on breath and pauses as they may not be even. For instance, in handstand, I found my breath easy to exhale, harder to inhale. In triangle, lungs had less capacity for movement, and even less so in reverse triangle. In reverse triangle, I could only inhale and exhale about half to three quarters the amount, and I had to breathe normally once in a while.
It is important to remember that as with all yoga, nothing should be forced. Pranayama should not be practiced if your nasal passages are blocked and it is not recommended for pregnant women as the developing fetus needs as much fresh oxygen as possible and holding your breath reduces oxygen flow in the blood.
As we have already learned in practicing yoga, we inhale and exhale ujjayi breath through the nose. This is important for keeping the breath hot. Heated breath heats the body, including muscles for greater endurance and flexibility, and the circulatory and nervous systems to purify from toxins whether they be mental or physical. Anytime we breathe through the mouth, it begins to cool the breath and the body. Inhale through nose, exhale through mouth--or even a backwards breath such as inhale through mouth and exhale through nose (this is rare, awkward...purposefully done in swimming or done as one "bites their tongue"). Breathing through the mouth only is "panting" as dogs do to cool off. More about cooling breath is found at the bottom of this post.
Puraka Kumbhaka Rechaka Kumbhaka
This basic pranayama technique focuses on the four stages of breathing: Inhale, Pause, Exhale, Pause. During this breathing, the three bandhas are locked during the pause. So, the technique is Inhale, Lock Bandhas, Pause, Release Bandhas, Exhale, Lock Bandhas, Pause, Release Bandhas.
Many "how to" yoga pages explain that pranayama techniques should be done with a 2:8:4:8 ratio, but we discussed that pranayama can be altered to one's needs. Any and all secdtions can be altered. A long inhale, short pause, long exhale. A short inhale, short pause, long exhale. Etc.
Viloma Pranayama
Also known as "three-lobed" pranayama, it is done by inhaling and exhaling in thirds, with a pause between each third of the breath. The ways of practicing this pranayama are:
- Inhale in thirds, exhale normally
- Inhale normally, exhale in thirds
- Inhale in thirds, exhale in thirds
Assisted Ujjayi Breathing
In a seated lotus pose, we took turns using two people to assist our ujjayi breathing. Sitting on opposite sides of our body, the assistants held our abdomen and/or chest and back in three ways:
- In the first posture the assistants both held the front of our abdomen, low between the pelvic "scoop" and the lower back slightly above our coccyx. They squeezed in to support the breath.
- In the second posture one assistant continued as in the first posture, the other assistant held two or three fingers (the thumb and pointer or thumb and pointer with middle) from one hand on the upper chest, just under the collar bone, and the other hand's two/three fingers were on the upper back symmetric with the front hand. When the person inhaled, the top two hands were lifted to assist the chest in rising, and the lower hands were squeezed.
- In the third posture, one assistant continued the two/three finger upper assistance as in the second posture, but the lower/ab assistant changed posture. The lower hands were placed on the left and right sides of the pelvic scoop with thumb in the front and other fingers in back. This assistant has to move to the front of the breather to get the right posture.
Also known as "bellows breath", like the tool used in fanning a fire with air. It is a forced inhale and exhale. It is a long, full breath, working the breath. Some who practice this type of pranayama find the eyes tingle, a light-headed sensation (but do not do this form of pranayama to "pass out") and they may feel the upper lip and cheeks tingle or go numb.
Kapalabhati Pranayama
This form of pranayama is also known as "skull-shining" or cleansing breath and the effect gives the practitioner a clean energy rising to the skull. It is done by inhaling to full, and "punching" the exhale out. When I tried this, I felt a small inhale naturally with each exhale punch. I thought this was incorrect so I focused on not letting any air back in on the exhale. I found I could not exhale very long, a few seconds maybe. Later, I discussed this with other student and they explained that there is some inhale, which allows one to exhale for several minutes.
Nadi Shodana(Anuloma Viloma)
Alternate nostril breathing seems to have a few names and various ways of practicing it. As nadi shodana, it is called nerve or energy purification. To practice this technique, fold the middle and pointer fingers of your right hand. Use your right thumb to close the right nostril and inhale through the left nostril. Immediately close the left nostril with your right ring finger and little finger, and at the same time remove your thumb from the right nostril. Exhale through the right nostril. This completes a half round. With the ring and little fingers still on the left nostril, inhale through the right nostril. Close the right nostril with your right thumb and exhale through the left nostril. This completes one full round.
It is believed in Ayurvedic medicine, which is closely followed by many ancient yogis, that we don't breathe equally with both nostrils. One nostril is dominant at certain times of the day than the other--following a natural, circadian rhythm that alternates approximately every two hours in people in good health. It is also believed that this nasal cycle corresponds with brain function. As we have learned in anatomy class, the right side of the brain controls creative activity, while the left side controls logical, verbal activity. We also know from anatomy that the physical sides of our body (ie right and left) correspond to the opposite brain lobe. Therefore, when the left nostril is dominant, the right side of the brain is predominant. Similarly, when the right nostril is dominant, the left side of the brain is predominant. Yogis also believe that the clear right nostril indicates a more aware mental state, and the clear left side signifies a more relaxed mental state.
Testing this theory, I found that during this exercise, my left nostril was blocked although many attempts to clear it were futile. That being said, I noticed that I was very alert and ready to learn. Later, I came home and felt a yawn, I wanted to relax. I tested my nostrils and sure enough, the left one was miraculously cleared, and the right side was blocked.
There are more facets to the Ayurvedic theories behind left- or right-side dominant nostrils which we did not get into. Such as breathing in through the left, out through right can help calm you down and conversely, in through right and out through left can help you increase your energy level. But the summary of this is that by practicing alternate nostril breathing, one can rebalance a disturbed nasal cycle.
Buzzing of the bees
Kathy mentioned that exhaling of the "M" of "OM" is a form of pranayama called the buzzing of the bees.
Cooling breath techniques
We practiced sithali, a cooling pranayama technique where the tongue is curled and you inhale and exhale through the mouth. It is called "teeth-hissing" for the sound you make while inhaling. Some resources mention that you exhale through the nose, but I think it depends on how fast you want to "cool" whether you exhale through the nose or mouth. We tried two techniques: curling the tongue back so the tip is flat back and inhaling through the left and right sides of the tongue and then curling the tongue sides up like a tube and sipping the air in through the tip like a straw. In both techniques, I could feel the air cool my mouth. The first technique I felt it more in the molars and cheeks and the second technique the cooling air went to the back of my throat.
Friday, June 27, 2008
What is yoga?
I ask this question frequently. I read the answer in books. It is something that is not tangible, not definitive and not unigue. But it is a process, a philosophy, the answer is all around us and a part of us.
I just read one guru's explanation that helped bring me closer to my answer: Yoga teaches that the happiness we seek is within us as our own True Nature. What has been preventing us from experiencing it is the restlessness of our minds. The teachings and practices of Yoga work together to bring the mind to a state of clarity, focus, and tranquility. In that state, the peace and happiness that is within can be realized.
I send my thanks to Rev. Jaganath Carrera, founder of the Yoga Life Society, for publishing this insight.
I just read one guru's explanation that helped bring me closer to my answer: Yoga teaches that the happiness we seek is within us as our own True Nature. What has been preventing us from experiencing it is the restlessness of our minds. The teachings and practices of Yoga work together to bring the mind to a state of clarity, focus, and tranquility. In that state, the peace and happiness that is within can be realized.
I send my thanks to Rev. Jaganath Carrera, founder of the Yoga Life Society, for publishing this insight.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Lack of Children's Yoga Teachers
I went to Kathy's house today to pick up some resources to help learn about and teach
children's yoga. Some old books, some games like Bingo, flash cards, activity books. Then we talked about the fact that YVT is not able to consistently offer yoga classes for young children. It seems that the instructor's energy fades over time. I can see how that can be, esp with children in the toddler stage. These kids just want to explore the room, the props, and themselves. It can be frustrating for an instructor who is not mentally prepared for complete chaos. It also struck me as odd that the YMCA did not have these classes, or that they were looking for someone to teach them. I reason it is for the same reason, it's hard to keep a teacher who does children's yoga.
children's yoga. Some old books, some games like Bingo, flash cards, activity books. Then we talked about the fact that YVT is not able to consistently offer yoga classes for young children. It seems that the instructor's energy fades over time. I can see how that can be, esp with children in the toddler stage. These kids just want to explore the room, the props, and themselves. It can be frustrating for an instructor who is not mentally prepared for complete chaos. It also struck me as odd that the YMCA did not have these classes, or that they were looking for someone to teach them. I reason it is for the same reason, it's hard to keep a teacher who does children's yoga.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Adho Mukha Vrksasana
It seems that every week I can tell that Adho Mukha Vrksasana (downward facing tree; handstand) is getting stronger and stronger. Tonight, it felt even better, and I barely had to touch the wall for support. I feel the center of my body being pulled up when I reach "apex", and I could stay up for almost two breaths!
Monday, June 23, 2008
Attachment vs. Love
Sri Swami Satchidananda's words of wisdom this week touched on understanding attachment to help one understand cause of unhappiness:
“How can you maintain your happiness always? Ask yourself why you are unhappy. Every time you are unhappy over something, the first thing to do is to analyze the cause. You will always find there is attachment in some area. If you don’t want to be unhappy, you will come to the conclusion, ‘Oh, I should not be attached to that. When I am attached, I feel unhappy.’ You may ask, ‘But what about people?’ You can be friendly, you can love them, but you should not be attached to them. There is a difference between attachment and love. Love means that I must think of your benefit first. Attachment means I think of my benefit first."
I thought about this, and I recognize the connection of attachment to things and unhappiness. And I see how attachment to a person can cause unhappiness. But I'm not sure about the explanation of love versus attachment.
My son does not listen sometimes. It makes me unhappy when he does this--frustrated. But I love him. I am not frustrated because I am thinking about my benefit first, I am frustrated because I am thinking about his. I feel more unhappiness with people I love than with people I do not love because I care more about their health and well-being first.
“How can you maintain your happiness always? Ask yourself why you are unhappy. Every time you are unhappy over something, the first thing to do is to analyze the cause. You will always find there is attachment in some area. If you don’t want to be unhappy, you will come to the conclusion, ‘Oh, I should not be attached to that. When I am attached, I feel unhappy.’ You may ask, ‘But what about people?’ You can be friendly, you can love them, but you should not be attached to them. There is a difference between attachment and love. Love means that I must think of your benefit first. Attachment means I think of my benefit first."
I thought about this, and I recognize the connection of attachment to things and unhappiness. And I see how attachment to a person can cause unhappiness. But I'm not sure about the explanation of love versus attachment.
My son does not listen sometimes. It makes me unhappy when he does this--frustrated. But I love him. I am not frustrated because I am thinking about my benefit first, I am frustrated because I am thinking about his. I feel more unhappiness with people I love than with people I do not love because I care more about their health and well-being first.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Itsy Bitsy Yoga (books)
To gain more knowledge in my independent study, I checked out the Itsy Bitsy yoga books by Helen Garabedian. Itsy Bitsy Yoga: Poses to Help Your Baby Sleep Longer, Digest Better, Grow Stronger and Itsy Bitsy Yoga for Toddlers and Preschoolers: 8-minute Routines to Help Your Child Grow Smarter, Be Happier and Behave Better.I have to set aside my marketing head because I was put off, at first, with the titles, particularly the subtitle "claims". Even with the word "help", they seem to say that yoga can be a quick fix for problem children. This is not true. And if you are already an attentive parent, you don't need these poses to make your kids better. It's more than yoga that makes a good kid.
This aside, I thought the poses and routines that Garabedian comes up with are creative and age-appropriate. She even respond to new moms in cute ways with a little itsy bitsy baby character that "talks" to parents as though it was their baby.
After reviewing Itsy Bitsy yoga online, and the training courses, this is a great marketing gimmick to encourage people to incorporate yoga into their children's lives and into their own lives. She offers great advice for teachers who are working with these age groups--for instance how to hold short-attention spans and adapt to children in this highly-exploratory stage of life.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Ready to teach?
After talking with a friend who owns a local fitness center about ashtanga yoga, she asked me if I wanted to teach a power yoga session. Am I ready? I asked myself. I could certainly guide people thought a session, but I am lacking self confidence. I thought about what was affecting my confidence: fear. I called her later and said I would love to do it. Then she asked if I wanted to do a regular session on the Fall schedule. Again, I felt the fear. Yes, I answered. I'm going to erase the fear and just do it.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
A Flexible Knee
I had a memory resurface recently that demonstrates how our mind overpowers the abilities of our body. Over a decade ago, I tore my ACL and could not move my knee very much. During my knee surgery, I underwent a spinal so I could not feel anything below my waist. At one point, the doctor lifted up my leg and began moving it around, bending and twisting it at the knee like a doll's leg. It moved with much flexibility. It looked surreal because it did not seem like the same, stiff leg! The concept was that I was capable of doing these movements, but my mind was limiting myself.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Action Without Expectation
Today's Weekly Words of Wisdom from Sri Swami Satchidananda touch exactly on "pay if forward." Timely! He said, “If we perform an action for the good of others, without expectation, without any personal motive, then the reaction does not bind us. ” As we learn in physics, every action has an equal and opposite reaction. (a lot of what I read in the Yoga Sutras is boiled down to basic laws of physics--something I understand!) If we do an action with expectation of reward or recognition, we will thus absorb the recognition--good or bad--of the reaction. "Once we completely relieve ourselves from expectations, the mind becomes very clear."
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Thinking calmly
Thursday evening I received a call from my grandparents who are in their mid-80s. They were in the area and wanted to take us to dinner. Spontaneity is a part of their life and I have not seen them in over 2 years so I happily agreed..and then my stress began. Where to go? How to get them there? Where will they stay? Questions began and my husband and I tried to think of a schedule of events for Friday night and Saturday morning that could accommodate these two special people.
Dinner was chaotic. Delays and cranky kids made for a miserable night for me. I was keyed up anxious and just wanted it all to end. I felt that I could not enjoy a conversation, or even talk for that matter.
I dreaded getting them at the hotel the next day and bringing them to my house for brunch. They were to follow me in their car. We got on he highway, I kept checking my rear view mirror to make sure they were still there. As I neared an exit, a car similar in color to mine merged in front of me, then exited the highway. I thought, I hope they don't follow that car. Again I checked mirror and my grandparents were still behind me. Good. As I passed the exit I checked again. To my ultimate frustration, they were making a last minute merge to get off the highway.
Loud expletives. Banging my head on the steering wheel. How the Hell could I find them? I got off the next exit, pulled some illegal maneuvers and got off the same exit. Now, which way did they turn? By this time I had calmed down. Although I was concerned, I said to myself, This will all work out. It may take all day, but it will all work out. It's not a big deal. I chose a turn and within a mile found them waiting in a parking lot facing the way we needed to go. With only a 10 minute delay, we were back on our way.
It was a moment I realized that even when things seem to fall apart, keeping a calm resolution guides you to the end of the problem. The rest of our visit was calm, pleasant and relaxed. I could finally enjoy spending time with my grandparents.
Dinner was chaotic. Delays and cranky kids made for a miserable night for me. I was keyed up anxious and just wanted it all to end. I felt that I could not enjoy a conversation, or even talk for that matter.
I dreaded getting them at the hotel the next day and bringing them to my house for brunch. They were to follow me in their car. We got on he highway, I kept checking my rear view mirror to make sure they were still there. As I neared an exit, a car similar in color to mine merged in front of me, then exited the highway. I thought, I hope they don't follow that car. Again I checked mirror and my grandparents were still behind me. Good. As I passed the exit I checked again. To my ultimate frustration, they were making a last minute merge to get off the highway.
Loud expletives. Banging my head on the steering wheel. How the Hell could I find them? I got off the next exit, pulled some illegal maneuvers and got off the same exit. Now, which way did they turn? By this time I had calmed down. Although I was concerned, I said to myself, This will all work out. It may take all day, but it will all work out. It's not a big deal. I chose a turn and within a mile found them waiting in a parking lot facing the way we needed to go. With only a 10 minute delay, we were back on our way.
It was a moment I realized that even when things seem to fall apart, keeping a calm resolution guides you to the end of the problem. The rest of our visit was calm, pleasant and relaxed. I could finally enjoy spending time with my grandparents.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Pay it forward
While purchasing frames at Michael's, the customer in line behind me gave the cashier an extra coupon she had for me to use. I thanked her and told her that was very nice of her to do. Later, I reminded myself to use the four Ben & Jerry's coupons that I have had in my purse for several months because they expire soon. I really did not want four pints of ice cream, so I only got three for the guests I have arriving tonight. The cashier, a young man, was talking about how free ice cream was cool, esp Ben & Jerry's. Without hesitation, I gave him the last coupon and said "Enjoy." He was very appreciative and said it was better than getting a dollar tip for bagging groceries. It was not until this evening that I realized I had completed a small "pay it forward."
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Vinyasa
I was puzzled by the term vinyasa. Some yoaga classes are called vinyasa. To someone that does not practice yoga frequently, what would they think of the term vinyasa yoga? I asked once, and was told that it mean the class had more flow to it, postures were not held very long. I took a "vinyasa" class once, and did not think it was very flowing, but to someone who is used to a more gentle, meditative yoga, that may be so. I have been primarily practicing Ashtanga yoga so I am not as familiar with other yoga. But it occurred to me that I needed better education on the term vinyasa.
Vinyasa is the coordination of one's breath with one's movement with the intention of heating and cleansing the body. A-ha! I understand this. In suryanamiskar A, there are nine vinyasas. Breathe in as you rise...breathe out as you fold...etc. This breath, in conjunction with the asana, and movement between asana, allows your body to create heat. Some benefits of creating this heat are to warm the muscles allowing for more flexibility and endurance, and increase circulation to move toxins and impurities out of your cells and out of the body.
Another aspect to vinyasa is stilling the mind. By conscious focus of the breath, we help clear our mind of "ripples". If we are busy thinking about breathing in and out, we have little room to dwell on unhappiness and problems. We shut out that which does not still our mind.
In effect, the practice of vinyasa increases the overall health and well-being of the body and mind.
Vinyasa is the coordination of one's breath with one's movement with the intention of heating and cleansing the body. A-ha! I understand this. In suryanamiskar A, there are nine vinyasas. Breathe in as you rise...breathe out as you fold...etc. This breath, in conjunction with the asana, and movement between asana, allows your body to create heat. Some benefits of creating this heat are to warm the muscles allowing for more flexibility and endurance, and increase circulation to move toxins and impurities out of your cells and out of the body.
Another aspect to vinyasa is stilling the mind. By conscious focus of the breath, we help clear our mind of "ripples". If we are busy thinking about breathing in and out, we have little room to dwell on unhappiness and problems. We shut out that which does not still our mind.
In effect, the practice of vinyasa increases the overall health and well-being of the body and mind.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Finished Yoga Sutras
I finished the Yoga Sutras this evening. I have to go back and read a few I skipped over in the first book, but nevertheless it felt good to come to completion, especially on the eight limbs which are covered in Books 2-4.
I would like to meet Swami Satchidananda some day. His analogies and commentary was understandable and amusing at times, as though he was trying to lighten up some of the very heavy stuff. For instance, in Book Three, Suta 21 explains how one can become invisible. Satchidananda explains, "Oh boy! Do you want to become invisible?" I can almost hear him laugh as he writes.
I do have to think more about his explanation of Sutra 56 in Book Three. He explains that we are not here (on this Earth) to grasp a little of this and that. We should not settle for little things. I know this is a summary of the explanation of controlling wants and desires. But it sounds a little too "Dr. Phil". I do not watch Dr. Phil, but caught a bit of him during a commercial once telling a large group of people that none of them was happy. And that if any one of them would come forward and tell him that they ARE completely happy, then he would show them that they were not and help them find true happiness.
This bothered me. I am completely happy with my life. And I think it is because I have learned to find happiness in little things. Or happiness in situations that people stress over. There are forces constantly testing your will. If you let them get to you, they win. Learning how to deal with the little things is a part of life, and if you want to make your life happy, you need to find happiness in negative forces.
I would like to meet Swami Satchidananda some day. His analogies and commentary was understandable and amusing at times, as though he was trying to lighten up some of the very heavy stuff. For instance, in Book Three, Suta 21 explains how one can become invisible. Satchidananda explains, "Oh boy! Do you want to become invisible?" I can almost hear him laugh as he writes.
I do have to think more about his explanation of Sutra 56 in Book Three. He explains that we are not here (on this Earth) to grasp a little of this and that. We should not settle for little things. I know this is a summary of the explanation of controlling wants and desires. But it sounds a little too "Dr. Phil". I do not watch Dr. Phil, but caught a bit of him during a commercial once telling a large group of people that none of them was happy. And that if any one of them would come forward and tell him that they ARE completely happy, then he would show them that they were not and help them find true happiness.
This bothered me. I am completely happy with my life. And I think it is because I have learned to find happiness in little things. Or happiness in situations that people stress over. There are forces constantly testing your will. If you let them get to you, they win. Learning how to deal with the little things is a part of life, and if you want to make your life happy, you need to find happiness in negative forces.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Moving along on paper topic
Still feeling exuberant from my discussion with son's preschool. I spent all day researching some books on children's yoga and found some potentially good ones and put them on my wishlist. I have asked my local library to get some for me inter-library loan. They did have Itsy Bitsy Yoga: Poses to Help Your Baby Sleep Longer, Digest Better, Grow Stronger by Helen Garabedian so I checked it out to look at when I have time.
I also did a search of children's yoga resources on the internet, I found a few places where you can pay to get certified as a children's yoga instructor. I think IBY is one of the more prominent, but Radiant Child, Yoga Kids and Let's Play Yoga were all offering to certify instructors for the right fee. The latter one lacking since the Web site had problems and resources were very outdated. They all use the same marketing gimmicks, but it shows how popular is the topic of yoga for kids.
I also did a search of children's yoga resources on the internet, I found a few places where you can pay to get certified as a children's yoga instructor. I think IBY is one of the more prominent, but Radiant Child, Yoga Kids and Let's Play Yoga were all offering to certify instructors for the right fee. The latter one lacking since the Web site had problems and resources were very outdated. They all use the same marketing gimmicks, but it shows how popular is the topic of yoga for kids.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Baby Om
My toddler is "omming". He started the other day, I think by mimicking me trying to remember the opening prayer. When I start Omming, he copies me. He loves it. I love it.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Narrowed down paper topic
As a part of our study, we must choose a topic related to yoga and research/write about it. My topic brainstorm ranged from the Use of Yoga in Physical Therapy to Yoga During the Lifecycle to the subject of God/Ishavara and Yoga. I finally chose something that is close to my life and something I think I can lend and gain some experience toward: Yoga for Children. Even this topic needed to be refined because I could write anything from Prenatal Yoga to Yoga for Like, um, Teens! My focus will be on developing an enriching yoga program for children between 2 and 5 years old.
I spoke to Kathy last night and she loved the idea. She offered many books in her personal library for research. She also said that I should find opportunities to teach yoga to kids, film them to critique myself, and write about it. As I drove home, it hit me that what better place for me to teach than my son's preschool?
Today, I approached the Director of the school and she was enthusiastic. I discussed why I was narrowing my topic and that I hoped that I could borrow some resources from her on the mental and physical development of children 2-5 years old. I asked if I could conduct my classes with her 2 y/os and preschool classes--maybe even the kindergarten group--next Fall. This gives me all summer to research and development my program. I have delusions of outlining a 6-week program for three groups: 2 year olds, 3-4 year olds, and 5 year olds.
It is interesting how serendipity works. She asked me if I would be interested in conducting the program after for compensation! I was thrilled! This is the second open invitation I have had to teach yoga just based on the fact I am telling people that I am interested in pursing my certificate.
Recently, I was thinking about how much I will miss playing with my "babies" when they grow up. Even my oldest has changed and is talking back and delivering attitude that is frustrating. That 18-month to 3-year time frame seems to be a golden era and is so much fun. Teaching yoga to children seems to be a good way for me to spend time with kids of this age--a touch of the fountain of youth. :)
I spoke to Kathy last night and she loved the idea. She offered many books in her personal library for research. She also said that I should find opportunities to teach yoga to kids, film them to critique myself, and write about it. As I drove home, it hit me that what better place for me to teach than my son's preschool?
Today, I approached the Director of the school and she was enthusiastic. I discussed why I was narrowing my topic and that I hoped that I could borrow some resources from her on the mental and physical development of children 2-5 years old. I asked if I could conduct my classes with her 2 y/os and preschool classes--maybe even the kindergarten group--next Fall. This gives me all summer to research and development my program. I have delusions of outlining a 6-week program for three groups: 2 year olds, 3-4 year olds, and 5 year olds.
It is interesting how serendipity works. She asked me if I would be interested in conducting the program after for compensation! I was thrilled! This is the second open invitation I have had to teach yoga just based on the fact I am telling people that I am interested in pursing my certificate.
Recently, I was thinking about how much I will miss playing with my "babies" when they grow up. Even my oldest has changed and is talking back and delivering attitude that is frustrating. That 18-month to 3-year time frame seems to be a golden era and is so much fun. Teaching yoga to children seems to be a good way for me to spend time with kids of this age--a touch of the fountain of youth. :)
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Thoughts from tonight's practice
First, my hubby came home in a tizzy about me asking him to commit to coming home on time so I can attend yoga. This was very frustrating because the message I am receiving is that his work is more important than family and my commitment to yoga study is being belittled. We must work this one out.
While in class, I was doing my best to remember the primary series in order. It helps on evenings when a "new" student is there, because Kathy is very good about detailing what comes next. Tonight, I got to Marichasana D before I started to blank out. Slow progress is better than no progress! I did learn tonight that I have been doing Marichasana A & B incorrectly. Kathy caught me perplexed when it dawned on me and asked how I was doing. I was not sure what to say so instead of explaining, I covered it up as though it was my best this evening. I don't like to ramble in class, and I know I can, so sometimes it's just easier to brush it off.
I did stop to admire some of the other students. I am much better about not comparing myself to others now. I know that my study is not as far along as others, and I am blessed to be in the company of many knowledgeable and 'seasoned' students. I still enjoy watching how others flow. Especially some of the students who can transition fluidly from one asana to the next. Their strength and agility is inspiring to watch; profound how far along they have come in their dedication to yoga practice.
Of course, I was unable to shake the frustration I felt from my husband's hasty words so I figured an alternative and presented it to him this evening. To have a neighbor girl come watch the boys for an hour before he comes home and I go off to yoga. It's worth it to me to pay a little more to remedy the situation, because no matter how I argue with my husband about his priorities, I will not win. He uses verbal guilt--as though I should act honored to be able to spend his time. This is a way of thinking he uses on everyone and no amount of discussion will change his core beliefs.
While in class, I was doing my best to remember the primary series in order. It helps on evenings when a "new" student is there, because Kathy is very good about detailing what comes next. Tonight, I got to Marichasana D before I started to blank out. Slow progress is better than no progress! I did learn tonight that I have been doing Marichasana A & B incorrectly. Kathy caught me perplexed when it dawned on me and asked how I was doing. I was not sure what to say so instead of explaining, I covered it up as though it was my best this evening. I don't like to ramble in class, and I know I can, so sometimes it's just easier to brush it off.
I did stop to admire some of the other students. I am much better about not comparing myself to others now. I know that my study is not as far along as others, and I am blessed to be in the company of many knowledgeable and 'seasoned' students. I still enjoy watching how others flow. Especially some of the students who can transition fluidly from one asana to the next. Their strength and agility is inspiring to watch; profound how far along they have come in their dedication to yoga practice.
Of course, I was unable to shake the frustration I felt from my husband's hasty words so I figured an alternative and presented it to him this evening. To have a neighbor girl come watch the boys for an hour before he comes home and I go off to yoga. It's worth it to me to pay a little more to remedy the situation, because no matter how I argue with my husband about his priorities, I will not win. He uses verbal guilt--as though I should act honored to be able to spend his time. This is a way of thinking he uses on everyone and no amount of discussion will change his core beliefs.
Monday, June 2, 2008
A Smiling Mommy
I think we are doing something right.
Today, my 4 year old got on a 2-wheel bike and just rode it! No help from parents. He has a bike with training wheels, but it's a little to big for him to learn his balance. He tried a neighbor's small bike to get his balance, then tried an even smaller bike and rode it.
He has good natural balance and we have offered him opportunities to learn this at a young age. He learned to ski this past winter, he's been swimming regularly at preschool, and we do a lot of physical activities with him. I even do yoga with him, and sometimes HE comes to ME to do yoga with him. It's a game to him, but it still gets me off my butt and into poses with him. I can even tell him a few poses and he does them on his own.
Today, my 4 year old got on a 2-wheel bike and just rode it! No help from parents. He has a bike with training wheels, but it's a little to big for him to learn his balance. He tried a neighbor's small bike to get his balance, then tried an even smaller bike and rode it.
He has good natural balance and we have offered him opportunities to learn this at a young age. He learned to ski this past winter, he's been swimming regularly at preschool, and we do a lot of physical activities with him. I even do yoga with him, and sometimes HE comes to ME to do yoga with him. It's a game to him, but it still gets me off my butt and into poses with him. I can even tell him a few poses and he does them on his own.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Violence and Sex
Ever since becoming a Mom, I have been more sensitive to the amount of violence on television. Especially during football season, when my husband is glued to the set and the kids are playing around the house, I am frustrated with the allowable amount of violent visuals in commercials. The biggest offender is CBS promoting episodes of CSI during the day on Sundays. Why must they show actors pointing guns or screaming in fear? Recently, we let our son watch Star Wars. BIG can of worms. All he wants to watch now is Star Wars and other kids on the street all talk about it and want to act out the light saber fights. The other Moms and I finally had enough and told them no more light saber fights. (I'm lucky to live in a neighborhood where the other families are as interested in their kids' actions as we are.)
This has made me think more about how our society accepts violence as "OK" to mimic, yet parents freak out if kids are "playing doctor". I remember as a little kids--maybe 5 years old--I was playing "house" with a neighbor girl. Since I was older, I was mommy and she was baby. She insisted that I change her "diaper". I remember feeling uncomfortable about it, but she took her underwear off and said to put it on like a diaper. As I was doing so, her mother called her to come inside and told me I had to go home. I had an inkling of what happened at that time, but there was no explanation. Just that I never was allowed to play with her again.
These illustrate the point I see that as a society, if we see two kids pretending to make love to each other, we'd be all over them telling them that it is not OK. But two kids pretending to kill each other is acceptable. Now that I have kids of my own, I do my best to tell them why we don't allow certain actions. I'm not going to advocate that children pretend to have sex in my back yard, but I am disturbed by what the messages boil down to: mimicking action that creates life is BAD, mimicking action that causes death is GOOD. Twisted.
This has made me think more about how our society accepts violence as "OK" to mimic, yet parents freak out if kids are "playing doctor". I remember as a little kids--maybe 5 years old--I was playing "house" with a neighbor girl. Since I was older, I was mommy and she was baby. She insisted that I change her "diaper". I remember feeling uncomfortable about it, but she took her underwear off and said to put it on like a diaper. As I was doing so, her mother called her to come inside and told me I had to go home. I had an inkling of what happened at that time, but there was no explanation. Just that I never was allowed to play with her again.
These illustrate the point I see that as a society, if we see two kids pretending to make love to each other, we'd be all over them telling them that it is not OK. But two kids pretending to kill each other is acceptable. Now that I have kids of my own, I do my best to tell them why we don't allow certain actions. I'm not going to advocate that children pretend to have sex in my back yard, but I am disturbed by what the messages boil down to: mimicking action that creates life is BAD, mimicking action that causes death is GOOD. Twisted.
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