Kathy is going to be away for a while. I rearranged my schedule to take her class tonight. Funny thing...others had same idea to we were packed in the little studio. But it worked out very well. We were all very aware of each other. It seemed to me as though our energy flowed much better AS A GROUP.
For the past two weeks, Kathy has assisted my Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana. With help, my leg was higher, my back straighter, my balance better and I could actually settle into the pose and relax rather than grunt and wiggle, trying to stay up. Tonight, no assistance. But the pose was comfortable, leg was high (enough) and my balance was very stable. I felt one step forward on that pose tonight, and same with Adho Mukha Vrksasana handstand. Each night I practice it, i am able to hold up just another heartbeat or two longer.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
Pictures/Portfolio
The folks at Jay Peak asked me to create a flyer for the Apres Ski Yoga sessions we are offering. I have no good pictures of me doing yoga (except in a bikini--hardly "apres ski"). So, this evening I set up my camera in the corner of the dining room. The photo shoot proved difficult because I not only had to focus the camera on nothing, but then I had to run and get into position before the timer ended. I realized that I need to have a real session sometime so I have pictures in my portfolio.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Purity via Yama and Niyama
Satchidananda focuses this week's Words on how to obtain mental purity. He states that, "when you become more established in yama and niyama, your concentration becomes easy." The reason you have trouble keeping the mind focused during meditation is "...because it has accumulated so much of worldly desires..it doesn’t want to stick to one place." Through my discussion of the yamas and niyamas in December, this was made clear to me.
There was one thing I disagreed with the way he wrote his Words. He began, "If we are going to practice Yoga continually and a little more deeply, then naturally we must have mental purity." This seems to put the cart before the horse, in my opinion. You don't need to have mental purity to achieve a deeper practice of yoga. I think that through a regular, focused practice of yoga, you achieve mental purity. But my name is not Sri Swami Jaycie. What do I know, really? :)
There was one thing I disagreed with the way he wrote his Words. He began, "If we are going to practice Yoga continually and a little more deeply, then naturally we must have mental purity." This seems to put the cart before the horse, in my opinion. You don't need to have mental purity to achieve a deeper practice of yoga. I think that through a regular, focused practice of yoga, you achieve mental purity. But my name is not Sri Swami Jaycie. What do I know, really? :)
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Investigating Pratyahara
The fifth limb of yoga is pratyahara. Summed up as "sense control", Desikachar translates it as "to withdraw oneself from that which nourishes the senses." He says it is to stop living off the things that stimulate. Once we achieve pratyahara, we will not be driven by our senses.
To me, this limb deals with addiction and the gluttony of our mind to want for more. The nose says, "smell this!" the eyes say, "look at that!" the nerves say, "get me some coffee!"
In pratyahara, we are able to disconnect from the senses and focus only on the mind. It does not mean we are asleep and our senses stop working. Our senses are still sending stimuli, but our mind stops responding--primarily because our mind has become absorbed in itself. It is important to understand, also, that pratyahara is not a state of decreased sense, but a state of increased consciousness. It is a shift in awareness from outside to inside.
One may think that pratyahara can only be achieved when you decide, "I want to meditate." But, although it is along the path leading to samadhi, there are many manifestations of pratyahara.
For example, when I think I hear my child crying, I will close my eyes and cock my head in the direction of the sound. In this, I have withdrawn from sight stimuli and focused on listening. And even in that listening, I am not responding to sounds that are not a child crying. I am focused on what sound is like a crying child.
When I teach yoga, I do not hear what is going on outside of the room. I am in a loud, bustling gym and there is soft yoga music playing. But I do not hear this. I listen to the breath of my students. I listen to my breath. This may not be full withdrawal, but it is controlling what I respond to as stimuli. As a matter of fact, when I am done, I sometimes forget to turn the music off!
It seems that practicing pratyahra is a particularly good exercise for fidgety people. People who constantly react to external stimuli can lessen associated problems (high blood pressure, for one!) by controlling that which excites them. It should also be a good practice for people with addictions such as to food or drugs. But as with any practice, it is not easy and must be attended to every minute of the wakeful day.
Desikachar reminds us that pratyahara is a state that can occur spontaneously. You can practice the means to make it happen, but it happens by itself.
To me, this limb deals with addiction and the gluttony of our mind to want for more. The nose says, "smell this!" the eyes say, "look at that!" the nerves say, "get me some coffee!"
In pratyahara, we are able to disconnect from the senses and focus only on the mind. It does not mean we are asleep and our senses stop working. Our senses are still sending stimuli, but our mind stops responding--primarily because our mind has become absorbed in itself. It is important to understand, also, that pratyahara is not a state of decreased sense, but a state of increased consciousness. It is a shift in awareness from outside to inside.
One may think that pratyahara can only be achieved when you decide, "I want to meditate." But, although it is along the path leading to samadhi, there are many manifestations of pratyahara.
For example, when I think I hear my child crying, I will close my eyes and cock my head in the direction of the sound. In this, I have withdrawn from sight stimuli and focused on listening. And even in that listening, I am not responding to sounds that are not a child crying. I am focused on what sound is like a crying child.
When I teach yoga, I do not hear what is going on outside of the room. I am in a loud, bustling gym and there is soft yoga music playing. But I do not hear this. I listen to the breath of my students. I listen to my breath. This may not be full withdrawal, but it is controlling what I respond to as stimuli. As a matter of fact, when I am done, I sometimes forget to turn the music off!
It seems that practicing pratyahra is a particularly good exercise for fidgety people. People who constantly react to external stimuli can lessen associated problems (high blood pressure, for one!) by controlling that which excites them. It should also be a good practice for people with addictions such as to food or drugs. But as with any practice, it is not easy and must be attended to every minute of the wakeful day.
Desikachar reminds us that pratyahara is a state that can occur spontaneously. You can practice the means to make it happen, but it happens by itself.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Tonight's practice
Tonight's practice was very focused. Kathy helped me with uttita hasta padangustasana. Light as a feather. Then I helped another student with marichyasana C. I attempted and landed many "fancy" vinyasa between the seated postures. I held several a strong navasana. And I held adho mukha vrksasana several moments, several times. When Kathy pop-quizzed us, I recalled the answers quickly. Esp the yamas and niyamas. Every practice gets stronger and steadier.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Finding bliss in music: U2's Bad
I have a lot of favorite songs. Songs that I listen to evoke emotion, change my mood. Or just phase out of the confusion around me. The one song that ALWAYS settles me is U2's "Bad", particularly the live version on Wide Awake in America. For 20 years, the music alone never fails to clear my mind and bring me to the present moment. Although Bono claims that the words are about heroin addition, I interpret it as spiritual cleansing. Especially:
If I could, through myself, set your spirit free
I'd lead your heart away, see you break, break away
Into the light and to the day.
To let it go and so to find away.
To let it go and so find away.
I'm wide awake.
I'm wide awake, wide awake.
I'm not sleeping.
Tonight, it came on the Sirius radio. My kids, my husband and I played the song. We had our percussion instruments (maracas, tambourine, sticks to bang on the table) and we just all rocked out together.
If I could, through myself, set your spirit free
I'd lead your heart away, see you break, break away
Into the light and to the day.
To let it go and so to find away.
To let it go and so find away.
I'm wide awake.
I'm wide awake, wide awake.
I'm not sleeping.
Tonight, it came on the Sirius radio. My kids, my husband and I played the song. We had our percussion instruments (maracas, tambourine, sticks to bang on the table) and we just all rocked out together.
Monday, February 2, 2009
A blissful mind...
...is reflected in a blissful face. Satchidanada's Words this week touch on how a person's mind is reflected in their face and body.
“Every thought changes our face, and it’s not only the face, the entire body is changed, though the change is more visible in the face. By this we can assume that thoughts have a say over the body, and if certain thoughts are very strong, the body changes according to those thoughts. If you want to have a nice, beautiful, relaxed, charming face and body, you have to think in that way. All the thoughts must be like that. Then you get that face. It’s not just external makeup that’s going to make the face attractive, it is the thought. A pure mind will give a very shining and attractive face. You get real personality and real magnetism by your own thoughts."
Sometimes I see people who carry their body with a great deal of heaviness. And not just overweight people. Even healthy-looking people walk around as though their body is holding them down. The face is the same--heavy. They seem to struggle to put a smile on. It seems that these people have a heavy mind, things bother them and it compiles a weight in their head. Everyone sees the weight in their body language and eyes.
I also see people who have a fidgety face. Turning nervously around, looking around constantly. They do not seem to actually be seeing anything. But just fleeting glances around. Their body twitches when they move. What is in that mind? Multi-tasking? Worrying too much about everything?
It is amazing how one's mind is reflected in their face and boddy language.
“Every thought changes our face, and it’s not only the face, the entire body is changed, though the change is more visible in the face. By this we can assume that thoughts have a say over the body, and if certain thoughts are very strong, the body changes according to those thoughts. If you want to have a nice, beautiful, relaxed, charming face and body, you have to think in that way. All the thoughts must be like that. Then you get that face. It’s not just external makeup that’s going to make the face attractive, it is the thought. A pure mind will give a very shining and attractive face. You get real personality and real magnetism by your own thoughts."
Sometimes I see people who carry their body with a great deal of heaviness. And not just overweight people. Even healthy-looking people walk around as though their body is holding them down. The face is the same--heavy. They seem to struggle to put a smile on. It seems that these people have a heavy mind, things bother them and it compiles a weight in their head. Everyone sees the weight in their body language and eyes.
I also see people who have a fidgety face. Turning nervously around, looking around constantly. They do not seem to actually be seeing anything. But just fleeting glances around. Their body twitches when they move. What is in that mind? Multi-tasking? Worrying too much about everything?
It is amazing how one's mind is reflected in their face and boddy language.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
One change to 9-pose Sequence
After a day of snowboarding and teaching kids to ski, I tried out the FitSugar 9-pose sequence. I warmed up with two Surya-A, then did the 9-pose twice on both sides. First time, as is. Second time, I changed the 7th pose to "reverse warrior"--i.e. just extended the front leg. This was easier for me to do, maybe because legs were a little crampy from all that snow I blew through!
Friday, January 30, 2009
9-pose Sequence from FitSugar
Jenny Sugar posted a 9-pose asana sequence focusing on the lower body. It went through it briefly--I like the flows! I will be trying this in the next class I teach.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Subbing Power Yoga
Tonight, I subbed a power yoga session at my friend's health club. It was nice getting back there again. I did not know anyone in the class, but I think they enjoyed having me.
I did not create a sequence ahead of time, like I did through the Fall classes I taught. I'm feeling more confident about my style and method. It is difficult to get a good session in 45 minutes, but I chose some basic poses that target the whole body.
At the end, one practitioner said he liked having someone different. The other instructor has her favorite poses and way of teaching, he's used to it. He said he liked challenging his muscle memory to do different things with me.
I had fun. I liked challenging myself!
I did not create a sequence ahead of time, like I did through the Fall classes I taught. I'm feeling more confident about my style and method. It is difficult to get a good session in 45 minutes, but I chose some basic poses that target the whole body.
At the end, one practitioner said he liked having someone different. The other instructor has her favorite poses and way of teaching, he's used to it. He said he liked challenging his muscle memory to do different things with me.
I had fun. I liked challenging myself!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Elements of yoga practice
I took Scott's class tonight because I won't be around for Kathy's tomorrow. He reminded us of "yoga chitta vritti nirodha" and the elements of yoga asana practice:
- asana (pose)
- pranayama (breath control)
- dristi (gaze/focus)
- bandhas (locks)
- vinyasa (connecting asana movement with breath)
Monday, January 26, 2009
Take Care of today
Words of Wisdom. So close to what I have been writing about recently. Be present TODAY. Tomorrow will come and you can deal with it later.
“A person who worries about previous or future lives is not really enjoying the present one. I would say: Live this one well. Take care of today and you have taken care of tomorrow, because what you sow today, you will reap tomorrow. Keeping a nice fruit in the hand, you are wondering, ‘Suppose I eat this and plant the seed, it will grow into a nice tree. It will bring forth fruits. But what if I die, who will water it?’ No. Don’t worry about the past or the future. Don’t worry about reincarnation. Simply remain in the golden present."
Thank you Sri Satchidananda. By the way, nice relaxed photo!
“A person who worries about previous or future lives is not really enjoying the present one. I would say: Live this one well. Take care of today and you have taken care of tomorrow, because what you sow today, you will reap tomorrow. Keeping a nice fruit in the hand, you are wondering, ‘Suppose I eat this and plant the seed, it will grow into a nice tree. It will bring forth fruits. But what if I die, who will water it?’ No. Don’t worry about the past or the future. Don’t worry about reincarnation. Simply remain in the golden present."
Thank you Sri Satchidananda. By the way, nice relaxed photo!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Snowboarding!
This weekend I got to get out and snowboard on my own. Damn, it feels good to do it!
Both mornings were spent teaching my youngest son to ski. This is a physically challenging feat. But I enjoy being with him and he likes to get out there like his big brother.
After, when they are all settled with hot cocoa and cookies, I had time to myself to ride.
Both mornings were spent teaching my youngest son to ski. This is a physically challenging feat. But I enjoy being with him and he likes to get out there like his big brother.
After, when they are all settled with hot cocoa and cookies, I had time to myself to ride.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Sahaja Samadhi
Satchidananda's Weekly Words for today: “Many people think that samadhi means you just sit like a rock, motionless, going into an unconscious state. If you stay in that samadhi, you are of no use to anybody. Sahaja Samadhi means a natural samadhi, always present. Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, your body and mind are involved in those activities, but your inner state is always the same, unaffected. Self-realization means you realize that you are the Self. You are different from the body and mind, so you remain in that state of Self and allow the body and mind to function for the benefit of humanity. You can be in the material world and still be in the samadhi state. Then nothing can affect you and you can perform your duties well."
I love this!
We talk about this all the time in class. It links directly to Kathy's assignment to list 100 things we do that is yoga. Everyday, we can attain samadhi. Just by being present, clear minded, focused. When we live moment-to-moment, our lives become easier to manage. See the beauty in our work. Work for the process of working, not the anticipated goal of finishing.
When we separate our mind and body from our Self, we can keep our Self clear and unwavering even if our minds ripple or our bodies fidget. The Self can calm the ripples and still the fidgets.
I love this!
We talk about this all the time in class. It links directly to Kathy's assignment to list 100 things we do that is yoga. Everyday, we can attain samadhi. Just by being present, clear minded, focused. When we live moment-to-moment, our lives become easier to manage. See the beauty in our work. Work for the process of working, not the anticipated goal of finishing.
When we separate our mind and body from our Self, we can keep our Self clear and unwavering even if our minds ripple or our bodies fidget. The Self can calm the ripples and still the fidgets.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Attachment
I have lost my engagement ring and wedding band. It will take some time to detach, esp for my husband.
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