Competition

One of the strange things that frequently enters into yoga class, no matter what level or style, is the spirit of competition. I’m certainly guilty of becoming competitive with other students, sometimes even with the teacher. I’d like to air some thoughts today about this competitive spirit, what it is, what to do about it, [...] yoga therapy; Self Improvement;

Trillanes/Lim Makati Standoff - My Personal Experience

I could sense something was amiss this morning on the way to work with hubby. Just as we got off the Mandaluyong-Makati bridge at the intersection of J. P. Rizal Ave. and Makati Ave., there were policemen preventing cars from proceeding to the stretch of Makati Ave. towards the Makati commercial district. So without knowing [...] yoga therapy; Self Improvement;

My most favorite-est teacher

At the CT shala, there is one student who lies face down before the photo of Guruji and steeples his hands over his head towards the photo.

There is another student who sits before the altar for a moment before taking a fist-sized rock from the altar, heating it up in the flame of the altar candle and then cupping it in her hand.

There are people who say of the shala, "This is a sacred space", even though it is, essentially, just a rectangular, sage-green room, carpeted with industrial carpeting, in the middle of a strip mall in the middle of a highway in the middle of Fairfield County, Connecticut.

There are those who stand up whenever the invocation is chanted in the room, even if it is chanted for the next class, even if they chanted it themselves 90 minutes earlier before they practiced.

And when it is time to leave the room, everyone, including me, places hands in prayer and bows to Val. This last one, I do because I assume it makes Val feel good, and in my opinion, she earns that big time.

These are practices that I do not understand. These are practices which leave me feeling alienated and confused. These are among the reasons that I find myself wishing to practice alone in my house at times, for weeks at a time. It's nothing against the CT shala. I think Val is a wonderful teacher and uniquely supportive and communicative. I think Sir and Lori are wonderful teachers, brilliant and intuitive, as well. It's not that or them.

Rather, there have been aspects of being a yoga practitioner in general that have confounded me from the very beginning. Chanting the names of Hindu gods, for example. That really has no place in my life. I love the story of Hanuman, Sita and Ram and find aspects of the story to fill me with admiration and awe, but I would no more invoke their names for inspiration, motivation or worship than I would chant the name of Madeleine, of the Ludwig Bemelmans book, who has long inspired me to feel brave even when feeling very very small ("...The smallest one was Madeleine...She was not afraid of mice; she loved winter snow and ice. To the tiger in the zoo, Madeleine just said 'pooh pooh'....And nobody knew so well, how to frighten Miss Clavell").

I don't want to go to a Kirtan because every time I think about going, I realize that what I really need to be doing is singing with my own peeps, the Jews, which is how it came to pass that I joined the choir at my synagogue. I don't want to see Krishna Das in concert (see Tiff? You're not the only one), and I don't want to read the Bhagavad Gita. I want to see Pat Metheny as many times as I can in this life and I want to get through To Kill A Mockingbird, finally, while still having time to read Us and House Beautiful.

I think very highly of all of the teachers who have actually taught me Ashtanga yoga. But I don't know Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. I have never studied with him. Sure, I have taken his led classes. But he is not my teacher. And frankly, I am not sure that I entirely buy into the system as an efficient gestalt. If I did, there would be no need for yin stretches and prep poses, for which I have always felt the need, or strength training, which many others out there feel is important to their practice. I feel no urge to prostrate to SKPJ's photo, and I removed the photo of myself bowing at his feet, which used to grace this blog's sidebar. It felt silly to have it there. I should be boing at the feet of my oncologist, of my children, of my husband for giving me such a comfortable life and such perfect children, of my former nannies, Ella, Norma, Tereza and Sarah, all of whom have taken such incredibly good care of my children and myself.

Until I bow at the feet of the people who matter in my life, I'm not bowing at anyone else's feet. And if I can't make the time to pray to my own God, then I sure as hell am not making the time to pray to anyone else's.

And as much as I love getting a good adjustment in this or that pose, and getting the professional dropbacks from Val, I feel like I need to practice alone for a little bit. Ultimately, I am my most cherished teacher. Ultimately, no one knows my body and what it needs better than I do. And sometimes, I feel this knowledge acutely, as I learn to bind by myself in Pasasana, while balancing with my heels just "thisclose" to the floor, as I learn to bind Supta K with my ankles already crossed, as I touch my own toes in Kapotasana, albeit with my elbows splayed in the wrong direction.

After practicing alone at home for short periods of time, I usually come back to the shala refreshed. And this is where I am at right now. Feeling a bit disconnected, feeling like I need to be teaching myself for now.

I'm just saying.

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The husband and I renewed our vows on Thanksgiving!!

Well, not really. But since my parents brought my wedding gown to my house along with the cranberry sauce today, of course I had to try it on. Thank heavens to Betsy for everyone who had to deal with me today that it fit.

Phew.

Okay, well, there is one problem: the bust is sort of standing out about two inches away from my skin. But whatever. I consider myself lucky to have started life rather voluptuously and then gotten a second chance as a small B.

And here, the requisite backbending photo, because Val caught onto my blowing off dropbacks and just waiting for her to assist me and now I have to do them myself first. I did try to tell her that Laksmi and Cranky told me to stop. But she just looked at me like, wha?

Kidding.

YC

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Eco-Friendly Thanksgiving - Part 1

Make this year’s Thanksgiving more meaningful by making your celebration more healthful, environmentally friendly and authentic. If you plan ahead and keep things simple, this more sustainable type of Thanksgiving doesn’t have to involve more work or expense, so it can satisfy your appetite, your spirit and your conscience. This could be the first year [...] yoga; Yoga Poses; Health and Wellness;

Zip

Good god, I can’t believe it’s been three weeks since I’ve blogged! Time, as they say, flies. Especially when you suddenly start teaching six yoga classes a week. My recent teaching experience has reminded me of a few important facts:
1. I really enjoy teaching. The students I’ve been working with [...] yoga; Yoga Poses; Health and Wellness;

Echinacea to Strengthen the Immune System

Ask Our Naturopathic Doctor
Q: How does Echinacea work to strengthen the immune system? A: The most well- known herbal support for the immune system is Echinacea, yet it is both misunderstood and mis underestimated. There are many Echinacea products available which differ according to plant species. ( E. Angistifolia, E. Purpurea or E. Pallida or combinatios [...] yoga; Yoga Poses; Health and Wellness;

Getting Arm Power Back

After another week of no yoga, I was determined yesterday to go to a class. It was mind-over-body, really, as I was not in good physical shape. Firstly, I had been working late nights and the night before this Saturday’s class, I slept past midnight. On top of that, we had a power outage at [...] yoga therapy; Self Improvement;

Yoga Exercise Can Improve Mind and Body

Getting proper exercise is one of the five basic points taught in yoga and even though there are many modern physical culture systems that are used to develop muscles by means of mechanical movements as well as exercises, yoga exercise considers the body to be a vehicle for the soul that is journeying towards achieving perfection and the various exercises are used to develop not only the mind but also to broaden the mental faculties as well as the spirit. Asana or Steady Poise Yoga exercise is known by the term asana which means steady poise and is achieved by holding this posture for some time and is really an advanced practice. To begin with, the yoga exercise may be concerned with simply increasing the flexibility of the body. Yoga exercise focuses on the spine's health as well as its strength and flexibility. The all-important nervous system is housed in the spinal column and the nervous system telegraphs signals within the body and so when one maintains the flexibility of the spine as well as its strength through yoga exercise, circulation goes up and the nerves get adequate supply of nutrients as well as oxygen. The internal organs as well as the endocrine system are also affected by the asanas and as a matter of tradition, the yogi practices surya namaskar or the sun salutation, prior to the asanas. There are believed to be as many as 8,400,000 asanas according to scriptures and the yoga exercise practices the 12 basic postures to get the essence as well as other benefits of yoga. The twelve basic postures are headstand, shoulderstand, plough, fish, forward bend, cobra, locust, bow, spinal twist, crow pose, standing forward bend and triangle. Besides these twelve postures, one may also want to get the right yoga exercise that is meant especially for the self and these include yoga for disease, yoga for back pain, yoga for arthritis, yoga for anxiety and depression, as well as yoga for diabetes. As is evident, the yoga exercise not only helps healthy people but can also be used for people with health conditions. When practicing yoga exercise, it would involve practicing both the mind and body and takes a lot of willpower as well as perseverance to get used to each yoga pose and one needs to also practice daily. Yoga exercise would result in better health, increasing resistance as well as developing mental awareness.

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Yoga For the Holidays: 45 minute Self-Practice Routine

I’ve noticed at the studio where I practice and at the studios where I teach that attendance keeps dropping as we move from fall into winter. The drop isn’t precipitous, but it is noticeable. I think there are a few explanations for this. We recently turned our clocks back, so there’s an hour less of [...] yoga therapy; Self Improvement;

Taking rest

By popular demand, by which I mean by the requiest of one reader, I am posting these photos I took this rainy November morning, of the "creepy graveyard" that overlooks the Village Green pictured in yesterday's post. The oldest grave marker here is from 1700, which means it (probably) holds the remains of someone born in the 1600's. I find that totally cool, not creepy. But some will find it creepy, and I understand that, especially when you consider that more than half of the stones are tiny tiny tiny, bearing only initials, indicative of those who died in infancy, often without having been named.

Even more creepy: When I tried to take a photo facing the Village Green, my camera turned off. I tried again. And again. Finally, I gave up, assuming my camera's battery had died. When I got back to my car, my camera was in perfect working order, battery alive and well.......who did not want their photo taken is the question......















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Oh, and this room needs help now too.

This is the room where I usually film my glorious backbending. When you've seen it in the past, it has been unpainted, with electrical plates hanging off the walls.

Well, we finally finished the bookshelves and the painting (it's the color of Brie, with white trim, if you can't see from the photos). Yesterday, the sectional arrived, and as you can see, it is contemporary. Also arriving yesterday were the flat screen tv and the curio in the corner. There is no rug yet, and I dread how expensive it is going to be to buy one that is big enough for the sofa-to-tv area - probably at least 9 by 11 feet.

And then there is the entire space between the kitchen ad tv room to fill. I'm thinking two club chairs and a table in between, facing the sliding glass doors that have a really pretty view of the back yard. Soooooooozin? Yoohoo....a little help?

YC

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Choosing a Yoga Bag

Yoga has been practiced for about 5,000 years. Over the course of that long expanse of time, many branches of yoga have developed. Many of the older schools emphasized the denial of the physical world and the serious followers of the discipline often left home and family to live a Spartan existence in an ashram. The mind was focused on the spiritual realm while the body assumed postures that helped in meditation or in the seeking of spiritual truth. No yoga mat was necessary since the ashram was built with asanas (postures) in mind. No bag was necessary since the students devoted their lives to the ashram. There was no place to go. Today's yoga practitioner has a very different view of the discipline. Instead of yoga being the center of your life, it is usually a means to bettering your life. Instead of scheduling your day around asanas, breathing techniques and the study of the ancient texts, you probably try to fit a quick visit to the gym in around your busy demands. What you really need is a yoga bag. Portable Spiritual Transport Many Western yoga students follow a form of yoga based on Hatha Yoga which combines physical postures with meditation and other spiritual pursuits. Hatha Yoga strives for a balance between mind and body in a way similar to the Asian balance of Yin and Yang. Very often, yoga is used for exercise and physical health in the West. When the yoga student travels from the yoga studio or gym to the home studio, he needs to carry the few props needed for his yoga study. While the props are few and the needs are simple, a good yoga bag is necessary. Before deciding on the type of yoga bag to get, take a close look at the type of yoga you are studying. Some yoga forms like Power Yoga, Ashtanga and Bikram or Hot Yoga include intense physical workouts. The mat and clothing will become sweaty and a washable yoga bag is a good idea. Bags are available in cotton and denim among other washable materials. Another consideration is the type and amount of gear that needs to be carried. If you are wearing simple exercise clothing to the gym for your workout, you may appreciate a yoga bag with pockets for keys and glasses. Always make sure that there is room for a bottle of water besides your rolled mat. Get your mat before choosing your yoga bag. Most mats are thin, but thicker mats are available. You may also want a blanket to roll up as a comfortable seat for meditation. Know how much room you'll need before you start looking for your yoga bag. Yoga requires a mind clear of worries. By looking ahead and planning for the right yoga bag, you won't be so distracted by your temporary needs.

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Today's Backbending Entry

So, I think the backbending is improving steadily. But the standup does NOT reflect it. In fact, it sucks badly. But in the interest of time, and humility, I felt that I needed to publish today's outtake. OK, they were all outtakes. So, if I was going to publish anything for your perusal and advice, dear reader(s) (!), it was going to be the best of the worst, or nothing at all. I settled for the former. Here it is. Go ahead, laugh. But nicely. Or I will continue to publish only the stuff that looks good (in my opinion).

YC

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How to Select the Best Yoga Center for You

Yoga has become a popular part of workout programs for many who are interested in good physical as well as mental health benefits. The good news is that this increased popularity has made it fairly simple to find a yoga class once you make the decision to try it out. The challenge is in determining the best yoga center that will meet your individual needs and fitness level. If you are trying yoga for the first time, a yoga class at your local gym can teach you some basic principles and poses. If you are interested in delving further into the world of yoga that incorporates the mind, body and spirit, it might be time to begin looking into a yoga center. Many centers will incorporate the spiritual elements of yoga into the lives of the students. At the very least, a yoga studio will offer a wide variety of yoga styles and classes so that you can find the workout that is best for you. Questions about the Yoga Center Before you commit to a particular yoga center, you want to do your research to make sure that the center will be a good fit for you. First, find out how long the yoga center has been in business. As a general rule, the longer a yoga center has been open, the better established it is. Next, find out what styles of yoga the center teaches. Besides the various types of yoga available, many studios will offer classes in meditation, nutrition or emotional health. Find out if the yoga center provides equipment for its classes, and how often the equipment is cleaned. You should also check a schedule of classes to ensure that there are classes available at the level you are currently working at, and that the days and times are convenient for you. Questions about the Instructors It is also to your advantage to do some inquiring about the instructors that teach at the yoga center you are considering. Find out how much training the instructors have received, and if they are equipped to handle a wide range of fitness levels and special medical concerns. On top of the original training that yoga center instructors receive, ongoing training is also important to allow teachers to sharpen skills and stay up on the latest developments in the field of yoga. With a little time and investigation, your experience with a yoga center can be a tremendous benefit to your physical and mental health, and your emotional wellbeing. Why wait? Get started on your yoga adventure today!

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Introducing: The Pokemon Master

Well, there's a new blogger in town. And his mom couldn't be more kvelling.

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Living Room, with Mutt

I hung these swags, and I am damn proud of my handiwork. I am thinking of handing the husband a bill for all the work I've done around here. Have I mentioned that before? Pardon me if I am being repetitive, repetitive. I'm showing this in two photos because I couldn't fit all three windows in one frame with the sofa on the other side of the room.

Practice is definitely suffering a bit from all of my exertions. But more about my practice later. Right now I have to call the cable company and get them to take off of my bill about 10 porno movies that no one ordered or watched or would have had time to order or watch. Jeez.

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Kapalabhati-Pranayama as a Kriya (Yoga Cleanse)

Kapalabhati is a highly energizing abdominal breathing exercise that acts as a kriya or a yoga cleanse. The vigorous exhalations act in many ways to yield benefits beyond the energetic qualities of this advanced yoga breathing exercise (pranayama). One important way that Kapalabhati acts as a kriya is that it helps clear mucous [...] yoga; Yoga Poses; Health and Wellness;

Another L.A. Class @ New NoHo Yoga Studio: UPDATED

UPDATE: My two classes at Yoga Groove are Mondays 7:45 - 9:15 PM and Wednesdays 7:45 - 9:15 PM. They are both “Slow Flow” classes, focusing on longer holds of basic to intermediate level asanas. The class is accessible to newer students, and will provide a nice opportunity for more advanced students to refine their [...] yoga therapy; Self Improvement;

Yoga Product Review: The Eko by Manduka

I finally received my Eko mat from Manduka, and have been practicing with it for about a week. Now that I’ve taken it out for a test spin, I feel that I can write a more informed review about this new mat. (These were my initial thoughts about the Eko after noodling around with a [...] yoga therapy; Self Improvement;

The Benefit of Yoga Music

When one thinks of yoga, one doesn't often think of music. Especially in the West where music is enjoyed apart from meditation and exercise, the thought of yoga music is startling. For those people who were around to witness the arrival of yoga to the West in the 1960s, it will ever be associated with the sitar music brought along by the Beatles. Today's yoga practitioner will find that yoga music is not only an option; it is an option with many choices. Modern and Ancient Much of the yoga music available is meant for meditation or chanting. Ancient sounds like that of the Tibetan singing bowls can transport the spirit back to the time when yoga was first practiced. Yoga means "union" and music can help encourage a uniting of spirit, soul and body. For those who still associate yoga with the sitar, there is a lot of yoga music available. While instrumental music helps in meditation and relaxation, the sound of chanting voices can help make a solitary yoga session less lonely. The yoga music section of your yoga supplier should have a selection of CDs that feature chanting and mantras. It is a convenient way to learn new chants as well as a relaxing way to join in with unifying voices. Rhythm can be an important addition to your yoga practice. You can find yoga music featuring the rhythms, tempos and sounds associated with each of the body's seven chakras. If you follow a form of yoga that emphasizes transition from one posture to the next, you may find that rhythm can help in your routine. Any ancient type of yoga music can be helpful, even music from more Western areas such as Ireland. The ancient music of Ireland is a pleasant change from the Asian pieces but comes from the same eras and is full of spiritual sounds. While shopping for yoga music, remember to take a look at instructional CDs and audio books that will inspire and instruct. Music has always helped with breathing techniques, which are a foundation of yoga study. Finding the proper rhythms combined with spiritual sounds can make your pranayama sessions more effective. You may find inspiration from hearing the words of the living masters of yoga guiding your sessions and studies as well. The union of the senses is not complete without sound. Your union with yoga music may just make you a better yogi.

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When your son is no longer a babe…..

He is all of 13 years old. He insists he is no longer a baby. He is away from us — all the way in China — for 6 weeks.
M2 is on a foreign study program — part of their school’s vision to bring their students into a keener awareness of their roots, appreciation for [...] yoga therapy; Self Improvement;

I am Elastigirl.

This is my son, The Ninja Warrior.














And this is Thanksgiving Dinner, who was crossing the street as we were driving to school this morning. TD was in high diva mode, clucking irritably, and refusing to clear the way for our SUV and the one parked on the other side of the road, waiting for clearance. I can understand why TD is feeling a bit pissy this time of year. But still.


YC

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