So I made it to four classes today. Early morning got gobbled up by a luxurious shower and then a delicious organic breakfast at Rosewood Market with my lovely wife Amanda. It would have been cool to bank a few more classes for rainy days (though I actually really enjoy yoga on rainy days)but catching up to the pace is pretty cool too. Also, Amanda did all four classes with me which made it much cooler (and exponentially cuter). I am pretty worn out now after the classes and the errands we ran afterwards but I wanted to get something down before I forget again. So a little different format today:
Top Ten Moments from Free Yoga Weekend:
1) All the classes we were in were packed and all the poses done in unison by dozens of students were cool. The best was when we were in tree pose and I had a great view of everyone's hands slowly moving up to the sky and swaying in the breeze. Just beautiful.
2) Similar effect happened before Pam's relaxation class when two people went ahead and made little armchairs out of props. Like dominoes, within a few minutes the chairs had sprung up and spread out from that epicenter and everyone was comfy in their own little lazy-boys waiting for the first announcements of class.
3) Kimberly was helping us perfect our down dogs when she told us "If you want to make your dogs more yummy, relish them." If that was a coincidence I'll eat a bolster with ketchup and mustard...
4)One class started with the heat on, but the combined effort and sweating of the class was sufficient to get the heat to turn off and theair conditioning to come on in Jaunary.
5)Another class was very prop heavy and we were once again packed. Before class started several of the more experienced students volunteered without prompting to share some of theirs with some of the newer people and go without before we knew that there were actually enough for everyone. I don't know if that happens at some studios. Amsa is a special place people.
6)Of course one person was overheard doing last minute bartering, "I'll trade you a strap, one block and an eye pillow for a second blanket..."
7)Helen taught her first class and it was a great Yoga Nidra session. For anyone who has ever said, "I wish the whole class could be savasana." this was the class for you. She claimed it would be as restful as two full hours of sleep, but it only felt like one hour and forty seven minutes to me. Still pretty good, though...
8)The quick turn around between classes and the huge turnout made for a stressful day of quickly handing out and resorting supplies for John. At one point, a new student started a stack of blankets and others started piled them on top instead of giving them to John to be properly stored. It took all my will power not to jump on the comfy stack like a big pile of leaves. Next time you will be mine giant stack of blankets!
9)So one of the instructors doing adjustments we had three!)must think I am really strong. We had gotten into a wide legged pose where we try to stretch down and plant our hands in front of us while keeping our legs from bending. I made it down had my hands spread out but with most of my weight still in my legs. Theoretically, the weight is evenly distributed between legs and hands so it was understandable that an instructor would push down on my shoulders to get me to redistribute. However, the pressure kept coming and I suddenly realized that this balance pose had become a strength pose and that I better pull it together or I would be the first person I had ever seen to tumble while being adjusted. Luckily, I had just enough in me (which was the point of what they were doing) to hold it and not become a bowling ball in a room of crowded pins.
10)Lastly, one of the classes was both very full and featured a lot of extended arm stretches. This made it very difficult for the awesome instructors going around giving cool adjustments. Complicating matters were the placements of some of the mats at perpendicular angles. At one point Anne was nearly trapped by all the arm waving until I and another student did a little draw bridge action to let her duck underneath. I think we should have held out for a toll.
I can't wait till the next one. See you soon everyone!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Class #25 All Levels Yoga with Shannon
Shannon is a new face at Amsa and has recently been certified as a teacher. This was her first class teaching at Amsa and the community has really welcomed her. It was a really fun vibe with a good crowd as people both enjoyed getting a fresh perspective and rooted for her to do well. Since it was all levels it was a pretty straight forward class with a lot of poses that come up often. Of course, every pose can always be refined and improved even if you are very advanced (and I am very not advanced).
Good: So if you go to a yoga class everyday apparently your Chaturanga Dandasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/469 will get better. Well it gets better if the instructors watch you carefully and help when your form gets off. Luckily at Amsa they do both so muscle memory is starting to hold. A pose I used to dread is now one I look forward to. Hurray!
Bad: My basic Chair Utkatasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/493 is also improving but I am having a lot of trouble with the variation that starts when you twist in prayer with an elbow to a knee. I can do that part (though a little shaky sometimes)but when I try to extend one hand to the ground and another up, it is both shaky and a little painful. I have been backing off lately and just doing the prayer variation, but I am not sure of that makes progress to the full extension. I will ask a teacher next time I remember before class.
Yummy: Lots of smiles and hugs after class. Amsa is a special welcoming place and it was fun to see a reminder of just how nice and friendly an oasis we have here. Good luck Shannon and good job everyone giving her an Amsa welcome.
On to Saturday and a yoga-thon to catch up to the pace. Let's do it!
Good: So if you go to a yoga class everyday apparently your Chaturanga Dandasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/469 will get better. Well it gets better if the instructors watch you carefully and help when your form gets off. Luckily at Amsa they do both so muscle memory is starting to hold. A pose I used to dread is now one I look forward to. Hurray!
Bad: My basic Chair Utkatasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/493 is also improving but I am having a lot of trouble with the variation that starts when you twist in prayer with an elbow to a knee. I can do that part (though a little shaky sometimes)but when I try to extend one hand to the ground and another up, it is both shaky and a little painful. I have been backing off lately and just doing the prayer variation, but I am not sure of that makes progress to the full extension. I will ask a teacher next time I remember before class.
Yummy: Lots of smiles and hugs after class. Amsa is a special welcoming place and it was fun to see a reminder of just how nice and friendly an oasis we have here. Good luck Shannon and good job everyone giving her an Amsa welcome.
On to Saturday and a yoga-thon to catch up to the pace. Let's do it!
Class #24 Deep Stretch Yoga with Kimberly
Okay, I finally found my notes on this class. Let's get right to it!
Good: I had a pretty good Dragon Flying Low pose http://www.yinyoga.com/ys2_2.0_asanas_dragons.php with a decent mix of digging deeper without pushing too far and hurting myself. Okay, I'll be honest, I had another pose I did better with, but dragons are totally sweet so they get a mention.
Bad: So we were in a low lunge and we got into a revolving side angle variation where you put your hands in prayer and then have an elbow on the knee. I think this pose is becoming my new nemesis. I feel like I can do more there, but the variation where you plant your hand down is super shaky and requires a block even on my best day. So it's no big deal that I am bad at a pose, but I am working really hard at improving my mindfulness as I experience the ups and downs of my bodies fluctuating strengths and weaknesses.
Yummy:I love twists but this one was just crazy. We were doing Half Lord of the Fishes Pose Ardha Matsyendrasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/485 and Kimberly came over and did an adjustment and I swear I went another 90 degrees. No pain, no forcing, jut proper alignment and breathing. I seriously did not want to come out of it because it felt so good. If anyone has seen Kill Bill Volume Two, there is a mythical martial arts move where you gently press a couple spots and the other person dies. The adjustment was like that only in reverse. Thankfully the instructors at Amsa use their great powers for good and not evil.
Okay, I will be back soon with more classes. At the time of this writing, I am actually caught up. Thanks for all the support and encouragement fellow yogis!
Good: I had a pretty good Dragon Flying Low pose http://www.yinyoga.com/ys2_2.0_asanas_dragons.php with a decent mix of digging deeper without pushing too far and hurting myself. Okay, I'll be honest, I had another pose I did better with, but dragons are totally sweet so they get a mention.
Bad: So we were in a low lunge and we got into a revolving side angle variation where you put your hands in prayer and then have an elbow on the knee. I think this pose is becoming my new nemesis. I feel like I can do more there, but the variation where you plant your hand down is super shaky and requires a block even on my best day. So it's no big deal that I am bad at a pose, but I am working really hard at improving my mindfulness as I experience the ups and downs of my bodies fluctuating strengths and weaknesses.
Yummy:I love twists but this one was just crazy. We were doing Half Lord of the Fishes Pose Ardha Matsyendrasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/485 and Kimberly came over and did an adjustment and I swear I went another 90 degrees. No pain, no forcing, jut proper alignment and breathing. I seriously did not want to come out of it because it felt so good. If anyone has seen Kill Bill Volume Two, there is a mythical martial arts move where you gently press a couple spots and the other person dies. The adjustment was like that only in reverse. Thankfully the instructors at Amsa use their great powers for good and not evil.
Okay, I will be back soon with more classes. At the time of this writing, I am actually caught up. Thanks for all the support and encouragement fellow yogis!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Class #23 Dynamic Flow Yoga with Kimberly
I think I should be happy with this class. I did not do especially well with the poses and was pretty tired, but I did not get frustrated and laughed at my mistakes instead of beating myself up over it. I need to be careful to avoid complacency and make sure to continue to give full effort, but I think it is good sometimes to not be incredibly intense and serious. Maybe not quite as loopy as I was after a lot of classes in a short time, but there is definitely room in yoga for a playful spirit.
Good: So faithful readers know that Half Moon Ardha Chandrasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/784 is one of my favorite poses. It also is a pose that I have had a little difficulty with recently. Thankfully, it seems to be coming back now that I am actively practicing it. We had a chance to do Reverse Half Moon (twisting the other way and using the other hand) and I really enjoyed it. Twisting feels so good. I feel like I have some ick in me and if I can just wring it out, then I can move with more grace and ease.
Bad: So being happy and maybe even a little goofy is good. Not being mindful is unproductive though. Near the end of class (and this was a third class in a brief time period) I was mentally drifting. I was aware enough of where I was at to not try one of the more advanced poses when we were given options for inversions at the end of class, but after a couple minutes of legs up the wall, I tried Supported Shoulderstand Salamba Sarvangasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/480. I was okay while in the pose, but I made the mistake of not giving the transition into and out of the pose as much attention and mindfulness as the pose itself. I flung myself into it and used momentum instead of my core and then just kind of rolled out of it. Since I was still up near the wall, I thwacked it pretty loudly and was very embarrassed. Sigh...
Yummy: So we (Kimberly, Katie and I) managed to use peer pressure to convince Elizabeth to stay for this class even though she had just finished one. She enjoyed it despite me almost rolling into her at one point. If I keep bouncing all over the place I am afraid the "Tumbleweed" nickname one of the teachers has been using will stick. Kimberly did her best to help me with adjustments but at some point it is like duct tape on the titanic. There is only so much that can be done. Still, I really appreciate the help. A last bit of yum: my savasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/482 was great. Apparently all you need is to do three classes and then flop into a wall to remind yourself to be more mindful. At least I have a formula now.
Almost time for yoga weekend!
Good: So faithful readers know that Half Moon Ardha Chandrasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/784 is one of my favorite poses. It also is a pose that I have had a little difficulty with recently. Thankfully, it seems to be coming back now that I am actively practicing it. We had a chance to do Reverse Half Moon (twisting the other way and using the other hand) and I really enjoyed it. Twisting feels so good. I feel like I have some ick in me and if I can just wring it out, then I can move with more grace and ease.
Bad: So being happy and maybe even a little goofy is good. Not being mindful is unproductive though. Near the end of class (and this was a third class in a brief time period) I was mentally drifting. I was aware enough of where I was at to not try one of the more advanced poses when we were given options for inversions at the end of class, but after a couple minutes of legs up the wall, I tried Supported Shoulderstand Salamba Sarvangasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/480. I was okay while in the pose, but I made the mistake of not giving the transition into and out of the pose as much attention and mindfulness as the pose itself. I flung myself into it and used momentum instead of my core and then just kind of rolled out of it. Since I was still up near the wall, I thwacked it pretty loudly and was very embarrassed. Sigh...
Yummy: So we (Kimberly, Katie and I) managed to use peer pressure to convince Elizabeth to stay for this class even though she had just finished one. She enjoyed it despite me almost rolling into her at one point. If I keep bouncing all over the place I am afraid the "Tumbleweed" nickname one of the teachers has been using will stick. Kimberly did her best to help me with adjustments but at some point it is like duct tape on the titanic. There is only so much that can be done. Still, I really appreciate the help. A last bit of yum: my savasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/482 was great. Apparently all you need is to do three classes and then flop into a wall to remind yourself to be more mindful. At least I have a formula now.
Almost time for yoga weekend!
Class #22 Yoga for Lunch with Anne
It was good to see Anne again. I have been playing a little bit with my schedule and should be able to get to a better variety of classes and instructors now. I think my practice is healthier when I get a good mix of slower and more dynamic styles. We had a fun cozy class with just a couple students. Anne really took advantage of our size by rotating around us to demonstrate poses as the class progressed. It was like Yoga in 3-D. Well I guess all yoga classes are in 3-D, but it was still fun and helpful to have a demonstration of the poses easily available regardless of which direction we faced.
Good: We also had a bit of a nautical theme with lots of Boat and Mermaid and Pirate poses. Okay maybe just boat and mermaid, but if we can have warriors why can't we have pirates? Maybe something where we balance on one straightened toe extended leg to look like a peg and cover one eye with a hand to be like a patch. Avast Yeasana? So I was a pretty good Mermaid (or as Zoolander would say, Mer-Man!)I usually have a lot of trouble with balance in that pose but I was able to get my spine significantly straighter than I have in the past.
Bad: I have been working on Supported Head Stand Salamba Sirsasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/481 recently and felt like I was making progress but it was not happening for me in the class. My preparatory pose of getting my knees up was a whole lot of wobble and tipping. However...
Yummy: Anne was super helpful and gave me some assistance and support after class as I practiced Head Stand some more and got her advice on good transitions and strengthening ideas. Thanks Anne!
So I am starting to catch up a little. Hopefully I can squeeze in another extra one and then load up with the free weekend. See you there!
Good: We also had a bit of a nautical theme with lots of Boat and Mermaid and Pirate poses. Okay maybe just boat and mermaid, but if we can have warriors why can't we have pirates? Maybe something where we balance on one straightened toe extended leg to look like a peg and cover one eye with a hand to be like a patch. Avast Yeasana? So I was a pretty good Mermaid (or as Zoolander would say, Mer-Man!)I usually have a lot of trouble with balance in that pose but I was able to get my spine significantly straighter than I have in the past.
Bad: I have been working on Supported Head Stand Salamba Sirsasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/481 recently and felt like I was making progress but it was not happening for me in the class. My preparatory pose of getting my knees up was a whole lot of wobble and tipping. However...
Yummy: Anne was super helpful and gave me some assistance and support after class as I practiced Head Stand some more and got her advice on good transitions and strengthening ideas. Thanks Anne!
So I am starting to catch up a little. Hopefully I can squeeze in another extra one and then load up with the free weekend. See you there!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Class #21 Gentle Vinyasa Yoga with Pam
I finally made it to see Pam! Pam is a really special person with seemingly infinite patience and kindness. I have really enjoyed her classes in the past, but my schedule has made it tough to see her this year. Hopefully Wednesday mornings will work for me in the future. A lot of her classes have a little more deliberate slowly flowing pace and can be a really good way to relax catch up with yourself. Pam also just radiates compassion. I have S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and have been considering getting some lights that are supposed to help during the dimness of winter. An alternative solution (though inconvenient to her) would be to just have Pam smile at me every day.
Good: I lamented in a recent post the difficulty I have been having with moving with the breath or even just breathing at all in some of the classes. I didn't magically fix everything, but I did manage some noticeable improvement in this class. Everything was just so tranquil that it was hard not to have some kind of relaxed rhythm going.
Bad: So One-Legged King Pigeon Eka Pada Rajakapotasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/863 happened for me in a recent class and I tried to recreate it during this one. The pigeon was much more elusive this time and I managed to fall over when trying for an extension that just wasn't there. I was a little wiser when trying the other side and found a better balance between still getting a good stretch and not flapping into the people beside me. Be warned though King Pigeon, I'm coming back for you and I am bring warriors One, Two, and maybe even Three with me!
Yummy: I really enjoyed the story Pam told at the beginning of the class about a turtle, a rabbit, God, a laser printer, a butterfly, a manatee, a giraffe and Arnold Swarzennegger. I may have some of that mixed up with a joke a friend texted me after class, but it was definitely a good story.
One class down, two to go today. Here we go!
Good: I lamented in a recent post the difficulty I have been having with moving with the breath or even just breathing at all in some of the classes. I didn't magically fix everything, but I did manage some noticeable improvement in this class. Everything was just so tranquil that it was hard not to have some kind of relaxed rhythm going.
Bad: So One-Legged King Pigeon Eka Pada Rajakapotasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/863 happened for me in a recent class and I tried to recreate it during this one. The pigeon was much more elusive this time and I managed to fall over when trying for an extension that just wasn't there. I was a little wiser when trying the other side and found a better balance between still getting a good stretch and not flapping into the people beside me. Be warned though King Pigeon, I'm coming back for you and I am bring warriors One, Two, and maybe even Three with me!
Yummy: I really enjoyed the story Pam told at the beginning of the class about a turtle, a rabbit, God, a laser printer, a butterfly, a manatee, a giraffe and Arnold Swarzennegger. I may have some of that mixed up with a joke a friend texted me after class, but it was definitely a good story.
One class down, two to go today. Here we go!
Class #20 Deep Stretch Yoga with Kimberly
So theoretically this is an hour and fifteen minute class. At the end though, I could have sworn we had only been there around a half hour. So no levitation from our fearless leader, Kimberly, yet but time travel remains a possibility... Seriously, it's weird to me how classes that feature the fewest poses and the longest stretch of time between new variations often wind up going so fast. Anyways, this was a great class and I really felt like there was a wonderful cumulative effect as each asana built on the last.
Good: I am not sure how, but I wound up in One-Legged King Pigeon Eka Pada Rajakapotasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/863 with the back leg bent and grasped in my hand. I don't remember being able to do that before. I am definitely getting stretchier and stronger. I am also getting hungrier though. Hopefully I won't just end up a giant stretchy ball.
Bad: So I am not sure if my breathing is getting worse or if it has always been really bad and the more I focus on it the more I realize how much I need to work on. On the positive side, I am starting to understand the extent breathing is the foundation for so much of yoga.
Yummy: Lots and lots of Yum to choose from. Really good adjustments helped me get the most out of the poses. Elizabeth was there and that always helps. Best of all, Amanda was able to share another class with me and is trying to adjust her schedule to get to more classes. It is a wide road and I need all the help I can get on this journey so hopefully she can walk alongside me for a good portion of it.
I am going to try for a yoga hat trick (3 classes) tomorrow. Wish me luck!
Good: I am not sure how, but I wound up in One-Legged King Pigeon Eka Pada Rajakapotasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/863 with the back leg bent and grasped in my hand. I don't remember being able to do that before. I am definitely getting stretchier and stronger. I am also getting hungrier though. Hopefully I won't just end up a giant stretchy ball.
Bad: So I am not sure if my breathing is getting worse or if it has always been really bad and the more I focus on it the more I realize how much I need to work on. On the positive side, I am starting to understand the extent breathing is the foundation for so much of yoga.
Yummy: Lots and lots of Yum to choose from. Really good adjustments helped me get the most out of the poses. Elizabeth was there and that always helps. Best of all, Amanda was able to share another class with me and is trying to adjust her schedule to get to more classes. It is a wide road and I need all the help I can get on this journey so hopefully she can walk alongside me for a good portion of it.
I am going to try for a yoga hat trick (3 classes) tomorrow. Wish me luck!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Class #19 Dynamic Flow Yoga with Louise
So I finally got back to one of Louise's classes. I have been out of town for a couple days and really needed some yoga, so got someone to cover a longstanding Monday evening commitment for me and headed with Amanda over for some dynamic flow. It is always good to see Louise and I was really looking forward to moving and working up a good sweat. We actually got there early so I was able to grab a great spot near the front so I could see the poses well. Quick side note, normal people can have really good classes from pretty much anywhere in the room. I just have a little sub par vision and very sub par spatial awareness. In this particular class, Louise even got up on the little platform at the front of the class underneath the fish painting so we yoga ships had a cool instructor light house to guide us during the dynamic storm.
Good: Had a pretty good Warrior Three Virabhadrasana III www.yogajournal.com/poses/941 I was a little steadier than I have been in the past. I had a doorknob right at my eye level to focus on and that definitely helped. I am getting a little stronger and it has been helping out unexpectedly in some of the poses.
Bad: Half Moon Pose Ardha Chandrasana www.yogajournal.com/poses/784 is one of my favorites so I was a little bummed when I had some trouble today easily beginning and holding this pose. Our transition to get into it was a little different than I am used to so I think my body got a little confused. I also have just not done it as much recently and when my initial confidence got a little fragile I think I started believing it was harder than it is. So much of yoga is mental...
Yummy: It is always great to do a class with Amanda. I can not really get upset or too frustrated when she is around. I get distracted or have a goofy smile sometimes, but overall it is a pretty good trade off. It also has been way too long since I have seen Louise who is a nice change of pace from some of the other classes. If I really want to get into poses and feel them and know them, I need to be comfortable coming to them from different places. Thank you Louise for broadening my practice and being a cool light house today.
I have lost my notes for the two previous classes so I am trying to piece them together. Also, I will be attending the free yoga weekend and so might actually catch up or even pull ahead temporarily of the pace soon. Fingers crossed everybody!
Good: Had a pretty good Warrior Three Virabhadrasana III www.yogajournal.com/poses/941 I was a little steadier than I have been in the past. I had a doorknob right at my eye level to focus on and that definitely helped. I am getting a little stronger and it has been helping out unexpectedly in some of the poses.
Bad: Half Moon Pose Ardha Chandrasana www.yogajournal.com/poses/784 is one of my favorites so I was a little bummed when I had some trouble today easily beginning and holding this pose. Our transition to get into it was a little different than I am used to so I think my body got a little confused. I also have just not done it as much recently and when my initial confidence got a little fragile I think I started believing it was harder than it is. So much of yoga is mental...
Yummy: It is always great to do a class with Amanda. I can not really get upset or too frustrated when she is around. I get distracted or have a goofy smile sometimes, but overall it is a pretty good trade off. It also has been way too long since I have seen Louise who is a nice change of pace from some of the other classes. If I really want to get into poses and feel them and know them, I need to be comfortable coming to them from different places. Thank you Louise for broadening my practice and being a cool light house today.
I have lost my notes for the two previous classes so I am trying to piece them together. Also, I will be attending the free yoga weekend and so might actually catch up or even pull ahead temporarily of the pace soon. Fingers crossed everybody!
Class #18 Deep Stretch Yoga with Kimberly
No notes on this one either. I assume I did a handstand unassisted for a half hour. Or I fell over in down dog. One of those... So, umm, Haikus!
Good:
In Triangle Pose
Trikonasana my heart
opens to the world
Bad:
Warrior One Pose
Virabhadrasana, I'm
afraid of tickles
Yummy:
Best part of Plow Pose
Halasana? Singing Old
McDonald in head
Good:
In Triangle Pose
Trikonasana my heart
opens to the world
Bad:
Warrior One Pose
Virabhadrasana, I'm
afraid of tickles
Yummy:
Best part of Plow Pose
Halasana? Singing Old
McDonald in head
Class #17 Slow Mindful Flow with Sara
I have lost my notes for this class and I don't really remember what happened. I did go though and would like to record it somehow. How about haikus?
Good:
Standing Forward Bend
Uttanasana is how
I play peek-a-boo
Bad:
When in Garland Pose
Malasana I want to
play leap frog with you
Yummy:
Supported Headstand
Salamba Sirsasana
will one day be mine
Good:
Standing Forward Bend
Uttanasana is how
I play peek-a-boo
Bad:
When in Garland Pose
Malasana I want to
play leap frog with you
Yummy:
Supported Headstand
Salamba Sirsasana
will one day be mine
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Class #16 Dynamic Flow Yoga with Kimberly
Wow. I needed that. So refreshed from a good night's sleep and a massage from Teresa I headed back to yoga determined to not be so determined. I need to not be so obsessed with ranking and categorizing everything (a post for another time) but I am pretty sure this was the best class I have had this year. There was a cool message about Enso http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ens%C5%8D and we actually did the class in a circle. I could see the instructor well and could correct my mistakes (yes even in my "best" class I made a lot of mistakes). We were close enough to each other that the
Ujjayi breath ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ujjayi_breath )for the class was pretty well sustained and there was definitely a strong sense of connection. The dynamic part of the class was the pace we had and the difficulty of some of the poses. On a side note, if you are reading this and thinking about coming to a dynamic flow class, do it! Sure, it is not a class for people who are just starting yoga, but it is not that hard. The instructor gives multiple variations for a lot of the poses so if you are looking for something advanced you have that option, and if you are looking for something more basic that is available too. Obviously, yoga is many different things to different people, but I just love the ones where we move and get a little sweat and endorphins going. So let's break it down.
Good: So lots of things went well (loved Uttanasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/478 and extended triangle http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/494 of course and even got a cool correction in triangle) but I think the most progress came during my attempts at Handstand Adho Mukha Vrksasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/788. It's not that I got into a handstand, but that I made productive use of the time and variations we were given to prepare. We did a kind of condensed down dog with our toes against the wall and then worked our legs up to make a 90% angle and then hopefully hold them there. Instead of getting frustrated with not being at a more advanced level right now I worked on holding my legs at that angle and made some good progress mentally and physically.
Bad: So I am getting better at extended hand to big toe pose Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana http://yogajournal.com/poses/2473 which I am pretty excited about, but I am still having trouble with the variation where we stretch our leg out to the side instead of straight ahead. That's okay. All is becoming I hear... However, I did get a little grumpy with myself when we did one leg and I fell out of the pose. I was able to laugh at myself a little the other time thankfully. Also, cool person who was to my right during the class, sorry I almost bumped into you when I lost concentration in that pose and kudos on keeping your balance with somebody careening past you.
Yummy: In no particular order: Music, having an Enso in the middle of the class (I couldn't look at it without smiling), the shared breathing, the idea of lifting each other up in one of the poses, how we all connected in a tiny circle with our hands linking near the end, and the kitten that curled up in my lap while I wrote this.
Okay, now can I just keep this positive energy and mindset going? Check in next time to see...
Ujjayi breath ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ujjayi_breath )for the class was pretty well sustained and there was definitely a strong sense of connection. The dynamic part of the class was the pace we had and the difficulty of some of the poses. On a side note, if you are reading this and thinking about coming to a dynamic flow class, do it! Sure, it is not a class for people who are just starting yoga, but it is not that hard. The instructor gives multiple variations for a lot of the poses so if you are looking for something advanced you have that option, and if you are looking for something more basic that is available too. Obviously, yoga is many different things to different people, but I just love the ones where we move and get a little sweat and endorphins going. So let's break it down.
Good: So lots of things went well (loved Uttanasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/478 and extended triangle http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/494 of course and even got a cool correction in triangle) but I think the most progress came during my attempts at Handstand Adho Mukha Vrksasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/788. It's not that I got into a handstand, but that I made productive use of the time and variations we were given to prepare. We did a kind of condensed down dog with our toes against the wall and then worked our legs up to make a 90% angle and then hopefully hold them there. Instead of getting frustrated with not being at a more advanced level right now I worked on holding my legs at that angle and made some good progress mentally and physically.
Bad: So I am getting better at extended hand to big toe pose Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana http://yogajournal.com/poses/2473 which I am pretty excited about, but I am still having trouble with the variation where we stretch our leg out to the side instead of straight ahead. That's okay. All is becoming I hear... However, I did get a little grumpy with myself when we did one leg and I fell out of the pose. I was able to laugh at myself a little the other time thankfully. Also, cool person who was to my right during the class, sorry I almost bumped into you when I lost concentration in that pose and kudos on keeping your balance with somebody careening past you.
Yummy: In no particular order: Music, having an Enso in the middle of the class (I couldn't look at it without smiling), the shared breathing, the idea of lifting each other up in one of the poses, how we all connected in a tiny circle with our hands linking near the end, and the kitten that curled up in my lap while I wrote this.
Okay, now can I just keep this positive energy and mindset going? Check in next time to see...
Class #15 Deep Stretch Yoga with Sara
Ugh. Hopefully this is the worst I can mess up a class. So I was having kind of a weird day, just everything seemed a little off. My body has also been getting increasingly cranky and several little nagging aches and pains have been manifesting. So I got to class and felt a little better. Sara is always filled with energy and it's pretty hard to be grumpy around her. I also saw Katie again and she had brought me a little rosin bag present to help with mat traction. Thanks Katie! There were plenty of friendly people there as usual at Amsa. I actually was there pretty much on time so I didn't have to set up in the front. However, the spot I took was in a direct line with both Sara and another student between us (cue ominous foreshadowing music...)So as I have mentioned before, I am a little spatially challenged and really have to carefully look at poses (especially unfamiliar ones) to do them correctly and even then I often am a little off. A cranky body plus a distracted mind plus a poor sight line= 3.1415, no wait it was actually a recipe for disaster (not delicious pi(e)...)
Good: Umm. I was okay in one half of a Garland pose Malasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/2472 with a bind variation. I think I may literally have messed up everything else in some way. Well probably not, but it felt like it. I just could not get a rhythm going and kept knocking things over and being shaky and tense. Aside from working on the breath and trying to be mindful, what should I do if that happens? I wasn't too tired to keep going and they were pretty much all poses I had done before at some point so I didn't think to go to child's pose. Maybe I should have done so just to reset and get my mind back in order.
Bad: So my comedy of errors nearly turned into tragedy when late in the class we got into a pose kinda like a lunge but with the front leg tilted out to the side and the chest forward until either the forearms or chest reach the ground. I pushed too hard trying to get further down to a stage that I had done several times in the past despite the infinite signs my body had been giving me that tonight was just not the night and to take it easy. So I wound up tweaking my ankle a little bit and had to skip the last couple poses before savasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/482.
Yummy: Sara was awesome at coming over and helping as soon as she noticed me rubbing my ankle and made sure I didn't make it worse. Also, I am writing this now a couple days afterwards and a couple good night's sleep and a massage from fellow Yogi Teresa seems to have fixed me up. Hopefully I will make this a productive learning experience.
See you soon everyone and don't worry, I promise to take it a little easier.
Good: Umm. I was okay in one half of a Garland pose Malasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/2472 with a bind variation. I think I may literally have messed up everything else in some way. Well probably not, but it felt like it. I just could not get a rhythm going and kept knocking things over and being shaky and tense. Aside from working on the breath and trying to be mindful, what should I do if that happens? I wasn't too tired to keep going and they were pretty much all poses I had done before at some point so I didn't think to go to child's pose. Maybe I should have done so just to reset and get my mind back in order.
Bad: So my comedy of errors nearly turned into tragedy when late in the class we got into a pose kinda like a lunge but with the front leg tilted out to the side and the chest forward until either the forearms or chest reach the ground. I pushed too hard trying to get further down to a stage that I had done several times in the past despite the infinite signs my body had been giving me that tonight was just not the night and to take it easy. So I wound up tweaking my ankle a little bit and had to skip the last couple poses before savasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/482.
Yummy: Sara was awesome at coming over and helping as soon as she noticed me rubbing my ankle and made sure I didn't make it worse. Also, I am writing this now a couple days afterwards and a couple good night's sleep and a massage from fellow Yogi Teresa seems to have fixed me up. Hopefully I will make this a productive learning experience.
See you soon everyone and don't worry, I promise to take it a little easier.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Class #14 Yin and Flow Yoga with Kimberly
Okay, I'll be honest, I have lost my notes for this class. If I get something wrong I apologize. Here is what I do remember. The class was packed since a lot of people had the day off for Martin Luther King Day. I got there on time and still had to sit way up the left side. I have had to set up at the front a fair amount recently and am afraid that people will think that I think I am a hot shot or something. I wish I could wear a sign that said "Not full of myself, just spatially challenged and I need to see the instructor well to keep from messing up the poses". Hmm. That is more of a billboard than a sign and might be distracting. Maybe I will just bring a periscope next time. Anyways, it wasn't too bad because I got to hang out with Kerry and Elizabeth and also Teresa who I don't think I have introduced before. She is from the West Coast and is a licensed massage therapist (she is teaching a cool self massage class during the upcoming free yoga weekend). Another cool person at Amsa who makes the lives of others more pleasant. It's like some sort of care bear conspiracy... Anyways, on to the asanas.
Good: I think I said it recently, but I am still loving extended triangle pose Utthita Trikonasana www.yogajournal.com/poses/494 If anyone has seen the Saturday Night Live sketch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFKt0j-UoXE where the producer keeps wanting more cowbell, it's kinda like that. I just feel like I am opening up something inside that daily stresses would otherwise keep compressed and confined.
Bad: I am not that upset about it in the grand scheme of things, but I really thought I was going to do a little better with Supported Headstand Salamba Sirsasana www.yogajournal.com/poses/481 . We worked on several poses leading up to it and I was feeling strong in my arms. When it came time though I tried to get full extension in stead of just getting my knees up which would have been a more reasonable goal. It is good that I was at my specific spot in my room because my somersault definitely would have bowled over anyone in front of me. On a positive note, Kerry and Kimberly talked over the pose after class and graciously let me listen in and observe. Kerry is making awesome progress and I am pretty sure I learned some more from watching and listening. Thanks to both of you!
Yummy: So breathing went a little better this class. I kinda cheated because Kerry was next to me and she is an excellent breather but I really tried to focus and did a little better job with breathing in the more difficult poses and not just holding my breathing and trying to push through. It really helps. For instance we did a pose that I don't know th name of, but it involves being flat on your back and then lifting your legs (and sometimes your arms) straight up. In the past when I have tried this pose and have had to hold it for more than a couple seconds, I look like I am having a mild seizure because I shake so much. Some core work and some better breathing and now it just looks like there is an earthquake underneath me. Hurray progress!
So that is what I remember. Oh and there is a new teacher who is going to teach a class soon. So fun stuff on the horizon (and hopefully better note taking by me in the future).
Good: I think I said it recently, but I am still loving extended triangle pose Utthita Trikonasana www.yogajournal.com/poses/494 If anyone has seen the Saturday Night Live sketch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFKt0j-UoXE where the producer keeps wanting more cowbell, it's kinda like that. I just feel like I am opening up something inside that daily stresses would otherwise keep compressed and confined.
Bad: I am not that upset about it in the grand scheme of things, but I really thought I was going to do a little better with Supported Headstand Salamba Sirsasana www.yogajournal.com/poses/481 . We worked on several poses leading up to it and I was feeling strong in my arms. When it came time though I tried to get full extension in stead of just getting my knees up which would have been a more reasonable goal. It is good that I was at my specific spot in my room because my somersault definitely would have bowled over anyone in front of me. On a positive note, Kerry and Kimberly talked over the pose after class and graciously let me listen in and observe. Kerry is making awesome progress and I am pretty sure I learned some more from watching and listening. Thanks to both of you!
Yummy: So breathing went a little better this class. I kinda cheated because Kerry was next to me and she is an excellent breather but I really tried to focus and did a little better job with breathing in the more difficult poses and not just holding my breathing and trying to push through. It really helps. For instance we did a pose that I don't know th name of, but it involves being flat on your back and then lifting your legs (and sometimes your arms) straight up. In the past when I have tried this pose and have had to hold it for more than a couple seconds, I look like I am having a mild seizure because I shake so much. Some core work and some better breathing and now it just looks like there is an earthquake underneath me. Hurray progress!
So that is what I remember. Oh and there is a new teacher who is going to teach a class soon. So fun stuff on the horizon (and hopefully better note taking by me in the future).
Monday, January 17, 2011
Class #13 Sweet Vinyasa with Kimberly
Mmmmm. Sunday morning yoga, it's good for what ails ya! So I really love vinyasa (breath synchronized movement) yoga. It's fun to breathe and connect with the other students in the room. I also find moving with the breath very soothing if I am stressed out or worried about something. One of the many beautiful things about yoga is that I can get so much out of this style of class while being almost comically bad at it. I keep forgetting to breathe and lose focus often. Sure it's great if a person can do all the poses correctly perfectly synchronized with the breath, but each new pose, each new breath is also an opportunity to improve even if the one before was not that great.
Good: We did some side lunges (I can't seem to find an image that matches this pose)that I got decent extension on and felt really good. Pretty much anything that starts from Wide-Legged Forward Bend Prasarita Padottanasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/693 seems to go well for me. Maybe it is because I have a relatively open mind and don't feel like I "should" or "should not" be able to do certain things while I am inverted that way. If I am able to get a full extension on a pose, cool. If not, it's no big deal, I just try my best. Maybe I need to do all my poses inverted somehow...
Bad: I am trying to be more mindful of my breath and it is just not there on some of the more physically demanding poses. For instance, the plank to chaturanga dandasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/469 to Upward Facing Dog Urdhva Mukha Svanasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/474 sequence quickly devolves into me holding my breath for most of it as the class progresses and we repeat this variation. I wonder why my body's natural impulse is to not breath? At least I am thinking about it now and can focus on it as I practice.
Yummy: I mentioned in an earlier post the difficulties I was having with tortoise pose Kurmasana and sleeping tortoise pose Supta Kurmasana http://www.motleyhealth.com/yoga/sleeping-tortoise-yoga-pose-supta-kurmasana. Kimberly was super considerate and gave a great explanation and demonstration for both. I did a little better in tortoise and was really getting into it for the sleeping variation. When I was a little kid around eight or so, I actually used to do something pretty similar to this pose and getting close to it again was very fun and exciting. Thanks Kimberly!
Thanks everyone else too. One of my favorite songs that gets played a lot in Amsa classes is "You are not alone in this". It's true and it makes all the difference.
Good: We did some side lunges (I can't seem to find an image that matches this pose)that I got decent extension on and felt really good. Pretty much anything that starts from Wide-Legged Forward Bend Prasarita Padottanasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/693 seems to go well for me. Maybe it is because I have a relatively open mind and don't feel like I "should" or "should not" be able to do certain things while I am inverted that way. If I am able to get a full extension on a pose, cool. If not, it's no big deal, I just try my best. Maybe I need to do all my poses inverted somehow...
Bad: I am trying to be more mindful of my breath and it is just not there on some of the more physically demanding poses. For instance, the plank to chaturanga dandasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/469 to Upward Facing Dog Urdhva Mukha Svanasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/474 sequence quickly devolves into me holding my breath for most of it as the class progresses and we repeat this variation. I wonder why my body's natural impulse is to not breath? At least I am thinking about it now and can focus on it as I practice.
Yummy: I mentioned in an earlier post the difficulties I was having with tortoise pose Kurmasana and sleeping tortoise pose Supta Kurmasana http://www.motleyhealth.com/yoga/sleeping-tortoise-yoga-pose-supta-kurmasana. Kimberly was super considerate and gave a great explanation and demonstration for both. I did a little better in tortoise and was really getting into it for the sleeping variation. When I was a little kid around eight or so, I actually used to do something pretty similar to this pose and getting close to it again was very fun and exciting. Thanks Kimberly!
Thanks everyone else too. One of my favorite songs that gets played a lot in Amsa classes is "You are not alone in this". It's true and it makes all the difference.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Class #12 Yoga Basics with Kimberly
So I have been trying to get my friend Michael to go to yoga with me for awhile. Michael is also a teacher and has even more stress than me because he teaches Middle School. I certainly still have frustrations and stresses and do not deal with them healthily all the time, but yoga has definitely helped me improve my attitude and patience along with my overall health. I am hopeful that he will be able to use yoga to enjoy some of these benefits too. This class was special not only because I got to take my fiend to his first yoga session, but my wife Amanda had enough free time to get a little yogic pick me up also. So how did it go?
Good: I've been working on Extended Triangle Pose Utthita Trikonasana www.yogajournal.com/poses/494 in my home practice and just love doing it. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have gotten some great adjustments in past classes and know I have a better understanding of Triangle than I have previously. Of course I can always get better, I just feel so good when I do this pose. When Amanda and I went to Japan and had to be on plane for a ridiculous amount of time I was even rocking (not so extended) triangle in the tiny bathroom just to keep limber.
Bad: Ugh. So I used to be pretty flabby. I am certainly not buff or anything, but Yoga has helped me shed a fair amount of that and also cut my cholesterol in half. Pretty much every class has a few poses that create some heat or even get you sweating. However, because of my schedule this semester it is hard for me to get to the classes that really turn it up a notch for burning calories. I have a Gold's Gym membership that I am stuck with until the contract expires (I panicked when I had a disturbing doctor's visit). So I try to go fairly often to get value out of the money they are getting from me but I am always afraid I will step on a syringe or get clotheslined if I don't wipe the equipment down right. Seriously, I have been yelled at by large employees there and it was pretty scary. Anyways, excuses, excuses I have a little pot belly right now and it makes a lot of the poses much harder than they have to be. I am going to have to turn up the home practice and drop this cannonball I am lugging around. Just because I like cow pose doesn't mean I need to have my own udder.
Yummy: I'm loving this basics class. I feel like my plank pose www.yogajournal.com/poses/470 got better with our review of this staple. Just putting my mind in my place where I can get back to the openness of a beginner is great. I also just wanted to say thanks to both Kimberly and Helen (a fellow student and newly minted yoga instructor) for making Michael feel welcome and ensuring that his first class was a friendly and supportive one. The community at Amsa is truly special.
Real quick before I go, thanks everyone who has had kind words about this blog. I couldn't do it without all the support and kindness people are sharing with me. A lot of people are also worried about me catching up (in a sweet helpful way). I know yoga can and does happen in our homes as well, but I am trying to reach 365 classes with a live instructor (I'm not counting DVDs or classes taught by Zombies). The community aspect and learning from and with others feels like the core of yoga to me. I certainly am spending a lot of time on introspection, but without connecting and growing with the journeys of those around me it would be too cold and lonely a trip to take. Thanks everyone for sharing your journey!
Good: I've been working on Extended Triangle Pose Utthita Trikonasana www.yogajournal.com/poses/494 in my home practice and just love doing it. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have gotten some great adjustments in past classes and know I have a better understanding of Triangle than I have previously. Of course I can always get better, I just feel so good when I do this pose. When Amanda and I went to Japan and had to be on plane for a ridiculous amount of time I was even rocking (not so extended) triangle in the tiny bathroom just to keep limber.
Bad: Ugh. So I used to be pretty flabby. I am certainly not buff or anything, but Yoga has helped me shed a fair amount of that and also cut my cholesterol in half. Pretty much every class has a few poses that create some heat or even get you sweating. However, because of my schedule this semester it is hard for me to get to the classes that really turn it up a notch for burning calories. I have a Gold's Gym membership that I am stuck with until the contract expires (I panicked when I had a disturbing doctor's visit). So I try to go fairly often to get value out of the money they are getting from me but I am always afraid I will step on a syringe or get clotheslined if I don't wipe the equipment down right. Seriously, I have been yelled at by large employees there and it was pretty scary. Anyways, excuses, excuses I have a little pot belly right now and it makes a lot of the poses much harder than they have to be. I am going to have to turn up the home practice and drop this cannonball I am lugging around. Just because I like cow pose doesn't mean I need to have my own udder.
Yummy: I'm loving this basics class. I feel like my plank pose www.yogajournal.com/poses/470 got better with our review of this staple. Just putting my mind in my place where I can get back to the openness of a beginner is great. I also just wanted to say thanks to both Kimberly and Helen (a fellow student and newly minted yoga instructor) for making Michael feel welcome and ensuring that his first class was a friendly and supportive one. The community at Amsa is truly special.
Real quick before I go, thanks everyone who has had kind words about this blog. I couldn't do it without all the support and kindness people are sharing with me. A lot of people are also worried about me catching up (in a sweet helpful way). I know yoga can and does happen in our homes as well, but I am trying to reach 365 classes with a live instructor (I'm not counting DVDs or classes taught by Zombies). The community aspect and learning from and with others feels like the core of yoga to me. I certainly am spending a lot of time on introspection, but without connecting and growing with the journeys of those around me it would be too cold and lonely a trip to take. Thanks everyone for sharing your journey!
Class #11 Deep Stretch Yoga with Kimberly
Loved, loved this class. Lots of friendly familiar faces and a great positive vibe. I got to hang out with Elizabeth as my mat neighbor which is always fun. Kimberly really brought it with an insightful lesson about letting go of the negative practices and emotions we hoard inside ourselves. Let's get right to it.
Good: One of the most basic and repeated poses in yoga is downward facing dog Adho Mukha Svasana www.yogajournal.com/poses/491 (why is this not pose #1?)Just because we do it all the time does not mean it cannot be improved and doesn't deserve mindful attention. So ideally in this pose the hands are flat on the mat and the weight is equally distributed instead of all in the heel of the hand and/or the fingertips. I recently have been getting more of my hand down and the pose feels a lot better. Hurray!
Bad: One of the trickier poses (for me at least) is tortoise pose Kurmasana http://health.indianetzone.com/yoga/hathyoga/1/kurmasana.htm I am listing this one as bad not because of my current level of ability with this pose, but because I feel like I have regressed some with it since last time it came up in class. I know there are variations from class to class and day to day, but I feel like I knew what to do to make progress earlier in terms of how to adjust my arms. It's hard to explain, but it's like the concept is still in my mind, but the muscle memory is not there.
Yummy: A lot to choose from as I indicated in the intro, but perhaps the best was the way the principle Kimberly discussed of letting go of unhealthy things through the practice really worked during the class. With each deep stretch it was if a little bit of a burden fell away. Good times.
I'll be back soon with a longer post about a Yoga Basics class that I was fortunate enough to share with both my wife and my good friend Michael. Till then!
Good: One of the most basic and repeated poses in yoga is downward facing dog Adho Mukha Svasana www.yogajournal.com/poses/491 (why is this not pose #1?)Just because we do it all the time does not mean it cannot be improved and doesn't deserve mindful attention. So ideally in this pose the hands are flat on the mat and the weight is equally distributed instead of all in the heel of the hand and/or the fingertips. I recently have been getting more of my hand down and the pose feels a lot better. Hurray!
Bad: One of the trickier poses (for me at least) is tortoise pose Kurmasana http://health.indianetzone.com/yoga/hathyoga/1/kurmasana.htm I am listing this one as bad not because of my current level of ability with this pose, but because I feel like I have regressed some with it since last time it came up in class. I know there are variations from class to class and day to day, but I feel like I knew what to do to make progress earlier in terms of how to adjust my arms. It's hard to explain, but it's like the concept is still in my mind, but the muscle memory is not there.
Yummy: A lot to choose from as I indicated in the intro, but perhaps the best was the way the principle Kimberly discussed of letting go of unhealthy things through the practice really worked during the class. With each deep stretch it was if a little bit of a burden fell away. Good times.
I'll be back soon with a longer post about a Yoga Basics class that I was fortunate enough to share with both my wife and my good friend Michael. Till then!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Class #10 Dynamic Flow Yoga with Kimberly
Hello again! So another quirk of my schedule has been that I have not been to a more upbeat dynamic flow class is awhile. I love any of the classes where you can move and get a good sweat going. My attention can't wander if we are always doing something new, right? Since I was at the class before and did not leave the building I was actually on time for this one. I also was fortunate enough to run into the pleasant Katie again who let me know I had messed up her description earlier. If I got it right this time, she is interested in counseling work in the near future, but is currently working at a car dealership. Or maybe she's a card dealer on a ship. Or it might have been cardiologist. I'm not sure and am embarrassed to ask again, but I have a plan. I will simply wreck my car outside Amsa while playing poker with friends in the backseat and then fake a heart attack. Her response should clearly indicate her line of work. Its the only course of action that makes sense really. Anyways she was there and so were my good friend Kerry and several other familiar faces including another yogi I met who is also on a classes quest. She said she might start a blog too. I am rooting for you cool person with a similar quest whose name I forgot...
Good: We did some Dolphin Pose http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/2462 and it was good to be reminded of how those feel. I used to do them a lot when I was hurt a while back as an alteration to Down Dog. Down Dog may be a good home base restful pose, but Dolphin (at least the way I do it) is not. Kimberly had us use a block between our hands for better alignment and I tried to do so but didn't put it in the right place. No ego issues here, just poor spatial skills on my part. So the good was after she noticed my mistake and fixed it for me, I could really feel the Dolphin pose doing work. Try it. It's harder to hold than it looks.
Bad: So one of the highlights of this class was we got to try to do an inversion up against the wall. I used to practice these a fair amount when I was going to classes that featured them. I have had occasional good moments and also occasional bowling ball moments where I almost roll into the person in front of me. Without the practice though, when we tried for Feathered Peacock pose Pincha Mayurasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/1711 it just wasn't happening. That's okay, sometimes it's not the day for a certain pose to come out and play but I got more frustrated with myself than was productive.
Yummy: Whole lotta yum to choose from. Just being active and moving felt great. There was good breath in the room (thanks everyone!). I got to hear the story and explanation that I had missed from the beginning of the earlier class so I was still able to learn and absorb some. I got closer to being on track with my quest.
See everybody soon!
Good: We did some Dolphin Pose http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/2462 and it was good to be reminded of how those feel. I used to do them a lot when I was hurt a while back as an alteration to Down Dog. Down Dog may be a good home base restful pose, but Dolphin (at least the way I do it) is not. Kimberly had us use a block between our hands for better alignment and I tried to do so but didn't put it in the right place. No ego issues here, just poor spatial skills on my part. So the good was after she noticed my mistake and fixed it for me, I could really feel the Dolphin pose doing work. Try it. It's harder to hold than it looks.
Bad: So one of the highlights of this class was we got to try to do an inversion up against the wall. I used to practice these a fair amount when I was going to classes that featured them. I have had occasional good moments and also occasional bowling ball moments where I almost roll into the person in front of me. Without the practice though, when we tried for Feathered Peacock pose Pincha Mayurasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/1711 it just wasn't happening. That's okay, sometimes it's not the day for a certain pose to come out and play but I got more frustrated with myself than was productive.
Yummy: Whole lotta yum to choose from. Just being active and moving felt great. There was good breath in the room (thanks everyone!). I got to hear the story and explanation that I had missed from the beginning of the earlier class so I was still able to learn and absorb some. I got closer to being on track with my quest.
See everybody soon!
Class #9 Yin Yoga with Kimberly
Oh when will I learn? So I am trying to catch up to the pace of one class a day and I am several behind due to snow and in a couple of cases sloth (I love that word. I always think of the animals sloth being all slothy in their pajamas while squinting at an alarm clock and then slowly and deliberately rolling over and back to sleep). So I tried to rush to a 4:45 class from the other side of town at like 4:22. I'm sure I broke a few traffic laws and bent several others. I got to my house which is literally (no really literally, not literally like the people who say things like "I was literally on fire")two minutes drive to Amsa, changed into yoga gear while scaring the poor kittens with clothes flying everywhere and rushed down my icy steps in bare feet. I got to class a couple minutes late and missed a really good explanation of frustration and mindfullness by Kimberly (I am aware of the irony here). How did the class go after my frenzied efforts to fling myself onto the mat?
Good: My plank pose http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/470 is getting a little better. It is still shaky after a while, but I can keep the proper shape longer than I used to. Yoga is sneaky. Long term practitioners often don't look that different from "regular" healthy people (though they are often older than you would think). However, they have the capability to do some pretty amazing stuff. Kimberly would say we all have the capability to do amazing things, but I mean in the short term. It's like we can become secret super heroes. In the meanwhile, hopefully there will be an emergency that requires someone who is slightly more flexible than average that I can help with (as long as it does not require bending directly forward while seated...).
Bad: So I rushed and fought and strained to get to class and then it was time to get into still poses and hold them for long periods of time. In case you did not know, Adrenaline + Testosterone does not = Yin. You know the hero pose virasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/490 I was so happy about recently? Busted. When I got to class, everyone was in hero while sitting on either a block or blanket for support. Of course fresh off my mad dash I was like "Blocks? I don't need no stinking blocks!" Sigh, yes you do Jesse. Especially if the pose is going to be held for ten minutes while we mentally prepare for the rest of the class. Especially if you are all tense and stuck in fight or flight mode. Especially if you are a block head who keeps talking about not letting ego get the best of them and instead simply letting the asanas do their work. So I swayed and fidgeted and started adjusting my hair more than my barber does.
Yummy: Despite my silliness, the poses, the awesome Zenny music Kimberly played and her always stellar and insightful instruction combined to eventually work their magic and I finally calmed down and got closer to the right frame of mind. Also John was there and those classes are always fun because he is a good male example for me to follow since (based on the classes he is in my line of sight) he gives good effort but rarely goes overboard. Also because he sometimes wears a baseball cap while practicing and I think he may be hiding some sort of small yogic animal familiar in there. It's just a theory I'm working on.
Come back soon and see how my first flow class in weeks went...
Good: My plank pose http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/470 is getting a little better. It is still shaky after a while, but I can keep the proper shape longer than I used to. Yoga is sneaky. Long term practitioners often don't look that different from "regular" healthy people (though they are often older than you would think). However, they have the capability to do some pretty amazing stuff. Kimberly would say we all have the capability to do amazing things, but I mean in the short term. It's like we can become secret super heroes. In the meanwhile, hopefully there will be an emergency that requires someone who is slightly more flexible than average that I can help with (as long as it does not require bending directly forward while seated...).
Bad: So I rushed and fought and strained to get to class and then it was time to get into still poses and hold them for long periods of time. In case you did not know, Adrenaline + Testosterone does not = Yin. You know the hero pose virasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/490 I was so happy about recently? Busted. When I got to class, everyone was in hero while sitting on either a block or blanket for support. Of course fresh off my mad dash I was like "Blocks? I don't need no stinking blocks!" Sigh, yes you do Jesse. Especially if the pose is going to be held for ten minutes while we mentally prepare for the rest of the class. Especially if you are all tense and stuck in fight or flight mode. Especially if you are a block head who keeps talking about not letting ego get the best of them and instead simply letting the asanas do their work. So I swayed and fidgeted and started adjusting my hair more than my barber does.
Yummy: Despite my silliness, the poses, the awesome Zenny music Kimberly played and her always stellar and insightful instruction combined to eventually work their magic and I finally calmed down and got closer to the right frame of mind. Also John was there and those classes are always fun because he is a good male example for me to follow since (based on the classes he is in my line of sight) he gives good effort but rarely goes overboard. Also because he sometimes wears a baseball cap while practicing and I think he may be hiding some sort of small yogic animal familiar in there. It's just a theory I'm working on.
Come back soon and see how my first flow class in weeks went...
Class #8 Yoga for Lunch with Anne
Finally a class with Anne! Amsa actually has several wonderful talented instructors, but my schedule so far has worked out so that I keep winding up with Kimberly or Sara. I enjoy both of their styles and classes very much but people were starting to ask me questions about why I only have classes listed from 2/5ths of the instructors. Don’t worry, I am sure there will be classes with Pam and Louise very soon. Maybe if we are lucky there will even be a class in the not too distant future with Philip the semi-retired artist (the awesome fish picture at the front of Amsa’s studio is by him!) who specializes in Thai and/or partner yoga. One of the many great things about yoga is how open ended it is. Even the greatest instructor has their own focuses and limitations. Getting multiple perspectives from different teachers (at least occasionally) helps a lot to keep the mind expanding and reminds us of the possibilities and creativity inherent in the practice.
So this was a fun class with a relatively small crowd and an intimate feel. Yoga in the middle of the day can be tough to fit in with our busy lives and work obligations. I was fortunate to be able to sneak it in before heading off to teach because of my quirky schedule this semester. I was a little nervous because the open spot to set up (without having to ask people to move) was front and center. Aside from the ego and insecurity issues I have briefly mentioned earlier, I am a little superstitious. The last time I was exactly front and center I pushed myself too hard and wound up hurting myself. It was a lesson that needed to be learned (and that I am still working on) but it was really discouraging at the time to have to take a break for a while and then have to do some alterations to poses for several classes after that. Let’s see if I handled it a little better this time.
Good: High Lunge http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/2488 is a pose that comes up a lot and one that I “feel like I should be able to do better”. I put that in italics because I am trying to be aware of such perceptions and pause and examine them. Begin Giant Side Note: I come from a very competitive background. I have played chess, scrabble and a card game called magic at high levels in the past. It is hard for me not to mention specific achievements with them. But why? What does it really matter what I achieved in a competition based around a game? I was thinking recently during a yoga class about what really matters to me. Honestly, everything comes back to my relationships with friends and family, my faith, and being able to help others. If something does not serve one or more of those purposes it is probably a waste of time. It sounds harsh, but it is actually kind of freeing. Yoga helps all three as I develop patience and calmness, work on introspection, and establish more stamina and empathy. It is very difficult though for me not to approach yoga as I have dealt with competitions in the past. I want to judge myself based on others around me and want to “achieve” certain poses. I have to keep stopping and resetting my perspective to avoid tying self-worth to what I can and cannot do so far. There is nothing wrong with striving and giving something your all but I have to keep asking myself why to stay centered. End Giant Side Note So we were in the pose with our hands to either side of our forward foot. I usually strain as hard as I can and get my fingertips down to the mat. Believe it or not, this is not how the pose is intended (though the yoga journal picture kinda makes it look like that). Oftentimes an instructor will notice what is going on and gently suggest (or in one memorable class, firmly insist) I place blocks under my hands so I can straighten out. This time I got the blocks myself and let the pose do its actual intended work. Despite being front middle, no one pointed and giggled at me. I am happy that I was in a mental place that let me deal appropriately with my current stage.
Bad: We did a high lunge variation http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/2492 where we rose up on tippy toes and balanced for a bit. I am usually decent at balance poses but I was very wobbly. I also beat myself up more than I should for having "wind in my tree" Things change from day to day. As much as I would like it to be a steady progression where I only get better and never regress, there are tons of factors like rest and diet and mood that all come together each time we get on the mat.
Yummy: It was good to see Anne again and try a chakras themed class. Hurray variety! Hurray openness!
So this was a fun class with a relatively small crowd and an intimate feel. Yoga in the middle of the day can be tough to fit in with our busy lives and work obligations. I was fortunate to be able to sneak it in before heading off to teach because of my quirky schedule this semester. I was a little nervous because the open spot to set up (without having to ask people to move) was front and center. Aside from the ego and insecurity issues I have briefly mentioned earlier, I am a little superstitious. The last time I was exactly front and center I pushed myself too hard and wound up hurting myself. It was a lesson that needed to be learned (and that I am still working on) but it was really discouraging at the time to have to take a break for a while and then have to do some alterations to poses for several classes after that. Let’s see if I handled it a little better this time.
Good: High Lunge http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/2488 is a pose that comes up a lot and one that I “feel like I should be able to do better”. I put that in italics because I am trying to be aware of such perceptions and pause and examine them. Begin Giant Side Note: I come from a very competitive background. I have played chess, scrabble and a card game called magic at high levels in the past. It is hard for me not to mention specific achievements with them. But why? What does it really matter what I achieved in a competition based around a game? I was thinking recently during a yoga class about what really matters to me. Honestly, everything comes back to my relationships with friends and family, my faith, and being able to help others. If something does not serve one or more of those purposes it is probably a waste of time. It sounds harsh, but it is actually kind of freeing. Yoga helps all three as I develop patience and calmness, work on introspection, and establish more stamina and empathy. It is very difficult though for me not to approach yoga as I have dealt with competitions in the past. I want to judge myself based on others around me and want to “achieve” certain poses. I have to keep stopping and resetting my perspective to avoid tying self-worth to what I can and cannot do so far. There is nothing wrong with striving and giving something your all but I have to keep asking myself why to stay centered. End Giant Side Note So we were in the pose with our hands to either side of our forward foot. I usually strain as hard as I can and get my fingertips down to the mat. Believe it or not, this is not how the pose is intended (though the yoga journal picture kinda makes it look like that). Oftentimes an instructor will notice what is going on and gently suggest (or in one memorable class, firmly insist) I place blocks under my hands so I can straighten out. This time I got the blocks myself and let the pose do its actual intended work. Despite being front middle, no one pointed and giggled at me. I am happy that I was in a mental place that let me deal appropriately with my current stage.
Bad: We did a high lunge variation http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/2492 where we rose up on tippy toes and balanced for a bit. I am usually decent at balance poses but I was very wobbly. I also beat myself up more than I should for having "wind in my tree" Things change from day to day. As much as I would like it to be a steady progression where I only get better and never regress, there are tons of factors like rest and diet and mood that all come together each time we get on the mat.
Yummy: It was good to see Anne again and try a chakras themed class. Hurray variety! Hurray openness!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Class #7 Deep Stretch with Sara
So the beautiful snow has slowed down the yoga quest a little bit. On the plus side, Amanda and I have been warming ourselves next to the fireplace with the kittens. Can't really complain. I was starting to get a little stir crazy though. With the roads a little safer today it was time to get this quest back on track and check back in with the Amsa community. Hopefully the weather will stay safe enough for me to catch up to the pace in the next couple days. So this was a fun class as people who normally come to different times mingled together during the first time available after the snow began. It's always neat to see new faces and those who I only run into on the rare occasions I make a class that usually conflicts with my schedule. Here's how it went down:
Good: Man I love Standing Forward Bend Uttanasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/478. I have been practicing it more lately. It helps de-stress me and just feels fun to do and say. I have been working lately on the variation where you have each hand grasp the other elbow behind the knees while folded forward and I am making some good progress there. I got a little buzz today in class after that pose. I felt like whatever asana was next I was ready to greet it.
Bad: We did one asana that I think was a variation on Camel Pose Ustrasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/688 that we went into from Low Lunge Anjaneyasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/2494. Basically it was like regular Camel Pose but with one leg extended forward with the knee above the foot. It can be pretty scary to bend backwards because you can't really see exactly where you are headed. Once again, my mind got in the way of my body. I know I can do a fairly decent back bend because I actually enjoy Seal Pose (the more extended variation of Cobra Bhujangasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/471). I think I will work on this pose at home with Amanda spotting me until it feels a little more comfortable mentally. Meanwhile I will keep reminding myself that it is not that big a deal if I take a little tumble on a padded mat while surrounded by friendly caring people.
Yummy: I talked about it a little earlier, but yoga with snow outside after a couple days of isolation has heightened the anticipation is just good times. I also have really been wanting to make it to a little more intensive class even before the snow interval. While this was not Ashtanga, there were definitely some stretches where I felt the burn. I love that yoga can both calm me down and pump me up.
Be back soon and hopefully with two classes to catch up to the pace. Till then!
Good: Man I love Standing Forward Bend Uttanasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/478. I have been practicing it more lately. It helps de-stress me and just feels fun to do and say. I have been working lately on the variation where you have each hand grasp the other elbow behind the knees while folded forward and I am making some good progress there. I got a little buzz today in class after that pose. I felt like whatever asana was next I was ready to greet it.
Bad: We did one asana that I think was a variation on Camel Pose Ustrasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/688 that we went into from Low Lunge Anjaneyasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/2494. Basically it was like regular Camel Pose but with one leg extended forward with the knee above the foot. It can be pretty scary to bend backwards because you can't really see exactly where you are headed. Once again, my mind got in the way of my body. I know I can do a fairly decent back bend because I actually enjoy Seal Pose (the more extended variation of Cobra Bhujangasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/471). I think I will work on this pose at home with Amanda spotting me until it feels a little more comfortable mentally. Meanwhile I will keep reminding myself that it is not that big a deal if I take a little tumble on a padded mat while surrounded by friendly caring people.
Yummy: I talked about it a little earlier, but yoga with snow outside after a couple days of isolation has heightened the anticipation is just good times. I also have really been wanting to make it to a little more intensive class even before the snow interval. While this was not Ashtanga, there were definitely some stretches where I felt the burn. I love that yoga can both calm me down and pump me up.
Be back soon and hopefully with two classes to catch up to the pace. Till then!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Class #6 Yoga Basics with Kimberly
This was the second class in a double header. I absolutely loved this class and highly recommend it to anyone starting out or who wants to ground themselves and check in on the fundamentals. Michael, if you are reading this, you are coming to the next one even if I have to drag you there by your pony tail. You have been warned. So if you have read a couple of my posts then you know I am working to improve my focus and breathing. This class was a wonderful opportunity to do so.
Good: My plank pose http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/470 is getting a little better. It takes a little longer before I start getting shaky. Hurray practice!
Bad: So I found out I have been doing cat pose Marjaryasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/2468
and cow pose Bitilasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/2467 suboptimally. I really need to activate my arms and shoulders more and get full extension. I (obviously) can't explain it as well as one of the talented teachers at Amsa, but I could definitely feel the difference and should get more out of these poses in the future.
Yummy: It was a great atmosphere since the class was full of beginners looking to learn and start their own new journey. Just a great positive and optimistic feeling vibe. I can't wait until the next one!
Thanks for checking in everyone and see you soon!
Good: My plank pose http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/470 is getting a little better. It takes a little longer before I start getting shaky. Hurray practice!
Bad: So I found out I have been doing cat pose Marjaryasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/2468
and cow pose Bitilasana http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/2467 suboptimally. I really need to activate my arms and shoulders more and get full extension. I (obviously) can't explain it as well as one of the talented teachers at Amsa, but I could definitely feel the difference and should get more out of these poses in the future.
Yummy: It was a great atmosphere since the class was full of beginners looking to learn and start their own new journey. Just a great positive and optimistic feeling vibe. I can't wait until the next one!
Thanks for checking in everyone and see you soon!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Class #5 Slow Mindful Flow with Sara
Okay time to catch up a little with some weekend yoga. I was hoping for the three in a row, but I just couldn't leave the warm bed on a cold winter morning while snuggled cozily under covers with the wife and two kittens. Oh well, two is still good. So I got there on time for some more slow mindful flow with Sara. I leisurely got my mat ready, signed in, got a water bottle, and went to splash some water on my face to wake up a little. Shockingly, time had continued to flow since I walked in the door and I was actually a minute late sitting on my mat. My bad Sara. The beginning of a class is usually when the instructor goes over a principle or theme that grounds that day's practice and it is crucial foundation work. This class and the one that followed were both important reminders of how much my foundation needs to be solidified as well.
Good: So the transition from downward facing dog Adho Mukha Svanasana www.yogajournal.com/poses/491 to standing forward bend Uttanasana www.yogajournal.com/poses/478 often involves hopping the feet to between the hands. Ideally this is done slowly with control and core strength and is almost inaudible when the feet touch down. I managed for the first couple transitions to, if not be silent, at least be significantly quieter than usual. As is appropriate though, once I started dwelling on it and my ego crept in, so did some of the sound. Still, it is good to know that there is potential locked in my body if I can get my mind halfway under control.
Bad: Yoga is a lot more than just stretches and exercises with health benefits. Without going into the philosophy right now, let's just say that the breath and being able to connect both the mind and the body to the breath is really important to get the most out of practicing yoga. Despite good instruction, I just couldn't sync up as much as I wanted to. I don't think there is an easy answer to how to get breath well connected consistently with the body through a long series of movements (but if eating a turnip while hopping on one leg or something similar does the trick please let me know. I just have to keep working on it. Each moment and each breath is a new opportunity.
Yummy: So as some of you may or may not know, I love nature and especially the sounds that large scale nature can make. Obviously rain and ocean waves can be soothing, but I also enjoy more subtle sounds like wind blowing through the trees or the soft whisper of snow slowly drifting down and gently blanketing the world is a "shh"ing blanket as if to say "There, there quiet down it's okay. Let's share a few quiet secrets and then go to sleep." So anyways, I could hear the wind blowing through the big tree outside Amsa (I love that tree by the way) and it made me smile and helped me get through some tough holds.
Okay time for some sleep, but I will be back soon with further adventures in Yoga Basics and hopefully I can stockpile some Sunday classes as well. Thanks for reading everybody!
Good: So the transition from downward facing dog Adho Mukha Svanasana www.yogajournal.com/poses/491 to standing forward bend Uttanasana www.yogajournal.com/poses/478 often involves hopping the feet to between the hands. Ideally this is done slowly with control and core strength and is almost inaudible when the feet touch down. I managed for the first couple transitions to, if not be silent, at least be significantly quieter than usual. As is appropriate though, once I started dwelling on it and my ego crept in, so did some of the sound. Still, it is good to know that there is potential locked in my body if I can get my mind halfway under control.
Bad: Yoga is a lot more than just stretches and exercises with health benefits. Without going into the philosophy right now, let's just say that the breath and being able to connect both the mind and the body to the breath is really important to get the most out of practicing yoga. Despite good instruction, I just couldn't sync up as much as I wanted to. I don't think there is an easy answer to how to get breath well connected consistently with the body through a long series of movements (but if eating a turnip while hopping on one leg or something similar does the trick please let me know. I just have to keep working on it. Each moment and each breath is a new opportunity.
Yummy: So as some of you may or may not know, I love nature and especially the sounds that large scale nature can make. Obviously rain and ocean waves can be soothing, but I also enjoy more subtle sounds like wind blowing through the trees or the soft whisper of snow slowly drifting down and gently blanketing the world is a "shh"ing blanket as if to say "There, there quiet down it's okay. Let's share a few quiet secrets and then go to sleep." So anyways, I could hear the wind blowing through the big tree outside Amsa (I love that tree by the way) and it made me smile and helped me get through some tough holds.
Okay time for some sleep, but I will be back soon with further adventures in Yoga Basics and hopefully I can stockpile some Sunday classes as well. Thanks for reading everybody!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Class # 4 Slow Mindful Flow with Sara
It looks like Columbia's best secret is out. Amsa was packed again with eager yogis. Sara had us scoot forward and together to make room and we were good to go. It was a really fun class filled with a lot of energy and shard breath. I was in the back row and could still feel it.
Good: We did head to knee forward bends Janu Sirsasana www.yogajournal.com/poses/476 and I, you know, got my head to my knee. More importantly, I got there not with excessive strain but with slow breathing step by step on my exhales.
Bad: So we did Wide-Angle Seated Forward Bend Upavistha Konasana www.yogajournal.com/poses/684 and I did a little better at not getting frustrated by how little I can lean forward but I still need to work on my mental attitude for the poses that "feel" like I should be better at. I don't get grumpy about not being able to do the most advanced variations that look difficult, but I have got a lot of work to do so that I can consistently find a healthy balance of striving but not stressing over the "simple" poses that are currently out of reach.
Yummy: Lots of yummy to choose from. Great adjustments helped me get closer to the essence of some of the poses. Sara does a wonderful job of not just "fixing" the students but reminding them of what the core of a pose is. Sometimes I (and presumably others) focus on the wrong part like straining to get a hand to the ground in extended triangle pose Utthita Trikonasana www.yogajournal.com/poses/494 instead of working on opening up the chest and creating a line straight up from one hand to the other through the shoulders.
In an effort to find more focus I also tried keeping my eyes closed except when looking for instruction or balance purposes. This definitely helped quiet my mind a little and also slowed down my comparisons with others. My breath is certainly not where I want it to be, but I felt some progress this class using the method of thinking "in" when breathing in and "out" when breathing out.
Oh, and I got to meet one of the new(ish) people of Amsa's growing community. Katie is a friend of Kerry's (so you know she must be nice) and a fellow USC alum. She does counseling work and is hoping to work with veterans. It seems like most of the people at Amsa are involved with helping others in some way. I don't think it's a coincidence.
See everybody soon!
Good: We did head to knee forward bends Janu Sirsasana www.yogajournal.com/poses/476 and I, you know, got my head to my knee. More importantly, I got there not with excessive strain but with slow breathing step by step on my exhales.
Bad: So we did Wide-Angle Seated Forward Bend Upavistha Konasana www.yogajournal.com/poses/684 and I did a little better at not getting frustrated by how little I can lean forward but I still need to work on my mental attitude for the poses that "feel" like I should be better at. I don't get grumpy about not being able to do the most advanced variations that look difficult, but I have got a lot of work to do so that I can consistently find a healthy balance of striving but not stressing over the "simple" poses that are currently out of reach.
Yummy: Lots of yummy to choose from. Great adjustments helped me get closer to the essence of some of the poses. Sara does a wonderful job of not just "fixing" the students but reminding them of what the core of a pose is. Sometimes I (and presumably others) focus on the wrong part like straining to get a hand to the ground in extended triangle pose Utthita Trikonasana www.yogajournal.com/poses/494 instead of working on opening up the chest and creating a line straight up from one hand to the other through the shoulders.
In an effort to find more focus I also tried keeping my eyes closed except when looking for instruction or balance purposes. This definitely helped quiet my mind a little and also slowed down my comparisons with others. My breath is certainly not where I want it to be, but I felt some progress this class using the method of thinking "in" when breathing in and "out" when breathing out.
Oh, and I got to meet one of the new(ish) people of Amsa's growing community. Katie is a friend of Kerry's (so you know she must be nice) and a fellow USC alum. She does counseling work and is hoping to work with veterans. It seems like most of the people at Amsa are involved with helping others in some way. I don't think it's a coincidence.
See everybody soon!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Class #3 Yin Yoga with Kimberly
Wow, I really needed this class. With school starting the next morning, I had a pretty bad stress headache. Fortunately, yoga is always there to soothe the mind and provide focus. Once again, class was pretty packed and I definitely saw several other people with school ties. Maybe they were looking for some comfort too... Two spots were left up front this time so I tried to leave my ego tucked away with my shoes in my little cubby and headed out on the floor.
Good: The name has slipped my mind, but we got into a position where we sat with one leg stretched out in front of us and the other was curved with the foot underneath our rumps. I can do this sitting flat on the ground but I tip over like a ship that's hit an iceberg so I used the alteration that Kimberly offered the class of sitting one cheek on a block to even out. The fun part was when we reclined back onto a cushion with our shoulders so our body from the outstretched leg to the shoulders was approximately parallel to the floor. So, obviously, I am not that great at this position, but I was able to hold it on each side until it was time to move to a new position. In the past I have had a lot of trouble not fidgeting and trying to come up early. So a little progress there.
Bad: So we did some low lunges Anjaneyasana www.yogajournal.com/poses/2494 with our hands palm down on the floor on either side of the forward leg. I know that I should use blocks if I am not getting both hands down stably on the floor, but I have lingering lookarounditis and don't want to when a lot of other students are reaching the ground without blocks. The pose cannot help me as much if I don't do it properly and stably but I did one side with no blocks. At least I faced reality and used blocks on the second side. Oh Jesse, this isn't weighlifting or something, let go of the ego and just be in the moment letting the poses do their magic.
Yummy.: It was just a good place to be with a lot of positive energy during a stressful time and I definitely got rid of some tension. Kimberly was also kind enough after class to suggest some poses to help in my home practice for when I am having a rough time. Thanks Kimberly and thanks everyone who helped make the class great!
Good: The name has slipped my mind, but we got into a position where we sat with one leg stretched out in front of us and the other was curved with the foot underneath our rumps. I can do this sitting flat on the ground but I tip over like a ship that's hit an iceberg so I used the alteration that Kimberly offered the class of sitting one cheek on a block to even out. The fun part was when we reclined back onto a cushion with our shoulders so our body from the outstretched leg to the shoulders was approximately parallel to the floor. So, obviously, I am not that great at this position, but I was able to hold it on each side until it was time to move to a new position. In the past I have had a lot of trouble not fidgeting and trying to come up early. So a little progress there.
Bad: So we did some low lunges Anjaneyasana www.yogajournal.com/poses/2494 with our hands palm down on the floor on either side of the forward leg. I know that I should use blocks if I am not getting both hands down stably on the floor, but I have lingering lookarounditis and don't want to when a lot of other students are reaching the ground without blocks. The pose cannot help me as much if I don't do it properly and stably but I did one side with no blocks. At least I faced reality and used blocks on the second side. Oh Jesse, this isn't weighlifting or something, let go of the ego and just be in the moment letting the poses do their magic.
Yummy.: It was just a good place to be with a lot of positive energy during a stressful time and I definitely got rid of some tension. Kimberly was also kind enough after class to suggest some poses to help in my home practice for when I am having a rough time. Thanks Kimberly and thanks everyone who helped make the class great!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Class #2 Deep Stretch with Sara
Hello again. Thanks everyone who has already visited my little blog and/or shared feedback with me. Sorry this post is a little later than I expected. I tried to go to an earlier class but didn't quite make it on time. I often try to fit too much into a day and wind up rushing from one place to another. While this can be fun and exciting, it often leads to disappointment and sometimes I let myself or important people in my life down by my attempts to cram many activities into a small amount of time. Hopefully I can remember this latest experience and use it to make a little better decisions in the future. Anyways, I did manage to make it Sara's class (early!)this evening. Here's how it went:
Good: I managed to rock a fairly decent Standing Forward Bend/Fold (are those different?) Uttanasana. I continue to have a lot of trouble with simple seated forward bend Paschimottanasana which I don't understand why is so different since it seems so similar. Any idea out there? Maybe the standing version is easier because "Uttanasana" is fun to say and hear and I usually smile and relax whenever the teacher says it...
Bad: Oh pigeon pose... Eka Pada Rajakapotasana
Sometimes this pose is fun and feels great. Sometimes though, one or both legs are really cranky and lowering myself below my elbows and staying there is really rough. So one side totally did not want to lower today while the other felt like I was barely doing anything when my forehead was on the floor. If my legs are that asymmetrical maybe I should live on a sharply sloped mountain side.
Yummy: Even getting to the class early there were only a few spaces open. I like to be near a wall and it really helps me to see the instructor well, so it was front right for me today. I was a little worried at first about the location because the music was understandable loud right in front of the speakers and I get a little self conscious when I am in the front row. Fortunately though, it wound up being a great place for me. There were several songs I really liked (the electric guitar Amazing Grace was especially sweet) and I got to be really enveloped and supported by the music during difficult poses. Plus, since I was right next to the instructor, my mistakes stuck out like a crooked blind and I am sure I got more adjustments than I would if my awkward angles had been hiding in the back.
So a good class and a good lesson reinforcing patience and not getting bogged down in silly concerns. Thanks for reading everybody and make sure to check out the new additions to the "characters" descriptions on the right. Please let me know if I can either improve your description or if I have not gotten to you yet and would like to be added. See you soon!
Good: I managed to rock a fairly decent Standing Forward Bend/Fold (are those different?) Uttanasana. I continue to have a lot of trouble with simple seated forward bend Paschimottanasana which I don't understand why is so different since it seems so similar. Any idea out there? Maybe the standing version is easier because "Uttanasana" is fun to say and hear and I usually smile and relax whenever the teacher says it...
Bad: Oh pigeon pose... Eka Pada Rajakapotasana
Sometimes this pose is fun and feels great. Sometimes though, one or both legs are really cranky and lowering myself below my elbows and staying there is really rough. So one side totally did not want to lower today while the other felt like I was barely doing anything when my forehead was on the floor. If my legs are that asymmetrical maybe I should live on a sharply sloped mountain side.
Yummy: Even getting to the class early there were only a few spaces open. I like to be near a wall and it really helps me to see the instructor well, so it was front right for me today. I was a little worried at first about the location because the music was understandable loud right in front of the speakers and I get a little self conscious when I am in the front row. Fortunately though, it wound up being a great place for me. There were several songs I really liked (the electric guitar Amazing Grace was especially sweet) and I got to be really enveloped and supported by the music during difficult poses. Plus, since I was right next to the instructor, my mistakes stuck out like a crooked blind and I am sure I got more adjustments than I would if my awkward angles had been hiding in the back.
So a good class and a good lesson reinforcing patience and not getting bogged down in silly concerns. Thanks for reading everybody and make sure to check out the new additions to the "characters" descriptions on the right. Please let me know if I can either improve your description or if I have not gotten to you yet and would like to be added. See you soon!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Class #1 Yin and Flow Yoga with Kimberly
Welcome everyone to the first step of this journey. So the quest is simple to describe but will be challenging to achieve. I will be attempting to participate in 365 yoga classes before midnight December 31st 2011. The majority of these will be at Columbia's Amsa Yoga Studio(www.amsayoga.com).
I am fortunate enough to be a short walk away from an amazing community of nurturing instructors and practitioners. For each class I will give a brief description of what I felt was Good, Bad, and Yummy. The Good will be an area I feel I am making progress in, the Bad will be an area that I will try to work further on or need to adjust my attitude towards, and the Yummy will be something cool that I especially enjoyed and/or made me smile.
1)Good: My hero pose (Virasana) www.yogajournal.com/poses/490 is getting better. I used to really dread whenever this pose came up. It still is difficult to stay in for a long time for me without fidgeting and having my mind chatter, but I am in a better place now than I was just a few weeks ago.
2)Bad: When I go from Chaturanga Dandasana www.yogajournal.com/poses/469 to Up Dog (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana) www.yogajournal.com/poses/474 after I've been in plank pose for a little while my belly keeps scraping the ground. Just gotta keep working on it and building up some more core strength and endurance.
3)Yummy: One of the practitioners is completing teacher training and the class was fortunate enough to enjoy adjustments from both her and Kimberly. I thank you and my formerly bent triangle pose thank you.
4)Bonus Yummy: My friend Kerry was right behind me and helped me focus with her steady Pranayama Breathing. Thanks Kerry. Your breath is awesome. ; )
Thanks everyone for reading and I'll be back soon with more yoga adventures.
I am fortunate enough to be a short walk away from an amazing community of nurturing instructors and practitioners. For each class I will give a brief description of what I felt was Good, Bad, and Yummy. The Good will be an area I feel I am making progress in, the Bad will be an area that I will try to work further on or need to adjust my attitude towards, and the Yummy will be something cool that I especially enjoyed and/or made me smile.
1)Good: My hero pose (Virasana) www.yogajournal.com/poses/490 is getting better. I used to really dread whenever this pose came up. It still is difficult to stay in for a long time for me without fidgeting and having my mind chatter, but I am in a better place now than I was just a few weeks ago.
2)Bad: When I go from Chaturanga Dandasana www.yogajournal.com/poses/469 to Up Dog (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana) www.yogajournal.com/poses/474 after I've been in plank pose for a little while my belly keeps scraping the ground. Just gotta keep working on it and building up some more core strength and endurance.
3)Yummy: One of the practitioners is completing teacher training and the class was fortunate enough to enjoy adjustments from both her and Kimberly. I thank you and my formerly bent triangle pose thank you.
4)Bonus Yummy: My friend Kerry was right behind me and helped me focus with her steady Pranayama Breathing. Thanks Kerry. Your breath is awesome. ; )
Thanks everyone for reading and I'll be back soon with more yoga adventures.
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