The Journey

Maybe you were like me this past Monday night and got stuck in that horrible traffic jam caused by an accident between a motorcyclist and a truck. Sadly, the motorcyclist died. I was on my way to teach a yoga class and was stuck in that traffic for 3 hours. I never did make it to my class. Normally, I am a very punctual person and hate to be late for anything. When I am running severely late, I start to panic, get grouchy and get mad at the world for inconveniencing me. But that day was different. That day, I made conscious choice to think and react differently. Because even though I couldn't do yoga or teach yoga, I could be yoga.

I started to focus on my breath and that began to help me change my perspective on the situation. I knew I wasn't going to make it to class, so I called my friend to cancel it, and that took care of the stress of that. So, I'm still stuck and breathing and... listening to talk radio. That helped, but I could still do more. I know what took the edge of immediately, was thinking about the 2 main people involved in the accident. I knew one had died and I began to think about him and his family and friends. I began to think about how and when his family would be told and how their lives would change forever because of this one day. I began to pray for them and I began to pray for us because we're stuck here, all trying to get to our destinations.

We eventually would get to our destinations, but I questioned metaphorically why we wanted to get to them and get to them so quickly? It seems we all want to get some place, that we miss out on the actual journey along the way. It's the same with yoga. We all want the end result (that perfect, advanced pose) but we end up missing the point of it all, the hard work along the way. Transformation doesn't come when you reach the end. Transformation comes at every step along the way. I learned nothing when I got home that night safely to my husband. I learned everything sitting in my car, stuck on 75.

The joy is in the journey, my teacher said. I hope you remember that when you are hurrying through your life.

Susan

Nama what?

A student came up to me after class and asked me, "what is it that you always say after class?" She was having some difficulty even pronouncing the word. And the word is "Namaste," prounounced (Nam uh stay.) It's a Sanskrit word we use in yoga, generally at the end of our class. Break the word down and it says this:

"Nama" = bow


"as" = I


"te" = you

Put it together it means, "bow me you" or "I bow to you." Generally, when someone asks me about this word, I tell them it means "the Divine in me, honors the Divine in you" or "the God in me salutes the God in you." And when we say it, we place our hands togther at the heart center (heart chakra) thumbs lightly touching the chest, eyes are closed and we bow the head. It can also be done with prayer hands at the third eye chakra, bowing the head and bringing the hands to the heart. Either version is a deep form of respect, aiding in our meditation and increasing the flow of Divine love.



To clarify even further, Aadil Palkhivala says this: "For a teacher and student, Namaste allows two individuals to come together energetically to a place of connection and timelessness, free from the bonds of ego-connection. If it is done with deep feeling in the heart and with the mind surrendered, a deep union of spirits can blossom. The teacher initiates Namaste as a symbol of gratitude and respect toward his/her students and his/her own teachers and in return invites the students to connect with their lineage, thereby allowing the truth to flow-the truth that we are all one when we live from the heart."



Namaste,
Susan

Back to School

Ahhh, it's that time of year again. Time for fresh starts, new possibilities. No, I'm not talking about New Years Day. I'm talking about back to school time. I don't have children...yet, but I love this time of year because it brings back memories of being excited and scared of the newness of a new school year, of seeing friends you haven't seen in a while, getting to know new teachers, learning new things and being challenged.

As adults, we don't get much of that experience anymore. We're in the thick of things with our jobs, raising kids, keeping the house clean, etc. We just don't get the opportunity to put ourselves in a traditional learning environment and become a student again.

In yoga, like many other things in life, there are opportunities out there to learn and put yourself back into that "classroom" environment. You can:

~ Go with a friend to a yoga or meditation retreat. Most vary in length from 2 weeks to as short a as weekend.

~ Sign up for a yoga teacher training. At 200 hours, you're sure to learn more than just the postures. Most are designed for those who either want to teach or just deepen their own practice.

~ Try a yoga workshop around town. Many studios bring in local or national teachers for a week or weekend to broaden your understanding of the ancient wisdom of yoga.

~ Take a class from a different teacher or a different style. If your love is hot yoga, why not take an Iyengar class to mix things up a bit.

~ And if money is an issue and you can't afford any of the above, head to your local bookstore or library and start reading about what your teachers are telling you. Sometimes picking up a book on yogic philosophy or technique can add a different dimension to your physical practice.

Below are some links to yoga studios or venues around town that offer workshops or different classes starting. Please click on their schedules for more information. Also, if you've never been out to Grailville in Loveland, the Cinci Sangha is coming soon if you want to practice in a community of yogis. (through Yogahome)

http://www.radiantfitness.com/news.html
http://www.yogahome.net/
http://www.cincinnatiyoga.org/
http://www.shineyoga.com/
http://www.yogagarage.com/

Blessings,

Susan

Practicing Stillness

In my classes this week I encouraged my students to add Pratyahara which is the "conscious withdrawal of energy from the senses" into their practice. To me I define it as "going within" or momentarily leaving the material world and entering a place of stillness. It's important to do this often because it induces a quality of calm in this chaotic world.

I don't know that there is any trick to it, but when you are engaged in your yoga practice or any day to day activities, like maybe a long walk, see if you can tap into the tranquil internal world within. It takes practice, and definitely with your breath you can at least begin to see the benefits of shutting out the external chatter of the world around you. Slowly the practice will guide you from the physical work the body does in the asanas towards the mental practices of meditation towards complete bliss.

Peace,

Susan

Practicing in Pain

It's been almost three weeks since I fell jogging, twisting my ankle horribly. The swelling and pain are still present, but I still have to teach and continue with my own yogic regimen....which initiates the question, "how do you still practice yoga in the midst of an injury?" And the answer is...VERY CAREFULLY.

Of course it really depends on the type of injury you have. If broken bones or protruding discs are involved, then you would have to most likely curtail your practice for a while till your injury is healed. But, if you have something in between, like a sprained ankle or a frozen shoulder, you will have to modify your practice and be smart about it. Do your own research and talk to your teacher and create a plan so that you are not causing further damage.

Yoga teaches us patience and deep respect for our bodies when we're perfectly healthy and when we're not. Sure when you hurt yourself it's a drag, but perhaps the real lesson in the injury is telling you to slow down, pay attention and go deeper physically and mentally into your yoga practice, in ways you may not have imagined.

Blessings,
Susan

Where are all the men?

If you have ever gone to a yoga class or seen one on tv, you might have noticed that it's predominately women who are either teaching the classes or doing the practice. Kind of a reversal since yoga's first creation thousands of years ago, it was an all male-dominated field. A guru would take on one student and teach him for years until they were ready to go out into the world with the traditions and perhaps teach someone else. Women were really not privy to these traditions until years later.

Today it seems it's the exact opposite. Women are embracing the yoga lifestyle with gusto and not only building dedicated practices, but feeling so inspired, they become teachers themselves. Maybe it's because we are better at nurturing ourselves and quick to realize that we do need to slow down, take care of ourselves physically and shake off the daily stress of life. But I believe men need to and can do this for themselves. In fact, men are just as stressed out and need to take care of their bodies equally with women.

So what "scares" men off from starting yoga? Is it the misconception that women are more flexible thereby insinuating it's easier for women? Or is there this myth that yoga is too easy period and you're not going to get an effective "work out?" Our Western/American minds are trained to believe that if we don't sweat or beat our bodies into submission, it must not be a worthwhile form of fitness. Ah, but that's where you are wrong.

Sure you might be stiff at first and not be able to go as deep into the poses as some, but yoga wasn't built in a day and neither is a flexible body. It takes time, patience, dedication and discipline. Start out slow with a forward fold or a child's pose and go from there. Just start. And experience the bliss that your female counterparts have been experiencing for years.

And FYI, Yoga classes are starting to have more men and male teachers, so if you have a brother, father, husband, friend, etc that has been curious about yoga, encourage them to try a beginners class and stick with it. It takes courage and the willingness to be open to a whole new discipline, but it's worth it.

Namaste,
Susan

Asana Spotlight: Trikonasana

One of my all time favorite foundational yoga poses, is Trikonasna or "Triangle" pose. Alot of standing yoga poses are going to build strength in the legs and Trikonasana is no different. It works the thighs, opens the back body and depending on which variation you are doing, creates a full body stretch from the fingers all the way to the feet. And as you work deeper into the pose, you begin to get this nice "revolved" action in the spine as your heart center begins to shine towards the sky.

Not only does Trikonanasna offer the body physical benefits, it's a great way to relieve stress and anxiety and stimulates the abdominal organs, aiding in digestion. So, the next time you are in this pose, just don't rush into it. Really take the time to find the sukha or ease in this pose when you ground down through the fee and lenghten through the spine.

Namaste,

Susan

http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/494