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Yoga

In Yoga Therapy Teacher Training

one of the cohorts presented a mid-term report on the subject of “addiction” which we also had a month’s module on. I realize for those in the field, just one month module is a joke but …with the expert (Durga Leela RYT-500) at hand, I feel like we really gained a deep understanding. Our cohort’s presentation must have been a product of long hours filled with anguish, blood, sweat and tears, she logged. I believe she can help many people based on all that research she has already done and really be a force (referral provided!) to transform many lives wasted into lives more fulfilling. Here’s something else but as related of a gem that’s out on the internet that can definitely use more viewing as I see it. In all things, especially in yoga instructions, we hope to have the sensitivity to build a class, trauma informed. I myself feel put to shame as I was not holding a trauma informed class in the past – now I am resolute to.

Here’s an interview on UTUBE shared by Colleen Saidman Yee, whom I have never taken a class from but have from Sean Corn who I find to be so amazing in terms of the energy she brings to any space – her session is like going to … church. It feels like church when she teaches and now I know why that is:

“I do not believe in shaming the human experience.”
– Seane Corn

one of the coolest rock-star yoga teacher … she is so passionate when she teaches and no wonder.

Yoga has shown to aid in trauma recovery through its emphasis on self-study that leads to mastery over the yogic tools needed in self-regulation. That mastery invites us to become resilience whilst sharpening the senses. Resilience is cultivated, not from ignoring or being insensitive but rather the opposite – resilience is forged by noticing, accepting and being okay with various waves of emotions, good or bad – call it, equanimity. Trauma can happen to anybody and it is said that most people have experienced some form of trauma in one sense of another – only how we frame it and deal with it is different. Sometimes, it’s not the MDs and the formally trained who make the best “therapists” but … an empathetic yoga teacher – like her. Sometimes in her case, it’s almost like a calling. It’s like a body prayer when she goes through a sequence and that makes sense – Sun Salutation is after all a prayer … using your entire body.** She is one powerful teacher with a language one cannot help but be blown away by. She speaks from her heart, so earnest, that energy undeniably resonates with so many. It’s wonderful that she’s coming to teach in Oakland where just discovering that some of the therapist TT cohorts are teaching – so cool. http://www.anasaoakland.com/

(** if you are unable to use the whole entire body, there’s still many ways to pray for recovery of course. There’s a universe of prayer through mudras, chants … it need not all be asana-based but in this case, it works very well when she connects all – the body, the breath, the emotions and the mind – it’s yoga:)

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Yoga

Prom_IMG_6853Photo from workshop with Ramanand Patel awhile back:) Masterful teacher recommended by Richard Rosen, another masterful teacher. It’s up up, one teacher promoting another teacher. As his t-shirt reads, “FEARLESS”. There’s no fear, if you believe in the idea of “abundance”. Recognizing the “abundance” so that we may be more generous – generous with our energy, kindness, time and … attention.

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Here’s Colleen Saidman Yee’s “Talking Yoga” with Ramanand Patel: Love this @ self-confidence and low self esteem.

Reminded of the empathy practice from Judith Lasater’s Invitational Year 2016.
Where does all this learning lead me to this new year?

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Building Strength with restraint

New Year’s Resolution?

So far I have heard a couple from yoga teachers – all impressive and inspiring.
What about mine? Let go the over-striving or just striving in general. On going theme as always is stress management on the top but as that’s become a norm, a more inspiring “resolution” would be? Bettering ourselves of course:) IF that means being thin and slim, guess that’s the goal; but it that means knowing all asana/poses in Sanskrit, so be it – or maybe it’s about being a better partner, a better parent, a better friend, a better student … a teacher. It’s all good. May one stick with it throughout the year and always. Sometimes, having that “intention” alone serves because our thoughts and desires create the energy of change. We call that change – a transformation.

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The last several decades have seen tremendous changes in the way people use their bodies, both on and off the mat. On the mat, the popularity of vinyasa, or flow, styles has transformed the way students and teachers approach yoga. The Sun Salutation is no longer just a warm-up at the beginning of class—it’s often the backbone of an entire class sequence. Off the mat, many of us spend more time than ever hunched over keyboards and pecking at our smartphones, placing extraordinary demands on the hands, wrists, shoulders, and neck. These two trends collide to produce a perfect storm of potential injury to the upper extremeties and upper spine.

A flowing vinyasa practice has many joys: It coordinates body, breath, and mind. It promotes strength, heat, and energy. It leaves you in a blissful, post-exertion state of deep relaxation. But if you suffer from tightness, pain, or injury in your neck, shoulders, or wrists, or if you repeatedly practice poses like Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-Limbed Staff Pose) without proper alignment, a traditional vinyasa practice—where most of the weight-bearing work is done by the hands and arms —can put you at potential risk for injury or inflammation.

– BY LESLIE KAMINOFF (August 20, 2012/Yoga Journal)

Sounds familiar? What about those yogic push ups? Have not even gotten to the range of motion – how to expand that range; how to improve flexibility … and why is flexibility important? Does it matter? (yes…) And why?

More on this.