Rejuvenating my practice and life

I talked a few posts ago about feeling stale in my personal practice and teaching and desiring some yoga inspiration. Well I found some at Yoga Gallery in Overland Park, Kan. (The studio had the first mention in an old Yoga Journal article about local studios - now it's located in OP downtown).

When we first moved to KC three years ago, I was beginning to explore being a yoga instructor. Just the other day, I found an old notebook with my affirmations I made up to help me become one. "I am a powerful, healing yoga teacher with lots of students who enjoy and benefit from my classes." Within a month of writing that affirmation over and over, I received the job at a local Y in Prairie Village, Kan. Finding the job here introduced me to the quaint KC suburb, and I consequently fell in love with the town. Within a year, I manifested my first house in PV, but that's a blog post for another day.

The owner of Yoga Gallery at the time, Patricia Gray, had a post on her Web site that her studio gave tuition to those who couldn't afford the classes. I ended up writing her a letter about a car accident I was in that injured my back, which led me to discovering yoga. I spoke about how I wanted to teach yoga and share the healing it had give me and how I wanted to enhance my yoga practice with yoga studio classes. I knew taking them would advance my knowledge and also enhance my chances of finding a teaching job. Yet my husband and I had recently moved to KC and were still digging out of some debt and not doing as well financially at the time. We didn't have the spare money to spend on yoga classes. In response to my letter, Patricia gave me 10 free classes at her studio; one of the best gifts I've ever received. I learned so much from her creative flows. Her instruction is truly art in motion.

The last time I attended Patricia's class was when I was 10 weeks pregnant. Seeing I'm a mommy to a nine month old, it's been a long time! TOOOOOOOOOO long. When Patricia saw me enter the building to sign in, I could tell she recognized me. She was so sweet and made me feel very welcome. I told her about Brijin and how I haven't had as much time to go to yoga studio classes but I had some free time fortunately when she had a class. She said it was crazy because a ton of new mothers were in the class; one that hadn't slept a wink the night before.

My intention for the class was to enjoy and not take "notes" for my teaching. It was going to be my practice to cherish. Patricia made it tough because she has such beautifully worded transitions and pose combinations; ones I've never seen before. She also demonstrates how to get into more progressed asanas I don't have the opportunity to see all the time as well.

After class she asked me if I'd been continuing my yoga practice, and I replied to her yes and told her I'd been teaching at a local Y. Sometimes I feel tentative telling yoga studio instructors this because I worry they think I'm not tenured enough to teach. However, Patricia was encouraging and spoke about how she tries to take others classes to learn and keep her reservoir filled so she is inspired for new teaching material. I said, yes that's why I attended her class when I had the chance because I knew it would do just that since I was feeling stagnant in my practice. Then Patricia mentioned training session coming up at Yoga Gallery that would inspire my teaching. It's with Jamie Elmer, who has assisted Max Strom. I'd seen the flyer a few weeks ago when I took a class while the hub was at class and Grandma babysat. I had thought about attending, but I wasn't sure I'd be able to go. Hearing Patricia's encouragement nudged me to make the time, and I'm attending. Looking forward to more inspiration!

Etiquette of yoga

With the new year, comes new yoga students. Perhaps someone is attending yoga for the first time in my class, which can be quite daunting, but I feel very honored to be a yoga ambassador.

New students seem to also bring up old, yoga etiquette issues. My biggest pet peeve is when people arrive late to class. The beginning of class is when I steer everyone to turn inward and quiet their minds. The other day, I think I had seven people arrive five minutes late to class. Completely distracting and not in line with yoga whatsoever!

So what's a yoga instructor to do? I'm half tempted to pin up a list of etiquette on the bulletin board outside of the classroom that I found in this month's Yoga Journal magazine. I've also read you could hand the student a list of expectations directly, but I could see that hurting the person's feelings and hindering them from ever returning which is obviously not my aim.

New students aren't the only ones to blame for this etiquette misstep. One woman has been attending my classes for almost three years, and she still seems to come in late EVERY time. It annoys me to no end, as well as many other regulars, I'm sure! Don't get me wrong, I understand the OCCASIONAL tardy, but when it consistently happens, it's just downright annoying and rude.

Any advice on how to address yoga classroom etiquette is greatly appreciated.

Got inspiration?

I've been teaching a few yoga classes at a local YMCA for about 2 1/2 years now, and for the past few weeks I've been feeling a little stale and feel like my students sense this. Perhaps a lot of it has to do with being overwhelmed with being a new mom and not getting enough sleep per baby girl. I also know not having much of a home practice in conjunction with not attending live, studio classes since I was in my second trimester of pregnancy last year hasn't helped. But I'm not sure if I can change this because there are just not enough hours in the day, especially to go to a 90-minute yoga class.

So what's a yoga teacher to do when she isn't feeling as inspired as she once was? I would love to hear any and all feedback.

I searched Yoga Journal's Web site and found an article called "Teaching Spiritual Practice" that gave me a different perspective on how I can change things up and find another way to inspire myself. Maybe I shouldn't focus so much on the asanas or the creative way the postures flow but increase the spiritual side of my class. The author had also been a YMCA instructor and gave very insightful ways to include spirituality without offending, such as "instruct the students to breathe in goodness and other universal virtues in order to more fully embody Spirit. Regardless of their religious background, students embraced these yogic teachings as a way to deepen their connection to God."

Breathe out stale, breathe in inspiration.

Yoga is a journey

I've been a little shocked with how weak my body feels in my postnatal yoga practice versus before I became pregnant. Heck, even compared to when I was pregnant! I swear I could do chatarunga up until my belly was too big and in the way to do it, which was up until six or seven months pregnant if I remember correctly.

Six weeks seems to be the magic number doctors and midwives give for returning to exercise post baby; ever since hitting this milestone three weeks ago, I've been trying to do more power yoga to get ready to go back to teaching at the YMCA, which I will return to in a week! I really wanted more time off to be more physically ready, but unfortunately my subs couldn't extend their coverage of my two and a half classes. So when I hit the six-week mark, I tried a 20-minute, power yoga routine of Baron Baptiste's I did all the time before having Brijin and even while I was pregnant. Well three weeks ago, I could barely make it through, let alone attempt chatarunga. I felt like crying because my body was so different from before and even during my pregnancy.

My frustration of not being able to do chatarunga and several other postures reminded me of something I've told my yoga students time and time again. Listen to your body. Yoga is a journey and not a destination. Every day is a unique day; no matter if you've just had a baby or not, your body is going to feel differently every day. Some days you can accomplish amazing feats and other days it's just enough to get your mat rolled out and do child's pose. Once I accepted my hypocrisy and stopped beating myself up, I let it go and enjoyed what I could do. Yesterday, nine weeks after having our baby, I was able to do chatarunga, and what a pleasure it was! Now I may only be able to do ONE chatarunga a practice, but I will celebrate that one posture like it's the first time I accomplished it. And if I can't even do one on another day, I need to accept it and thank my body for all the other asanas it could do. As Yoga Sutra 2:46 says, "The posture should be steady and comfortable."

If you're a new mom like me, make sure to give your body time to recooperate and enjoy your journey back into yoga. Check out this article: Postpartum Yoga for New Moms.

Thankful Thursday - my yoga students

My Thursday post is dedicated to expressing or communicating the importance of gratitude in life. Yesterday was my final time teaching my power yoga class before maternity leave begins. (I am teaching on Saturday though, just in case any students are reading!)

I must admit to being relieved this commitment is winding down since I am so HUGE and run down, but I didn't realize how bitter sweet it would feel. For about a year and a half, I've been teaching at the YMCA and have created friendships and a sense of community within my classes. Several people attend regularly, and I've been fortunate enough to get to know glimpses at a time of many of them.

My Wednesday night class can be hit or miss with attendees, but last night it was full to the brim, I guess because they knew it was my last one! So that felt really wonderful to have so many share my final night with me before maternity leave. Plus several gave me baby gifts. I really wasn't expecting it, and it overwhelmed me with gratitude.

The best "present" I "received" was from Dave, who has been attending with his wife Shannon for several months now. When he started, he told me he was new to yoga, but I assured him anyone can do it, and I'm glad he believed me! :) Anyhow, Dave's "gift" to me was saying, "If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have stuck with the practice." That really meant a lot to me; although I hope it doesn't deter him from continuing the practice of asanas while I'm away. I hope they keep going to class, but I also hope they consider practicing at home together. I think it's wonderful when a couple can share this experience.

So this post is dedicated to my PV YMCA students - you guys rock!

Thank you God for bringing these amazing people into my life - I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to teach them and for the blessing of their presence in my life.

One of my music playlists for yoga

Many of my YMCA yoga students comment about how much they love the music I play in class. I've created a few different mixes (I love the mixed tape! HA!), and last night I dug up one I hadn't played in a bit. A few people said how much they enjoyed it so I thought I'd share it today:

Yoga Mama's yoga playlist #1

1. "Silent Morning" - Feng Shui: Music for the Harmonious Spirit
2. "Imagine" - John Lennon, Imagine
3. "Om Prelude" - Daphne Tse, Jala
4. "In the waiting line" - Zero 7, Garden State
5. "Conroy" - Cake
6. "Let Go" - Frou Frou, Garden State
7. "Sweetest Thing (Mahogany Mix)" - Lauryn Hill, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
8. "I just don't think I'll get over you" - Colin Hay, Garden State
9. "Save me" - Aimee Mann, Magnolia
10. "Remembrance" - Benjy Werthemer, Jala

I am missing a couple songs in the middle from a CD my friend had loaned me that didn't copy over the artists or song names - sorry. Still a fairly solid yoga mix. Some songs do have words to them, so if you don't like having that in the background of your yoga practice, this mix isn't for you.

Rock-star parking

Although it was a gloomy, stormy Monday, I didn't mind because I knew I had a rock-star parking spot waiting for me at work thanks to my little jelly in the belly!

People at the office told me I could request parking for expectant mothers, but I just kept forgetting to follow up. I finally remembered to send an e-mail Friday - the contact told me my own personal spot would be ready for me on Monday - even has my name on the sign! It's all mine and is about 15 steps away from the front door. A huge improvement to the parking I typically find at work by the time I arrive at 8:30 a.m.
I also saw these two geese walking together tonight as I left work. Thought they were cute...

After a week off from teaching yoga due to the wood floors being redone at the YMCA, I returned to the mat. Boy what a difference a week makes. I teach power vinyasa-style yoga, and at 30 weeks it's getting more difficult for me to teach and demonstrate various postures. The hardest part is talking as I'm doing even the simplest things, which causes me to easily lose my breath. Plus, I'm just getting large enough to be uncomfortable. Don't get me wrong, yoga is still doable as a pregnant woman and very beneficial, but power yoga is probably not the best type, especially in the third trimester.

Here's a great posture to do for your hips and groin - plus it's nice and relaxing. Cobbler's pose against the wall; feels so good!

CANCELED: prenatal yoga workshop in KC for YMCA members

Updated (3/6/08)
Unfortunately this workshop has been canceled. Floor work is being done during the week at the Paul Henson YMCA that may be unsafe to pregnant women. I apologize greatly for any inconvenience.
_____________________________________________
For those in the Kansas city area who are YMCA members, I have exciting news! I will be teaching a prenatal yoga workshop on Saturday, March 15 at the Paul Henson YMCA in Prairie Village, Kan., from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Sun Salutations for the bump

Other pregnant ladies ask me how to modify yoga postures for the bump. I found a good modification for sun salutations. Never heard of camper's pose, but it looks interesting and good for opening the hips.

If you're in the Kansas City area and you're a YMCA member, looks like I may teach a prenatal yoga workshop at my local YMCA in Prairie Village, Kan., in mid March. I'm really excited about the opportunity, and I'll post more about it later when it gets solidified. Thank you Aunalise for commenting and asking me about it. Motivated me to pitch the idea!

Give the gift of Metta for Valentine's Day

Last night I taught my power yoga class at the Y. Since it's Valentine's Day today, I thought I should have a related theme so I incorporated metta or lovingkindness ideas from a Yoga Journal article into the practice.

As the article suggested, we began in a Supta Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose). Unfortunately the YMCA doesn't have bolsters, so I asked people to bring their shoulders in and underneath and lift their chests to open their hearts while having an awareness of their heart center and the feelings that arise there. Then I asked them to set the intention of acting with metta towards themselves throughout the practice - to give unconditional love and nurturing to themselves and to send thoughts of metta directly to "problem" areas when having trouble with a specific posture.

We flowed through our practice and performed postures to lift our hearts, like airplane or Warrior III (I always remind them to puff up their chests like in updog), modified camel and bridge. At the the close of class, we held our hands in the receiving mudra. I learned it from another teacher; place one hand in a bowl-like shape, palm up underneath the belly button. Then place your other hand on top of it in the same way. As we held this mudra, I guided my students to allow themselves to receive all the metta we created during our practice.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the class, but it really hit me when I got into my car. I felt so much happiness and love and felt really connected to my baby. I ended up having my first long and meaningful conversation with my baby. I also felt really confident I would be a strong and loving mother and that we will enjoy journey together.

On this Valentine's Day, try giving and receiving some metta of your own.

Pregnant ladies Everywhere!

While walking to lunch yesterday during work, a coworker and I saw not one, not two, not three, but four very pregnant women on our short jaunt to the cafe. We both thought it was so odd because neither one of us had seen a pregnant person in our workplace let alone four VERY expectant mothers-to-be. Seemed very auspicious but had no idea what I was supposed to learn.

The pregnant-woman ambush continued on today at the YMCA. I taught my Saturday morning hatha yoga class, and a woman arrived in the middle of savasana, where we began the class. Once she popped up, I thought she was pregnant, but I wondered how to broach this subject with her. Since I didn't have a chance to speak with her before it began, I didn't want to assume (which spells ass out of you and me!) she was pregnant and hurt her feelings if she wasn't. So I took the safe route and just said what I was doing and told them "not" to do it... in a way telling her to do it.

Luckily after class she asked me when I was due so I knew we were both in "the club," and I admitted wondering about her status but didn't want to risk inquiring and being incorrect. We had a nice chat afterwards about our pregnancies and prenatal yoga, when another woman walked by and asked if we were talking about prenatal classes and if we had any at the Y. I said no I don't know of any, but perhaps if there's enough interest we can get one started. I'm excited to talk to my YMCA manager and see what he thinks. Maybe even have a "special" class to weigh interest and go from there.

So God, is that what you're trying to tell me with all these pregnant people surrounding me?

Lego my Ego please

Taught my Wednesday night, YMCA power yoga class and had a full room, which is always exciting (I can't help the ego sometimes.) I've been trying to guide the class more with my voice than by demonstrating physically up in the front, to prepare for when my bump grows so big I won't be able to touch my toes. I'm feeling more comfortable with this teaching style and feel like I am helping as well. If I do "correct" students, I usually try to do it verbally or demonstrate next to them how to alter what they are doing for the best alignment. I'm still not super comfortable with touching people, but every once in a while I will lightly touch to show the area that I'm talking about if verbal cues don't seem to be getting anywhere (i.e., between the shoulder bladed in down dog so they'll release more deeply.)

Any suggestions out there on what's right or wrong, good or bad? Keep in mind, I teach at a YMCA, not a yoga studio, however these people are kind of hard core yogis and know their stuff more than you might think so I don't think they'd mind physical adjustments. But I just remember how I felt when I received my first adjustment and wasn't expecting it - plus it kind of hurt my ego - there's that pesky ego again.

Oh my goodness, I didn't realize it was so late - better hit the hay.