Is This Good For You?

Recently in an Arlington group yoga class, I had a student ask me this question (“Is this good for you?”) during some wrists stretches I was instructing.  I admit wrists exercises can create uncomfortable feelings, particularly if you never stretch them, but it’s funny how people equate “feeling” with bad.

Our bodies speak to us through sensation.  Yoga teaches us to discern between good, healthy pain and bad, piercing pain.  In daily life, comfortable sensations often go unnoticed.  It’s the uncomfortable feelings/pain that grab our attention.

As yogis we learn to listen to our bodies and differentiate between good vs. bad pain.  And for non-yogis it’s often not a good thing when the body is in pain because it usually means a muscle/tendon/ligament has been overstretched, strained or torn, etc. unintentionally due to physical neglect and/or poor habits.  Possibly a red flag should go up.  Harmful pain is usually described as sharp, piercing and throbbing –all signs something is out of whack and a physician should be consulted.

Good pain is what I sometimes describe as blissful discomfort – you’re giving your body the attention it deserves and the body is saying thank you via tranquil sensations.   Through mindful movement on the yoga mat, you learn to breathe into poses and stay even though they may be physically and mentally challenging.  More importantly, you begin to feel the difference between being challenged with blissful vs. potentially injurious pain.

So I responded to my yoga student’s “is this good for you?” question with the following answer.  “Is having a baby a good thing even though the pain can be extremely sensational?  When you run marathons (which she does) and you’re in pain is that good or bad pain?”  It’s really a matter of perspective.

To conclude, the wrists are extremely delicate, used constantly and receive very little attention.  Considering there are 27 bones in each wrist (plus a slew of muscles & tendons) doesn’t it make sense to give them a little attention?  As with many things in life, preventative maintenance is key.  And as I tell all my yoga students, “you’re in charge on the yoga mat –and off – so back off if it doesn’t feel right!”

Fearing the Truth

Less than two weeks from now I will be in Montana (never been) for Level II (never been) teacher training with Baron Baptiste.  This training is focused on living the life of a Sannyasin, a seeker of truth/a spiritual warrior.

As much as I desire to seek transformation and uncover the authentic me, I possess an equal amount of fear.  Some might wonder what I mean by fear – how could deepening my practice and learning more about yoga create fear?  Here are my fears:  Fear of the process.  Fear of not knowing the agenda for each day of the eight days I’m there (I will NOT be in control so forget the day planner).  Fear of being uncomfortable/embarrassed.   Maybe a little fear of going to the vast land of MT as I unravel among strangers (but I do hear it’s beautiful).  And of course, fear of what I will learn about myself.

The irony of life I’m realizing is that we are taught as children to seek more/be better/bigger/stronger than we are, study more, play more sports, learn a musical instrument, go to a good college, etc. but how many of us are really happy?!!  Sure all of those learnings contribute to our life journey, but they also pull us away from living from our core being; the essence of who we are as individuals.  So in many ways, Level II teacher training is about reversing a lot of what’s been “expected” of me and showing up just as I am.  What’s so hard about that?

Often I tell my yoga students “you are perfect/beautiful just as you are.”  Some roll their eyes, others shift uncomfortably on their mats and the remaining few look quizzical.  The reality is we are all perfect deep within.  We each possess a divine spark – it’s what makes us unique.  Unfortunately for many of us our spark is so dim we’ve lost sight of it in an effort to conform to what others expect from us or expect us to be.

I believe I am lucky in that found my calling at the relatively young age of 34   – teaching yoga full-time yoga.  It took time, courage and patience to overcome obstacles and reclaim my spark of light but I found it!  I also believe I have so much more to offer.  And that’s what I’m hoping Level II will uncover –what else do I have to offer?  Can I shine brighter?  What is my truth?

Change is scary.  The unknown is scary, but the greatest points of transformation often are in the places we least want to venture.  To be continued when I return from Level II early/mid-July.  Namaste.

Celebrate Life!

Last Wednesday (May 27), I turned 37.  Not really a magical birthday number but since the moment I woke up that day, I’ve been blessed with many, many birthday wishes and treats –facebook, birthday cards, e-cards, phone calls, cocktails, lunches/brunches, dinners, gifts, flowers.  I even received a purple, thickly feathered boa with a matching tiara.  Don’t believe me?  See my facebook profile pic for proof!

What I’ve realized over the last week is the best gifts in life are immeasurable –relationships.  Relationships equate to love, learning and laughter.  Of course they also include tears and tension, but it’s from those traits that we grow, become stronger as individuals and strengthen our bonds (relationships).

Every day since my actual birthday I have received something which is wild to me but very much appreciated.  I’m certain the end of the fun, gifts and wishes will be ending in the near future.  But I’m also certain I will continue to be blessed by my many dear friends and family throughout the year.  Just having them in my life, makes life worth celebrating!

So is it coincidence on the 8th day of entering my 38th year of life (as my Mom would say) that I was given a t-shirt that reads “Celebrate Life!”  My dear friend Paula who owns Dancing Mind Yoga, a Baptiste Affiliate Studio in Northern Virginia/DC area, gave it to me as I recently committed to teaching weekly at her studio.

We usually think of celebrations in life as events with lots of people (those we have relations with), occurring in a group/party format.  And yes, this past week of birthday festivities falls in that category for me.  But celebrating life is also about what we do for ourselves –the accomplishments we achieve and goals we reach.  By committing to teaching at Dancing Mind Yoga, I’m committing to a community and a new path of growth.  Growth, commitment and overcoming fear/obstacles always give way to celebration.

Again, I go back to relationships/connections.  It’s the students in the new studio that will challenge me and force me to show up in more ways than one.  These are different relationships than friends and family but nonetheless just as important in the celebration of my life.

Thanks to all who have made the entrance into my new year so very special! It truly has been, and continues to be, a memorable birthday week in more ways than I can express.  I feel humbled and honored by all the attention I’ve received and ecstatic about my “new year” ahead.

I Can’t Touch My Toes!

I often hear this as an excuse from people as to why they haven’t tried yoga (asana).  My simple response is usually “well, that’s why you do yoga – to help make you more flexible”.

The reality is yoga isn’t about being able to touch your toes. Yes, the asana practice will physically stretch your body out and expose you to muscles you didn’t know existed.  But yoga is really a process of self-discovery – discovering yourself as you move your body, actively breath and quiet your mind.

The practice of yoga (asana) brings us back to our natural state of balance.  Yoga is a Sanskrit term that translates to union.  In our natural state, the body, mind and spirit are aligned/united and co-exist in a balance state of peace.

Consider babies for a moment.  Most are born into the world as bundles of joy –free of stress and tension and happy to simply “be”.  Babies have bendy bodies – they can touch their toes with their nose!  They’re always present – fully in the moment.  Their souls are completely innocent.

As we age and experience life, we accumulate tension and toxins (T&T).  To grow as a human (physically, mentally and spiritually), there really is no way around T&T – it’s normal.  Unfortunately, for many people T&T starts to feel like a natural state of being.  Our minds become ingrained with toxic thoughts, constant worries and never shut off.  Our souls get lost in the chaos of life, blocking our true selves from fully shining.  Our bodies become stiff and uncomfortable.  And we forget that life happens in the moment, not in the past or future.

The asana practice has the power to release T&T, heal our bodies, clear our minds and open our hearts.  Through the process of self-discovery, we learn self-acceptance and that all of us are perfect just as we are.  The world would be a boring place if we all looked the same and could all bend into pretzels.  Finally, the beauty of the asana practice is the more you unroll your yoga mat, the more you’ll discover about yourself and the greater chance you’ll have at touching your toes – maybe one day with your nose!

Focused Fun

“Focused fun” – I’m coining this term to describe asana practice.  More and more people are getting on their yoga mats to release stress and tension –mental, physical and emotional.  Ironically with the intent to let go of tension, more often than not they look stressed out as they are moving through their practice.  I witness this frequently in the office yoga classes (aka corporate yoga) I teach as well as in the studio environment.

To fully experience yoga asana, you must be present.  To be present, you must be aware of the moment at hand.  To be aware, you must be focused with the eyes, on the breathing, feeling the movement. Yes, there’s a lot going on in the asana practice and it’s a lot of work –mentally and physically.  And it’s fun work.  Focused fun!

If you’re not focused and constantly scanning the body internally and externally (awareness) when you’re on the mat, there’s a greater tendency to check out of the present moment.  Being focused and present takes continuous practice.  It’s a moment-by-moment practice.  Asana is a moment-by-moment practice.  And to fully live life, you need to be in the moment.  And being in the moment means fully taking in challenging times and good times.

Back to the mat…next time you’re on it, notice the intensity of your focus.  Is your breathing choppy and fast?  Back off.  Is your face tight or jaw clenched?  Let it go.  Where are you straining?  Instead of zoning in on your fatigued muscles, can you relax through breath?  A simple smile can invite ease and fun into the moment.   The point is stay focused as you move and tune into your intention for unrolling your mat in the first place.  My guess is your not practicing yoga to create more stress.  Lighten up and have some “focused fun!”

Posture Perfect

On a physical level, two of the best (of the many) benefits to a regular yoga practice is learning the importance of breathing and posture.  Coincidentally posture influences the quality of your breathing.  Without proper posture, your breathing is constricted.

Unless you’ve been in the military, a trained dancer or had a wonderful Grandmother like mine (no hunching, sit up tall, etc.), your posture has probably suffered due to the stresses of life.  And until you hit a yoga class, no one in your adult life has probably had the nerve to correct you.  Additionally, you know you need to sit up taller but it’s hard work.

Why is good posture important?  It not only affects your breathing but also your muscles, bones and nervous system.  Slouching constantly weakens back and ab muscles, restricts the movement of the diaphragm and cramps the internal organs.  Externally, poor posture gives off a sunken, closed-off, less confident vibe to the world.

Upright asana (yoga poses) such as Tadasana or Dandasana train the body proper posture alignment, from the heels to the crown of the head.  Both of these asanas provide space in the body for the diaphragm to move freely, the breath to flow easily and the nervous system to relax.  When the nervous system relaxes the mind is calmer.

Best of all, when you stand or sit tall in correct alignment (aka posture perfect), the body is at ease, more confident and inviting to those around you.  Overtime, Tadasana starts to become a natural part of your everyday movement.  Next thing you know, you’ll be “Grandmothering” your friends & family with love pats to the back.

Why Do You Do Yoga?

As a yoga student/teacher I have come to learn that each yogi and yogini has a different reason for why they get on their yoga mats.  What’s your reason?  What is your intention for practicing this ancient blend of science/philosophy and movement (asana) that offers health, balance, peace and ultimately enlightenment?

Think about it.  Your reason may be different every single time you practice.  One day you might practice with the intent of cultivating patience for yourself and others.  The next practice you might commit to practicing for a feeling of peace, internally and worldwide.  Or maybe you simply practice to get toned arms and abs.  If your reason is the same each time that’s okay too, but be honest.  As we practice more, we grow more and ultimately change for the better on many levels.

My assumption is there’s a common thread in everyone’s intention for practicing asana – we all do yoga to feel better.  “Better” can have a different meaning for each practitioner.  Better can mean healthy and vibrant.  Better can mean to feel more confident.  Or maybe better for you is stronger and beautiful.  There are a slew of translations for better.  I invite you to discover yours.

Start to become clear as to why you practice and be okay with what the reason is however crazy it might sound.  An honest commitment/intention gives your practice meaning and eventually will carry itself off the mat and into your life.  As Gandhi said “A man is but the product of his thoughts.  What he thinks, he becomes.”

Why Prenatal Yoga?

Yoga is an ideal form of fitness to alleviate the well-known discomforts of pregnancy including back pain, swelling, constipation and fatigue. Yoga asana is also a great way to strengthen and build stamina in the muscles used during childbirth as well as explore how to use the power of breath to enhance your ability to relax.

As your body changes and your baby grows, yoga can give you confidence and ease enabling you to connect with the inner workings of your body. Yoga can help you develop a greater sense of self-acceptance and heighten your intuition. On an emotional level, yoga can enhance your ability to readjust to continuous hormonal and other internal changes as well as give you a greater sense of mental peace.

Whether you’re pregnant and new to yoga, or an expectant experienced power vinyasa yogini, prenatal yoga classes can help ease anxiety about how to safely practice yoga throughout all stages of your pregnancy. Group prenatal yoga classes can give you the opportunity to learn yoga in a supportive environment and meet other expectant yoginis. If you already have a strong yoga practice, you might consider taking just one or two prenatal classes to learn the asana modifications you’ll need to continue with your existing practice safely.

Another option is private prenatal yoga sessions. Private sessions are an excellent way to learn modifications that best suit you based on your yoga experience. Plus private sessions allow you to freely ask questions along the way, such as “what can I do for my swelling feet?”

Regardless of which route you choose, private or group classes, prenatal yoga is an excellent way to learn how to connect with your body in a new way and bond with your bundle of joy!

If you live in the DC/Northern Virginia area and want to experience prenatal yoga, please join me at Dancing Mind Yoga in Falls Church, VA on June 7th (1-3:30pm) for a prenatal power vinyasa workshop.

D.C. Yoga Week 2009

Whether you’re new to yoga or an experienced yogi, D.C. Yoga Week is the perfect time to try out that yoga studio you’ve been meaning to visit.  From May 2nd through May 9th, a hub of studios will be offering free and $5 yoga classes in and around the Washington, D.C. area.

Round out your yoga week on May 9th with an outdoor, free-for-all yoga day on the National Mall from 2-5 p.m. Simply show up with your mat at the intersection of 15th Street and Constitution Avenue NW.  See you on the mat and chant for sun!

Visit DCYogaWeek.com for participating studios, outdoor yoga info and other details.

Free Outdoor Yoga presented by Even Keel™

Find inner peace in urban chaos this summer with Even Keel’s 2nd Annual Free Outdoor Yoga Series.  Washington, DC has beautiful parks, stressed out residents, and a great yoga community –including some great locally-based yoga clothing companies like Even Keel.

This yoga series is open to anyone in the DC area interested in practicing yoga outdoors.  Just show up with your mat, meet some new yogis/yoginis and experience a new style of yoga or a teacher you’ve never met. Details below.

WHEN: Third Sunday of every month – May through September (May 17, June 21, July 19, August 16, September 20) from 10:00-11:00AM

HOW: Participants show up the third Sunday of the month at the designated location and are encouraged to bring a mat, towel, and water. All levels of students are welcome, although it is helpful to have a basic knowledge of yoga.

WHERE: Rock Creek Park – Connecticut Ave/Cathedral ExitOff of Calvert Street, NW (near the intersection of Connecticut and Calvert) take 24th Street, NW into the park – at the bottom of the hill in the grassy field on the right hand side (near the exercise stations).  Metro: Red Line to Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan, walk south on Connecticut Ave., right on Calvert St., left on 24th St, walk down hill into Rock Creek Park, open field on right hand side of road.

About Even Keel Even Keel is a yoga apparel company that specializes in unique designs, beautiful colors, and sustainable fabric.  The company was started by Liz Matthews, an avid yoga student and occasional teacher.  Even Keel brings a balance of style and function to the mat.  The colors are rich, the designs are elegant – and all of fabrics are made of bamboo and organic cotton.  Even Keel believes strongly in using sustainable fabrics. And all of our clothing is manufactured in the United States.  For more information, please visit www.EvenKeelYoga.com.