Thursday, July 11, 2013
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Teaching Yoga
PART 1
"Yoga is for those who have discipline, tenacity and devotion . . . the teacher can lead the student only as far as she has gone herself." (p.10) I like how practicing and teaching yoga is a direct experience. I appreciate how my practice, even though I am physically not as accomplished as many teachers, is "enough" to share with others. My spirit is strong and "experienced." I am accomplished at praise and focusing on "light." I can lead others to "be still and know." I can share "peace."
I am excited about sharing yamas and niyamas through story with young people:
ahimsa (nonharming)--"Teddy Bear Friends"
satya and asteya (truthfulness and nonstealing)--Being Frank, Ruthie and the Not-So-Teeny-Tiny Lie
aparigraha (greedlessness)--King Midas
I am happy to accept the challenge of and model incorporation of these relationships to the world and self in my life.
"All people can and will make mistakes . . . If the teacher presents a glittering rendition of himself that does not accurately reflect his faults and foibles . . . the student may experience alienation from her own shortcomings." (p.14) By not wearing a mask, I naturally put people at ease. I think I do not intimidate when "keeping it real."
Boundaries
I found the exploration of boundaries interesting. Frankly, I was surprised by some ideas presented because I couldn't fathom it not being a boundary . . . highlighting my naivete and lack of experience. I liked turning around some questions "That is an excellent question, and I believe you are in the process of answering it yourself. Please let me know what you discover." (p. 39) Already, I am a teacher who believes in "empowerment" -- I believe in the handing the spoon to the student instead of the spoon-fed, more co-dependent approach.
PART 11
"I notice that teachers who act unethically often do so not because they are bad people but because they simply are not aware of the issues at stake." (p. 52) I think this is why we continue the learning process and maintain connections--to avoid "unawareness." I plan to keep on reading, studying, asking questions of experienced yogis to facilitate growth and minimize "poor" choices.
" . . . when you work with a teacher who has very high standards, you tend to reach for a higher goal yourself." (p. 56) Iron sharpens iron. How ironic when a teacher is successful there is the danger to "rest one's laurels." (p.64) Again, the need to continue to grow, advance, push for the next goal is necessary for maintenance of "success."
"Our culture makes it shameful and not okay to not know . . . her honesty gave her integrity and credibility." (pp. 73-74) I am thankful for this particular pearl. I do not know SO MUCH and it's okay, more than okay. It is encouraging to others to be "real." It also provides an opportunity for me to learn and find out how to answer the question by asking a question!
Amplification (p.79)
I have always enjoyed using mics in the classroom. I think I would appreciate having a headset when teaching. I can appreciate how others can more clearly hear your voice. In general, having your own equipment is very helpful when you take your show on the road.
"I discourage drop-in attendance because even someone observing a class can cause members of a group to feel uncomfortable" (p.82). I am wondering if this is what Mallory has been running into while trying to observe classes in New York? I also thought this interesting because a local studio recently divided because one owner wanted more drop-in attendance opportunities and the other partner preferred more commitment-oriented classes. The "drop-in" oriented studio is less financially stable . . . "Money is the exchange of energy." (p.110)
"When a teacher or center fails to make its terms clear, students are given no guidance and so form their own ideas about what is permissible" (p.83). WOW. This explains the power of having a game plan.
Yoga Research and Education Center (YREC) Ethical Guidelines seem like a great place to get started when setting expectations and developing the game plan.
"Yoga is for those who have discipline, tenacity and devotion . . . the teacher can lead the student only as far as she has gone herself." (p.10) I like how practicing and teaching yoga is a direct experience. I appreciate how my practice, even though I am physically not as accomplished as many teachers, is "enough" to share with others. My spirit is strong and "experienced." I am accomplished at praise and focusing on "light." I can lead others to "be still and know." I can share "peace."
I am excited about sharing yamas and niyamas through story with young people:
ahimsa (nonharming)--"Teddy Bear Friends"
satya and asteya (truthfulness and nonstealing)--Being Frank, Ruthie and the Not-So-Teeny-Tiny Lie
aparigraha (greedlessness)--King Midas
I am happy to accept the challenge of and model incorporation of these relationships to the world and self in my life.
"All people can and will make mistakes . . . If the teacher presents a glittering rendition of himself that does not accurately reflect his faults and foibles . . . the student may experience alienation from her own shortcomings." (p.14) By not wearing a mask, I naturally put people at ease. I think I do not intimidate when "keeping it real."
Boundaries
I found the exploration of boundaries interesting. Frankly, I was surprised by some ideas presented because I couldn't fathom it not being a boundary . . . highlighting my naivete and lack of experience. I liked turning around some questions "That is an excellent question, and I believe you are in the process of answering it yourself. Please let me know what you discover." (p. 39) Already, I am a teacher who believes in "empowerment" -- I believe in the handing the spoon to the student instead of the spoon-fed, more co-dependent approach.
PART 11
"I notice that teachers who act unethically often do so not because they are bad people but because they simply are not aware of the issues at stake." (p. 52) I think this is why we continue the learning process and maintain connections--to avoid "unawareness." I plan to keep on reading, studying, asking questions of experienced yogis to facilitate growth and minimize "poor" choices.
" . . . when you work with a teacher who has very high standards, you tend to reach for a higher goal yourself." (p. 56) Iron sharpens iron. How ironic when a teacher is successful there is the danger to "rest one's laurels." (p.64) Again, the need to continue to grow, advance, push for the next goal is necessary for maintenance of "success."
"Our culture makes it shameful and not okay to not know . . . her honesty gave her integrity and credibility." (pp. 73-74) I am thankful for this particular pearl. I do not know SO MUCH and it's okay, more than okay. It is encouraging to others to be "real." It also provides an opportunity for me to learn and find out how to answer the question by asking a question!
Amplification (p.79)
I have always enjoyed using mics in the classroom. I think I would appreciate having a headset when teaching. I can appreciate how others can more clearly hear your voice. In general, having your own equipment is very helpful when you take your show on the road.
"I discourage drop-in attendance because even someone observing a class can cause members of a group to feel uncomfortable" (p.82). I am wondering if this is what Mallory has been running into while trying to observe classes in New York? I also thought this interesting because a local studio recently divided because one owner wanted more drop-in attendance opportunities and the other partner preferred more commitment-oriented classes. The "drop-in" oriented studio is less financially stable . . . "Money is the exchange of energy." (p.110)
"When a teacher or center fails to make its terms clear, students are given no guidance and so form their own ideas about what is permissible" (p.83). WOW. This explains the power of having a game plan.
Yoga Research and Education Center (YREC) Ethical Guidelines seem like a great place to get started when setting expectations and developing the game plan.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Assisting BEEginings
Four Ways to "Assist"
cues, props, assists, demo
BEE Brave and reach out and TOUCH SOMEONE!
This month I tried assisting:
Warriors 1 & 2--placing hands on the shoulders lightly to suggest they slide down the back, hands on sides to encourage growing tall through the core, place hand on back foot to invite weight in the outside of foot, stretching arms to encourage reaching/lengthening
Triangle--stretching the reaching hand higher, placing my hand just beyond to encourage reach, opening the chest--I did not get this quite right . . . should "Stand behind your yogi and your body aligns with his/her midline/pelvis. Stabilizing with your hip, one hand at yogi hip and one hand to the inside of the shoulder, lightly press forward with the hip as you roll shoulder open."
Downward Dog--standing at the yogi's head, place hands on the sacrum and press up and away from you using your body weight.
During relaxation, I pressed on shoulders and pulled and wobbled legs. I tried hand and head massages too.
cues, props, assists, demo
BEE Brave and reach out and TOUCH SOMEONE!
This month I tried assisting:
Warriors 1 & 2--placing hands on the shoulders lightly to suggest they slide down the back, hands on sides to encourage growing tall through the core, place hand on back foot to invite weight in the outside of foot, stretching arms to encourage reaching/lengthening
Triangle--stretching the reaching hand higher, placing my hand just beyond to encourage reach, opening the chest--I did not get this quite right . . . should "Stand behind your yogi and your body aligns with his/her midline/pelvis. Stabilizing with your hip, one hand at yogi hip and one hand to the inside of the shoulder, lightly press forward with the hip as you roll shoulder open."
Downward Dog--standing at the yogi's head, place hands on the sacrum and press up and away from you using your body weight.
During relaxation, I pressed on shoulders and pulled and wobbled legs. I tried hand and head massages too.
Preparing for Peaking in Paradise
5 postures to prepare your body for "flying" in "bird of paradise"--
Hamstrings:
downward dog
standing splits
Heart Openers--ready your chest & arms:
crescent lunge
extended side angle
Hamstrings and Chest Opener: triangle with bind
Now, how do you land the "bird?" I have some questions about these ideas . . . ?
Neutralize:
supported forward fold--chest resting on thighs, mountain
Counter Pose:
seated child's pose
Hamstrings:
downward dog
standing splits
Heart Openers--ready your chest & arms:
crescent lunge
extended side angle
Hamstrings and Chest Opener: triangle with bind
Now, how do you land the "bird?" I have some questions about these ideas . . . ?
Neutralize:
supported forward fold--chest resting on thighs, mountain
Counter Pose:
seated child's pose
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Dynamics of the Diaphragm
The diaphragm is a sheet of muscle separating the chest and stomach cavities. It contracts and relaxes with breathing.
The diaphragm pulls down when it contracts that lowers the pressure in your chest, causing air from the outside to rush into the lungs (inhalation). When it relaxes, it increases pressure in the chest, forcing air out (exhalation).
This muscle attaches to ribs, sternum, vertebrae. The esophagus, aorta, and inferior vena cava travel through the diaphragm.
The diaphragm is also involved in coughling, sneezing, crying, vomiting, and expelling waste.
The diaphragm sometimes contracts involuntarily because when the controlling nerves get irritated (or for some other reason). If air is inhaled at this time, the space between the vocal cords at the back of the throat close suddenly and produce the clicking noise we call hiccups (epiglottis snapping shut). http://www.innerbody.com/image/musc06.html#full-description
The diaphragm pulls down when it contracts that lowers the pressure in your chest, causing air from the outside to rush into the lungs (inhalation). When it relaxes, it increases pressure in the chest, forcing air out (exhalation).
This muscle attaches to ribs, sternum, vertebrae. The esophagus, aorta, and inferior vena cava travel through the diaphragm.
The diaphragm is also involved in coughling, sneezing, crying, vomiting, and expelling waste.
The diaphragm sometimes contracts involuntarily because when the controlling nerves get irritated (or for some other reason). If air is inhaled at this time, the space between the vocal cords at the back of the throat close suddenly and produce the clicking noise we call hiccups (epiglottis snapping shut). http://www.innerbody.com/image/musc06.html#full-description
Healthy Hamstrings
10 Ways to Stretch Your Hammies
Forward Fold
Wide Legged Forward Fold
Down Dog
Triangle
Pyramid
Standing Splits
Seated Forward Fold
Seated Straddle
Seated Tree
Reclining Big Toe Stretch
Forward Fold
Wide Legged Forward Fold
Down Dog
Triangle
Pyramid
Standing Splits
Seated Forward Fold
Seated Straddle
Seated Tree
Reclining Big Toe Stretch
Sunday, March 3, 2013
How Yoga Works for Me
About five years ago, a teacher in my school began teaching yoga classes after school. I didn't have the strength to hold a plank or dolphin, but I really enjoyed trying. I was intrigued with how this "exercise" was "me, the mat and gravity." I didn't need a lot of equipment or special shoes and clothes. It was an honest, no frills experience. Not being the type to wear a mask, this was the first way yoga worked for me.
I explored yoga at two gyms, with a personal fitness instructor, and workshops/home studies with YogaKids, YogaFit and Global Family Yoga. When I had the opportunity to try yoga with Pink Lotus Yoga Center, I found another way yoga worked for me! Nicole was friendly and welcoming and didn't use flowery language that made me itchy scratchy. I felt at home in her studio and am thankful for her tireless efforts to bring yoga to the Lexington community.
I did a lot of praying before enrolling in the Gotta Yoga Teacher Training opportunity. My goal, beginning with the end in mind, is to bring the strength, balance and calm I feel as a yogi to kiddos. Students in 2013 have so much stress! We live with the pedal to the medal and venture infrequently to "rest and digest" mode. We currently teach children leadership skills, including "Sharpen the Saw--Balance Feels Best." Kids need to know how to juggle time with friends and time alone, time to read/work and time to move/play. Development of recognizing when you have done too much of any good thing is essential for health and quality of life. Yoga works for me as the vehicle to travel down this road with kids.
Most recently, yoga is working as the glue holding my professional life, family, and church responsibilities together. I have been amazed since beginning the teacher training in January how themes/ideas are popping up in all areas of my life and yoga is the common thread. The opportunity to begin a meditation practice has been complimentary to the daily devotions I do. Journaling has always been helpful in my career, personal, and spiritual life, and the opportunities to reflect and fit puzzle pieces together is a much appreciated part of our teacher training program. Caring communication is what I teach and practice everyday in my job and with my family.
Yoga works for me because yoga reminds me I am perfect just as I am. To be "steady and comfortable" in the pose, balancing effort and ease, is enough. "I attempt something difficult, and I appreciate myself for trying." It's okay to be different. The light in me honors the light in you. I can let my little light shine. It's not a competition. Ego and pride are checked in at the door! Yoga provides opportunity for confidence building, telling worry and fear to take a hike, breathing in peace and courage. Embracing an attitude of gratitude and setting intentions provides that which does not fit the intention a way out and no way to sap precious energy.
My Yoga at Work: Today I shared a temple talk at church. I shared about making the world a better place in the way only YOU can do it. I lead the whole congregation in BREATHING. I have been invited to assist in a yoga class at our church. I have permission to offer yoga for our school faculty and staff. I am able to incorporate stress hardiness techniques with my counseling efforts. I'll get to try some Partner Yoga and Brain Gym activities with kiddos in the next couple weeks. I HAVE THE OKAY TO COORDINATE A YOGA CAMP FOR KIDS THIS SUMMER! I'm hoping to share a Family Yoga Vacation class before the end of the school year. I have been able to observe a variety of yoga classes this month and even assist in Kids Yoga Class at PLYC. Global Family Yoga has asked me to be a guest blogger and share how I incorporate books with instruction! Everything's coming up YOGA, and I feel good.
I explored yoga at two gyms, with a personal fitness instructor, and workshops/home studies with YogaKids, YogaFit and Global Family Yoga. When I had the opportunity to try yoga with Pink Lotus Yoga Center, I found another way yoga worked for me! Nicole was friendly and welcoming and didn't use flowery language that made me itchy scratchy. I felt at home in her studio and am thankful for her tireless efforts to bring yoga to the Lexington community.
I did a lot of praying before enrolling in the Gotta Yoga Teacher Training opportunity. My goal, beginning with the end in mind, is to bring the strength, balance and calm I feel as a yogi to kiddos. Students in 2013 have so much stress! We live with the pedal to the medal and venture infrequently to "rest and digest" mode. We currently teach children leadership skills, including "Sharpen the Saw--Balance Feels Best." Kids need to know how to juggle time with friends and time alone, time to read/work and time to move/play. Development of recognizing when you have done too much of any good thing is essential for health and quality of life. Yoga works for me as the vehicle to travel down this road with kids.
Most recently, yoga is working as the glue holding my professional life, family, and church responsibilities together. I have been amazed since beginning the teacher training in January how themes/ideas are popping up in all areas of my life and yoga is the common thread. The opportunity to begin a meditation practice has been complimentary to the daily devotions I do. Journaling has always been helpful in my career, personal, and spiritual life, and the opportunities to reflect and fit puzzle pieces together is a much appreciated part of our teacher training program. Caring communication is what I teach and practice everyday in my job and with my family.
Yoga works for me because yoga reminds me I am perfect just as I am. To be "steady and comfortable" in the pose, balancing effort and ease, is enough. "I attempt something difficult, and I appreciate myself for trying." It's okay to be different. The light in me honors the light in you. I can let my little light shine. It's not a competition. Ego and pride are checked in at the door! Yoga provides opportunity for confidence building, telling worry and fear to take a hike, breathing in peace and courage. Embracing an attitude of gratitude and setting intentions provides that which does not fit the intention a way out and no way to sap precious energy.
My Yoga at Work: Today I shared a temple talk at church. I shared about making the world a better place in the way only YOU can do it. I lead the whole congregation in BREATHING. I have been invited to assist in a yoga class at our church. I have permission to offer yoga for our school faculty and staff. I am able to incorporate stress hardiness techniques with my counseling efforts. I'll get to try some Partner Yoga and Brain Gym activities with kiddos in the next couple weeks. I HAVE THE OKAY TO COORDINATE A YOGA CAMP FOR KIDS THIS SUMMER! I'm hoping to share a Family Yoga Vacation class before the end of the school year. I have been able to observe a variety of yoga classes this month and even assist in Kids Yoga Class at PLYC. Global Family Yoga has asked me to be a guest blogger and share how I incorporate books with instruction! Everything's coming up YOGA, and I feel good.
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