Choose your own Yoga

In my classes lately, I’ve been doing a lot more sun salutations + variations (warrior I, warrior II, triangle, extended side angle, et cetera). It works really well to warm the students up but, more importantly, reinforces that while Sun Sals are a very basic series, you can use them to build your own yoga practice. The most common complaint from new students is that they’re unsure how to establish a home practice. Sun Salutations is the key to success. It is a basic series of motions with infinite potential for variety.

I tend to start with the modified version (knee to floor in lunge, modified plank, modified plank push-up rather than up dog) and then gradually increase the level of work (knee away from floor, holding plank longer, more difficult variations on updog/locust, extended down dog positions). It builds heat in the muscles steadily and more importantly reinforces the series of motions. If you forget what comes next, do the next thing you remember. My hope is that because we keep going through them in class, you can do them on your own in the morning/evening/whenever you get a few minutes and that’s what builds home practice.

I HOPE that’s what it’s doing anyhow. Sun Salutations are also comforting for me. Limited amount of concentration, maximum amount of muscle effort. It’s like reading a book you love for the 137th time, you know where it’s going and you still like getting there.

Speaking of books, I’ve been on an intensive reading kick lately and have cranked through about 5 books in the last three days. Some have been better than others and I’m definitely discovering some writers I’ll keep looking for.

Microbiology continues to be intensive. Lab exam next week.

Yes, I watched the debate.

Tomorrow is my birthday

I have no plans beyond teaching my evening yoga class. I will probably continue to lay around and read fiction before the grind that is Microbiology begins next week.

In related news, I read New Amsterdam by Elizabeth Bear and there is nothing I did not like about it. It’s a collection of short stories which involve the same characters. The people are complex and interesting, I love the alternate history and practical magic.

Up next on the list, finishing The Mermaid Chair, A Thousand Splendid Suns (for the Bandwagon), and the Penelopeiad by Margaret Atwood. I’m very excited about the latter because it was a surprise find.

I’m also excited about my birthday. I’ve gotten to the point where it feels like I’ve ‘earned’ each year and I’m pretty happy to be doing so. I’m in good health – better than when I was in my 20s – as is my family. We’ve got some changes and challenges coming up, but I’m looking forward to them.

And since it’s come up in conversation twice in the last several days, I Just Want To Celebrate by Rare Earth is probably my all-time favorite song. There are so MANY favorites that it’s hard to choose but in terms of tone, tempo, lyrics, and overall good-feeling I think it’s The One. It runs through my head every single day and is great every single day. More music here than video, but you get the gist:
[vodpod id=Groupvideo.1491932&w=425&h=350&fv=%26rel%3D0%26border%3D0%26]

TV this week:

Generation Kill – Amazing. I can’t believe it’s almost over. I continue to laugh and be shocked and horrified simultaneously. Alexander Skaarsgard defines hawtness. I’m going to have to pick up the book the series is based on.

The Closer- Great Episode. Although really, are there ACTUALLY people who get engaged without having discussed whether or not they want children? Really?

Wipeout- Seriously? Rerun? WTF?

I’m going to eat awesomely Spouse-made lasagna for dinner and then have cake! I love cake!

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Bittersweet

One of my students attended her last class today. She’s moving to another (larger) city. She is one of the first students who has been solely ‘mine.’ Over the last three months I’ve seen her body and confidence change pretty dramatically.

I’ve been teaching at a gym and, as such, have had an influx of students who have never taken yoga before. This is the first time one of those students is leaving and I’ve had mixed reactions. I’m really excited that she’s moving to a larger city and will have a greater opportunity to explore different teachers/styles of yoga. I’m so proud of the transformation she’s made in my class. And I’m sad that she’s leaving because I have really enjoyed having her in classes.

I gave her my copy of Hatha Yoga Illustrated to use as a bridge until she finds a studio she likes. She was concerned about not maintaining her practice so I encouraged her to spend at least 15 minutes a day practicing. Even if you don’t go to a full class, it keeps you in the mindset. The book is great and gives fantastic anatomical direction as well as contraindications and modifications. It’s a really good resource for beginners and advanced practitioners alike.

I think she’s leaving my instruction with a solid foundation in breath and asana but, more importantly, a willingness to be open to new classes and teachers. It’s pretty fantastic to be able to see the positive change you’re putting into the world.

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