An Open Heart

Recently, I have been getting in touch with my heart. I have discovered upper body rounding and hunching. I teach and/or practice Yoga daily. I know the importance of posture and alignment. As a graduate of etiquette school and a former dancer, I cannot begin to count the amount of times I was reminded to maintain my posture. Lately my upper body has been ignored. My shoulders and neck have become exceptionally tight. These signs are telling me that it is time to work through my body and listen.

In effort to combat my discomfort and physical restrictions I have assessed my lifestyle. I ride my bike to work and school daily. The weight placed on my wrists travels up my arms and creates tightness in my shoulders. Leaning over my bike handles has caused me to round forward and change the muscle formation in my upper body. After looking at my biking position and my Yoga asanas. I noticed my upward-facing dog was not as open and that there was more pressure in the heal of my hands. I also noticed that I could correct my asanas to strengthen muscles between my shoulder blades. I started bringing my shoulder blades together during decasana and upward-facing dog. My chest has slowly opened and my back's increasing strength has helped to open my chest. Along with working on my upper back strength I continued to draw through my lower abdominal region in order to avoid low back sway.

The upper chest opening has helped me to change my biking posture and encourage my students to open their bodies. The change in upper body alignment has made a significant difference on my vynyasa practice and enhanced my balance. The confidence that comes from an open chest or heart posture is invaluable. Upper body posture has brought a new light to my practice and life. It is always important to continue to re-assess your body's alignment and posture. Things get forgotten and we can get into routines that change our bodies without notice. Namaste

Mindful Transition

Yoga is different. It is not like baseball practice. It is far from a bike ride down a busy street. the peaceful practice is definitely not like a pick up hockey game. But Yoga can be highly beneficial to people who enjoy these sports. Yoga provides mind and body work that compliments sports. Yoga provides a foundation for life in general. Yoga is something that becomes familiar as you re-introduce yourself to your body.

Open yourself to a new frontier and new ideas. Yoga studios have their own culture and style. Postures are taught differently and not all postures are designed to suit everyone. There are a lot of different ideas and activities happening during a practice. It is important to just take in what you can and not overwhelm yourself. Instructors are constantly encouraging each student to be present. Being present can be as simple as breathing. Just focus on yourself. Being present involves the breath and avoiding the mental fluctuations. Pay attention to your alignment, too. Sometimes the instructions can be overwhelming. Listening to the sequencing and alignment corrections can be a lot to handle. As a student always be satisfied with whatever you can do. As a beginner try not to look for a purpose. Just watch your body move and transition through the practice. Be patient. The Yoga realm will slowly unveil itself and your body will start to crave the practice. Yoga keeps you grounded.

Recipe Requests

Banana Cran Bread

Wet Ingredients: Mix in large bowl

3 mashed bananas

1 beautiful egg or two egg whites (both opt.)

1/4 cup ground flax

1/4 plain greek yogurt (opt. or any kind)

2 tbp cinnamon

1 tsp Vanilla

1/4 maple syrup

1/4 cup vanilla soy/almond/rice/coconut milk

1 cup fresh cranberries (Opt.)

1/4 cup raisons (Opt.)

1/4 Walnuts (opt.)

1/4 Cup Pumpkin Seeds (opt.)

1 Chopped Apple or Pear (Opt.)

1/4 Cup (rolled date pieces)

Dry:mix in medium bowl & add to wet ingredients bowl.

1.5 cups flour (your choice, ex: brown rice flour)

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

Combine, spray loaf pan and bake @ 385 degrees for 40-45 mins :)

More recipes on their way!

Yoga Trunks

Attention... attention... this just in... Yoga Trunks exist. What does a Yoga trunk sound like to you? Take a minute.. pause... breathe in and breathe out.

Okay- so the first thing that comes to mind when I hear trunk, is a trunk in an attic filled with my grandparents old and dusty things. Trunks also represent a drinking spout for an elephant. I cannot imagine someone wanted old Yoga clothes from my Grandparents attic that makes them look like an elephant? Picture this, a gentle sun salution dressed up in old elephant clothes. Oh goodness who thought of this title for clothing sales? I hope they are not Canadian.

People shopping for slique yoga gear are looking for something to really help them move through the postures. The latest fad is owning a great pair of Yoga pants. The pants that lift and support your lower physique. It is hard to access these great slacks and it is not going to be obvious when you call your show a Yoga Trunk Show.

This spurred from a random experience. Two Yoga Trunk reps came into the studio where I teach. They barely shared any information and disapeared as soon as the class was complete.

Better Blogs are in the making!!!! namamamamaste

Yoga Introductions

Practicing with a group of Yogis does not require a formal introduction. A group can meet for the same purpose, Yoga, and find harmony through their breath, body and mind. Yoga is a great way to find equality; however, for new Yoga practitioners accepting all aspects of Yoga can be extremely foreign and uncomfortable.

This week I have asked each student to introduce themselves at the beginning of class. The introduction is a simple way to eliminate the discomfort experienced in unfamiliar Yoga territory. Letting each student say their name aloud helps to ease the tense energy brought into the room. Individuals practice for months before they informally speak to the instructor or to the Yogis who inhabit their classes. Human interaction can be extremely awkward and it is important for the instructor to maintain a level of comfort while guiding a group through a Yoga practice.

Instructors can remind students to eliminate judgment from their thoughts. Encourage students to focus on their breath and the benefits from each asana. Using the students’ names and your words of encouragement, always help to brighten the comfort level. Students face challenges when presented a unfamiliar Yoga flow. Stepping out of your comfort zone has the possibility of making the flow competitive or uncomfortable. Humans just want to prove that they are strong enough or smart enough to follow the movement aspect of the class. Reminding the students of the Yoga purpose helps to reduce the competitive energy. Just by saying the students name will help personalize and remind the student that they are hear to practice Yoga, not to compete. Set the tone and try different class introductions.

Each class is composed of different individuals, which require altered introductory approaches. Never give up as a guide because the truth will always reveal itself when you remain present.

No Music, No Problem!

Sometimes as instructors we forget our music, our brains, our yoga mats and/or which left foot we are using during a our Yoga instruction. The idea of a perfect Yoga class does not always match our predictions. Somehow the ancient Yoga Gods come together and create a way for us to find harmonious balance. Most students wandering into a Yoga room are looking for a way to feel good, to get his or her high. The loving Yogis really do not care about the simple imperfections that teachers might see as relevant. Find your heart and soul because that is all you need to guide a Yoga practice.

The art of music complimenting the flow of a Yoga class is amazing; however, the breath can also be of service. The music sometimes prevents us from fluid breath work, so teaching a quiet class every once in a while can be a delicious treat for the body, mind and spirit.

Every couple of months I find myself forgetting my favourite Yoga teaching tool, the ipod. I seriously feel naked without it. When it is lost I begin to realize how much I rely on the music to set the class tone. More recently I have begun to realize that I set the tone of the class. My personal attitude and words are what set the tone for each class I instruct. The loud and wild music might get the students all wound up but if I teach without enthusiasm or excitement than the music will not have much of an impact.

Believe in your teaching purpose. Believe in your teaching abilities. Let your students find the love you present in each Yoga class you guide.

For students reading this just remember your Yoga spirit and you will always be enlightened by the bigger picture a Yoga community presents.

Really wild ginger girl : )

Cold Yoga Rooms

Morning Yoga practice is a wonderful experience. Waking up and moving your body is a great way to start your day. Practicing within a yoga community is energizing when our bodies are stiff and tired. There are only a few things that I enjoy more than waking up and practicing Yoga.

However, morning Yoga practice in a freezing cold room is not a wonderful experience. Fortunately, Yoga practitioners of all kinds know how to work with what they have present. Yogis are magical beings. We have no negative thoughts and can overcome everything. No student or practitioner troubles their thoughts with frustration or anger while practicing in the cold. A perfect setting is not what the Yoga people are really searching for during their 30-120 minutes of practice. The Yoga mind turns on and the cold dissipates. Yoga can see the clear picture:) That's right our bodies turn into Yoga. Yoga is our body even in extreme cold temperatures. Mental Yogic state over powers any scientific matter or fact. Up dogs, down dogs and even cold dogs help Yogis focus. The cold is simple and we can all over power our physical symptoms. The chattering teeth, the shaking body, the goose bumps and the numb fingers + toes are not real when we are Yoga. Remember it is mind over body?

For the less empowered Yoga practitioners, practicing in the cold can be miserable. Cold can be damaging for our precious muscles and tendons. Wearing lots of layers to overcome uncomfortably chilly temperatures is the key to success. I am sorry that you cannot overcome the cold temperatures but preparing for the worst will only help to enlighten or even start your practice.

Finally, for the people who are controlling the heater in the studio we are sorry and we want our heat turned back on. I am not sure what we did to deserve the cold damp temperatures but we are really sorry and will be on our best behavior if you will just turn the temperature back up : )

For the love of Yoga.

yours gingerly,

Wild Ginger

Do we practice Yoga because we are not interested in Sex, Drugs + Rock'n Roll!?

I suppose my yoga interests are similar to things like Sex, Drugs + Rock'n Roll. My Yoga practices consist of having fun with my body, relaxing my mind, flowing through postures while listening to exciting music and having a refreshing Kombucha after practice. My Kombucha and Yoga high really set the mood and make me want to go back and enjoy it over and over again.


Growing up I listened to Kim Mitchell, Guns'n Roses + fluttered around to Beauty + the Beast Music. I enjoyed the fun music and grooving to the tunes with my sassy little sister. The moves and passion for our musical rituals, really helped give us a daily high. We were fearless singers and dancers. The same pleasure and freedom is found when I practice/instructor yoga.

I think the idea behind Sex, Drugs + Rock'n Roll is the relationship between personal pleasure, freedom + thrill. Wild and loud music can really rev up ones engine. The thrill and danger of taking drugs can release any personal restraint or tension. The idea of leaving home and heading to University lets us all break free into the world. Whether or not it is legal to consume certain substances certain free-birds enjoy the experimentation. The same concepts can be discovered through the practice of Yoga.

It is liberating to move your body in a non-judgmental environment. A nice stretch and relaxation can bring new birth to your physical and emotional state. You can even practice asanas to loud music. I personally prefer the practice of Yoga + Sex over the drugs. The Rock’n Roll is something that can always be encorporated in my life.

Namaste sugar bullets

Yoga-tude

Yoga rooms are always filled with excitement and new experiences. So much energy is ready to be exchanged. Sometimes negative energy finds its way into class. Individuals get frustrated or appear to be frustrated with something within the room.

Whether it is a personal practice, a community practice or guiding a practice the mood can change quickly when I allow negative energy to enter my mind. The mood can be easily uncomfortable if I bring in my personal issues. It is always a challenge to leave those at the door when you are really feeling down. An instructor can also make an assumption that the participants are not appreciating or choosing to judge the Yoga provided. There are numerous reasons for a bad yoga-tude but it is important to brush them off. Certain Yoga students have instruction preference, a specific style, or an instructor. Some really do not know how they ended up in a yoga practice and just feel completely uncomfortable. Before rushing to conclusions do you best to communicate with the apparent frustrated students. With out interrupting the entire class just giving personal attention to new students or uncomfortable students can really relieve the energy. Try your best not to give into the yoga-tude.

Do not give up on the people who enter your Yoga room for class. Some where deep down they wish to practice and his or her body is saying let me practice! The experience you provide to them may change his or her yoga-tude. If that uncomfortable students finds some benefit there is a high possibility that they shall return and find more peace within his or her own practice.

Try not to get caught up in your own yoga-tude and open yourself to the student who is struggling the most in class. If they look miserable- it does not hurt to just ask or help them out. Opening yourself to the student will make you more vulnerable. This may help open the communication lines and bring the student to a more comfortable level.

Good and bad experiences have come my way. One time I helped a student because I noticed he was very uncomfortable and he rolled up his mat and left. Other times students have approached me after class and thanked me for my guidance. It is somewhat unpredictable how people will react but giving your whole heart can only make you feel like you made an effort.

Say good-bye to your yoga-tude and hello to just plain old Yoga. much love. peace love + fangs. xx

But I am not Flexible...

Yoga class does not require only flexible people. Flexibility is not the only reason people practice yoga. Yoga has benefits beyond how far you can spread your legs in the splat position. Honestly, the asana (postures) portion is only one amazing yoga aspect. Yoga can be experienced through breathing, relaxing the mind and every day life.
Asana practice appears to be the most familiar form of yoga to western civilization. I am not trying to be prejudice but a large portion of the men I talk to believe that yoga is a female stretching activity. FYI, there are lots of flavors of Yoga. The next comments I hear are based on the individual's personal restraints: 1) Flexibility, 2) Embarassment. An amazing University dorm mate struggled with flexibility. Due to scoliosis (curvature of the spine) the ability to sit straight with legs extended is still IMPOSSIBLE. In last night's phone conversation she reminded me of her scoliosis. I had completely forgot about her discomfort while in a seated posture with her legs extended. She quickly informed me that Yoga is not something she will ever be doing and her reason is flexibility. The conversation was amazing because she just got engaged after four years of true love! Congrats. I am sure George and Laura will attend the ceremony.

It was also a wonderful conversation because as a teacher people with physical restraints are always coming into the Yoga class. Individuals want to learn how to work their body in a way that they are comfortable with its abilities. Some individuals are not interested in the practice of Yoga and some really think they cannot do it! As a Yoga practictioner I do my best to share my personal Yoga story and encourage individuals to stay open minded with Yoga and life in general. It is hard to completely say no to something harmless when you have never tried.

Finally, for all those people who are not doing Yoga because they are inflexible I think you should re-think your reasoning. Avoiding Yoga because you are not interested is one reason but flexibility is a silly excuse.

much love + peace to everyone.

Different Yoga Teachers

Yoga teachers are not indestructible. Their bodies breakdown and they get sick, too. Sometimes they need a holiday or a break from teaching. When a teacher becomes unavailable to teach they must get a substitute teacher. The substitute is often doing a favor for the instructor and taking on an opportunity to teach a new group of students. The new instructor might be looking for further insight from a different group of students. Instruction is often a huge learning experience, too.

It is frustrating when you are planning to attend a class and your favorite instructor is not going to be available. Some students and instructors have specific time slots open to attending group practices. The set itinerary is what we want and can be easily frustrated when it is altered.

Are we still a yogi when we get frustrated about a change in our itinerary? The yoga class is still going to be available it is going to only have a different instructor. Have we become control freaks who do not want our time to be manipulated by someone we have not selected? So much anger can occur when a simple change occurs. Anger before a yoga class is never something that anyone really desires. Personally, I strongly dislike emotional waste and try my best not to get consumed by the change of instructor. Going with the flow and just being present is my yogic standpoint but it is a challenge on some occasions.

Finally, out of common courtesy the instructor should make an effort to alert his or her students if there is a substitute instructor. Some of us just need to get in a different mental framework in order to accept a new instructor. At the same time, yoga students need to return to their yoga roots. The idea of accepting each yoga practice which in turn will teach the calming of the chitta vritti.

Students pay money to attend most yoga classes. The money donated to each class can go a long way. The money is supporting the studios' bills. It is also, supporting the instructors ability to live and learn more about everyone's common interest, yoga. The yoga studio that I am a member of gives generously to the community and provides exceptionally cheap yoga classes. I am proud to teach and learn from the studio's community each day I walk through those doors.

If money is not the reason for frustration with the change in teacher than maybe it is important to search deeper for an answer. There are a million different ways a class can be instructed. Allowing exposure to different teachers and styles of yoga can only broaden your practice and mental state. If a particular teacher does not suit your fancy than choose a private or home practice where you can reach further into your own personal practice. There are so many benefits to practicing in a group setting and on your own. Enjoy the two worlds can only help you enlighten more people with your love and peace of mind. Relax it is just yoga.

Share Your Energy

As the weather takes a sharp turn many of us are finding ourselves sick and/or overwhelmed. Cool weather can place a huge shock on the human body and it is important for us to ease into the changes. Yoga classes can head south when everyone is feeling tired and negative. It is the yoga instructors job to help alleviate the strain and negative emotions bringing down the class energy. While in a dreary yoga class, yogis with energy should try their best to help relieve the negativity by smiling or by maintaining an open heart throughout his or her practice.

In life we are always in a rush and it is beneficial to apply gentle yoga skills to the "stressful" daily obstacles. Humans cannot be in "perfect" form each day but as a yogi I believe it is my duty to share the good energy when it is present within myself. The expression, "smiles are contagious" stands true even in a yoga class. Making everyone feel accepted and comfortable can go a long way. Kind, soothing energy is all we need to make a practice feel amazing.

Stay healthy and help those out who are having a hard day. Spread the love and it will come right back to you.

namaste

Long Lines @ the Coffee Shop

How do coffee shop businesses thrive? Great marketing schemes with over priced caffeine products- what more could a consumer ask for? Maybe this is why more yoga studios are leaning toward providing the coffee and tea on location. Individuals can line up for two fabulous items- caffeine and yoga.

Yoga provides the body, mind and spirit with numerous benefits while coffee appears to more human attention. Yoga has been around for longer than the early 1800s. Maybe humans have been doing yoga for so long that they are just not that into it!?

Yesterday, I was walking to teach a yoga class on University campus and the line at Starbucks was all the way out the door. There must have been 20 people in line and about 25 people sitting in and around the coffee shop. Yoga loving individuals have an easy time imagining the same demand pattern to practice asanas, pranayam and meditation. A Southern US campus location might have an impact on the demand for yoga because of preconceived ideas about mind + body exercises.

The long line outside the campus coffee shop really struck me. I cannot begin to comprehend the desire and relationship humans have with caffeine because I have no experience. My only experience is with yoga. Yoga has proven to be my daily mental high and/or relaxation.

I invite those who enjoy there coffee every day to come out and try a couple of yoga classes. Maybe you can find a balance between the two.

yoga + cycling

Lately biking to Yoga class has not been something I love and adore.

As a cycling commuter, riding the busy streets is one of my daily practices. My cycling destination is almost always a yoga studio, another daily practice. Cycling can be a mind numbing experience but lately I have been on edge. Angry motorists are not interested in sharing the road with a pretty yellow bike. Not to say that looks are everything but I really thought that a nice looking bicycle would soften a motorist's perspective in regards to sharing the road.

Weekly, I am exposed to people with very dirty mouths. Driver's angry tone and rude assumptions sink deep into my sensitive skin. My long commutes are when I get multiple opinions shouted at me. In effort to understand the anger and verbal abuse, I think of the reasons one would yell at a cyclists. Safety is a big concern. A cyclist should always obey the stop lights, stay on the right side of the road, perform hand signals, have proper night lights, and share the road with other motorists.

Dirty and loud mouths are only creating more road rage and distracting cyclists from focusing on form. Throwing a cyclist off balance, by yelling or honking the horn, could result in a catastrophe.

Emotional control under the deepest amount of frustration can be next to impossible. Heading to yoga class on your bicycle should not be a negative experience. Calming the mind in order to surpass the rotten motorists has become a huge challenge. The heart races and the cyclists feel guilty for slowing down traffic.

Cyclists should recognize the good they are producing for the earth. Bicycles have a small eco-footprint. They do not release dirty air pollution and they help keep the human body in strong physical shape. One less car on the road reduces the number of cars lined up at each light. The cyclist is actually making more space on the road for those who need faster transportation. The cyclist is helping to show people how to practice there nursery school skills such as sharing and caring. The cyclist is not in the power to talk back but the cyclist sets an example for the misinformed, less educated or confused individual with a big scary truck. The cyclist is not at fault when they obey the rules of the road.

Finally, bicycles are not among the strong breeds of transportation. The idea of slow and steady wins the race may be true from an environmental standpoint or even when the cyclist can pass all the vehicles stuck in a huge traffic jam. I ride my bicycle all over town in effort to stay in shape, reduce fuel consumption, reduce expenses and set an example. I ride my bicycle to yoga because I was to focus and relax before I enter the studio. I do not ride my bicycle to be harassed or to lose control of my emotions. I love my daily practices and will continue them for as long as I live. Karma is real. Namaste.

calm down... chita vritti :)

Yoga practices are unique in so many ways.

The biggest challenge while instructing a class is producing individual peace and enjoyment. As an instructor, I work hard to feel the physical and emotional energy in the class. If midway through a powerful practice I sense students weakening or loosing energy, I change the downward spiral by turning the music or changing the asana structure. I even let the students know when I sensing their lack of energy. Keeping an open communication forum helps students to calm their mind fluctuations. At times I remind them to just keep up with their own physical abilities but it is not always an easy task when we come from such competitive environments. University students are used to competing for grades and it is hard to remove the energy while on campus.

Quite frequently my mind cannot fully comprehend how the class is enjoying the practice due to students' signs of discomfort or distracting actions. When I notice a couple of students not enjoying their practice or perhaps, assume that students are not enjoying the practice, I begin to panic. Remembering what leg we are using or the next asana in the flow is often lost forever. The pressure of presenting to a class for 60-90 minutes can seem like forever when you get caught up in an uncomfortable moment. I guess yoga teachers judge sometimes!? Fortunately, not all my yoga class that I instruct are consumed by my mental fluctuations but in some cases I find myself portraying the uncomfortable student in a practice that I am attending.

As a student I should try hard to accept what is presented. Finding a balance in each class does not always happen but slowly I am working to train myself to accept that good that comes from each practice. Often I find myself attending class and hoping for a specific instructor. Sometimes that instructor is ill or had to switch to help balance the schedule. The bottom line is that most teachers do not try hard to miss classes and they get sick sometimes too. Yoga instructors are not in a constant meditative state and that is okay.

This post is dedicated to all those practitioners who are having a hard time relaxing during instruction and practice. Relax because I believe that yoga has a greater good than we may think sometimes. ~ namaste ~

Yoga & Football

What is the ratio of football-yoga lovers to just yoga lovers?!

Every Saturday and Sunday I wonder how individuals choose football over yoga. Does one automatically choose Football over calming their body, mind and spirit?! Does Football create enough euphoric energy to replace the need for release and relaxation!? Can we have yoga and football in one day!?

After a long week of working and studying, football fans seem to release their stress by tailgating and watching football athletes compete. Football-yoga lovers need to choose or find a way to accommodate their two favourite weekend activities- yoga and football. Perhaps an early yoga class before a full day of football would provide more balance and prevent them from making a decision. A class that has football games during asana practice might also suit some practitioners. Colliding Western sport traditions with Eastern lifestyles is a challenge. Perhaps, there are weekend yoga classes with televisions tuned into football stations? I know that there are now drive through strip bars in Pennsylvania, so I would not be surprised to see a yoga room with television screens tuned into a sporting channel.

The next problem for football-yoga lovers is that often a town hosting a big football game suffers from the increased traffic. If major University is situated in the middle of a city the whole town can be extremely inconvenienced due to one football game. Making a choice to accommodate all that you love can be a real challenge. I feel somewhat sorry for the football-yoga lovers. The week days are always full with activity and then during the weekend it is hard to let go of one love for another. I personally would never choose watching football over yoga but I am learning to understand those who do. In a 'selfish' world, I choose maintaining my health over anything else. Mind over body.

The magic behind teaching yoga

Yoga classes are created for a variety of different reasons- community, love, peace, energize, unity, relax, breath, stretch, strengthen, open, evolve, rehabilitation, friendship, silence, stillness, equality, harmony, humour, rhythm, flow, balance, fantasy, spiritual, coolness, happiness, sensation, release, enlightenment... each person has their own story + reason.

Instructing yoga has a variety of different meanings to myself. Guiding a yoga class is a different experience each day. Sometimes the mind and body are not in happy places. The thought of guiding a practice is contemplated negatively. Reflecting on the true reason yoga practice began helps to clear the negative energy and freely guide another practice.

Guiding students through a practice where each individual in the room wants to be there is an amazing feeling. The magic of unity truly comes into play when a yoga practice is in session. Whether the group is flowing through a vigorous Ashtanga practice or deep into relaxation during Yin practice the yoga energy exists.

I love sharing my experiences and feelings toward yoga instruction with other instructors and practitioners. Sharing brings out the honest truth and helps maintain some sort of mental balance. Each practice I lead is a privilege. I am always honoured to have new and familiar students in the room. Smiles and serious faces also help to accent the mood and keep the flow. Yoga seems to always reveal our true beauty.

Young Vampires NEED Yoga

At the beginning of True Blood Season II Vampire Bill is working hard to manage his true love, Sukie, and his new responsibility, a baby vampire. According to Vampire Bill 2/3 of vampires do not survive past their first year. Young vampires cannot control their emotions. They are stripped from their lives and placed in a very different setting. The sunlight is taking away and they need to remove themselves from their families and familiar world. In Vampire Bill's case his young vampire has uncontrollable feelings and puts Bill in akward situations.

Yoga for young vampires could be highly beneficial. Channeling the vampires to physically relax and find peace of mind with his or her new lifestyle. Calming the mind to draw them further from their emotions and closer to looking at the whole picture. Yoga might be an answer for the young vampire rage.

peace * love * darkness

Yoga on Tuesdays!

Arranging to teach yoga classes on different is a challenge because attendance varies. Planning and providing a class can be a little nerve racking when you do not know the attendance outcome.

Lately, Tuesdays at Journeys In Yoga Studio have been packed with wonderful people. We always seem to have a few new students, however, a large portion of our yoga practitioners keep returning each week. The returners really make an instructor feel good and confident about what they are conveying in each class.

Tuesday seems to be the popular night to practice physical activity. People might not be up for practicing Monday night after a weekend of relaxing or socializing but they seem to be re-energized on Tuesday. I predict that Tuesday is one of the most popular days of practice.

It is also great because there is Fire Flow II and Core Flow at Journeys In Yoga Studio.

Vampire Yoga II

During the month of October Vampires become a popular topic of discussion. The familiar Halloween season reminds us about the walking dead. Designing a yoga class for Vampires really makes me excited after watching the show, True Blood.

Vampires and Mortals will simultaneously practice pranayam and asanas exercises in the same room. These two wonderful groups of people can find a way to be harmoniously be together. Vampire Americans can once again feel connected to their mortal roots, while mortals can show more acceptance and compassion towards former humans. Finding a common ground for vampires and mortals will help them develop skills to live and to work together.

Beyond the yoga community effect: Practicing yoga with help the stiff vampires who are sleeping in hard and restrictive coffins. Twisting, bending and folding will provide opportunity to release tension where Vampires find strain and discomfort. Opening their chests may release their heart chakras. Opening the heart chakra will bring forth emotional release and perhaps giving the Vampires a chance to revisit store emotions held against mortals and other Vampires. Releasing their chests has the potential to create a more peaceful society comprised of Vampires and mortals.

Instead of looking at each groups differences look to find common ground. Look to find ways to modify a situation and accommodate both sides.

Yoga For Vampires

In recent discovery of the show True Blood, I have decided that vampires need yoga too. Scheduling a class around midnight would be most accommodating. Give the vampires a chance to wake up, rejuvenate and find their way to the Yoga Studio. I have never met a vampire but from my vast True Blood knowledge it is obvious that they are in need of other activities. It might help cut down on the cruelty of the vamps in the nests. Different types of yoga will be made available to accommodate their mood and libido levels. It will also provide a neutral place for humans and vampire Americans to interact. More ideas to come. namaste. peace.

Friendly Faces in a Yoga Class

In teaching yoga many wonderful friends have come along. Over the past 3.5 years my best friends have come from my yoga community. Each time new and old students enter the studio I feel a sense of excitement. I love bringing new stretches and flows to each student in class. It is wonderful to see people's progression in the different asanas and to watch their expressions change as they grow into the yoga setting. A feeling of 'comfort and familiarity' is what my favourite yoga teacher and co-worker would say. Life is about going places and not feeling awkward. Letting the self-conscious go, even if it is just for the 75 minutes of practicing. The yoga community seems to be really growing in the city I live in. Our events and activities are rooted from the yoga communities we are developing. Change and life is always present. namaste people of the world.

Teaching from within

It is Wednesday and I am full of energy. I started of exhausted Sunday night and I have slowly been able to regain my crazy energy. Mondays I instruct three classes. My lack of energy made be extremely nervous to teach. I entered the class focused and chose to teach slowly. I based my class off my early morning energy level. Making sure to step off the mat and just instruct my students. The classes went well and they proved that I could still teach a class when my body was not 100% full. Our energy tanks can never be completely full, so it is good to practice at different levels.

Teaching in a slower class mode also seems to deliver a better product. I am forced to pay extra attention to my body and the students' reactions to the asanas. Teachers and students learn something new each class. Yoga is a powerful practice.

Balance

Find a way to do everything you love.

I personally need a significant amount of positive energy to meet people, to share ideas, to engage in a conversation, to love the people in my life and to guide yoga classes. My positive energy is derived by how I take care of my body. Taking the time to breath during a busy day is not an easy task but it clears the mind. Making sure you can get enough sleep each night requires discipline and it heals the physical body. Eating adequate nutrients requires organization but it replenishes and fuels the body. Motivating yourself to maintain your body's needs truly plays a significant role in your daily activity.

Sometimes a day of suffering through a weak mind and body does not teach you a strong enough lesson to quit your routine. The world has so many temptations that can be distracting and addictive. Learning to steer clear or restrict the amount of late night television, night clubs or online chatting are huge challenges. We all have our vices.

The minute I start practicing yoga with a community I find it really easy to let go of the extra things I desire. I find immediate release from my vices and simply desire the time and energy to practice. Yoga motivates me to find time when I am free from my daily responsibilities. Practicing Yoga is a my top motivator. Yoga is slowly teaching me how to find balance in my life.

Teaching too many Yoga Classes

My first blog entry has been inspired by my recent yoga teaching experience. As a full-time Graduate student I need to find balance between my practice, my teaching and my school work. Yesterday, I hit a wall.
I enjoy maintaining a physical lifestyle, however, it is important to maintain your energy levels. When proper bed time arrives this is when one should be drowsy and exhausted. Yesterday, I was drowsy and spent by 10:00 a.m. after my 80 minute bike ride. My yoga instruction suffered at 4:00 p.m. and I managed to complete no schoolwork. It was a day of rest.
I am now in search of finding balance. I want to keep teaching everywhere but I cannot be teaching semi-quality classes. My passion for teaching is rooted by my energetic approach to each class I instruct. My regular students are aware of this and sensed my awkward approach to class yesterday. I have two plans of action. I plan to limit the number of classes I teach per week. I plan to limit the amount of demonstration or practice I display while teaching. Life is full of learning from your different paths. Soon I know balance will present itself. How many classes should one instructor teach per week? How many classes should one instructor take?