After endless days of rain and cold in Florida, today's sunshine is inspirational.
I woke up rested and energized for Yoga today. My first thought was Yoga on campus at 11:00 a.m. A group of FSU students and friends are joining me on Landis Green for a Yoga session. Over the past four years at FSU, we have been practicing Yoga, Capoiera and relaxation on Landis Green. Today is the first practice in 2010!
The sun is shining and Tallahassee does not have humidity today! Time to go and play under the sun!
namaste
Whitney =)
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
New and Old
I would say that there is a huge difference between teaching to strangers and to familiar faces.
When teaching to strangers you have minimal emotional connection. I still care about each student who walks into the Yoga space but it is a fresh interaction. The class comes together to practice. After, the students leave in separate directions. It is simple and exciting.
I love teaching to a new group of people, when they have no expectations or experience with Yoga. Guiding students through unfamiliar territory is thrilling. Currently, I have one new student who is over 6"5. Watching him move on his short mat is amazing because he is trying so hard to work through his asanas movement. Sometimes during three legged dog pose his foot ends up on someone else's mat "territory". You can tell how hard he is working to find his inner peace and it is wonderful to see students willing to share their space.
It is hard for an experienced practitioner to return to his or her first stages of Yoga. Understanding, new Yogis need for good direction and cues is valuable. The ability to give good direction comes from witnessing new Yogis move into postures, breath and be present, for the first time. The physical cues from students are invaluable to an instructor and practitioner. It is so easy to forget how you first felt in downdog. As an instructor you never know a visually impaired student is going to walk into your Yoga class. Information comes to you in every class.
Finally, some strangers become your best friends, your lovers, and maybe even your enemies. Yoga has the power to move your life in different directions. While practicing with a Yoga community transformations occur. Without noticing deep emotions are released and relaxation surfaces. Strangers can quickly change into the familiar face category and a relationship begins to grow. As an instructor it is amazing to witness the changes within your students' practice and enjoy the friendly interactions.
The transformations help the group energy find a steady rhythm through breathing, meditating, and moving. Everyone finds a new comfort level over time. Teaching Yoga is amazing and I love to teach new and old faces.
Share your Yoga insight.
yours gingerly,
Whitney : )
When teaching to strangers you have minimal emotional connection. I still care about each student who walks into the Yoga space but it is a fresh interaction. The class comes together to practice. After, the students leave in separate directions. It is simple and exciting.
I love teaching to a new group of people, when they have no expectations or experience with Yoga. Guiding students through unfamiliar territory is thrilling. Currently, I have one new student who is over 6"5. Watching him move on his short mat is amazing because he is trying so hard to work through his asanas movement. Sometimes during three legged dog pose his foot ends up on someone else's mat "territory". You can tell how hard he is working to find his inner peace and it is wonderful to see students willing to share their space.
It is hard for an experienced practitioner to return to his or her first stages of Yoga. Understanding, new Yogis need for good direction and cues is valuable. The ability to give good direction comes from witnessing new Yogis move into postures, breath and be present, for the first time. The physical cues from students are invaluable to an instructor and practitioner. It is so easy to forget how you first felt in downdog. As an instructor you never know a visually impaired student is going to walk into your Yoga class. Information comes to you in every class.
Finally, some strangers become your best friends, your lovers, and maybe even your enemies. Yoga has the power to move your life in different directions. While practicing with a Yoga community transformations occur. Without noticing deep emotions are released and relaxation surfaces. Strangers can quickly change into the familiar face category and a relationship begins to grow. As an instructor it is amazing to witness the changes within your students' practice and enjoy the friendly interactions.
The transformations help the group energy find a steady rhythm through breathing, meditating, and moving. Everyone finds a new comfort level over time. Teaching Yoga is amazing and I love to teach new and old faces.
Share your Yoga insight.
yours gingerly,
Whitney : )
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Good-bye
A little change.
Today, my boyfriend left for his oral competition just outside NYC. For the past seven months we have spent almost every waking moment (except: Yoga friend slumber parties). I have no complaints, but we have gotten into a routine.
On a daily basis, we work hard to accommodate our personal schedules with my bicycle and his car. Trying to limit our eco footprints, one day at a time. The days are filled with school, work, Yoga, externship, packed lunch pails, and other commitments. We work hard to fill our days with happiness (goofy + mature moments) and motivation. I love working together and it is going to be different over the next couple of days.
The man will be away for five days. Prior to his departure, I have been planning activities with friends and looking forward to working with my own itinerary: teaching Yoga and attending classes. A little self indulgence. The time apart will be nice and I am already looking forward to his return.
It is so easy to find yourself in a daily rhythm with friends and commitments. Over the next couple of days I look forward to a little change of pace. Jazz things up a little.
Reflection and evaluation of my life is invaluable. Five days will help with reassessing my values and practices in my routine. Life can fly by quickly and breaking your routine does not need to have a negative result.
Good Luck and rock the competition, BCUL + teammates.
yours gingerly,
WG xx
Today, my boyfriend left for his oral competition just outside NYC. For the past seven months we have spent almost every waking moment (except: Yoga friend slumber parties). I have no complaints, but we have gotten into a routine.
On a daily basis, we work hard to accommodate our personal schedules with my bicycle and his car. Trying to limit our eco footprints, one day at a time. The days are filled with school, work, Yoga, externship, packed lunch pails, and other commitments. We work hard to fill our days with happiness (goofy + mature moments) and motivation. I love working together and it is going to be different over the next couple of days.
The man will be away for five days. Prior to his departure, I have been planning activities with friends and looking forward to working with my own itinerary: teaching Yoga and attending classes. A little self indulgence. The time apart will be nice and I am already looking forward to his return.
It is so easy to find yourself in a daily rhythm with friends and commitments. Over the next couple of days I look forward to a little change of pace. Jazz things up a little.
Reflection and evaluation of my life is invaluable. Five days will help with reassessing my values and practices in my routine. Life can fly by quickly and breaking your routine does not need to have a negative result.
Good Luck and rock the competition, BCUL + teammates.
yours gingerly,
WG xx
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Outbursts in the Yoga Room
Recently, I took a new role as a Yoga instructor at another studio. I took over the class because the old Yoga instructor moved to another city. Also, I wanted to teach another group of people. Monday night has become my new night to instruct and guide students through an introduction to Vinyasa class.
The group has been practicing together for years. New students come and go but their still remains a solid group of people. The class has at least 20 yogis each week and I love seeing the familiar faces return each Monday.
After teaching Yoga at the studio for 5 weeks, I finally feel confident with my abilities. My first class was the biggest challenge. I was nervous to teach in a new space and kept thinking about how everyone would react to my style and delivery. I wanted to make sure that the music was appropriate, that my voice projected clearly and that everyone could enjoy the Vinyasa experience. The students were aware of the change and were inviting.
Change is not always an easy thing and some are seldom willing to change. I was in the final 20 minutes of class when a student let me know how they felt about my instruction. I was giving directions for a different stretch in the pigeon posture when the student released her frustrations. The student said that he/she had no idea what I was guiding he/she into and wanted to let me know that he/she needed time to adjust because I was new. The student's body demonstrated that he/she was not open to my conversation or guidance. Instead of giving up, I re-approached him/her again and took him/her through the gentle steps. The student found the pose and immediately said "I do not feel anything". Just as I was about to explain the stretch further another student chirped in and said, "the stretch is subtle". The troubled student accepted the explanation and finished the class.
Two weeks later the same frustrated student came back to class. I maintained an open mind and was ready to try again. The student made sure to place his/her mat in front of mine and had a ball. I loved hearing the laughter and hearing it resonate off her mat and throughout the room. The students outburst was unexpected on my first day but I am glad that he/she has returned.
This week the class seemed to be in balance and I think I have gotten over the new teacher challenge. Each day is always a new experience. Learning one day at a time.
yours gingerly : )
namaste Yoga people xx
The group has been practicing together for years. New students come and go but their still remains a solid group of people. The class has at least 20 yogis each week and I love seeing the familiar faces return each Monday.
After teaching Yoga at the studio for 5 weeks, I finally feel confident with my abilities. My first class was the biggest challenge. I was nervous to teach in a new space and kept thinking about how everyone would react to my style and delivery. I wanted to make sure that the music was appropriate, that my voice projected clearly and that everyone could enjoy the Vinyasa experience. The students were aware of the change and were inviting.
Change is not always an easy thing and some are seldom willing to change. I was in the final 20 minutes of class when a student let me know how they felt about my instruction. I was giving directions for a different stretch in the pigeon posture when the student released her frustrations. The student said that he/she had no idea what I was guiding he/she into and wanted to let me know that he/she needed time to adjust because I was new. The student's body demonstrated that he/she was not open to my conversation or guidance. Instead of giving up, I re-approached him/her again and took him/her through the gentle steps. The student found the pose and immediately said "I do not feel anything". Just as I was about to explain the stretch further another student chirped in and said, "the stretch is subtle". The troubled student accepted the explanation and finished the class.
Two weeks later the same frustrated student came back to class. I maintained an open mind and was ready to try again. The student made sure to place his/her mat in front of mine and had a ball. I loved hearing the laughter and hearing it resonate off her mat and throughout the room. The students outburst was unexpected on my first day but I am glad that he/she has returned.
This week the class seemed to be in balance and I think I have gotten over the new teacher challenge. Each day is always a new experience. Learning one day at a time.
yours gingerly : )
namaste Yoga people xx
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Yoga Day USA
Two weeks ago, Journeys In Yoga, LLC Studio hosted a full day of FREE yoga. All of the Journeys In Yoga, LLC teachers and friends pitched in to help. The classes were packed. All day long, the good energy was flowing in and out of the studio. The studio had a huge heart. New and old Yoga community members fell in love with Journeys In Yoga, LLC.
The owner and her husband set up the space perfectly (if anyone else helped, way to go!). There were tables and chairs set up outside the studio for people to socialized and enjoy complimentary refreshments. Participants had the whole day to decide when they wanted to practice Yoga. Yoga classes started at 9:30 a.m. and ended at 5:00 p.m. The two studios helped to provide class variety and accommodate more people. Looking back, it is hard to remember how the studio first looked with only one studio space. Currently, the classes are packed and the Tallahassee, FL community is bringing Yoga into their weekly routine.
It was great to see new faces at the studio. People poured into the studio and everyone was ready to enjoy the complimentary Yoga classes. The studio was packed. When a class was too full, teachers offered to jump in and instruct an extra class in the second studio. The spontaneous and generous help made sure that Journeys could accommodate everyone. Yoga Day USA, reminded us all of how much Journeys In Yoga, LLC wants to give Yoga to everyone who is interested.
On Free Yoga day, I taught a class in the heat, and the room was packed with eager participants. There were new and old participants throughout the room. It was refreshing to teach a class with no expectations. Individuals were just grateful to practice. The class flew by and I loved every minute.
Unfortunately, I was unable to stay for the whole day because I was teaching at FSU in the afternoon. Journeys' Yoga spirit kept my good energy moving forward, and I had a magnificent time instructing a 70 person class. Free Yoga day was one of my best January 2010 memories! Cheers to the power of Yoga and many thanks to Journeys In Yoga, LLC Studio for your endless generosity!
The owner and her husband set up the space perfectly (if anyone else helped, way to go!). There were tables and chairs set up outside the studio for people to socialized and enjoy complimentary refreshments. Participants had the whole day to decide when they wanted to practice Yoga. Yoga classes started at 9:30 a.m. and ended at 5:00 p.m. The two studios helped to provide class variety and accommodate more people. Looking back, it is hard to remember how the studio first looked with only one studio space. Currently, the classes are packed and the Tallahassee, FL community is bringing Yoga into their weekly routine.
It was great to see new faces at the studio. People poured into the studio and everyone was ready to enjoy the complimentary Yoga classes. The studio was packed. When a class was too full, teachers offered to jump in and instruct an extra class in the second studio. The spontaneous and generous help made sure that Journeys could accommodate everyone. Yoga Day USA, reminded us all of how much Journeys In Yoga, LLC wants to give Yoga to everyone who is interested.
On Free Yoga day, I taught a class in the heat, and the room was packed with eager participants. There were new and old participants throughout the room. It was refreshing to teach a class with no expectations. Individuals were just grateful to practice. The class flew by and I loved every minute.
Unfortunately, I was unable to stay for the whole day because I was teaching at FSU in the afternoon. Journeys' Yoga spirit kept my good energy moving forward, and I had a magnificent time instructing a 70 person class. Free Yoga day was one of my best January 2010 memories! Cheers to the power of Yoga and many thanks to Journeys In Yoga, LLC Studio for your endless generosity!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Gluten-Free Banana Pancakes!
As requested here is my only pancake recipe. They are amazing and simple!
Ingredients
2 Mashed Bananas
1/2 Cup Almond/ Soy / Rice / any kind of Milk
1 tsp Vanilla
2 tbsp Ground Flaxseed
1/2-2/3 Cup Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Pancake Mix
1/4 Cup Walnuts (optional)
1/4 Cup Chocolate chips (optional)
1/2 Cup blueberries (optional)
Mix first four ingredients and add the pancake mix. Stir in walnuts and blueberries. If you choose to use chocolate chips add them after mix has been placed on the pan. Cook pancakes below medium temperature. Once bubbles start to form it is time to flip them. The pancakes are delicate and need to be flipped with care.
Enjoy and feel free to provide feedback. Don't forget to use fresh Canadian maple syrup!
namaste
WG =)
Ingredients
2 Mashed Bananas
1/2 Cup Almond/ Soy / Rice / any kind of Milk
1 tsp Vanilla
2 tbsp Ground Flaxseed
1/2-2/3 Cup Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Pancake Mix
1/4 Cup Walnuts (optional)
1/4 Cup Chocolate chips (optional)
1/2 Cup blueberries (optional)
Mix first four ingredients and add the pancake mix. Stir in walnuts and blueberries. If you choose to use chocolate chips add them after mix has been placed on the pan. Cook pancakes below medium temperature. Once bubbles start to form it is time to flip them. The pancakes are delicate and need to be flipped with care.
Enjoy and feel free to provide feedback. Don't forget to use fresh Canadian maple syrup!
namaste
WG =)
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Joschi Body Bodega Yoga Studio in NYC
Thank you Cooper, for my holiday gift. Yoga classes in New York City were perfection on a stick!
It is hard to find the perfect gift that is thoughtful, personal, and green. The Yoga classes were all of the above. First of all, I love Yoga. Second, the gift required minimal waste in order to package it in an envelope. Finally, I was completely surprised and more excited for our visit with Cooper's family in NYC.
I had been mulling over different Yoga studios in NYC, but could not make a decision. Unexpectedly, Cooper, took a shot in the dark and picked a studio that was close to his Uncle's apartment and a studio that had good online reviews. It was logical and turned out to be perfect! Yoschi Body Bodega mailed the five class pass to my home in Canada, and made sure that I could open it on Christmas morning. I was given 5 Yoga classes at Joschi Body Bodega, which was perfect for our six day visit.
I loved the cold walks to and from Yoga class. It was a nice change from Tallahassee, FL. The classes were dynamic and full of energy. They found a perfect fusion between Yoga, Pilates, and dance. Each class had a creative flow that appropriately challenged my strength and endurance. It was a nice break to practice Yoga and not have to think about instructing. Everyone needs a break, and time to mentally refocus.
I am now back in Tallahassee, FL and sharing my Yoga experiences.
namaste,
WG
It is hard to find the perfect gift that is thoughtful, personal, and green. The Yoga classes were all of the above. First of all, I love Yoga. Second, the gift required minimal waste in order to package it in an envelope. Finally, I was completely surprised and more excited for our visit with Cooper's family in NYC.
I had been mulling over different Yoga studios in NYC, but could not make a decision. Unexpectedly, Cooper, took a shot in the dark and picked a studio that was close to his Uncle's apartment and a studio that had good online reviews. It was logical and turned out to be perfect! Yoschi Body Bodega mailed the five class pass to my home in Canada, and made sure that I could open it on Christmas morning. I was given 5 Yoga classes at Joschi Body Bodega, which was perfect for our six day visit.
I loved the cold walks to and from Yoga class. It was a nice change from Tallahassee, FL. The classes were dynamic and full of energy. They found a perfect fusion between Yoga, Pilates, and dance. Each class had a creative flow that appropriately challenged my strength and endurance. It was a nice break to practice Yoga and not have to think about instructing. Everyone needs a break, and time to mentally refocus.
I am now back in Tallahassee, FL and sharing my Yoga experiences.
namaste,
WG
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)