Four years ago I started practicing Yoga in Loretto, PA with my sociology professor. Every Wednesday I went to track practice early, so that I could attend Yoga class. The class was in a damp and cold church recreational hall. I loved the class and started sharing my experiences with my teammates. Shortly after my church Yoga experience, I was certified, practicing, and teaching Yoga classes.
Recently, as in this weekend, I went to a Anusara workshop with Joyce Savitz (www.jacksonvilleyoga.com). I took two of her two hour yoga workshops and fell in love with Anusara. Derived from Iyengar Yoga, it focuses on alignment and opening your heart. Joyce went through postures with effective cues and extensive insight from her personal practice. After my first class I left feeling rejuvenated and inspired to continue the Anusara practice.
Today, I have been searching the web looking for workshops and teachers offering classes. My journey has begun to further explore alignment and to grow in my personal practice with Anusara.
Off to do more Anusara research =)
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Om
Over the past four years I have been practicing my Om. I started to Om in classes and now I have started to guide group Oms in my Yoga classes. The sound makes a cool vibration through your body. I share the sound because the buzzing clears your mind and relaxes your entire body. State of bliss.
I love to hear a long and powerful Om.
Personally, finding the breath and the vocal cords have always been problematic. I always avoided singing in grade school or at a religious institution. Today, when I am leading an Om, my mind always reflects back to my choir tryout for Joseph and the Technical Dream Coat children's choir. That day I chose to sing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star". Just to keep things straight, a professional voice coach has confirmed that I am a soprano and I am pretty sure I picked the right tryout song. Unfortunately, I was not selected = ( After this I was always chosen to act and dance. I was never asked to sing for any show or church special. Fortunately, I loved dancing and I had more skills in the dance department.
Just recently, I was visiting my 9 year old cousin. She was showing me youtube music videos and her mom (my aunt) was singing to the Lady Ga Ga ones. When my aunt was not paying attention, my cousin whispered and said "my mom is a horrible singer". I whispered, "my voice sounds the exact same as your mom's" and we both laughed. My aunt continued to enjoy singing but the voice comment was hilarious. Some people have better vocal abilities and I can only focus on improving mine, one Om at a time.
Finally, do not be afraid to Om in Yoga class or on your own. Everyone is focusing on their own breath and sound. Take in the benefits and look beyond the self.
Peace + OMs
I love to hear a long and powerful Om.
Personally, finding the breath and the vocal cords have always been problematic. I always avoided singing in grade school or at a religious institution. Today, when I am leading an Om, my mind always reflects back to my choir tryout for Joseph and the Technical Dream Coat children's choir. That day I chose to sing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star". Just to keep things straight, a professional voice coach has confirmed that I am a soprano and I am pretty sure I picked the right tryout song. Unfortunately, I was not selected = ( After this I was always chosen to act and dance. I was never asked to sing for any show or church special. Fortunately, I loved dancing and I had more skills in the dance department.
Just recently, I was visiting my 9 year old cousin. She was showing me youtube music videos and her mom (my aunt) was singing to the Lady Ga Ga ones. When my aunt was not paying attention, my cousin whispered and said "my mom is a horrible singer". I whispered, "my voice sounds the exact same as your mom's" and we both laughed. My aunt continued to enjoy singing but the voice comment was hilarious. Some people have better vocal abilities and I can only focus on improving mine, one Om at a time.
Finally, do not be afraid to Om in Yoga class or on your own. Everyone is focusing on their own breath and sound. Take in the benefits and look beyond the self.
Peace + OMs
Monday, February 22, 2010
Community Connection
Recently, I realized the power I have as a Yoga instructor. My giant Yoga classes bring a dynamic group of people together each week. At the age of 87, my grandfather is always counting how many friends he has left from his 20s. He values every friendship and each person he meets because at his age his friends do not stick around for as long. My grandfather gives me the courage, to go out and meet new people. My ultimate goal in life, is to find wisdom through the number of people I meet and befriend.
My grandfather is always inspiring my energy and he has lead me to my place as a Yoga guide. Saturday, at the end of my Power Yoga class, I announced my proposal to have an outdoor Yoga session on Landis Green to the 70+ class. Seventeen students signed up and the next day I had 19 students show up on Landis Green. We moved through sun salutations, partner poses and closed with a long meditation. The outdoors helped me feel more grounded as an instructor and brought everyone outside to enjoy the green space (water fountain) on campus.
The Florida sunshine is truly inspirational because it made me spontaneously plan an outdoor Yoga class on campus. Each week my classes are filled with students who attend FSU. We all come from different disciplines and appreciate the connection we find in the Yoga room. I am looking forward to next Sunday because I predict sunshine and more Yoga friends.
Namaste
Whitney =)
My grandfather is always inspiring my energy and he has lead me to my place as a Yoga guide. Saturday, at the end of my Power Yoga class, I announced my proposal to have an outdoor Yoga session on Landis Green to the 70+ class. Seventeen students signed up and the next day I had 19 students show up on Landis Green. We moved through sun salutations, partner poses and closed with a long meditation. The outdoors helped me feel more grounded as an instructor and brought everyone outside to enjoy the green space (water fountain) on campus.
The Florida sunshine is truly inspirational because it made me spontaneously plan an outdoor Yoga class on campus. Each week my classes are filled with students who attend FSU. We all come from different disciplines and appreciate the connection we find in the Yoga room. I am looking forward to next Sunday because I predict sunshine and more Yoga friends.
Namaste
Whitney =)
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Florida Sunshine
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 =)
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 =)
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
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