Loss and gain
What happens when you lose your practice?
Strangely and divinely enough, several students have asked me this exact question this week. And this is when I’m like oh, you really are my best teachers. I swear.
What happens when the body feels ache, cranky, the parts are miscommunicating, then the overlay of the thinking brain further clouds the picture? And nothing feels right? The hip bone feels like it is connected to the ear, the ear to the ass, and the ass feels the width of your dining room table?
Is that what’s meant by losing the practice? Or is it not having faith in the body, in the mind, in the self. Is it being blocked? Another student today said that she equated losing her practice to the creative block she’s feeling now. For her, yes, this is losing the practice b/c she lives to create. That’s her real practice. The asanas are but one part of her creative process.
I said to the first student to have faith. By the time the third one asked me, I was saying lose the practice. Let it completely go. Drop it off the highest cliff into the deepest canyon you can find. Because if we don’t lose our practice we never find it again. There’s no progress. There’s no scenic route.
I don’t mean progress in the context of get better, but in the context of shedding what we don’t need. Peeling off the dead petals to get to the fresh ones. Polishing the tarnish off the silver.
Because once we arrive somewhere, we start to get comfortable. We skiphop from stable to comfortable to stuck with whiplash speed. It might happen so fast that it catches us off guard. I know when I’m stuck. I can go from stable to stuck mighty fast. Is it that I paid so much attention to getting stable b/c I didn’t want to sit with the instability and the insecurity that comes from that, that once I am there I get lazy?
Ok, say that three times quick.
If I don’t lose my practice as it is — or as I think it is — then I don’t gain insights. I never sweat or shake or get uncomfortable. I never cry. I never laugh or have those OH there it is kinda moments. OH that’s what it means to be in a perfectly aligned handstand, there’s that glimmer or a breath, even half a breath……
I lose my practice to gain perspective which informs my practice. Then, I can be steady and comfortable again, at least until the next time when I’m not. Maybe it is going beyond loss and gain to simply what is.
I had a famous yoga teacher question my usage of the word faith once. She implied that it didn’t have context on the yoga mat. But you see, I teach beginners/basics/therapeutics almost exclusively and these practices wouldn’t happen with no faith. It is all about faith in the beginning when you are sweating and shaking and quivering and clumsy and awkward. Talk about loss. The first few classes can be like getting hit by an anvil from above. Then the poses and the verbiage and the technique comes, as does the joy. We lose the preconceived notions of being NOT FLEXIBLE. Of not having a YOGA BODY. Or whatever crapstorm we created to keep ourselves small and afraid and …. and yeah, stuck.
There must be joy in technique, and if the body’s not ready for technique A — say stepping the right foot forward — you do it anyway. You take two steps. Or three. Or use blocks. And then the foot gets there and there’s something else that takes a few weeks or a decade to do.
And we lose things we don’t need. We gain things we do. For me, it isn’t so much about being afraid to lose — that’s cool. It is the good stuff that could possibly crop up in it’s place that scares the bejesus and the bezulbubhs out of me.
Go ahead and sandblast your practice. That’s what I’ve been doing lately. As such, my elusive full wheel — and I do mean elusive — has appeared.
Have faith. And laugh heartily as you fall.
(Note from Steph: I wrote this in Sept. 2006 for my old blog and just stumbled across it. It seems particularly appropriate, so I’m re-posting it here. )
Yoga for Thyroid Balancing with Sarah Willis
Part of our Bright Minds; Big Hearts Workshop Series
Yoga for Thyroid Balancing : Awakening the 5th Chakra with Sarah Willis
Date & Time: Saturday, March 5th; 4-6:00pm
Cost: $40
Level: Open to all, whether you are diagnosed with hypo-or hyperthyroid conditions.; no prior yoga experience necessary.
Sign up online through your MBO account or at the front desk.
Some studies indicate that up to 30% of the American population suffers from thyroid disease, ranging from mild hypo- or hyperthyroidism, to Graves Disease, and Haschimotos, Co. Commonly employed modern medical practices include taking synthetic thyroid hormone daily; introducing radioactive iodine into the system; and in some cases, surgical removal of the gland.
The ancient science of Yoga tackles the problem from a more holistic point of view. Very specific yoga postures, pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditation, are incorporated into daily practice, along with diet modification. Following such a protocol can provide real and lasting results to people suffering from thyroid disease, because when followed faithfully over time, the work re-calibrates and revitalizes glandular, and immune system function.
This workshop is open to everyone, whether you are diagnosed with hypo-or hyperthyroid conditions. You do not need prior Yoga experience, nor do you have to be currently afflicted with thyroid disease to participate. 5th Chakra (for which thyroid and parathyroid glands are the energetic center) work is also helpful for those who would like to improve their hearing and singing voices.
Sarah Willis has practiced Yoga since 1997 and has been a daily practitioner of Ashtanga Yoga since 1999. She traveled to the city of Mysore, in India, in order to study with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois for an extended period in 2001. In 2000 she was certified as a Jivamukti Yoga instructor, has completed advanced teacher intensive certifications with Richard Freeman, and has also has received much guidance from honored Ashtanga teacher, Eddie Stern. Sarah is the director of Nava Yoga in Zagreb, Croatia, and its accredited teacher-training program.
Giving Back
Sometimes the loop of building compassion and generosity toward ourselves so that we can share it with others, extends much further than our immediate relationships.
Through the efforts of all the wonderful teachers who taught the community classes and the students who attended, we raised $1, 175 in 2010! That’s $370 more than in 2009.
Thank you most recently to Anna, Whitney, Meghan, Christina, Catherine, Kristi and Melissa, and earlier in 2010, to Lindsay, Lauren G, Britt, Tracy, Kristen, Killian, Claire, Daniella and Tamara B.
We distributed the proceeds to:
- The Lineage Project
- Bent on Learning
- City Harvest
- Partners in Health
- Environmental Working Group
We will let you know when community classes will resume and when we will be running any classes/workshops intended for donation to a specific cause.
Thank you all again for your generosity of spirit and time. It’s wonderful to see how far and wide our community reaches.
Namaste,
Christina
S is for …
S is for … shoulders! (Silly, did you think I was going to say SNOW? ) De-schlump those scaps tonight in Steph’s 6:45 pm All-Levels class.
Here’s what’s on the docket for tonight:
Eagle Arms and cow-faced arms in hero’s pose
Upright shoulder stand with strap
Wrist & shoulder stretches on the wall (like the ones here)
Forearm dog -> forearm stand
Headstand prep with blocks -> headstand
Supported fish
And breathing into all that space that we’re creating as we de-stress and de-schlump!
Off the mat inspiration
http://wellandgoodnyc.com/2011/01/20/a-sunday-supper-club-that-makes-lunches-for-the-week/
This is a great write up on Joanna and Christine, two of Mala’s lovely yoginis. Talk about commitment — and a great idea! Thanks for the inspiration, J & C.
Ashtanga Yoga
Part of Mala Yoga’s ‘Finding the Present Moment in Tradition‘ series.
Ashtanga Yoga the Primary Series with Christina Hatgis
Date & Time: Saturday, February 5th; 4-6pm
Cost: $45/space limited to 10 people, pre-registration essential!
Register online through your MindBody Online account or at the front desk.
Levels: Intermediate; not suitable for beginners
What is Ashtanga? The late Sri K.Patthabi Jois developed the Ashtanga system of yoga. He worked closely with his teacher, Krishnamacharya, to develop the six series of yoga poses based on their studies of the ancient yoga text the Yoga Korunta. The “primary series” has greatly influenced contemporary American vinyasa yoga.
Students will learn
• An overview of the postures in the primary series and discuss the vinyasa aspect of the practice.
• They will learn how ujjayi breath, the bandhas (energetic locks) and the drishti (gazing points) support the asanas to create a powerful and healing practice.
Christina, co-director of Mala Yoga, has practiced Asthanga Vinyasa yoga for over 10 years. She has greatly benefited from the daily practice of Ashtanga yoga and is excited to introduce the Ashtanga practice in its classical form, through this experiential workshop. Christina studies with New York City’s leading Ashtanga teacher Eddie Stern.
Questions? Please contact Christina at Christina@malayoganyc.com
To register, stop by the front desk or email info@malayoganyc.com
Workshop Series Descriptions
2011 workshop series at Mala
BREAK IT DOWN TO BUILD IT UP: In these workshops we dissect poses that are seen in every class at Mala Yoga. Students learn what physical actions are needed to safely hold and experience the pose. We’ll look at bodies and assess if, due to structural “stuff”, we need to adjust how to enter, hold, and exit a pose. These workshops are suitable for beginners to advanced practitioners with the greatest appeal to “yoga geeks.”
STEP IT UP: Have you been swimming in the shallow end of the pool for 2, 3, or 5 years? Meaning, if you have been in basics classes for a while and are intimidated by “all levels,” or even worse, “intermediate/advanced” – these workshops are for YOU. Here, in a small group environment, you can explore the physical and mental transitions that build the confidence to keep you safe and get you strong to advance your practice. Challenge your habits and kick your practice up a notch!
Bright Minds, Big Hearts: We’re lucky to live in a time where there are so many great teachers sharing their wisdom on yoga and other mind/body disciplines. See what guest teachers are bringing their wisdom, humor, and practices with the Mala community in 2011.
Find the Present Moment in Tradition: Students get the time and space to explore the origins of the modern yoga practice, from translating and discussing ancient texts to moving through a series of postures considered “classical,” to just being still on their meditation cushions.
The Adventure Series: Highly physical, greatly humorous and outrageously fun, these workshops nudge you to push your boundaries. Come prepared to try those back of the book poses, and choose your adventure!
The Family Series: Family Yoga classes are designed to bring this beautiful practice to everyone. Each class will provide tools, games and poses that can be practiced at home with your family. Classes improve strength, coordination and flexibility. Meditation, chanting and relaxation techniques are incorporated into each session. No yoga experience necessary, classes appropriate for 2-6 year olds. Adult participation is required.
It’s January!
Please note that we are watching the weather and will update the site and facebook if there are any changes to the schedule. In the mean time take a look at what’s to come in the next few weeks.
Untangling the Yoga Sutras with Jen Whitney
Family Yoga with Lauren Maples
And in case you can’t get to class, keep your practice going with our podcasts!
PS – It was 81 F in Costa Rica today!
Sale and Price Increase
As the days of 2010 wane, and our family, work and social obligations seem to increase, we may notice that something is missing — our asana practice. We now have plenty of opportunities to practice patience, compassion and loving-kindness. But, with the holiday parties and home-baked cookies, we may slip off the mat at a time when we might need it the most.
As yogis, though, we know we can always start anew! With January just days away, we want to provide some incentive to recommit, stay committed, or just get started with your yoga practice.
SALE:
Our sale runs from Monday, January 3rd – Sunday, January 9th
• $5.00 off the 5-class series = $70.00
• $10.00 off the 10-class series = $130.00
• $15.00 off the 20-class series = $245.00
• Commit to automatic pay for 3 months unlimited = $140.00 per month
(total over 3 months = $420.00)
Sale is limited to 2 cards per customer
PRICE INCREASE:
On Monday, January 10th, we are introducing new prices:
• Drop In = $17.00 ($1.00 increase)
• 5-class series = $80.00 ($5.00 increase)
• 10-class series = $145.00 ($5.00 increase)
• Commit to automatic pay for 3 months unlimited = $140.00 per month
(total over 3 months = $420.00)
Hour-long classes
• Drop In hour-long = $13.00 ($1.00 increase)
• 10-class-series = $110.00 ($10.00 increase)
We ARE NOT increasing the prices on the 20-class cards and the 1-month unlimited card. Please note you can pay for hour-long classes with a 20-class series. We are also introducing the automatic pay option for those students who want to commit to a three month unlimited card.
We thank you for all your support and look forward to offering great yoga in a community-based environment.