Last week was a particularly strange one for me. One day was completely wonderful, and the next I felt just awful. It was a roller coaster of nervous energy and self-doubt, and no matter how I tried to breathe through it all, it was hard to hang on for the ride. I realized, however, that the turbulence came from the difference between my expectations and my actual experiences. And here’s what I mean:
I had been looking forward to attending a particular yoga class. I’ve been courting the idea of taking another teacher training, and have been taking classes with teachers I think I would like to learn more from. So not only was I looking forward to taking a class, I was hoping to find some sign that this instructor could really be “my teacher.”
Instead, when I got to class, I found that it was her birthday, and she was splitting the class into three half-hours of different activities that involved body movement.
It was different, it was new, and I was thrown.
I had expected a yoga class. I tried to calm myself thinking, “Come on, April. Calm down, and just be open to something new. Maybe this is what you need – to learn to be flexible and playful and in the moment.” So on the class went.
We twirled toys, danced wildly, and made noises not commonly heard in a yoga class. I found myself jiggling and hopping around, and did feel a little bit like a kid. We ended with a series of salutations in a circle spreading out like a wheel that felt very unifying. But then as we began our Savasana, the instructor mentioned she had brought a prayer bead on a necklace for everyone and that as we were lulled by the musicians singing kirtan, she would go around and hand them out.
I could feel my heart beating faster, and felt my jaw unable to relax. I was suddenly anxious.
The school child in me kept praying, “Pick me! Pick me!” And I became overwhelmingly desirous of the special bead, from this special instructor, who I hoped would be “my teacher.” As I realized how much I wanted the bead, I felt very sad. Savasana seemed to last FOREVER, and I could feel its weight on my chest. I actually began to cry silently, hoping my tears would blend with the beads of sweat running down my face. I was embarrassed by my emotion.
Time ticked itself away in the rhythms of the kirtan, and vibrated through my skull. I lay there, beadless.
I felt motion around me. Then I realized everyone was getting up and the class was over. I looked around, watching people hug and tie their necklaces around themselves. I think I was one of a few people that did not get one, although the instructor still had some in her hand as she said goodbye to those students familiar to her.
I don’t think I didn’t get a bead because she did not know me, or for any particular reason. Who knows, maybe she didn’t want to disturb my meditation.
All I do know is that I did not feel comfortable asking her for a bead. So I went to my car and cried like a baby, feeling absolutely juvenile. It occurred to me, “maybe she is not ‘my teacher.’”
I’m not sure if I was so saddened because I wanted her to be my teacher, or because I did not feel comfortable asking for what I wanted. And what was it that I wanted, specifically? To find my teacher? To be chosen? To feel special?
Well, that day ended. And the next began.
I took a wonderful yoga class from another teacher, whom I adore and feel very much mentored by, and actually had a wonderful conversation with her about my “bead” experience. Talking to her about it made me feel absolutely lighter. I revealed that she might be my teacher, even if she’s not so sure herself…
I then left to teach my class at the YMCA which was packed, and just filled with people that had such great, positive, and electrifying energy. I had so much fun teaching, and felt just full of happiness as I left.
When I made it to dinner with my husband and my Abba (one of my fathers-in-law) I was so excited to tell them about it. But before I could begin, my Abba pulled out a small, plain box, and said he found something at a store that he thought I would like and seemed to suit me. “How sweet! An unexpected little gift,” I blabbed.
I opened the box to find an entire necklace of Mala beads.
I kid you not, the full Hindu rosary of 108 prayer beads was staring up at me from its humble little package. He had no idea just how special this gift was to me…
I guess what I took from this is that although we think we want certain things, the things we need often come at a time or place or from a person we least expect.
So, my question to you, my faithful readers, is this: What lesson do you think the universe was trying to send me? Post your comments if you feel so moved...
Peace, and I wish you all wonderful things in unexpected moments!
-April KirkHart
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Web site Launch for GODA Yoga!
I thank the powers that be every day for the opportunity to teach yoga. And the studios that I have the privilege to teach at are such special places to me, and of course to my students, that I do love to boast about them when I can, and as often as I can.
This is why I am so excited to let you all know that if you haven't already checked out the websites of the studios I teach at, now would be a good time! GODA Yoga has just remodeled it's website and it is just beautiful. Take a gander at the workshops page, the instructor's page, where you will find moi, and everything else it has to offer. I am so proud to be a part of this lovely studio/community!
You can visit their website at: www.godayoga.com
Stay tuned for more posts to come. In the meantime, my weekly schedule is as follows:
GODA Yoga
Sundays 12:45 - 2:15pm - Beginner level class
Your Neighborhood Studio
Mon, Fri, Sundays 9:00 - 10:30 - Yoga Flow (more vigorous)
YMCA Santa Monica
Wednesdays 6:00 - 7:25pm - Level 2/3 Flow class
This is why I am so excited to let you all know that if you haven't already checked out the websites of the studios I teach at, now would be a good time! GODA Yoga has just remodeled it's website and it is just beautiful. Take a gander at the workshops page, the instructor's page, where you will find moi, and everything else it has to offer. I am so proud to be a part of this lovely studio/community!
You can visit their website at: www.godayoga.com
Stay tuned for more posts to come. In the meantime, my weekly schedule is as follows:
GODA Yoga
Sundays 12:45 - 2:15pm - Beginner level class
Your Neighborhood Studio
Mon, Fri, Sundays 9:00 - 10:30 - Yoga Flow (more vigorous)
YMCA Santa Monica
Wednesdays 6:00 - 7:25pm - Level 2/3 Flow class
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
TWO Sunday classes, and a shout to my YMCA students...
To all of my readers who've lamented the fact that I was teaching during the week and inconveniently during your work hours... I am now teaching 2 classes on Sundays at 2 different studios! So many options, I know, your heads might explode. No really. Check it out:
Sunday Schedule:
Sunday 9:00 - 10:30 am - Your Neighborhood Studio - Yoga Flow
Sunday 12:45 - 2:15 pm - GODA Yoga - Beginner Hatha Mix
*For those of you without your yoga decoder ring - Yoga Flow is a more aerobically focused practice of yoga in the "ashtanga" or "power yoga" tradition. All levels are welcome that are prepared to sweat some. "Hatha Mix" generally has a bit of a slower pace, longer holds, so strength building and deep stretches, and you'll be surprised that sometimes holding a pose can create heat as much as moving into another pose... But this is a more beginner focused class, so those of you trying to ease back into it for the new year, this class may be for you!
Intro to Yoga Workshop: Also note, that I am teaching this workshop at GODA Yoga this Sunday, Feb. 2nd from 2:30-4:30pm. I'll be going over a brief history of yoga, talk a bit about the philosophy, and what to expect in a yoga class. Then I will lead us through a very beginner level class. If you've never done yoga before, or know someone who wants to try it, PLEASE check this class out. You get another class with this registration.
For my YMCA students:
I forgot to tell you last week that although I will be at the YMCA tomorrow during my class time, I won't be teaching your yoga class. I am required each year to take a Safety training by the Y, and a separate CPR certification class. You will have a sub tomorrow, Weds January 30th, whom I thank dearly for covering my class. I promise to see you the following week!
Keep your eyes peeled for new posts to come!
Sincerely,
April KirkHart
www.workofheartyoga.com
(310) 559-2570
workofheartyoga@gmail.com
Sunday Schedule:
Sunday 9:00 - 10:30 am - Your Neighborhood Studio - Yoga Flow
Sunday 12:45 - 2:15 pm - GODA Yoga - Beginner Hatha Mix
*For those of you without your yoga decoder ring - Yoga Flow is a more aerobically focused practice of yoga in the "ashtanga" or "power yoga" tradition. All levels are welcome that are prepared to sweat some. "Hatha Mix" generally has a bit of a slower pace, longer holds, so strength building and deep stretches, and you'll be surprised that sometimes holding a pose can create heat as much as moving into another pose... But this is a more beginner focused class, so those of you trying to ease back into it for the new year, this class may be for you!
Intro to Yoga Workshop: Also note, that I am teaching this workshop at GODA Yoga this Sunday, Feb. 2nd from 2:30-4:30pm. I'll be going over a brief history of yoga, talk a bit about the philosophy, and what to expect in a yoga class. Then I will lead us through a very beginner level class. If you've never done yoga before, or know someone who wants to try it, PLEASE check this class out. You get another class with this registration.
For my YMCA students:
I forgot to tell you last week that although I will be at the YMCA tomorrow during my class time, I won't be teaching your yoga class. I am required each year to take a Safety training by the Y, and a separate CPR certification class. You will have a sub tomorrow, Weds January 30th, whom I thank dearly for covering my class. I promise to see you the following week!
Keep your eyes peeled for new posts to come!
Sincerely,
April KirkHart
www.workofheartyoga.com
(310) 559-2570
workofheartyoga@gmail.com
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Let's not dance around it...the Yoga Fart.
There, I said it.
What would possess me to write about such a topic on my wonderfully designed website/blog? Aren't I afraid of scaring off the more easily offended and reserved subscribers that may be tuning in?
The answer my dears, is No. I fear not offending ye, and shall tell ye why.
It's real. It is not a myth. The Yoga Fart. It's out there, like school yard humiliation waiting for the perfect moment to pounce, unexpectedly, rumbling up from the depths of who knows where, in the middle of a perfectly zen-like yoga class.
Picture it: there you are, in your yoga clothes, be they snug or be they loose, with your own special 6 ft by 2.5 ft sticky mat claim of space. You are deeply into your breathing, mastering the focus of the mind, hands pressing into the floor, hips lifted for downward facing dog, and as you exhale and tilt your tailbone up, the alarms sound...an escapee. "Brrrrrrrrup!" There was nothing you could do, no warning, no little cramp of gas to alert you, that one was about to let fly.
Or picture THIS: you are having a terrific class, you feel like you are in the yoga meditative zone, you even popped up into headstand without putting a hole in the studio wall for the first time. As you drop down and come into child's pose, the instructor comes over and he/she presses on your low back to help your hips drop. As you inhale deeply, as instructed, the belly balloons with air, an right then and there with the instructor hovering only a foot or two over you, *POW!*
Here's the deal.
Exercising in general tends to stir things up. Anyone who has ever exercised can attest to this. Whether it's swimming (much harder to hide the bubbles), running, sit-ups at the gym or in gym class in school, lifting weights, aerobics, dance, martial arts, or yoga.
The interesting thing is that asana practice - the physical practice of yoga - includes poses, such as pavanamuktasana or virasana, and movements, such as cat-cow stretch, that are actually designed to aid digestion, to help align sphincters and "massage" internal organs to work toxins out of the body's system. So, next time you eek one out, just think of it this way: it's a sign that the yoga is working! It's doin' its thing! And it's a sign that maybe some of the other things people say yoga can do for you might also be true (*mumbles and whispers ripple through the crowd, heads nodding...)
"But, April! That's EMBARRASSING in a class full of people!" Ok, ok. Before you get all red in the face... This should A) NOT deter you from doing yoga, especially my classes, and B) there are things you can do to deal with it.
If the escapee comes from your own temple/body:
1. Ignore it, and keep the mind focused. It's a natural thing, everyone's passed gas before. There may be one or two people in the class that are developmentally stuck at the age of 13 who won't be able to let it go, but most folks can sympathize and will forget it by the next pose.
2. Giggle and then sigh it out. Sighing is the ultimate sign of letting go, and if you feel the need to acknowledge it was you, go for the giggle. The sigh let's others know you have moved on and so should they.
3. Cough. It's the age-old trick, which fools no one, but is the socially-acceptable cover-up. Others will respect that you did the right thing by attempting to sweep it under the carpet/mat, if-you-will.
4. Say "excuse me." But that goes beyond all bravery. That's out and out claiming it. Choose this one wisely, however, because the social apology may actually draw others' attention to it when they'd already moved on, and it may disrupt others who are using their asana practice as a moving meditation.
If the escapee comes from a neighboring temple/body:
1. Ignore it. See number 1 above, unless you are actually 13, then move on to number 2.
2. Don't look around to see who turns red. Your focus should be on you, but granted, we are all human, and considering most Americans are raised on bathroom humor, it's human to giggle a little. But it's also human to try to be compassionate by not embarrassing or shaming someone else.
3. Say "excuse me," and take the fall for a fellow yogi! It's what you've been practicing Warrior II for anyways, right? You would go down in the books as a yoga hero, and create a little nook of good karma for yourself!
If you are a teacher and let one fly or one of your students lets one fly:
1. Talk over it. Works every time. It helps to calm the class giggles, and refocus their attention on the movements, the breathe, etc.
2. Take the fall. Saying "excuse me," will draw the attention back to you, even if folks know you didn't do it. And, taking the fall gives you the opportunity to explain that it happens sometimes, probably means the yoga is doing what it's supposed to do, that it's natural and to move on. An added benefit is that your students may see you are willing to go the extra mile for them. Being a teacher is often about creating a safe space for people to practice their yoga.
***The ONLY caveat here, is if this is not a little escapee, but an earth-rumbling, window-shattering, tyrant of a fart. In this case, a few things come to mind.
Sometimes, uncontrollable laughter strikes as unexpectedly as does gas. Sometimes you just gotta' roll with it, whether you are the farter or the witness to the fart. Try not to laugh maliciously, and try not to feel humiliated if others burst into giggles - they, too, are human.
Although I will reiterate, it is natural and happens sometimes, there are also some ways to avoid or decrease the arise of the Yoga Fart:
1. Try not eating or drinking for about 2 hours before doing yoga. This also lessens the chances of feeling a little heart-burn, and burping. If you have low-blood sugar, you can try some fruit juice or light fare (usually not protein) an hour or so before class.
2. Identify foods that give you more gas, and try not to eat those the day of your yoga class.
3. Make a trip to the bathroom before taking a class. Emptying out sometimes helps the mind be clear and ready to focus and can improve your yoga experience altogether.
*A note about your health: If you are constantly passing gas - you may want to look at your diet, particularly if you are experiencing physical discomfort. I am not versed on how much gas is normal to pass, but if it is causing you pain, or embarrassment, you might want to talk it over with your health care provider to see if anything is going on with your digestive tract.
Now, I pose it to you, my yoga readers: Do you think that Yoga is more "farty" than other physical practices? Do you have any particular stories you would like to offer up about one of your own "escapees" or how folks can deal with it should the issue arise? I welcome all comments, stories, anecdotes, research, etc. I would love to hear them. You can comment here on the blog, or email them to me at: workofheartyoga@gmail.com.
Now go, be free of your fears of the Yoga Fart. It won't destroy you. I promise. Not in my classes.
Namaste,
April KirkHart
www.workofheartyoga.com
(310) 559-2570
workofheartyoga@gmail.com
What would possess me to write about such a topic on my wonderfully designed website/blog? Aren't I afraid of scaring off the more easily offended and reserved subscribers that may be tuning in?
The answer my dears, is No. I fear not offending ye, and shall tell ye why.
It's real. It is not a myth. The Yoga Fart. It's out there, like school yard humiliation waiting for the perfect moment to pounce, unexpectedly, rumbling up from the depths of who knows where, in the middle of a perfectly zen-like yoga class.
Picture it: there you are, in your yoga clothes, be they snug or be they loose, with your own special 6 ft by 2.5 ft sticky mat claim of space. You are deeply into your breathing, mastering the focus of the mind, hands pressing into the floor, hips lifted for downward facing dog, and as you exhale and tilt your tailbone up, the alarms sound...an escapee. "Brrrrrrrrup!" There was nothing you could do, no warning, no little cramp of gas to alert you, that one was about to let fly.
Or picture THIS: you are having a terrific class, you feel like you are in the yoga meditative zone, you even popped up into headstand without putting a hole in the studio wall for the first time. As you drop down and come into child's pose, the instructor comes over and he/she presses on your low back to help your hips drop. As you inhale deeply, as instructed, the belly balloons with air, an right then and there with the instructor hovering only a foot or two over you, *POW!*
Here's the deal.
Exercising in general tends to stir things up. Anyone who has ever exercised can attest to this. Whether it's swimming (much harder to hide the bubbles), running, sit-ups at the gym or in gym class in school, lifting weights, aerobics, dance, martial arts, or yoga.
The interesting thing is that asana practice - the physical practice of yoga - includes poses, such as pavanamuktasana or virasana, and movements, such as cat-cow stretch, that are actually designed to aid digestion, to help align sphincters and "massage" internal organs to work toxins out of the body's system. So, next time you eek one out, just think of it this way: it's a sign that the yoga is working! It's doin' its thing! And it's a sign that maybe some of the other things people say yoga can do for you might also be true (*mumbles and whispers ripple through the crowd, heads nodding...)
"But, April! That's EMBARRASSING in a class full of people!" Ok, ok. Before you get all red in the face... This should A) NOT deter you from doing yoga, especially my classes, and B) there are things you can do to deal with it.
If the escapee comes from your own temple/body:
1. Ignore it, and keep the mind focused. It's a natural thing, everyone's passed gas before. There may be one or two people in the class that are developmentally stuck at the age of 13 who won't be able to let it go, but most folks can sympathize and will forget it by the next pose.
2. Giggle and then sigh it out. Sighing is the ultimate sign of letting go, and if you feel the need to acknowledge it was you, go for the giggle. The sigh let's others know you have moved on and so should they.
3. Cough. It's the age-old trick, which fools no one, but is the socially-acceptable cover-up. Others will respect that you did the right thing by attempting to sweep it under the carpet/mat, if-you-will.
4. Say "excuse me." But that goes beyond all bravery. That's out and out claiming it. Choose this one wisely, however, because the social apology may actually draw others' attention to it when they'd already moved on, and it may disrupt others who are using their asana practice as a moving meditation.
If the escapee comes from a neighboring temple/body:
1. Ignore it. See number 1 above, unless you are actually 13, then move on to number 2.
2. Don't look around to see who turns red. Your focus should be on you, but granted, we are all human, and considering most Americans are raised on bathroom humor, it's human to giggle a little. But it's also human to try to be compassionate by not embarrassing or shaming someone else.
3. Say "excuse me," and take the fall for a fellow yogi! It's what you've been practicing Warrior II for anyways, right? You would go down in the books as a yoga hero, and create a little nook of good karma for yourself!
If you are a teacher and let one fly or one of your students lets one fly:
1. Talk over it. Works every time. It helps to calm the class giggles, and refocus their attention on the movements, the breathe, etc.
2. Take the fall. Saying "excuse me," will draw the attention back to you, even if folks know you didn't do it. And, taking the fall gives you the opportunity to explain that it happens sometimes, probably means the yoga is doing what it's supposed to do, that it's natural and to move on. An added benefit is that your students may see you are willing to go the extra mile for them. Being a teacher is often about creating a safe space for people to practice their yoga.
***The ONLY caveat here, is if this is not a little escapee, but an earth-rumbling, window-shattering, tyrant of a fart. In this case, a few things come to mind.
Sometimes, uncontrollable laughter strikes as unexpectedly as does gas. Sometimes you just gotta' roll with it, whether you are the farter or the witness to the fart. Try not to laugh maliciously, and try not to feel humiliated if others burst into giggles - they, too, are human.
Although I will reiterate, it is natural and happens sometimes, there are also some ways to avoid or decrease the arise of the Yoga Fart:
1. Try not eating or drinking for about 2 hours before doing yoga. This also lessens the chances of feeling a little heart-burn, and burping. If you have low-blood sugar, you can try some fruit juice or light fare (usually not protein) an hour or so before class.
2. Identify foods that give you more gas, and try not to eat those the day of your yoga class.
3. Make a trip to the bathroom before taking a class. Emptying out sometimes helps the mind be clear and ready to focus and can improve your yoga experience altogether.
*A note about your health: If you are constantly passing gas - you may want to look at your diet, particularly if you are experiencing physical discomfort. I am not versed on how much gas is normal to pass, but if it is causing you pain, or embarrassment, you might want to talk it over with your health care provider to see if anything is going on with your digestive tract.
Now, I pose it to you, my yoga readers: Do you think that Yoga is more "farty" than other physical practices? Do you have any particular stories you would like to offer up about one of your own "escapees" or how folks can deal with it should the issue arise? I welcome all comments, stories, anecdotes, research, etc. I would love to hear them. You can comment here on the blog, or email them to me at: workofheartyoga@gmail.com.
Now go, be free of your fears of the Yoga Fart. It won't destroy you. I promise. Not in my classes.
Namaste,
April KirkHart
www.workofheartyoga.com
(310) 559-2570
workofheartyoga@gmail.com
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Sunday Jan 20th - Free Open House!
Two major things are happening THIS Sunday, January 20th - and private and group lessons:
1. Free Open House at Your Neighborhood Studio - all classes that day are FREE, but reservations are required. I am teaching a FREE hour-long yoga class from 10:00-11:00am that day, so all of you who can't make my weekday classes, now's your chance! Call (310)876-3498 to reserve a spot. If you are interested in the other dance or fitness classes and want a free sampler, check out the Open House Schedule at: http://www.yourneighborhoodstudio.com/Events.html - and don't miss this opportunity to check out some classes for FREE!!! Did I mention the whole day is FREE?! I may try the Booiaka class...
2. I start my Sunday afternoon class at GODA Yoga, 12:45-2:15pm starting THIS Sunday, January 20th! From now on, every Sunday afternoon, I will be teaching a beginner class from 12:45pm - 2:15pm in one of the sweetest Yoga studios around - GODA Yoga. Even intermediate yogis will find ways to challenge themselves in this class. And if you haven't done yoga before, or you haven't done yoga for a while, and are committed to a New Year's resolution to get back into it, this is the class for you! So come try Sunday afternoon yoga and go out to lunch after!
3. Private and Group lessons. WHOA, April! A third thing? Well, this is a reminder that if you have trouble making it to any of my studio scheduled classes, I am also available to teach small group classes or private lessons. I can teach at your home or a location you arrange. So, if my studio schedule doesn't work for you, grab a few yogi friends and I'll tailor a class for your group at a time that works for you! Call me at (310) 559-2570 or email me at: workofheartyoga@gmail.com to set it up!
Cheers and hope to see you on the mat!
-April KirkHart
1. Free Open House at Your Neighborhood Studio - all classes that day are FREE, but reservations are required. I am teaching a FREE hour-long yoga class from 10:00-11:00am that day, so all of you who can't make my weekday classes, now's your chance! Call (310)876-3498 to reserve a spot. If you are interested in the other dance or fitness classes and want a free sampler, check out the Open House Schedule at: http://www.yourneighborhoodstudio.com/Events.html - and don't miss this opportunity to check out some classes for FREE!!! Did I mention the whole day is FREE?! I may try the Booiaka class...
2. I start my Sunday afternoon class at GODA Yoga, 12:45-2:15pm starting THIS Sunday, January 20th! From now on, every Sunday afternoon, I will be teaching a beginner class from 12:45pm - 2:15pm in one of the sweetest Yoga studios around - GODA Yoga. Even intermediate yogis will find ways to challenge themselves in this class. And if you haven't done yoga before, or you haven't done yoga for a while, and are committed to a New Year's resolution to get back into it, this is the class for you! So come try Sunday afternoon yoga and go out to lunch after!
3. Private and Group lessons. WHOA, April! A third thing? Well, this is a reminder that if you have trouble making it to any of my studio scheduled classes, I am also available to teach small group classes or private lessons. I can teach at your home or a location you arrange. So, if my studio schedule doesn't work for you, grab a few yogi friends and I'll tailor a class for your group at a time that works for you! Call me at (310) 559-2570 or email me at: workofheartyoga@gmail.com to set it up!
Cheers and hope to see you on the mat!
-April KirkHart
Thursday, January 3, 2008
A New Year brings New Classes!
Welcome to 2008! Before I get into the New Year's resolutions... some class announcements:
January class Schedule:
I know, I sort of fell off the blog wagon while the holidays were in effect...but I had parents to host, ricotta cookies to bake, and pasta sauce to worry over - can you blame me? The good news is that my dad took every single yoga class of mine while he was here and actually said it helped his low back! The even better news is that with the New Year comes new classes, which might enable my Mon-Fri 9-5 working friends the chance to come yoga with me - so check out my schedule for the month of January:
**THIS SUNDAY, January 6th - 1:30 - 3:30 pm Special Intro to Yoga, GODA Yoga, Culver City - $35 Registration recommended, includes one free class, covers basic poses, simplified yoga philosophy and breathing and meditation techniques.
Monday - 9-10:25am Your Neighborhood Studio (all levels), Culver City
Tuesdays - 5:30-6:55pm GODA Yoga (beginner and prenatal), Culver City
Wednesdays - 6:00- 7:15pm YMCA (level 2-3 class), Santa Monica
Thursdays - 5:30-6:55pm GODA Yoga (beginner), Culver City
Fridays *2 CLASSES!!!!
9-10:25 am Your Neighborhood Studio (all levels), Culver City
4:30-6pm GODA (beginner/prenatal), Culver City
**STARTING Sunday, January 20th:
Sundays - 12:45pm - 2:15pm GODA Yoga
Now, on to the New Year's resolutions:
It's that time of year when many have celebrated or reflected on the past, and then look to the future. Many go so far as to make New Year's resolutions. However, those resolutions can quickly turn into a list of "have to's" or at least it feels that way on January 2nd as you run full speed on the treadmill, wondering if you're going as fast as the guy next to you, getting flogged by your new ipod cord, as punishment for holiday eating or for the last 6 months of falling off the gym wagon...
And although Yoga is not so much in the form of competitiveness, many yogis still compete with themselves come the New Year. While I never want to dissuade anyone from setting goals for themselves, I think it's important to look at resolutions and come at them in a compassionate way. And I think I have a few tips that might help:
110% vs. 90% vs. 50% - They all have their place.
If you've told yourself that you want yoga to be a bigger part of your life, by all means, taking a class is a great motivator. However, just like that first time back at the gym, lifting weights or going for a run - you may be tempted to "go all out," which generally ends up making you feel so sore you can't bare to go back for another week. So before you hurl your body into full Kapotasana, play with finding the difference between going 110% and going 90%. Or, if you're getting over colds or the flu or just the influx of relatives and holiday rush, know when you need to practice more restoratively - going 45%, using props to help you open in a pose for instance.
Home Practice: give yourself 10 minutes and patience.
For various reasons, time, money, work, family, etc., it is often hard for people to get to more than one or two studio classes per week. However, building a home practice is challenging. As a result, many people only squeeze in that one session every week. This doesn't meant that they won't get anything from it, but it can lead to frustration for students who want to "progress" in certain poses, meaning they want to build greater strength or flexibility, or try some advanced poses. It's the same as if you only lifted weights once a week at the gym and went 100%, you'd be sore after each session and probably wouldn't move up to lifting heavier weights for a long time if ever. No, that doesn't mean you should forget it, that it's not worth it. It means that a home practice is important AND it should be something fun.
The beauty of yoga is that you can do it anywhere, anytime, and classes are meant to help give you the tools to build your home practice!
PULEEEEEZE don't start beating yourself up if you don't launch into a full 1.5 hour yoga session at home 4 days a week. This is a LIFESTYLE change and takes patience, compassion and above all, some chutzpah. Unless you are an extremely disciplined person, finding 1.5 hours 5 days a week can be really hard. If you can, more power to you. If you can't, don't berate yourself, or force yourself into a session - associating yoga with that kind of negativity is likely to become a big ugly snowball of dirty snow. I know from experience. It took me 4 years of taking one class a week (if I was lucky) and being frustrated a lot before I started a home practice, and it is still one of the things that challenges me most in yoga. There, I've said it.
Instead of getting worked into a tizzy - try setting aside an extra ten minutes somewhere in your day that you roll out your mat. Maybe you set your alarm 10 minutes earlier, or maybe you shut your door at work for 10 minutes, or maybe you take ten minutes after you run outside, or when you get home to find a quiet spot, and roll out your mat or a towel. And then it's up to you - your mat is your oyster... ok that sounds weird, but you get the idea.
Pick 2-5 poses you want to do. Don't worry about their names, your body remembers them. Don't worry about their order. Or maybe even just sit on your mat. Be proud that you've thought to roll it out. Over time, you'll find that 10 minutes may lead to 20, which may lead to 40. You'll find that throughout your day, your body will crave a stretch or two... so stretch! And even if you NEVER find a full 1.5 hours to do yoga, who cares? It's your Yoga. Do whatever poses you want for however long you want!
If you want an example sequence to get you started on a home practice try this:
Roll out mat, shut door, turn off cell phone
Sit in sukhasana and breathe
Then bring hands forward on the floor, uncross feet behind you into table top
Curl toes under, press back to adho mukha svanasana (down dog)
Lower slowly to plank
Lower until your belly is on the floor and try a lower bujangasana (cobra)
Press back to balasana (child's pose)
Then you can go backwards through the poses or start over. Hold each pose as feels right for you in that moment. Repeat only as many times as you want or you feel time allows. And for cryin' in the night - have some fun!
In the meantime, I hope your New Year is off to a good start, and I wish you all health and happiness for 2008. Hope to see you on the mat!
January class Schedule:
I know, I sort of fell off the blog wagon while the holidays were in effect...but I had parents to host, ricotta cookies to bake, and pasta sauce to worry over - can you blame me? The good news is that my dad took every single yoga class of mine while he was here and actually said it helped his low back! The even better news is that with the New Year comes new classes, which might enable my Mon-Fri 9-5 working friends the chance to come yoga with me - so check out my schedule for the month of January:
**THIS SUNDAY, January 6th - 1:30 - 3:30 pm Special Intro to Yoga, GODA Yoga, Culver City - $35 Registration recommended, includes one free class, covers basic poses, simplified yoga philosophy and breathing and meditation techniques.
Monday - 9-10:25am Your Neighborhood Studio (all levels), Culver City
Tuesdays - 5:30-6:55pm GODA Yoga (beginner and prenatal), Culver City
Wednesdays - 6:00- 7:15pm YMCA (level 2-3 class), Santa Monica
Thursdays - 5:30-6:55pm GODA Yoga (beginner), Culver City
Fridays *2 CLASSES!!!!
9-10:25 am Your Neighborhood Studio (all levels), Culver City
4:30-6pm GODA (beginner/prenatal), Culver City
**STARTING Sunday, January 20th:
Sundays - 12:45pm - 2:15pm GODA Yoga
Now, on to the New Year's resolutions:
It's that time of year when many have celebrated or reflected on the past, and then look to the future. Many go so far as to make New Year's resolutions. However, those resolutions can quickly turn into a list of "have to's" or at least it feels that way on January 2nd as you run full speed on the treadmill, wondering if you're going as fast as the guy next to you, getting flogged by your new ipod cord, as punishment for holiday eating or for the last 6 months of falling off the gym wagon...
And although Yoga is not so much in the form of competitiveness, many yogis still compete with themselves come the New Year. While I never want to dissuade anyone from setting goals for themselves, I think it's important to look at resolutions and come at them in a compassionate way. And I think I have a few tips that might help:
110% vs. 90% vs. 50% - They all have their place.
If you've told yourself that you want yoga to be a bigger part of your life, by all means, taking a class is a great motivator. However, just like that first time back at the gym, lifting weights or going for a run - you may be tempted to "go all out," which generally ends up making you feel so sore you can't bare to go back for another week. So before you hurl your body into full Kapotasana, play with finding the difference between going 110% and going 90%. Or, if you're getting over colds or the flu or just the influx of relatives and holiday rush, know when you need to practice more restoratively - going 45%, using props to help you open in a pose for instance.
Home Practice: give yourself 10 minutes and patience.
For various reasons, time, money, work, family, etc., it is often hard for people to get to more than one or two studio classes per week. However, building a home practice is challenging. As a result, many people only squeeze in that one session every week. This doesn't meant that they won't get anything from it, but it can lead to frustration for students who want to "progress" in certain poses, meaning they want to build greater strength or flexibility, or try some advanced poses. It's the same as if you only lifted weights once a week at the gym and went 100%, you'd be sore after each session and probably wouldn't move up to lifting heavier weights for a long time if ever. No, that doesn't mean you should forget it, that it's not worth it. It means that a home practice is important AND it should be something fun.
The beauty of yoga is that you can do it anywhere, anytime, and classes are meant to help give you the tools to build your home practice!
PULEEEEEZE don't start beating yourself up if you don't launch into a full 1.5 hour yoga session at home 4 days a week. This is a LIFESTYLE change and takes patience, compassion and above all, some chutzpah. Unless you are an extremely disciplined person, finding 1.5 hours 5 days a week can be really hard. If you can, more power to you. If you can't, don't berate yourself, or force yourself into a session - associating yoga with that kind of negativity is likely to become a big ugly snowball of dirty snow. I know from experience. It took me 4 years of taking one class a week (if I was lucky) and being frustrated a lot before I started a home practice, and it is still one of the things that challenges me most in yoga. There, I've said it.
Instead of getting worked into a tizzy - try setting aside an extra ten minutes somewhere in your day that you roll out your mat. Maybe you set your alarm 10 minutes earlier, or maybe you shut your door at work for 10 minutes, or maybe you take ten minutes after you run outside, or when you get home to find a quiet spot, and roll out your mat or a towel. And then it's up to you - your mat is your oyster... ok that sounds weird, but you get the idea.
Pick 2-5 poses you want to do. Don't worry about their names, your body remembers them. Don't worry about their order. Or maybe even just sit on your mat. Be proud that you've thought to roll it out. Over time, you'll find that 10 minutes may lead to 20, which may lead to 40. You'll find that throughout your day, your body will crave a stretch or two... so stretch! And even if you NEVER find a full 1.5 hours to do yoga, who cares? It's your Yoga. Do whatever poses you want for however long you want!
If you want an example sequence to get you started on a home practice try this:
Roll out mat, shut door, turn off cell phone
Sit in sukhasana and breathe
Then bring hands forward on the floor, uncross feet behind you into table top
Curl toes under, press back to adho mukha svanasana (down dog)
Lower slowly to plank
Lower until your belly is on the floor and try a lower bujangasana (cobra)
Press back to balasana (child's pose)
Then you can go backwards through the poses or start over. Hold each pose as feels right for you in that moment. Repeat only as many times as you want or you feel time allows. And for cryin' in the night - have some fun!
In the meantime, I hope your New Year is off to a good start, and I wish you all health and happiness for 2008. Hope to see you on the mat!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Deep thoughts vs. Chili - a Yogi's holiday dilemma
A quick Yoga Schedule Announcement:
*Class THIS Sunday the 23rd, 9-10:30am at Your Neighborhood Studio.
Now, on to our regularly scheduled program…
Don’t worry, I have other ideas for “deep thought” posts in the near future…but in the spirit of simplifying things during the holidays, and considering I still have to clean my kitchen, vacuum and pick up my parents at the airport, I thought I’d post something a little less cerebral. Since I’ve had five separate requests for my Chili recipe since Casey’s birthday party, I’ve decided to oblige. Without further ado, here it is…and the quick story that goes with it…
The funny part is, all the folks that requested it are meat-eaters and did not REALIZE it was a vegetarian recipe (suckers.) The meatless ground round fooled them – one person said it was one of the best beef chili’s he’d had. Not to toot my own horn or anything.
To give credit where credit is due - I’ve modified three recipes: My mother’s, my mother-in-law, Marilyn’s and my cooking bible, the Joy of Cooking circa 1997. The curry powder is my own thing, and roasting it with the cumin and chili powder before adding oil is something my dad taught me. For some, reason roasting certain spices while dry wakes them and adds a smoky flavor. You’ll notice the bell peppers and carrots are mysteriously absent in my version – I don’t DO bell peppers – particularly the green ones. And I’ve always felt carrots seem unnatural in chili, a little out of place if you will. Call me crazy.
So this is how it happened.
This year, for my husband’s birthday, we decided to throw a party. As the invite list began to grow, I started to panic about having enough food for everyone (as a good Italian always does.) When I realized that roughly 30 people would be attending, the idea of a quaint sit-down dinner of some elegant fish quickly vanished and I knew I needed a plan. And what do I do when I am panicking and need a plan? Again, what every good Italian does…
I brought out the big guns. I called my mother.
The phone was ringing, my mind was speeding, please let her be there, please let her be there, please let her be there… my new mantra.
“MOM.” I screamed into the phone before she could say hello.
“April? What’s wrong?!”
“The invite list is now at 30!”
“…Well, I guess that means you’re not cooking fish for everyone.”
“Oh shit.”
“Exactly… Well, that’s ok…” She thought for a moment. “Just make chili,” she let it roll off her tongue casually, as if to imply the situation required a smooth and calculated strategy, and that she was, of course, the master.
“Oh, Chili,” I thought, bewildered at her steady composure in the face of what I was sure was impending doom. “That sounds great.” “Yeah honey just make a big giant pot of chili, have some corn bread and chips and salsa, and viola! You’re done!”
Genius, I thought. So that’s exactly what I did. And here it is.
Enjoy, and I hope you all have a wonderful holiday. See you on the mat!
Casey's Birthday Chili
Ingredients
T ground cumin (not seeds)
T chili powder
½ T curry powder
1 tsp oregano
3T extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic chopped fine
1-3 jalapeno peppers chopped fine (with seeds is more spicy)
1-2 onions chopped
2 medium zucchini chopped
1 yellow squash chopped
2 15 oz. cans black beans (drained a little)
2 15 oz cans pinto or cannellini beans (drained a little)
1 15 oz can creamed corn
1 15 oz can sweet corn
1 package of meatless ground round (experiment with different kinds, any kind you would use in a taco)
1 28 oz can of stewed tomatoes (Muir Glen is the brand – love their salsa too!)
Splash of white vinegar
Kosher salt (to taste)
Lots of fresh ground pepper
Tabasco sauce (1-2 T or more if you like it spicy.)
*For a wetter version – use more tomatoes or add a bit of water! For a thicker version, or more tomato flavor, add a T or 2 of tomato paste.
Instructions
Get Large pasta or Soup pot. Place over medium to medium-high heat. Heat pot well. Toss in the cumin, curry and chili powder for about a minute, until spices start to smoke.
Pour in the olive oil and heat for 20 seconds to cook the spices a little more.
Toss in onions and jalapeno(s), sprinkle with ½ T of salt to “sweat.” 3-4 min.
Add garlic for 2 more minutes. Careful not to burn, or it will get bitter.
Add zucchini and squash and cook for 5 minutes.
Toss in meatless ground and just heat through. Stir frequently to keep from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Add beans and corn (stir all and heat for a few minutes.)
Add tomatoes and oregano and splash of vinegar.
Let come to a simmer. Stir and taste.
Add fresh ground pepper and Tabasco to spice it up as needed.
On low heat or simmer, cook for about 45 minutes.
*You can cook it in the morning or the day before a party and then refrigerate. To do so, let it cool significantly before putting in the fridge. To re-heat, put it back on the stove and heat it on low until hot again. Serve in bowls with corn-bread!
*Class THIS Sunday the 23rd, 9-10:30am at Your Neighborhood Studio.
Now, on to our regularly scheduled program…
Don’t worry, I have other ideas for “deep thought” posts in the near future…but in the spirit of simplifying things during the holidays, and considering I still have to clean my kitchen, vacuum and pick up my parents at the airport, I thought I’d post something a little less cerebral. Since I’ve had five separate requests for my Chili recipe since Casey’s birthday party, I’ve decided to oblige. Without further ado, here it is…and the quick story that goes with it…
The funny part is, all the folks that requested it are meat-eaters and did not REALIZE it was a vegetarian recipe (suckers.) The meatless ground round fooled them – one person said it was one of the best beef chili’s he’d had. Not to toot my own horn or anything.
To give credit where credit is due - I’ve modified three recipes: My mother’s, my mother-in-law, Marilyn’s and my cooking bible, the Joy of Cooking circa 1997. The curry powder is my own thing, and roasting it with the cumin and chili powder before adding oil is something my dad taught me. For some, reason roasting certain spices while dry wakes them and adds a smoky flavor. You’ll notice the bell peppers and carrots are mysteriously absent in my version – I don’t DO bell peppers – particularly the green ones. And I’ve always felt carrots seem unnatural in chili, a little out of place if you will. Call me crazy.
So this is how it happened.
This year, for my husband’s birthday, we decided to throw a party. As the invite list began to grow, I started to panic about having enough food for everyone (as a good Italian always does.) When I realized that roughly 30 people would be attending, the idea of a quaint sit-down dinner of some elegant fish quickly vanished and I knew I needed a plan. And what do I do when I am panicking and need a plan? Again, what every good Italian does…
I brought out the big guns. I called my mother.
The phone was ringing, my mind was speeding, please let her be there, please let her be there, please let her be there… my new mantra.
“MOM.” I screamed into the phone before she could say hello.
“April? What’s wrong?!”
“The invite list is now at 30!”
“…Well, I guess that means you’re not cooking fish for everyone.”
“Oh shit.”
“Exactly… Well, that’s ok…” She thought for a moment. “Just make chili,” she let it roll off her tongue casually, as if to imply the situation required a smooth and calculated strategy, and that she was, of course, the master.
“Oh, Chili,” I thought, bewildered at her steady composure in the face of what I was sure was impending doom. “That sounds great.” “Yeah honey just make a big giant pot of chili, have some corn bread and chips and salsa, and viola! You’re done!”
Genius, I thought. So that’s exactly what I did. And here it is.
Enjoy, and I hope you all have a wonderful holiday. See you on the mat!
Casey's Birthday Chili
Ingredients
T ground cumin (not seeds)
T chili powder
½ T curry powder
1 tsp oregano
3T extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic chopped fine
1-3 jalapeno peppers chopped fine (with seeds is more spicy)
1-2 onions chopped
2 medium zucchini chopped
1 yellow squash chopped
2 15 oz. cans black beans (drained a little)
2 15 oz cans pinto or cannellini beans (drained a little)
1 15 oz can creamed corn
1 15 oz can sweet corn
1 package of meatless ground round (experiment with different kinds, any kind you would use in a taco)
1 28 oz can of stewed tomatoes (Muir Glen is the brand – love their salsa too!)
Splash of white vinegar
Kosher salt (to taste)
Lots of fresh ground pepper
Tabasco sauce (1-2 T or more if you like it spicy.)
*For a wetter version – use more tomatoes or add a bit of water! For a thicker version, or more tomato flavor, add a T or 2 of tomato paste.
Instructions
Get Large pasta or Soup pot. Place over medium to medium-high heat. Heat pot well. Toss in the cumin, curry and chili powder for about a minute, until spices start to smoke.
Pour in the olive oil and heat for 20 seconds to cook the spices a little more.
Toss in onions and jalapeno(s), sprinkle with ½ T of salt to “sweat.” 3-4 min.
Add garlic for 2 more minutes. Careful not to burn, or it will get bitter.
Add zucchini and squash and cook for 5 minutes.
Toss in meatless ground and just heat through. Stir frequently to keep from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Add beans and corn (stir all and heat for a few minutes.)
Add tomatoes and oregano and splash of vinegar.
Let come to a simmer. Stir and taste.
Add fresh ground pepper and Tabasco to spice it up as needed.
On low heat or simmer, cook for about 45 minutes.
*You can cook it in the morning or the day before a party and then refrigerate. To do so, let it cool significantly before putting in the fridge. To re-heat, put it back on the stove and heat it on low until hot again. Serve in bowls with corn-bread!
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