Changes, future plans and Sam

Moved apartment and got a new puppy recently so I'm afraid the blog has been sadly neglected.  However, I have been busy cramming for my final yoga module, securing a studio for my first course of classes, organising a trip to an ashram in Bali (of more anon) and, of course, wrestling my yoga mat from mischievous young men named Sam.

Sthira and Sukha

Monday, 1 October

October already and just 30 days until this leg of my yoga training is complete.  Organised to see a space on Wednesday for my first proper classes.

This evening's class was on the theme of giving a receiving - bringing the whole beautiful notion of sthira and sukha to your practice.   In deference to the theme, I didn't force myself into a greater sense of ease but remained conscious of softening in the postures.

I can't imagine feeling inspired to dedicate a practice to a particular theme, much less competent enough to guide people into that theme.  Again not the day to worry about it, but given that I do need to start working on my final coursework essays I am going to start thinking about it.

On honour

Friday, 28 September

Michael's 6pm class.

Occasionally, the theme of the class seems to have been directed at me.  Tonight's  class is on accepting and honouring the aspects of yourself that frustrate or annoy you.  To recognise that not only is it ok to be annoyed but it is ok to annoyed at yourself for your reaction.  Hearing Michael - the single most peaceful, zen person I've ever met - describe getting pissed off at himself for getting a parking ticket, and then getting more pissed off that he had got so worked up about it was singularly grounding.  We cannot control how we feel about events any more than we can control the events themselves, but we can learn to accept our reactions and not berate ourselves for them.  Easier to type than to practise but something that I have to learn.


  

Head stands and the impossible balance

WEEK 25

Monday, 3 September

Another fantastic class using variations of the sequences we’ve been practising for the last few weeks.   Getting much nearer to kicking up to a handstand on my own.   Nowhere near achieving Eka Pada Koundiyanasana II – though didn’t land flat on my face this time – progress of a sort!

 

In case you're wondering, this is what it's meant to look like!! 

 

 

Week 23

Monday 27 August

Very challenging class with long complicated sequences, but fantastic! I didn't feel terribly well balanced today (possibly something to do with the bruises on my ankles from dancing in a new pair of stilettos at the weekend????). However, I think I'm finally learning to work with whatever my limits on a given day may be and to focus on good alignment rather than achieving the full pose.

A few notes from the class:

• Warm up
• SNA variation s with lunges and vira I
• Vira I to Vira II to reverse vira II to parvakonasana back to vira II into trikonasana to Ardha Chandrasana to trik to Vira II. Vinyasa to left hand side.
• Standing splits to utthita Hasta Padagusthasana to narajasana, release to standing splits. Vinyasa to left hand side.
• Vinyasa to plank to side plank. Draw right foot to half lotus and return to plank, chaturanga, Urhdu MUkha Svanasana to AMS - with right foot remaining in half lotus! Come to left knee, opening right hip and breathe. Walk back to balance on ball of left foot. Breathe. Uncurl to Vrkasana. Release!

Wednesday, 29 August

Two for class today.  They had both been a good few times so I decided I'd push them just a little with a lot of Surya Namaskar variations, introducing Vira III (which they achieved admirably).  Both were capable of doing back bends, though maybe not a full Ardhva Dhanurasana so we tried a little wildcat sequence - one part for fun and one part to give them the sensation of a long back bend.

Finished off with another viewing of the exquisite Equinox videos - one of these days.....

Also starting to make a post-qualification plan.  I've identified a perfect city centre location and got a good response from my network of friends and family.  Just have to focus on passing the exam now!

Thursday, 30 August

Half hour practice at home where I challenged myself to repeat all of the harder sequences of Monday's class.  I find I don't hold the poses for as long when I'm alone but I do find it easier to keep my balance in an empty, silent room!

New ideas for level 1-2 classes

Sunday, 26 August: Great level 1-2 class in the Yoga Room with Eithne (who also told me of a space in town I can rent as my apartment is beginning to feel a bit crowded with the advent of our new desk and bookshelves!). Lots of great ideas for my newbies, of course I should have written the class plan down as soon as I got home, but here is a reasonable stab at it:

·         Start in sukhasana – arm stretches and twists

·         Come to all fours

·         Adho Mukha Svanasana

·         Walk to Uttanasana

·         Tadasana – focus on alignment, arm stretches

·         SNA variation: high lunge – cobra – AMS – low lunge

·         SNA variation: high lunge arms extended horizontally and into a twist.

·         Bent knee Vira III

·         Vrkasana – held for a while

·         Come to lying down – Septu Bandha Sarvangasana and Urdhva Dhanurasana.

·         Dandasana

·         Paschimottanasana – using foam block, uddiyana bandha engaged to lengthen lower back (excellent!)

·         Sukhasana twist

·         Siaasana

The Equinox videos

Everytime I watch these I feel inspired, clumsy and fat and determine to dedicate the rest of my life to becoming this woman.  Not very yogic, but if you are going to aspire to physical perfection what a model!!  

Thanks to Vicky and Aengus for discovering more exquisite videos