Merry Christmas from Lindsey & Bailey!
Friday, December 25, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Quote of the day...
"Worms will not eat living wood where the vital sap is flowing; rust will not hinder the opening of a gate when the hinges are used each day.
Movement gives health and life. Stagnation brings disease and death."
*Ancient Chinese Medicine*
Movement gives health and life. Stagnation brings disease and death."
*Ancient Chinese Medicine*
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Quote of the day...
"Yoga is the fountain of youth. You're only as young as your spine is flexible"
~Bob Harper
~Bob Harper
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Regulations on Yoga Teachers?...
The state of Virginia is trying to regulate the schooling of yoga teachers by making the "schools" or training sites become vocational schools. Doesn't Yoga Alliance already regulate this? Why regulate something that is already regulated by people that actually know about yoga? I think this is just a way for the state to make money on an art that doesn't generate that much money to begin with.
In my opinion, a vocational school is one where when you graduate you can immediately go and make a living upon completion of that program. Can you do that with yoga? Not necessarily. Sure you can go teach, but most people do it on the side only because they have a love for the art. Sure, some of the people that are trained to teach these programs do it for a living, but they went through many certifications (with Yoga Alliance) to be able to train teachers, not just one training.
My favorite line from the article is, "It's the students who determine whether you're a competent teacher, not the state". As yoga teachers, we know the dangers of certain poses (such as ones that require balance on the neck or head) and if we do not feel comfortable teaching these poses, then we will not. We have been trained to say, "I don't feel comfortable teaching you this pose, but if you would like to learn I can refer you to my teacher". We learn modifications for pregnancy, high/low blood pressure, bone issues (such as scoliosis), muscular problems and even depression... but if we do not feel comfortable we always have the right to say, "I do not feel competent to teach you with this problem, but let me refer you to someone who will know exactly what is good for your body". And guess who teaches us to be so knowledgable? Our teachers who are certified trainers through Yoga Alliance!
Here's the article:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,578589,00.html?loomia_ow=t0:s0:a16:g2:r5:c0.067384:b29157766:z10
In my opinion, a vocational school is one where when you graduate you can immediately go and make a living upon completion of that program. Can you do that with yoga? Not necessarily. Sure you can go teach, but most people do it on the side only because they have a love for the art. Sure, some of the people that are trained to teach these programs do it for a living, but they went through many certifications (with Yoga Alliance) to be able to train teachers, not just one training.
My favorite line from the article is, "It's the students who determine whether you're a competent teacher, not the state". As yoga teachers, we know the dangers of certain poses (such as ones that require balance on the neck or head) and if we do not feel comfortable teaching these poses, then we will not. We have been trained to say, "I don't feel comfortable teaching you this pose, but if you would like to learn I can refer you to my teacher". We learn modifications for pregnancy, high/low blood pressure, bone issues (such as scoliosis), muscular problems and even depression... but if we do not feel comfortable we always have the right to say, "I do not feel competent to teach you with this problem, but let me refer you to someone who will know exactly what is good for your body". And guess who teaches us to be so knowledgable? Our teachers who are certified trainers through Yoga Alliance!
Here's the article:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,578589,00.html?loomia_ow=t0:s0:a16:g2:r5:c0.067384:b29157766:z10
Monday, December 7, 2009
"Yoga Through the Chakra's" weekend...
My "Yoga Through the Chakras" weekend with JJ Gormley was a blast! Beautiful beach time and crisp weather. Here's a little synapsis of what we talked about:
Yoga Therapy is a wonderful concept that's been around for many decades through alternative medicine. "Yoga through the Chakra's" is about connecting your ailments to your coordinating Chakra and looking at the healing method from a Chakra-healing point of view. For example, if you have broken your wrist or have pain in your wrist you would want to work on your Heart Chakra (Anahata) because of the location on the body and at the root chakra (Mulandhara) because it is a bone issue.
I am far from an expert but I find this very interesting and it's worth learning more about!
Yoga Therapy is a wonderful concept that's been around for many decades through alternative medicine. "Yoga through the Chakra's" is about connecting your ailments to your coordinating Chakra and looking at the healing method from a Chakra-healing point of view. For example, if you have broken your wrist or have pain in your wrist you would want to work on your Heart Chakra (Anahata) because of the location on the body and at the root chakra (Mulandhara) because it is a bone issue.
I am far from an expert but I find this very interesting and it's worth learning more about!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Quote of the day...
"It is better to do your own duty badly, than to perfectly do another's; you are safe from harm when you do what you should be doing"
~The Bhagavad Gita
~The Bhagavad Gita
Ashtanga Yoga with David Williams...
http://www.birminghamyoga.com/BirminghamYogaWorkshops/news_nd1244482600767.aspx
Come see David Williams, the man who brought Ashtanga Yoga to the US, for a wisdom-filled weekend and practice!
May 13-16, 2010
Birmingham, AL
4 days, 5 classes
$250 if paid 2 weeks in advance!
About David...
David Williams has been practicing Yoga daily, without interruption, since 1971. In 1972, David met K. P. Manju , the son of K. Pattabhi Jois, and saw Manju demonstrate the Ashtanga Yoga 1st series. This was at Dr. Swami Gitananda's Ananda Ashram in Pondicherry, South India, where David received his 6 month Yoga teachers training course certification.
In 1973, David began studying Ashtanga Yoga with K. Pattabhi Jois at his home in Mysore, India, and became the first non-Indian to be taught the complete Ashtanga Yoga system of asanas and pranayama directly from Jois. David introduced K. Pattabhi Jois and Manju to America and the western world when he, along with Nancy Gilgoff, organized and sponsored their first visit to Encinitas, California, in 1975.
David is responsible for teaching the Ashtanga Yoga system to many of today's leading teachers and practitioners, including David Swenson, Doug Swenson, Danny Paradise, Bryan Kest, Jonny Kest, Tracy Rich, Chuck Miller, and Maty Ezraty.
David is 60 years old. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has lived on the island of Maui, Hawaii, since 1975, and teaches private individual or group classes by appointment. (taken from the Birmingham Yoga website)
David's website...
http://www.ashtangayogi.com/
***David is not just coming to Birmingham! He travel's all over the WORLD! View his workshop schedule at http://www.ashtangayogi.com/HTML/workshops.html
Come see David Williams, the man who brought Ashtanga Yoga to the US, for a wisdom-filled weekend and practice!
May 13-16, 2010
Birmingham, AL
4 days, 5 classes
$250 if paid 2 weeks in advance!
About David...
David Williams has been practicing Yoga daily, without interruption, since 1971. In 1972, David met K. P. Manju , the son of K. Pattabhi Jois, and saw Manju demonstrate the Ashtanga Yoga 1st series. This was at Dr. Swami Gitananda's Ananda Ashram in Pondicherry, South India, where David received his 6 month Yoga teachers training course certification.
In 1973, David began studying Ashtanga Yoga with K. Pattabhi Jois at his home in Mysore, India, and became the first non-Indian to be taught the complete Ashtanga Yoga system of asanas and pranayama directly from Jois. David introduced K. Pattabhi Jois and Manju to America and the western world when he, along with Nancy Gilgoff, organized and sponsored their first visit to Encinitas, California, in 1975.
David is responsible for teaching the Ashtanga Yoga system to many of today's leading teachers and practitioners, including David Swenson, Doug Swenson, Danny Paradise, Bryan Kest, Jonny Kest, Tracy Rich, Chuck Miller, and Maty Ezraty.
David is 60 years old. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has lived on the island of Maui, Hawaii, since 1975, and teaches private individual or group classes by appointment. (taken from the Birmingham Yoga website)
David's website...
http://www.ashtangayogi.com/
***David is not just coming to Birmingham! He travel's all over the WORLD! View his workshop schedule at http://www.ashtangayogi.com/HTML/workshops.html
Savasana... the dying that brings us life...
The literal meaning of Savasana is "Corpse pose". 'Sava' meaning corpse, and 'asana' meaning pose. Savasana destroys the fatigue caused by practising the other asanas and removes mental agitations thereby paving way for mental relaxation and body relaxation.
Death becomes us...
As a yoga teacher, I often notice students fidgeting and squirming (as I used to do) during relaxation. Sometimes I see a few students open and close their eyes, wondering, “What is supposed to be happening here?” Some even feel a certain anxiety in “just lying” there. What I have learned on this often-bumpy road of relaxation is that being a corpse gives one an extraordinary opportunity to clean, to clear and to start anew.
**The practice of savasana is the yogic way of letting unwanted elements within us die, empowering us to surrender to life. A relaxed consciousness permits us to fully live moment-to-moment experiences: the mirror to the soul gets polished, the heart opens and our inner teacher awakens. Ironically, being a corpse is the yogi’s quintessential wake-up call.**
As part of our daily sadhana (spiritual practice), savasana, like many Eastern practices, is a way of preparing for death. This includes the death of the body as well as the surrender of ego attachment.
A practice for peace...
Sometimes overlooked, often underestimated, the practice of savasana integrates asana into all layers of consciousness. But its more subtle and profound payoff is the experience of relaxation in everything we do. When the mind is constantly working, there’s no awareness of one’s creativity, potential or joy.
The Bhagavad Gita states that the “highest happiness comes upon the yogi whose mind is calmed.” Swami Rama said, “A quiet mind is the foundation for cultivating a joyful mind; happiness is always preceded by peace.” Translation: an uptight yogi is an unhappy yogi.
Therefore, it’s important to remember that when we lie in savasana, we are exercising the essential component of our inner peace practice.
Benefits of savasana...
Seasoned yogis know that savasana is not as easy as it looks. To invigorate and refresh both mind and body through conscious relaxation requires patience, mindfulness and alertness. Therefore, this seemingly easy posture is one of the most difficult to master, yet one of the best for preparing for meditation.
However, there are two common obstacles that can prevent us from reaping its benefits: sleepiness and a restless mind. If you find yourself getting drowsy while in savasana, increase the rate and depth of your breathing. If your mind is restless or wondering, focus your attention on each of the bodily sensations you're experiencing.
An auspicious relaxation involves numerous physiological changes, which reduce the body's energy loss, remove stress, lower respiration and pulse rates, and rest the whole system. The result is deep and nourishing repose that will naturally extend into meditation or be felt throughout the activities of your day.
Post-savasana...
The immediate result of savasana is a state of near-perfect harmony coupled with quiet energy.
My prescription for a “good day” is to take savasana once a day for at least five minutes… because when you practice dying a little bit every day, it will literally change your living.
"Is it time for Savasana yet???"
Death becomes us...
As a yoga teacher, I often notice students fidgeting and squirming (as I used to do) during relaxation. Sometimes I see a few students open and close their eyes, wondering, “What is supposed to be happening here?” Some even feel a certain anxiety in “just lying” there. What I have learned on this often-bumpy road of relaxation is that being a corpse gives one an extraordinary opportunity to clean, to clear and to start anew.
**The practice of savasana is the yogic way of letting unwanted elements within us die, empowering us to surrender to life. A relaxed consciousness permits us to fully live moment-to-moment experiences: the mirror to the soul gets polished, the heart opens and our inner teacher awakens. Ironically, being a corpse is the yogi’s quintessential wake-up call.**
As part of our daily sadhana (spiritual practice), savasana, like many Eastern practices, is a way of preparing for death. This includes the death of the body as well as the surrender of ego attachment.
A practice for peace...
Sometimes overlooked, often underestimated, the practice of savasana integrates asana into all layers of consciousness. But its more subtle and profound payoff is the experience of relaxation in everything we do. When the mind is constantly working, there’s no awareness of one’s creativity, potential or joy.
The Bhagavad Gita states that the “highest happiness comes upon the yogi whose mind is calmed.” Swami Rama said, “A quiet mind is the foundation for cultivating a joyful mind; happiness is always preceded by peace.” Translation: an uptight yogi is an unhappy yogi.
Therefore, it’s important to remember that when we lie in savasana, we are exercising the essential component of our inner peace practice.
Benefits of savasana...
Seasoned yogis know that savasana is not as easy as it looks. To invigorate and refresh both mind and body through conscious relaxation requires patience, mindfulness and alertness. Therefore, this seemingly easy posture is one of the most difficult to master, yet one of the best for preparing for meditation.
However, there are two common obstacles that can prevent us from reaping its benefits: sleepiness and a restless mind. If you find yourself getting drowsy while in savasana, increase the rate and depth of your breathing. If your mind is restless or wondering, focus your attention on each of the bodily sensations you're experiencing.
An auspicious relaxation involves numerous physiological changes, which reduce the body's energy loss, remove stress, lower respiration and pulse rates, and rest the whole system. The result is deep and nourishing repose that will naturally extend into meditation or be felt throughout the activities of your day.
Post-savasana...
The immediate result of savasana is a state of near-perfect harmony coupled with quiet energy.
My prescription for a “good day” is to take savasana once a day for at least five minutes… because when you practice dying a little bit every day, it will literally change your living.
"Is it time for Savasana yet???"
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Yoga books that belong on your bookshelf...
The Bhagavad Gita - New translation by Stephen Mitchell
The Heart of Yoga - TKV Desikachar
When things fall apart - Pema Chodron
Light on Yoga - BKS Iyengar
Aryuveda, The Science of Self-Healing - Dr. Vansant Lad
Moving into Stillness - Erich Schiffman
Autobiography of a Yogi - Paramhansa Yogananda
Turn Stress Into Bliss - Michael Lee
The Heart of Yoga - TKV Desikachar
When things fall apart - Pema Chodron
Light on Yoga - BKS Iyengar
Aryuveda, The Science of Self-Healing - Dr. Vansant Lad
Moving into Stillness - Erich Schiffman
Autobiography of a Yogi - Paramhansa Yogananda
Turn Stress Into Bliss - Michael Lee
Quote of the day...
"We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty, and some are dull. Some have weird names, and all are different colors. But they all have to live in the same box."
Villa Sumaya Guatemala Yoga Retreat...
http://www.birminghamyoga.com/MoreVillaSumayaGuatemalaRetreat.aspxThe date is set for February 20-27, 2010! There are a few spots left! Sign up now for a wonderful, relaxing yoga experience with Akasha Ellis.
Here's a little blurb about Akasha...
Akasha became a student of the renowned master teacher of Kundalini yoga, Yogi Bhajan, at the age of 11. In his twenties, while living and working in India, Akasha began studying Ashtanga yoga with Pattabhi Joi’s nephew, Vishwanath. Akasha has been leading yoga classes around the country and in India for over twenty years. As Akasha believes “a teacher must teach what they know”, this retreat will reflect his personal approach and will include the traditions of Kundalini and classical Ashtanga for a heart-centered class that will leave the student toned, stretched, centered and open, from the inside out. To learn more about this retreat email birminghamyoga@gmail.com (taken from the Birmingham Yoga website)
View Akasha's full biography at http://www.birminghamyoga.com/TeachersPage/news_nd1233926624036.aspx
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Acro Yoga... worth a try!
http://www.acroyoga.org/
This is the webiste to a studio in SanFrancisco that I have never been to... but it looks like great fun. Just another way to enjoy yoga... with a partner! Wouldn't this be a great idea for a couple's class?!
Kelsey and I goofing around with Acro Yoga in Teacher Training...
Yoga class this Sunday @ 5pm 12/6
I am going out of town this weekend and so I have a sub for my 5pm (12/6) Community Yoga class at 1st Avenue Rocks (B'ham Yoga). Her name is Emilie and she is in teacher training with me. Go see her for a great yoga class! Remember it's FREE! Donations only.
"But Lindsey, where are you going?"
I'm going to Fort Walton Beach to visit Laura Tyree's studio (http://www.dragonflyyoga.com/) and meet JJ Gormley. Hopefully I will bring lots of Yoga News back with me!
Here's Miss Emilie! (On her birthday during teacher training)
Quote of the Day
"The plain fact is that the planet does not need more 'successful' people. But it does desperately need more peacemakers, healers, restorers, story-tellers, and lovers of every shape and form. It needs people who live well in their places. It needs people of moral courage willing to join the fight to make the world habitable and humane. And these needs have little to do with 'success' as our culture has defined it." ~David Ott
Yoga in the Atlanta area...
http://www.sandibeachyoga.com/
Look up Sandi Beach Yoga to see about upcoming yoga retreats!
http://www.nirvanayogaatlanta.com/
Leigh Anne with Nirvana yoga also has yearly Teacher Training sessions. Check it out!
I met these two wonderful ladies at a workshop here in Birmingham, if you're in the area give their studio's a try!
Look up Sandi Beach Yoga to see about upcoming yoga retreats!
http://www.nirvanayogaatlanta.com/
Leigh Anne with Nirvana yoga also has yearly Teacher Training sessions. Check it out!
I met these two wonderful ladies at a workshop here in Birmingham, if you're in the area give their studio's a try!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Yoga Teacher Training 2010
http://www.birminghamyoga.com/FAQ.aspx
Registration for Birmingham Yoga's Teacher Training 2010 has begun! Sign up to spend a year of fun and learning with renound yoga teachers Akasha Ellis & Laura Tyree.
Ojai 2010 or Bust!!!
Ojai Crib (pronounced oh-hi) is an annual yoga workshop/conference with many different teachers who all have their own unique teaching style. I'm going for the first time in 2010 and I'm pumped! My very own teacher, Laura Tyree will be teaching and sharing her love of yoga!
Here's the webiste!
http://www.ojaiyogacrib.com/
October 22-24, 2010!!!
Here's the webiste!
http://www.ojaiyogacrib.com/
October 22-24, 2010!!!
Quote of the Day...
"A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove...but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child." ~Forest E. Witcraft
1st Time blogging...
First time blogging! I'm going to try out Yoga News through blogging. Let's see how it goes!
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