Journey of the Yogini - Part 4

Yoga is a practice. There's no end result. No time to beat. No destination.
One practices to become a "better"* individual:  more patient, more aware, more generous, more humble, etc.
A mat practice offers me a daily moment of being me; of dealing with myself in the here and now. And then of "applying" that me in the off-mat world.

Waterfall Trail on Mother's Day

* "by better" I mean a person who keeps on growing, on accepting , on changing.

Words on Asanas, Margot, Books, Knitting, Computer.

YOGA

"How Yoga Can Wreck my Body" by William Bond.

Listen to it here: on Wednesday February 8th's episode  CBC Q

My new found yoga  "resolution": if  don't like it, I'm not doing it. 

From this day forth, goodbye sarvagansana (a.k.a shoulderstand):  I have never liked you from day 1. I tried.  I really did. Especially when I was doing my YTT and one of my teachers was in love with the Queen of the Asanas and we practiced it for 5 minutes a day. She "corrected" me so many times. And yes, there were moments, raised up on 3 blankets, elbows strapped behind me that I did feel calm and in tune. But it's not worth the effort. I can't believe so many people love that pose. I don't get it! Your neck is crunched up, you're trying to keep your elbows together and you're carrying your body weight. It's uncomfortable. I know... I know about all the great benefits. I'll get them in another pose!

Goodbye also to Ustrasana (a.k.a Camel) with dropped head. I hate dropping my head back and exposing my neck. It doesn't work for me. I'll keep doing Camel, but my gaze will remain forward.

Urdhva Dhanurasana (a.k.a. Wheel pose). You feel great and empowering, but you're hard on my delicate wrists.  I will only do you once, out of the usual repeated 3 times. in wheel. I

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MARGOT

Margot is so much fun! She's full of beans and honey ;) She now pretends to cry/be upset. It's hilarious! And it's so obvious that it's fake - I should enroll her in Acting 101. 

Her favorite words these days are: encore, merci, ça, no, down, assis, oui, lait,  Noa.

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BOOKS

I have two books on the go (as I usually do). My Women's Bio Book Club is my downstairs book. Out of Africa is our Winter read. It's easy to pick up, read a few pages, underline a few things and then put down and tend to my little munchkin. My bedside one is Jhumpa Lahiri's Unaccustomed Earth, a collection of short stories. The first one almost made me tear up. Now that's a good book! Can't wait to read the others.

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KNITTING

In terms of knitting. I'm working on a skirt these days, using Lopi yarn from Iceland. Like books, I have two knitting projects: one for movie watching downstairs (I just finished my own pair of wrist warmers) , and one for hanging out in the living room upstairs (grey skirt).  I just ordered Madelinetosh yarn online for a special hug in March ;)  I worked with this yarn when I made a nutmeg-coloured honey cowl for Bec. It is sumptuous! I knew no other yarn could match it, so I had to use it. There's only one store in Ottawa that sells it and they didn't have the colour I wanted.  Can't wait to begin my new project!

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COMPUTER

We have a new addition in our home: a MacBook Pro. Smooth...

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A Yogini's Journey - Part 3

On  December 19th, I decided to purchase a one-month unlimited yoga pass at Adishesha yoga . Since I roughly had one month off before I started teaching, I decided (actually, my mom is the one who presented this idea) to try it. It does seem a bit daunting: Unlimited yoga. Do it!  I figured if I did more than 12 classes, I would get my money's worth. And yes, I did do 12 classes.

Here's what I realized:

-90 minutes is actually quite a long time for a yoga class. I much prefer 75-minute classes. Perhaps I'm more comfortable with 60-75 minutes because this is what I practice at home.

-The title of the class (be it a Hatha, Hatha Flow, Hips & Backs & Shoulders, Vinyasa, Gentle Yoga) rarely means anything. The teacher is the one who decides and sets the tone for the class.

-It takes time. The entire process (driving there and back) of a yoga class is approximately two hours. Time is a luxury.

-It's much simpler to do yoga at home. The challenge is to be disciplined about it. I actually miss Yoga Today.

-I think that for someone of my level, I need an advanced teacher who does a lot of hands on adjustments.

-There are many good teachers out there. Rarely, if ever, I have come across one that wasn't good. But I haven't found a spectacular one. My search continues...

-Styles of yoga I don't really enjoy: yin and restorative. I never feel like it gets the prana moving.
-Style I do enjoy: flow (a.k.a. vinyasa). It energizes my body, mind and breath and I always feel awesome after a flow class. There's a bit of everything in a flow class and variations are often presented. I'm aware that it's a popular style of yoga and that everyone does *flow*,  but it works! I feel open, strong, playful, limbered and balanced after a class.
-I also like hot yoga. Not bikram, because it's always the same 26 asanas. I like a hot yoga class that is creative and varied (and not TOO hot!). Last year, in the Spring, I did a one-month unlimited at Moksha because I received a special deal. It was a good experience and I did feel like I was glowing after class. But parking was a hassle, the classes were packed (needed to reserve in advance), the change rooms were crowded, and it wasn't spiritual enough to my liking (some classes didn't even chant"om"!); it felt like a lot of students attended classes strictly to be in shape, only focusing on the physical aspect of yoga. And yes, there was a lot of lululemon there!

Overall, the one-month unlimited was a positive experience and I'm glad I did it. It forced me to go to class and to try out different yoga teachers.
Yoga is something I truly enjoy. It's playful! And I smile a lot when I'm in class.

Random September Thoughts

-We signed up for zip.ca . It's a free month trial. I'll let you know how it goes. The concept: you create a "zip list" of movies you wish to see from an extensive list (they have everything!). They mail you (yes, by post)  a DVD. Once you are done watching it, you mail it back and another is sent to you. There are various packages available and right now the free trial is for 3 dvds at a time. If we enjoy the service, we'll probably drop to 1 at a time. The fun part is that you don't know which movie from your zip list you will receive (they try to send them in order of preference). I know the mailing back and forth of dvds may seem prehistoric to some, but I love receiving mail!

-Yesterday evening I went to a yoga class and all I could think of is: "this is such a beautiful evening, what am I doing cooped up inside when Simon and Margot are off on a stroll? " I wanted to share the warm September breeze with them!

-Last weekend, we had our Women's Bio Book Club meeting. The bio for this season (summer read) was Gloria Steinem. I like belonging to a book club. I look forward to chatting and catching up every three months or so.

-Margot's favorite words these days are "woof woof!" (she sees a lot of dogs around. cats are a different, strange pitch sound...) and bébé (anyone under the age of 16) . It's incredible how much she understands - in both languages!
In this video, she is perusing the Sears Wish Book catalogue. Will she find what she is looking for?Watch and see...

Journey of the Yogini - Part 3

I'm unmotivated.
I have no desire to do yoga.
My last practice was on Sunday August 21st. and it was fantastic!
I don't really know what is going on this week... Perhaps it's because I started teaching and my mind is elsewhere.
I shouldn't be too harsh on myself. It isn't my style.

A Yogini's Journey - Part 2

I began my 40-Day Meditation Challenge on August 1st.  Ten minutes a day (it's usually in the evening) of "taking my seat". I choose a (music) track that is approximately 10 minutes. Light my beeswax candle. Wrap my mala beads around my wrist. Sit on my meditation pillow. Bring my hands on my knees to ground my practice. Close my eyes. And breathe. Sometimes I change hand positions. And yes, my mind does wander. But I'm improving at gently bringing it back to my breath. Sometimes 10 minutes goes by quickly. It's do-able and so far I'm enjoying it. It's good to have a moment of centering. Of being motionless. Of not "going" anywhere. Of just being.

I have maintained a steady yoga practice for a few years now.  I really do enjoy it. I have to admit that some days it's more difficult to be motivated. But five minutes into my practice, and I forget all about it. The biggest obstacle in yoga is stepping on your mat. 

My first yoga class was in CEGEP in 1994. In my second year of University, I started practicing it (thanks Rachel!). Then, it slowly became an "activity" that I did on a weekly basis or so. And then, with time and interest, it blossomed into a "practice". I have not only reaped the physical and mental benefits of yoga: flexibility, balance, strength, endurance (try keeping Warrior 2 for 10 breaths!), awareness, clarity, calmness, etc, ; but also improved as Jen.

In my case, it took years before I started to notice the difference. Only now can I say that I have greater patience and awareness, am more open to change, and accept things as they are. I also catch myself bringing presence when I do everyday meaningless tasks, such as unlocking the door, walking up the stairs, chopping veggies.

Margot at 3 weeks doing Supta Baddha Konasasa (reclined bound angle)

 

Monday Morning Meditation

I woke up early (early for me is 6:30 a.m.) and did a 20-minute yoga practice (Baron Baptiste's 20-minute Core Vinyasa CD), followed by his 10-minute guided meditation where the focus is on breath, the third eye, and the hands.
I have a casual relationship with meditation. Nothing as dedicated as my yoga practice. I have done 30-day meditation challenges twice; practiced it almost daily in the last month of my pregnancy (chakra meditation); and sometimes do 5 minutes after or before a yoga class (either in a studio or dvd at home).  I have read about the innumerable benefits of incorporating a meditation practice into one's life, and, as a yogini, I feel like it should be an integral part of my practice. I seem to go through phases: sometimes I'm really into it and other times I can think of better ways to pass the time.
I have to admit that when I did do those 30-day challenges, it was tough at first, but with time (usually at around the 5-day mark) got easier. And I did feel like my mind was clearer, my thoughts less harsh and my mood elevated. I felt great afterwards and had wonderfully peaceful sleeps (I always practiced right before bed)

A daily view from our chalet's patio at Les iles.

When I practice yoga, I'm often present (I'd be untruthful if I said I was always present). My breath keeps me in the moment. I practice meditation in a similar way: I focus and count my breath (example: 5 sec. inhale, 5 sec. exhale + variations) and sometimes focus on my chakras and stay for 8 breaths per chakra. Nothing too technical and text-bookish. I have my own method.
However, I know that meditation isn't for everyone. For instance, my mom (who is also a yogini) tried a few meditation workshops (I haven't even done that! so she gets props for that!) and just doesn't enjoy it. She'd rather be walking Mishka (the dog)  in the Boucher Forest or strolling with Noa on the woodsy path to his house. I'm sure others find meditation or presence while knitting or jogging or writing poetry or painting. We don't need to limit the practice by sitting on a zafu in half-lotus pose in a dim-lit silent room, eyes closed, hands in jnana mudra.
I do believe that incorporating at least 10 minutes of presence into your life is necessary, in whichever form it takes. It's nice to just *be* in the moment once in awhile and exhale.


These days, I'm back into my "meditation" phase. Perhaps I should do a 40-day challenge. Does anyone want to join me?

**Musing**: Morning meditations are a wonderful way to wake up to the day. Beginning your day with quietness (i.e. no blaring radio), focus (i.e. no eyes skimming the newspaper or computer screen), and presence (no running around) is a moment for oneself.

A Yogini's Journey - Part 1

I went to a yoga class this morning at 7:45 a.m. It was perfect! Even though I practice yoga on a (almost) daily basis, I don't regularly attend a class at a studio. Reasons why: time, time, time. Ok, I know "time" is a lame excuse, but when you count the getting there/getting ready/ getting out of class/ driving home, a yoga class can become a two-hour + ordeal. I'm at a point in my life when time is a luxury. It's so much more convenient to practice at home with Yoga Today. For those who don't know Yoga Today, you have to check them out! I have been practicing yoga with Neesha, Adi and Sarah for a few years now. Depending on my mood, I can choose an Ashtanga class with Adi, an Anusara with Neesha, a Kundalini with Sarah, and so much more!
Another reason why I haven't committed to a weekly studio yoga practice is because I haven't found a teacher that really speaks to me. That I can connect to. I'm quite particular when it comes to teachers. A mediocre/average teacher just won't do it for me. I need someone who is inspiring, knowledgeable, and humble. Furthermore, the qualities of compassion, care and wisdom are necessary. I also need a teacher who does hands-on adjustments, creates interesting sequences, and who brings out the spiritual aspect of yoga (meditation, pranayama, mantra, "om").
Another consideration is the studio. I like an easy-in, easy-out studio. Easy parking; easy signing up; not too crowded change-rooms and welcoming area; polite staff. Ottawa is bombarded with yoga studios of all sizes. I have tried many. But I haven't found my perfect spot yet...

Paris 2008 - YogaWorks Teacher Training. (i'm second to the right, wearing a green tank top and a brown headband)

Paris 2008- the Anjaliom Yoga Studio is on the top floor. (notice the purple sign at the door) and no, that isn't my red scooter ;)

San Fran 2009 - dancer's pose in Golden Gate Park. Drop my bag, strike a pose!

As you noticed, I added Part 1 to this post, meaning that I have a lot more to say about the matter!

"Every woman needs a sanctuary"

This quote is from my May book*, The Birth House  by Ami McKay.

Whenever I think of women having a space to create/reflect/dream, I'm drawn back to Virginia Woolf's  A Room of One's Own  in which she states:  "a woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction".

In my case, my "sanctuary" isn't to write fiction, but to practice yoga.

I have my own yoga space in my house. Everything I need is there: my dvd's, my props, my candle, a window, even my yoga clothes. I use it daily, whether for a 90-minute weekend practice or a 15-minute evening meditation.

                                                                                                            

Sometimes I wish it was more of a "sacred space", away from the kitchen sounds and from the high/mid-traffic area of our house. But that's not the reality. And since it's such a part of who I am, I didn't want to have my yoga room tucked away in our darkened basement or our cluttered office upstairs. This is really the best spot for it. I'm the only one who uses it as a yoga room, but Margot passes through  many times a day, grabbing a few dvd's she can throw around, chewing on my purple block, dropping a few slices of cheese or blueberries. Thanks for the presents and the mess, little one ;)

 

 * my 2011 Monthly Reading List. Stay tuned for future posts.