Life on the Mat

My Real Job

2007-11-19T12:39:00.002-08:00

Today I am back to my real job. I almost forgot what I do! Usually after my track off time I do wonder what I really do for a living. This track off was a week longer and was filled with MANY adventures. I was especially feeling a little like I was starting a new job on Monday. I did not have much turn over time. I got home Friday night, had company at the house (they left Monday morning) and starting working on Monday morning. I almost dreaded my first day back. I was going to have to stand all day long and teach kids how to read. I think I had forgotten how to do that! I feel blessed for the experiences that I have had over the past month. I know this is something that will bring me great joy in my life. I am thankful to be back with my school kids.

Coming Home

2007-11-19T12:39:00.001-08:00

I got to the airport in plenty of time to sit back and really reflect on all that has happened. The flight was uneventful. Paulie met me at the baggage. I had too many bags to get them all by myself. It was sooo good to see Paul again. It was almost a feeling of when we first started dating. It was great to be in his arms again. Our Friends from Arizona flew in the night before and Paul had told me that they were going to stay in a hotel. (This was the first step of the surprise) So because he had already prepped me, when he told me that we were going to stop by the hotel on the way home, I went right along asking no question. We get to the hotel, I was thinking "why would they stay in such a nice hotel with two kids?" but I was still not making the connections. So we went thru the side entrance and again, "wondering why Paul had a key to John and Allison’s hotel." He’s always one step ahead of me so he had already informed me that they let him use the key to come in so that they would not have to come and get us. Don't worry I am still going with the flow. When we get to the hotel door and he’s got the key to get in, my only response was "its late, don't be so loud the kids are probably asleep (obviously still clueless!). He opened the door to a real treat. Paul booked a hotel for the night so we could spend that evening together. What a sweetheart. As tradition, it was him birthday in the morning, so he left me gifts on the hotel bed. I got a new pair of PJ and I will leave the rest up for you to guess :) He had sparkling Cider for us to enjoy. What a perfect way to come home. It was such a great surprise. I use to pride my self in trying to figure out Paul's surprises (and he gets so mad). I must say he is getting better at hiding the evidence. Paul is a keeper. Words cannot express how perfect he is for me. He is amazing, he has so much love!
Good Bye its's yoga--I will miss you!
(this is a picture out front of the studio)

Final Circle

2007-11-16T14:55:00.001-08:00

Going into the studio today, I had many mixed feelings. It takes a while for it all to sink in. I am a yoga teacher :) Accomplishing feels so good. I wore normal clothes to the studio today! Today we had our "final circle" we spend about 2 hours together in the circle. Our circle started out the same with chanting 3 om's. The om's today were magical. No one was feeling weird about oming so it sounded so good. A month ago chanting was for weirdo's :) I have had many transformational feelings and thoughts. In the circle we shared our philosophies. This was not the first time I have had to make a philosophy of teaching. Katie, Marie and Larry said so many good things about each one of us. I will never forget what Larry said about me. He said, "You are the best. You are so strong. Your dedication to yoga and yourself and that's amazing." It's Yoga, is truly a part of my life. I will never be able to come to San Fran and not stop for a little Rocket with Larry! During the circle time Larry invited an acupuncturist to the circle. We all had acupuncture in our third eye; this energy field helps to calm the mind. That was just a wonderful gift. They passed out our certificates, took pictures and said our goodbyes. All of the students went out to eat together on Friday night. My flight left around dinnertime. I was excited to come home. This whole experience has just been wonderful. I am thankful for this time.

Final Practical Exam

2007-11-16T14:47:00.000-08:00

The title sounds scary. On Thursday at 1pm I taught a one-on-one yoga class for my final exam. A lot of the other students were really nervous. For once in my life, I was the calm one. (Yoga works!) I felt a lot of peace and knew that all would be well. I did really well. We all had a few things that we can work on but in all did great. Marie said that we are the best group. I am sure they say that to all of the groups, but we did do really great. She said that our group seemed organic or natural. After teaching we congratulated each other on being a certified yoga teacher. It sounds so great. James and Kristi (Paul's brother and wife) came to the studio and checked it all out. We then went to the local mall and walked to Union Square. I packed up all my stuff, said my goodbyes to my family away from home. I will be forever thankful for letting me stay with them. It was a great time to get to know the kids better. I was not in San Bruno a lot but I enjoyed the spirit in their home. Thursday night I drove to Benicia.

Happy Brithday Larry!

2007-11-14T20:13:00.001-08:00

Today was a great day. Wednesday is already the best days at It's Yoga—It’s the Rocket day. Larry for his birthday wanted to practice yoga with us. So we all joined Larry during his personal practice time. All of the TT's were at the studio at 8am. This was one of the best days. I know I keep saying this but it just keeps getting better and better. The thought of going back to work just scares me. I am so calm and so peaceful; I don't want a crazy busy life. Larry is always telling us "you will never be the same after this training." This morning was the first time I got to see Larry doing yoga. He turned 57 today. He is a fountain of youth. This morning was magical. At 4pm before the Rocket, Marie (Larry's wife--she’s only 27) made a slideshow and got cake, drinks and balloons to celebrate. We all sang happy birthday. Before he blew the candles out he wanted to share his dream. "I had a dream this morning, my dream was that I did yoga with 14 beautiful women this morning!" He did do yoga with 14 beautiful yoginis. It was a dream. Our morning lecture was from It's Yoga Kids. We talked about teaching children yoga. I know this is something I can't wait to explore more. A lot of the other TT's want to teach children (because it sounds easy!) Kate kept telling us that it’s not that easy. 90% of teaching kids yoga is classroom management! I might actually be good at this one. I am starting to have a lot of mixed feelings. How can I go back to a real job? How am I going to take all that I have learned back to Colorado? What do I do next? How am I going to live without Whole Foods right down the street? What am I going to do with out the Rocket? But at the same time I am excited to be at home with Paul and Daizee. I can't wait to start teaching yoga. It will be nice to wear regular clothes again, it seems like a dream to wear yoga clothes everyday all day but you kinda get sick of it. I only have 2 days left. In the morning is the big test. I will be teaching a one-hour yoga class to my Russian friend. I will be assisting the 12:00 pm class and taking the 4:30 class. Friday will be our last "final circle." Our afternoon lecture we worked on our flight! This is what makes the Rocket so fun. I can't promise that I can do all --but I will continue to work on it! I know my practice has become a lot stronger but still needs a lot of help. In yoga you are always changing. My knees will be thankful, no more sitting in a full or 1/2 lotus for 4 hours a day. Today I did a little B-day shopping! Paul's B-day is on Saturday. I am in the shopping capital (or so it seems) and I am shopping for the world’s hardest person to shop for! I am boycotting Alpine Stars, Dickies, Snap On and Sportsmens (do I have to continue?)! Can you believe that I have been in San Francisco with all of the Ghirardelli chocolate, and wonderful pastries and I still have self-control? I have spent a lot of time in the yoga studio but I have also tried to get to know the area. I know all the hot spots. If you want a fun vacation to San Fran, I can help! I have two great reasons to always come back. It’s Yoga, and this is Paul's hood! In a around about way, I have lived in Paul's hometown and I have got to know his culture better. Claudia told Paul that I am fun to hang out with. I guess I will be missed. I think she is just going to miss the free yoga in her own home! Am I really ready for the freezing weather??

Flying Lessons

2007-11-12T21:35:00.001-08:00

Today we had flying lessons! Marie worked with us on all of the "fun" poses. Handstands, headstands, side crow, and much more. These are the hard postures that are in the Rocket Class. These are the postures that make yoga fun and challenging. This morning our lecture was on pregnancy and yoga that was great. I assisted the noon class. We have to assist 2 classes as a requirement. It was fun to feel like a teacher, but I want the real thing. Today Larry talked to us more about living our vision. We talk a lot about the inner-critic and the inner-teacher. Our 28-day training is about letting go of our inner-critic and knowing when it is trying to talk and listening to our inter-teacher (intuition) -- Larry is a living example of listening to his inner-teacher. He will even remind us when we are not listening to our inter-teacher. The other day during the Rocket class, he knew when I went into my handstand that I lost my inter-teacher and started listening to my inner-critic. It's a battle everyday. Our inter-teacher shows love compassion and forgiveness and our inter-critic teaches fear, judgment and criticism. Another great ah-ha moment for me was when we talked about how in life we need to learn to respond and not react. I think I might be guilty of this, wait that's the inner-critic talking! Too many of us live in fear and listen to our inter-critic. I can't wait to go home and share all of my new learning’s. Paul might regret this all; he might be doing a little yoga. He’s going to be getting private lessons everyday. I know he will love having me to teach him. Flight lessons were great. My wrists don’t think it’s so great—but they are getting stronger. Namate.

Dream Boxes

2007-11-10T16:44:00.000-08:00

Friday was a great day we talked about building yoga as a business in the morning. I took the noon class. For our 3-hour afternoon we worked with a life coach. She was great. Everything about It's Yoga is great. We did a visualization activity so that we could see our dreams more clear. That was great. We made dream boxes with paper, magazines and stickers. We really enjoyed the change of doing an art project. I guess, November is art month. Our life coach has been doing a different type of art each day. That was fun to hear about. Art is found in so many different things. Yoga is an art. In our dream box we wrote down want we saw during our visualization activity. That was very interesting. We also wrote strengths that we have and put those strengths on paper inside our dream boxes. Larry is always talking about this story of becoming a successful business owner. He had a lavender pillow and he would write his dreams down and put them under the pillow. He would then look at the dreams ever so often and see his dreams manifest in his life. It's amazing to work with someone like Larry. Working with our life coach we then worked thru an action plan to put our dreams to action. This was a great activity. Friday was a great day of yoga. Friday ended our 3rd week. Wow, that went fast. Friday night I went to see Krishna Das. He has a wonderful voice. We joined in with chanting in Sanskrit. This was a great night of chanting. So peaceful! I drove to Benicia and then Saturday morning at 9am I taught another yoga class. It gets better each time. After a shower and breakfast, Claudia and I left for San Jose. We went the Body Worlds exhibit. Our bodies are so complex. I just telling Claudia how I would love to donate my body and they could call me "Yoga Girl", well they have already thought of that idea. It was yoga woman. She was in he position to take a back bend (Urdhva Dhanurasana or wheel). Third week has gone so fast. I officially have only 6 days left. I will miss this fun adventure but will be excided to be with Paulie again. I will be testing out with my Russian friend on Thurs. at 1pm. On Wed. It' Yoga Kids is coming to do a presentation about teaching yoga to kids. I can't wait. I would love to teach yoga to children. I will hopefully come back to San Fran for a week and get certified to teach kids. One of my dreams is to have children and be a mother. May all your dreams come true! Talk to you soon!

Pictures

2007-11-08T20:52:00.001-08:00

"Circle time"-- we spend at least 4 hours a day sitting! This was one of our anatomy session!

This picture was taken on the day we did yoga in the park. It was a beautiful San Fran day!

Stopping for a moment to get a picture. Our instructor Marie is laying down, the rest of us are TT's (Teacher Training)

Sternocledidomastoid, Biceps Fermoris, Gluteus Medius, Posterior Deltoid

2007-11-08T20:12:00.000-08:00

Fibula, sacrum, clavical etc. I know your thinking the same thing I am thinking. What in the world are these words? Wish me luck because I am going to need it! My anatomy quiz is in the morning. Memorization is not my thing! Even if I memorized all these crazy bones and muscles I would not retain the names. My brain works a little different than memorization. I don't need any more craziness in my head, I have enough! Our anatomy teacher is sooo boring (did I say that??) I think he likes to impress us with all the big words he knows. I was not impressed. I took two classes today. I love the way I feel after a yoga class. I was thinking today that it would be cool to count up all the hours I have actually spend doing yoga on the mat. (This is not counting all the "circle time" and learning) I am thinking that I have spent about 36 hours being in an actual class--maybe more. Yoga is amazing. Yoga is like no other sport. You don't win or lose. You always go home a winner! There is not end or finish line. You keep coming back. A student next to me today in the 4:30 class has an amazing story. 5 years ago he had a brain tumor and after surgery was not ever to walk again. He was in a wheelchair for a while but keep telling the Docs that we will do yoga. Well, he was on his mat next to me today! No wheelchair in 4 years. Amazing! As Larry says, Yoga is the medicine of the mind. Yoga is therapy! Have I convinced any of you to do yoga? I hope! Here is my mantras today, Keep it simple and Focus where you are at (present) and pay attention to where you want to go (future)! Let go of the past. Living in the past is never going to get you anywhere. Forgive your self of the mistakes you have made, and move forward living in the present. A popular yoga clothing brand says it all....Be Present!

Yogi

2007-11-07T21:04:00.000-08:00

I have been struggling with what to say. Are you guys sick of hearing about yoga? All I do is yoga. I guess you would consider me a yogi. Today was just a normal day-- Wed. is Rocket Day. Every class taught at the studio is a Rocket. We had an anatomy lecture today. We talked about shoulders, knees, ankles, and wrists. It was very interesting. We have a quiz on Friday. Have I said how much I love being one block away from Whole Foods?? I try every time I go to the store to try something new. Yes Paul, Alysa is trying something new. He thinks I never try anything new. I'm just not ready for seafood. I know, "But you’re in San Francisco." I think my next adventure should be to go to culinary school. Wouldn't that be fun?? I always have too many things to do! I'm forgetting, I am trying to stop this crazy mind. My "new" yoga mat is starting to show signs of aging. I have been using it so much. I eat a lot of mangos. I love any kind of mango, dried, fresh or salsa. On Friday, our "life couch" is going to be working with us for 4 hours. I have heard she is amazing. We are going to be making "wish boxes." Everyone says this is a great day of training. For an assignment for Larry we have been working on writing our wishes, so they can manifest in our lives. Our life couch will help us depend our dreams and wishes. I will be sure to report. I hope that you have enjoyed reading my Life on the Mat. I enjoy the evenings when I sit back and reflect on my day. I am starting to not hurt as much, sitting for 4-6 hours a day is not easy. Your knees hurt, your butt hurts, everything hurts. I know that you will notice I have better posture when I get back. I am getting stronger, especially in my upper body. This is a random post. Random thoughts strung (is that a word?) together. I loved today's analogy that Marie said in the noon class today. Every time you take a breath you have 2 choices. If it feels good let the breath go down your spinal cord. If it doesn’t feel right don't accept it. I can apply this to almost anything. Don't accept negative thoughts, let it go. One of my favorite mantras right now is: Change your attitude and you will see results. We are always being told to find mantras that we can repeat to ourselves. Another favorite is: Let it go. What's your mantra? Mantras are sayings or thoughts that can bring us back to what we are trying to work towards. I challenge you to find or make up a mantra today. When you are in a stressful situation, repeat your mantra. Enough of my randomness! Good night!

10 Days Left

2007-11-06T20:09:00.001-08:00

I was telling Paul that I can count on just my hands, how many days I have left at It's Yoga. I know it's going to be bitter sweet. I will not want to leave but I will also want to come home. I can remember counting the days to come and now I am counting the days to be back in Colorado. Today in class we worked on teaching other students in our group. Today I was put on the spot and asked to teach 8 other students in a small group with the rest of the group watching me. I guess I did well. When I was done, all that Larry said was "Do you have any kids?" No, but I have 25 school kids. He then said, that explains it all, you are already a teacher. That was a nice compliment. I also worked with my Russian friend. We have become great friends, even with her little English and for me, no Russian. She copies my notes each day and I help her to understand. Larry and the other teacher have noticed that I am always helping the ESL's (English as a second language) they are the ones working so hard. I could only imagine trying to do this training in a new country. Many of the American girls don't like to be partners with the ESL's, they are my favorite. I help them at Whole Foods when they have a list of things they need to get. I have helped them with the BART and bus schedules. Today one of the Japanese girls asked, how do I say thank you in a better way, so she could say thank you to me. She has learned to say " I appreciate" I know that I am learning so much more than yoga. Again the true test is to see if I can apply all of this "stuff" when I get home. I know that I am going to be a calmer wife, teacher, friend, sister and daughter. I got to go yesterday to see a wonderful hormone specialist. I will be working on getting my hormones more balanced. This trip has taught me that I need to take care of myself. Larry's topic today was that we only need to do 3 things a day. I wonder how many American's could do only 3 things in one day. I know that would be hard for me. Even as a child, "she's a busy bee." Or as a teenager, "She keeps going and going like the energizer bunny." And as an adult my title is that I am a "getter done." I am going to try to change this image that I have created. I want to be the calm one, or at least that's what I am putting out there in this crazy universe! Thanks for everyones love and support. Namaste.

Pitta-Fire & Water

2007-11-04T20:16:00.000-08:00

I had a great weekend. Saturday morning I have 5 yogis’ to teach. Beach towels, lavender & lemon wash clothes, and a beginner teacher. It was great practice. This has taken away some of the fear of "the test". The timing was correct and the sequence, but I know what I need to work on. I need to make sure that transitions are clear-- just like in teaching children. Claudia bought a yoga mat. I have converted another. It makes me happy to see others enjoy this wonderful addiction! Paul's older brother also is hooked (even thought he might not admit it) He was inspired to rent the "Yoga for Surfer". The other are complaining about being sore, I guess we did some good. I should have taken some picture. I will next week on session 2. Saturday was a laid back day. I think I drove my mother-in-law off a cliff. I just wanted to do nothing and she wanted to do something! I enjoyed eating at my first Benicia restaurant, Kinders. Great BBQ sandwiches. I made dinner, orange chicken. I forgot how intense this meal is to make and I didn't have my partner chef who knows the drill. Sunday morning I again taught yoga to Claudia before leaving for class. Claudia decided she wanted to watch yoga. She drove me to San Fran and observed the full primary class (1 hour and a 1/2) I think she enjoyed seeing yoga with real mats (not beach towels) and a master teacher :) I gave Claudia a tour of Whole Foods. She was asking where the closest Whole Foods is to Benicia. Watch out Whole Foods here comes Claudia. After lunch we had a wonderful lecture (that's not the right word) speaker. We talked about Ayurvedic Therapy. Amazing! The long and the short of it is..... Earth, Fire, Water, Air..... and how it can be related to the body. I'm sure no one would guess that I have a little too much fire in me??? We talked about balancing all of that out. Some people are Air (dry) and need Water. Some people are fire and need to balance with water (calmness). DeAnna also talked to us about being able to read a face and someone’s posture to diagnose different problem areas in the body. I have a lot of wrinkles on my forehead, anxiety! Again who would have guessed! If you know me well you know why I have lots of wrinkles on my forehead. Not that I am trying to point out the bad areas, but that is what life is all about. Find your weaknesses and make them strong! Ayurveda has a connection with healing systems. Ayurveda means "science of life", and this science is traditionally designed to elementally evaluate the mind, body and spirit. Pitta, as in the title means, Fire and Water. I need to eat foods that are calming. Cucumbers, celery, coconut. I need to stay away from my favs-garlic, onion and spicy foods. I already have too much fire. This was just wonderful new learning’s. I can't wait to buy a new book and to dig into this a little deeper. It's Yoga keeps getting better and better. I can see why they say we will not want to leave. I am inspired everyday! This is the kind of life we should all live. I forgot how much I love learning. You should see my notes from today--crazy. They always say that in yoga you need to find balance?? I have always thought, "balance in what?" I am starting to get or learn the message. Yoga is about finding balance in your life. I can understand why people tattooed the symbol of balance on their body. Paulie don't worry, I have been in San Fran for 2 weeks, but I am not looking to get a tattoo. I have learned the new meaning of the word "partner" to be politically correct Paul is my partner. Remember San Fran is about "anything goes, we accept anyone and any thinking" I have learned more about acceptance, these are all valuable lessons. I am learning to find balance in my life. I know Paul has created a lot of balance. I will continue to be aware of imbalances and make changes. DeAnna was amazing. Her story that has brought her to where she is at is also amazing. At the age of 18 she decided to go to Beauty School. She became very close to a male instructor who was dying of AIDS. She loved how he was so happy and positive even with the thought of having a condition that would eventually kill him. He had told her that when he died he would leave something for her in the top drawer at the Beauty School. She knew that it would be this funny looking Buddha head. She was wrong; he left his whole life savings and a note. The note said "Don't go into the beauty world, get into healing others." She has followed his advice and has lived a very successful abundant life at a young age. She has found balance in her life. I am starting to put the puzzle together of living a balanced life. Wow, this post was a little deep. That's okay, getting deep creates more balance. Maybe the title today should be BALANCE. Here is your homework.... Today find balance. I know what your thinking, Alysa is crazy, she has fallen off the deep end! I am a little crazy (fire) and I am okay with that. Good night!

Yoga in the Park

2007-11-02T19:40:00.000-07:00

Today was a great Friday. We worked on adjustments in the morning. This is a great way to deepen our understanding of each posture. After the noon class we went to the park to enjoy the beautiful San Fran weather and to do yoga outside. Todays weather reminded me of home. It's been foggy here. I am thankful for blue skies. Everyone thought we were a little crazy. I agree. Intensive yoga for a month is crazy. I went to the chiropractor-- I am hooked. It felt so good to get adjusted. After yoga in the park we had a session of chanting and meditating. It's so nice to quiet the thinking mind. It's so difficult to let everything go. With all my bags I left for Benicia, on the BART. I am going to be a pro on the BART by the time that I leave. I am spending the night in Benicia. I have a few willing souls to let me practice with them. At 9am in Claverie living room we will be doing yoga. I will be sure and post my thoughts. Here is a quick shout out to Paul. You are the best husband! Thanks for your encouragement and your support. My life would have never been complete without you!

November

2007-11-01T19:45:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it is already November. Today we continued to work on anatomy and adjustments in the poses. My practice today was strong. I feel that I am getting stronger. Today was Rocket 1-- getting us ready for Rocket 3. We have a quiz in the morning on all of the seated postures. I think I am ready, just a little more study tonight. I made some adjustments to my Chataranga (yoga push up) One of the most difficult postures (in my opinion) The chataranga takes so much upper body strength. Today was just a normal yoga day. I looked at a calendar today and I only have 13 days left at It's Yoga. I am so glad that I am here in San Francisco. I would have loved going to Utah, but this is the real thing. This is the original It's Yoga. I will keep it short tonight. I have a lot of studying. As week 2 is starting to come to an end, I have been relaxing how much I have already soaked in and can't wait to reflex from the whole month. Many people think.....what could you learn doing yoga for a month. There is so much more than you think to yoga. Keep Breathing!

Happy Halloween

2007-10-31T20:56:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day. I practiced the beginning rocket class and we had a presentation today from a chiropractor that also practices yoga. That was very interesting and might be explaining some of my back pain. Not major but I think that I have hurt my neck some where along this road. I think when I first started practicing yoga; I had a bad habit of putting my head back to far in upward facing dog. I have made the corrections but feel a little out of alignment. I left the studio early today, to make sure I was at home before dark. Last year downtown San Fran had some unfortunate events, that I didn't want any part of. I think that I need to find a new BART route. I have a man wanting to go out with me, even when I tell him that I am married. In San Fran, anything goes :) I feel tired today! We are learning so much-- its wonderful. I hope everyone had a nice safe Halloween. I was dressed up as a "Yoga Student" Good Night

pictures

2007-10-30T21:26:00.001-07:00

This was me, today! This one has a name; I just don't really know it :) It's a transition from one posture to the next. It's amazing what your body can do. This might look easy but it takes a lot of concentration and breath! I can't wait to teach you. It's day 3 in the second week. I can't wait to see what I will be doing in 2 more weeks. But I must remember...yoga is not being able to do a handstand. Yoga is yoga only if you can apply all of this off of the mat. I guess my new blog will have to be.. My life off the mat!

Earthquake and Emergency

2007-10-30T20:34:00.000-07:00

Today was wild. The morning was normal getting to the studio. Class was great. We worked on a hard transition to a handstand. I have picture I will post them soon. They are not the best pictures but they will do. I did the Rocket 2 today. I love the energy from the rocket. Marie, one of our instructors talked to us today about honoring our self and listening to what we need. The definition of a yoga teacher is to always be in a good mood:) As I left the peace of It's Yoga, I found craziness in the city. I walked to the BART station and found that the trains were shut down due to a medical emergency. I hear that it might be a fatality. . I decided that I would go to the mall on Market Street. I was talking to Paulie on the phone and telling him how I fell in love with this great mall (I don't even think that is the word for this wonderful shopping center) I told Paulie that I wanted to move to San Fran. It's such a great city. I enjoyed a little Jamba Juice, it always make me miss working at Jamba. I miss that energy in my life. I always want to see if I can still beat everyone at the fastest smoothie! So I went back to the station hoping to find the train working again. No...So I decided to walk to the next station "Civic Center" Note to self: Don't do that again in the dark. Just Breath! I was able to get on the train after waiting for a while. It's funny how things come full circle. In class today we were talking about crazy public places and all the craziness. Larry talked to us about how he is always thinking......."Just Breathe and boy do all these people need to start practicing yoga". I found myself in this same situation. People yelling, crying, shoving people around, you name it! I just keep breathing and stayed calm. I got on the right train, wrote in my journal and found myself in San Bruno. I drove home and then the next adventure was feeling the 5.6 earthquake. I was outside when it happened so it was not as intense if you were inside hearing the windows shake. Today has been a different day. I talked to Paul later and told him; maybe Colorado is not so bad after all. I do miss the beautiful clear blue skies in Colorado. It's been foggy here the last few days. The part I don't get is that people have their winter coats out, thinking this is cold. So to earthquakes and emergency I am thankful for my safety. The light in me solutes and honors the light in you--Namaste

Study

2007-10-29T21:03:00.000-07:00

Today I took 2 yoga classes along with all of the class work. We continued to talk about anatomy. I enjoy talking about different parts of the body, but I don't enjoy knowing that I have to memorize them all! I thought I was done with school :) I really do love learning, but memorizing is a different story. I am going to start getting some yogi's to practice with. Some willing souls to let me practice. Beka might get some of the ward members together and we will enjoy yoga together. Maybe Claudia and Aimee will let me practice on them? I know that if I practice that it will be easier when the final exam comes along. I know that I am here to study. I will keep this short so that I can study hard! :)

Sunday

2007-10-28T18:42:00.000-07:00

I remember last Sunday, all the confusion and craziness of getting to It's Yoga and learning my new surroundings. I am starting to get in the groove. On my way home today on BRAT, I guess I am getting a little too comfortable. While writing in my journal and being absorbed by my thinking (there is that crazy mind again). I lost track of what station we were at. As the doors on the train stated to close, I realized I better look up and find our where we were at. San Burno, OH NO--RUN. That's what I remember thinking. I got off the train in time so I didn't have to ride it to the end and all the way back. I love coming back to Brant and Beka's, the 3 kids love to see me. They are having a hard time with the idea of me staying for a month. Every time I leave, they ask is she going to come back? I guess they enjoy the extra attention. I know that Brant and Beka have enjoyed having an extra pair of hands. I have helped with the dishes and babysitting. In the mornings Beka is able to get a shower. Today school was from 9:30-4:30. The day started off with the Full Primary class. This is an hour and a 1/2 class. We had lunch and I observed the 11:00 class. Then at 1:00 we had a guess speaker. We had a reading assignment and got to discuss yoga philosophy. I really enjoyed today. It was a slower paced day. We talked about what yoga is..... People are starting to ask me this question, what is yoga? I actually feel like I can answer this question. The two teacher training classes were combined today. They also have a 12 weekend intensive training. I can't imagine working a full week and then doing this training on the weekends. Plus, living the life of a true yogi for a month is almost like a retreat. Don't get me wrong, it’s a lot of work but it's also relaxing. I don't even know what is going on in Colorado. Did the Rockies win the World Series? Has Soaring Hawk had a snow day? Have the bills be paid? (thanks Paulie) I hope you enjoy listening to my "life on the mat"!

Massage

2007-10-27T22:06:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day off. I was surprised when Paul made the arrangements for me to get a massage. He's the best gift in my life. Paul is always thinking about me and wondering what he can do to make my life better. He’s a keeper. I went to Benicia (Paul's hood) to spend time with the Claverie's. I went for a hour and a 1/2 massage. I have never had a massage. It was heaven. I could do that every week. I feel energized for the new week. I will be back in the yoga studio in the morning. It was wonderful to see the Claverie's again. We don't live too close, so it's nice to be together when we can. We made a nice dinner, Sweet Pork Salads. Cafe Rio:) I was proud of myself driving all over the bay area. I never got lost. I got most of my laundry done and I feel ready for week 2. Tonight I feel thankfulness! Tis the season! The falling leaves, the change in colors and colder weather reminds me that change is important. I am loving the change in my life. More to come soon...

Rocket 3

2007-10-26T19:55:00.000-07:00

Today was the last day of the first week. Saturday is our rest day. My body is thankful for a day to rest. I have been asking my body to do so much. Today was a great day. We worked on seated meditation-- wow, that can be hard for more than a few minutes. We took our first quiz, I only missed one. :) Our morning was focused on anatomy. We talked about all the systems in our body and how yoga helps each system. The lesson I learned today is that I need to slow down in life. Slow down on the mat and off of the mat. I know some of you are saying.....it's taken you this long to figure that out! I am always rushing and forget to slow down and smell the roses. Today we learned about the neti pot, a tradition or practice to clear out the nasal, your main passage for breathing. Breathing is just a huge part of yoga. Larry is always saying "Just Berate" Some of the students were worried about the quiz. "Just breathe" I am getting the message to slow down and breathe. "Feel yourself breathe more than you think." Yoga is about slowing down your thinking mind. They call it a money mind! Week one is behind me, 3 more weeks. They say, that week 1 everyone's excited, week 2...tired and week 3...you start glowing (whatever that means) and week 4..You’re crying because you don't want to leave. I miss Paulie, I hope he misses me. I am going to Benicia in the morning. I will spend the day with Claudia and Paul's family. I am loving the organic food, the costal weather and not having to drive myself to work! I love just sitting back and reading or listening to my ipod. Yoga has taught me to be more peaceful and kind to myself and my body. I want to be able to take what I am learning and to be able to apply it to my everyday life. I want to take how I am feeling to other areas of life. As Larry says, yoga begins when you go home and apply what you have learned. Yoga is not an hour, 3X a week. Yoga is a way of life. Yoga brings us what money can't buy; it brings peace, concentration, health and so much more. Yoga is service. True happiness comes when you give more than you expect. As the title states, Rocket 3. Today was the big day, the top of the mountain. As Reed (another instructor) told us yesterday, bring your helmets because Friday is wild. Rocket 3 is the most challenging class. I love the energy that I get when I take a fast paced rocket class. As the Japanese students say (with limited English) I love Rocket! This class teaches me that I have a lot to learn! I can't wait to become a master teacher to share with others what I enjoy.

Headstands

2007-10-24T19:53:00.000-07:00

Today was a fun day. We worked on our headstands and handstands. I am getting stronger in my arms and in my shoulders. I know that in 28 days :) I will be able to do a strong handstand. It's funny because our instructor’s keep saying "you'll get it in 28 days" They are still saying 28 days. This is such a transformational experience. Everyday we are learning so much. I must keep this blog short, we have a quiz on Friday. I only took one class today. I observed the 4:30 class. If you know me well, you will know that I don't like to observe, I like to do. But it's a good lesson, to stop and do something different. I learn better by doing. I can tell that my core is getting strong. Everyday I set an intention for the day. Yesterday was to work on my flat feet-- from bad habits of walking. So in class I had an awareness of my ankles and feet. In yoga it's all about the breath. I can here Larry saying, JUST BREATE. Today the studio was robed. All the TT's (teacher training) and Marie were in the yoga room during circle time and a man walked into the studio took Marie's wallet and ran. She tried to chase him but he got away. It was interesting because we were just talking about the first limb of Ashtanga yoga and it is Yamas: Ethical Observation (no stealing) I have been helping my friends in class. Many of the students do not speak very good English. I share my notes and many of them want to sit by me because I am always willing to translate. They have a hard time speaking our language let alone write English. I have scripted for them their assignments. This has given me a different view. This has let me step back and be thankful I am not in TT in Africa :) So I leave this with you, JUST BREATE!

Oct 23 (I think that's right!)

2007-10-23T20:03:00.000-07:00

I have not even looked at a calendar in the last 3 days. This is such a dream. I love change and change is happening. Today was an exhausting day. I again took 2 yoga classes plus our class time. I am getting my routine down. I know to get my BART ticket our before I get to the ticket station. Boy, California has got the lightrail figured out! For one day in Castle Rock I thought about taking the bus, but it takes a rocket scientist to figure how to get from Front St. to the Meadows. Today in class we worked on making sure that we have the right postures in many of the standing poses. We worked with partners and we worked up against the wall to make sure we are in alignment. Today was the "Rocket 2". This tops as the best yoga class I have ever taken. If you are familiar with yoga-- I got into "side crow", as you can see I am still working on the Sanskrit names. On Friday we have a quiz. We will be tested on the 15 standing poses. In English and Sanskrit and in sequence. Today we worked on bringing awareness to many parts of our body that are forgotten. We looked at our mats, the mats always tell the story, so do the feet. The story of common problems or tight areas in the body. It has been great learning. Ashtanga yoga means 8 limbs. We have been working on limb #3 ( Asana: physical postures) and #4 (Pranayama:observing one's breath). Later in the training we will work on the other limbs. We are still working on the Sun Salutation. By tradition, at dawn the yogis practice greeting the sun with a salutation. This is the foundation of any yoga practice. This is the time to warm the body up! If you have not checked out the live web-cam, here is how you do it! Go to itsyoga.com and click on the schedule and then find the link to the live web-cam. I am on the mat from 12-1 and then from 4:30-5:45. The other times you will find us being instructed by our masters. Namasta

Sharpies and Yard Sticks

2007-10-22T20:29:00.000-07:00

Day 2 of training. I left for yoga this morning at about 8:45. It takes me about an hour to get to the studio. We start class at 10 am, Monday-Friday. At 10 am we started in "circle time" with our instructor, Katie. She just had a baby 6 weeks ago. She is a great teacher. This morning we talked about the foundation of the practice, Surya Namaskra. I took a class at noon. This is the class that I will be learning to teach. I have to remember to be patient with myself, I am just a beginner. In yoga we are always talking about not judging your self with others. This is so hard; we live in a world where we are always trying to be better than the other. That’s external and we need to learn to be internal. Today our Guru (Larry) talked to us about sequencing on your mat and also taking that sequencing off the mat and into our lives. We also talked about turning away from what is not working and find what is working. Larry's excitement and energy you can feel. His passion is to teach others what he loves doing. He is always telling us that we are apart of a revolution. A revolution for a healthier life. After our first class, some of the students observed and others participated, we again went back to "circle time" this is our time to be taught by the masters. We worked today with Mula Bundha. Creating an internal locking. We got to play around with sharpies and yard sticks on our mats. We measure to make sure our hands are in the correct place for downward facing dog. My shoulders are tight and need some work. The most awaited moment in yoga training (if your new to It's Yoga) is taking your first "Rocket Class" taught by Larry Shultz. Even people in Japan are talking and waiting to do the "Rocket" this is a revolution! This was a powerful class. I was lost, but that's okay because that means and it can only get better. Working on my Mula Bundha will help me to realign and to have more strength in my core. At 6 pm, off to Market Street. I wondered around loving the shopping and the entertainment of being on Market Street. I have decided that San Fran is a loud and busy city, I know...dah! But it's amazing how much stillness I feel. I look at many people on the street get upset about someone else. I think to my self "you need yoga" to relax. Learning to breathe the correct way is such a gift! Until next time....Namasta.

Day 1

2007-10-21T21:55:00.000-07:00

Leaving the snow behind, and welcoming the sunshine in beautiful San Francisco. Today was my first day of yoga training. I arrived in Oakland around 9:00. Daniel (my brother in-law) was also flying in to Oakland. He helped me get my baggage and then Claudia (mother-in-law) picked us up and dropped me off in the heart of San Fran. On Folsom and 4th, you will find the best yoga studio! Arriving 5 min. before our first class was to begin, I hurried to get my yoga clothes on and find a peaceful place on the floor. My surrounding are a little different in this new studio. I am use to hardwood floors and mirrors on the walls. I have just the opposite. 9:30 we began the "primary series" of Ashtanga yoga. This was a 90 min. class. I was once again a beginner student. Looking around wondering what in the world I was doing. This style of yoga is a little different from what I have been doing. My mind wondered during class, wondering who was going to be part of the training. This class had well over 40 people attending. Class ended and a few of us (my new friends) walked to Whole Foods. I am in heaven. I remember wishing that a Whole Foods would be close by. With an hour lunch, we enjoyed salads and got to know each other. I was the only American in the group of 6 people. Here we all sit, with a common purpose. Our purpose is to deepen our understanding of this art. Back at the studio at 1pm. Sitting in the waiting room (I quickly called it the "living room", we are going to be doing a lot of living in that room) for our orientation to begin. Orientation was very helpful. We got the class outline and talked about expectations. Larry Shultz (founder and guru of It's Yoga) joined us at about 3pm. In circle time we talked about the ujjiy breath. Without the breathe of yoga, yoga is really just aerobics. Paul was able to watch me via the live web-cam. This is fun, knowing that Paul can be apart of this revolution for me is amazing. You should have seen me or the others watching me as I took BART (lightrail) with 2 large suitcases, and 2 shoulder bags. I made it from down town to San Bruno. I am so thankful for Brant and Beka and for letting me be in their beautiful home. Until next time….Keep Breathing! At least that’s what they tell me! It’s all about the breath.