Flow.

Over the years I have practiced many types of yoga. My very first yoga class was at Integral Yoga on 13th street in Manhattan.  It was a great place to start because they have a designated Brand New Beginners class.  So there is no worry about looking crazy your first time because it's everyone's first time. It's a class full of virgins so to speak.

I practiced there for while until I joined a gym in Brooklyn near my house called the Training Academy. It was on Waverly Avenue, owned by a black woman named Laura Gorriaran-Goodwin,  and it had a boxing ring. I have to admit, that's why I really joined the gym. As many of you know I am a Sporty Spice so to stand inside of a regulation size boxing ring was like going to sporty heaven for me. So I joined and started taking kickboxing!  

Just before I joined this gym, I had been going to another in Brooklyn that shall remain nameless.  I took a couple of yoga classes there, but they were pretty bad, especially after going to Integral. I thought I would never take yoga at a gym again, but when I joined the Training Academy, something told me to give yoga one more try.  

Now two major things happened while at this new gym.  I realized that I had a shoulder injury. Something I had suffered at the other gym, but to this day I don't know exactly how it happened.  The other thing is that I found out I had a hiatal hernia.  I tell you folks, the wheel doesn't stop turning. But let's get back to yoga. 

At the Training Academy I started taking Kundalini and Iyengar yoga. Talk about two different styles, but I really loved them both and I had two amazing teachers.  Simran taught Kundalini and Debra taught Iyengar.  I feel so blessed to have met these women because this is the time in my life where I feel that yoga saved my life.  

When I learned that I had the hernia, the doctor tried to put me on meds indefinitely. Without getting into too much detail I'll just say that the breathing in Kundalini made it so I never had to take one pill.  Then later when I had my shoulder injury, it was the Iyengar that helped me ease back into practice and have proper alignment so I wouldn't hurt myself again.  

As time went on and yoga became more and more popular in NYC I found myself in a ton of vinyasa classes. Everywhere I went it was just vinyasa. I enjoyed them for sure, but I felt something was missing.  As time went on I got lucky again and found some new amazing teachers at a studio called Area Yoga.  First was Tina, then Keely and Shira.  I put myself on a 30 day yoga challenge and they were amazing. They really restored my love of yoga and Keely was the first to encourage me to think about teacher training.

Fast forward to teacher training.  I almost went to Laughing Lotus, but the Goddess saw fit to send me to Kripalu.  I am so thankful for that, but the emphasis at Kripalu is not on flow or at least not a vinyasa style of flow as I knew it. At first I thought I might miss the flow, but while training and then after when I starting teaching classes, I have really grown to love a slower paced, breath and posture focused practice. So that is what I have been teaching, but last Tuesday (3/26) I decided to sub for one of my fellow teachers at Hip Dhamma.

I wasn't sure what style of class she taught, but I soon learned that her class is vinyasa.  I knew I could do it, but up to this point I had never taught that style of class.  So before heading to the studio, I got on my mat and home and mapped it out. It all came back so fast, but I wanted to also make sure I wasn't losing the Kripalu philosophy in it all.  I know how it is when you are a sub in any kind of class. You really have to show and prove because often times people who come to class are coming to practice with "their" teacher.  You all know what I mean.  Well...here goes nothing.

I got to class and met Mack.  He is one of our new karmis at the studio so he set up and the room and he informed me that he was also going to take the class with me. Then slowly people started coming in.  Soon Chris, who I hadn't seen in a while, shows up.  Also I had a woman in class who had never taken yoga before.  Now I really knew I had my work cut out for me. I just assumed that most of the people there would have at least taken yoga before. I guess you know what they say happens when you assume.  LOL.

I opened class as I usually do. Pretty slowly, was a little talk and some breath work. Then we turned up the heat.  Even though I have pretty good yoga language, moving faster I really had to be super mindful and keep an eye on my newbie.  Tough!  Usually when I teach class I do all the moves or as many as I can with the students, but this time I really couldn't. I had to do some and then really keep an eye out. At the close of every class, while the students are in savasana, I give them Reiki. There were 7 people in the class so I took time and  I made sure I sent energy to everyone.  I wasn't sure how people felt about the class at that point, but at least I knew that the folks would be feeling good after their shot of Reiki. LOL

When class was over many if not all of the students told me that they really enjoyed the class.  I was so thankful.  At some points I really didn't know how it was all going to turn out.  A couple of students wanted to know what time I teach on Sundays so they can come!  That was really great.   Since graduation, every time I am asked to teach and I know it’s something that I have not done before, I say yes.  That is what we were taught at Kripalu and so far saying yes has really worked out wonderfully.

So, In the spirit of Kripalu, I declare that  I am a vinyasa teacher! Yes! Give Thanks!

Thank You Series ~ Class 3: Happy New Year!

Hey Everyone!

I know the last class of my Thank You Series was a long time ago. About three or so weeks ago really, but the end of the year just flew by. I don't know what happened.  So I'm going to wrap up blogging about the series and move on to 2013 and all the is ahead so far.

Let me just say that my last Thank You class was as amazing as the first.  I'm so glad I did this because I feel it was such a great way to start teaching.  Maybe because I set it up myself I felt really comfortable. There was a little pressure, but not a much as I thought it would be. Let me be clear and say that all the pressure was coming from me not anyone else.

For the last Thank You class I had 5 students.  Tiffany, Erica and Bianca came back, which was great and Bianca brought her friend Whitney.  Dumeha snuck in almost at the end, but I give her an A for effort because we were both hanging out together the night before. LOL.

I asked people to dedicate the last class to someone who has supported them when no one else would.  I was really thinking about all of you who supported me though the yoga school process and who are still in my corner. Some people who supported me I never even met before.  The whole process from start to finish was such a blessing. It mean so much more than words can say. Here I am on the other side of it all.  Sometimes it feels like a dream.

My last Thank You class was on a Sunday, December 16th, but Tanya from Hip Dhamma asked me if I could sub a class the following Tuesday.  I also had a show on Wednesday. So the week leading up to the holidays was packed.

The Tuesday class was very small. It was almost a private with me and Chris who had come to my Thank You series the second week. We began class and then Tanya snuck in.  So it was really nice and easy class. At the end I always give a little Reiki and both Chris and Tanya said it was amazing for them. Tanya had a headache that wouldn't go away all day, but when I gave her Reiki it dissipated. Nice!

So that was my last class of the year.  Hip Dhamma has me on their schedule as a sub and we are in the works to find me a more permanent time slot. So I'll keep you posted on that front.

Well it is 2013 and there is lots on the horizon!  To kick off the year I will be teaching every Monday afternoon for the next two months at Shambhala Yoga and Dance Center! I'm really excited about that. It's a "by donation" class so if you are in the area please pop by. I'll leave all the info below.

I'm on the sub list at Hip Dhamma and Area Yoga. So when I know I'm teaching, you will know I'm teaching.  I am also planning a few workshops. I'm not going to give the concept away, but I will tell you that I'm super excited! Big reveal coming soon.

I'm going to keep this one short because I know it's going to be a packed year of yoga and music for me.  I'm really excited about all that is on the horizon. Thank you again for all your love and support!

Fulfill your dreams! It's 2013!

Jai Bhagwan!


Where I'm Teaching!!!
Beginning Monday January 7th (Every Monday)
Shambhala Yoga & Dance Center
367 St. Marks Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11238
Blossoming Hour
1:45-2:45pm
Fee: By Donation
www.shambhalayogadance.com
See You There!

More Classes, Workshops & Specials to Come!  

Countdown to Yoga School ~ Day 5, 4 & 3

I can't believe I'm 3 days away from school. Where did the time go? These things always sneak up on you and then the rush is on.  I'm trying not to be in a panic about what's left to do, but I can feel it in my shoulders already; the stress that is.  Time to breathe.

As you can see I haven't posted anything since Tuesday. I did make it to class that day and itt was my last class with Keri for a while. Tuesday was a Basics class and I had a great time in class as usual. But I have to admit that so much has been going on that I can't even remember what we did in class that day. LOL!

I chatted with Keri for a while when class ended and she gave me her card so I could call from school if I needed to. I thought that was sweet, but it's also because she knows I will need to talk to someone who knows what in the world is going on out there. LOL!  She has given me some good advice since learning that I am going to school. I'm so thankful for that.

I didn't go to class on Wednesday. I knew that was going to be the case. I had so many errands to run and I had to go visit a friend. I'm working on band stuff as well so there is just so much churning around.  I am in deep admin mode, but I didn't want to forget about you all.

Today was my last day working at Area for a while and lots happened today. I went in kind of cranky because none of the rental mats were clean. Although it is part of my job to clean them, usually at least one or two are clean before I get there.  But after all that I talked to one of the yoga teachers there, Danielle, and she wants me to play at her Midnight Yoga class in December at Laughing Lotus, which is going to be amazing. I will surely let you all know about that and then I found out that one of my other teachers, Elias, is going to be at Kripalu the same time I'm there.  How about that!  The world gets smaller and smaller. He won't be part of my training, but who knows, I may see him.

I also got to talk for a while to one of the other attendants at Area that I don't usually get to chat with. So all in all it was a great day.  I ran a few more errands and came home.  I have been on the computer and here I will remain until I can get a break to go dancing. Yes dancing! I'm going to get as much in as I can before I got.

Thank you all so much for donating to the fundraiser for school. We are still in the zone and have almost reached out goal! We are so close. Please help take us over the top.  If you have wanted to donate you still have time.  It would be such a blessing. Thank You. Thank You.

Have a great night every one! More tomorrow. Namaste.

Crowdfunding

Countdown to Yoga School ~ Day 6

I can't believe that school is only 6 days away.  This time just few by.  So much had happened leading up to my departure and it keeps going. I see I'll be in full admin mode for the music and the yoga until I walk about the door.I am hoping to have complete peace while in MA.  I am hoping to only check email on Sundays. That is the plan anyway, be we'll see how long it takes for me to shut my brain off of admin mode.

I have a big show with the band on November 16th. That is basically a week after I get back from school. I know I must be a little crazy, but I'm doing it.  That's just the way my life is and I guess I like it that way because I keep doing it. LOL! Well we'll see what my body and brain say during and after training.

Anyway, let me get back to today. I wanted to go to the 8:15am class with Keri, but I saw that it was not on the schedule anymore. I guess I'm not surprised because the last two times I went, I was the only one in class.  So I went to the later class at 12:30pm with Julie. I have taken her class before, but today it felt like it was moving really fast.  I'm not complaining, but that's just how I was feeling in it.  I can feel my body slowly getting used to the amount of yoga I have been doing. My shoulder doesn't hurt as much, which is amazing. The pain is not totally gone, but I am hopefully that one day I won't feel it at all or barely.

I only have 5 more yoga classes in Brooklyn until I'm on the yoga marathon.  It may actually be less because I have a bunch of things to get done before I go.  As I said, I'm in admin mode in a major way, but I am thankful for it all.

I am leaving on Sunday and we are 78% funded.  I know that we can push this over the top. Please if you can donate or spread the word I would be so thankful.  The amount left is $785, which is not much. I know we can do this in a week. I know we can!

Thank you so much!  Until tomorrow.

Namaste.

Crowdfunding

Countdown to Yoga School ~ Day 10

I think I might have mentioned this early on, but I do Karmi work at Area Yoga so I can take class for free.  I work 4 hours per week and have unlimited yoga!  You can't beat that.

When I started last year I was working pretty regularly every Thursday. I would only switch days if I had a regular day gig for a bit or other travel opportunities came up.  But for the most part last year I was there on Thursday morning.

I would work the front desk checking people in and making sales and then at 12:30pm I would go to Slow Flow class with Elias.  Now Elias is is an awesome teacher with a thick Mexican accent. I remember in the early days of going to his class I would have to listen very hard to catch all the directions. It's interesting because sometimes he talks really fast, but because he repeats himself to make sure everyone got it.   Now that I've been taking his class for a while I'm right there with him

Today was my first day back in his class for a while.  Since coming back to NY I has sort of been all over the place with classes because my work shift has been different every week.  Well, it was so good to be back in his class.

As I mentioned yesterday, all Slow Flow classes are not alike. When I'm in Elias's class I don't feel like the flow is slow, so I can only imaging what a regular pace class is for him.  He keeps telling me to come to his Happy Hour class, which is really a happy hour and a half.  LOL! We'll see.  ;-)

The focus of today's class was hip openers and I can feel my hips as I sit here writing. I should really be in the tub right now.  Anyway,  I really appreciated Elias talking about when the hips are opened you might feel like you want to cry because we hold a lot there. This could explain why sometimes women cry when having sex, but I digress...  So he prepared people for what they might feel post class, which I always appreciate. There is nothing like doing some body work and finding yourself in the supermarket a hot blubbering mess. LOL!  Well at least a little emotional in the street.  I have been there for sure.

I will be sure to make it to class with Elias at least one or two more times before I leave for school.  His preferred style of yoga is Anusara and I think I'm starting to feel the vibe.

I can't believe there are only 10 days before I leave for school. Time is really flying and I have so much to get done.  I guess I better hop to it. Thank you all for your donations! Keep them coming and keep spreading the word.

Namaste.

Crowdfunding

Countdown to Yoga School ~ Day 11

I know I'm really late again. In fact a whole day late, but here goes.  

I went to the 11am Slow Flow class and it felt really calm.  As I mentioned yesterday, I have been really feeling my shoulder.  I know it will pass, but today was no exception, but I pushed through.

I'm really starting to like this teacher.  Her name is Marissa and today made the third class I've taken with her.  I've been to a few Slow Flow classes in which I wasn't sure why it was called that, but everyone has their own style.

We really took our time moving through the postures, but she kept a good pace so it didn't feel like a Basics class. One thing that stood out for me in class today was the use of the strap. Of course I have used straps many times in class, but today I could actually feel what it had done to lengthen my legs. I placed the strap around the bottom of our foot and stretched my right leg out to the right while I held the strap in my hand and then we took our leg across out body in the opposite direction.  When she told to put our foot down I could energetically feel how it was longer than the other for that moment. We soon did the other side and things evened out.  That felt really amazing to me.

After class today I had to meet with my friend Hollie to talk some business and then I came home to prepare for rehearsal. So it was pretty normal day, but yoga class was great!

Thank you again to everyone who has donated so far and those who are still to come.  We are 70% funded!  Let's keep this going.  Thank you so much!

Namaste.

Crowdfunding

Countdown to Yoga School ~ Day 12

As you can see I'm on the late night blog again.  Well it was a sort of long day.  I had a show tonight so I was focusing on that, but I did make it to class today.

For those of you who read the blog yesterday you may be happy to know that my instructor Keri is OK. She was in class today teaching and she was not in pain.  I was really glad to see that. So today's class was great as usual.

The class was more meditative than usual. Keri had us sit in silence for 5 minutes before we moved into any postures.  Now I meditate on a regular, but for folks who don't I know that sitting for 5 minutes can seem like an eternity, but I welcomed it.  Today's class was a Basics class, which has been really great for me as I get ready to go.  I know I said this before, but it has been helping so much to take that step back before I go forward.  I am getting more and more clear about the things that I'll need to work on at school.  I know I'm exactly where I need to be, but I'm also clear about where I want to be.

I have been feeling my left shoulder a lot. I know it will stop hurting.  It did when I did my 30 days of yoga so I know it can again. It doesn't hurt all the time, but I surely do feel it.  It will get stronger.

I got my first box of Yogi Muscle Rejuvenation tea.  I'm told that it's the bomb for aches and pains so that will be part of my daily ritual.  I'm so excited!

Thank you again so much for your support. We are so, so close to our goal. I continue to be humbled by all of your generosity.  The thermometer says we are 70% funded.  Let's do this!  Thank You! Thank You.

Namaste.

Crowdfunding

Countdown to Yoga School ~ Day 13

I know the day is done, but for some reason I just couldn't get this one out in a more timely fashion.  At any rate it was an strange yoga day for me.

I got up early this morning to go to the 8:15 class. Last Monday when I went I was the only one in class so I got an impromptu private session. I was kind of hoping that might happen again today and it sure did, but there was a little twist.

When I got to the studio Keri, the instructor, was behind the desk. She didn't look or sound to good. When I asked her if she was OK she told me she was in a lot of pain. She had a staff infection that should have been healing, but she feared something was very wrong.  She said that in the class before mine, she almost threw up and felt like she was going to pass out.  Well that was enough for me to say that she should skip class for the day.  It was only me after all and I knew I could go to the Court street studio to practice at 9:30am.

So we locked up and walked from downtown Brooklyn along Court street to Cobble Hill.  Keri thought she would feel better walking than getting on the subway or bus because she was also feeling dizzy and thought the movement wouldn't help.

During our walk, she gave me some great suggestions about what to bring with me to teacher training. I was so thankful because I was thinking about that this morning. It just kind of hit me that I am two weeks away from leaving.  I have so much going on in these next couple of weeks and it just hit me the amount of things I have to get done and quickly.

When Keri and I got to the Count street studio, we parted ways. I then realized that I was really early for class. So I went and got a croissant and then headed back to the studio.

I didn't know who usually teaches the 9:30 class, but what I did find out is that it was sub. I don't usually have any problem with that especially if it's a class that I never or rarely go to, but this sub was really strange. Not everyone jibes with all instructors and that's how I felt today. Class seemed to be all over the  place, but after class I could tell that some people really liked it.  Sigh... To each her own.

So the class for me today was not the best. I did all I was supposed to do, but for some reason it didn't click in as some of the other classes I've been to.  All I can do now is take notes to make sure when I'm teaching I can incorporate or take out whatever I need when I'm building classes.

I won't say too much more about it. I'm just glad I got up and out today for Day 13.  Speaking of that, we are so close to reaching our goal for yoga school. Please keep spreading the word and please donate if you can.  No matter how large or small, it all counts.

Namaste.

Crowdfunding

Countdown to Yoga School ~ Day 16

This morning when I woke up my knee was hurting.  I knew that after a few days I might feel something other than my shoulder.  I have all kinds of potions that I've made or were given to me for joint pain so today was the day to put them into action.  I contemplated not going to class, but then I remembered that at yoga teacher training I'm not going to have that choice. Of course if I get hurt or something then I could sit something out, but for the most part you have to be there. So I pulled it together and went to class.

I had to go early this morning because I have a gig with Burnt Sugar today in Philadelphia.  So I went to the 9:15 class with my new favorite teacher Keri.  The class at that time is Power Yoga and I was a little concerned about what the pace might be with my knee hurting, but I promised myself that I would go the edge and if it really hurt then I would back off. It was raining this morning, which also didn't help my energy level, but I pushed on.

In class today the power was really more in the core and back then in the pace, which I was glad about.  I moved through the asanas pretty well, but I was having a little bit of issue with my chaturanga.  I was tired for real so my vinyasa was a little sloppy today.  I felt myself getting sleepy at points while practicing, which is crazy, but I stayed focused the best I could.

Today Keri gave me more great shoulder advice. I have so much work to do in that area since I have pain   sometimes.  I also went up into full wheel today after not going it for a long time.  It was a challenge to say the least.  My left wrist was really hurting and it was tough to push up into the pose, but Keri helped me out.  Then she suggested that I do the pose against the wall with blocks and that really helped.  I am pretty clear what I will have to work on in school. Full Wheel and strangely enough, Tree pose.  Seems simple, but gives me a little trouble.  I am so thankful for these classes with Keri before I leave.  I'm so excited about it all.  At the end of class my knee wasn't hurting anymore. This is the power of yoga.

As we close the week I want to thank everyone once again for your donations to helping to make my dreams come true.  We are almost at our goal! The deadline to turn in the final portion of the tuition in October 9th.  Please keep spreading the word.  Thank You!  Have a great weekend!

Namaste.

Crowdfunding

Countdown to Yoga School ~ Day 17/The N word and I don't mean Namaste

Yoga in the city can be tough sometimes. Not the classes themselves, but what you walk in to after you leave class. I guess that's why we do it. So that we can have a better disposition and more compassion for everyone in world. For our fellow human beings.  But sometimes it's a challenge.  It's a challenge to stay grounded even when you've just left the studio 15, 20 or 30 minutes ago.

In today's class I definitely stretched some muscles that I haven't in a while. So I know I will be feeling that, but I've been feeling pretty good over all. I was thinking that my shoulder might give me some issue, but it's been pretty minimal. Maybe I'm a bit stronger than I think I am or maybe I just haven't hit that Power yoga class yet. LOL! Either way, I feel good.

When I left class today, I made a stop at Trader Joe's and then headed for the bus home.  For the folks reading this in Brooklyn, then you may know the joy and the pain or riding the 65 bus. The joy is that it drops me right in front of my house. The pain is that you might not ever know when it's coming.  The bus is notoriously late and today was no exception.

I was waiting for quite a while when the bus finally came. I found myself a seat in the front and started to settle in when I realized that the woman sitting next to me was having a really loud conversation in which every other word out of her mouth was N***a.  If you are not clear what that is, it's Nigga. Yeah I said it!  Lol!  Now mind you, I am not naive.  I know that the word is used all the time and without thought on a regular basis. But sometimes, many times, it's just used in excess and for no reason or in a spot where another would could be used to create the same emphasis.  Sonia Sanchez once said that if people curse all the time in what would be considered "normal" conversation,  it's probably due to a lack of vocabulary. She believes, if you are going to curse in life, in your writing, etc. you should make it mean something.  Give it real weight.

To this case in point, the woman next to me would not calm down, pipe down or slow down. She was just going on and on with n***a this and n***a that, and that n***a and this n***a,  and well, you know what I'm saying.  When I hear people do this on the bus, train or even in the street talking to friends about other people who are the brunt of the word, I really want to walk up or slide up next to them and repeat the word every time they say it within earshot of them to see if they can hear themselves. See if they can really hear the words coming out of their mouth as it is coming out of mine.  I wonder if it would get me in to an fight. Would someone wonder why I'm calling them a n***a not realizing that it is them saying the word and I'm simply a mirror.

I know you might wonder what this has to do with yoga. Well when this started happening I took a breath. I really tried to find some compassion for my sister.  Clearly there was some drama going on and I honestly hoped that the situation would resolve not just for the sake of my ears, but for the sake of her journey. But you know what, I guess this is her journey.  Hmm...  Then I looked around the bus and found another seat, away from the noise.  Trust me when I tell you that  I'm not like this everyday, but I think today it did help that I had just come from class.  Sometimes it's the little things.

Namaste.

Crowdfunding

Countdown to Yoga School ~ Day 18

Hey Everyone,

It was another great day of yoga. I know that might sound like an ultra-hippie statement, but it really was good. At first I could tell I was a little grumpy because the teachers voice was getting on my nerves. LOL!  You know how some yoga instructors sound like they smoked a joint right before they came to class? Their speaking voice is so relaxed that you might think, "Are they really that cool?"  Well I felt that at first, but then as I went on I could feel the cobwebs clearing. Today's class was Slow Flow and I have to say that I really like that kind of class. You hold the poses longer and you can really work with the breath.  Also doing a Slow Flow or Basics class gives you an opportunity to really examine your poses.

I know you might wonder why I would take a Basics class after all these years, but it's just like anything else.  Sometimes you have to go back to the basics to get your foundation. Although my practice is intermediateI still have a long way to go. I guess that's why it's called a practice and not a perfect.

In class today and yesterday there was a lot of focus on breathing into our back and today the teacher also talked about breathing into our hands and feet.  I really like the feeling of breathing into certain parts of out body that we don't think about having air.  It's a really amazing feeling to move the breath around the whole body.

I'm feeling good! Sometimes I still feel that grandma shoulder, but I'm going to breath some life into her too.  :-)

Day 3 down, 17 to go.
Thank you for your continued support. $580 to go and the tuition is paid in full!

Namaste.

Crowdfunding

Countdown to Yoga School ~ Day 19

Hey Everyone!

Day 2 of my lead up to yoga school and I'm starting to remember why it is important to practice every day if you can.  It's the breath. Even though I have been doing yoga for so many years, sometimes I just forget that it's all about the breath in a big way.

Today I had class again with Keri and I forgot one thing that she focused on yesterday and that was the breath. Filling your whole "cylinder" as she would say, with air. She's talking about the whole torso from the belly to the chest. She also talked about lengthening as you breath out.  Now I know this, I really do know this, but today it just felt like something new.

So today in class I really focused on my breath and it just reminded me of how much I don't breath.  Of course we have to breath in order to stay alive, but ofter our breath is shallow or we just take it for granted. We forget or don't even know, that conscious breathing can help release toxins from our body as well as relaxing the mind and body.

I'm so thankful for this practice.  Rock On!

Crowdfunding

Countdown to Yoga School ~ Day 20

Hey Everyone,

I am officially 20 days away from beginning yoga teacher training at Kripalu!  After I paid my first half of my tuition for school I was sent the official welcome package with information on what to expect, a tentative daily schedule, reading list and some suggestions of things to do before arriving at school.

One of the things that stuck out for me was the suggestion that we do yoga once a day for a month before we arrive. Uh...what??!!!  I mean it makes sense, but I have not been practicing like that for a bit. I've been going 2-3 times a week, but not every day.  In fact I haven't done yoga every day since a while after I did my 30 days of yoga (Facebook: Reflections on 30 Days of Yoga/Feb. 2010).  So I needed to get on it and quick.

I do Karmi (Karma yoga) work at Area Yoga in Brooklyn. For those of you who don't know what that means, it's work/study. So I work at the studio four hours a week and I get all my yoga for free!  Lots of studios do this so if you are looking for a way to practice more, but can't afford to pay for regular classes, consider work/study.  It has been a blessing to me.  Especially right at this moment.

So today I started my once a day yoga and it just so happened it turned out to be a private lesson.  Why? Because I was the only one who got up and made it to the 8:15 class!  I've never had a private lesson before and I have to say that now I totally understand why people do it.  In my mind I was thinking that the energy of doing the practice with people is so powerful because there is a lot of energy moving through the room and sometimes that helps to keep you moving, but the one-on-one was really powerful too. Maybe it's because you actually get all the attention on you. The teacher can really help you make adjustments so the next time you go into the pose you have a new outlook on it.

Keri Setaro was my teacher today. Little does she know she's another one of my inspirations. She's a yoga instructor, but she is also an actress and a voice over artist.  I love to meet people who are combining their traditional artistic love with the healing arts.  That's totally my plan so I love to see other people working it.  If you are ever in Brooklyn and are thinking about class and maybe find yourself thinking about Area, look up Keri. I really like her style. In 2003 I had shoulder surgery and although I'm fine, sometimes I feel like I have grandma shoulder. You know the one that acts up when it's going to rain or some other weather change happens. Well today, Keri gave me some great suggestions on how to work with my shoulder to give myself more space across my shoulders and upper back.  It was amazing!  This was a great way to kickoff my countdown to school. 

Speaking of school, I am still in fundraising mode.  I have until Oct. 9th (15 days ) to get the rest of my tuition in. I have to be paid in full before I walk though the door.  So if you are inspired, please donate to making this dream come true by clicking the GoFundMe button below. I am confident that I will get there, but I do need your help.  If you cannot donate at this time, please spread the word. You can do that by clicking the link below and "Like" the page if you are on Facebook, Tweet about it or Pin it. It all works.

Thank you so much for waking this journey with me.  I'm so excited and I can't wait to share all the details.

Have a great Monday!

Crowdfunding

Yoga Passbook 2011 - Area Yoga/A New Home Down the Road

September 13th

Old Home of Area Yoga

I made a schedule of where I was going to go for this week in yoga. It didn’t work out yesterday, but I was determined to go to Area Yoga today. Area is my yoga home. That is where I did my 30 days and I know many of the teachers there. They also moved to a new location just down the street on Court St. in Cobble Hill, but I hadn’t been there so I was looking forward to seeing it. I decided to go to Keely’s class because I hadn’t seen her in a while. She was teaching the Open Level class at 9:15am.

I got myself together this morning, jumped on my bike and headed to Cobble Hill. When I got to the spot I could tell already that it was a nice shift. At the old place the downstairs part of the building had been under construction forever. At the new spot you enter on the ground floor and there is a small boutique carrying clothes, mats, candles and even yoga underwear. But what exactly are yoga underwear? Sorry I didn’t get a close enough look at what make them fit for yoga, but I did see someone buy a pair.

I got there a little early so I went upstairs and put my mat down in the new studio. The room seems like it’s a little smaller than the old space, but it’s much nicer. The floor doesn’t creek and the windows are beautiful. It would be a hell of an apartment!

I settled in and people started coming soon after. I thought it might be a nice small class, but boy was I wrong. Clearly the 9:15 open class at Area is the class to hit. That spot was packed. I’m always surprised when I see people at yoga a 9:15am as if I’m the only one who has day time space in their life. I forget that people are stay at home mom’s, work the night shift, work for themselves and the list goes on.

By the time Keely got there and started we had to readjust to fit more people in. It was so stacked that we had to get to know our classmates intimately. Lol

I always like Keely’s classes because she starts with chanting. Before this class the only vocalizing that I have been doing was Om, but today I added the chant. It felt good, but I’m not going to push it.

Keely’s Open classes are always challenging, but today was extra. It was rigorous and I was sweating like it was nobody’s business. Classes like that always make me wonder why people do hot yoga. Yoga is hot enough without all the extra heat. I know you Bikram folks love your Bikram, but I’m still trying to understand. Especially in Vinyasa Flow so much heat is generated and on this day I was drenched. I don’t usually bring a towel to class because usually I can work with the sweat, but today I needed a Rasheed Wallace basketball sweatband for real!

Keely had us doing poses, many of which I had to modify because my body has not caught up with my mind yet. I also needed to remain mindful of my shoulder. Chaturanga was still feeling a little funky. So in this class there were not too many vinyasas for me. Just straight into Downward Dog for me. Today she had us try Crow pose. Again not so much for me and my shoulder, but I did give it a little try. The shoulder didn’t hurt so much in Side Angle or in Triangle today. Vasisthasana (side plank pose) was a little tough, but I made it through with some modification. We went through all the Warriors, Tree pose, Virasana and the list went on and on. I was a sweaty mess about ½ way though, but it was worth it.

After class I felt great and got a chance to reconnect with Keely and a couple of other folks I had taken class with in the past. It was a really sweet ending to a wonderful class.

I’m so glad yoga is back in my life. Although my outsides are screaming (I have a heating patch on my lower back right now!) my insides smiling. Until next time…

New Home of Area Yoga, 389 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Namaste.