Lessons and Teachers

This week's practice has been widely varied and unexpected.  Most notably, I had two trips to the dentist for some major work and discovered that the application of yoga is extraordinarily beneficial to these types of challenging circumstances!  During one session I had five fillings done.  This called for a sustained stretching open of my mouth for about twenty minutes longer than was comfortable.  My jaw was shaking with the effort, not unlike when I attempt to hold a challenging asana past my comfort level.  What comes to mind is quote about the real yoga starting once things get challenging.  This certainly was the case!  I took the time of the procedure to concentrate on my breathing and on pratyahara, a withdrawing of the senses, as the sound of the drill and the smell of my pulverized tooth particles were sensations I was only too happy to recede from.  I continually scanned my body, finding spots of tension and releasing them.  I turned my focus inward on a repeated mantra.  Overall I think the experience was damn near positive.  :)

More traditional practice included classes from two new teachers and one new studio.  The first class was with Linda at Schoolhouse Yoga's Squirrel Hill studio.  Linda began the class with a reading from Rumi that especially struck home with me, as I had been struggling that day with having had my temper tested and reacting in a way that was not indicative of the person I wish to be.  Linda's teaching was fantastic to observe- she obviously had a good, trusting relationship with many regulars in the class.  A couple of times she diverted the class from the general flow to take the time to discuss and explore some of the poses.  This had the effect of interrupting the body/mind focus, but also provided some good information.  It felt like she was really using the class as time to give instruction that people could take with them into their home practice.  A challenging part of this class for me, was the pervasive smell of moth balls combined with my first trimester nausea.  I very nearly had to run to the restroom at the back of the studio to vomit, but luckily sitting in childs pose and focusing on steady breathing kept me from that, which would surely have been unpleasant for the others to hear!  Linda ended the class with a repeated reading of the Rumi quote, and I was surprised to find that it made me cry.  I've heard that some people cry during yoga practice, from the release of emotions and tensions, but had never experienced this myself.

The other class I visited was Lunchtime Yoga at Yoga Hive, taught by Michael.  I enjoyed this studio environment and in particular Michael's cuing voice and pace.  He definitely challenged the class ( I was literally dripping sweat by the end), but did so in a way that was inviting and non-judgmental.  Special attention was given to proper alignment techniques and care of the lower back.  A bonus point for me was that Michael is a doppelganger of one of my best friends, so I instantly felt an affinity to him.  Funny the things that endear us to certain people and teachers!

Also this week I implemented Joann's idea for yama/niyama cards and will feature one a week on my fridge and try to focus on bringing that yama/niyama into my life during that time.  This week is santosha, and I think just by virtue of having it always with me in the back of my mind, the moments of the day are a little richer and more appreciated.  I feel calm and at peace.

With the returning sun comes my renewed energy and passion for the study of yoga.

The quote Linda read: