Who is John Galt?

In a recent marketing plan from yoga clothing company, Lululemon, they have had an outpouring of praise and unrest and even screaming opposition.  All to a not so simple question.  Who is John Galt?  For those of you that are unfamiliar, John Galt is a character from Ayn Rand's novel "Atlas Shrugged".   Like many books that push the line, this book steps over that line.  For many, like myself, this book changed my life.  But you must look beyond what seems to be political ramblings and look at the philosophy behind what Rand is stating.  Then you get to something truly mind-blowing.

Putting the fact that a company is putting this out there… lets take a look for a second about the fundamental basis of not only the book Atlas Shrugged but the principles of yoga, based on classical texts such as the yoga sutras.

Who is John Galt? He was a man that didn’t believe that people were entitled to anything and that they had to work hard for what they did achieve. Some may call this a selfish path but isn’t this a path that we all should take? Isn’t this entitled mind set what got us all into the trouble we are in? We must do the work, stand by our work and fight for what we believe in.

I was driving home and heard mention of this uproar on the radio and how people are appalled that anyone would suggest those that are doing yoga are being asked to be self absorbed. “Yoga is a community building activity” is what they said. And I ask you… is it? In the Yoga Sutras it never talks about the community action. It only refers to the work the individual must do. Yes, yoga is a selfish practice. how lovely is that? Only with the work we do on ourselves can any change happen with in our community. So in the end, I agree that yoga is a community building activity but the individual work can not be overshadowed. We get what we work for. We are not entitled to anything within our community. If you do the work, you will see a positive outcome.

Look at the philosophy behind the reference. Yes, Ayn Rand was very political but that is not the only point. Politics does not equal Philosophy. The point is that it comes back to philosophy. And philosophy is sharing of thoughts. It was based on debate and opening your mind to create conversation. I am not entitled to my own opinion. I will do my work to understand something deeper then the surface.

And if anything else... congratulations to a company that has opened up the minds of so many to engage us into discussion.  Rock the boat and ask those uncomfortable questions that most are to scared to ask!

That well know phrase... "Do as I say, not as I as I do" has become so well known that it is now expected by most.  Isn't it so much easier to give advice then take your own words of small wisdoms?  We move forward through our own experiences and either learn from them and move forward or ignore them and get stuck in the same place (or most unfavorably move backwards).  Each experience builds on the last and eventually become patterns or habits.  In Sanskrit and yogic philosophy this is referred to as vasanas (experiences) building onto vasanas and becoming samskaras (patterns).  Samskaras are not necessarily a bad thing.  There are many supportive patterns (learning to drive safely, reacting to an overflowing toilet, comforting a small child that has fallen down).  But there are also patterns that should be reflected upon and worked on to make change.  These can hold us down and cause us suffering.

As a teacher, I find myself leading group or private classes in which I hope that I offer a sense of serenity, calm, and inspiration.  It is always interesting to step in front of a group of people that look to you to hold space for them.  To offer a sanctuary for them to work on their samskaras.  Teachers are put into a position that we must step away from that common and incorrect phrase...

As we are all human, we all have suffering.  We feel, we have emotions, we have challenges and for most of us not in seclusion in a cave somewhere to find enlightenment, we have interactions with others in the world.  I have found the last couple of years (and more specifically, the last year) being ones of introspection, reflection and processing.  Getting out of my own way has been proving to be quite difficult.  Changing patterns even harder.  But what this tumultuous adventure has proven is that I wouldn't have it any other way.  I have been forced to look at my own dark corners and shine a little light in them.  This has been intense at times and fascinating most of the time.  Even in moments of blubbering tears, I couldn't help but mutter how cool it was to have that experience.  And it evolves.  I am now understanding of the importance of a personal practice.  And even more so, a teacher to give you that practice.  As we all now from past experiences, the hardest things to deal with and change are the things that we don't necessarily see so easily.  Thank you to my teacher.... thank you for holding space and inspiring me to be a better person.

What you want or what you need???

Whether you are a long time yogi or new to the practice, it is sometimes difficult to step past our ideas of what we want a yoga class to be. Our ideas are shaped in part by our previous experiences and inquires. Sometimes we rely on how something makes us feel. On those brief moments, we can sidestep all of that and just enjoy all that is presented to us. This is the journey of the yogi. What is more important; what we want or what we need?

Working in yoga studios for the past eight years, I have had the extraordinary opportunity to speak with many yogis. Whether they were coming out of a class with bliss in their eyes and a smile on their face or leaving half way through a class raging on about how horrible it was, it came down to a couple of important realizations. Of course, these are generalizations and everyone's experiences are different, unique to the person and the situation, and a result of many layers of previous experiences.

Many times we have an idea of what makes a good class or teacher and what doesn't. Is it really that important to have music in class? To end with a Savasana? Is it not a Vinyasa class if the student is not asked to do one Downward Facing Dog the entire class? Not really. Recently I had the opportunity to get feedback from a student that was unhappy with a class of a fellow teacher. He felt that the teacher was not prepared to teach this class as they did not put together a play list and didn't end the class with a Savasana. In the student's past experience, this was always a part of class. So in this particular instance he was taken to a new place, a class that challenged his preexisting ideas of what made a good class. In conversation, he was then exposed to a new idea that classes are designed according to many factors, such as, what time of day it was being taught at, who was in class, the level of those that were in class, and what focus is being decided upon. Many times, what we think we want is not what we need. Was the music a good distraction so he was not forced to be within himself? Maybe he could be whisked away and not have to focus on his breath or maybe music was a the perfect way to make time go by more quickly. Usually those things that we fight so strongly against, are exactly what we need to be doing.

As a teacher, it is a constant balance of whether we teach what students need or what they want. If we solely teach what they need, our class sizes begin to diminish. Who wants to go to a class that is always forcing us to face the uncomfortable? Or should we give in to the public desire to just feel good. I suppose it is somewhat dependent on the setting. I do feel strongly that as a yoga teacher, we have chosen to teach, to educate, to help our students progress on their journey. If I just wanted to instruct, I would be more prone to give a student the feel good fix they are looking for. But where on the journey is that leading... usually in a big circle. Uncomfortable as it may feel, be brave and venture out on the limb; that is where all the good fruit is. Face yourself and maybe you will find a new smile waiting there for you.

Be brave but also be intelligent on the journey. If you have a question, ask it. If you don't understand what you are being asked to do, venture an expedition of inquiry. As there are so many different styles, hundreds of training programs, and thousands of teachers; please don't walk blindly. Do your research. Find out where the teacher has studied, who their teacher is and what to expect from their classes. Even if a teacher does not have many years of teaching yoga under their belt, don't discredit their ability to teach. They may be just as qualified and knowledgeable as a long time veteran teacher. Quantity does not always equal quality. If you don't enjoy a class with a certain teacher, start a personal inquiry of what made you not enjoy the class. I would highly recommend attempting at least three times with the same teacher before continuing on your journey.

In the Western culture, home of the quick fix and impatience, we tend to view a yoga practice as an alternative to a trip to the gym... another workout. We are unsatisfied with a yoga practice that doesn't make us sweat or forces us to think. Is the necessary to work so hard? An asana practice, or a practice that involves moving our bodies into different shapes, is not meant to contort, manipulate or even work out our bodies. An asana practice is meant instead to prepare us for meditation, finding an opportunity to reflect, to be still, to find introspection. We are looking to achieve efficiency and intelligence of our physical body to also gain the same in our breath and mind. Less is more!

So coming back to the season change. Winter typically is a time that we are prone to less energy, focus, drive, more suseptable to despression, frustration and stress, can we expect to practice the same way as we did in the summer? Not really. Finding the Yin side of your practice, or as to say the calm, peaceful, relaxed, slow, or dark side our your practice, can have as much of a profound impact in your state.  As with a change of practice for the seasons we must also take into consideration the time of day.  Would a teacher be wise to ask you to get out of bed, go to the yoga studio and and then lay in a 15 minute savasana before you go to work?  Personally, I would need another couple cups of coffee before being able to fully function for work.  Or in an evening practice that is so strong with firey standing balances or arm balances?  Unless you work at night, it would probably not be advisable.  We must alter our practice according to the time of day, part of the month, and season of the year.

All of these factors can be overwhelming to think about.  That is one reason to seek out a teacher.  One that will guide you safely and intelligently through the many changes and facets of lives.  Teachers have chosen to study the why and how to be able to alleviate the confusion.  But as a student, please make sure you ask why if you don't understand something.

In the Krishnamacharya lineage it is said that a teacher should "give 90% of what a student wants and 10% of what they need".  Not a bad percentage for trying something new.

To my students, with great gratitude...

I sit here trying to put my thoughts together and I keep coming back to my students.  Maybe it is because Thanksgiving just passed or maybe it is because I just finished teaching two classes a couple of hours ago.  Either way, I reflect on what my students are.  As I teach, I look out to each person and see an amazing potential and unlimited spirit.  We join together, even for a short period of time, and walk a bit of our path together.  I first heard one of my teachers long ago state that their students were their best teacher.  At the moment, I guess I really didn't completely understand what that meant.  Each class I teach, I am offered a little more of the wisdom in that simple phrase.  My students are my best teacher. 

No matter how stressful, outrageous or frustrating my day turned out to be, walking into that studio changes everything.  It clears the slate and wipes away the troubles.  My mind begins to clear and my heart begins to warm.

With much reverence and respect, I bow to you every time you step upon your mat, every time you face the present moment, every time you allow me to learn from you.  As a teacher, I am continually in awe at the brilliance of those I am so lucky to encounter in class and out.  I wish to thank you for each smile, each moment of understanding and the opening of your heart to allow mine to open even more then I thought it could.  

namaste!

As the Rain Falls...

Here in the Pacific Northwest, the season has officially turned. The brilliant sunshine that we took for granted at the end of the summer has turned its attention elsewhere. No longer are we able to forget what it means to turn inward. As the rain falls, we are naturally and instinctively settling down. Night time begins to fall even before the majority of us get out of work. I find myself, like so many others, becoming more homeward bound. A true effort is made to leave the comfort of my adorable and cuddling cats, the soft warm glow of the fire place, and the dryness that is home.

Instead of staying away, finding lazy days on the couch and eating comfort foods, we can instead turn to a practice that can energize us, inspire us, and even heal us. I have noticed of late that many of my students have been complaining of more stress in their lives, more tension in their bodies, and less energy to deal with any of it. As we fall into the dark, cold, and wet months of winter, we can turn to inward introspection, visualizing something that brings us joy, warmth, and support. Allow this to accompany you in your day to day steps and in your practice. Allow this to integrate itself into your consciousness so you no longer need to try to think about it. A thoughtful yoga practice can not only open up our bodies, heal injuries or abuses but also change our perspectives. Changing how we think about our yoga can alter how you do your yoga.

One way to help deal with stressful times is to turn to our breath. Seems so simplistic, doesn't it? In times of stress, frustration, anxiety or any other feeling of discord, our breath becomes shallow and even stressed itself. Our breath is the last thing we tend to focus on or even think about. We sometimes even forget to breath! In these stressful times, allow yourself the special gift of a moment. A moment to do nothing else but breath. Close your eyes. Turn your attention inward. Send the breath into your belly, allowing it to soften and relax. Taking full and extraordinary breaths softly through the nose and sending it down. Allowing this downward attention to help you find grounding and support. Come out of your head. Take at least 10 full breaths before moving on with your day. Notice if this changes how you perceive the events happening. It is so simple and so profound. Just breath. This attention will help relief stress, tension, and even change the way your relate to people in these pressing times.

Some of us deal with lack of energy, motivation, and desire to interact at all. Focusing on the breath will also help along with keeping active. Stick with your practice. Allow it to change. Allow there to be an ebb and flow. If you have a difficult time motivating yourself to do your self practice, go to a class. Group energy helps inspire us to move and breath! If getting to a class seems daunting, take another moment. Sit and breath. Keep sending the breath down to find your support system and then turn your attention to your inhalation. Allow each inhale to fill you with inspired, positive energy. Once you get the itch to move, go... go straight to class. Get on your mat. Surround yourself with others that most likely had to make the same bold effort to get there. Come together and live your practice.

You are worth each breath you take. Give yourself the chance to find its inspiration and motivation. Allow it to let you dance and sing and live! Breath!

Restorative Yoga

In a world that we are constantly on the go, when do we give ourselves a moment to sit back, bask in the pause and breathe?  Even if you are not living in a particularly large city, day to day demands are guaranteed to cause us to fall out of balance.  This chain reaction can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, headaches, muscle tension or pain, digestive troubles, insomnia, and even chronic health issues.  So, what do we do to counteract the inevitable? 

Many people turn to medicine that is prescribed by their doctors.  Unfortunately, this is only covering up the underlying problem.  How do you bypass this and move straight to the source?  Alternative practices are becoming not only more popular but highly sought after.  Acupuncture, massage, light therapy and yoga are largely popular these days.  

But yet another question arises... where do you start?  Does the thought of starting something unknown and new give you even more anxiety?  Maybe you had once tried something like yoga, didn't like it, and never tried it again.   Finding what works for you is a daunting task and is a long process.  If you are lucky, you will find a teacher that is knowledgeable, informative, and most importantly, inspires you to explore the practice further.  Not every teacher or style will gel with everyone.  If you are ready to continue with your search, maybe there is an answer.

Restorative yoga is a way to release stress and to uplift your spirits.  Restorative yoga gives us the opportunity to slow way down, find intention to the breath, and as the style is called, restores us from the inside out.  Completely passive, we explore different ways to release tension, change habitual patterning, and even challenge ourselves through stillness.  Restorative yoga is literally a gift to yourself of peace, serenity and calm.  

Starting on Sunday, September 13th, 2009 at Yoga Shala of Portland, I will be presenting a monthly offering of Restorative Yoga.  Each 2nd Sunday of the month we will explore different aspects that Restorative yoga can offer us.  A perfect way to conclude a weekend and find the calm before the storm that is Monday morning.  

September we will be exploring compassion and kindness through heart opening and backbending. 

October gives us the opportunity to journey further into experiencing the calm, release and rejuvenation.  October 11

November starts the holiday season of gluttonous celebrating. As such, we will aid our digestion and find grounding.  November 8

December  will help you get through the holidays through detoxing twists.  December 13

Unlike other forms of yoga, Restorative yoga requires no previous yoga experience.  It is a perfect place to start for anyone with little to no yoga background, is experiencing difficulties doing a more active yoga practice, or just wanting something different.   In these hour and a half practices we will explore the passive world of yoga using bolsters, blankets, blocks, and other props to help our bodies let go.  You will have time to settle, unwind and release into each asana, or pose.  

You can register online at www.yogashalapdx.com or by calling Yoga Shala of Portland at (503) 963-9642.  

www.yogashalapdx.com