Day 345 Intention ~ Keep Learning

Day 345 Intention ~ Keep Learning

There is so much going on in this world, in this life, that there is no reason to not keep learning through it all. It keeps life exciting and new and helps us from becoming stagnant. 

Besides, nobody likes a know it all anyhow!

In yoga, I am still always learning. I have been teaching for just about 4 years now, and practiced for years longer than that, but yet, I still learn something every class I take. It may not be about a pose, but often, it's something about myself. How I react to certain movements, what it brings out in my body and my mind...and, yes, no day is ever exactly the same. 

When I was in teacher training, I remember it being said at one point that as soon as you think you know it all, you know nothing. I have always tried to keep that in mind as I teach and as I take class. I think it's a great mantra for beyond the class too. 

As soon as we think we know everything, we start to close ourselves off in a way. We aren't open to new ideas, we are definitely never wrong and we slowly become all about the ego again. I, me, mine. We forget that we are all living and breathing as one, it may appear we are living separate existences, and from certain angles we are, but in the grand scope of the universe and life, we are all part of the same beating energy and breath. What I do effects you and vice versa and on and on. So, let's try to keep open. 

Breathe deep, lift your chest and your heart and open your arms to the universe and all it has to offer. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 313 Intention ~ Have Family Time

Day 313 Intention ~ Have Family Time

Or rather, stay home and hang out with the hubby, dog & cat. This morning, I was getting ready to go get ready to go to yoga class when my normally independent cat jumped up onto my lap and planted herself. She seemed so comfortable and as she purred, I couldn't bring myself to disturb the moment. 

Class time then passed. But, I went upstairs and practiced from a recording a Rocket Series class with one of my favorite local teachers that I had made when I was trying to learn how to teach the series. It was great. It had been quite awhile since I had done that series and it was just what I needed. Home practice is good. It is nice to be with others in a group, breathing and practicing together, but the home practice is always nice too. Sometimes it's putting other things in front of practice on the priority list that makes home practice more difficult. 

Because of this, I haven't had to go anywhere, except to walk the dog, and John & I (plus George and Stella) have been able to spend the whole afternoon together. It has been a long time since that has happened & it is nice to reconnect with my number 1 satsang. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 300 Intention ~ Just Do It

Day 300 Intention ~ Just Do It

Can't believe today is day 300! Wow, this year is flying by!!

Today, I am using another tagline, but it really rang true for me this morning. 

I have been wanted to get to a full Ashtanga Primary Series that is offered on Sunday mornings at one of the studios where I teach for a long time now. Over the summer, I was gone so much or subbing on Sunday mornings, so it just wouldn't happen. This morning when I woke up, I started looking to see what was offered at closer studios later in the day...then I realized I had enough time to get to Berea (about a 40 minute drive) and that I should just do it!

So I did.

And, I need to do that more often. It's nice to be led by an instructor since most of my Ashtanga practice is at home. It is also nice to hear/learn the transitions, since that is the part I am not sure about teaching sometimes. 

It was a great way to start the day...and the week!

So, if you want something, go for it! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 293 Intention ~ Relax

Day 293 Intention ~ Relax

It's Sunday. This is usually the one day a week I take off, but today, I subbed a class. I also have some knit work to do, but that is super laid back. 

John & I were talking last night about a few things that we did need to get done today. When I got home from my class this afternoon, I asked him what was on the list again. As he went down the items, the last thing he said was, "And most importantly, the number one thing we need to do today is...relax."

So, there it is. There is my intention for the rest of my Sunday. Although with the Browns in Green Bay today, not sure if I'll be able to relax. ha!

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 268 Intention ~ Play To My Audience

Day 268 Intention ~ Play to My Audience

I have three yoga classes today. All are very different audiences. The first are at the Centers for Families and Children. Most of these students are stressed out and just need some gentle poses and breath work to find ease and relaxation. We always practice yoga nidra also to soothe them even more. 

The next group is a group of seniors that need to go a little bit more slowly and gently. I also need to be clear and talk a little bit louder. They still do many of the standing poses, but just enter into the poses a little bit differently and more gently than in a full on vinyasa flow class. They usually have more questions or things that are harder for them to do, so it's always a good lesson for me also to discover what directions and processes are the best to help them get the most out of their practice. 

Lastly, I have a class at the community center. It's an open level class and it runs in 6 week sessions. Some of the folks have been coming since I started teaching this class 3 years ago and are getting pretty advanced; this time there are also a number of new people that are new, not just to my class, but to yoga in general. Although this class is more vigorous than the other two today, we are still working on some basic poses for the newer people. 

I used to go into classes with a whole plan and if I got off of that class plan, I was thrown off completely. As time went on and I got more experience, the plan became less strict. I always have something in mind that I would like to work on, but depending who is there and their injuries or limitations, teachers need to be able to adapt to what is going to be best for their clients that day. We always want to offer a safe, maybe challenging class to our students. A class that makes them learn how to listen to their own body, to feel stronger, more flexible, relaxed, and wanting more.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 264 Intention ~ Lighten Up

Day 264 Intention ~ Lighten Up

Been feeling a little "heavy" in my mind the past couple of days. Not sure if it's the rainy weather or too much tme watching Don Draper pout in Mad Men reruns, but it is time to lighten up. Sure, classes were a little bit lighter this week for some reason (I have given up trying to figure out the waves in yoga class attendance!), but other than that, things are GOOD! 

Lots of work to do, fun times with friends, my husband's art & guitar work are starting to gain some traction, we're healthy, our family and friends are healthy. Life is good. 

So, although, I am working this evening, so that I can have the next two days off instead, I need to try to get out of my head, and just enjoy. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 260 Intention ~ Say No With No Guilt

Day 260 Intention ~ Say No With No Guilt

I am a "yes" person, that is for sure. So much so that I tend to overtax myself physically, mentally, emotionally to say yes to people when they need me. 

This creates a couple of problems: 

1. this taxes me physically, mentally & emotionally

2. People take for granted that I will say yes all of the time

I sub for teachers all of the time. I hate canceling a class because there's no sub available. I think it builds inconsistency for the class and eventually people start to go elsewhere. Besides, it introduces me to some students who may not have taken my class before. 

I have subbed 2 classes this week already and with 3 new classes in addition to my regular classes, that is enough. So today, when asked to sub later in the week, I said no. I felt a little guilty for a moment & then realized that people say no to me all of the time. This person has never once subbed for me when I have asked and I have always done it for her, except maybe 1 other time in all these years. 

Anyhow, that's all besides the point. The point is, I thought about it, I decided it was not something that I wanted to do because I have a busy day that day & am already feeling stressed about it and I said no. I said no and I feel good about it. Woo hoo!!

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 254 Intention ~ Speak Clearly

Day 254 Intention ~ Speak Clearly

Sometimes when I get nervous, I start to talk fast and mumble. Today, I had to do a demo class for the senior center to try to encourage attendance for my class that is starting next week. I also started a new session at the community center. I still get a little nervous when teaching to new people. Although it's better than it used to be, I still sometimes catch myself releasing a nervous laugh, or mumbling through instructions, or saying the dreaded, "you know". 

Today, although with a couple moments of those reactions, I did my best to speak clearly and slowly. The reality is, the more relaxed I am as a teacher, the more relaxed the students will feel. That's when they can really start to open, not only physically, but emotionally. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 253 Intention ~ Get Back In The Swing Of Things

Day 253 Intention ~ Get Back In The Swing Of Things

Trying to get back to normal. Still feeling pretty tired and out of it. Cleaned up a bunch of stuff from the trip. I also went through and cleaned out the fridge from anything that may have gone bad since we left. Got accounting done...for this week anyhow. 

Now, some yoga practice is needed. Of course, like every time I go to an outdoor festival, I bring my yoga mat with intentions of practicing. Almost every time, I don't. This time, in my defense, they didn't post the times on any schedule. I would get an update from the app on my phone after I had missed it to go to class. Oh well. So it goes sometimes. 

Today's practice will consist of some twists to help get the kinks out and squeeze my organs a bit. Detox please!! 

Also some energizing back bends to wake me up a little bit more. 

Hopefully after that, I will feel more awake to go teach class this evening...I hope so! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 247 Intention ~ Hit The Road

Day 247 Intention ~ Hit the Road

Off on another adventure today! I am so lucky. Today we are headed to Virginia for Lock'n Music Festival where we are sure to meet some interesting folks and hear some great music; I am particularly excited for The Black Crowes & Jimmy Cliff! I may even try SUP yoga on the pond there...we will see, I will at least get to the Ashtanga tent (thank goodness!)

Just as I encourage in my yoga classes, I always enjoy the drive/ride to the adventure. That's part of it, right?! So, sure, just like getting into that pose that has eluded you is fun, it's also fun to learn the ways to open & work the body to get to that pose. That is how I look at these adventures my husband and I go on. I always have fun when I am there, but it's also nice to drive down the rode, see the sights and just enjoy the whole trip. 

They claim that they put up cell towers at the site where the festival is happening, so I am hoping to keep up my daily intentions with you while I am there. If not, I apologize, but I will be writing them on paper & sending them out once I return next week. 

Til tomorrow (I hope!)...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 243 Intention ~ Drop It

Day 243 Intention ~ Drop It

One of those days today. Started the day off subbing a class. The usual insecurities arose in me and didn't subside as I watched a few of the students walk away when they discovered that their beloved teacher was not going to be there this morning. 

Although this is an expected behavior in a substitutes world, it still doesn't feel good. I was overtired and relishing in the fact that I actually have 2 days off (in a row!) after I taught these classes today, so I became a bit distracted during the first class that, of course, was the one I was subbing. I felt like I had marbles in my mouth and unfortunately, couldn't get the vision of people walking away rather than take my class out of my mind. Good ego check for me though I suppose. 

As class went on, I started to find presence with the students who were actually there...finally! By the time my regular class rolled around, I was back on my game. 

But then as I was leaving, feelings of self-doubt crept into my being again thinking about the morning class and how I didn't feel like it was my best teaching and no wonder those people didn't want to take my class, blah, blah, blah....

But, now that I have been beating myself up for the afternoon, it's time to DROP IT! It's not serving me to talk to myself this way. We all have off days...even yoga teachers. It's okay. Move forward. And, yes, rest for a couple days before getting back to it on Tuesday! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 239 Intention ~ Just Do It

Day 239 Intention ~ Just Do It

For fear of sounding like a Nike ad, that is my mantra today! 

Sometimes when I am going to go sub a class, I get myself all worked up about it, which really, if I just go teach my class, it will all be fine. Trying to be like the regular teacher is not worth the stress. Sure, consistency is important, but at the same time, if you lose who you are to try to teach like another, the class is likely to become disjointed and feel insincere. 

So, today, I'm just going to do it. 

Practicing truthfulness or satya, not necessarily how Patanjali meant it, but what it will mean for me...today, in this modern world. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 234 Intention ~ Tune Into The Class

Day 234 Intention ~ Tune Into The Class

When I first started teaching yoga, I would have everything written down for each class and try to teach that to the note. 

If it wasn't exactly right, I would have a minor panic session (in my mind of course) and get a little bit flustered (for the class to see). It's part of being a new teacher and it's okay. But at the time, I hated taking requests or if people had certain injuries or aches and pains, I hoped they would keep them to themselves in case I blanked out on what to do to help them out. 

Then there was the period where I didn't plan anything besides some sun salutations. I would fly by the seat of my pants. Sometimes it worked, but when it didn't work, it was horrible. 

So, nowadays, I always have some sort of idea of what I want to work on, but I am open for suggestions or changes. Part of that is just having more experience and confidence. Today, I had a bunch of back bends and arm balances I wanted to work on in a pretty fast paced powerful mode, but had a woman with a back injury come in, and then a newer student that has difficulty even getting into downward facing dog at this point and the vibe in the room was just more mellow. 

So, I still got in a couple of the moves I wanted to teach, but then did more therapeutic back postures and movements to help out the student with the sore back and some gentle hamstring and hip openers for my newer student. It worked out just as it needed to for today. 

As a teacher, tuning into the class is very important. Sure, it's good to get people to work on poses they don't necessarily like doing in hopes that they will learn to love it (okay, like it), but sometimes their mode is exactly the right one for that day. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 233 Intention ~ Take Some Time to Regroup

Day 233 Intention ~ Take Some Time To Regroup

Having many different responsibilities and obligations seems to be either the American way or maybe just how life goes. 

Between teaching classes, writing, working for JAK, changing teaching schedules, meetings, cleaning, shopping, preparing meals, walking the dog, mowing the lawn, getting my own practice in and on and on, things can get jumbled in my head. 

Today, luckily, at least for the rest of summer, is one of my mellow weekdays. It allows me to stop and think and put things in order in my head. These days are important to have. If they didn't happen every once in awhile, I would turn into that frazzled, burned out yoga teacher from which no one would want to take a class. 

If this doesn't seem like a possibility in your coming days, even just taking 10 minutes in the morning, midday, or really, whenever you can and just meditating can help clear the mind. It can help to bring back focus and calm. 

Find a comfortable seat, sit up nice and tall and close your eyes. Focus on the 3rd eye and breathe. When outside thoughts float in, and believe me, they will, just acknowledge them and let them float right back out. It's unbelievable how just a short meditation can turn your mind and day around. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 231 Intention ~ Be Understanding...and Kind

Day 231 Intention ~ Be Understanding...and Kind

In my line of work you deal with the general public...a lot. Many ask me questions before or after class about either some of the yoga poses we did in class that day, about certain studios/teachers, or other general yoga questions. 

Of course, I am always open to these questions and love when my students are interested in learning more. 

Every once in awhile, someone just keeps going and going. There are definitely people that need a little more hand holding in class and after class. Although I do try to be understanding, it can get to me at times. Today, I can feel that I have a bit of an annoyance coming on when it comes to a certain student, which is NOT how I want to feel or act towards this person. 

So, today, I am trying to remind myself to be understanding and kind to this student. This is my intention. But first, a few deep breaths in and out. :)

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 196 Intention ~ Keep My Word

Day 196 Intention ~ Keep My Word

Home sweet home. After a fun yet exhausting work trip, I just wanted to curl up & go to sleep. But I told my Monday night students that if I got back in time, we would have class. I like to follow through & do what I say I am going to do.

Although I was tired and ready to sleep, in the end, I am glad I kept my word & followed through.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 188 Intention ~ Ease Back Into My Practice

Day 188 Intention ~ Ease Back Into My Practice

It's been a few days since I've gotten on my mat. Since then I have been on 2 long car rides, hiked, slept in funny beds and been dragged to the ground by George, hurting my shoulder (see post from a few days ago). Needless to say, my body is TIGHT!!! But, alas, my right arm is still not 100% ready for practice. Heck, it still hurts to lift my arm over my head. But, yet, I need to get on my mat. 

So, as I would tell my own students...listen to my body. Do what I can and be okay with stopping if necessary. It's still a hard pill to swallow when every part but one is ready to practice. Everything in moderation. Pushing oneself beyond capabilities is just asking to injure oneself during what is supposed to be a healing practice. 

So, as I approach my mat today, I will listen to my body and back off when my right shoulder starts to resist my attempts.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 171 Intention ~ Accept My Practice

Day 171 Intention ~ Accept My Practice

A.k.a., lose the ego. I just went to a class with a teacher that I have never gone to before for a demo class at one of the studios where I teach. As we moved through the poses, I felt super tight and my quads just felt tired. 

I noticed that as I was struggling, my mind started to wander and I started to get frustrated with my own practice. I would draw back into the breath and find a little recovery from my own mind. 

Then, just as soon as I found a little santosha,  I tried to enter bird of paradise (which I love!) and suddenly the burrito I ate for lunch earlier decided that my core was not ready to contract and lift, I fell back into that land of frustration again. 

What is going on?? Why is my ego taking over today in class?? Do I not constantly remind my students to be accepting of your practice that day??!! 

As I once again noticed my thought patterns and brought myself back into the breath, I finally felt a little bit of calm. I felt a little bit of peace within my own mind. I found a little bit of yoga. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 164 Intention ~ Be More Present

Day 164 Intention ~ Be More Present

In this day, in this moment, in this life. Just as I am finally coming out of my weary traveling nonstop oh poor me attitude, I start to think about how I would feel better about not only my yoga classes, but of other things in my life if I just became present. That, of course - thank you yoga, is when I stumble upon Max Strom's facebook post about being present. 

The common state of the ego-mind is that it almost never wants to be in the same place the body is. “Anywhere but here,” that’s its motto. Again, this is the reason we don’t remember most of our life, because we weren’t truly present. The ego-mind is very tricky, very cunning; it avoids being present and still. Watch how when you’re extremely busy and distracted it will tell you, “I can’t be still and peaceful now, there’s too much to do. I’ll be calm when things have quieted down.” Then when you get into a
peaceful situation, the ego will complain, “I can’t stay present here, this is boring,” and off it goes into the future, or to revisit past memories. Perhaps while practicing yoga, you’ll find yourself in a posture thinking about your upcoming dinner, and then later you’ll be at this dinner,
and you’ll be discussing your yoga class with your friends. “Anywhere but here . . .”
~ Max Strom (from A Life Worth Breathing)

Thank you Max. No matter how many times a day, in pretty 

much every class that I teach, I have to remind students to 

let go of outside thoughts and concerns. Just today, a 

student went into a child's pose instead of going into the left 

side of a sequence. When I went over to make sure she was

okay, she said she was just distracted. When we go on our

mat, no matter how stressful our lives are, we need to allow

that time to be ours and ours alone. Be present on the mat. 

It will bring more presence into your whole day and your 

whole life. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

*I apologize for the different formatting on this post, but once I added Max's quote, I couldn't get the formatting back to normal!!*

Day 67 Intention ~ Go To Yoga!

Day 67 Intention ~ Go To Yoga!

It was my intention to practice yoga asana every single day this year. I had been doing pretty well with it...until this week. Demos while teaching class don't count I know, therefore, I have been a slacker! 

So, today, my goal is to get back on the horse. Go to a class and free my mind, and get back to my body. It is better to practice a tiny bit each day rather than only practicing once every week or so for a huge 2 hour vigorous practice. Making new routines and habits can also take time. 

There were many new things on my plate this week which I let impede me from my own practice. Not good. Even if you have to wake up 30 minutes earlier to do a nice short practice, do it. You will feel better in body, mind and spirit. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia