Sunday, March 22, 2009
Warming Up
The initial shock of becoming a student again is wearing off. I do think of myself as a student of life, and I love learning, but I think I have an instinctual aversion to classroom learning that sort of got in my way at the beginning of the program. I'm starting to get more excited about the whole thing. Yesterday's session was great. Instead of having class from 11-4 it was broken up by an arm balancing workshop with Liza Ferguson from 1-3:30. We worked on different ways of achieving handstands and it was a ton of fun. Also, the room was really warm and I sweated through my shirt, so I got a little workout in which I wasn't expecting. Today we received 4 of our 5 books and our first reading assignment, so I'm going to have to start warming up to the idea of homework again. Actually this won't be too hard. I spend way too much of my free time (and my time at work) doing meaningless shit, so homework will be a refreshing experience.
Monday, March 16, 2009
First Class Jitters
“I understand that fear is my friend, but not always. Never turn your back on fear. It should always be in front of you, like a thing that might have to be killed.”
–Hunter S. Thompson
My initial feeling about my first yoga training session was a mild panic. I was prepared for class 2 days each week and one Sunday each month, but I wasn’t aware of the other requirements: 20 hours of workshops, 35 additional yoga classes, teach one community class, observe one class, one book report, keep a journal. I have the last one covered with this blog but the rest felt a little overwhelming. In fact I found it hard to concentrate on anything else for the remainder of the class once Amy (the teacher) handed out the syllabus. My current job is not very demanding time-wise, but I am hoping to get a new job soon which would limit my free time more and require some travel. If I land that job, how could I keep up with all this?
Then I got out of class and calmed down a little, and figured out how to make this happen. I can combine a required class and a training class into one long trip to the studio, since the class offerings are pretty numerous. And I reminded myself that this is the first step in what is hopefully a long journey, so I need to get off on the right foot and have a good attitude about it. I believe I have a lot to offer the world and I need to develop technical knowledge in something as a way to impart my abstract knowledge. And that’s going to take time and sacrifice (not that I’ll be sacrificing much anyway--I have way too much time on my hands these days). I also reminded myself that the anticipation of something is usually much worse than the reality of that thing. This is sort of the opposite of what I was talking about before, regarding pleasant surprises.
The class consists of 13 students, all female except for me and one other guy; yet another reason why I love yoga. One of the students is a woman in her 60s who started doing yoga some 40 years ago and owned a studio in Evanston where Amy had her first yoga class. She’s taking the class because she wants to start a yoga program for people in her stage of life, and whatever certification she currently holds is either expired or irrelevant. Having her in class will be great because she’ll be able to provide insight on things from a very experienced perspective.
The class began with peace invocations which ask for a study free of obstacles. We went over 7 asanas (poses) in detail, talking about how to correct someone’s posture as well as the benefits of the pose and modifications. We learned about the 8 limbs of yoga and the yoga sutras, and closed with 5 minutes of meditation. Except for my mild panic and discomfort from sitting on the floor for 5 hours, it was mostly enjoyable, although I was a little surprised at how quickly we moved through each asana. I don’t feel like we went into that much depth on each one.
I’m excited to be a part of this community, though I’ve really been enjoying the Crossfit community a lot lately and would like to get more involved there. But the environment at Yoga Now is what brought me there mostly. Amy was described to me as a “true believer” by someone whose opinion I respect in such matters, and Carrie’s teacher Silvia (a very influential person) told me that of the ones she is familiar with, Amy’s program is the best in the city. In addition to this she holds many interesting workshops and lectures which add to the aura there.
I have to be honest though and say that I’m a little scared about all this. I’ll be investing a lot of time, money and effort to get through this training, as well as a hope that this could be my life’s work, or at least the beginning of me finding what my life’s work is to be. But how much do I really enjoy yoga? I certainly enjoy the feeling I get after a good class. Going through the minor details of each asana felt a little tedious to me though. I also do not believe that yoga alone can create elite physical fitness. Hell, before class on Saturday it had probably been 2 months since my last yoga class. But something brought me here, and I’m determined to figure out what it is. I think it’s healthy to be a little scared of this, and to have a little fear in your life. It’s how you know you’re alive. And as I like to tell people, if life is challenging, it means you’re doing something right.
–Hunter S. Thompson
My initial feeling about my first yoga training session was a mild panic. I was prepared for class 2 days each week and one Sunday each month, but I wasn’t aware of the other requirements: 20 hours of workshops, 35 additional yoga classes, teach one community class, observe one class, one book report, keep a journal. I have the last one covered with this blog but the rest felt a little overwhelming. In fact I found it hard to concentrate on anything else for the remainder of the class once Amy (the teacher) handed out the syllabus. My current job is not very demanding time-wise, but I am hoping to get a new job soon which would limit my free time more and require some travel. If I land that job, how could I keep up with all this?
Then I got out of class and calmed down a little, and figured out how to make this happen. I can combine a required class and a training class into one long trip to the studio, since the class offerings are pretty numerous. And I reminded myself that this is the first step in what is hopefully a long journey, so I need to get off on the right foot and have a good attitude about it. I believe I have a lot to offer the world and I need to develop technical knowledge in something as a way to impart my abstract knowledge. And that’s going to take time and sacrifice (not that I’ll be sacrificing much anyway--I have way too much time on my hands these days). I also reminded myself that the anticipation of something is usually much worse than the reality of that thing. This is sort of the opposite of what I was talking about before, regarding pleasant surprises.
The class consists of 13 students, all female except for me and one other guy; yet another reason why I love yoga. One of the students is a woman in her 60s who started doing yoga some 40 years ago and owned a studio in Evanston where Amy had her first yoga class. She’s taking the class because she wants to start a yoga program for people in her stage of life, and whatever certification she currently holds is either expired or irrelevant. Having her in class will be great because she’ll be able to provide insight on things from a very experienced perspective.
The class began with peace invocations which ask for a study free of obstacles. We went over 7 asanas (poses) in detail, talking about how to correct someone’s posture as well as the benefits of the pose and modifications. We learned about the 8 limbs of yoga and the yoga sutras, and closed with 5 minutes of meditation. Except for my mild panic and discomfort from sitting on the floor for 5 hours, it was mostly enjoyable, although I was a little surprised at how quickly we moved through each asana. I don’t feel like we went into that much depth on each one.
I’m excited to be a part of this community, though I’ve really been enjoying the Crossfit community a lot lately and would like to get more involved there. But the environment at Yoga Now is what brought me there mostly. Amy was described to me as a “true believer” by someone whose opinion I respect in such matters, and Carrie’s teacher Silvia (a very influential person) told me that of the ones she is familiar with, Amy’s program is the best in the city. In addition to this she holds many interesting workshops and lectures which add to the aura there.
I have to be honest though and say that I’m a little scared about all this. I’ll be investing a lot of time, money and effort to get through this training, as well as a hope that this could be my life’s work, or at least the beginning of me finding what my life’s work is to be. But how much do I really enjoy yoga? I certainly enjoy the feeling I get after a good class. Going through the minor details of each asana felt a little tedious to me though. I also do not believe that yoga alone can create elite physical fitness. Hell, before class on Saturday it had probably been 2 months since my last yoga class. But something brought me here, and I’m determined to figure out what it is. I think it’s healthy to be a little scared of this, and to have a little fear in your life. It’s how you know you’re alive. And as I like to tell people, if life is challenging, it means you’re doing something right.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Pheeling the Love
This past weekend I saw 3 comeback shows by the band Phish in Hampton, Va. I enjoyed them a lot more than I was expecting to. I’ve always liked the band, but had only seen them 3 times before and never had an experience like this. So in addition to having a blast I was also surprised by how much of a blast I had. Isn’t it great when life hands you surprises like that? I don’t think I consciously live my life with this in mind, but it must be a karmic thing or something because lately I’ve been having many pleasant surprises. Life is much more fun that way.
I really felt the love in Hampton this weekend. Those four guys are gifted with the ability to project powerful energy to thousands at a time. Thank God they rediscovered that and decided to bring it back to the world. We all really need it right now (despite all the negativity that comes out of that scene). When I’m in the midst of an experience like that my head overflows with commanding thoughts and insights on love and life. I know I have a lot of good ones that people could really benefit from. The challenge is putting them in a context that people can understand. Hence this blog.
One thought that sprang to mind is summed up by a quote from a Tom Petty song—“People come, people go. Some grow young, some grow cold.” I was thinking about all the great friends I’ve made over the last few years, and all the great friends that were with me for the weekend. These are people who truly love life and have embraced positivity. Their lives are either good or great, and getting better. Then there are people whose switch is in the off position. Their lives are either good or ok, and probably getting worse. They are ruled by fear and can’t find their way out. It’s sad but not hopeless. I found my way out, and I’m hoping to help others do the same. But in that moment, probably while Free was playing (definitely a highlight), I was feeling pure love and thankfulness that I’ve surrounded myself with the right people and that I have my head and heart in the right place.
Another thought that came to me was that this is it, this is what life is all about. Not just Phish per se, but this feeling of pure joy and love, of, to get cosmic for a second, transcendence. I think a lot of Phish fans equate that feeling with the band and stop there. I’ve had that feeling at other concerts, STS9 in particular, but also other places and while completely sober. Sometimes it just sneaks up on me which is another one of those surprises I talked about. And so it occurred to me that I really need to focus on bringing those moments about, for me and for others. Because as I like to say, when you give to the world, you get back more than what you gave. So if you give 100% you get back 150%, so you’re always winning, and you’ll always be a winner.
Which brings me to my main reason for starting this blog. On Saturday I begin a yoga teacher training program of which I will keep a record here. I’ll have class every Tuesday night from 7-10, every Saturday from 11-4, and one Sunday each month from 11-4. There will be homework and probably reading too. Why yoga? Well I’ve asked myself that, and I’m still not sure of the answer. I’m hoping to find it during the program. Sometimes it’s not the answer that matters anyway, but rather the question.
Frankly, I’ve been inspired more by Crossfit lately, the strength and conditioning program I’ve been doing since November 2007. Crossfit has brought physical and mental strength to my life, and has gotten me in the best shape I’ve ever been in. But back in September or October when I signed up for this, yoga seemed more my thing. And as I write this, it occurs to me that even though Crossfit inspires me more, yoga may be the better medium for me to inspire other people.
I’ve been told that I’d make a good teacher, and I do love to teach and inspire people. I find that I can sympathize with others and see other people’s points of view better than most. For a long time though I couldn’t think of anything worth devoting myself to to the extent that I could be able to teach it. Then my friend Carrie told me about her upcoming yoga training and everything sort of clicked. Add to that the fact that I have never felt fulfilled in an office job and probably never will. Short of me winning the lottery or inheriting a bunch of money from a billionaire uncle I’ve never met, I have to find a way out of the corporate world.
I don’t view this as my way out, but more as a spring board to a new career and hopefully, eventually, a way out. I don’t plan to quit my job once training is over and try to work as a yoga teacher. There’s a chance I’ll finish the training and not even want to teach. Mostly what I’m hoping for is something to throw my energy and ingenuity toward. I have a lot of it, and my current job isn’t cutting it. They say that working will keep you alive longer, and you’ll be happier if you have a fulfilling career. I believe it, and this is my chance to start to get there.
I really felt the love in Hampton this weekend. Those four guys are gifted with the ability to project powerful energy to thousands at a time. Thank God they rediscovered that and decided to bring it back to the world. We all really need it right now (despite all the negativity that comes out of that scene). When I’m in the midst of an experience like that my head overflows with commanding thoughts and insights on love and life. I know I have a lot of good ones that people could really benefit from. The challenge is putting them in a context that people can understand. Hence this blog.
One thought that sprang to mind is summed up by a quote from a Tom Petty song—“People come, people go. Some grow young, some grow cold.” I was thinking about all the great friends I’ve made over the last few years, and all the great friends that were with me for the weekend. These are people who truly love life and have embraced positivity. Their lives are either good or great, and getting better. Then there are people whose switch is in the off position. Their lives are either good or ok, and probably getting worse. They are ruled by fear and can’t find their way out. It’s sad but not hopeless. I found my way out, and I’m hoping to help others do the same. But in that moment, probably while Free was playing (definitely a highlight), I was feeling pure love and thankfulness that I’ve surrounded myself with the right people and that I have my head and heart in the right place.
Another thought that came to me was that this is it, this is what life is all about. Not just Phish per se, but this feeling of pure joy and love, of, to get cosmic for a second, transcendence. I think a lot of Phish fans equate that feeling with the band and stop there. I’ve had that feeling at other concerts, STS9 in particular, but also other places and while completely sober. Sometimes it just sneaks up on me which is another one of those surprises I talked about. And so it occurred to me that I really need to focus on bringing those moments about, for me and for others. Because as I like to say, when you give to the world, you get back more than what you gave. So if you give 100% you get back 150%, so you’re always winning, and you’ll always be a winner.
Which brings me to my main reason for starting this blog. On Saturday I begin a yoga teacher training program of which I will keep a record here. I’ll have class every Tuesday night from 7-10, every Saturday from 11-4, and one Sunday each month from 11-4. There will be homework and probably reading too. Why yoga? Well I’ve asked myself that, and I’m still not sure of the answer. I’m hoping to find it during the program. Sometimes it’s not the answer that matters anyway, but rather the question.
Frankly, I’ve been inspired more by Crossfit lately, the strength and conditioning program I’ve been doing since November 2007. Crossfit has brought physical and mental strength to my life, and has gotten me in the best shape I’ve ever been in. But back in September or October when I signed up for this, yoga seemed more my thing. And as I write this, it occurs to me that even though Crossfit inspires me more, yoga may be the better medium for me to inspire other people.
I’ve been told that I’d make a good teacher, and I do love to teach and inspire people. I find that I can sympathize with others and see other people’s points of view better than most. For a long time though I couldn’t think of anything worth devoting myself to to the extent that I could be able to teach it. Then my friend Carrie told me about her upcoming yoga training and everything sort of clicked. Add to that the fact that I have never felt fulfilled in an office job and probably never will. Short of me winning the lottery or inheriting a bunch of money from a billionaire uncle I’ve never met, I have to find a way out of the corporate world.
I don’t view this as my way out, but more as a spring board to a new career and hopefully, eventually, a way out. I don’t plan to quit my job once training is over and try to work as a yoga teacher. There’s a chance I’ll finish the training and not even want to teach. Mostly what I’m hoping for is something to throw my energy and ingenuity toward. I have a lot of it, and my current job isn’t cutting it. They say that working will keep you alive longer, and you’ll be happier if you have a fulfilling career. I believe it, and this is my chance to start to get there.
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