Yoga is a Great Teacher

Friday, March 8, 2012

Yoga for Fibromyalgia and Pain, Johanna, Bettendorf Site

It was a good practice, the focus being on breath. I am developing an awareness of breath in my practice and daily life. I like this class, lots of philosophy as well as poses.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Class at downtown with Jeani

Great practice with a wide variety of poses that spoke to every part of my body. I focused on abdominal muscles, breathing and listening. The beauty of Yoga is that it speaks to me, whether through Jeani’s voice or just listening to my body.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Class at downtown with Jeani

Ha! Focus on breath, reinforcement and more practice. I loved Jeani’s ongoing discussion about this being a singularly unique breath. I felt invigorated and will take this class with me wherever I go this week.

Monday, March 12, 2012 p.m.

Class at St. Peter’s with Joan

Lots of hip pain after class, and became very difficult to move. I think I did too many Tree Poses. Darn, I’m smarter than this, I didn’t listen to my body, but wanted to do a class with Joan! Yoga is a great teacher, learned that moderation is best, and everyone’s moderation is different. Mine might need to be a quieter different. I think I will just breath tomorrow.

March 14, 2012

Did minimal number of poses, listened to my body. It is healing, I will still stay away from hip rotating poses with tomorrow’s practice. Maybe read lots and practice with intent of love and gentleness.

No more talking about stiffness, promise!

I have looked over my blogs and see that I begin most notes by saying "I'm a little stiff." Well, this is no surprise since stretching has been an annual event until pretty recently!

So, I was pretty proud of myself on Tuesday - created my own practice, and actually made my muscles sing - just love that feeling of total aliveness after a practice. I did about 15 minutes of warm up poses and then went into Sun Salutation, standing poses, sphinx, cobra, and then into seated poses. That evening I did relaxation poses, and they were wonderful. (1 hour, 15 min.)

Wednesday was an "off day," my muscles missed that "zing." Sounds like an addiction, doesn't it?

Thursday was practice with Jeani, I love those practices - even though you are working with your muscles her voice makes it seem like you are in savasana the whole time. I focused on breathing, abdominal muscles, and listening to Jeani - this keeps my mind from wandering. My muscles sang most of the afternoon. (1 hour)

New week, new realizations

March 3, 2012

Class at Davenport School of Yoga – Downtown Venue

Yoga Instructors' Class

Yoga class was wonderful. I am able to forget any “puny” feelings, move through poses and enjoy what my body will do for me, the class races ahead without us realizing it. I felt very stiff at first, I should warm up like I do at home – rolls on back, child’s pose, cat-cow, thread the needle, etc. I can’t believe how great a stretch the child’s pose provides.

I feel tentative about adjusting, have to learn to listen to others’ bodies, I will focus on that next time.

I was really looking forward so savasana, so selfishly didn’t volunteer to lead it – will next time. I read this about corpse pose, or savasana: “Benefits: Allows the body time to process information at the end of a class. No yoga session is complete without the final pose – Savasana. The body needs this time to understand the new information it has received through practicing yoga. Even though Savasana is a resting pose, it’s not the same a sleeping! You should stay present and aware during the five to ten minute duration of final relaxation.” Hadn’t thought about it in this way.

(2 hours)

March 4, 2012

Home, brief practice

Did a few poses to get my body moving: back rolls, table-top, cat-cow, child’s pose, and then worked into sun-salutation. I spent 5.5 hours at church, was glad I had done yoga to begin my day. (15 minutes)

March 5, 2012

Class at Davenport School of Yoga – Downtown Venue.

I felt lots of stiffness, so set my intention on elongating my muscles and moving within the moment. Triangle pose was difficult, maybe because it was the first pose. However, after that I was able to move and feel the poses, not push into them. I am learning how important it is to relax in class, and go within myself – I know, I should have realized that 15 years ago! As Jeani says, “This is your practice.”

Tomorrow I am going to develop my own practice at home, worried about self-discipline.

(1 hour)

Every week can't be a good week

Or you can't appreciate the really good ones. Since last Wednesday I have had grinding fatigue that has caused me to severely limit my activities. Well, I limited them this week, didn't last week, and that's probably why I am still so tired that I can barely hold up my head. My yoga practice has also been limited, down to 3 or 4 hours each week instead of 5 or 6.

One of our assignments this week was to research poses that would address a particular area. I looked up fatigue, and wouldn't you know it, there are poses that might help with fatigue...should have looked them up last week, but was too tired..get the irony?

The poses that are fupposed to help with fatigue are listed below, I've added the sanskrit names if they are ones that I know I want to learn. Poses:
Headstand (184), shoulder stand (234), plow (244), Paschimottanasana - seated forward fold (160), Urdhva Mukha Paschimottanasana - looks like a forward fold on your back, and rather impossible if you ask me (170), downward facing dog - Adhomukha Svanasana (75), forward fold - Uttanasana , although it doesn't look much like mine (48), seated twist - Ardha Matsyendrasana (311), squating twist (328), squatting fold (322), I don't even know what to call this one, and I think if I were to do yoga for 10 more years it wouldn't scare me so much (516), looks like a headstand with a twist, maybe not in this lifetime for me (205), and the ultra extension of the dancer's pose (592).

Although many of these are beyond my scope of hopefulness at this point, there are some that I can practice. I also have the problem of acid reflux that prohibits me from doing inversions at times, so I should probably look up those, too, and see if maybe, just maybe, there are any cross-overs. Nope.

I should also say that I was feeling a lightness of practice before I felt the fatigue. I am able to go deeper in standing poses, and love the feel of my body as it accomplishes what I ask of it. The spirituality of being in my body and out of it at the same time is phenomenal.

I heard a radio interview with a person whose spinal cord was injured in a car accident at the age of thirteen. Today, at 28, he actively practices, and relies on yoga, for deep physical and spiritual meaning. Although he is in a wheel chair he is able to ask much from his body. His spiritual expression was a enlightening.

As for my fatigue, this, too, shall pass, and I will again be able to resume practice and feel strength course through my legs. If not, I have some poses to try!

February 13, 2012

Moving right along found lower abdominal muscles that noticed two weeks ago with Jeani. Will focus on those in this week’s practices.

February 18, 2012

“The beauty of yoga is that it gives us a straightforward, time tested technique that allows us to rise above and to discard our lower nature (the possessive aspect of our being) while nourishing our higher nature (the universal aspect of our being).” Yoga for a new Age, p. 20

I feel changes in my body – I hope that I am not imagining it. I feel more movement in my back, even a little less pain.

This week I focused on my lower abdominal muscles, quite intriguing. By using these muscles I think I might be able to stabilize my standing poses, probably all poses.

I went to classes Monday through Thursday, and was set to go with Len on Friday when it occurred to me that I could stay home and create my own practice. Novel idea, huh? Before I began Len returned home and joined me. I wasn’t prepared to create a logical practice, but quickly came up with a plan.

As I write this I wonder why I have been so intimidated by a personal practice. Do I think I will not be able to fill an hour? Come on, I have been going to enough classes to remember a plethora of poses. Do I think I don’t have the self-discipline to stick with it? It should be easier to stay home and practice than get into a cold car and go to the studio.

I had another “light bulb” moment, however it doesn’t make much sense when I lay it out. I know I won’t practice regularly if I feel pain or discomfort. And, pray tell, what causes discomfort? The leg raises!!! I really dislike them. They hurt my low back and my hamstring muscles are sooo tight. I feel pain, stress, and inadequacy. Maybe there is a way to do them without hurting my back, and as for my ego, I don’t know what to do about that.

The reading for this week have been meaningful and helpful. I have the beginnings of a meditation practice, both with a group and on my own. “To fulfill our highest calling we must spread our wings and fly above the earth plane. Yet, in rising above the physical reality we must maintain proper perspective regarding our involvement….” Yoga for a New Age, p. 20

Today begins my yoga week, am looking forward to more adventures in body and soul search.

Wow! I think that I must have the tightest muscles on the face of the planet - but, now that I'm off my acid reflux medication, I am hoping that they will loosen. Last week I rested, relaxed, had chiropractic treatments, a physical therapy session with traction, and a massage. Would you believe it? Each session helped but I'm still feeling as supple as Frankenstein.

My practice was severely shortened last week, but I'm hoping to take a different tack this week - more practices that are lighter. The doctor suggested that I do more back bending activities and less forward bending activities.

I begin my days with cat and cow poses, then on to the side puppy pose, you know, the one where you try to see your rear from the table top position. Then I "Thread the Needle" and go into a Sun Salutation. Tomorrow I will go to Jeani's class, glad she will be home from her trip!

I think I have had quite a break, so will check in tomorrow with an update. Peace, Pat

Week Three

I had an "aha" moment about my very stiff muscles and lower back pain, and the moment appeared right in the middle of our second teacher training session. I have been taking Prilosec (heartburn and acid reflux) for quite some time - years, and thought I should check for side effects. Right! Long term use may cause spinal stenosis (check, I have it), and muscle spasms (double check). Of course, I have stopped taking the cute little pills, and am hoping my muscles respond by becoming supple and cooperative.

I am concentrating on breathing this week, and finding rhythm in the poses.

Saturday, beginning Week Three

February 4, 2012

Week Three. My body is VERY tight this morning. I practiced yoga Monday through Thursday mornings this week, and noticed on Thursday that my body didn’t want to move with my mind – we weren’t in union.

Tuesday was the Viniyoga class with Johanna, got along well, noticed that I have to consciously practice breathing along with the moves, or I hold my breath. I also focused on lateral movement, so that I might better understand why it is more difficult to move to the left. Not only are my rib and side muscles reluctant, my spine doesn’t see the need to move to the left. More work necessary.

Wednesday was Hatha I with Karen, remembering lateral movement and breath, still need constant recognition. I might need to focus on breath forever!!

I had a massage on Wednesday as well as a chiropractic appointment, and really drank water, but evidently not enough. I was tight and sore on Thursday morning, didn’t want to get out of bed, much less go to Yoga. I had ViniYoga again, and focused on the stretching aspects, still wanted to be at home eating bonbons. The forward fold felt good on my back, I moved a little deeper and a little deeper, and then a little “pop.” Ugghhh. I spent the rest of the day on a heating pad, but didn’t do as badly as I feared. My back was tender, and hurt a little when I walked, but it was time for a rest anyway.

Friday was my day “off.” I was able to move pretty well, and am much better today. Still really tight, but not much pain. How do I deal with this and still practice yoga? Oh, I know, sensibly!

My yoga weeks begin with Saturdays, and I once again climbed the three flights of stairs for Hatha I, again, husband in tow. He's become a bit of a yoga addict, I might find myself in his shadow.

I am surprised at how quickly I hear that it is time for Shavasana, or corpse pose, and I am wondering why that is the case. I will explore that this morning.

My quads are tingly. They are very tight, maybe even shortened muscles from years of sitting at a desk, and no stretching.

We are left with what we have created.

Yoga Journey

I signed up for Yoga Instructor Training to improve my yoga practice, and be able to teach both inner-city and grieving children who are not able to pay for training.

I'm not your run of the mill yogini-in-training. I am a retired 62 year-old woman who has fibromyalgia, has not practiced yoga regularly more than a few months, and has been under the care of a physician, chiropractor, and physical and massage therapists to be able to walk in an upright fashion for nearly three years.

But, after just three weeks of yoga classes in November, I noticed that some of my back pain had been aleviated. I could bend over, and still be able to stand.

My first instructor class was last Saturday, and I was very excited about yoga. My body was signing with gratitude at its new awakening. I think it was due to the slow, deliberate, extended session. What a luxury. My muscles were alive with activity. I was afraid that I would feel fatigue, but the opposite occurred. You see, the instructor classes are scheduled during nap time.

Now, I had written a check, accepted books and materials, and agreed to five hours practice each week, in other words, I'm in for the long haul! The classes will end in July. What will my body feel and look like after four and one half months - that's twenty-two weeks at five hours each. Just do the math, and see a lot of time.

Since I am a (new) Deacon in the Episcopal Church, I had a full Sunday (the next day) - two services, adult education, and a vestry meeting, after which I was exhausted. I wish I had asked about specific poses that would alleviate stress and assist with pain-free rest. My body did hurt. But, I took the easy way out and fell onto the couch in front of Food Network TV. Ahhh, Cupcake Wars.

Even though I had a long day on Sunday, my body and I were ready for yoga on Monday morning. With excitement, I climbed the three flights of steps to the studio, and attended a regular Hatha I class, my husband in tow.

The class seemed to be over in an instant, and my muscles felt longer and leaner, even though I am still about 10 pounds overweight. So, yoga helps with denial, too. Great!

My friend teaches a class on Monday afternoons, and I wanted to experience her class. I still had on my yoga duds, so, why not? That class, too, was over very quickly.

I paid more attention to my body within the different poses and noticed that standing poses were more difficult - I determined that my lower back was either more involved, or I was extending it more than it wanted. I "backed off", and compromised the pose for my comfort. I remembered my instructor saying that we ask of our bodies what they can give, and suggest a little more, but never demand.

Tuesday morning I attended a class that I have been taking since November - ViniYoga. Its focus is a little different than Hatha, but I find the breath work a good way to get into poses. My back discomfort didn't rear its ugly head, my chest felt further expanded, and I felt lighter. The focus of the class was on lateral movement. It's pretty difficult to stretch to the left, but I didn't have back pain.

Wednesday morning's class was much like Tuesday's, lateral stretch. I noticed the poses that I really liked, and felt trepidation towards the more difficult ones which lay on the horizon. What do you know - those were a little easier. I was tired, and rested Wednesday afternoon.

Thursday morning my body was not excited about yoga class, and was dragging its feet a little on the way out the door. The class, also ViniYoga, was invigorating. I sailed through most poses, but realized my body didn't understand a seated forward bend. I tried to practice my way through it, but I guess its best to be patient and keep practicing.

When I say that I sailed through most poses, I wouldn't want anyone to expect a body that moves fluidly, fingers that touch the floor, or a back that gladly meets its counter-part knees. These things just don't happen. They probably will at some point. And, according to my instructors, like everything in life, you move into it with love, don't get frustrated, and practice.

I think that is my lesson from the week - move into it, and be grateful for the opportunity to do what I can do.