tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62453571704281094232024-03-13T10:51:19.348-04:00The yoga experimentBikram Yoga Teacher Training Spring 2009.Edwinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06632948561684533129noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6245357170428109423.post-36888969210356133882009-09-02T17:21:00.002-04:002009-09-02T18:37:00.813-04:00Summary #3 (teaching)I have no idea where to even begin with this (I guess that's why I've been putting it off).<div><br /></div><div>Whether or not you plan on teaching I think it is important to teach your 1st class. Teaching is as much a learning experience as practicing the yoga. You learn about yourself. Also, it completes the cycle of learning undertaken by executing TT. It conclusively proves to you that you can actually teach a class.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tonight I teach my 42nd class.</div><div>My first week I taught 3 classes. Then I took off on holiday and taught 2 classes the next week. So in the 7.5 weeks since I started teaching I have averaged 5.6 classes a week. Neither of my local studios have the need of a full time teacher, so this is most gracious/generous on their part. Other than occasional fill-in, the studio owners have given up their classes so that I could teach.</div><div><br /></div><div>Personally it took a few classes before I actually began to enjoy teaching. This was more about me than about teaching itself. I was able to pull off my first class without anyone dying. Actually the anticipation was worse than getting through the class! As per my TT, delivering the dialogue was not 100%, but I did an on-time class and all of the poses. I had to learn to let myself out. Being true and genuine is a fundamental part of being a good teacher... and for being able to enjoy teaching. On the podium it is not about you... it is about relating to the students. It's about looking at the bodies and intuiting who may be ready to hear what message. Some day you're up there and you recognize the signs of defeat that you have seen in yourself... then you hear yourself saying "don't worry how much it hurts, you just come to class... you keep giving it everything you have... your body will heal... it wants to heal... just give it the chance... don't give up on yourself." Inside you're head you have your hands on your hips and are rolling your eyes at yourself. After class when that student comes up to telling you they had given up and hearing u say what u said, knowing that you too knew pain... they have recommitted to their yoga... inside your head the version of you rolling their eyes gets slapped through the face.</div><div><br /></div><div>Teaching is a journey... the more you put into it the more you get out of it. Reading the dialogue every day is mandatory for me. It's helping too ;) The best tip I got was from Lynn, it was to just say "thank you" to feedback from students. How much they like your class is more about them than about you. Including... it's disconcerting having students tell you how much they love your class and start coming to all the classes you teach (it was bad enough to have them say they wanted to take more of my classes, but to actually have someone come to the class you teach each day is weird). What matters most though is helping students come back. Nothing will help a student more than keeping up with their yoga. Remember that, especially with new students. Can you get them to come back tomorrow?</div><div><br /></div>Edwinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06632948561684533129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6245357170428109423.post-25359411810231844792009-09-02T16:51:00.003-04:002009-09-02T17:19:07.888-04:00Things I forgot to mention...<ol><li>It cannot be said enough... the staff are awesome. They are their to help. If you find yourself in a tight spot mentally/emotionally do turn to them for help.</li><li>The vertigo/dizziness I experienced was due to an inner ear issue.</li><li>The TT boutique sells smaller versions of the dialogue (laminated) for $25. I got one of each the spiral bound copy (which I now carry in my handbag), and the single ring bound (which was great at TT because you could take out a page or 2 at a time to take with to lectures, bathroom, or even wet and slap on the shower door ;) )</li><li>While all the yoga was great for our skin, reducing the need for lotion. In the heat, with the flip flops many of us suffered very dry and cracked heels (some to the point of bleeding).</li><li>Increased physical demands typically lead to bodies wanting more protein and/or fat. Give in the the cravings man ;)</li><li>Talk to your studio about what to expect when you get back. A few of my fellow trainees have been very disheartened by expectations not meeting reality. Your local studio may have a procedure whereby they build up new teachers starting with only a couple of classes a week (and if y'alls expectin' to be teaching 10 classes a week and are counting on the money from that... it pays to know and make alternate plans), or they may have no actual need of more teachers. Knowing is everything... =D</li></ol>Edwinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06632948561684533129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6245357170428109423.post-39440932439746579542009-08-05T10:09:00.004-04:002009-08-13T11:01:31.418-04:00Summary #2 (self)Body, mind and spirit...<div><br /></div><div>Try to come with no expectations. I know that is easier said than done, but do try your best to erase these.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Body</b> </div><div><ul><li>Try not to plan "things you will improve" while at TT. Don't be thinking that this is the time to lock out your leg or see your toes. If it happens great, if not that's okay too. Defecation occurs... </li><li>DO prepare for TT. I think it is a good idea to have executed a 60 day challenge prior. Also, pull a few doubles beforehand. In the month leasing up to TT don't go overboard, simply maintain a regular schedule.</li><li>If you have lots of extra weight (don't give me that "omg I like have to lose 5lbs/2kg or I'll die I'm so disgusting" (I'll poke your eyes out), we're talking about f-a-t), you may want to try and shed some of it beforehand if you have the time. No heavy dieting, just more contentious eating. If you are really overweight, the fat does tend to melt off at TT (even more so for the gents). If you have a lot of fat you already know it gets in your way.</li><li>At TT eat whatever your body demands. If your body is in a good place you will typically find an increased need for protein and fat (your body will need more of both of these, so if your body is functioning optimally it should crave these). Here is a point of interest... the weeks I ate like a pig I lost the most weight. I ate everything I craved.</li><li>Be aware that injuries do not tend to heal at TT... whatever issues you go with you typically have to endure for the duration.</li><li>As I said before, pack at least travel sizes of stuff like immodium, ibuprofen, etc</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Mind</b> </div><div><ul><li>Bring a journal. Even if you don't typically journal, there will be times where the most constructive thing will be to </li><li>Cellphones are handy. If you don't normally text message you may start while at TT. Sometimes you just don't want to talk ;) Skype is your friend for video conferencing and for making dirt cheap international calls.</li><li>Bring your iPod/MP3 player. Pre-load it with all of your favorite tunes and/or books. Sometimes a musical bubble is a nice place to retreat :)</li><li>If you like to read you can even bring some books with.</li></ul></div><div><b>Spirit</b> </div><div><ul><li>What do you like to do that brings you inner peace? Is it meditating? Is it reading your bible? Is it playing your guitar? Whatever it is, bring the accruements with.</li><li>If you don't already meditate you may want to learn about it before you go. You never know when you'll need to meditate :)</li><li>Don't lose yourself in the process of TT. Embrace who you are. That is part of the process.</li></ul></div>Edwinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06632948561684533129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6245357170428109423.post-51996923089212438742009-07-31T16:38:00.003-04:002009-07-31T16:43:40.563-04:00deadlinesWho was that crazy woman that said I would post all of my summaries by the end of the month (i.e. today)?! Does she not know that unemployed people are <i>really</i> busy, what with all the yoga, getting together with folks not seen in months, and running errands for everyone!?Edwinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06632948561684533129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6245357170428109423.post-17308855966436740592009-07-21T20:03:00.001-04:002009-07-21T20:05:18.525-04:00Fall 2009 Teacher training<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Fall teacher training will now be the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas<br /><br />Dates October 4th to December 5th</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, fantasy;color:#990000;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#990000;"><i>remember... no drinking or partying <b>at all </b>during the 9 weeks...</i></span></div>Edwinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06632948561684533129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6245357170428109423.post-40890005130423619932009-07-21T10:29:00.007-04:002009-07-21T11:31:46.927-04:00summary #1 (dialogue)I have been meaning to put all of my thoughts, ideas and answers (to numerous emails I have received) into a couple of post for information purposes. It seems I have yet to find the time to sit my arse down and get on with it. I WILL do this by the end of this month, I swear. I will begin with this tiny summary/disclaimer/misc info.<div><br /></div><div><ol><li>Everyone gets the dialogue after they have registered and paid. If you do this the week prior you will not have the dialogue very long... this is <b>not</b> an excuse to slack off from learning the dialogue. Some people complete their registration and get their dialogue on the day of orientation. These folks will simply not have had the chance to "pre"-learn dialogue. That being said, the only dialogue anyone will have to offer in the first couple of weeks is the first part of half-moon. So, you'll have time to learn even this there.</li><li><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">Here is my take on learning the <b>half-moon dialogue</b></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"> (for what it's worth) After you get the dialogue learn half moon. Work on it relentlessly. Know it better than you know your own address. Unless you are used to performing publicly (which a good number are), standing up in front of 300 and something of your peers, with a headset on, is going to knock the wind right out of your sails. If you know it, and know you know it, this </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">will</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"> enable you to find your strength and confidence within. Remember, no one at this point cares about you enough to wish you failure... heck, the opposite is true... everyone is sitting there wishing the very best as each person steps up.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Here is my take on learning the <b>rest of the dialogue</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">: IF you have time prior, sure go ahead and learn the dialogue (know that unless you're breathing it in day in and day out for months prior that you will have to relearn it once at TT (it will be easier the second time around)). IMHO what is <b>more important</b> is to figure out what memorization technique works best for you. Memorization does get faster with time, but would it not be nice to cut that time</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> down right from the get go? I took over 40 hours of work to get half moon down pat. They got faster from then on in (the 6th pose took a mere 9.5hours to memorize), but since you don't really have that much free time... it would be better to practice than to memorize! In case you missed the point here: Knowing what memorization technique works for you is invaluable, as it will buy you more time, time that you can put to practicing your dialogue. (<i>The bad news is that for about 1/3 of us that once we have it in we struggle to get it out smoothly... The only thing that helps here is practice practice practice! Now, aren't you glad you have that "extra" time to practice more?</i>)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333300;">The only dialogue anyone will have to offer in the first couple of weeks is the first part of half-moon. Most people fail to use this time to study further, don't be that foolish. Learn up to 2 poses ahead <i>while you can</i>! (The </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333300;">ideal</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333300;"> is to know the "next pose to be delivered" + the next 2 (<i>so, no more than 3 in your head at a time</i>). Get ahead while you can, and there is NO better time than the first couple of weeks!)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330033;">There IS a correlation between "time away from having to memorize things" and being able to do so with ease/speed. For most of us not in the theater this means the older we are the harder memorization is for us. So, if you're 20-something you're in luck. If you are older... Technique. Technique. Technique. Find yours now...</span></li><li>Was that too subtle ?! ;)</li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">There is a downside to knowing the dialogue prior. Unless you're a rock star (and some of you are), your delivery will not be all it can be, but since you already learnt how to deliver your dialogue one way it will be harder to learn a new way. We had some folks in our group who came knowing the dialogue, and at first we all envied them (we were so not getting the dialogue out verbatim.. they were...). Later on, as we were all able to embrace the feedback we were getting and try our adjustments, it was easy to see how hard it was for these folks to try and make adjustments to their delivery. (don't get me wrong, some people don't want to accept the feedback, but that is another matter entirely ;)) </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">The downside to not knowing any dialogue prior is a no-brainer (or literally... a no-sleeper). If you have to work on your dialogue there... you're going to be giving up sleep... how much depends on how much time it takes you to memorize and practice.</span></li><li>Another time that people don't utilize much is after the posture clinics are done. Some people don't look at the dialogue again. Some keep studying and practicing. Some really wise souls get into practice groups and practice other sides/ multiple poses at once/ALL of the dialogue/mock classes. Be as wise as you can... take this time while you have it to prepare for your first class.</li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204); ">Yes, you can just cruise by, and kinda-sorta deliver the dialogue. What you have to worry about here is not so much that the staff will call you out on it (and they will) and make you work with some folks on it. That is by far not your biggest concern. The most important thing you have to ask yourself here is... is that the kind of teacher/person that you want to be?</span></li></ol><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Edwinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06632948561684533129noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6245357170428109423.post-75446014689980335942009-07-09T18:36:00.005-04:002009-07-09T19:22:46.341-04:00Wear where?Okay, time for a few notes on what to pack and what not to pack <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">in terms of clothes</span>. <div><ul><li>I was told to bring at least 10 sets of yoga clothes. I found that washing my gear after class and hanging it outside in the heat made this number redundant. You really can get by with 4 sets of yoga togs. Decide for yourself what to take. The boutique does sell the new shakti bikram yoga line.</li><li>Posture clinics (at least 40 sessions) you are required to dress as if you were teaching (no dresses, jeans, cargo pants and inappropriate gear please ;) ) Many folk came in yoga capris and tank/athletic tops. Some folks came in yoga outfits with tank Ts over. The boys came in athletic shorts of varying types (a few accused a guy in my group of "wearing the most g-d awful soccer shorts known to man"). Sometimes they were asked to take their tops off as they were wearing tops/Ts one would not teach in.</li><li>The posture clinic rooms can get pretty chilly so a pair of socks and a light jacket are a good thing to pack (the lecture tent also gets downright cold after 1am, so these will also serve you well here). I had two light jackets of varying warmth, and would take these again.</li><li>Socks also served double duty when one slathered one's desert ravaged feet in foot lotion and buried them in a pair of lite sox to recover.</li><li>You do also need some "normal" clothes for the weekend (shopping, laundry, hiking and eating out). The clothing fashion show ends in the second week and does not return until the posture clinic ends, so you can pack accordingly. ;)</li><li>Flip flops or waterproof sandals you can slide your feet into after class are a boon, so bring a pair or get a pair in palm desert.</li><li>You actually want more than 1 pr of sandals to slog around in. The heat combined the walking gave many of us some gnarly blisters the first few weeks till we worked it out. My suede Eccos felt like heaven on my aching footsies.</li><li>Back to yoga gear. If you insist on wearing a skort in the yoga class, for crying in a bucket don't freaking do it in Bikram's class. Ladies pants (other than dance tights) better not come below mid thigh. Men, make sure your shorts are not anywhere near your knees. You are meant to be able to se the thigh muscle. As a teacher u aught to know this, and if you don't then Bikram (and some of the senior teachers) will be more than willing to educate/crucify you.</li><li>Personally I found some light cotton knit summer dresses really nice to have. They are nice n cool in the sweltering heat. </li><li>I found wicking underpants invaluable in the 100+ heat of the desert. Save the sweaty body parts for class!</li><li>Dress light n cool. Rather add layers for heat, that's all I can say.</li><li>The 'Doh!' statement of the day... no green clothes. Just leave them at home. No green (solid, closely resembling, heavily patterned with green in it) in class, lectures, posture clinics or even at the pool... even if Bikram is on another continent.</li></ul><div><br /></div></div>Edwinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06632948561684533129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6245357170428109423.post-59501834699289813482009-07-05T20:24:00.003-04:002009-07-05T20:29:26.823-04:00Preparing for 1st classI have this book I go to for inspiration. It is filled with quotes, and as I mental deal with a topic I open it on a random page to find my inspiration. I used this most days through TT. With my first class tomorrow morning, I flipped the book open and had the following quote offered up to me.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">"</span><span style="font-style:italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">How wonderful is the way in which, with quite ordinary folk, power leaps to our aid in any time of emergency. We lead timid lives, shrinking from difficult tasks till perhaps we are forced into them or ourselves determine on them, and immediatly we seem to unlock the unseen forces. When we have to face danger, then courage comes, when trial puts a long-continued strain upon us, we find ourselves possessed by the power to endure; if when disaster ultimately brings the fall which we so long dreaded, we feel underneath us the strength as of the everlasting arms. Common experience teaches that, when great demands are made upon us, if only we fearlessly accept the challenge and confidently expend our strength, every danger or difficulty brings its own strength - 'As thy days so shall thy strength b</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">e'. "<br /><br />- Author: J.A.Hadfield<br />"The Psychology of Power"</span><br /><br />I think the quote is not one only for one's first class, but for TT... and life as a whole. We all fear our own power.Edwinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06632948561684533129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6245357170428109423.post-9666532776935495952009-07-01T21:15:00.003-04:002009-07-01T21:52:53.571-04:00Talent showThere truly are some seriously talented individuals in our group, as I assume there are in every group. Some real pros (belly dancers and singers in our case ;)) came out of the woodwork. In some cases as a total surprise to us. No matter how you feel after 9 weeks, go to the talent show, it is worth your time, no matter how sleep deprived you are ;)<br /><br />Week 9 was totally awful. We got let go at 1am on Monday, and that would turn out to be the easiest night :( After that it was 3:30 and 5:30 in the morning. We were walking zombies. Not to mention those aches and pains one develops do not get better at the end. Heck, week 9 saw me pinch another nerve and having to leave class to go throw up (go figure). On the bright side, we were all bulletpoop and painpoop (what do you mean it's "bulletproof and painproof"? That's not what that cute Bengali says!), so we were all like "whatever, bring it on dudes". One really does learn how to shirk things off. I wonder if this is a permanent new power or not.<br /><br />Much of week nine (over and above trying to get time with people that mattered, boosting your photo quotient, and napping in your lunch plate) was dedicated to musing over our first class. While some superstars came here trained and could have taught a class on day one, some of us needed TT to get us ready. Many feel they are not ready to teach. I think many of us fear not being able to get much of the dialogue out, instead of accepting that we won't and focusing on just doing what we can and teaching a class. I feel like i have no chance in hell of having a successful 1st class. As long as no one dies I have a chance of getting better, right?Edwinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06632948561684533129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6245357170428109423.post-63651729648518068982009-06-26T20:53:00.002-04:002009-07-01T21:15:08.986-04:00Advanced seminarThe week after TT Bikram is running an advanced seminar. Nothing like TT, no monitored toilet visits, sleep deprivation and mandatory brain washing :) I seriously considered attending, but eventually decided after 9 weeks in the yoga torture bubble I could do without extending it. In addition, it would give me an excuse to return to spring training in 2010 :) About a dozen of my classmates opted to do the advanced training this time around. Most confessed that the primary driver was the high transportation fees already paid to come to TT. If you are coming from Europe it is easy to see the value and logic in this. <div><br /></div><div>One of my yoga moms and dads are attending. I hope they are having a blast :)</div><div><br /></div><div> </div>Edwinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06632948561684533129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6245357170428109423.post-31431365422421640122009-06-22T01:51:00.003-04:002009-06-22T02:09:17.836-04:00Less than a week to go<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1Wtf7him9so/Sj8dL9Nw2aI/AAAAAAAAAMk/-XeAmo45ME4/s1600-h/IMG_3941.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1Wtf7him9so/Sj8dL9Nw2aI/AAAAAAAAAMk/-XeAmo45ME4/s320/IMG_3941.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350026973587495330" /></a>Mixed feelings abound. I will sorely miss the only obstacle between me and 2 yoga classes a day being what outfit to put on. Reality lurks around the corner.. life has a way of getting in the way of a yoga practice. If it's not the commute, then it's the chores, or work, or family, or... whatever. Did I mention I love being on my mat? It's a great place. If you're questioning anything in your life i say TAKE IT TO THE MAT! ;) Anything the mat can't fix aint worth fixing or having. <gasp><div><br /></div><div>There are so many people I have ready access to now that I will miss. Just as I miss some folks back home while being here, there are plenty of faces I see in the yoga room today that I will sorely miss. 87 classes done, can you believe? (any oddly worded expressions are Bikram-isms, you may as well get used to them... and "can you believe?" is right up there) So many fantastic teachers and staff and people. Some people have their first class after training set up. Some as early as the Monday afterward. Some have full blown schedules laid out for them. Others, like me have no clue what awaits us. Neither of my home studios have even begun discussing me teaching a class (mock or otherwise). It'll all be okay though. Things that don't make sense are typically following a path we don't see yet.</div><div><br /></div><div>There is no way I am ready to teach a class (process be darned!). Knowing this is a good thing though, it motivates me to work on my dialogue (and faith) for the next 2 weeks (I'm here till 4 July).</div>Edwinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06632948561684533129noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6245357170428109423.post-64236445048087227592009-06-20T21:10:00.002-04:002009-06-20T22:05:09.773-04:00Final (?) note on posture clinicsThe posture clinics were long and tedious for sure. Sitting on the floor was uncomfortable and a total drag (strongly advise trail chairs (no legs or hard bits) and advise against camp chairs with metal tubing (several of us were injured trying to maneuver around those inconsiderate enough to bring these in (I have a bruise on both legs from these and a gouge in my left leg from one)) Delivering dialogue day after day was stressful no doubt. That being said, <span style="font-weight:bold;">I sincerely doubt that there is a single person who did not benefit from the process</span>. The way that most folks pitched in to help each other was also totally awesome yo! Yes, there were some superstars (no issues in posture clinics and came here knowing the whole dialogue already) that <span style="font-style:italic;">not once aided another person</span>, and it does make one wonder about them as teachers. At the same time there were piles and piles of folks who went out of their way to help. One guy in my team really struggled even toward the end, and this one woman from LA (who could come across as pretty self-serving) worked with him night and day to get him back on track. She really was the right person to help him out, and she gave of herself freely. <br /><br />I took a lot of notes and paid attention to all feedback, not only my own. Some folks listened to their ipods or talked through every session, which is sad. I think i got more from listening to the feedback for the other 39 people in the room than only my own (law of averages and all of that...) I guess you get out what you put in. I strongly advise future TTs to put forth their very best BUT not to set expectations upon themselves. We are all our own worst critics, and when we beat ourselves down we are not doing anyone any favors. Do. Accept. Learn, and move on.<br /><br />Karma will ensue.Edwinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06632948561684533129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6245357170428109423.post-56459797106400626042009-06-20T15:42:00.002-04:002009-06-20T15:47:20.537-04:00Friday's Lecture<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1Wtf7him9so/Sj07y_4L-3I/AAAAAAAAAMc/yEDzTHH2kYY/s1600-h/IMG_3848.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1Wtf7him9so/Sj07y_4L-3I/AAAAAAAAAMc/yEDzTHH2kYY/s320/IMG_3848.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349497679712615282" /></a><br />Most people were delighted with Lynn's lecture on Friday which focussed on aspects of teaching. I think some folks.. erm... did not "appreciate" the philosophical and spiritual side of many of the lectures (the screaming outside of the lecture tent on more than one occasion may have been a clue to their disdain of all things not in alignment with their world view). Nonetheless, the lecture was good, and I took copious notes. What I really need now is my first couple of classes set up.Edwinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06632948561684533129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6245357170428109423.post-80382623911208683882009-06-20T15:35:00.007-04:002009-06-20T15:48:45.379-04:00WaterI would like it officially noted for the record I am TIRED of having to drink 5 liters of water a day. 4 liters (non desert TT amount) now seems like it would be <span style="font-style:italic;">bliss</span> to have to do! Don't try to tell me it will be easier if I flavor my water with lemon or orange; because I will simply hit you upside the head with a 2l jug of watermelon water for your complete lack of understanding.Edwinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06632948561684533129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6245357170428109423.post-84329207835942491722009-06-20T15:15:00.003-04:002009-06-20T15:35:30.135-04:00VIP tool...and the award for the most valuable tool goes to.... <drum roll>... the voice recorder. While every one uses it a different way I think this is an invaluable tool that <span style="font-style:italic;">everyone</span> should have. Since you can EASILY get one for under $50 (if you are spending more than that you are getting a fancy schmacy one) You can pick one up at any electronics or office supply store. Here is a list of things I have found said voice recorder to be handy for:<br /><br />1) when you are memorizing you can record yourself reading the pose with inflection, and listen to yourself over and over (walking to and from classes)<br />2) once you have it memorized you can say it along with your own voice to see if you miss anything<br />3) you can record yourself to check you are saying it verbatim<br />4) you can record yourself to check your own inflection and emphasis<br />5) record yourself and "take your own class" - you will very quickly learn to improve your delivery ;)<br />6) you can record yourself in posture clinic (so you know what you really said - for the most part at this training people thought they screwed up WAY more than they actually did)<br />7) record the feedback you receive in the posture clinics<br />8) record your first class (and any subsequent class) You are uniquely qualified to improve your own dialogue delivery.<br />9) you can do voice journaling which is way faster than writing (the digital recorders have at least 4 folders, so you can be organized about it)<br />10) you can record your room mate's rants and put a permanent end to such behaviorEdwinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06632948561684533129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6245357170428109423.post-78239915961241681232009-06-19T02:18:00.003-04:002009-06-19T02:21:56.885-04:00week 8<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1Wtf7him9so/SjsuawQcKWI/AAAAAAAAAMU/uAMu2Qu0bgA/s1600-h/IMG_3819.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1Wtf7him9so/SjsuawQcKWI/AAAAAAAAAMU/uAMu2Qu0bgA/s320/IMG_3819.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348920019597928802" /></a>Edwinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06632948561684533129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6245357170428109423.post-16750970312431085732009-06-19T02:16:00.002-04:002009-06-22T13:59:35.734-04:008 days left<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Helvetica;font-size:12px;"><div style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; ">I actually have several topics I have been meaning to blog on, but you know how it goes. :) Maybe I'll get to them now...<div><br /></div><div>Today heralded two great things: the end of Posture clinics (we are DONE!) and the return of Ren. We are exhausted (hellooo, week 8!), excited (yay getting done) and exhausted (did I mention Bikram has been keep us up late? 4:30 am this morning) Let's say we were not up to par in our morning class. I heart Ren forever. I know some people complain he's a diva, but I say be your true self and that Diva is Fabulous!</div><div><br /></div><div>I blacked out in class on Tuesday. Most bizarre sensation let me tell you! I apparently made it down to the mat all by myself. Then that night I fainted for a moment in posture clinic. That was "interesting" too. I remember thinking I wished the posture would end soon. The thing is I was the one saying the posture. I guess that is what was meant by trusting that you know the posture. I was recording myself at the time, and let me tell you that it came out verbatim while I was on autopilot. (the voice lacked a little inflection - I guess it's okay to sound a little vapid when one is having a partial out of body experience ;) ) I have remained dizzy for the last 2 days... i can still consistently get myself to keel over by tilting my head (especially backwards). Cause unknown. And here a thought when the week started that getting my period for the 3rd time was inconvenient ;)</div><div><br /></div><div>Did I mention that MUCH jubilation ensued after each person wrapped up their final posture? I didn't need to, did I?! </div><div><br /></div><div>BTW, for those of you coming to the fall training... the $20 for the day pass to the spa... it's well worth while. If not every weekend, then at least here and there. The Bistro serves pretty good food. The pool isn't huge, but it has 3 things going for it: saltwater iso chlorine; no kids; no drunks. The main hotel pools are SWAMPED with drunks and kids over the weekend. There is a Hammam (lemongrass-citrus scented), steam-room (eucalyptus scented), sauna, and both indoor and outside hot tubs. The body and mind both find what they need at this peaceful retreat. </div><div><br /></div></div></span>Edwinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06632948561684533129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6245357170428109423.post-22758472233502625082009-06-14T22:12:00.002-04:002009-06-14T22:16:16.324-04:00So far...50 nights spent in this hotel so far<div>76 classes taken so far</div><div>18 postures delivered in posture clinics so far</div><div>4 Drs as guest speakers so far</div><div>0 days where i did not learn something new about myself so far</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Edwinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06632948561684533129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6245357170428109423.post-72540192748595327152009-06-14T21:57:00.003-04:002009-06-14T22:10:54.207-04:00Changes within and withoutI have lost at least 5kg/11lbs. Before those of you planning on coming to TT get all excited, it is important to note <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">I had this (and more) to lose</span>. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Our bodies will do what they need to do</span>. Which means many of the twigs are lamenting the 1kg/2lbs of muscle they have gained. I know of at least one that cut her food intake to "get back to her weight", which I would think would be a bad time to do it. I guess some folks would rather go by a scale than by their body's natural evolution. Heck, I just look at chocolate souffle and I'm up in weight. Some folks here are <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">scary</span> thin (think walking xylophone) and I like to think that this is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">not</span> due to their own doing (my own beloved is of meager breadth and this has nothing to do with him eating insufficiently). I am starting to show some more muscle definition as my lard begins to melt. I confess I like it.<div><br /></div><div>I have spent much time reflecting upon things within and think that everyone should bring a journal to TT, even if they never journal. I'm not saying one needs to journal weekly, or daily. There will be times though when the thoughts and emotions may be tumultuous, and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">writing without editing oneself can be beneficial to finding one's own truth within</span>.<br /><div><br /></div></div>Edwinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06632948561684533129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6245357170428109423.post-3387731556649447232009-06-13T19:17:00.004-04:002009-06-13T19:33:44.434-04:00Week 7<div>Dr Anne Marie Bennstrom</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1Wtf7him9so/SjQ066J2_HI/AAAAAAAAALs/NVayMyqgpMA/s1600-h/IMG_3658.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1Wtf7him9so/SjQ066J2_HI/AAAAAAAAALs/NVayMyqgpMA/s200/IMG_3658.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346956844243287154" /></a><br />Tori and I enjoying our Friday<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1Wtf7him9so/SjQ066j3CpI/AAAAAAAAALk/R177Yt1K6WQ/s1600-h/IMG_3638.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1Wtf7him9so/SjQ066j3CpI/AAAAAAAAALk/R177Yt1K6WQ/s200/IMG_3638.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346956844352342674" /></a><div><br />Rajashree on Thursday<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1Wtf7him9so/SjQ06o0XbcI/AAAAAAAAALc/mfnw1_9N43k/s1600-h/IMG_3624.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1Wtf7him9so/SjQ06o0XbcI/AAAAAAAAALc/mfnw1_9N43k/s200/IMG_3624.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346956839589735874" /></a><br /></div><div>Pumpkin Pies on Thursday<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1Wtf7him9so/SjQ06QQJjFI/AAAAAAAAALU/NaalLbpObZk/s1600-h/IMG_3469.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1Wtf7him9so/SjQ06QQJjFI/AAAAAAAAALU/NaalLbpObZk/s200/IMG_3469.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346956832995380306" /></a> </div><div>Week 7 seemed to be a turning point for Group 6. Without exception every person in the group made a significant advance in the posture clinics. Those struggling to get the dialog out suddenly hammered it out, those who formerly hammered it out but failed to connect to the students suddenly made that connection. It was inspirational to watch. It was exhilarating for the whole team. Next week should be interesting. Our group has gotten to half way through fixed firm at this point. I was very sleepy by the end of the week learning 1 or 2 postures a day. Bikram is back on Monday so I may even have more sleep deprivation headed my way. My theme for the week seemed to be forgiving and forgetting. Inner peace is seeming less and less elusive each day. Things are what they are :)</div><div><br /></div>Edwinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06632948561684533129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6245357170428109423.post-82615199359561427702009-06-07T22:25:00.003-04:002009-06-07T22:32:05.605-04:00rebirth<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1Wtf7him9so/Six391WTjII/AAAAAAAAALM/tvg_R9oPXf8/s1600-h/IMG_3440.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1Wtf7him9so/Six391WTjII/AAAAAAAAALM/tvg_R9oPXf8/s400/IMG_3440.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344778761958296706" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Helvetica;font-size:12px;">I have often likened TT to giving birth. Week 6 this really seemed to be the theme for me. What I used to say was that TT was similar in that during the labor pains there is much pain and cussing, yet afterward all of that is forgot as one revels in the new life. Many here bemoan the visitors constantly telling us how joyous this all is and how very much we will miss it. Although they are right, they forgot the labor pains and how they cursed everyone and everything during their time in the wringer. It struck me this week that it is not the yoga teacher's certificate that we are giving birth to, it is ourselves! This is a rebirth. Then one class I saw a horde of visiting teachers watching us through the doors of the lecture room. I felt decidedly like a baby in the hospital nursery with the visitors coming by to see the newborns all swaddled up in their cribs. That was when i began to think further on my own analogy. What do you do with a newborn? You pretty much have to feed it and look after it a whole lot, no? If you don't do that and they tend to get very ill, or in the worst case... die. That is the truth of it then. Labor pains, rebirth, then constant care, then ongoing care. Inside out, bones to skin, body to soul.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 48px;"><br /></span></div>Edwinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06632948561684533129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6245357170428109423.post-67687392345667272992009-06-07T02:59:00.002-04:002009-06-07T03:08:46.607-04:00posture clinicsWhat I learn out of my bad turn was that if I am ever in a posture clinic on the other side of the fence it is absolutely essential to be very very gentle with the half baked cookies. You never know where they are that moment. Even if you have the best of intentions you never know when you're way off the mark. So your delivery is very important.<div><br /></div>Edwinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06632948561684533129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6245357170428109423.post-83194931580009470812009-06-02T23:27:00.002-04:002009-06-02T23:34:29.930-04:00GrrrToday is my day to be pissed off. It's not only actual events, it is also my own feelings. Bad combination right now ;) It seems to be contagious. Some people came down with the huff-n-puffs last week and a number caught the agro bug early this week. Yesterday we had two good posture clinics with Lynn and Ida. Today we got a twat in posture clinic (another joyous 3 hours of him tonight). Either he's a twat <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">or</span> all the people complaining about him have lost their senses. I guess there is a third option... he is a twat <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">and</span> we are not in a good mental place to deal with him.<div><br /></div>Edwinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06632948561684533129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6245357170428109423.post-27578061353423603842009-05-31T12:22:00.007-04:002009-05-31T12:31:08.896-04:00End of week 5<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1Wtf7him9so/SiKwpCDopMI/AAAAAAAAALE/dUh5KTq_lRI/s1600-h/IMG_3291.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1Wtf7him9so/SiKwpCDopMI/AAAAAAAAALE/dUh5KTq_lRI/s320/IMG_3291.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342026326988072130" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Helvetica;font-size:12px;"><div style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">So, week 5 will henceforth officially be known as the week I did not have diarrhea. It has been much easier to keep my electrolytes in check without that complication. Ironically there is a downside. I am not kidding! Because I don't have to pay extra special attention to my water intake due to the added complication (diarrhea is a complication right?), I have been less than diligent. Headaches have ensued as a reminder that 3 to 4 liters of water will not suffice. Every cloud has to have its silver lining even the shit ones... (OMG that was a bad pun... I am so sorry!)</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Last night in the hot tub I realized something very important about drive. Not desire, but drive. In the hot tub was a partially paralyzed Canadian. He received a spinal injury many years ago whilst doing some extreme motocross mid-air flip. After 6 weeks in hospital and months of 6 hour a day rehab sessions he was officially as good as he was going to get? So what did he do? He got into wheelchair racing (marathon length). He has sponsorship, and is working on getting more. His aim is to get into motor racing once he has enough backing. After speaking to him I am pretty sure this will become a reality. Alistair gets himself to all of his sponsorship meetings in his big truck (bakkie for you south africans). In order to defray his costs he tows a large trailer which he uses to haul stuff for a fee between his destinations. Additionally he works as a public speaker (again with sponsorship, this time to remove the speakers fee which is typically a hinderance to entry. This drives up overall demand for his services, due to the price of entry being better for the schools.) Some people simply CHOSE to have the drive to do what it is that they wish for. For them it is a matter of reaching out and grasping what it is that they want, not hoping their desires get fulfilled. For those desiring to be a yoga teacher... the same applies... if you want it, you can make it happen. More than 1 person here did not come up with the money to be here all by themselves.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">So, onto crying. Some people cry every day. Others not at all. Every journey is different. I have had a couple of occasions when I cried. Sometimes it's nothing more than reverting to my primal inner child when I am so sleep deprived my conscious mind has checked out, and my poor inner child gets overwhelmed by some of the goings on. I have cried over being bullied by one person here at TT, and then moved on to learning to be more assertive. I have cried for the pain, and now I am learning how to block it from my mind. I have cried as I released the fears buried deep inside. Surrender...</span></div><div><br /></div></div></span>Edwinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06632948561684533129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6245357170428109423.post-78579451031095461082009-05-31T01:39:00.008-04:002009-05-31T02:15:00.233-04:005 is aliveHoly crud! 5 weeks over. It is hard to believe. On the one hand I feel like i just got here, and on the other I feel like I have been here forever. We have 4 weeks left to go... I'm guessing that means 20 postures in 15 days (come on, there is like totally not going to be any dialogue in week 9! Get real, they will make us do it all by the end of week 8 for sure.) The perceptions of dialog delivery are in and of themselves interesting. I have found people whose dialogue is good, and their delivery (energy, passion, etc) to be exceptional, beating themselves up feeling like they are not doing that well. I have also seen people recite the dialogue without any energy, inflection, or attention to the bodies, think that they are the shiznick. I'm not sure which is worse. I am sure though, that as we progress we will all be aided by the posture clinics to be better at whatever it is that we need to improve. Ultimately we will all be offered the tools we need to succeed. It is merely up to us to accept and use them.<div><br /></div><div>This past week we had Emmy teaching most mornings and Bikram teaching most nights. I think if I didn't do another class I would still hurt for a month! As Emmy and Diane both said... I need more intensity. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">So, I now kill myself in <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">every</span> class</span>. Some days that means I'm like an animal... in others I have much much less to give. The results are pretty profound. I'm getting ripped. Seriously, even I can notice it. People are commenting on it a lot. Another benefit is that I have learnt to focus, concentrate and mediate even through searing, stabbing or exploding pain. Did I mention I booked myself for a much deserved and needed massage tomorrow? I'm worth it! =D</div><div><br /><div>We had Jon Burras guest lecturing this week. I like Jon. I like Jon's lecture. I especially like the way some people got worked up into a froth over his lecture. ;) Emmy also lectured. I think her review of our triangles may very well have been the most productive thing that Emmy brought to us. Why do I say that? In a nutshell, folks who thought they had triangle nailed discovered they did not. We all learnt how to correct different body types and limitations. This knowledge is invaluable as a practitioner and as a teacher. Next week we have Doctor week. Dr Das will be presenting, as will Rajashree (assisted by the head of some medical centre (I'm too lazy to check my notes now - If i remember, i will do it later)). I also had at least one Di-piphany (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Di-piphany (noun) - when one suddenly "gets" a pose because of getting some insight from Diane Ducharme</span>) this week, which was pretty cool. Now, would it be too much to ask to get back to locking my knees in padahastasana and seeing my toes camel? (without giving up my current height in full locust or low butt in the 1st part of awkward mind you!) The body... it doeth whatevereth it pleaseth...</div><div><br /></div></div>Edwinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06632948561684533129noreply@blogger.com2