June 2009 Newsletter

Hello Friends!

As you likely know by now, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois (the lineage holder for Ashtanga yoga) died Monday, May 18, 2009. He was one of Krishnamacharya's (commonly known as the grandfather of modern yoga) main disciples, two others being BKS Iyengar (known for a practice of refined alignment), and his son, TKV Desikachar (focusing on his father's more adaptive and personalized approach to yoga).

I had the opportunity this last month to spend a weekend at a TKV Desikachar workshop. It was remarkably intimate, and an interesting experience for me. It's always a special experience to be near one of these master teachers, they almost literally ooze the richness of their lineage.

What I came face to face with at this event was my own attachment to my expectations. I was disappointed. And I felt guilty and embarrassed by it. What does it mean to be near someone like this and wish you could have your money back? I kept wondering if somehow I was not esoteric, smart, or advanced enough to appreciate the value. I would hear people talk about this "amazing experience" they were having. Another woman explained to me, in detail, the detox symptoms she was having--stuff I had only experienced on extended fasts of over 2 weeks; and still, no big breakthroughs for me. I decided I'd better just keep my mouth shut, because I was the only one not "getting it".

So I made this confession of my inferiority to a fellow teacher and friend when I returned, and she asked me to describe what we were doing. I told her it was all experiential stuff, no theory, just simple, neutral chants repeated, then breathing while mentally repeating the chants (10 breaths at a time), with rest in between. Which meant we would lie down, breath 10 breaths while chanting mentally, then continue lying there to "rest". And I would lie there thinking "rest??? rest from what???".

My friend pointed out that my lack of a mindbending experience was likely because Mr. Desikachar was teaching to group, and therefore tailored it to the beginning meditator. In other words, because I have a regular asana, pranayama and meditation practice, I wasn't feeling the same things as those who were experiencing these things for the first time.

Who knows if that's why, or maybe I just didn't get it. What I did learn is that a little theory goes a long way. Some people have a better experience with a context in which to place their experiences. Not only that, it helped me remember that the effect of what I teach my students may have a different level of intensity for them than it does for me, and I can't make any assumptions about that.

In the end, 20 hours of chanting, breathing and moments of quiet stillness can't hurt and I came back feeling centered and relaxed. At the same time I learned something about refraining from judgement of my experience, or lack thereof. What I am or am not experiencing is just as valid as what's happening with anyone else (and vice versa). Moreover, I must remember that every one of my students is an individual that has a unique experience in any given moment given their circumstances. So three cheers for all of us as individuals, and the texture our individuality adds to the fabric of Life.


Warmly,

Liz Doyle
www.LizDoyleYoga.com
lizdoyle@msn.com
206.660.2321

Shower Yoga!

SHOWER YOGA:
Gomukhasana arms

A title to pique your interest, but it's not nearly as salacious as one might think. For those of you, like me, with really tight shoulders, here's a little tip for getting into the arm portion of gomukhasana: While in the shower, I soap up my back, hands, and arms, then work my arms into the pose. I usually start with my second favorite side first, and then let the hot water run over my shoulder, especially in the places where I'm really feeling sensation and stretching action.

It has helped me over time get my arms into this pose consistently with greater ease. Let me know what you think. And if there's a particular pose you struggle with, let me know, I'll cover it in my blog or a future newsletter!

Email questions, comments and requests to:
lizdoyle@msn.com

June 09 ANNOUNCEMENTS AND SCHEDULE CHANGES

TEEN YOGA BREAKS FOR SUMMER

CHECK OUT THE CURRENT SCHEDULE HERE

Hummingbird Update

This isn't the best quality image, but this was the picture I took of them two days before they left the nest...their eyes are glowing from the flash, and if you look carefully, you can see their baby beaks, one pointing right and one pointing left.

I decided to do a follow up note on the hummingbirds, because the response was overwhelming to the story I told in last month's newsletter. Here're a couple of the responses I got:

From James:
I had to write because I know exactly what you mean about feeling pleasure and satisfaction over other people's growth and it was a nice reminder that others may feel the same for me.

Hummingbirds as shaman totems represent joy, the sweetness and abundance of life and the ability to change direction easily, great totems for a yoga studio!





From Cathy:
I love your hummingbird story. We had hummers in our bamboo in our backyard. Look at the attached picture - top center are the two babies in the nest. We would watch them every day. And when it got windy and rainy, I worried. I worried they were going to get wet and not survive. I thought about putting out one of those patio heaters for them..... But it only took one sunny day & they were off. The nest is now vacant. But I look at it often and think of those little hummers. They are still in the hood. I hear them in the bamboo - a distinct little clicking noise. They zip around and occasionally stop on a branch to say hello. Super cute! I believe it is a good omen to have hummingbirds nest in your tree. And even more so to notice they are there.

Here's a picture of Cathy's hummingbirds...
Ever since I wrote last month's hummingbird story, I've noticed more hummingbirds, hummingbird images, and all things hummingbird related. I'm not sure it means anything, but it does make me happy and I remember the little guys that I watched from the time they were eggs to when they were old enough to leave the nest. A microcosm of life, no?