Upcoming Events/Workshops

Here are a few things I hope you attend!

Teen Yoga:

Next start date: 1/10/10
Sunday 3:15PM-4:15PM
at Shakti Vinyasa Ballard
Phone: 206.297.9642

If you're interested, please pre-register, we need 10 students to continue the series.




Secrets of Backbending Workshop:

at Shakti Vinyasa Ballard
February 6, 2010
1PM-3:30PM

at Yogalife Greenlake
February 20, 2010
12:30PM-3PM

We will cover:
*basic spine anatomy
*purpose and benefits of backbending
*the critical contribution of hips and shoulders
*simple (but little known) tips to happier and deeper backbends




Yoga Basics Workshop:

Appropriate for ALL levels. Good alignment is critical, for both safety and rapid advancement of your practice, particularly when we are moving around quickly in a vinyasa class. Please make the time to attend this valuable class.

at Gold's Gym
Issaquah January 23, 2010 1-3PM
Redmond January 30, 2010 1-3PM
Bothell February 13, 2010 1-3PM

Expect to learn:
*proper alignment and fine tuning for a variety of foundation poses
*graceful transitions between poses
*basics of breath control techniques
*deep relaxation techniques

Twelve Days of Yoga

I have to give credit to my favorite people at the Palace (there was a hummingbird nest in the fruit tree outside the studio-- check out blog entries) for the inspiration for this holiday yoga song, sung to the tune of "12 Days of Christmas." Special thanks to Jagrata Minardi for the 5th day (+) and Ed Clark for the 2nd day inspiration.

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:
a Hummingbird in a pear tree!

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me:
2 Titthi-Bs
and a Hummingbird in a pear tree!

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:
3 handstands
2 Titthi-Bs
and a Hummingbird in a pear tree!

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:
4 lunge twists
3 handstands
2 Titthi-Bs
and a Hummingbird in a pear tree!

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:
5 CHATTURANGAS!
4 lunge twists
3 handstands
2 Titthi-Bs
and a Hummingbird in a pear tree!

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:
6 lotuses blooming
5 CHATTURANGAS!
4 lunge twists
3 handstands
2 Titthi-Bs
and a Hummingbird in a pear tree!

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:
7 dogs a-downing
6 lotuses blooming
5 CHATTURANGAS!
4 lunge twists
3 handstands
2 Titthi-Bs
and a Hummingbird in a pear tree!

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:
8 crows a-flying
7 dogs a-downing
6 lotuses blooming
5 CHATTURANGAS!
4 lunge twists
3 handstands
2 Titthi-Bs
and a Hummingbird in a pear tree!

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:
9 Shivas dancing
8 crows a-flying
7 dogs a-downing
6 lotuses blooming
5 CHATTURANGAS!
4 lunge twists
3 handstands
2 Titthi-Bs
and a Hummingbird in a pear tree

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:
10 peacocks strutting
9 Shivas dancing
8 crows a-flying
7 dogs a-downing
6 lotuses blooming
5 CHATTURANGAS!
4 lunge twists
3 handstands
2 Titthi-Bs
and a Hummingbird in a pear tree

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:
11 Hanumans leaping
10 peacocks strutting
9 Shivas dancing
8 crows a-flying
7 dogs a-downing
6 lotuses blooming
5 CHATTURANGAS!
4 lunge twists
3 handstands
2 Titthi-Bs
and a Hummingbird in a pear tree!

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

12 Suns Saluting
11 Hanumans leaping
10 peacocks strutting
9 Shivas dancing
8 crows a-flying
7 dogs a-downing
6 lotuses blooming
5 CHATTURANGAS!
4 lunge twists
3 handstands
2 Titthi-Bs
and a Hummingbird in a pear tree!

Stability vs. Rigidity

Hello Friends!

I want to talk about this idea of rigidity versus stability. What first got me thinking about it was this article about Pilates that was commenting on our obsession with the "core," and that most of us aren't able to engage the deep midsection muscles. Moreover, most of us tend to think of ab work as something that creates a six pack.

Oddly enough, I've seen people in my class with some great six packs who have clearly been putting in a lot of time on the Ab Master, but can barely hold themselves up in side plank. Although side plank requires a certain amount of strength through the side waist and midsection, it's a relatively simple pose. So whatever they are doing, and I'm certainly not complaining about the aesthetic, there's not much there in terms of function. There's plenty to discuss as it relates to the physical practice of yoga, but maybe this rap would be more interesting if we talk about it as a metaphor for life.

As a person and a human being, it seems that achieving stability without rigidity would be desirable. We want to have abilities, things and people around us that can support us and keep us from getting wacky; at the same time, we want to keep our resiliency. And I mean that both from a mental perspective, the way we think, but also as it relates to how we react to life and life experience. In other words, the ability to bounce back. And when we know we're resilient and that we have the ability to "bounce back" from the most trying of circumstances, I think it affords a certain level of calmness that translates to emotional stability.

On a physical level, how do we apply this concept? On the one hand we have big muscle groups and we can make them big and giant and strong on the surface. Sort of bracing ourselves, or applying a thin layer of cement around our skeleton. There's nothing wrong with that unless we do that to the exclusion of all the deep, internal support systems, like our tendons, ligaments, pelvic floor and diaphragm. And all the little stabilizing muscles that we don't think about much until we need to use them, and we realize "holy crow, I got nuthin'!"

If we can create some stability from the inside out, I think that's a much more effective plan of action vs. patching things from the outside, hoping to create stability on the inside. It's an interesting way to look at our yoga practice, because we often get distracted by the extremities of the pose. For example, "am I touching the floor?", am I holding my big toe?", etc. And what really needs our attention is everything that's touching the floor and holding us up. What does that feel like? Because that's our foundation. And the pose should be built from there. And from there, play with the internal engagements-- the lift of the pelvic floor, the use of the deep belly muscles, et al.
If you're not sure what I'm talking about, get in downward dog and notice how at the end of your exhalation, your low belly sucks up toward your spine and you don't even have to try to do it. Also notice how soft the "six-pack" belly muscles are. there's something deeper than that happening to lift your belly up, and yet the outer muscles are still very, very soft. So what is that? How is it working? There are lots of muscles working there, the psoas being one of them in that case.

The question then becomes, how do we identify, use and strengthen these things? We talk a lot about mula bandha (root lock) and uddiyana bandha (belly lock), and those things, frankly, take most yoga practitioners a solid 1-3 years to really get a handle on. And the refinement of those goes on for a lifetime. I'm just now, after 10 years, getting to the point where I can effectively articulate mula bandha in ways that helps me in different poses.

It's interesting to explore, but if all we're trying to get is strong quads, glutes and a six pack, then we're never going to get all the subtleties. When the big muscles are locked down, the smaller, deeper (but arguably more powerful) muscles can't fire at all. And we won't be as stable, safe or strong in terms of function. We may look strong, but are we strong? And I'm not talking about how much can you bench press, but are you strong enough to support and manipulate your own body. I don't think we have to choose, but if we do choose, do we prefer to BE strong, or LOOK strong?

For me, in my life--- emotionally, mentally, physically, spiritually, I want to BE strong. Hey, I don't mind looking good any more than the next guy ;), but I want it to be real, and authentic, and deep, and from the inside.

So, keep practicing, and I'll see you soon!

Warmly,

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

Think Crazy, Take Chances...

Hello Friends!

I've never considered myself a particularly fearful person, I've always thought of myself as being strong, resilient and open to change. I recently butted up against my own limitations with the latest project I'm working on, which is a children's yoga DVD (ultimately with a book and yoga cards, for those of you with kids). One thing at a time!!

If I'm to be perfectly candid, I've been procrastinating a little, and been a little half-rumped about it. I don't have a ton of money to spend on production, and I've been fortunate to be introduced to a professional filmmaker/videographer, who is highly qualified, and will do it for very little.

Anyhow, I was supposed to send him an email a couple of weeks ago, and I told him I would do it in a few days. I just didn't send it, and wasn't sure what was holding me back. I had spent the time to outline all the steps to completing the video-- find some kids, figure out what I'm going to do, etc. I finally figured out that I hadn't sent the email that would put it all in motion because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to pull it off. And it sounds so ridiculous, it's just a video, and really, who cares?

I suppose it started to feel like a lot of pressure. I get a gaggle of kids lined up, and their parents have expectations, and if I tell people, my friends and students will have expectations, and what if I am not good enough to make it interesting and compelling and finish it??? I'm afraid. And that stopped me from doing the simplest things.

It became clear that if I broke it down into tiny steps, I could do those steps and it wouldn't feel scary. So, I made a list of kids currently in my classes that would be good candidates for the video, and I wrote notes to their parents asking permission to include the child. And then of course, I had to deliver them! What if they say "yes" and then it never happens, do I look like a jerk? etc, etc.... so I thought, I'll just write the notes. And then I was able to get the chutzpah to pass out a couple of them, and then a couple more...

My mind was making up all kinds of stories and reasons why the parents would say "no", why I couldn't do it, and why it wouldn't work out for me. It's almost embarrassing to be telling all of you this. I had already written out everything I needed to say to the videographer in the email, and simply did not send it. Why? Why?? So silly. So finally I just typed it up (which took a full 1.5 minutes! I'm sure he's thinking "this took you TWO weeks????") and sent it. So far, the world has not come to an end.

Now it's done and I can move forward. This was such a good lesson showing me that I just have to try. Coincidentally, if there is such a thing, I've been running across inspirational quotes about simply making an effort and trying. Reminding me that the failure is not in a lack of success, but a lack of trying to do anything meaningful. I finally convinced myself that I have to go for it. Not just in this situation, but in Life. And if it doesn't work out, so what? What am I afraid of? Seems so obvious, doesn't it?

So I encourage you to think crazy and take chances. Live a good life. I mean, why not?

Warmly,

Liz Doyle
www.LizDoyleYoga.com

My Family: The Best Yoga Teachers

I was home for Thanksgiving, and my parents and I went to visit my grandmother in the assisted living facility. We were all sitting around chatting when suddenly grandma looks at me and says, "You've gained weight. You're fat, you need to lose some weight." What a sweetie, no?
Anyhow, it got me thinking about Satya (truthfulness) and Ahimsa (consideration for self and others). We all know that we're not supposed to lie and we're not supposed to hurt people. What is interesting to me, as a human and a yogi, is striking that right balance between these principles. At what cost to Ahimsa do we tell the truth? And at what cost to Satya do we spare someone's feelings? I don't know the answers, but this is what make the yamas and niyamas an interesting study. Let me know when you figure it out! ;)

RROOOOOAAAARRRRRRRR!!!!!!

Imagine you're a lion today and receive these benefits:

~Relieves tension in the chest and face.
~Stimulates the platysma, a flat, thin, rectangular-shaped muscle on the front of the throat. The platysma, when contracted, pulls down on the corners of the mouth and wrinkles the skin of the neck.
~Simhasana helps keep the platysma firm as we age.
~Facilitates the three major bandhas (Mula, Jalandhara, Uddiyana).

The Breath, Self-study and the Practice

Hello Friends!

About a year ago, I felt that the next stage of development in my practice would come from a melioration of the breath, and it's something I work on constantly. The practice is, as one of my teacher's said, "a meditation on the breath".

On a recent vacation, I attended a yoga class and the teacher kept encouraging a VERY loud Ujjayi breath (see article to the right for a description). I listened carefully to her thoughts and instructions, and tried some things out in my own body.

In my opinion, especially for beginners, an extremely loud breath can be particularly helpful in tracking the breath and it's qualities, as well as learning to control it. And even as one's practiced becomes more advanced, I think it can be helpful on occasion to power up the breath depending on what's happening in any given day or pose; perhaps if one is losing track of the breath or having difficulty sustaining a consistent breath during a particular practice. But I don't think that the volume of the breath is the only indicator of its proper execution.

I often hear or see students in my class who have such an intensity in the breath, that it actually creates tension in the body. Additionally, the movement of the breath in the body is isolated to one particular area, and not necessarily because the breath is intentionally directed there.

At some point in one's practice, there is a refinement of the breath, making it more subtle, and I'm not referring simply to it's volume. The Ujjayi rhythm, always audible by it's nature, becomes an opportunity to regulate the breath in a controlled way, and in no way creates undue tension or tightness in the breath or body. As for where the movement of the breath can or should be found, watch this video of BKS Iyengar demonstrating JUST ONE BREATH. And notice, with an inhalation of nearly 50 seconds, his body barely moves. There's no radical pumping or expansion of the belly, it's as if the entire body is gently and calmly absorbing the breath equally. And listen to the sound... the beginning sounds exactly the same as the middle and the end.

As an experiment, try to make each of your exhalations sound like the inhalations, your inhalations sound like exhalations, and the duration and quality of each sound the same throughout your entire practice--WOW! It requires such focus and control. And at first, learning to direct the breath to certain areas of your body is helpful. Later, maybe one can achieve the ability to breathe as fully as Iyengar, as the entire body participates equally in the breath.

Yoga is a practice where everything, and I mean everything, is done with intention. Not a cell of your body is left out of your awareness, and everything has meaning and purpose. Your practice is a vehicle for self-study. Try new and different things out in your own body and decide for yourself what you think and why.

Treat your practice with respect and love. Whether you intend it or not, the beauty that occurs in your practice will spill out into your everyday life, so make it the best you can.

Warmly,

Liz Doyle
www.LizDoyleYoga.com

What is Ujjayi breathing and how is it done?

I like Tim Miller's description:

When done properly, Ujjayi (translated as "victorious") breathing should be both energizing and relaxing. In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali suggests that the breath should be both dirga (long) and suksma (smooth).

The sound of Ujjayi is created by gently constricting the opening of the throat to create some resistance to the passage of air. Gently pulling the breath in on inhalation and gently pushing the breath out on exhalation against this resistance creates a well-modulated and soothing sound-something like the sound of ocean waves rolling in and out.

It is important to remember that the key to Ujjayi breathing is relaxation; the action of Ujjayi naturally lengthens the breath. Some small effort is required to produce a pleasing sound, but too much effort creates a grasping quality and a grating sound. Generally, it is the inhalation that presents the greater challenge. So begin by practicing on the exhalation where there is a natural letting go process.

To practice the inhalation, focus on creating a soothing and pleasing sound that is unhurried and unforced. I suggest working on your Ujjayi breathing in a seated, relaxed cross- legged position. Imagine sipping the breath in through a straw. If the suction is too strong the straw collapses and great force is required to suck anything through it.

Once Ujjayi breathing is mastered in a seated position, the challenge is to maintain the same quality of breathing throughout your asana practice.


Throughout your practice, try to maintain the length and smoothness of the breath as much as possible. Once you find a baseline Ujjayi breath in a pose that is not too strenuous (Downward Facing Dog for example), endeavor to maintain that quality of breath throughout the practice. Some asanas require great effort, and you may begin to strain in your breath. If you are straining in your breath, you may be pushing yourself too hard in your practice.

Use that feedback as a guide throughout your practice-if you start to strain, it may be time to back out of a pose and rest.

Moving Again... a study on impermanence.

I just moved for the third time in 2 years (don't ask!) and I was lying in bed last night, first night in the "new" place, and couldn't sleep. The feeling of the impermanence of everything in life, including my own life and the lives of those I love, was feeling so heavy.

The first line of the book The Road Less Traveled is "Life is difficult." I remember reading those words 10 years ago and thinking that it was stupid, but now I understand it in a different way. I realized that I have been waiting for life to get easy and things to settle down and change less so I could relax. I've been coming to understand in a new way (not simply from an intellectual perspective) that the nature of life itself is that it is constantly changing and it's challenging. So I might as well relax now, right? I was discussing this with my friend Mary Kay, and she said, "Instead of waiting for things to settle before you relax, why don't you relax and see what settles?" Amazingly profound.

I'm learning why the very nature of life feels so weighty to me at the moment. I suspect it's because this understanding is moving from an intellectual understanding, and into my being via the body, so I'm feeling this concept as emotions and sensations. And it feels like a loss. A loss of security in the traditional sense. Who knows what will fill it's place, or how long that will be around.

Although I'm not sure it's been all that practical, these moves, I think, have been good for me. They have been a constant reminder of the impermanence of Life, and everyone and everything in it. I have been unable to become complacent as it relates to change and impermanence because the minute I start to feel settled everything is changing again. I also just realized as I'm writing this that my moves have all been right at or very near solstices or equinoxes, which is another marker of change. Another friend, Karen, was suggesting I remain mindful of the unconscious associations I may make with these events as it relates to the time of year. For example, she was recalling when a beloved pet died in the late fall, and for a long time couldn't figure out why she kept getting depressed in the fall.

As I ponder the constant change, and the fleeting nature of everyone and everything around me, I am more appreciative of the time I have with people and circumstances. I've also realized which possessions I care most about. A person really figures out what belongings are meaningful when they have to haul them around all the time. And what has simply been hanging around is more easily discarded. It's a good exercise.

I'm not sure where this is all going, so for now, I'll settle for this understanding and more appreciation for everything Life has to offer. Even the stuff that doesn't seem so great at the time.

What are the Eight Limbs of Yoga?

What Are the EIGHT LIMBS of Yoga?

The eight limbs refers to the eightfold path of yoga. BKS Iyengar says, "When the eight disciplines are followed with dedication and devotion, they help the practitioner to become physically, mentally, and emotionally stable so that he can maintain equanimity in all circumstances. He learns to know the Supreme Soul, and to live in speech, thought and action in accordance with the highest truth."

The eight limbs are as follows:

1. Yama:
Our attitudes towards others

2. Niyama:
Our attitudes towards ourselves

(for more info on Yama and Niyama,
see a previous blog entry)

3. Asana:
Practice of the physical postures

4. Pranayama:
Practice of breath control exercises

5. Pratyahara:
Withdrawal of the senses

6. Dharana:
Concentration

7. Dhyana:
Meditation

8. Samadhi:
Total absorption, profound meditation

Hello Friends!

Socially unacceptable feelings. We all have them; anger, frustration, sadness, jealousy, resentfulness, impatience, the list goes on. Since we all have them and experience them, why do we find it so hard to be honest about it and express these feelings?

I think it's particularly challenging in the yoga community, where part of our practice is observing the yamas and niyamas (see the previous blog entry), and part of practicing yoga and "taking one's yoga off the mat" is living differently out in the world. It's seems to me that many interpret this as "I'm not supposed to have these feelings".

I was talking with one of my teachers about my perceived pressure, as a yoga teacher, to be a certain way. She summed it up so well:

"I am very up front with what I am going through. I don't want people thinking for a minute I live in an ivory tower and I will not perpetuate the perfect-life-yoga-teacher crap. I think we should let people know we are getting pummeled, so they can see us recover."

It's not real for people to pretend they are always happy and perfectly content and peaceful. It's a load of crap. As humans we all experience these "negative" feelings. As yogis, the yoga is not in avoiding socially acceptable feelings, or in denying them, but acknowledging them (satya), and still maintaining good behavior.

For example, it's normal to get frustrated while driving in traffic. Instead of pretending your not annoyed by the guy that almost crashed into you, hopefully, you'll recognize what you're feeling, sense what's happening in your body (for example, where you are holding tension and gripping, what's happening with your breath), stay calm and let it go. Either that, or you could go into a road rage and follow them yelling and honking and using your car as a weapon. We've all seen those people too, and hopefully we can avoid the "negative" action that might result from the "undesirable" feeling or experience.

Yoga is not about cessation of the mind, or for that matter cessation of an experience, like negative feelings; it is about refining the mind and consciously directing our attention to accomplish what we desire, with the tools (the mind and body) that we've been given. Stay present in the now. You won't always live up to your personal ideal of perfection, but that's normal. Have a REAL experience, and live to the best of your ability. There's no joy without sorrow, no pleasure without pain. The contrast of the the nadir of human existence helps us appreciate the pinnacle of human existence. Use your practice to help you understand how to fully experience everything that Life has to offer. And we'll all be right along side each other, occasionally tripping down the path.

Warmly,

Liz Doyle
http://www.lizdoyleyoga.com/

What the heck are the Yamas and Niyamas???

Hi All!

I thought I would post this from July's newsletter as a refresher. Also, I there was a typo in the newsletter, listing both the Yamas and Niyamas as "attitudes toward ourselves"... I suppose that was a Freudian slip of sorts alluding to my extreme narcissism-- HA! So here you go:

What are the Yamas and Niyamas?

Yamas - our attitudes toward others:

1. Ahimsa: Non-harming

2. Satya: Truthfulness or right communication

3. Asteya: Non-stealing or non-covetousness

4. Brahmacharya: Appropriate use of sexual energy or moderation

5. Aparigraha: Non-hoarding

Niyamas- our attitudes towards ourselves:

1. Sauca: Cleanliness

2. Santosha: Contentment

3. Tapas: Self-discipline or correct habits

4. Svadyaya: Self-study

5. Isvara Pranidhana:
Reverence to a higher intelligence or the acceptance of our limitations in relation to God

Living in Greatness

This mind-blowing picture is of our own Bernhard Weigl. Who would have guessed that the unassuming, hard-working practitioner with a graceful practice is also a cover-boy for a kite-surfing magazine??? All I have to say is, this is why we work on backbends in class!

So back to the title of the article. I've done a bit of ultra running, and after completing a 5 day stage race in the Colorado Rockies a couple of years ago, I was a bit teary-eyed telling a class about it. I was emotional because it was challenging, and there was a moment when I wasn't sure I could do it, so finishing it meant something to me. Someone actually asked me that question: "Why would anyone want to do that?".

It really set me back. After I was done being offended, it got me thinking: why DO I want to do those kind of things? As it turns out, that night I picked up the Tao Te Ching, and opened it to the 25th verse:

"There was something formless and perfect before the universe was born. It is serene. Empty. Solitary. Unchanging. Infinite. Eternally present. It is the Mother of the universe. For lack of a better name, I call it the Tao. I call it great. Great is boundless; boundless is eternally flowing; ever flowing; it is constantly returning. Therefore, the Way is great, heaven is great, earth is great, people are great. Thus, to know humanity, understand earth. To know earth, understand heaven. To know heaven, understand the Way. To know the Way, understand the great within yourself."

The point really is that you, I, we, come from greatness. We are gifted with this physical form and this is our vehicle to find our way through this life. How else to get a glimpse of the greatness from which we came unless we are doing things previously unimaginable? This is why I do "that".

Remember the first time you could balance in crow or headstand? Do you remember the thrill? Anytime you do something you thought was impossible, at least for you, you are reminding yourself of your greatness. And it doesn't have to be physical. Maybe you think that 15 minutes of stillness and contemplation is impossible for you. What if it IS possible? And I'm suggesting that you are capable of FAR more than you can ever imagine. Why not get a little taste?

From a yoga perspective, in my opinion, there's something valuable about challenging and complex poses and sequences. I don't think they are REQUIRED, but here's why I think they are beneficial:

1. They are FUN!

2. Through our accomplishments, we get a glimpse of that Ultimate Greatness, which is our source.

3. I believe that there is a connection between our physical body and our consciousness; and to maximize our capacity on every level, compassionately exploring our physical limitations and the maximum number of physical shapes our body can perform is stimulating on every level of our existence, and helps clear the energy channels.

Please understand that I am not suggesting that we do things inappropriate for us. And on any given day, year, or stage in life, something else will be appropriate, and learning to respect and honor that is part of the practice.

Why do you do what YOU do? Do you have a reason? Maybe Bernhard can chime in. I'm going to post this on my blog, because I know there are many inspiring people and scriptures from religions and spiritual traditions of all kinds, poetry, books, et al, and maybe there's something you can share that has inspired you to find your greatness. What helps you feel connected to your greatness?

What are your thoughts? Please, share it all on my blog, I want to hear from you. And I hope that you will all find inspiration to discover, remind yourself of and live in your greatness.

www.LizDoyleYoga.com

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?