It seems like the past 9 days went by so fast. I was feeling sad earlier but now I feel exuberant, to a degree. I learned SO MUCH. Now I will just have to review my notes, practice, and retain.
Today we did some Buddhist chakra tuning. In this system there are 5 chakras and corresponding vowels:
2" below the navel - /u/ (as in pool)
Solar plexus - /o/ (as in oh)
Heart center - /a/ (as in God)
Throat - /e/ (as in hey)
Third eye - /i/ (as in tree)
Afterward we did a meditation, which I plan to use in my own classes. I can't say it as beautifully as Max, so I'll paraphrase:
"As you sit in meditation with your eyes closed, imagine someone has brought to you a small girl from a village in a war-torn country. For her whole short life, this little girl has been surrounded by violence, grief, anger, fear, pain. She has not known anyone in her life who was not afraid, in grief, or angry.
"Someone brought this little girl to you because they heard you were a peaceful person, and they wanted her to experience being in the presence of someone peaceful. So this little girl is now in front of you. She is trying to learn to meditate by watching you. The way you sit, she sits. The way you place your hands, she places her hands. She is learning to be peace by watching the example you set.
"Sit now as you would want this little girl to see you: tall, strong, open, and still."
We did a lot of this type of heart-opening visualizing and meditation. Another one involved imagining your own radiant heart center, then envisioning your heart so bright that it helps people find and touch their own heart centers; your heart leads hundreds, thousands, of people to see their own hearts, their own true natures. It reminds me of the meditation where you actually visualize yourself as a Buddha, as a fully enlightened being.
I am so thankful for this experience, for these teachings, for the friendship and kindness of my fellow TTs, our hosts at North Main Yoga (Liz, Brian, and Kelly), and especially Max for his open-hearted selfless presence and givingness. This training was food for the heart.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Day 9
Today is the last day. I can't believe how fast it went. As I was telling two of my fellow TTs yesterday, I do not want to leave this rarefied environment. In a way it feels like being on retreat, since I have nothing to focus on except practice. We are all here for the same purpose. There's little distraction/detraction. We are all here to learn and support one another, and I feel so lucky to have shared this time with such great people.
I have learned an incredible amount -- the first I must do when I get home is review my notes and start practicing this stuff right way. Techniques for breathing, asana, and communication... and of course ethics, virtues, values. Continuous work, continuous refinement, rededication.
I have also learned how it is possible to live on so little. I've got with me a tiny fraction of all the "stuff" I've amassed at home, and I'm doing just fine -- better than fine, in fact! It is amazing to feel so unencumbered by "stuff" -- even "stuff" that's useful, like books. This might seem obvious but it's been kind of revolutionary for me.
I dislike that the word "virtue" or "virtuous" has acquired a connotation of holier-than-thouness. We have only spent a limited period of time with him here, but I think anyone who met Max would agree that he is a good example of how virtue and integrity can coexist with humor, warmth, and friendliness. No looking down the nose, no judgment, just quiet sattva.
I know I skipped my Gratitude Homework yesterday. For today I'd just have to say I am grateful a thousand times over to Max for his teaching, his kindness, his seemingly endless patience and energy. I can't imagine what it takes to do what he does -- all the air travel, the different people, the talking, the constant giving. He teaches by example, as he encourages us to, and shows us a path to follow in his footsteps.
Today, and every day, my heart is grateful for this experience.
I have learned an incredible amount -- the first I must do when I get home is review my notes and start practicing this stuff right way. Techniques for breathing, asana, and communication... and of course ethics, virtues, values. Continuous work, continuous refinement, rededication.
I have also learned how it is possible to live on so little. I've got with me a tiny fraction of all the "stuff" I've amassed at home, and I'm doing just fine -- better than fine, in fact! It is amazing to feel so unencumbered by "stuff" -- even "stuff" that's useful, like books. This might seem obvious but it's been kind of revolutionary for me.
I dislike that the word "virtue" or "virtuous" has acquired a connotation of holier-than-thouness. We have only spent a limited period of time with him here, but I think anyone who met Max would agree that he is a good example of how virtue and integrity can coexist with humor, warmth, and friendliness. No looking down the nose, no judgment, just quiet sattva.
I know I skipped my Gratitude Homework yesterday. For today I'd just have to say I am grateful a thousand times over to Max for his teaching, his kindness, his seemingly endless patience and energy. I can't imagine what it takes to do what he does -- all the air travel, the different people, the talking, the constant giving. He teaches by example, as he encourages us to, and shows us a path to follow in his footsteps.
Today, and every day, my heart is grateful for this experience.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Day 8
I observed practice this morning. I think Max has two brains because he can work very intently with one individual student while he remains present to the entire room. I learned much just by watching him.
Also, more shoulderstand again today. Lots of practice and observation. It was good. Did adjustments for Warrior 1 and Pyramid, too.
In the last part of the day we did some chanting and breath work. First we did "mmmmmmm," which I think is how brahmari is done in India (as opposed to "zzzzzzzzzzz" here... anyone out there know?). Moved on to a sea of rolling OMs. Then a technique called the "hayy" (pronounced "hai" or "hi") breath. It is a Sufi technique. Max told us "hayy" means "life" or "alive" in Arabic. Apparently people can do it for an hour or more, with the effects lasting 2 days. Since we were beginners, we just did two rounds, five minutes each, for a total of 10 minutes, followed by a restorative backbend. People were crying. (As I've mentioned before, this is not unusual, as every day there is at least one person.)
Max told us to tell our partners or roommates or whoever we live with to be especially kind to us because the technique can cause people to feel vulnerable. He added that it tends to have a delayed effect, that it might "catch up" with us later on this evening.
Immediately after class ended, I felt extremely open-hearted and kind of spaced out. Dreamy. But now, I feel a little bit like I got punched in the stomach. I guess "vulnerable" would be a good way to describe it. I find myself feeling both happy and sad, simultaneously.
I feel sad because I don't want this experience to end. I feel strong here. Surrounded by such kind and sincere and considerate people, in a relaxed Southern town, it is easy to practice the 10 Virtues (gratitude, kindness, respect, honesty, virtuous sexuality, voluntary simplicity, contentment, discipline, mindfulness, and forgiveness). But how easy will it be to practice voluntary simplicity when I get back to the city and out of this remote motel room with my 2 pairs of shoes?
That, of course, is the rub. To paraphrase something I once read, there's no great achievement in being cheerful when everything is going your way. It's when things are not going your way, or going the opposite of how you want them to, that cheerful is a great accomplishment. Something along those lines.
Also, more shoulderstand again today. Lots of practice and observation. It was good. Did adjustments for Warrior 1 and Pyramid, too.
In the last part of the day we did some chanting and breath work. First we did "mmmmmmm," which I think is how brahmari is done in India (as opposed to "zzzzzzzzzzz" here... anyone out there know?). Moved on to a sea of rolling OMs. Then a technique called the "hayy" (pronounced "hai" or "hi") breath. It is a Sufi technique. Max told us "hayy" means "life" or "alive" in Arabic. Apparently people can do it for an hour or more, with the effects lasting 2 days. Since we were beginners, we just did two rounds, five minutes each, for a total of 10 minutes, followed by a restorative backbend. People were crying. (As I've mentioned before, this is not unusual, as every day there is at least one person.)
Max told us to tell our partners or roommates or whoever we live with to be especially kind to us because the technique can cause people to feel vulnerable. He added that it tends to have a delayed effect, that it might "catch up" with us later on this evening.
Immediately after class ended, I felt extremely open-hearted and kind of spaced out. Dreamy. But now, I feel a little bit like I got punched in the stomach. I guess "vulnerable" would be a good way to describe it. I find myself feeling both happy and sad, simultaneously.
I feel sad because I don't want this experience to end. I feel strong here. Surrounded by such kind and sincere and considerate people, in a relaxed Southern town, it is easy to practice the 10 Virtues (gratitude, kindness, respect, honesty, virtuous sexuality, voluntary simplicity, contentment, discipline, mindfulness, and forgiveness). But how easy will it be to practice voluntary simplicity when I get back to the city and out of this remote motel room with my 2 pairs of shoes?
That, of course, is the rub. To paraphrase something I once read, there's no great achievement in being cheerful when everything is going your way. It's when things are not going your way, or going the opposite of how you want them to, that cheerful is a great accomplishment. Something along those lines.
Day 7
Gratitude homework:
1. Bed
2. Heat
3. Birds chirping outside my window
4. Light
5. Yoga
Today (actually yesterday -- I'm trying to catch up) we went over shoulderstand. Max's philosophy: at least 2-3 blankets per student. I know there are people who would disagree and say this is unnecessary. Perhaps for the advanced student who has stable, healthy spinal curves. But I can see the case for the more blankets, especially for beginners or anyone who has "issues."
This training is allowing me to see the difference between teaching a class and leading a class. I want to teach. I am so grateful for everything I have learned here and I feel like this will really help me help my students. I only teach 2 classes a week now, though, so I'll have to be careful to not let it all tumble out at once in an overwhelming avalanche.
1. Bed
2. Heat
3. Birds chirping outside my window
4. Light
5. Yoga
Today (actually yesterday -- I'm trying to catch up) we went over shoulderstand. Max's philosophy: at least 2-3 blankets per student. I know there are people who would disagree and say this is unnecessary. Perhaps for the advanced student who has stable, healthy spinal curves. But I can see the case for the more blankets, especially for beginners or anyone who has "issues."
This training is allowing me to see the difference between teaching a class and leading a class. I want to teach. I am so grateful for everything I have learned here and I feel like this will really help me help my students. I only teach 2 classes a week now, though, so I'll have to be careful to not let it all tumble out at once in an overwhelming avalanche.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Day 6/7
My internet connection was down yesterday and this morning so I couldn't post. I don't have a lot of time now, as we are getting together for dinner, but I will do yesterday's homework.
Gratitude Homework (Day 6)
In no particular order, I am grateful for:
1. N. - who has taught me the meaning of loyalty, unconditional love, and patience
2. Abundance
3. Mind
4. Friendship
5. The sun
I'll probably post Day 7 Gratitude Homework later on. Also, we have another assignment that I may or may not post. It has the potential to be a bit more personal than what I'd want to share in a blog. On one side of a sheet of paper, we are to write our strengths with regard to kindness (e.g., "I am kind to children," "I am kind to animals," what have you). The hard part comes with the second side, where we are to write our weaknesses vis-a-vis kindness. I think this is a good exercise.
Gratitude Homework (Day 6)
In no particular order, I am grateful for:
1. N. - who has taught me the meaning of loyalty, unconditional love, and patience
2. Abundance
3. Mind
4. Friendship
5. The sun
I'll probably post Day 7 Gratitude Homework later on. Also, we have another assignment that I may or may not post. It has the potential to be a bit more personal than what I'd want to share in a blog. On one side of a sheet of paper, we are to write our strengths with regard to kindness (e.g., "I am kind to children," "I am kind to animals," what have you). The hard part comes with the second side, where we are to write our weaknesses vis-a-vis kindness. I think this is a good exercise.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Day 5 Gratitude Homework
In no order, I am grateful for:
1. Family
2. Breath
3. Food to eat
4. Water to drink
5. Love
1. Family
2. Breath
3. Food to eat
4. Water to drink
5. Love
Day 5
So, we didn't really get to the psoas today.
I am learning so much stuff here -- not necessarily unfamiliar stuff, but stuff more specific to Max's teaching style and methodology -- that I am starting to wonder how it will all pan out when I get home. How will it affect my teaching? Will I have the conviction to commit to slowing things down and teach yoga as a breathing practice accompanied by postures? City life can be so rajasic -- I wonder how my current students will react.
But when I look in my heart, I know the answer is the same as with anything in life: Do what feels right for me, follow my heart, let everything else fall into place. Even if it means risking putting off students who aren't interested in breathing. And like Brian, who owns North Main Yoga with his wife Liz, said in a class I took with him yesterday, the way to go deeper into your practice is to slow down and breathe more deeply. This is also what Max says about getting strong -- going slow builds strength. Breathing builds strength, outside and in. I'll be very curious to see what happens back at home. One thing I know, though, is that the universe is always supporting me, whether I recognize it or not, so at this point I am simply trusting that whatever is supposed to happen will happen.
Max talks about breathing as a transformational practice. I thought I had a pretty strong breathing practice before I got here... but whoa! Some of the folks I've met here, who've been working with him for some time, are amazing! Their breath is so strong. It is really incredible to practice in a room with them. Me, since Day 2 I've been getting dizzy spells during asana practice. I guess I am just not used to it -- all that oxygen! All that prana! Trying to practice on my own, no matter how conscientious I am, is different from having Max there reminding us to breathe the whole time. And everyone is such a good breather.
I feel we are breathing for one another, supporting one another's practice, evolution, transformation, and unfolding. And everyone has been polite, exceedingly kind, sincere, and warm. It's quite beautiful. The proof would appear to be in the pudding, as it were.
I am learning so much stuff here -- not necessarily unfamiliar stuff, but stuff more specific to Max's teaching style and methodology -- that I am starting to wonder how it will all pan out when I get home. How will it affect my teaching? Will I have the conviction to commit to slowing things down and teach yoga as a breathing practice accompanied by postures? City life can be so rajasic -- I wonder how my current students will react.
But when I look in my heart, I know the answer is the same as with anything in life: Do what feels right for me, follow my heart, let everything else fall into place. Even if it means risking putting off students who aren't interested in breathing. And like Brian, who owns North Main Yoga with his wife Liz, said in a class I took with him yesterday, the way to go deeper into your practice is to slow down and breathe more deeply. This is also what Max says about getting strong -- going slow builds strength. Breathing builds strength, outside and in. I'll be very curious to see what happens back at home. One thing I know, though, is that the universe is always supporting me, whether I recognize it or not, so at this point I am simply trusting that whatever is supposed to happen will happen.
Max talks about breathing as a transformational practice. I thought I had a pretty strong breathing practice before I got here... but whoa! Some of the folks I've met here, who've been working with him for some time, are amazing! Their breath is so strong. It is really incredible to practice in a room with them. Me, since Day 2 I've been getting dizzy spells during asana practice. I guess I am just not used to it -- all that oxygen! All that prana! Trying to practice on my own, no matter how conscientious I am, is different from having Max there reminding us to breathe the whole time. And everyone is such a good breather.
I feel we are breathing for one another, supporting one another's practice, evolution, transformation, and unfolding. And everyone has been polite, exceedingly kind, sincere, and warm. It's quite beautiful. The proof would appear to be in the pudding, as it were.
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