"Turn the Door Knob" Asana: My First Day of Teacher Training at Evolation Yoga
29 November 2016
My first introduction to California was its infamous freeway. Traveling along the coast from the LAX Airport to Santa Bara, my flyaway bus cruised through 6 pm commuter traffic...slowly. After arriving in Santa Barbara and making my way to what would be my yoga bubble for the next month, I found myself dazed and confused and soon to be fast asleep in my new home in Summerland, CA.
My trip to this small sleepy California town is because of two people: Mark Drost and Zefea Samson. Changing the game in the world of yoga, Mark and Zefea met at the daunting Bikram College of India, fell in love with one another, married, and began to build their still evolving yoga palace. Mark and Zefea committed their lives and beings to growing and sharing yoga with the world around them. With studios across the world from Buffalo Newyork to Godsford Australia, Evolation Yoga advocates a yoga grounded in the principle of Self- both a physical and spirtual practice in which indivudals begin to discover he or she's inner hidden golden Buddha. I am beyond excited to become a part of the Evolation team as I complete the 250 hr training this month.
During today's teaching clinic, Mark introduced one of the most essential asanas as an instructor: "Turn the door knob" asana. Show up each day. Show up for yourself. And then show up for the students eager toe xplore the yoga practice. As a teacher, your are showing up to serve. And everyday, in the mindset of Selfess Service, you are asking what can I give with this. Unfortunately, the modern perception of yoga is filled by the Ego- images of money, sexiness, and consumerism. To hear Mark introduce teaching as an act of service was not only eye-opening but a radical commitment to change our world's perception and practice of yoga, especially in the West. In training teachers to follow this essential principle, Mark and Zefea will change the yoga game- and I am beyond excited to be one of their revolutionaries.
My trip to this small sleepy California town is because of two people: Mark Drost and Zefea Samson. Changing the game in the world of yoga, Mark and Zefea met at the daunting Bikram College of India, fell in love with one another, married, and began to build their still evolving yoga palace. Mark and Zefea committed their lives and beings to growing and sharing yoga with the world around them. With studios across the world from Buffalo Newyork to Godsford Australia, Evolation Yoga advocates a yoga grounded in the principle of Self- both a physical and spirtual practice in which indivudals begin to discover he or she's inner hidden golden Buddha. I am beyond excited to become a part of the Evolation team as I complete the 250 hr training this month.
During today's teaching clinic, Mark introduced one of the most essential asanas as an instructor: "Turn the door knob" asana. Show up each day. Show up for yourself. And then show up for the students eager toe xplore the yoga practice. As a teacher, your are showing up to serve. And everyday, in the mindset of Selfess Service, you are asking what can I give with this. Unfortunately, the modern perception of yoga is filled by the Ego- images of money, sexiness, and consumerism. To hear Mark introduce teaching as an act of service was not only eye-opening but a radical commitment to change our world's perception and practice of yoga, especially in the West. In training teachers to follow this essential principle, Mark and Zefea will change the yoga game- and I am beyond excited to be one of their revolutionaries.
Yoga Asanas: The Most Accessible Doorway to Self Reformation
30 November 2016
I began practicing yoga regularly in high school. Each Tuesday night my friend Deb and I would meet at Metrowest Yoga Studio in Westboro, Massachusetts to get in an hour and a half of heated vinyasa yoga with our most lovable instructor Tom. At the time, vinyasa yoga emerged as an opportunity for me to challenge my physcial self- expand my comfort zone in the realm of what modern western society has termed "fitness." My first objective with yoga and intention of each class was to push my physical limits.
Asana- meaning posture, what we practice in a yoga class- is only one of the eight limbs of yoga. As a beginner yogi at Metrowest, my intentions only focused on this single limb. The asanas are the most accessile doorway within our "yoga palace," as my teacher Zefea likes to call it. And I am beyond thankful to have reached that doorway which has now expanded into many corridors, rooms, halls, alcoves waiting to be explored.
Throughout my second day of training, I have taken small yet essential steps down one of those corridors. From 2 classes a day, to posture clinics and lectures, I have been challenged to move deeper into the layers of my body and mind and seek my greatest Self. I have been introduced to yoga's ultimate goal of finding the Self in which one has enough control over the physical body to move beyond the body's limit and to reach Self-realization. It's always interesting to reflect on your path throughout a specific commitment, whether its a career path, a sport, or a hobby. My intentions with yoga are consistenly changing from the physical, to a shift in energy, to greater happiness and wellbeing, to ultimately my decision to take the leap across the US to sunny Summerland CA and immerse myself in the 26-2 yoga bubble for a month. Yoga is a journey. It is the most holistic physical practice one can discover, commit to, and love. The asanas' focus on alignment, breath, stillness, and the mind-body connection defines the practice from all over forms of fitness. The subtle body comes to the forefront and the practicioner emerges in his or her purest form. Throughout the training and beyond, my intentions within yoga will change and grow as my students unravel their own intentions.
Asana- meaning posture, what we practice in a yoga class- is only one of the eight limbs of yoga. As a beginner yogi at Metrowest, my intentions only focused on this single limb. The asanas are the most accessile doorway within our "yoga palace," as my teacher Zefea likes to call it. And I am beyond thankful to have reached that doorway which has now expanded into many corridors, rooms, halls, alcoves waiting to be explored.
Throughout my second day of training, I have taken small yet essential steps down one of those corridors. From 2 classes a day, to posture clinics and lectures, I have been challenged to move deeper into the layers of my body and mind and seek my greatest Self. I have been introduced to yoga's ultimate goal of finding the Self in which one has enough control over the physical body to move beyond the body's limit and to reach Self-realization. It's always interesting to reflect on your path throughout a specific commitment, whether its a career path, a sport, or a hobby. My intentions with yoga are consistenly changing from the physical, to a shift in energy, to greater happiness and wellbeing, to ultimately my decision to take the leap across the US to sunny Summerland CA and immerse myself in the 26-2 yoga bubble for a month. Yoga is a journey. It is the most holistic physical practice one can discover, commit to, and love. The asanas' focus on alignment, breath, stillness, and the mind-body connection defines the practice from all over forms of fitness. The subtle body comes to the forefront and the practicioner emerges in his or her purest form. Throughout the training and beyond, my intentions within yoga will change and grow as my students unravel their own intentions.
"Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense." - Buddha
1 December 2016
Consider our world's many subjects of study- mathematics, physics, neuroscience, contemporary art, quantum mechanics.. the list goes on. Yoga is one of them and one of the most unique. As my teacher reflected on the sutras- the foundation of Yoga science- he described this very fact: "Yoga is the only subject in the world in which the subject is the object and the object is the subject." Yoga is the study of the Self. It is the study, practice, the challenge, the results of quieting the mind in order to delve into our true nature, our deepest Self. In studying and practicing Yoga, the individual seeks to restrain the chatter in order to reveal the Self.
As a Yoga teacher, it's one's responsibility to focus on the higher Selves of others in the studio room. Instructors are neither tightening students' buns or trimming waistlines (although those are great side effects of the asans) but rather seeking to facilitate this emergence in which the student recognizes his or her true essence. Teachers are only facilitator, creating a space in which everyone can practice, be still, and glow inward out. We already have our toolbox- every single one of us. So begin to peal back the layers, tap into what you think is right, and practice Yoga.
As a Yoga teacher, it's one's responsibility to focus on the higher Selves of others in the studio room. Instructors are neither tightening students' buns or trimming waistlines (although those are great side effects of the asans) but rather seeking to facilitate this emergence in which the student recognizes his or her true essence. Teachers are only facilitator, creating a space in which everyone can practice, be still, and glow inward out. We already have our toolbox- every single one of us. So begin to peal back the layers, tap into what you think is right, and practice Yoga.
Yoga-brain
3 December 2016
Today, the fifth day of training, the first Saturday of training, the first part-time day of training, was filled with yoga. Wake up; study Eagle Pose; 9:30-11:00 Hot 90 class; 11:30 posture clinic; 1:30-2:45 Yin class; Break; 4:30-6:00 class. Dinner, reflection, and study. Part-time right? To summarize the day into one sentence, I have "Yoga-brain."
Yoga-brain (noun): the clouded, dazed, and often confused state of mind when a student leaves a 26-2 Hot yoga class.
I love observing students after a class. They walk with a lightness. Their eyes express that they are neither here, nor still in the hot room, but rather la-la land. They talk slowly, walk slowly, and seem to drop or fumble everything they carry. Smiling wide, students share an ease that is incomparable.
Yoga, whatever the class or style, is a doorway into you, into this sense of ease. Whether flow, 26-2, or a deep and relaxing Yin class, Yoga is an opportunity for one to explore mental peace when out of their comfort zone. Who has ever tried yoga and felt completely uncomfortable glaring at themselves in Bikram's furnace or throwing their leg in the air to try to get into Warrior 3? Well, that's the point. Yoga is uncomfortable, challenging, opening, and exposing. Students reach their most vulnerable state. By giving in, accepting the challenge, and showing your true Self, you find an ease- a mental peace- amidst the discomfort.
For those of you who practice Bikram yoga or the Hot 26-2 sequence, think about it. Why do you and the 30+ people around you choose to stand in front of a mirror every day for 90 minutes to watch yourselves sweat beyond belief in what feels to be a room turned into a coal-burning kiln? Often, in experiencing pain or challenge, we reach a place of mental peace in which we see our true nature and just be.
So, yoga-especially yoga in our modern, Western society- may be the answer for toned things, a balanced physique, or just an excuse to wear Lu Lu Lemon. However, most importantly, above all, it is the answer to inner peace. Who doesn't want that? So grab your mat, try something new, and get in the hot room, so you can see what this "yoga-brain" is all about.
Yoga-brain (noun): the clouded, dazed, and often confused state of mind when a student leaves a 26-2 Hot yoga class.
I love observing students after a class. They walk with a lightness. Their eyes express that they are neither here, nor still in the hot room, but rather la-la land. They talk slowly, walk slowly, and seem to drop or fumble everything they carry. Smiling wide, students share an ease that is incomparable.
Yoga, whatever the class or style, is a doorway into you, into this sense of ease. Whether flow, 26-2, or a deep and relaxing Yin class, Yoga is an opportunity for one to explore mental peace when out of their comfort zone. Who has ever tried yoga and felt completely uncomfortable glaring at themselves in Bikram's furnace or throwing their leg in the air to try to get into Warrior 3? Well, that's the point. Yoga is uncomfortable, challenging, opening, and exposing. Students reach their most vulnerable state. By giving in, accepting the challenge, and showing your true Self, you find an ease- a mental peace- amidst the discomfort.
For those of you who practice Bikram yoga or the Hot 26-2 sequence, think about it. Why do you and the 30+ people around you choose to stand in front of a mirror every day for 90 minutes to watch yourselves sweat beyond belief in what feels to be a room turned into a coal-burning kiln? Often, in experiencing pain or challenge, we reach a place of mental peace in which we see our true nature and just be.
So, yoga-especially yoga in our modern, Western society- may be the answer for toned things, a balanced physique, or just an excuse to wear Lu Lu Lemon. However, most importantly, above all, it is the answer to inner peace. Who doesn't want that? So grab your mat, try something new, and get in the hot room, so you can see what this "yoga-brain" is all about.
How do I Become Yoga?
7 December 2016
In learning to let go of your physical compulsions, to remove the attachment, to overcome distractions of hunger, thirst, want, you become Yoga. The asans are a moving meditation; every yoga class an opportunity to challenge yourself and delve into the process of Yoga and the becoming of Yoga. Since my first yoga class in high school, the hatha practice has served as a physical reminder of the body, the caring and healing of the body, and ultimately the opportunity to come outside of your body- this being acheived by letting go of the attachment to those very compulsions listed above. Throughout my life, I have struggled with nutrition.I have struggled with an addiction to food. An attachment to fill a void in myself, rather than dettaching to care for mySelf. That discomfort, that addiction, that inability to let go and just be, a mind devoid of the chatter of disorderly eating, judgement, and self hate, is something I struggle with every day and continue to struggle with even here in my wonderful yoga bubble. This afternoon and evening was challenging, but I know with time and practice, through the asans, through medictation, through Self discovery, I will become Yoga.
Your Injury versus YourSelf
10 December 2016
For many new practitioners, the Hot 26-2 sequence is a saving grace. In both emotional and physical pain, many individuals seek out the asanas to heal an injury- the sole remedy that may support physical and mental recovery, all the while still staying sweaty and active. Whether it is the knees the lower back or aching hips, Hot 26-2 is the "I see the light" moment.
I am a runner. For me, long-distance running seems to be in my blood or at least a huge part of my identity. Early mornings, the sun just coming over the horizon, the beat of footsteps on the pavement is my meditation. This year alone, I completed 3 marathons and 2 half marathons. For months, I was putting in around 70 miles a week- at least. I became running and running became me. While at the time, I was strong, I felt strong, the depths of my muscles were getting the brunt of the work. Your upper leg muscles, extending from your lower back to the knee, do not solely consist of the glutes, the quads, and the hamstrings- the most known muscles. Beneath those at-the-surface muscles, lay depths and depths of fascia. The glutius medius, gluteus minimus, piriformis muscle, gemellus superior, gemellus inferior, quadratus femoris, and obturator internus are muscluar tissues connecting your pelvis to your femur (see diagram below- thank you evolation yoga anatomy class).Today, I am working through piriformis syndrome, high hamstring tendinopathy, and sciatica- on top of aching knees and tight hips. Both the piriformis muscle and other tissue mentioned above are so worn down and swollen they are pressing on the sciatica nerve running from the lower spine to the foot thus causing a sharp, tingling pain all the way down the leg. A year ago, I could easily do standing head to knee pose, or toe-stand, or seperate head to knee pose, even eagle (my most challenging posture), and now.... well now I can barely straighten my right leg.
The physical body changes, every day, month, year. I've been practicing the hot 26-2 sequence for three years now. I've increased flexibility and strength. I've taken steps forward and back. This injury at first was a huge step back, months, even years of hot 26-2 out the window. Yet, it brought my to training, it brought me to appreciate my strength and good health, it taught me patience and humility, and most importantly, it exposed the power of yoga beyond the asana practice- the healing of the body yes but also the healing of the mind and soul.
I am a runner. For me, long-distance running seems to be in my blood or at least a huge part of my identity. Early mornings, the sun just coming over the horizon, the beat of footsteps on the pavement is my meditation. This year alone, I completed 3 marathons and 2 half marathons. For months, I was putting in around 70 miles a week- at least. I became running and running became me. While at the time, I was strong, I felt strong, the depths of my muscles were getting the brunt of the work. Your upper leg muscles, extending from your lower back to the knee, do not solely consist of the glutes, the quads, and the hamstrings- the most known muscles. Beneath those at-the-surface muscles, lay depths and depths of fascia. The glutius medius, gluteus minimus, piriformis muscle, gemellus superior, gemellus inferior, quadratus femoris, and obturator internus are muscluar tissues connecting your pelvis to your femur (see diagram below- thank you evolation yoga anatomy class).Today, I am working through piriformis syndrome, high hamstring tendinopathy, and sciatica- on top of aching knees and tight hips. Both the piriformis muscle and other tissue mentioned above are so worn down and swollen they are pressing on the sciatica nerve running from the lower spine to the foot thus causing a sharp, tingling pain all the way down the leg. A year ago, I could easily do standing head to knee pose, or toe-stand, or seperate head to knee pose, even eagle (my most challenging posture), and now.... well now I can barely straighten my right leg.
The physical body changes, every day, month, year. I've been practicing the hot 26-2 sequence for three years now. I've increased flexibility and strength. I've taken steps forward and back. This injury at first was a huge step back, months, even years of hot 26-2 out the window. Yet, it brought my to training, it brought me to appreciate my strength and good health, it taught me patience and humility, and most importantly, it exposed the power of yoga beyond the asana practice- the healing of the body yes but also the healing of the mind and soul.
"Because without darkness, there wouldn't be light."
21 December 2016
Darkness, the polar opposite of light, is understood to be a state in which there is very little visible light, maybe even no light at all. Throughout our Earth's history, darkness has evolved from a physical, natural condition to an artistic state, an emotional state, a human state. Our human reponse to darkness has generated multiple understandings, representations, and often negative responses to darkness. Darkness may symbolize evil, hell, the lack of life, or sorrow; a place or person devoid of light, of hope, energy, and good fortune.
Today, Wednesday 21st December 2016, the Winter Solstice, is the darkest day of the year. With only 9 hours of daylight, the day is short and sweet and for many seemingly exhausting. As my second practice of the day came to a close, looking out to the black abyss of the Pacific, my teacher transformed the dread of the dark. She changed its meaning, its representation, and my attitiude toward it. "Because without darkness, there wouldn't be light." Rather than a burden, darkness is a reprieve. It is a state of calm and peace, in which one can ease his or her mind. Consider the last savasana in our practice: we close our eyes, focus on our drishti, and seek complete stillness in the shut-eye dark. The end of the day, the early sunset, is a signal for rest and the promise of a new day to come.
Every sunset I am reminded of dusk in Kigali, Rwanda. After a long day of work, walking home to my cozy villa in Gishushu, I was submerged in darkness. I fely a sense of ease; my shoulders dropped in relaxation; the city noise became a peaceful backdrop. I experienced dusk as a mental, emotional detox. The angst of the day literally fell off my shoulders; I exhaled the tension; and rested in order to welcome hours full of light the coming morning. With the solstice today, I am reminded of the blessing of darkness. I am finding extra time to rest so that the sunshine tomorrow can be just that much brighter.
Today, Wednesday 21st December 2016, the Winter Solstice, is the darkest day of the year. With only 9 hours of daylight, the day is short and sweet and for many seemingly exhausting. As my second practice of the day came to a close, looking out to the black abyss of the Pacific, my teacher transformed the dread of the dark. She changed its meaning, its representation, and my attitiude toward it. "Because without darkness, there wouldn't be light." Rather than a burden, darkness is a reprieve. It is a state of calm and peace, in which one can ease his or her mind. Consider the last savasana in our practice: we close our eyes, focus on our drishti, and seek complete stillness in the shut-eye dark. The end of the day, the early sunset, is a signal for rest and the promise of a new day to come.
Every sunset I am reminded of dusk in Kigali, Rwanda. After a long day of work, walking home to my cozy villa in Gishushu, I was submerged in darkness. I fely a sense of ease; my shoulders dropped in relaxation; the city noise became a peaceful backdrop. I experienced dusk as a mental, emotional detox. The angst of the day literally fell off my shoulders; I exhaled the tension; and rested in order to welcome hours full of light the coming morning. With the solstice today, I am reminded of the blessing of darkness. I am finding extra time to rest so that the sunshine tomorrow can be just that much brighter.
Yoga as Community
December 18
Throughout my personal and professional pursuits, I have been committed to community engagement and keenly interested in people, their places, and their passions. Whether in my hometown, at university, or exploring new cultures across the world, I have discovered purpose and peace in a shared investment in and with those around me.
"As a teacher, you are creating a space for those to uncover and discover internal peace of mind. You are orchestrating a community that will continue to grow and change the world around them." Yoga is not solely the physical practice of asanas. During my first months maybe even years of practicing Bikram Yoga, I showed up in the hot room, eager for a good sweat, and ready to work through hours of sitting at my studio desk. And that was it. However, over time I quickly learned of Yoga's vast expanse. The 26-2 sequence was not solely a physical challenge but a mental challenge. I grew as a student as I shifted my focus to stilling my mind rather than to deepening every posture. The sequence actually became more difficult with every class I took. I turned inward, listening to the teacher's every word and adjustment, and eventually felt as if I was outside of my body, solely directing it's movement. This progression has taken many years and an intensive teacher training to achieve. And when I say I feel "outside of my body" during practice, I only feel as if I am just two or three inches away, constantly struggling against my mind chatter's magnetic pull. It takes time, and I still have so much room to grow.
Reflecting on my own practice, I have learned patience and self-awareness. As a teacher, I am looking forward to creating a space for anyone and everyone for their inward spiritual journey. Through asanas, every individual has the opportunity to transform body and mind in the act learning about your Self and bringing it to the forefront of daily life. I am excited to create a space for people to gather, grow, reflect, and unite in a loving, supportive community.
"As a teacher, you are creating a space for those to uncover and discover internal peace of mind. You are orchestrating a community that will continue to grow and change the world around them." Yoga is not solely the physical practice of asanas. During my first months maybe even years of practicing Bikram Yoga, I showed up in the hot room, eager for a good sweat, and ready to work through hours of sitting at my studio desk. And that was it. However, over time I quickly learned of Yoga's vast expanse. The 26-2 sequence was not solely a physical challenge but a mental challenge. I grew as a student as I shifted my focus to stilling my mind rather than to deepening every posture. The sequence actually became more difficult with every class I took. I turned inward, listening to the teacher's every word and adjustment, and eventually felt as if I was outside of my body, solely directing it's movement. This progression has taken many years and an intensive teacher training to achieve. And when I say I feel "outside of my body" during practice, I only feel as if I am just two or three inches away, constantly struggling against my mind chatter's magnetic pull. It takes time, and I still have so much room to grow.
Reflecting on my own practice, I have learned patience and self-awareness. As a teacher, I am looking forward to creating a space for anyone and everyone for their inward spiritual journey. Through asanas, every individual has the opportunity to transform body and mind in the act learning about your Self and bringing it to the forefront of daily life. I am excited to create a space for people to gather, grow, reflect, and unite in a loving, supportive community.