Hi & welcome!

Hi & welcome to the Yoga A-Pod!  I'm Gwen, your resident yoga advisor and certified Hatha Yoga teacher.  I have a yoga studio in Japan called Yoga Garden and give talks, lead workshops and create community in Yokohama (near Tokyo).  

This pod is here to answer technical questions about, give advice for and lead you towards becoming a better person through yoga.  Podmembers, incuding myself, are here to help you on that journey.  Whether you're a novice with a straightforward question, or have been practicing and teaching yoga for some time and want feedback of a more technical sort, please join us!

Please introduce yourself when you join the pod by telling us:

1) How you'd like to be addressed (I'm Gwen).

2) Your experience with yoga (Practicing 6 years, teaching 2, certified 1).

3) Your favorite pose, if you can choose (Right now, Tadasana- Mountain Pose & Tittibhasana-Firefly Pose). 

4) A question for the group (My question: Can anyone tell me about mudras- whether you practice them in class or solo and if you find them helpful in your yoga practice.)

I look forward to meeting you all and helping in any way I can.  Please feel free to message me if you have a question of a personal nature that you'd like me to pose anonymously.  I'm happy to do that.  Podmembers, please, remember to encourage, be respectful and open-hearted when posting here.

Thank you!

Gwen 

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Gwen

I'm Mary.

Nice to see a new pod on Yoga here at Zaadz.

My recent experience with yoga is the development of a disciplined, committed, loving practice for 16 months a la Bikram yoga. I am interested in becoming a yoga teacher, (but not Bikram) and am unsure yet how to proceed with that search, but the seeds will sprout this spring, no doubt.

My favorite asana right now is half moon. 

My question is, what is a mudra? And, how do you recommend finding the right yoga teacher training? It is something i do not want to do as a livelihood, rather, as a service and to deepen my practice.

 Namaste!

A: Mudra

Welcome to the A-Pod Mary!  We're happy to have you here.  Thank you for your questions.

What is a mudra?

The word mudra means “seal” in Sanskrit.  ”Mud” means delight or pleasure.  ”Dru” means to draw forth.  They are simple, graceful hand gestures that can be added to your yoga or meditation practice, each with its own intention or purpose.  

One of the better known mudras, Anjali Mudra, can be seen in most yoga classes around the world.  We bring our hands together in “prayer position” at our heart center (or chakra) in a symbolic gesture to humble ourselves, center our minds, focus.  Different mudras have different symbolic meanings and effects on the mind/body.  Some (Apana Mudra) are used for grounding energy.  Others, like Prana Mudra (join the thumb, index and pinkie finger tips together–pointing skywards) offer energy and vitality after a tiring day at the office or on the playground.

They're a lot of fun to experiment with and can add a new, subtle dimension to your yoga practice.

Thanks for the question about how to choose a yoga teacher training.  I will start a new thread for that and encourage all teachers and teachers-to-be out there to share your ideas with us!

Best,
Gwen

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Gwen and Mary,

This is Baba, I adore the practice of Yoga and I have difficulty finding the time to do it. I usually go to 1 Yoga class per week and would like to go to 2 as well as practice at home. The classes I go to are Vinyasa classes. I have been practicing Yoga sporadically like this for about 11 months. I love the way Yoga makes me feel. I want to really delve into it more and study Yoga Sutras(that's what the writings are called, right?) but I don't know what exactly to look for and would like advice on this. I work in Manhattan near little India so I'm sure I could find them at a local book store as long as I knew what I was looking for. My favorite posture right now is the plough.

Thanks for starting this pod, Gwen and hi again to my dear friend Mary!

Baba

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Gwen:  Thanks for the invite.

My name is Leigh Ann, but sometimes I sign LA or 3 Moons (the name of my studio)

I have been practicing for 7 years, teaching for 4, certified for 3.

Favorite pose(s):  Half Moon, Arm Balances!

no questions as of now :)

Re: Hi & welcome!

Welcome, Leigh Ann!

We're happy to have you as a part of this community.  I also incorporate arm balances into my practice and find them some of the most fun & challenging asanas for developing upper body & core strength.

Thanks for sharing the photos of your studio happenings (I will post more information to my album in the near future about mine) & we will see you around here.  Please let us know if you need advice for studio happenings/yoga event planning, etc.

Feel free to post advice and/or questions as they arise!

A: Sutra

Hi Baba,

Welcome to the A-Pod & thank you for joining us!  You're right that the texts about yoga from long ago are called Sutras (which means “sacred text”).  Would you like to know about Patanjali's Yoga Sutra?  That may be the best place to begin.  You can find out more about the Yoga Sutra here.

It depends on what you're searching for, but you may consider reading condensed versions of the Sutras or books about the Sutras either first or simultaneously.  They are a little dense to just pick up and start reading.

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hola!
I like your pod, Gwen.  Thanks for starting things.
My name is Sam.
I have been practicing yoga asanas for 4 years.  I have been teaching for 2 years and certified for 2 years as well.
My favorite pose changes all the time.  At the moment, I love headstand.
I don't have a question at the moment but I would like to share one of my dreams with you all.  I will check back in from time to time and see if I can help answer questions.

One dream:  I would love to start or work at a retreat center.  I love teaching yoga and also enjoy living simply, close to the land.  I hope to live on the edge of a wild place where I can take folks out into the forest/mountains/sea.  I have an extensive background as a trip leader in the wilderness.  I hope to learn and teach about organic gardening, permaculture, alternative energy and constructions, as well as healing with assorted modalities.
It will happen.  We just need to see where and how.
Thanks for dreaming with me.
Sam

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Sam,

You're welcome here at the Yoga A-Pod!  We're glad you've joined us!  Would you mind sharing what kinds of yoga you teach/what you enjoy teaching most?  I teach hatha basics, vinyasa flow & slow flow classes.  I enjoy classes that “flow” or move with the breath most of all (both teaching & taking).  I sometimes practice Ashtanga on my own but don't yet teach it.

Your retreat idea sounds wonderful & I'm sure that it will become a reality for you now that you've put the idea out there & are surely watering the seeds you've planted.  Please let us know how it develops and if you need/want feedback or advice for the center.

Best wishes,
Gwen

kinds of yoga

Hi Gwen and all,
   I teach two types of yoga combined.  I love Ashtanga Yoga and this is my main form of practice.  I teach yoga using the primary series as the foundation for the vinyasa (flow.)  At the same time, i don't adhere strictly to the sequence or poses of Ashtanga.  I use it as a guideline.  I have different clients/classes with different needs so i need to adapt to them.
   I am developing my own style of teaching yoga based on ashtanga but which is a bit softer and slower.  I focus on breath and on listening to one's own body, not pushing or forcing oneself to conform to an ideal pose.  I began my path in yoga with a studio that focuses on ashtanga emphasizing alignment principles of Iyengar. (Tias Little and clan.)  I then took a teacher training that focused on listening to one's own intuition  to modify poses and invent one's own (Don and Amba Stapleton, Nosara.)
  So, that's a bit about my style's.  Sometimes my classes are almost pure ashtanga.  Sometimes, they are much more freeform with the ashtanga vinyasa as a skeleton.
 
Thanks for asking.
Ciao
sam

Re: Hi & welcome!

Beautiful dream…….when you fullfill it i would love to come teach there or learn there for that matter!!!

Namaste nyk 

Re: Hi & welcome!

Greetings Gwen!

I am glad to be a part of a new yoga pod.

I am Elo, been playing with yoga for over 30 years, am just beginning teaching a new form of yoga I call “Thunder Yoga” or “Vajramrita yoga” that has birthed itself by me combining elements of Kundalini, Tantra, Chakra, and Kriya forms of yoga. I combine mudras, mantras, asanas, and pranayama into a new and unique flowing form of intense and sensuous yoga. I am not yet certified.

My favorite pose is a second chakra panther-like pose I have not named yet, that re-aligned and helped to heal a leg injury from years past.

As for mudras, they are an intricate part of my routine. There are mudras that correspond to each chakra and various mantras and sometimes the mudra has led me to discover a new pose, movement, or focus of meditation.

Blessings,
Elonifer

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hello Elo!

It's great to have you here at the Yoga A-Pod!  I love the way you say you've been “playing with yoga” because it really is “play” isn't it?  I love how Vanda Scaravelli says that yoga is a “body holiday,” a time for us to listen to, play with and stretch our bodies.  Both of these ideas are especially important when it comes to beginning our practice (each time we step on the mat, as well as when we're first learning about yoga).

Thunder Yoga sounds like a lot of fun.  If you need advice about “flowing things together” or anything, really, as you go deeper into the practice of teaching, please feel free to post ideas/questions here! 

Yoga can be a powerful ally on the road to healing.  I'm glad to hear that it's helped you with yours.

Thank you for your thoughts on mudras. I'm currently working them into my own practice and introducing them to my students. What are your favorites & why/when do you use them?

Best wishes,

Gwen 

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hello my  name is Nyk (nick)

I have been practicing yoga for 8 years teaching and certified for 2yrs

7 yrs previous exp. as a professional educator

my favorite poses right now are vrksasana(tree pose) and prasarita padottanasana(wide leg forward bend)

Namaste to all 

be well and happy

nyk 

Re: Hi & welcome!

Thanks, NYK!

Welcome to the Yoga A-Pod! We look forward to seeing you around and getting to know you better.

Best wishes,

Gwen 

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi all! I did a yoga class today and learned a new pose - awesome blossom. It was difficult at first and of course I did better with my right leg than my left. Very cool pose!

Wendy

new pose

Hi Wendy,

Can you tell us a little bit about this pose?  Is the name of the pose, “awesome blossom”?  Or are you saying, “awesome blossom!”?  I googled it, but nothing came up.

Thanks!

Gwen 

Re: new pose

You start off in side angle. Then you wrap your arms around your bent leg. Move your back leg towards the front one. Put your weight on the back leg and slowly lift your front one with your arms still wrapped around it until you are standing on your planted leg.

I had to practice a bit but can now do it when my right leg is planted. It’s more difficult with my left one.

I’m not sure if this is the name my instructor made up or what. Let me know what you think.

Re: new pose

Thanks, Wendy.  Have any of the rest of you tried this pose? 

I would like to clarify, if possible, what's happening with the arms/hands.  Let's say you come into Side Angle Pose (Utthita Parsvakonasa Var. II)  Based on this photo, the right hand is on the floor, right foot in front.  Let's say she brings her left hand to the floor, too.  Places the upper arm of the RIGHT side under the right thigh.  The right hand is now on the outside of the right foot…left hand on inside of right foot correct?  Shift the weight forward onto the front leg and lift the back one off the floor like this?

Or could it be Eka Pada Bakasana from the Ashtanga series?  Really not sure.  Would love to follow up with you about this, though.  Thank you!

Re: new pose

I'm having trouble visualizing the pose ..but I bet money  your instructor made up the name  I'm pretty sure there is no Sanskrit translation for awesome!(hee hee)

I would be curious to find out what pose it is and why your instructor choose to rename it unless maybe it is a hybrid of a couple of poses put  together so thus the new name!

Re: new pose

Hi there,

Sorry Gwen, it's neither of the poses in the pictures. Let's say you are in side angle and your right (R) foot is in front. You bring your R hand under your R thigh and your L arm behind your back. Interlace your hands. Then bring your L leg forward. Place your weight on your L leg and lift your R leg off the mat until you are standing on your L leg with your arms wrapped around your R leg. I will try to get a pic of this and clarify the name with the instructor when I see her next.

Blessings,

Wendy 

Re: Hi & welcome!

Wow, I really thought I'd introduced myself, and now I find that I was very wrong! :)

 1) First off, I'm Shana, sometimes known as Shana Banana. You can all call me Shana though. :)

2) I haven't been doing yoga long at all. I started(ish) in October. I've been learning on my own since, and hope that sometime this summer I can at least take a couple classes, so I can make sure that I'm doing everything right. I admit that my practice has been less than stellar, so I'm hoping that being part of a yoga community here will keep me motivated to “yogaize” more often.

3) Well, like I said, my practice hasn't been regular so far, so I'm still working on the Downward Dog (someday my heels will touch the floor!).  I love the power I feel in Warrior Pose. I'm sure as I progress, my choices will vary. :)

4) Uffda, a question for the group…. um….. Ok. How important do you feel that meditation is to your yoga practice? Is it necessary, or just optional?

 Peace! Shana

Re: Hi & welcome!

Re: 4) Uffda, a question for the group…. um….. Ok. How important do you feel that meditation is to your yoga practice? Is it necessary, or just optional?

Almost everything is optional, the question is, how what/much do you want to get out of it?

If all you want is a beautiful and flexible body, and you got the discipline to practice, you probably don't need the meditation.
If you want to find out what yoga really is about, and get all the benefits, meditation is a must.

Don't be afraid of going down that route.
It is absolutely beautiful and has the potential to change your life for the better in drastic and amazing (totally unscary) ways.

Warm greetings from WA,
Werner

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hear Hear i second that!!!!

Re: Hi & welcome!

Beautifully put, Werner!

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Shana,

Thanks for joining us here at the A-Pod.   If you're wondering about how to incorporate meditation into your practice, you may want to just call it “setting an intention” or “focusing” before you practice (by sitting still for 2-3 minutes) and then “closing” again at the end of the practice.  Most people can handle sitting (in meditation) for a few minutes to begin with.  Like anything, doing too much too fast can feel overwhelming.  I agree with Werner, that it is a crucial part of yoga.  In fact, some schools of thought say that the whole purpose of doing yoga is to prepare the body to meditate…

And to prepare the body to meditate, we prepare the mind to become enlightened…the ultimate “goal.”

Best wishes in beginning and committing to your practice!  We're here to support in any way we can!

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi everyone,
I thought I’d jump in and introduce myself too…and just say that for me, yoga IS meditation. For mind and body. I’ve been meditating about 5 years and doing yoga off and on for many more, and as time goes by the meditative aspects of yoga have become much more central. For me, it’s such a great compliment to sitting meditation.
Anyway, looking forward to being part of this group,
Namaste
stephanie

Re: Hi & welcome!

I agree, Stephanie!
If you can get into a meditative state when doing the asanas, it has this spiraling effect where the asana deepens the meditative state and the meditative state allows you to go deeper into the asanas.
I'm always having the best yoga classes when I get some time to meditate before the class starts, and then manage to stay in that place.
Namaste,
Werner

Re: Hi & welcome!

This will be my introduction….I love what yoga does for me!!! 

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Dree,

Thank you for your thoughtful and bright introduction!  We look forward to getting to know more about you & your characters!! 

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hello,

Thanks Gwen for starting the pod! I'm Ashante and I have been practicing yoga for 8 years. My preferred styles are Iyengar and Ashtanga at the moment. I am progressing into inverted poses and enjoy Salamba Sirsasana (head stand) the most right now. I would like to build by arm strength to support myself in poses like pendulum - any suggestions?   

 Ashante

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Ashante,

Thanks for your introduction!  Arm strength, huh?  I have a few ideas—forearm plank (any kind of plank, really—reverse/side, too).  Crow, side crow, jumping back from crow to chatturanga…

What does everybody else recommend for arm strengtheners? 

Re: Hi & welcome!

I agree with Gwen….plank, even down dog will strengthen things over time.  Chatturanga…make sure shoulder alignment is good so as not to cause damage to the rotator cuff (very common injury amongst yoga practitioners)…

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi all-
I’m jess, and I’ll try to remember Gwen’s questions! :)
(btw, i do the Ashtanga yoga pod, and you all are invited over there too!)
1.Jess /Jessica/hey you/yoga lady all work…
2.practicing yoga almost six yrs, teaching for five (i was precocious)
3. Favorite pose-wow…lots…Sirsasana (headstand)-cause it calms me down–uttanasana (standing forward fold) and paschimotonasana for the same reasons…i generally love them all, even (esp?) the ones i find challeging…for some reason i embrace the challenge of the ‘hard’ stuff…
4. Question for the group: How can I get my foot behind my head in Eka Pada Sirsasana (foot behind the head pose) —this ones been coming and going for me for three years…and how can I do it while avoiding neck injury?

To answer Gwen’s question, a little bit…I do mudras very perfunctorily, anjali mudra while i do the ashtanga invocation and another one (no idea what its callled) when I do pranayama. Each is essential to the associated task.

Love,
Jess

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Jess,

Thanks for joining us and introducing yourself!

A quick question for you re: foot behind the head pose.  When you practice, where do you feel tight?  Are you struggling with the hip flexibility?  What poses are you currently practicing to warm up to EPS?  I think the neck moves in that direction quite naturally, but don't practice the full pose myself…so I look to other podmembers to chime in on that aspect.

We're happy to have you here and look forward to learning from your experiences!

Gwen

(ps–I'd also encourage those of you looking for another yoga community to join Jess's Ashtanga pod, too!)

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi. Am over the moon to be here & find this pod. I’ve been doing yoga RELIGIOUSLY 3x a day since April…when I injured my lower back–just from sitting (argh!)

1) Jennah
2) Mostly Kundalini, some Bikram. I’ve been consistently practicing yoga inconsistently for the past eight years….so perhaps, I’m *making up* for it all for the past 2 months :-D !
3) Half Moon Pose–I don’t know what it is about this asana, but my back literally just clicks into alignment and I feel like I can stay in it forever. I’m also learning to breathe into Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend) and the muscles that are tight, instead of forcing and unintentionally holding on to the said muscle(s).
4) What poses/meditations do you like or recommend for lower back and gluteal pain? –particularly addressing one or any of the following: the lower left lumbar region, the sacroiliac and piriformis muscle/sciatic nerve.

Thank you & Blessings.

OH…as for mudras. In kundalini yoga, mudras are a incorporated into class while chanting a mantra. Sometimes they are extremely challenging, at other times immensely calming. Many of my mudra favorites from Kundalini yoga are located here, especially manifesting mental and spiritual abundance :)

Re: Hi & welcome!

Wonderful to have you here, too, Jennah!  Thank you for your enthusiasm!  We're working on being the best yoga advice pod we can be!

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi gwen

great to hear from you. I’m an aspiring teacher, in the proses of studying yoga and ayurveda now. I would like to be more authentic in my teachings and find a way to stand out, and be unique here In LA. What will make me different? There must be a lot of unique things in Japan. I’m interested in studying with wonderful teacher here Saul David Raye, and also maybe kundalini school. What will be your recomedations?

Re: Hi & welcome!

1) I'm Wendy.

2) I started studying Iyengar Yoga with an excellent book over ten years ago, practicing at home (there weren't a lot of teachers around at that point).  About three years ago I started taking a class two times a week.  I got to the point about a year ago, after a medical crisis, where I decided to start practicing at home, realizing I needed to listen to my body and do things at my own pace.  I did it a few times a week until my best friend was diagnosed with cancer about seven months ago.  I knew I was going to need a way to deal with the stress so I could really support her through this, so I decided to start practicing daily.  Boy does that change things.  And it really is helping.  I enjoy Rodney Yee's DVDs, esp. Power Yoga and my new favorite, Yoga Burn.  Sometimes I practice them them, sometimes I practice intuitively.

3)  It's hard to choose a favorite pose, but I really like Garudasana, half-moon, and one whose name I can't remember now but means something like Krishna's couch: you lie on your side, bottom leg straight out, top leg straight up, grasping your big toe.

4) Since beginning a daily practice, my body has begun to lean out.  My ribs have become visible, and I noticed for the first time recently that they're not symmetrical.  On seeing this, I remembered an article from Yoga Journal on back pain and scoliosis.  Sure enough, my spine has become twisted at some point (most likely during my two pregnancies and nearly six years of continuous nursing).  I do often have back pain.  Yoga helps but doesn't eliminate it.  I want to get a bolster to help with some restorative poses that are supposed to be good for my problem.  So my question: any suggestions for a source of eco-friendly, non-toxic, effective yoga props?  Also, are y'all still practicing on PVC sticky mats, or have you made the switch to PVC free?  I did, after my former yoga teacher was diagnosed with lymphoma in February.  I got an Ecoyoga mat.  It's lovely.

Thanks, Gwen, for starting this pod.  I've been wanting a place to ask advice for a long time. 

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Gwen and fellow podmembers,

What a lovely forum, and how synchronistic!  I just started out on zaadz but as I mentioned somewhere else on here, I just feel much more comfortable posting stuff. So…keeping in line with the format

1) I'm Seb

2) Practicing for about 2 years.. all over the map in terms of styles, but my favourite style right now is Moksha. I feel so invigorated and toxin free after 1-2 hours in the heat. It seems to help me deepen into a posture just a little bit more since my muscles are so heated. (Its not for everyone though).

3) Favourite poses.. right now..I'm not sure of the actual name but a half lotus toe stand. I think I've heard it referred to as toppling tree pose as well. (can anyone help me out here?) It's found in both the Bikram and Moksha series. I also really like Ardha Matsyendrasana or Half Lord of the Fishes Pose for that sweet spine twist.

4) I don't really use Mudras in my meditation practice so I can't add much there.

So back to the syncronicity.. I'm just on the verge of deciding whether to do my yoga teacher training.  It's a great program and quite intense.  Its 8 months in ashtanga vinyasa style.  I've already spread myself thin these days but I feel this draw to it.

Although some would say (myself included ) two years of practice may not be enough to take the training, but I have over 4 years of contemplative practice in the tradition of both vipassana and zen meditation which I hope paves the way for good mental focus and awareness of breath..so I think my body will just follow?

So this Sunday is my deadline for the decision..and I think I'm ready to take the plunge.  I'm so excited to deepen my practice and see if there is an inner teacher hiding in me that wants to come out and play. 

Any suggestions?  Words of wisdoms or warnings in picking a training progam?

Its great to know that if I decide to do this,  I can have a forum outside of the training to ask questions and get guidance from all you wonderful teachers!

Namaste,

3gem aka seb

p.s. WendyB, if you read this I actually have my own line of eco friendly yoga and meditation supplies which I'm constantly expanding.  Perhaps there's something that might help? www.triplegem.ca 

p.s. part II

I practice/practiced on an eco yoga mat and I love it.  I've since also scored a free ecoflow mat which is also pvc free, but i'm finding it rather slippery. That's my two cents.

Re: Hi & welcome!

yikes..sorry for that long post folks.. i just got wrapped up in it

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi everyone-

  I am Chinook or you can call me Chin.   Chin is a shorted nickname from another web site I go by.

I 've been practicing Yoga off and on (more off lately) for about year and a half.  

I don't follow one type of teaching.  I am experimenting with different ones to see what works best for me.   I will probably end up designing my style of yoga that fits my needs. 

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Chin & welcome,

Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you find your own way of practicing yoga…

Good luck!

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Seb,

Thanks for your warm & wonderful self-introduction!  We don't mind length here, at all!

So this Sunday is my deadline for the decision..and I think I'm ready to take the plunge.  I'm so excited to deepen my practice and see if there is an inner teacher hiding in me that wants to come out and play.

It sounds like you're ready!  A teacher training should help you deepen your own personal practice, as well as prepare you to teach.  I did mine with the Living Yoga Program in Austin, TX.  They have a page of FAQs concerning TT that you may want to have a look at.  If you feel this is the right time for you, then by all means do the training!  Whether you teacher right away or not is a decision you can make after the training has ended (and you've had time to digest all that you've learned!)

Best of luck. 

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Gwen,

Thanks for the welcome and the kind words of support!  I checked out the link you sent and I really like the fact that they focus on helping you bring about your own style of teaching.

I'm sure I'll have some questions for you and fellow podmembers if and when I decide to start the teacher training.

 peace,

seb

Re: Hi & welcome!

Thanks for your introduction, Wendy!

I practice on a pvc-free mat from Lululemon.  I believe pvc-free is the way of the future because it is a way to care for the environment while practicing yoga.  Anybody else using pvc-free mats & if so, where did you find them?

I understand hugger mugger also carries them… 

Re: Hi & welcome!

Name: Ariane

Experience: did about a year of hatha (once a week) a couple years ago, but had to give up gym membership when I moved too far away… just discovered a flow yoga tv show a few weeks ago, and have been doing it about 4 days a week (30 mins.)  I am so happy to be getting back into it–I wish I could go to a real class, but there really aren't any near me right now and I can't really afford it anyway!  I forgot how great it makes me feel!

Fave pose: don't really have one, but am happy to report that I feel like I'm finally strong enough to hold downward dog as long as the instructors!  This was always hard for me because I have a bad shoulder…

Question:  hmmm…I have ridiculously tight hamstrings.  I have never been able to touch my toes… any suggestions?  Is there hope for me?

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Ariane,

I hear you on the hamstrings..and there is always hope! I have really long legs, and like most men, tight and short fused hamstring muscles..but I've made great strides (pun intended) with a regular practice.

In terms of classes, I agree… an actual teacher for guidance is the best, especially once you are ready to take the practice a bit further…BUT in the absence of a proper class, check out

http://www.myyogaonline.com/index.htm?a_aid=17&a_bid=18

They offer wonderful online classes, meditations, music for like $10 bucks a month!

I got a free week trial and was pleasantly surprised.

 You can also link to them through the “learn” page on my site  www.triplegem.ca

 best of luck!

namaste

seb

Re: Hi & welcome!

Thanks for the link, I will check that out!  It's true that a lot of men have short hams too–I never thought I'd find someone as inflexible as me, until my SO started coming to yoga classes with me, and he was just as bad!  Except he hasn't done any yoga in over a year now, so he's reverted back to his least-flexible state!

 I looked at your site, what a great endeavour!  I started a small business myself last year…it is so exciting and terrifying at the same time!  Do you actually make the products or are you buying them from somewhere else?

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi again Ariane,

lol..yes..as horrible as it sounds, it is somewhat reassuring knowing that there are always people in the same boat as you and struggling in  similar ways isn't it?

I continue to learn so much about my body practicing yoga, things i didn't notice all these years.. ie my short hamstrings, the constant lean i have, the uneveness of my shoulders, which way I tend to cross my fingers, hands, legs  etc.. I notice all these little things, and I notice how things continue to change from day to day. 

Sure my hamstrings are tight, but some days my balance is impressive. On other days me feet are solid on the ground while in downward dog, my forward bends include a nice straight back, but I keep falling out of tree.

Also, the more I practice, the more I see how the physical and mental/emotional aspects are interelated and reflect eachother.

That's why we're on this pod right? It's nice to learn and share with others.

 And thanks for the positivity in regards to my business! To answer your question, I design all the products, select the materials myself (I do my best to ensure they are all sustaninable and natural)  and I employ two local seamstresses that weave absolute magic (pun intended) in turning my ideas into actual products.

time to insert shameless self promotion for any other readers of this post (sorry had to)

http://www.triplegem.ca/ 

What type of business did you open? Do you have on online presences? Any tips or suggestions? If so, please send me an email.

I still haven't taken the plunge and left my full time gig..but I hope that one day soon, I will no longer rely on the corporate beast to help pay my bills.

be well,

seb

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Gwen, u joined my pod which i just created for yoga newbies ( like myself) - am happy i joined your pod too…

to answer the intro questions:

call me lisa - thats my name! and i am from and live in singapore… i'm one of the 17,000 eurasians who were the result of colonization inter-marriages and so i am italian-javanese-english-portuguese-dutch mainly. but mainly i identify as italian-javanese-english-portuguese. its complicated! and then i'm also asian by birth… go figure.

i DID some ashtanga about 2ys ago then stopped because i was a lazy naughty angry young woman and just had so much more to deal with in life.

I started yoga again 3 months ago, after making a real effort at being a decent compassionate human being (still trying and will go on trying for ever and ever…) and started with the level 1 hatha classes then went back to ashtanga but then developed carpal tunnel syndrome (from work) and so went back to hatha since it was less strain on my wrists and also did that odd hot yoga stuff and didnt mind it… so i rotate with hatha and hot now but really want to go back to ashtanga when i heal the hands…

i love doing sun-salutations and HATE the eagle pose…

so thats it in a nutshell… not much there… cant type for too long anymore.

talk to you soon!

blessings,

lisa

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Lisa,

Wonderful to have you here.  I hope that your yoga classes can help you heal your wrists.  I also came to yoga in part due to a problem with my body.  I know that yoga has the power to heal.

We look forward to getting to know you! 

Re: Hi & welcome!

Om and Salutations,

My name is Kat, but my friends call me Vicious Kitty, well some of them do anyhow.

I was introduced to a yogic lifestyle in 2003, by a crazy meastro who was living his dreams, displaying ridiculous levels of happiness and absolute control of himself.  First, I wanted to date him, then I wanted to be him. Now, three years later, I feel as if my yoga practice has just begun. It has been an up and down journey, with a few knee injuries and then a dramatic weight gain, followed by some hard revelations and a spontanious cleanse. Now I am (finally) practicing regularly and eating correctly (the wieght has dissapeared, and so has my concern over looking ideal), I feel strong, able, and connected to the universe. 

My favorite pose is any of the warrior series, they make me depend upon my knees and through that connect me with the earth energy. I also like Sun-salutions, its a nice way to salute our provider of energy.

My question would be, has anyone ever found a network of yoga studios on-line? The studio I have joined is small and a very sacred space, It would be nice to have resources to find others like this in cities all over the world.  

Also one comment on meditation, if that is your intention it will happen spontaneously, whether through your cooking, your working, your walking or even your talking, but especially through your silence.

Shine On Zaadzsters! 

Re: Hi & welcome!

oookay-

gwen you got some nice energy flowing, its appreciated.

okay-

1)Jordan. i don't seek nicknames, or really go by any by any of the social groups i intermingle in and with, but nevertheless people do call me different things- so if you think of something, feel free. but don't strain yourself just cuz i gave the license. if it happens it happens. okay.

 2) i have done yoga every day (well 9.9 days out of 10) for about a year. but played around with thinking about doing it before that. its just regular old hatha yoga i do. pranayama, meditation (not everyday, but they'll come as i feel the need).  i do every week or so, maybe once. maybe every other- a practice of  Vinyasa in the rama swami style, and i know the 2 sun salutes (a and b) in ashtanga, and i did them for a bit, but i'm more into just a traditional sun salutes, standing postures, forward folds, twists,  back bends, inversions type of practice (correct me if my order's wrong!)

3)fav. postures are down dog, half moon (need the hip strenghtening and pelvic stabilizing- welcome to any great postures to learn for this) mula banda, hmm- side angle, and then jani shashasana (spelling) with the revolved aspect where you're goin after the footie. yeah i like hip strengthening, ab work, and side stretches most.

4) when you do a lunge/twist (hands in prayer with elbow on front knee- back knee down) do you keep your pelvis facing forward, or is this part of the turn. i think its forward but just making sure

and don't forget about ashwini mudra! kicks butt (ha) 

Re: Hi & welcome!

Thanks for your intro, Jordan!

Wonderful to have you hear.

I know that teachers may teach differently than me, but I teach revolved twists with a lunge with squared hips.

Keep the questions coming! 

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hello all

Re: Hi & welcome!

My computer sure is acting funny tonight.  I was trying to say, hello all!  I'm delighted to say that after a month or so of hanging around in the shadows, I've finally jumped in to the best of my ability and am pursuing yoga.  I picked up, per your recommendations and due the the appropriate title, “An Idiot's Guide to Yoga” about a week ago.  I've read about half way through it at this point and have started my own yoga practice upon awakening in the morning and even throughout my day.  What made me feel so good, though, was that much of what I've read aligns with the philosophies I already hold, and the physical poses (simple “Idiot's” poses) are almost identical to several I practice daily now.  I just didn't know they were yoga stretches/poses.  Even breathing is similar.  Anyway, it's much less intimidating knowing I'm not so far out in left field to begin with. 

I know everyone recommends a class and that would be ideal, but it's also not feasible for me at this time with my finances.  I hope that maybe later this year I will be able to take a beginner's class and perhaps follow up with one a week - MAYBE.  I've checked into the prices and I really don't know. 

Anyway, I'm happy and delighted to finally be pursuing this.  Decreasing my stress, muscle relaxation, focusing my mind, and wholeness are my goals for now.

Thanks to all of you who made recommendations as to beginning material. - Peace and light.

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Zoe,

It's wonderful to hear from you and to get feedback on your practice.  You've found a yoga sangha here and we will continue to support you in any way we can!  I'm happy to hear that one of the recommended books works for  you and is helping you develop a personal practice.

Keep it up and let us know if you need any advice or encouragement along the way!

Best wishes,

Gwen 

Re: Hi & welcome!

I've been with the pod for awhile and am just now getting to the introduction portion of the program!

1. I am Marianne, and may be addressed as such.

2. Practicing 3 years, with consistency for about 6 months now.

3. I revel in hip openers: bound angle, pigeon, ardha chandrasana

4. I, like many others here, am interested in training programs, and my question for the group is if you are certified, where did you receive your training? A sub-question might be how do you feel about the Yoga Alliance standards of certification?

I've been doing a lot of research lately, and will share with the group when appropriate.

I've also wanted to begin a blog summarizing my experiences with yoga for some time, and feel that the Zaadz community is an appropriate place to have one with my profile. Just one entry so far, but there are many more brewing in my head, having to do with classes I have taken, workshops I will take, and books I am reading. I'll get to the next entry soon - had a sublime experience with a practice last night, and I want to get the words down as to what made it so special.

Thanks, Gwen, for creating this pod.

Re: Hi & welcome!

Marianne,

Thank you for lurking and posting when you felt comfortable doing so!

I'd love to talk a little bit about my teacher training, but perhaps you can tell us what YOU would want to get out of YOURS?   I think a big part of the training is what you plan to take away from it.  That has a lot to do with your experience.

Good luck with your blog.  I will subscribe to it and hope others will, too.

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hello Friends of Yoga-a-Pod

This is my introduction:

(1) I would prefer to be addressed by my online identity as ksatriya a sanskrit name that translates into “One who gives protection from harm”.

(2) I've been practicing yoga for the past 12 years primarily under the Iyengar tradition.  I have been a teacher for 8 of those years however I have withdrawn from that responsibility for over a year now. 

(3) Favourite pose is Kapotasana (Pigeon Pose) a deep backbend that extends the whole spinal region.  The other would be Yoganidrasana (yoga sleep pose) not that ive managed to fall asleep in it yet.

(4) My question: “Are the structures, associations and certifications of yoga teachers limiting the ability of individuals to develop within a yoga context?”.  This question may not resonate with those who havent been yoga for very long - however the “Politics of Yoga” needs to be challenged, and the systems that have been set up to propogate and standardise yoga as a subject I feel have somewhat failed the beautiful science of yoga .

Namaste Pod

ksatriya

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Ksatriya,
Thank you for a thoughtful self-intro!

I have given a lot of thought to what you refer to as the Politics of Yoga.

I am registered with Yoga Alliance and understand why YA exists. I also wonder why there aren’t more organizations like YA out there (say, one in each state, to support teachers, help teachers find more training, etc). When I received my registration card it said that in the future YA hopes that yoga schools all over America will ask teachers before they hire them whether or not they are certified and registered with “the alliance.” I have to admit that the wording startled me.

I haven’t been certified as long as many of my teachers. Some of my teachers have never registered with the alliance because they were teaching long before YA came along. One of my teachers is “grandfathered”, which is to say, he had to back-date all of his 500+ hours to prove he should be certified. To him, I don’t think it matters a whit whether or not YA says he’s registered.

So then, why register? For one, it gets you listed in a database with all the other registered teachers. It gives you accountability. Teachers registered with the alliance have guidelines and regulations for conduct as teachers. I think these things support the integrity of yoga and yoga studios world-wide. Standards are important. Certifications good. But what is more important is the quality of the teacher.

I am not sure if I’ve answered your question. I am not totally clear on what you think should be challenged, but I encourage you to continue engaging the yoga community in this valuable dialogue.

Re: Hi & welcome!

Gwen

 Thankyou for sharing your experience of the certification process. 

 Maybe its best that I elaborate a little about where my question has evolved from, and what my particular bias is - to help others in the context of this issue.  I dont see a right and wrong on this issue, in fact the benefits of a certification process should benefit yoga in so many ways.

Ill start a separate discussion post so it is clear what the intended thread of this conversation is.

ksatriyah

Re: Hi & welcome!

Cool idea! I will join in with the discussion!!

Re: Hi & welcome!

Salutations Everyone!

 I am known as Aeonea (you can pronounce it by saying 'E on A').

I've been doing yoga off and on (more off than on) for the last two years but I'm trying hard to start doing a little each day.  I'm still on the basics and working with the 'Yoga for Dummies' DVDs

 Favorite poses?  Well I like Tree pose a lot, especially on the days I can do it real well…I also like Mountain Pose and using that to lead into the Standing Foreward Bend.  I'm still trying to get down the Sun Salutation, my arms are not that strong so Plank pose is a challenge for me some days.

 My question!  I would really like to study Kundalini yoga but I've read it's not for beginners at all.  What do you guys think? At what level would be a good time to start Kundalini?

Namaste!

 Aeonea

Re: Hi & welcome!

Welcome, Aeonea!

I have only practiced Kundalini a few times, and not with a certified teacher.  Long ago, when I was taking private lessons from an expert yoga teacher, she warned me off Kundalini.  She explained to me that in the wrong hands, Kundalini yoga can do more harm than good.  That she knew of one person that had an OBE during Kundalini and had a sort of break down.

My experience with it was purely physical.  I woke up the next morning, barely able to move because the muscles along my spine (erector spinae) hurt so badly.  It took a full 48 hours for me to recover my usual range of motion.  I haven't practiced it since.

All that being said, my experience with Kundalini is so limited that I have to ask others to share their experiences, as well.  Are there any Kundalini students or teachers that can tell us a bit more about awakening the Kundalini/ harnessing the power of Kundalini?

Thank you for your question and good luck developing your practice, whatever form it takes! 

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi  Aeonea,

I'm not well versed in Kundalini (yet), however, a friend of mine is a teacher.  My understanding thus far is first and foremost, Kundalini is a very Guru centered type of yoga. Kundalini is usually passed down as an oral tradition and most teachers have had direct teachings from a small lineage of teachers.

In terms of beginners.. I've brought up this question with my friend as well.  It was her suggestion that in fact it is better to bring in a Beginner's mind to Kundalini.  The less you have preconceived notions of postures and asanas etc..the better off you might be. 

My limited understanding would also lead me to believe that kundalini does focus on a lot of philosophy and an understanding of the nadis and chakras, awakening the kundalini and uderstanding shakti etc..

So I think anyone is ready for Kundalini as long as a positive intention, comfort in Guru yoga and strong determination for spiritual awakening  are the driving factors to your practice.

I'm not sure if that helped, as mentioned i'm not well versed here, but if you do have very specific questions regarding Kundalini, I'm sure my friend wouldn't mind if sent her an email with questions.

You can find her and other kundalini info at www.victoryoflight.ca

namaste,

3gem

Re: Hi & welcome!

1) I'm Crystal.

2) I've been practicing yoga since I was 14 (which was about 3 years ago) and I'm currently in the process of an amazing local teacher training course that is YA certified. I enrolled for self-enrichment, which is something I'm gaining at a tremendous pace, as well as in the interest of eventually teaching yoga.  

 3) My favorite poses at the moment would have to be back bends and openers. In an Iyengar class yesterday, we did Virasana combined with a backbend over a wooden block, which was placed between our shoulder blades. This pose was phenominal at opening my chest and stretching my spine. 

 4) Out of the plethora of questions I have, I suppose I'll ask some suggestions about what is a good pose for a sensitive lower back. I recently “tweaked” (for lack of better word) my right lower back and it aches when I do seated twists such as Ardha Matsyendrasana. I know that an injury is generally due to a lack of flexibility and too much muscle or vice versa, but I'm not sure if it is strengthening or stretching that I need. I suspect that it is the former, as backbends come easily  to me.

Anyway, sorry for the novel :) but if anyone has a suggestion for this issue I'd very much appreciate it. Also, perhaps it might be a good idea if a response was made in a more appropriately themed thread or a new one, simply because the “Intro” thread is harder to organize (versus a suitably titled thread where people can more easily navigate). Or that might just be my neat freak side talking :) Just a suggestion. 

This looks like a great Pod and everyone seems genuinely enthusiastic and kind. I'm thrilled that I've finally come across a forum where I can share my yoga experiences with others!

-Crystal 

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Crystal!

Good for you, starting yoga at 14!

I'm also going through yoga teacher training right now, also started for self-enrichment, but may well start teaching myself.

You didn't give a lot of specifics on the right lower back issues, but it sounds like it could be something I had a while ago. I overdid a twist (we used a rod and a helper to get massive leverage, a bit too much leverage it turned out), and some of my muscles located about midway between the spine and the side of the body were a bit tender for a while.

If that's where you feel it, you probably just need to back off the twists for a bit. Took 2-3 weeks for my thing to go away completely.

If you feel pain right on the lumbar spine, the most important thing for twists (and most other poses) is to always lengthen the spine before the twist. You do that by pushing into your sitting bones and recoiling the spine from that, imagining your head is being sucked straight up by a suction thingy or so :)

Also, lift the pit of the updomen, the muscles in teh area of the pubis. That makes sure the the lumbar spine doesn't collapse.

Hope that helps.

Novels are good, keep typing! :)

Werner

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Crystal,

Welcome to the pod and thank you for your thorough introduction!

Good luck with your training and please keep us updated.

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi, I'm Michaelene. I've been practicing yoga for several years (mostly limited to home video), but didn't get serious about my practice until last summer. Now, I'm completely hooked. Try to take class at least three times a week. Also try to practice at home daily, even if it's only for 20 minutes. Am planning to take my first teacher training next month. Goal is to eventually quit my corporate job & teach full-time.

Favorite poses right now - Tree, Triangle, & Headstand

Least favorite poses - Pigeon, Plow

 Styles - Love Jivamukti, but only get to NYC a few times a year, and there are no certified teachers in my area. Enjoy Baptiste Power Yoga - it's a great workout, but also looking for something a bit more spiritually centered. Most of the classes at my home studio are a blend of styles.

 Would enjoy talking yoga with any of you, at anytime!

Re: Hi & welcome!

Thank you for your intro, Michaelene!

It is wonderful to hear from someone with some Jivamukti experience!  Can you tell us a little more about Jivamukti, if you feel comfortable, in the thread about different forms of yoga?  There is no Jivamukti in Japan as of yet (besides visiting teachers) and it is wonderful.

I truly enjoy Alanna, the jiva diva's, podcasts/videocasts!  (jivamukti style, taught by David & Sharon)

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hello everyone,

I'm Mariejet. I'm starting doing yoga in class again at the end of August. Before I've been practising for 2 years. I've done Hatha Yoga and meditation. I have a strong interest in chakras and prana/chi/energy.  My favorite pose at the moment is the cat pose.

My question to the group is what poses would be most beneficial in chonic fatigue/burn out. I'm looking forward to learn, because I would love to do the poses that would help me most in getting healthier.

Thanks. Take care,

Mariejet

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi,
I am am new to this pod and I realized that I never introduced myself!  I have practice Ashtanga yoga on and off for 6 years and I taught for a short time ( 6 months) a few years ago. I am doing the primary series, I started the second series but I did not practice as much so I felt that it was best to hold back.

 I enjoyed teeaching but then i soon realized that I needed more experience and practice before I felt comfortable enough teaching again.

I love the energy and strength that is created with Ashtanga, and I appreciate the focus on the breath. I have practiced, Bikram, Hatha, and Inyengar yoga and so far Ashtanga fits me the best.

My question is, when is a safe an appropriate to teach?

My favorite asana has always been and will always be, svasana.. ;-)
Monica

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi,

I have been practicing since 1968.  I first learned yoga from an Iyengar trained teacher at the Ann Arbor Y.  Ann Arbor was the first US city Mr. Iyengar visited.

In 1991 I was hit by a car as a pedestrian.  This landed me in bed unable to move for 3 weeks.  The doctors wanted to perform surgery on my spine.  Instead I went to a yoga therapist for 3 times a week for a year.  At the end of the year my bones had come into better alignment.  Surgery was no longer indicated.  If I knew how to scan x-rays on the Internet I would post them.  The doctors were amazed.

For the next 4 years I sampled many different schools of yoga in the Los Angeles area.  I went to Bikram's of Beverly Hills where I practiced with Mr. Choudry.  Many celebrities took that class.  I felt sorry for those who injured themselves or had heat complications.  I went to Yoga Works and took classes in Power Yoga with Brian Kest and Shawn Corn, who are both wonderful teachers.  Those classes also had some supermodels and actresses in it.  Many of the teachers I met are now writing for the yoga journal and putting on huge workshop weekends.

And then I found a small class run out of a teacher's home.  Taryn Rose mostly taught privates but on Saturday morning she taught a half dozen of us.  Everybody had at least 15 years of experience.  You needed to get recommended to get in.  I learned a lot from Taryn in the last 10 years.  She was one of the best yoga teachers I have every experienced including the big super star celeb teachers.  We learned physiology, muscle mechanics, pilotes, jumpings, pranayama, meditation, philosophy and positive attitude.  Sadly, Taryn got very sick and left town last year.

Since then I have been meeting on the weekends with several other student's of Taryns.  We have an excellent weekly class and support system.

Looking forward to some passionate discussions about yoga on this pod.

s.

PS.  I don't really have a favorite asana.  I do have a favorite attitude though - equanimity in every asana.

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hello!

My name is Shana.

I am extremely new to Yoga.  I just broke open my first DVD: Yoga for beginners from Gaiam and I am thrilled.  I have a mat, a block and a strap and I am stoked to get started.  The DVD is 90 minutes long so we shall see how much I can handle on the first viewing.

Since I am so new to Yoga I do not have any faveorite poses, but this will change I am sure.

My question would have to be…does any one have any advice for a newbie such as myself?

I am looking forward to all my future Yoga practices!

~Shana

Re: Hi & welcome!

My question would have to be…does any one have any advice for a newbie such as myself?

Welcome to the world of yoga Shana. 

You mentioned on your page that your stationed in Japan.  My advice would be to get with as many real teachers you can find.  Perhaps even check out local yoga classes on the weekends or when you can travel if there are no classes on the base.

If you can't find teachers than see if you can get together with other yogi's.  Maybe practice a DVD together or do the sequences in a book.  There is a lot to be said about getting the support of real live human teachers.

Also, see if you can bring the equanimity of your meditation practice to the asanas.  Notice tightness in the jaw, or tension in the neck as you practice.  Notice these tensions and allow them to release.  This is an important aspect to asana practice.

I do not know much about the DVD available, but you should check out a variety.  You will find some more slow, some more like aerobics classes, some very precise, and others kind of namby-pamby.  Try the various styles.  Find one that resonates with you.
Enjoy the journey.  And keep us posted with your progress.

Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Namate,

s.

Your encouragement and advice is awesome!

Thank you so much for your encouragement and sound advice.  Right now the only class offered on base is the Ashtanga Yoga and a Power Yoga where they use weights and right now I want to really have a more peaceful rather than pumped up yoga practice.  I am going to definately try what you suggested during my yoga session this evening regarding the focusing on my body and what it is telling me.  I am also going to talk to the my personal trainer (one of the yoga teachers on base) about starting some either a) personal yoga lessons to start or b) some classes of various forms of yoga being offered on base.

I will definately keep you posted!!  And please keep the advice coming - it helps just knowing that people out there care about me doing well and sticking with something that makes me happy!

Namaste.
~Shana

Re: Your encouragement and advice is awesome!

I am always happy to help.

There is a tape made by John Friend called Alignment and Form.  It is a bit dry, but it very carefully goes through the asanas as separate units rather then as a flow.  Its also only $10 on Amazon.

John Friend left the Iyengar fold a few years ago and started his own form of yoga called Anasura.  He is a very funny teacher doing impersonations and such during classes.  He has a lot of charisma, though you will never tell from the Alignment and Form tape.  Its all business.  But it does an excellent job of demonstrating important basic form.

Keep in touch, I always enjoy answering questions.

s.

Re: Hi & welcome!

Gwen and other yogis:

Namaste, I'm John aka Sonny Blundt and have been practicing yoga for 2 1/2 years. Four or five days a week in the studio – usually Samadhiand Yoga Energi in Denver – is what I like best, and I practice anusara, vinyasa flow, jivakmuti and some kundalini and bikram. I like mixing it up and experiencing the different teachers and styles. Is this the best way to go about a regular practice or should I stick with one style?

My favorite pose is Urdhva Dhanurasana after a long warming up series. There is nothing like the elation of feeling everything part of the body come into play then rising up into wheel pose.

I'm enjoying the spiritual path I'm on, and asana is a big part of it. I hope I can improve on my meditation practice as well.

Om Shanti

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Sonny,

Thanks for your warm introduction!  Great to have you here!  I also thrill at coming into Wheel (Urdhva Dhanurasana).  You asked whether it is better to stick with one style or practice multiple styles of yoga.  This is really a personal decision, as you are already learning!  It sounds like you get a lot out of going to different classes, teachers and studios.  Perhaps later in your practice you will find that you want to go deeper into one of those and when that time comes, you may choose a particular teacher (or he/she may choose you) to work with.  For the time being, you should applaud yourself for having such a regular and evolving practice. 

We look forward to hearing more about you at the pod.

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hello, I'm Tara.  I have been practicing yoga for three years.  My favorite asana is Pigeon.  I look forward to learning from everyone in the pod.

Namaste.

Re: Hi & welcome!

Thanks for joining us, Tara!  I am also a big fan of Pigeon (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana) pose (and its many variations!).  I had Bursitis many years ago and found that one really relieved the symptoms related to it….

Look forward to getting to know you better at the pod!

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Everyone!! I’m so thrilled to have found Zaadz, I love every byte of it! And, thank you, Gwen for birthing this Pod!

1. My name is Renée, but you can call me Née (and you don’t have to put the accent, I’m just really used to doing so).

2. I’ve been practicing for a year and leave NEXT FRIDAY to get Iyengar certified!!! I’ve been teaching Hatha Yoga for 6 months to preschoolers. Nothing like pampers in the air in Down-Dog - it’s perfect!

3. My favorite pose changes all the time… however, currently, I’m really on an sirsasana (headstand) kick, oh and finding great peace within vrksasana.

4. I think my question would be a personal one: Are any of you partnered to a person with physical disabilities? And, if so, how has that changed, if any, your practice?

Grace to you,
Née

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Renée,
Wonderful to have you here!  Please let us know about your experience getting certified to teach Iyengar.  If you search this pod for Iyengar, you will find a discussion we were having a few months ago about the pros and cons of this certification process!  Happy training!

I have taught some students with disabilities, most of them tend to be spine-related, and in a few cases, it has been severe.  Are you referring to a partner in class or to a partner that you live with? 

Thanks for your introduction.  We look forward to hearing about your certification progress!

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Gwen,

Asha here writing from Mysore India. I’ve been practicing yoga for 21 years now and teaching for 15 while living on the island of Hawaii. I moved to India four months ago as I want to deepen my personal practice and take it to a new level, inside and out. Because I was teaching so much, my personal practice was dwindling and there were no teachers I could study with that would really challenge me in a style i was interested in.

I teach a blend of styles, primarily TriYoga or flow yoga, vinyasa kind…so I came to Mysore to study astangha with Patthabhi Jois and Sharath his yogi grandson. Five years ago Astangha was my main practice, but then I really got into triyoga and it’s fluidity. My intention now is to see what evolves in my practice after a year of intense astangha here…

So, my favorite pose currently I would have to say Hanuman asana in forward bend, it feels really great. BTW, what is firefly pose? Never heard of that one.

As for mudras, TriYoga uses a lot of hand mudras in the asanas which is one of the things I love about that yoga. It’s so beautiful and I personally feel the mudras enhance the energy of the asana in a very subtle and beautiful way. I feel mudras are a very refined aspect of yoga and very beautiful. I’ve heard that Kali Ray, the founder of TriYoga had hundreds of spontaneous mudras flow thru her hands suddenly many years ago, in a kriyavati experience. This is something I can relate to in a small way, as I have had spontaneous mudras happen in my hands in certain situations, like when someone is doing energy work on me, or in meditation, and sometimes certain music brings it on…

My question is: Do you ever feel a rush of energy, like an altered state come over you really intensely after coming out of a posture and you have to just be still and let it run thru you, and do you know what that is about and what’s happening??

Re: Hi & welcome!

Buttrfly: My question is: Do you ever feel a rush of energy, like an altered state come over you really intensely after coming out of a posture and you have to just be still and let it run thru you, and do you know what that is about and what’s happening??

Yes.  Mr. Iyengar tells us that asana is meditation in action.  We engage in an asana, the eyes soften, the attention goes inward, the mind settles.  As a beginner we may be fighting for balance, or worried about not looking like a Yoga Journal model.  But with time the grace of the pose becomes the pose itself.

When coming out of an asana  some of this equanimity follows into regular waking consciousness.  Taking the time to enjoy this moment of presence is an important part of the practice.  With time it becomes a permanent part of waking consciousness.
s.

Re: Hi & welcome!

Thanks Stu for your answer to my question.  Wow, I don't know if I could walk around in that kind of state all the time, its pretty intense!  Feels like a giant burst of electrical current running thru my system.  Is that what it's like to be a supercharged beam of consciousness??  Maybe so.

Namaste….Asha

Re: Hi & welcome!

As we practice yoga the body changes in order to support the altered state.  Ultimately this is the reason for yoga asanas.  It also accounts for why the simple practice can be so healthy.

We challenge the mind/body to find equinimity in asanas that are naturally unbalanced.  We bend deeply, or twist, invert in ways very different than our normal waking chopping wood & carrying water.  As our physiology is challenged a natural healing process kicks in.  Eventually we are left with a super-body ready for supercharged states.

A theory anyway.

s.

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Asha,
Welcome to the pod!  It is great to have someone here with your depth of experience and length of time on the mat!  Would love to hear more about your experiences with yoga both in Hawaii and in India. 

I often wonder, too, how to keep up a strong personal practice when teaching so many hours a week.  I think this is especially hard for new teachers just starting out.  How to balance the love of yoga with the gift of teaching.  It is easy to burn out.  I have read from a more experienced teacher that your personal practice 'needs to be' twice the amount of time as your teaching time (in order to be doing justice to your students and yourself.  So if you teach 10 hours a week you would be practicing 20.  What do you all think about this?

I linked to Firefly pose up there in the first post if you would like to see what it is, how to get into and out of it.

Thanks for your explanation of the mudras.  As for your question, I think this altered state that you refer to probably happens at different times throughout the practice for different students.  For me, it tends to occur as I enter Savasana.  I would love to hear other people's voices on this one.  Great questions, Asha!

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi, my name is Mish and you can call me Mishy, Mish or Mishoga.
I live in the Northeast.
I have been involved in the fitness industry professionally for over 22 years. For the last nine years I have grown into my yoga practice. For the last three I have been exclusively teaching Yoga, and fusion Yoga/Pilates. I am certified AFAA fitness Instructor, Certified 200 Hour Rahini Yoga Instructor, Registered Yoga Alliance Teacher 200 hour, Mat Pilates Certified Teacher and Certified Senior Fitness Specialist.
I have always loved fitness and helping others achieve their personal fitness goals. Yoga came into my life for personal reasons. I love it and live Yoga. I have to share this precious gift of Yoga.
I've practiced Asthanga, Power, Hatha and Kundalini Yoga. I presently practice Vinyasa and asthanga for my personal practice but teach Rahini.
I teach Rahini Yoga, which is a fusion of Kundalini, Hatha, and Jnana. It also has some influences for Raja meditation. We use many Mudras. We also use Y.A.S.A with meridian points.
My passion is bringing yoga awareness to Seniors. Their body responds tremendously to restorative Yoga movements. I am determined to physically reach as many people locally as possible.
Ummmmmmm, I forget if there were other questions

Alright, Peace & Love
Mish

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Mish, and welcome to the pod.  It is evident from your introduction that you are passionate about teaching and sharing yoga!  We look forward to learning more about you and Rahini Yoga here at the pod. 

What is Y.A.S.A.?  How do you incorporate meridian points into your classes?  Do you teach them as they relate to the chakras?

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Gwen,
OK, Y.A.S.A. is yoga and self accupressure. Applying pressure to certain meridian points (accupressure points, reflexology, etc….) while practicing asanas and pranayama helps release tension.
For instance when hands are joined in anjali mudra at heart chakra, slight presure of both thumbs in the breastbone releases tension in the chest and heart region. Wonderful addition while meditating in Sukhasana (might have spelled that wrong. I'm a horrible speller)

My favorite pose changes often but for now I'm loving malasana.

Mish

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hey all,
Chakra and Dantien realation yes,
nadi/meridian connection yes.
that is a cool thing,
I would like to hear your theories about it,
om jaya,
nomad

Re: Hi & welcome!

Greetings Gwen & Yoga a-pod,
this is good, yoga a pod.

My name is Damon, you all can call me Damon, Nomad or Red monkey; all are good.
I have been in yoga for around 16 years.
(Practicing 16 years, teaching 11, certified?)
my favorite pose; changes with the seasons.

I live in NYC now, it is great to see this community,

my question; what is personal practice to you? and how do you deal with injury.

see you all around,
in service,
Damon

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Nomad (ok, I get it, Damon inverted, awesome)!
We are happy to have you here! 

I really appreciate you asking your questions and will post them to a new thread to see what conversations we can start along these lines.

We look forward to hearing more from & about you.

Re: Hi & welcome!

hello and great day to everybody
I am Bhavneesh living in New Delhi, India
Its a great effort by gwen who has started this pod
Yoga or yog has becoming very popular all over the world
Yog is a sanskrit word which means total or complete
we are incomplete in some way or other
one is said to be complete when there is an elighnment between Body, Mind and soul
Every body know about body becausei ts visible, only 5 to 10 % of mind is known as said by scientists an average person uses only 5 to 8% of his mind  in his total life time whooping 90% of our potential is untouched and got wasted and very rare people know about soul as it is invisible but still everything body or mind is only a little part of it then what is the way to know the large unknown part of us, well yog or yoga is one way
There are many streams of yoga like hath yoga, raj yoga, dhyana yoga, bhakti yoga, karma yoga as said by Krishan in Geeta but aim of every stream is to know yourself there are two leads avialble to u to know ur soul one is body another is ofcourse mind as it is not possible to know the soul directly as it is out of reach hath yoga deals with first one ie Body and Dhyana yoga or Meditation deals with second part ie Mind now a days yoga is not limited to body but to mind becuase it is attached directly with  both soul as well as mind I want to discuss here with second part ie mind or meditation what is Meditation
To stop or relax the  mokey like ever jumping mind which we presently know is called meditation what we use is only 5% of our mind how we can know another 95% until now most of the energy wated on knowing 95% by 5% specially in west but it has miserably failed as it has to be, as wave can,t know the sea the only way to know the sea is to sink in it and merge with it and become one with it the mind which we know is like a wave and it has so much interlinked with body and make it own world and does not allow u to go beyond that because it knows when u have got the glimpse of sea u will not care about wave and   thiswave which is forcing u to recognize itself  u is called Ego. Meditation is the way to merge this ego with  soul whole mind is soul but u live with Ego which intacts itself with the Body and show urself in a limited sense and u waste ur life just by seeing the world or urself by the eyes of  Ego , sonow its time to get merge with what we are and dissolve the Ego.
What is the way of disolving Ego there are many scriptues and many ways told by many people but here I will tell u my own experience I was In sales and was very much frustarted by targets and pressure. At the ageof 30 some 3 years back  I got High Chlosteral, hypertension,depression,faced Panic attack and definitely going to die very soon but then I have decided that I willnot do all this As it is not in my control I throw the prospectus list stop running like a street Dog who run for every car till it got out of his eyes for no reason  and without finding anything u see Bill Gates is still running LN mittal is still running and one day they will die bare handed leaving all the mountaion of wealth which they have earned by destroying themselves without knowing that if they have stopped a new world would be waiting for them .soul which was thirsty from so many Births is waiting to  kiss u to hug u and to my utter surprise what I know about myself is died infact my world which I know is died and I got new birth before I am running for few Bugs buttering and manipulating and now what I see is that everything belong to me trees ,Birds, rain, sea everything was waiting for me whole universe was waiting for me now every thing is mine that too without running without kissing the toes of greedy people now I didnt want anything but whole universe has given everything to me . So the key to awakening or Enlightement or knowing ur soul or whatever u say is to surrender without any condition or demand stop begging and ur King as u were born king have u ever seen any kid begging have u seen any kid buttering or manipulating but stiil world stop when she cry every body ready to  hug to love to give their everything to that kid. So be the child stop demanding stop begging ur king. Detail about Meditation techniques will be discussed later on
Thanks and with lot of love to evrybody
Bhavneesh
Namaste & sayonara

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Bhavneesh.  Thanks for joining the pod.  We look forward to hearing more about your experiences of yoga in India!

Thank you for your explanations about the meaning and origins of yoga, too!  We look forward to hearing more about meditation techniques when you have the time.

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Gwen, and hi everybody,

Thank you Bhavneesh for letting me know about this pod and thank you Gwen for putting in so much effort.

I am Bilgi living in Ankara, Turkey;

I am practicing yoga for 2 years; my favorite pose is the plow pose.

I have no question as of now,

With love,

Bilgi

Re: Hi & welcome!

Bilgi, Hello!  And a big thank you to Bhavaneesh for letting you know about the A-Pod!  I love plow, too.  (What can I say, I play favorites sometimes!!)

We welcome your questions when/if you have some!

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Everybody
As far as Meditation is concerned what does meditation means
Meditation means slowing the ever running mind because most of our potential is wasted by this ever running mind What is mind I am telling here about the Thoughts do u have any control over thoughts do u have a single moment in life when u havent any thoughts
Most of the energy is wasted by these useless thoughts
So what is the way to slow the Thoughts
Three things in our body go simultaneously these r Thoughts, Breath, Circulation when  one goes fast other two also got fast similarly when goes slow other two also slow down
U have no control over Circulation and its not easy to control thoughts too
then what left Breath .So sit down in comfortable position and just watch the breath dont do anything just watch not try to slow it just watch u find it difficult in early days but if u continue ur breath slows down similarly ur thoughts and circulation too slow down
So B Seated in the comfortable position with eyes closed and watch the Breath when it goes in and when it goes out withiout disturbing it simlarly watch the thoughts after somedays without disturbing it and first time in life see ur different from thoughts
start with 10 minutes then gradually increse to 15 to 20 minutes in one months time 
Do this and u will be benifited very much not only in mentalpeace but also in physical health
With Thanks and love
Bhavneesh

Re: Hi & welcome!

1) Hi, my name is Helena, you can call me Helz or Kali (as many of my friends do).

2)I have been practising yoga for 10 years - I began after I had a motocross accident and was told I would never walk properly again. I have done many courses, including teaching, but I do not teach accept for one on one. My favourite yoga retreats have been with Clive Sheridan in India, Nagasena Zhander (Shandor Remete), Simon Borg-Oliver and Bianca Machliss, and Mathew Bergan.

3)I practice a strenous version of Hatha yoga, as it allows me to really explore each pose, and to go as fast or as slow as I like, and to alter my sequence depending on mood, health and well being. My favourite poses are Janu Sirasana, Natarjasana and Prasarita Padottanasana. 

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Helz,
Thank you for joining us here!  You are right about mudras deserving their own pod!  Please feel free to start a new thread sharing about this or any other aspect of the practice you would like to explore in more detail.  Welcome, welcome.

Re: Hi & welcome!

Thanks Gwen.
I was wondering if we could have a “How to” section, I noticed the lovely information on meditation and losing ego which would form an excellent discussion on its own. In addition, I would love to post up how tos with regards to pranayama and correct application of bandhas. Purely physical yoga practice is such a small part of what yoga is. After all, in the words of my guru,  “you practice physical yoga for one reason only. So you can sit and meditate without discomfort!” And Pranayam gives you so much energy which assists in practice.
And those that do not apply bandhas in their practice are not practising yoga correctly - with so many schools opening up everywhere, its difficult to be assured that all this information is passed on. And correct application of bandhas decrease the risk of injury ten fold.
And the last piece of the yoga puzzle is yoga for health, after all, its great to “cure thyself” simply by practising different yoga asanas!

Namaste

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hello everyone.  My name is Jeremiah, but most of my friends just call me Miah.  I am brand new to Zaadz and also brand new to yoga.  I would love to learn more about it.  I don't really have a favorite pose because I've never actually tried yoga before.  I've been doing some searching online, but do not have the time to fit classes into my schedule right now.  I defenitely have lots of questions, but one that I would really like to hear some info on is: is it possible to learn poses and practice yoga effeciently with out ever taking a class?  Anyways, it is very nice to be here and I look forward to making some new friends.  Thanks,
 
                                     Miah

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Jeremiah,
Thanks for your intro.  I think the response to your question would vary from person to person.  Most teachers would suggest that you do take at least a few classes with a certified or experienced teacher.  Using a DVD or a book is a great way to get started!  Check out the resources thread on this pod to get some ideas about what to watch/read.

Re: Hi & welcome!

1) I'm Mark.

2) I did Bikram yoga for about six months or so a couple of years ago and have now been doing Hatha Yoga for about eight months.

3) While I try not compare and prefer, I really like Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II). I think it's because it's usually at the point in the class where we are warmed up and starting standing poses and are really gettin' into it!

4) Sorry if this has been discussed above; I'm posting first and then will read the rest of the thread at my leisure. My question for the group: Has your experience been for yourself or others you know that yoga began as a purely physical exercise class and then the mental benefits were realized?

Re: Hi & welcome!

Namaste everyone,

I just joined zaadz and am keen to connect with fellow yogis/yoginis. None of my friends are interested in yoga despite my exhortations so it has been quite a solitary journey for me so far… not that I mind. However I see this pod hasn't really been very active of late. Nevertheless, here is my introduction:

1) My name is Jasmin and I'm from Singapore.

2) I've been practising for one and a half years. There have been breaks where I went on a couple of trips ranging from 3-6 weeks, as well as the time I sprained my ankle. So getting back into a regular practice was always sort of like starting all over again. But I've been a good girl and been consistent for at least 6 months now. I started off with basic Hatha and have happily settled into Hatha Vinyasa and Yin yoga (which I really love and would recommend to everyone whether they practice yoga at all or not). And sometimes I do Solar/Lunar Flow.

3) Like many people, my favourite poses can change from time to time… but I like Dhanurasana for the intense backbend and Sleeping Swan for really opening up the hips.

4) A question: At what point is it appropriate to embark on training to be a teacher? It is something I might want to consider in future but am not sure about the hows and whens.

PS. I was reading the older posts and the “awesome blossom” Wendy mentioned sounds exactly like something I've done before which my instructor called the Bird of Paradise. Does that ring a bell?

Re: Hi & welcome!

Well Jasmin IMO teacher training is something all serious students of yoga should look into at some point even if they have no desire to be a teacher. So I say go for it when you can! Just check with the person running it to make sure that the topics covered are what you want or feel you need to learn. From my own experience most teacher trainings are pretty general, and nothing should be too far over your head if you have had some decent exposure and practice for a year or more. Good luck.

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi

i am beginner in yoga, 3 month practice

my favorite pose is Naga-asana ( cobra )

I like Yoga so how can i learn more about it ?

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Reza!
Thanks for joining us here.  Welcome and best wishes developing a practice.  Have you decided to take classes, watch dvds or a combination of both?  What would you like to learn more about?  That would help us “lead” as it were.

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi, Gwen -

I'm Michaelene. I've been a member of this pod for a while, but have never introduced myself.

I was introduced to yoga by my mom, who began studying in the 70's, so it's always been a part of my life. I've had a fairly steady practice for about 7 years, but it wasn't until about 2 years ago, that I got really serious. I'm currently working on earning my RYT.

I'm currently employed full-time in the corporate world, but teach on Saturdays.

Favorite style is a tough call! I love the challenges of Ashtanga, the ease & meditation of Kripalu, the workout of Power, and EVERYTHING about Jivamukti.

Favorite poses = Utthita Trikonasana (Triangle), Salamba Sirsasana (Headstand), Vrksasana (Tree)

Would love to communicate with fellow yogis & yoginis!!!

Re: Hi & welcome!

Michaelene, hi. Welcome. I have seen you around.

First off, congratulations on deciding to pursue your RYT cert.  Will you register with YA?  How is the teaching going?

I'm also a huge Jivamukti fan.  Do you have places to take classes in JM near you?

Thanks for your intro!

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi, I'm Rebecca.

I am brand new to yoga, and have been “practicing” for a few weeks.  I use the Namaste yoga program on Fit TV.  There are yoga studios around, and I'd like to start taking classes.  I alraedy take a weekly PIlates class.

My favorite pose is downward-facing dog.  I don't know why exactly.  It just feels good.

My question…hmmm…what are the benefits of group rather than solo practice?

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hello all yoganuts, so nice to meet you all..
I have been a podmember for quite a while, but haven't gotten around to participate..

I have been practising yoga on and off for about five years..Different styles, different teachers..I was introduced to it  12 years ago acutally, when I started with meditation, but there was no class, just a friend and her VHS…
I have a tendency to be hyperflexible in certain areas, so I have really learnt the hard way to be discriminate about my teachers. Especially after my first son was born  two and a half years ago my body was seriously opposing the male asthanga teacher that I had at that time…He was very focused on opening up and not stabilsing which was my need at that moment.

Now I do mostly Hatha Yoga Flow, but my teacher is very picky about us getting it right and not too focused on mantaining the flow..Suits me perfectly, I finally stabilised some of my lower back muscles, and I feel good….
I am pregnant again for the moment in my fourth month, and as I was introduced to Kundalini Yoga til fall in Boulder (we don't in Norway at all) and I digged it, I have now ordered a Kundalini Yoga DVD for pregnant…Will be nice to delve into to in this period…I work as a healer and Reikimaster daily, so the Kundalini approach is totally down my road as is mantras and mudras—-

I would really love to take some type of teachers training after this new child has arrived, and I think at some point I will…I am hooked on yoga, try to do it in class twice a week, and on my mat everyday..
Yoga is for me something that doesn't end when you are finished with the class, but something that settles after a while into your flow of life…I do yoga when I do my dishes..

My favorite pose, beside the yogapose called “gracefully doing dishes”? For the time being the triangle and armposes.

Re: Hi & welcome!

Welcome, Rebecca!  Great to have you here!  Group instead of solo?  I think a group can help by providing inspiration and energy to fuel a practice.  Solo means you can usually go deeper into your self.  When you've been practicing for some time you can often go “into yourself” even in a big group of say, 70+ students like at a conference.  It takes time and practice and I'd say just try both out!

Best of luck with growing your yoga practice.

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi there.

I just joined Zaadz a couple weeks ago. I found this group the other day. Well, I'm a professional performer for stage, dance, alexander technique and also figure skating. With my work in reiki, and also channeling.. I have always been connected to the body and my spirit flowing with/through it. Breath work when meditating and self trance.. but a little finger kept tapping on me on my shoulder.. you gotta do some yoga!

I finally decided to get back to yoga. It was too much to do ballet, skate and yoga. And somehow, when you ask.. you receive.. and today I just reconnected with a friend here who owns her own studio. Naturally I have always been open to my body..and feeling the energy and meridians in even dance. But, I was getting confused with so many kinds of yoga. I started with a dvd. And wow.. i felt so good just after one session. I'm going to get back to going on a weekly basis and doing more often.

Some poses I just love… anything with opening hips, extending legs. Dancer pose comes easily for me. I do it on ice..and even just throughout the day.. while at work. Some I just am…argh. Like, camel pose ..which i find difficult right now. I am glad this group is here … so I can ask questions and share the experience. I really feel so good to finally give yoga more an essential part of my being/life.

Thanks to all.. and to Gwen for the lovely welcome!

Robin

Re: Hi & welcome!

Robin, hi!
Wonderful to have you here.  It will be great to hear how you incorporate yoga into your already fulfilling-sounding routine.  Please do let us know how it grows with you.  Good luck.

Re: Hi & welcome!

If this isn't in the right section/thread I apologize. Being in dance.. some moves come so easy and in tune for me.. like dancer pose, etc. anything opening up the hips, extension, etc. Warrior poses… in skating.. knees and placement, center are so important.. so again.. those come easy.

I do dancer pose all the time. Even at work.. I will just do it for a good stretch.

Now, Camel pose..argh. ouch. ha. Oh, this is going to take a while for me. I guess there will be some poses that your body isn't accustomed to and will come with time.

Re: Hi & welcome!

I just posted a cheesy intro post about myself, but hey, why not do this too!?

1) How you'd like to be addressed: Victoria is cool :) People like to try and call me Vicki, but that just doesn't sit right.

2) Your experience with yoga: I'm been practicing off and on (mostly off) for the past 6 years, but I am 100% ready to make my current, at-home practice, a long-standing one.

3) Your favorite pose, if you can choose: I talked a bit about this in my intro post, but my favorite post is still Tree Pose; very grouding, which is often what I need. ;)

4) A question for the group: My questions would have to be about opening the chakras. I know a fair amount about where the chakras are and why they are important, but I'd love to find a book or a program on how to open them up one-by-one.

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hello. My name is Nittaney–at least it's the one that feels most comfortable on me, and I have been a member of Zaadz for a little under a month right now. I joined this pod because I've practiced yoga in some form, off and on for the past nineteen years, but only through the use of books, videos and magazines. I consider myself a beginner at best, because I think that the practice that I can accomplish at this time is very simple. 

I am currently living in Oswego, NY, a place that has been populated by many feet of snow as of late, and I find that the yoga practice, even though sporatic, (I have very little floor space in my apartment–it's a studio,) and no yoga studio with the hours that I work (nights), has helped.  The breathing can calm my temper even in the worst situations, and I feel that yoga has helped me become a better person. 

My current practice is Vinyasa Flow, although I do some Iyengar and Ashtanga as the mood strikes me.  I allow my body and my mind to make the decision as need be.  My favorite pose is Tree Pose, because it's a calming pose and can be performed anywhere.

I would like to have someone answer my query on Camel pose.  Every time I perform this pose, my head throbs rather painfully, and it is hard to complete.

I hope that through this pod, I can learn other techniques and be a help to beginners like myself. 

Namaste

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Nittaney,

Hmm..interesting

I wonder if any of the following might help with your head pain and with your pose in general..

don't drop the head too far back just yet, try to keep the neck long by tucking your chin to your sternum just a little bit to avoid crunching into the neck and affecting the circulation
keep your groins soft don't push them too far foward, that might entail stickin your bum back/out just a bit

picture that you have two eyes painted beneath your collar bones and direct them so they are pointing up to the ceiling
bring your awareness to the bend in the upper back
as always, breath deeply

come up very slowly

I find that these things help with my Camel.

namaste

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Gwen!  Thanks for having this pod!  On to the questions!

My name is Ian. 

I've been practicing various forms of Hatha for about a year. 

My favorite pose right now is Scorpion (Vrschikasana).

My question is this:  Is it more appropriate to engage Mula Bhanda throughout a pose, or only at the end of exhalation?

Thanks so much and keep up the good work everybody!

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hey Ian,

Good question. 

In my Ashtanga practice i've been told that the Mula Bandha is to be pretty much engaged the entire time. It helps keep energy in, brings awareness to the core and protects the body from injury.

That being the case I would assume that scorpion pose would also be the same?

At this point of the game, being able to to hold Mula bandha lightly while i'm focusing on my breath, making my adjustments, and having my monkey mind wander is tough, really tough.

looking forward to hearing some more on this one.

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi Ian!
Thanks for joining us.  I see you live right up the road from me, in Denver!  (I'm in Boulder.) 

I appreciate your introduction and am afraid that I don't know the answer to your question.  I would ask someone more skilled in the Ashtanga tradition, which is what I'm understanding that you practice.  Although I have personal experience engaging the various bandhas, I don't consider myself an expert on them.  Jess, at the Ashtanga pod on zaadz may be a good one to ask.

(You can find a link to the Ashtanga pod on the Yoga A-Pod intro page!)

Re: Hi & welcome!

Thanks for your responses guys!  I usually split my practice between vinyaasa flow and anusara.  I feel pretty lucky that the studio I go to has so many great teachers in different traditions; it gives me a really broad experience.  I will definatly ask the same question in the ashtanga pod as well. 

What studios do you guys like?  I travel a lot, so knowing good places to practice around the country/world is really helpful.

Namaste,

Ian

New Pod member

Northern Yogini checking in.

Gwen asked for the following:

1) How you’d like to be addressed.

Nyctea (NICK-tee-uh) or Nyc. this is not my real name, but I appreciate a level of anonymity online. (Nyctea is the genus name of my favorite animal)

2) Your experience with yoga.

grew up in a yoga home - mom began her practice soon after I was born, and her practice continues. So I learned much there. began my own serious practice about 11 years ago, faded, then reinvigorated things about 5 years ago. I follow a fairly traditional Iyengar path, but find Anusara fascinating. I study privately once a week with a teacher, and have a home practice the other 6 days. I’m aiming to built to an hour a day, but it’s a tall order.

3) Your favorite pose, if you can choose.

I have favorites come and go! Triangle, Camel, Half Moon, Cobbler, and Reclining Cobbler/Goddess with full prop support. *ahhh*

4) A question for the group.

None particularly at the moment. Here to learn and share.

Gwen’s question: Can anyone tell me about mudras- whether you practice them in class or solo and if you find them helpful in your yoga practice?

Anjali Mudra is basic and essential in my practice, incorporated with Mountain and a few other poses, but also as a reminder of humility/gratitude after each asana or asana series. I am fascinated to learn more of the mudras, but I don’t know enough.

Namaste,

Nyctea

Re: New Pod member

Welcome, Nyc!  It's great to have you here.  Thanks for sharing your experiences with yoga.  You have been blessed to have gotten so much exposure to it from childhood!

Again, thanks for stopping by the pod.  We look forward to hearing more.

Re: Hi & welcome!

1) How you'd like to be addressed - aminda

2) Your experience with yoga - practicing 2 years teaching 1…certified for a year in power, certified for 6 months in restorative…also practice jivamukti and anusara

3) Your favorite pose, if you can choose right now…today it's probably trikonasana and halasana but truth is it changes a lot!!

4) A question for the group (My question: Can anyone tell me about mudras- whether you practice them in class or solo and if you find them helpful in your yoga practice.)

I love mudras — the form of restorative I guide is called Anjali — I come back to the offering a lot. In my vinyasa class we always do some meditation so I use them abit there…dhyana mudra and jnana mudras are the ones I use most often. I find in my personal practice that I use jnana all the time. I find that holding a mudra during meditation helps focus my attention.

Recently I have been working with dharmachakra mudra…and it really has a powerful effect on my practice. 

in love and light

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hello!

My name is Heather, and I have been practicing Anusara yoga 3 or 4 times a week for the last 9 months.  I have fallen completely in love with the practice!  My favorite part about yoga is how quickly it pulls me out of my head and into the breath.  I am a high-stress person by nature, but have noticed a tremendous difference in my life since I started my practice.

Unfortunatly, I had leg surgery a couple weeks ago and will unable to practice for a while.  So now I am looking at expanding my meditation practice.  Unfortunatly, sitting still is not something I am very good at.  If anyone has any suggestions for me, I would be very grateful.

Heather 

Re: Hi & welcome!

Yes, try some passive asanas sometimes called “restoratives”.  Most teachers will be able to help you learn them.  Excellent thing to do when recovering from anything.

The more difficult it is to sit for meditation the better it is for you.  It takes a lot of self discipline.  See if you can find a group or a teacher who will help you see the benefit of sitting regularly.  Sometimes it takes some support.

I remember when I first started meditating I used to use a timer.  Sometimes it felt like 5 minutes was taking a year.  Eventually the mind settles, and time and stress become ancient concerns of a more nervous time.

s.

Re: Hi & welcome!

hi gwen and fellow yogis,

my name is jane, i've been practicing on and off for quite a while.  there have been some long lapses, but i'm trying to make it more of an integral part of my life right now.  sabasana - corpse pose is currently my fave!

i'm wondering how other folks are finding how the internet is influencing their practice?  for example, i've found some websites that offer free podcasts or streaming classes, or just have nice illustrations and explanations of poses.

thanks, and peace to all.
jane

Re: Hi & welcome!

Hi everyone!
1) I'm Nat
2) I've been practicing yoga since 2006. I started to discover other types apart from ashtanga this year. I enjoy kundalini and anusara and love yogatoday.com.
3) Favorite pose…I like dancer's pose, although I'm kind of new at it.
4) QUESTION! Is it harmful to my health to continue to use my PVC foam mat? Of course my next one will be jute or TPE…
About mudras - I use them in meditation during kundalini yoga and when I practice buddhist meditation. I unite the tip of my thumb with the tip of my index finger, usually. One I use in kundalini is a fist with the thumb sticking out and up (like a thumb's up).
Thanks for creating this group!
Namaste