Friday, January 31, 2014

First week

I am in the middle of the first week of my yoga teacher training.  So far, we have worked on the sequence a little, getting through the integration.  I have practiced almost every night guiding someone through that.  I am more comfortable with it, and am beginning to get a feel for this.

We are required to take 10 classes at the studio during this course.  I managed to get one in today.  Now, only 9 more to go.

We learned some about the theory of Vinyasa sequencing. I have a better concept of what to put together to create a good flow.  That will take some time and experimentation, but we have a sequence to start out with, which I can always change up a little once I start teaching.

We also started looking at Chakras.  We started off that course of study doing a guided meditation, looking at each of our chakras.  I didn't see anything, but others in the class had more success.  I honestly think Tuesday nights are going to be the hardest (Chakra nights) because I will have already put in a full day at work.  So far we have learned about the first chakra, the root chakra.  Maybe I will do a post on that in a couple of days to see if I can process the information a little more.

For tomorrow, we have to memorize the Sun A section of the sequence so that we can lead it without a book.  That will be a little more difficult.  I feel like my memory is shot anymore.  I already did my little bit of homework we had, responding to a question that was posted in our forum after reading an article.

For Sunday, I need to answer some questions about the book How Yoga Works.  We will be having our first book club.  I completed the book, so I just need to go back through it some to refresh my memory.

Until next time,

Chess

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Oh the excitement!

Tomorrow will be my first day of class in the yoga teacher training.  I'm extremely excited and a little nervous.  I can't wait to take this first step and learn so much more about yoga.  I finished the required reading already, and have started on my book for the book report.

I'm a little worried about the sequence we are supposed to have memorized already.  I have a little bit of the beginning memorized, but not all of it.  This is after reviewing it every day for a month.  I talk to one of the instructors about that and she said not to worry, that a lot of people really get it down when they start working through the sequence.  I know I learn best when I actually go through the motions, so maybe I should have been going through the asanas to begin with.  Regardless, I feel a bit better after talking to the instructor about it.

There will be a lot of memorization, on top of other things that I am working on, such as belly dance.  I know it will be a great challenge, and I hope I do well.  I really feel like this is the right time in my life and see things differently now, than in the past when I was contemplating this.  I'm feeling good about this decision.

Namaste my friends,

Chess



Thursday, January 16, 2014

Trust

I find this quote to be very interesting.  Sometimes in this world we become so jaded, and we no longer trust anyone.  I really try to give the benefit of the doubt, but this last year I saw why it is so hard to trust new people.

I had a manager that was extremely aggressive to the point of me fearing for my job.  When she was fired, and a new manager was hired, it took a little while for me to really trust her.  I had to reserve my dislike for the previous manager and try to remember that this new manager is not the same person, so may act differently.  I waited and see what she would accomplish before I truly opened up to her.  When I finally did, so much weight was lifted off my shoulders, it was like the clouds parted and the sun started shining.

I invite you to give others the benefit of the doubt.  Maybe that person that was so angry at you is going through a rough patch, and you were the first person that was willing to stop and listen.  Maybe these other people that are extremely aggressive have been completely jaded by actions that were done to them.  Regardless, try to trust people.  You can always re-evaluate if the person acts inappropriately, but being authentic with people will always give you a different relationship than if you are guarded.

Namaste my friends,

Chess

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Update on the Yoga Teacher Training

Happy New Year everyone!

I have been studying the sequence almost every day, and I now have the first part down.  I struggle only a little with it, so I am planning to move onto the second part, while still reviewing the first.

I have not started on my readings yet.  I was hoping to finish a fantasy book I have been reading by the end of this past year, but still haven't quite finished it.  Once I complete that novel, I will start in on How Yoga Works.  We are required to read at least the first 100 pages by February 2nd.

I will try my best to keep everyone apprised of my journey.

Here's to an awesome 2014!!!

Bright blessings, my friends,

Chess