I am pleased to announce that Amy and I have already planned the first 2012 session Beat Lounge Yoga for Busy People class, which will start on 1/4/2012, and will be every other Wednesday night at 7:30 for eight weeks. Current Beat Lounge students have first dibs on the available spots in the upcoming class, but if there's enough interest, we're open to adding a second class (day and time are TBD, but probably a weeknight at 7:30). The cost will be $60 for eight classes or $10 per drop-in. Classes are held in the vicinity of west 71st St. and Michigan Rd. in Indianapolis.
Also, Amy and I have discussed the possibility of the occasional (quarterly or monthly) open yoga Q&A session for discussion of the technical, practical, and philosophical dimensions of yoga.
if you're interested, please let me know.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Miss Information
Today, two different people mentioned to me that the Pope declared that yoga is Satanic.
Well, not exactly.
It was not the Pope; it was Father Gabriel Amorth, the Vatican's former chief exorcist. According to London's Daily Telegraph, Amorth did say that “Practising yoga is Satanic, it leads to evil just like reading Harry Potter.“*
And while I firmly believe that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I take issue with this statement for obvious reasons.
Satanism is a Christian concept; a deliberately distorted, fun-house-mirror perversion of Christianity.
Yoga is a non-Christian tradition that comes out of the same South Asian cultural/spiritual ecology as Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. In that spiritual ecology, there are lots of blue and black and red beings running around with an excessive number of names and incarnations (shouldn't three be enough for any One?), not to mention an excessive number of arms waving swords, tridents, skulls, and all manner of weird objects. And if you are a) unfamiliar with South Asian religious iconography b) not able to clearly distinguish the difference between non-Christian and anti-Christian and c) deeply steeped in a religious tradition with a long-standing habit of literally demonizing other religions' deities, I can see how one might jump to conclusions.**
My personal opinion is that the practices, philosophy, and guidelines provided by yoga are the tofu of spirituality, in that they can blend well with and take on the flavor of any religious tradition when used by an intelligent and educated practitioner.
Theoretically, I suppose this could include Satanism too, but I personally have never met nor am I aware of any Satanists who practice yoga.
But I digress.
My understanding and experience is that yoga teaches us that humans create our own suffering through our own ignorance, selfishness, greed, etc. We don't get to attribute our own inner demons to an evil Adversary, and we can't expect a Divine authority figure---or anyone else--to wave a magic wand or kiss our boo-boos and make our suffering go away. Yoga can teach us to recognize that we cause suffering, how and why we cause suffering, to take responsibility for the suffering that we create, and how to cultivate the emotional, mental, and physical discipline that will help us reduce suffering within ourselves and around us.
*Obviously, Amroth has never read The Golden Compass.
**Whether or not yoga actually is a religion is an interesting question, and the current issue of Yoga Journal has a great discussion on the topic (alas, not available online). Personally, I think not, as it doesn't involve worship, but it does include practices such as meditation, a set of ethical guidelines, and a rich artistic and philosophical tradition, which most (all?) religions do as well.
Well, not exactly.
It was not the Pope; it was Father Gabriel Amorth, the Vatican's former chief exorcist. According to London's Daily Telegraph, Amorth did say that “Practising yoga is Satanic, it leads to evil just like reading Harry Potter.“*
And while I firmly believe that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I take issue with this statement for obvious reasons.
Satanism is a Christian concept; a deliberately distorted, fun-house-mirror perversion of Christianity.
Yoga is a non-Christian tradition that comes out of the same South Asian cultural/spiritual ecology as Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. In that spiritual ecology, there are lots of blue and black and red beings running around with an excessive number of names and incarnations (shouldn't three be enough for any One?), not to mention an excessive number of arms waving swords, tridents, skulls, and all manner of weird objects. And if you are a) unfamiliar with South Asian religious iconography b) not able to clearly distinguish the difference between non-Christian and anti-Christian and c) deeply steeped in a religious tradition with a long-standing habit of literally demonizing other religions' deities, I can see how one might jump to conclusions.**
My personal opinion is that the practices, philosophy, and guidelines provided by yoga are the tofu of spirituality, in that they can blend well with and take on the flavor of any religious tradition when used by an intelligent and educated practitioner.
Theoretically, I suppose this could include Satanism too, but I personally have never met nor am I aware of any Satanists who practice yoga.
But I digress.
My understanding and experience is that yoga teaches us that humans create our own suffering through our own ignorance, selfishness, greed, etc. We don't get to attribute our own inner demons to an evil Adversary, and we can't expect a Divine authority figure---or anyone else--to wave a magic wand or kiss our boo-boos and make our suffering go away. Yoga can teach us to recognize that we cause suffering, how and why we cause suffering, to take responsibility for the suffering that we create, and how to cultivate the emotional, mental, and physical discipline that will help us reduce suffering within ourselves and around us.
*Obviously, Amroth has never read The Golden Compass.
**Whether or not yoga actually is a religion is an interesting question, and the current issue of Yoga Journal has a great discussion on the topic (alas, not available online). Personally, I think not, as it doesn't involve worship, but it does include practices such as meditation, a set of ethical guidelines, and a rich artistic and philosophical tradition, which most (all?) religions do as well.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Adaptation
One of my private students is planning surgery to repair a SLAP ("superior labral tear from anterior to posterior") tear in her shoulder, an injury that makes shoulder abduction (moving her arm up and out to the side) very painful.
SLAP tears are apparently becoming more frequent---I know at least one other person with the same injury---so while this is the first time I've seen a student with one, it probably won't be the last.
My student was concerned about not being able to do yoga during her recovery, while her shoulder is immobilized. She's been a real trouper, trying to use yoga as "pre-hab" so that she goes into surgery in as good condition as possible.
Because her shoulder is going to be immobilized anyway, I suggested that we make a simple sling out of a yoga strap for our pre-surgery classes, so she could get a feel for what was possible with only one arm. And in the spirit of solidarity, I tried to keep my arm immobile during class, too. (Which is not easy, by the way. I kept forgetting and switching arms.)
Four-point (hands and knees) poses and chaturanga dandasana were obviously out, and so were prone poses. However, we were able to do a nearly "normal" hour-long practice, including a modified sun salutation, which helped her feel a lot better about her prospects.
Not only was she pleasantly surprised at how much she was able to do, she also told me that her practice felt a lot better than last class, when she had tried to user her injured arm as much as possible. Because connective tissue is involved, it's going to be a long recovery period, and I'm almost as happy as she is that she'll be able to continue her practice throughout.
SLAP tears are apparently becoming more frequent---I know at least one other person with the same injury---so while this is the first time I've seen a student with one, it probably won't be the last.
My student was concerned about not being able to do yoga during her recovery, while her shoulder is immobilized. She's been a real trouper, trying to use yoga as "pre-hab" so that she goes into surgery in as good condition as possible.
Because her shoulder is going to be immobilized anyway, I suggested that we make a simple sling out of a yoga strap for our pre-surgery classes, so she could get a feel for what was possible with only one arm. And in the spirit of solidarity, I tried to keep my arm immobile during class, too. (Which is not easy, by the way. I kept forgetting and switching arms.)
Four-point (hands and knees) poses and chaturanga dandasana were obviously out, and so were prone poses. However, we were able to do a nearly "normal" hour-long practice, including a modified sun salutation, which helped her feel a lot better about her prospects.
Not only was she pleasantly surprised at how much she was able to do, she also told me that her practice felt a lot better than last class, when she had tried to user her injured arm as much as possible. Because connective tissue is involved, it's going to be a long recovery period, and I'm almost as happy as she is that she'll be able to continue her practice throughout.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Yoga Lounge Playlist 2
Because of various technical problems, I have yet to be able to use an entire Beat Lounge Yoga playlist at a Beat Lounge yoga class. Nevertheless, I keep creating playlists for them...
Essential Oils Update
A couple of weeks ago, I discussed essential oils and what to look out for when buying them. Until recently, the only source of high-quality chakra oil sets I was aware of was a multi-level marketing company.
I'm a bit suspicious of multi-level marketing, personally; I think the prices tend to be inflated, and there's a lot of work required to actually make any money at it. Sure, I've bought the occasional product at a friend's party, but I've never been tempted to get involved myself. And given the option, I prefer supporting local artists, artisans, and small businesses.
Thanks to my amazing massage therapist (who is in yoga teacher training herself) I found a wonderful local source in the Indianapolis area. Melissa uses high quality ingredients and her prices are extremely reasonable, considering the high quality of her product. A nice touch is a tiny, chakra-appropriate mineral chip in each bottle.
I could practically feel the good vibes coming off the bottles; it's obvious that a lot of care goes into the work. If you're local, I encourage you to give it a try, and if you're not in Central Indiana, I encourage you to seek out and enjoy the work of your local equivalent.
I'm a bit suspicious of multi-level marketing, personally; I think the prices tend to be inflated, and there's a lot of work required to actually make any money at it. Sure, I've bought the occasional product at a friend's party, but I've never been tempted to get involved myself. And given the option, I prefer supporting local artists, artisans, and small businesses.
Thanks to my amazing massage therapist (who is in yoga teacher training herself) I found a wonderful local source in the Indianapolis area. Melissa uses high quality ingredients and her prices are extremely reasonable, considering the high quality of her product. A nice touch is a tiny, chakra-appropriate mineral chip in each bottle.
I could practically feel the good vibes coming off the bottles; it's obvious that a lot of care goes into the work. If you're local, I encourage you to give it a try, and if you're not in Central Indiana, I encourage you to seek out and enjoy the work of your local equivalent.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Teacher Beware
Last August, I got into a situation that turned out to be some sort of wire-fraud scam targeting, of all people, yoga teachers.
I got an email from "David," who had a Hong Kong email address, about my fall yoga class schedule. At the time, I only taught private classes. In response, he told me he was interested in a semi private class for himself, his wife, and his father while they were in town for an extended visit from Nevada.
OK...strange, but I am listed on the Yoga Alliance website as offering private classes, and the subject line appeared to indicate it was a referral from the YA teacher directory.
Then he mentioned that none of them have any health problems. Now that is strange, because in my experience, most people don't make it to thirty without at least an old sports injury or other lingering remnant of youthful enthusiasm. However, some people are also hesitant to talk about health things with strangers, so whatever.
He was also very keen on sending me a lot of money in advance, which I thought was odd, but hey, I won't complain about getting paid. However, as urgently as he wanted to send me money, he didn't want to call and discuss it, because he said he had a hearing problem. Well, a hearing problem is not necessarily something you can work on with yoga, but it still made me suspicious. Still, we emailed back and forth a few times about schedule and price and he agrees to send a check, which he does.
Except the check is for nearly double what we agreed. Curiouser and curiouser.
Then, the following email arrives.
"Oh my God, It was a mistake I just asked my wife now how much she sent to you,and she said that she misunderstood me concerning the instruction I gave to her as regards the amount to send to you. she sent you $1,000.00. I am very sorry for this mistake. Actually i told her to send you $300 being part payment for the sessions so that when we come i will balance up, I also told her to send $700 to our tour guide in Texas for the booking of our hotel and cab. she has been waiting for the money so she can start making all the preparation. What I want you to do now is to take the Money order to your Bank and deposit the payment in your account to get cash out, and just deduct $300 for the session and then let me know when the rest is in your hand so that I can provide you with the information that you will send the remaining amount to by western union."
Riiiight. Here's the thing---a money order is guaranteed funds; it's paid for with cash. A check, on the other hand, is not, and if I were to deposit it and it bounced, I am on the hook. Needless to say, I did not take the check anywhere near my bank. On the off chance this really was some sort of genuine screwup, I mailed the check to the return address on the envelope. Unsurprisingly, it came back with "Not a valid address" stamped on it. I turned over the check and the return envelope to the Postmaster General (via the local P. O.) for wire fraud investigation. I was only out the cost of a certified letter, and it was an interesting experience, so I wrote it off as a wacky one-time thing.
Until today, when I got an email from "Adam", who inquired about "booking of private yoga class for my two sons who are amateur footballers here in Poland" while they were all on a long vacation in the US this fall. Then, he asked me to tell him little more about myself, whether I would be able to provide private classes, and by the way, what was my ZIP code and price range?
That sounds familiar.
Again, on the (admittedly very slight) off chance that this was a legitimate inquiry, I politely declined because of my full schedule and offered to recommend a local studio and wished his sons luck in their tryouts.
So, as strange as it seems, yoga teachers (and, I suspect personal trainers and other, similar, independent service providers) seem to be popular targets for this nutty scam. If you are or know of any other yoga teachers who have had a similar experience, I'd love to compare notes.
I got an email from "David," who had a Hong Kong email address, about my fall yoga class schedule. At the time, I only taught private classes. In response, he told me he was interested in a semi private class for himself, his wife, and his father while they were in town for an extended visit from Nevada.
OK...strange, but I am listed on the Yoga Alliance website as offering private classes, and the subject line appeared to indicate it was a referral from the YA teacher directory.
Then he mentioned that none of them have any health problems. Now that is strange, because in my experience, most people don't make it to thirty without at least an old sports injury or other lingering remnant of youthful enthusiasm. However, some people are also hesitant to talk about health things with strangers, so whatever.
He was also very keen on sending me a lot of money in advance, which I thought was odd, but hey, I won't complain about getting paid. However, as urgently as he wanted to send me money, he didn't want to call and discuss it, because he said he had a hearing problem. Well, a hearing problem is not necessarily something you can work on with yoga, but it still made me suspicious. Still, we emailed back and forth a few times about schedule and price and he agrees to send a check, which he does.
Except the check is for nearly double what we agreed. Curiouser and curiouser.
Then, the following email arrives.
"Oh my God, It was a mistake I just asked my wife now how much she sent to you,and she said that she misunderstood me concerning the instruction I gave to her as regards the amount to send to you. she sent you $1,000.00. I am very sorry for this mistake. Actually i told her to send you $300 being part payment for the sessions so that when we come i will balance up, I also told her to send $700 to our tour guide in Texas for the booking of our hotel and cab. she has been waiting for the money so she can start making all the preparation. What I want you to do now is to take the Money order to your Bank and deposit the payment in your account to get cash out, and just deduct $300 for the session and then let me know when the rest is in your hand so that I can provide you with the information that you will send the remaining amount to by western union."
Riiiight. Here's the thing---a money order is guaranteed funds; it's paid for with cash. A check, on the other hand, is not, and if I were to deposit it and it bounced, I am on the hook. Needless to say, I did not take the check anywhere near my bank. On the off chance this really was some sort of genuine screwup, I mailed the check to the return address on the envelope. Unsurprisingly, it came back with "Not a valid address" stamped on it. I turned over the check and the return envelope to the Postmaster General (via the local P. O.) for wire fraud investigation. I was only out the cost of a certified letter, and it was an interesting experience, so I wrote it off as a wacky one-time thing.
Until today, when I got an email from "Adam", who inquired about "booking of private yoga class for my two sons who are amateur footballers here in Poland" while they were all on a long vacation in the US this fall. Then, he asked me to tell him little more about myself, whether I would be able to provide private classes, and by the way, what was my ZIP code and price range?
That sounds familiar.
Again, on the (admittedly very slight) off chance that this was a legitimate inquiry, I politely declined because of my full schedule and offered to recommend a local studio and wished his sons luck in their tryouts.
So, as strange as it seems, yoga teachers (and, I suspect personal trainers and other, similar, independent service providers) seem to be popular targets for this nutty scam. If you are or know of any other yoga teachers who have had a similar experience, I'd love to compare notes.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Caveat Emptor
I was recently at a yoga teacher training where one of the major topics of discussion was chakra balancing. Without getting into a long discussion of either the science or the merits, there are a couple of key points that are important to know if you choose to use either essential oils or minerals for chakra balancing or aromatherapy, or even making your own jewelry and perfume for fun.
Essential oils. In the U.S., essentials oils are regulated very differently depending upon the "intended use". If the intended use involves treating or preventing any condition or disease, it's regulated as a drug. If not, it is regulated as a cosmetic, and those regulations, as you may imagine, are considerably looser. Consequently, you will almost never see essential oils with a non-cosmetic intended use. Furthermore, organic food standards do not apply to cosmetics. That means that the word "organic," when used in a cosmetics label, doesn't mean the product has met the same standards as organic food, or even any specific standard. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has a handy list of companies that have agreed to certain standards. If you're really hardcore, you can read the entire text of H.R.2359 -- Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011, which was referred to the House Subcommittee on Workforce Protections last time I checked. Please note that European, Canadian, and other countries' regulations differ, and individual U. S. States also have various regulations.
Minerals or "gemstones". Read the labels; there are a lot of simulated or look-alike "gems" out there. Reconstituted malachite is common, as is faux turquoise and faux hematite. Real citrine is extremely rare in its natural form, and you're unlikely to find it in a craft store, or possibly even in a jewelry store. Also, it's very common to find dyed quartz and other treated stones offered as low-cost substitutes for the real thing. (Common treatments are heating, dyes, acid baths, irradiation, stabilization, composite, etc.---the Fire Mountain Gems catalog is nice in that it actually lists which of its stones are treated and how; reading it can also give you a feel for what is usually "real" and what isn't). Glass and plastic "simulated" stones are also common. Names can be deceptive, so ask questions. Finally, if you see a stone that's markedly different from the normal color range (i. e., yellow jade), be skeptical.
Essential oils. In the U.S., essentials oils are regulated very differently depending upon the "intended use". If the intended use involves treating or preventing any condition or disease, it's regulated as a drug. If not, it is regulated as a cosmetic, and those regulations, as you may imagine, are considerably looser. Consequently, you will almost never see essential oils with a non-cosmetic intended use. Furthermore, organic food standards do not apply to cosmetics. That means that the word "organic," when used in a cosmetics label, doesn't mean the product has met the same standards as organic food, or even any specific standard. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has a handy list of companies that have agreed to certain standards. If you're really hardcore, you can read the entire text of H.R.2359 -- Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011, which was referred to the House Subcommittee on Workforce Protections last time I checked. Please note that European, Canadian, and other countries' regulations differ, and individual U. S. States also have various regulations.
Minerals or "gemstones". Read the labels; there are a lot of simulated or look-alike "gems" out there. Reconstituted malachite is common, as is faux turquoise and faux hematite. Real citrine is extremely rare in its natural form, and you're unlikely to find it in a craft store, or possibly even in a jewelry store. Also, it's very common to find dyed quartz and other treated stones offered as low-cost substitutes for the real thing. (Common treatments are heating, dyes, acid baths, irradiation, stabilization, composite, etc.---the Fire Mountain Gems catalog is nice in that it actually lists which of its stones are treated and how; reading it can also give you a feel for what is usually "real" and what isn't). Glass and plastic "simulated" stones are also common. Names can be deceptive, so ask questions. Finally, if you see a stone that's markedly different from the normal color range (i. e., yellow jade), be skeptical.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
How Do I Clean My Yoga Mat?
I've tried a couple of different ways to clean yoga mats. For a quick surface cleaning, there are a variety of mat wipes out there; I can't say that I have found any one brand to be better than the other; I usually choose them based on the price and the scent. If you have any kind of sanitizing wipe, I suspect it would do the job. Avoid anything with moisturizers, though, unless you prefer a slippery mat to a sticky mat.
Recently, I mixed up my own yoga mat spray; just a few drops of tea tree oil in water. A good spritz and wipe down with a clean cloth is good for basic cleanup. If you tend to be sensitive to cleaning chemicals, this is also a good choice.
For a deeper cleaning, I have actually put basic sticky mats---one at a time---in the washing machine on the hand-wash cycle with cold water and baking soda in place of detergent. They do soak up a lot of water, and they have to air-dry, so this is best done on warm, dry days.
Recently, I mixed up my own yoga mat spray; just a few drops of tea tree oil in water. A good spritz and wipe down with a clean cloth is good for basic cleanup. If you tend to be sensitive to cleaning chemicals, this is also a good choice.
For a deeper cleaning, I have actually put basic sticky mats---one at a time---in the washing machine on the hand-wash cycle with cold water and baking soda in place of detergent. They do soak up a lot of water, and they have to air-dry, so this is best done on warm, dry days.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Welcome To It
I was a reluctant yoga teacher. I practiced for nine years before I went for my first teacher training.
Reluctantly.
The last two years before I started training, I realized that hardly a week went by without someone asking me for a stretch for this or a pose for that. I always resisted, because I really didn't know what I was talking about. I was not a teacher, just a practitioner who'd been around the block. Well, partway around the block. Maybe. Once. The fact that I had been offered money to teach in another state notwithstanding.
As it turned out, I just wasn't a yoga teacher yet.
I took my first teacher training class in August of 2005, and halfway through the first day knew that this is what I wanted to do when (if?) I grew up. I blew through the 200-hour program in less than 16 months and completed my RYT-200 (Registered Yoga Teacher, 200-hours) through YogaFit in November of 2006.
I did my student teaching in a locked ward at a psychiatric hospital, and since then, I have taught in corporate fitness centers, community education programs, private homes, and what feels like everywhere in between. I've taught brides on the morning of their weddings. I've taught an all-male class, which is still one of my favorites five years on. I've taught Cubicle Yoga in a business suit and heels, and I've improvised a five-minute class for strangers at a rest area in Illinois on I-70.
In 2010, YogaFit released information about their Certified Yoga Therapist program---it's a 300-hour program that ends with both a CYT-300 and an RYT-500. I had exactly the same feeling---this is what I want to do if (when?) I grow up.
I started my new training cycle in November of last year with a drive to the Zen Zone in Lee's Summit, MO. (A venue I highly recommend if you're in the neighborhood, by the way). Since then, I've been to a four-day yoga therapy training in Monroeville, PA, and an advanced yoga anatomy training in Indianapolis. Soon, I'll be off to another yoga therapy training in Tennessee.
I've been working a day job and teaching a few hours week for a couple of years now. My goal is to eventually transition out of my day job and into full-time yoga therapy and teaching.
Stay tuned for breaking news on that topic.
At the moment, I'm teaching two solo private students and one therapy client a week, one small-group private class, and one semi-public class at my friend's home studio.
I am constantly amazed that people actually pay me to do something I enjoy so much. Utterly, completely, thoroughly, amazed. And unspeakably grateful.
Reluctantly.
The last two years before I started training, I realized that hardly a week went by without someone asking me for a stretch for this or a pose for that. I always resisted, because I really didn't know what I was talking about. I was not a teacher, just a practitioner who'd been around the block. Well, partway around the block. Maybe. Once. The fact that I had been offered money to teach in another state notwithstanding.
As it turned out, I just wasn't a yoga teacher yet.
I took my first teacher training class in August of 2005, and halfway through the first day knew that this is what I wanted to do when (if?) I grew up. I blew through the 200-hour program in less than 16 months and completed my RYT-200 (Registered Yoga Teacher, 200-hours) through YogaFit in November of 2006.
I did my student teaching in a locked ward at a psychiatric hospital, and since then, I have taught in corporate fitness centers, community education programs, private homes, and what feels like everywhere in between. I've taught brides on the morning of their weddings. I've taught an all-male class, which is still one of my favorites five years on. I've taught Cubicle Yoga in a business suit and heels, and I've improvised a five-minute class for strangers at a rest area in Illinois on I-70.
In 2010, YogaFit released information about their Certified Yoga Therapist program---it's a 300-hour program that ends with both a CYT-300 and an RYT-500. I had exactly the same feeling---this is what I want to do if (when?) I grow up.
I started my new training cycle in November of last year with a drive to the Zen Zone in Lee's Summit, MO. (A venue I highly recommend if you're in the neighborhood, by the way). Since then, I've been to a four-day yoga therapy training in Monroeville, PA, and an advanced yoga anatomy training in Indianapolis. Soon, I'll be off to another yoga therapy training in Tennessee.
I've been working a day job and teaching a few hours week for a couple of years now. My goal is to eventually transition out of my day job and into full-time yoga therapy and teaching.
Stay tuned for breaking news on that topic.
At the moment, I'm teaching two solo private students and one therapy client a week, one small-group private class, and one semi-public class at my friend's home studio.
I am constantly amazed that people actually pay me to do something I enjoy so much. Utterly, completely, thoroughly, amazed. And unspeakably grateful.
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