Life is Fragile
This past weekend a young friend of our family died.
She was a beautiful 19 year old girl who was just married a couple of months ago. Her husband is a soldier for the US Army, and they were to live in San Antonio. We were not that close, she was the daughter of my brother’s best friend, they are police officers- partners. I met Samantha a half dozen times at family gatherings- her dad’s birthday and such.
I was closer to her dad. He was very close to my family- my mother often referred to him as her “other son”. The relationship he and my brother shared made him and his family even more important to my family.
Samantha was a bubbly sweet country girl. Her genuine open-heartedness was evident right away- her greetings and good-byes ALWAYS involved a hug. I’ll never forget the way she made a point to look me in the eye before and after the hugs- and how struck I was by her unbelievably sweet energy.
I find myself deeply saddened by her tragic end. A head-on automobile collision took her instantly. I was shocked by this tragedy- by her passing specifically- but in general how fragile our lives are.
What a gift it is that most of us live everyday of our lives never thinking about our own death! We cheat death each moment- and tease death with our mindlessness as we blindly go through life with out a thought that this moment could be one of our very last.
I am more aware since Samantha died. But i know, it wont last very long. Soon enough I’ll be talking on my phone in the car, or I’ll have a glass of wine or two and drive myself home. These are dangerous things (that have nothing to do with Sam’s death) but they are simply how we live our lives… mindless, careless and without out a fleeting thought of our own mortality.
Sometimes I wonder if the only thing that will change our living without regard for death- is to experience it. First- hand.
Christians Hate Yoga
Incredible!
In the last hour three different people (one of them was my sister) sent me this article about Christianity and yoga. Apparently, Albert Mohler in Louisville, Kentucky has decided that yoga is not for Christians, and yoga is apparently completely against Christianity.
Mohler said he objects to “the idea that the body is a vehicle for reaching consciousness with the divine.” “That’s just not Christianity.”
I’m a little confused here. I was raised Southern Baptist, not far from Louisville in a tiny little town in Tennessee called Rockwood. Our preacher, “Preacher Wayne” was a very charismatic–scary preacher. He would shout, and sweat, and walk through the pews by walking over the pews causing us poor scared folks to move out of his way. Ours was not one of those super conservative Christian churches where they drink strychnine and handled snakes–but let me tell you folks it was strict!
I didn’t know much about yoga back then I had never even heard of yoga. It WAS made clear to us that astrology, ghosts, and witches were absolutely taboo! (but every year we had a Halloween celebration–dressed up in costumes and gave out candy) Again- confusing!
My introduction to yoga (However not hatha yoga) was due to my very fortunate discovery of the Hare Krishnas in Dussen Park on Lake Houston. The devotees were dancing and chanting and playing instruments in the park and has a young girl of nine I was enchanted!
I’ll never forget my mother’s reaction to my reaction to them. As a good Southern Baptist woman my mother was horrified! She pulled me back and told me to stay away! I never understood why, they were so happy and so sweet and their energy so attractive! But I digress…
What I did learn during my Southern Baptist education, was that God created us. He created our body in his own image. Our body is a Temple, and we should take care of that temple–because that’s where God lives- inside of us.
So, if the body is not a vehicle for reaching consciousness with the divine then I have to ask what is the vehicle?
Is the vehicle the mind? The mind resides within the body. Is it prayer? Do we not pray with our hearts? The heart resides within the body. I think you see where I’m going here… what the hell is this guy talking about?
Some Christians have started to mix yoga and Christianity. I am aware that some yoga people are disturbed by this. I find it a little strange that they would change what is a tradition older than Christianity, by adding Jesus into it to make it more palatable for them. That seems to be more about money than about doing yoga.
Quite frankly, I don’t really care what Christians think about yoga, just like I don’t care what yogis think about Christianity. If you want to practice yoga as a simply physical practice, go right ahead. But I’m here to tell you friends–your physical practice is going to change your spirit. You better believe it! And that is a very good thing!
The Shorts Heard ‘Round the World
Yep! I have been noticed by Elephant Journal.com… well my tweets have anyway!
Read about my totally woo woo experience with Lululemon on elephant journal… and comment there if you would!
http://www.elephantjournal.com/2010/09/the-shorts-heard-round-the-world-darla-magee
See you back here soon!
love ,
Darla
It’s not all incense, lotus pose and namaste
I’ve been away from Houston for about a week. I took a trip to California, Los Angeles specifically, to take a break and do some meditation. I wanted to make a good attempt at answering some questions for myself. I can honestly say that many of those questions were left unanswered, but more than perfect answers to my burning questions I received something else.
While I cannot share all the details with you I can tell you this: I am different.
You may be wondering in what way I’m different and I’m not sure I can explain it to you. I can tell you how I feel. And how I feel is open, available and present.
You might think “of course” that’s normal for a yoga teacher to feel. Perhaps you even think that this is how all yoga teachers must feel all the time. But that’s not true. I would risk to say that many of the teachers who are teaching yoga do so, so they might find “easier- faster” access to these states of being. Is not like the blind leading the blind, more accurately it’s “helping others but at the same time hoping to receive benefits” themselves. Of course teaching yoga is considered a spiritually “right way” to make a living, more so than say- being a butcher but there is more to it.
The path of being a yoga teacher is not all incense, Lotus pose and Namaste. I have been a yoga teacher for 10 years now and while I’ll say that I am softened quite a bit by the work, I can also tell you there are aspects that are not softening. While walking my path as the teacher and yoga studio owner there have been some events that were catastrophic to my self-esteem, my reputation and my practice. As a result of these events it became more and more difficult for me to access my true self. All the while I continued to teach and to train with various well known teachers on how to be a better yoga teacher. However, beyond the asanas and the joy from helping others achieve them, I was unavailable. Unavailable to myself, and if I were to tell the whole truth- somewhat unavailable to my students. You can imagine there’s quite a bit of shame associated with this and an equal amount of discomfort in admitting it.
I am here to say that I have released that. I am also happy to say that I have released many unhealthy attachments that have helped me hide my heart. And again I can tell you without a doubt- I’m different.
If you know me well you may notice, if you don’t know me at all and you meet me now, obviously you won’t have any idea. So that begs the question, why am I telling you? I’m telling you because I am telling me. And every time I tell you–and me–it solidifies the change. Every time I utter the words, “I am different. I am open. I am love.” It becomes more true. This is my affirmation, this is my truth.
I am different. I am open. I am love.
I am different. I am open. I am love.
I am different. I am open. I am love.
Naked ads for Yoga Stuff
Well, I’m not one to say I told you so. Actually, I am the one to say it- “I told you so!”
I told you so!
I told you those naked yoga advertisements were offensive, but no one listened. You all thought I was just being a pain in the ass… a big mouth and perhaps and maybe a little bit of a hypocrite?
Check out my post in May stating my frustration with the naked Kathryn Buddig, and the trend of using nudity in advertisements for yoga products. It’s here.
Well my friends, I am in great company. The incredible Judith Hanson Lasater has written a letter to the editor of yoga Journal magazine regarding this very issue. You see, Judith Hansen Lassiter started yoga Journal magazine, it’s her baby and I don’t think she’s very happy about how it’s behaving now that it’s all grown up. Here is the text of her letter:
Letter to Yoga Journal August 2010
Yoga Journal was born in my living room in Berkeley in 1975, where I was one of five yoga practitioner-teachers who gathered to create the magazine. I have loved the magazine ever since. But I’m concerned about ads that have stimulated both confusion and sadness in me about where the magazine is now and where it is headed. I am confused because I do not understand how photos of naked or half-naked women are connected with the sale of practice products for asana, an important part of yoga. These pictures do not teach the viewer about yoga practice or themselves. They aren’t even about the celebration of the beauty of the human body or the beauty of the poses, which I support. These ads are just about selling a product. This approach is something I though belonged (unfortunately) to the larger culture, but not in Yoga Journal. Finally, I feel sad because it seems that Yoga Journal has become just another voice for the status quo and not for elevating us to the higher values of yoga: spiritual integration, compassion and selfless service. My request is that Yoga Journal doesn’t run ads with photos that exploit the sexuality of young women in order to sell products or more magazines. Thank you for your attention and willingness to hear another point of view. Judith Hanson Lasater -San Francisco, CA
And one more thing, told you so!
How to: Make a Yoga Music Playlist
There are many discussions among yoga teachers about playing music in yoga class.
I have a few classes every week at my studio with music. These classes are called “silent classes” . These “silent classes” are not silent at all. But, as the teacher I am the silent one. I practice along with the students which is not typical for me. (And I am not a believer of playing music during a class where the teacher is constantly instructing too hard to hear- too distracting)
During the “silent classes”, I lead by calling the postures at the beginning and again at the end of the posture. The music carries the energy along beautifully. Originally, purpose of this class was so that I might practice on a regular basis while teaching full-time. These silent classes are only for very experienced students that I have practiced with and are very well acclimated to the heat.Most students love these classes, and make a point to come them. For yoga teacher this type of class is such a blessing. Although there is always one eye on the students, the opportunity to practice with them is golden. Many students have expressed their joy and practicing with their teacher; The flaws in our own practice seems to comfort them, and our successes inspire them.
The music I play in my yoga class varies depending on what part of the class we are in as well as the energy that I’m trying to create. I generally know who’s coming to class before class time so I’m able to plan my classes accordingly. You might say that sequencing yoga music is just as important as sequencing yoga postures.
There are a few key things to remember when creating a playlist for a yoga class, they are very similar to what you remember when you are designing a sequence of asanas.
How long is your class? Who are the people who are coming? How old are they? These questions are important because you don’t want to choose music that’s completely inappropriate. I choose all kinds of music. I generally start with slow or quiet meditative music. During the first part of class when I’m warming up everyone, the music is slower sweeter and inward. As the class builds, the music builds, so at this point I might play hip-hop if it’s appropriate, or a 70s rock tune, or really exciting kirtan. Generally, the extended part of class or the peak part of class gets more upbeat music. Then of course the class winds down the music winds down also.
Sounds pretty easy, right? Here is the secret to making a playlist for yoga class:
Timing. You cannot go off on a tangent during class if you are playing planned music. You must keep the pace of the class moving and matching the music that you’ve chosen. How do you choose the music you ask? The length of the song is key. When you’re creating your play list you need to sequence the songs by style but also by the length of the song. This is where iTunes is invaluable. As you create the playlist you can watch the time of the songs add up, and you know when you have a total of minutes you need of music. Look at the music and divide it up into beginning middle and end, then look at how long the songs actually are. See how your songs are sequenced and how long the sequence is, move the songs around, or if a song just doesn’t work choose a completely different song whose time fits better into your sequence of music. You don’t have to have your asanas completely planned out, but if you choose to fly by the seat of your pants, it’s a real bummer when you’re in the middle of a deeply inward posture and Jay Z starts, but he’s certainly a helper during a long warrior sequence! See what I mean? It’s not that hard. It just takes a little thought and planning.
So if you’ve ever been curious about trying music in your yoga class give it a shot! I think you will be very pleased at how it can be a fun change of pace!
Test post from iPad
This is a test to see how I like the app for iPad that allows me to blog from it.
Hummm…. So far yes, tho I would like recent tags to display.
This will be great for quick posts, until I get used to it.
Oh and here is a butterfly test pic too!
The Yoga Alliance comes to Texas
The landscape in Texas has changed in regard to yoga teacher training thanks to the Texas Workforce Commission.
The TWC has started to attempt to regulate teacher training programs by sending out cease and desist letters to the studios they determine are holding vocational classes. Although these classes are obviously avocational, some people do go on to teach part-time and become poor yoga teachers in their own right. Of course there are some large training schools who have huge teacher training programs, and multiple large yoga studio locations, that create careers for their graduates.
While I was building my new yoga studio location, I created a yoga teacher training program. This is no small feat, you have to do quite a bit of research, you have to follow the guidelines of Yoga Alliance if you want to be approved by them. The guidelines of YA teacher training programs are not only cryptic and a little constrictive but they’re also an opportunity to grow your self as a yoga teacher. Just creating a teacher training program has been in them incredible challenge for me and such a joy. I learned a great deal and I’ll never forget when I got my letter in the mail saying that my 200 hours and 500 hours teacher training programs had been approved! I was thrilled!
Just about the time that my new studio opened I received my TWC letter regarding teacher training programs. Since I had yet to even advertise my program beyond what was on my website, it was curious to me how I came to the attention of the TWC. It was later that we found out that many schools were targeted because of their YA certification! To be so betrayed!
My program was approved by YA which is exactly why my program was targeted for regulation!? What a disappointment, but with the YA approved schools database being public and on the web- I can’t imagine why Texas would not start there.
I am heartbroken! All of my work and my beautiful yoga teacher training program is still sitting in the boxes. I have yet to be able to start my 200 hour and 500 hour classes because of these regulations. I’ve been lucky enough to work with Attorney Willie Collins through the Texas Yoga Association toward defending Texans right to train others to teach yoga. Mr. Collins was able to get several yoga studios in Houston and in Texas exempt. This exemption is only that we may teach our programs as long as it is not a teacher training program. These classes may be advanced classes, or continuing yoga study classes, but these are not teacher training classes. If they are teacher training classes that are vocational classes and according to the state of Texas they must be regulated and taxed.
So the bottom line is: if I don’t want to be regulated and taxed I cannot do a teacher training program.
Here’s the problem: If my students are not attending my Yoga Alliance approved teacher training program then my students are not going to be approved for registration in the YA. Regardless of the perceived legitimacy or power that YA has, is still the only cross lineage registry that we currently have in the yoga community. While my own experience with YA has been pretty pain-free, I do find it a bit cumbersome and sticky to get through their requirements. (However none of this really matters if my yoga teacher training program is no longer a teacher training program. Then my only focus with the YA becomes maintaining my own registration and my own continuing education.)
Two weeks ago I called Willie Collins about my frustration. I asked Willie what am I to do with all this work? How in the world am I going to offer these advanced yoga classes to my students now with the Texas Workforce changes? Yoga Alliance is not the only way, or so you may think. The truth is, it is so prevalent now that students who want to practice yoga or who want to further their knowledge go to Yoga Alliance looking for a qualified teacher. I have supported you the YA since I received my first certification in 2000. I was YA registered in 2001. I have encouraged every young yoga teacher that I know to register with Yoga Alliance. I have always felt like it was important, and it mattered. Now I’m just confused.
My conversation with Willie Collins about YA went like most of my conversations with Mr. Collins. Mr. Collins is kind, funny ,understanding and very compassionate toward yoga’s plight. He practices hatha yoga So he has a special soft place in his heart for the studios and teachers. As a result of our phone call Mr. Collins decided to reach out to John Matthews the President of Yoga Alliance.
After a couple of phone calls John Matthews has agreed to come to Texas and talk to Texas yoga teachers about this new regulation in Texas. I will attend this meeting. As much as I love the state of Texas, I do not think they know a thing about yoga, and I’d like for them to butt out. However YA- this is your baby. You wanted to bring yoga teachers together with their students and help yoga be better.
Yoga Alliance, you have had almost a decade of my support and my hope is you will help Texas yoga studios find a way to extend our knowledge to others and allow them to do the same, all the while taking the Yoga Alliance registration with them. It’s what you are going to have to do, otherwise you have seen the last of my “Registered Yoga School” fees.
Wonder-Working Power!
Yoga is about many things, you hear yoga teachers say “this is yoga” and “that is yoga” and they are correct. Some would even argue that yoga is “about everything”.
We are fortunate that one of the things that the practice of hatha yoga is all about is releasing that stuff we hang on to. By the word stuff – I am referring to day to day experiences and emotions. We are bombarded with information, interaction, and stimulates. One of our coping mechanisms is to overlook events and experiences or to forget about them. (Especially the unpleasant ones)
We can put our feelings and struggles our in the back of our minds if that’s what we choose to do. Nevertheless our spiritual bodies have had these experiences too and they are imprinted by them. These imprints manifest in many different ways. They can show up as a sore knee or a knot in your back or a tight hamstring. In the study of the metaphysical there is a similar imprinting or patterning called samskara. Samskaras are deeper imprints on the spirit, and they are often manifested as larger or more intense emotional reactions, or addictions. The intensity of samskaras depend on many factors. Samskaras deserve their very own blog post so consider this a preview. Certainly yoga can assist with samskaras and changing the patterns in our life, but what I’m addressing here are experiences that we have most recently. (AKA stress)
In yoga, the stretching , moving and twisting goes deep into the subtle and emotional bodies. When we “tune in” we can access what we need to adjust (knowingly or unknowingly) and tweak it. This release can happen during or after postures. Yoga can access the specific chakras at the depth in the subtle bodies where your stuff is located. Very commonly we see the releases after Camel pose or during a deep lunges.
There are countless places where we hold our emotions and store things that we don’t necessarily want to deal with. Depending on your self-awareness you can tell which postures are going to affect you. Hopefully you do not avoid the postures you need! Obviously you may contact the heart chakra and you may experience joy or sadness. Perhaps if you hold a lot of emotion and unpleasantness in your armpits. Postures such as Dancer’s pose or Bow where the triceps are stretched and the armpits are exposed, create a possibility that you will experience a release. (Armpits? Yes think about it. We are always worried about our armpits being stinky, sweaty, hairy or offensive. We keep our arms down by our sides to protect “our pits”, It’s a great place to hide stuff.)
A release doesn’t have to be negative or associated with tears. Most often it is more pleasant stuff, like good ideas or funny thoughts or just experiencing openness and better understanding. You experience some release in every yoga class- even in those classes that leave you feeling “eh, no big deal”. Yoga doesn’t always have to be a “thing”. Whether you get tears, laughter or just tired- always you get the subtle cleansing of the spirit.
How do I blog more often?
I’ve had a few blogs in my lifetime. What I have learned from having these blogs is that I tend to get very excited about them and then for one reason or another I get less excited about them. Part of the reason I think that I don’t blog as much as I would like to is not from lack of ideas or thoughts. Not from lack of desire or ideas- but fear. Fear of looking foolish. Fear of looking ignorant. And fear of not speaking or writing correctly has given me pause. More than once. So I stop expressing.
As I continued to suffer bloglessness, I decided I needed was a blog editor. I met someone on twitter who is very sweet and kind and said that she would help me edit my blog. And she did help with the ONE post I sent to her. She’s great. Even so, with this wonderful new editor I still find myself unwilling to sit down and type out my thoughts.
I came up with another reason that I thought it might be and that’s the typing. The path that the words take from my brain to my hands is curvaceous and treacherous and often does not come out the way that I wanted to. Enter MacSpeech Dictate software!
Yes I write this blog I am not actually writing this blog I’m speaking this blog and I’m hoping that my ability to speak to the computer brings my thoughts to the fore a little clearer little sooner and a little more frequently.
We’ll see. So far I love it. I’m just talking it and it’s just typing and it’s a beautiful thing! Namaste.
darla cooks 