Follow the Sun

Here is one of the songs in my newest yoga playlist. Lots of great feedback on this playlist so far this week! Below is "Follow the Sun" by Xavier Rudd. Enjoy, friends. Link to listen. Follow, follow the sunand which way the wind blowswhen this day is done.Breath, breath in the air. Set your intentions.Dream with care.Tomorrow is a new day for everyone,Brand new moon, brand new sun.So follow, follow the sun,the direction of the bird,the direction of love.Breath, breath in the air,cherish this moment,cherish this breath. Tomorrow is a new day for everyone,brand new moon, brand new sun.When you feel life coming down on you,like a heavy weight.When you feel this crazy society,adding to the strain.Take a stroll to the nearest watersand remember your place.Many moons have risen and fallen long, long before youve came.So which way is the wind blowin',and what does your heart say?So follow, follow the sun,and which way the wind blowswhen this day is done...

Opening the Heart to Wheel Pose

Excited to be introducing and teaching this pose - wheel variation - tonight in class :)

I'm off to get ready to head to campus!

Xx

Hiatus

Now that I am writing every day (more or less)
on the blog... And now that I am working a full
time job and (3) part time yoga jobs, I have noticed
that I would love some *extra* time on my hands.

Life needs to be lived.
Dreams need to be dreamed...
While sleeping normal hours in the night!

So, I have decided to take a hiatus from
Facebook. I started yesterday. It really gives me more
time to talk on the phone with the people I am
missing rather than just typing them a message.
It even allows me to enjoy the time with
people I am seeing in person!
Simply put...
It puts the heart back into friendship.
We shall see how long this lasts.
I am liking it so far!!
Xx.

Have you ever taken a hiatus from Facebook
or technology in general?
Did it help you create space for something
else in your life?

Yoga Ponderings

I prepared for a good part of the morning
for the yoga class I taught this evening at 9:30pm.
The class is taught so late because it is a slot
at a university rec center.
The goal was to teach the students a class that
was much more challenging and invigorating
than last week's sequencing...

Tonight was definitely a success!

I learned that I needed to revisit a practice that
included a more intermediate flow and asana
sequence. This is the kind of yoga that is
so difficult for the body... that it actually clears
the mind! 
You are unable to think about anything else.
I have missed classes like the one I taught,
for months now!!
And I am so excited to keep the momentum
going in my class offerings this semester!

I received wonderful feedback from
students tonight, and I am eager to keep
with the challenge of bringing my students
the yoga that they love each and every class...
A yoga that challenges, invigorates, and surrenders
the mind and the body...
Goodnight!

Yoga Inspiration

"Take up one idea.

Make that one idea your life-

Think of it, dream of it,

live on that idea.

Let the brain,

muscles, nerves, and

every part of your body be full

of that idea, and just leave 

every other idea alone.

This is the way to success."

-Swami Vivekananda

Totally needed this quotation tonight!

I pulled it from the February 2013 Issue

of Yoga Journal magazine.

Below and above are few poses that are inspiring

my yoga sequencing and theming for tomorrow

evening's class at UF!

 

Yoga Saturday

Life happens in cycles.
We have our ups, our downs.
We have our good days, our bad days.
There is one cycle, one part of our life though
that we can always on.
What is it?
Our breath!
This morning I had my students focus on
the rise and fall of their breath. This is
the focus because this matters so much
more than the asanas, the poses.
Our breath is our source of life.
Without it, we are lifeless.
Focussing on your breath during
the good and the bad in your day to
day helps you gauge how you are handling
a situation. Taking a deep breath before answering
a difficult question whether you are in an
interview or speaking with a loved one...
Breath allows us a moment to think,
to breathe, to feel, to decide...
If you focus on anything in your
practice today, maybe choose to focus
on your breath - the rise, the fall, and
just how lucky you are to be breathing
here on this beautiful Earth!

Beat, Beat, Beat

You know that feeling when you sleep through your alarm?

That feeling when your heart starts beating a mile a minute in your chest?

That's what happened to me this morning.

I was supposed to be at the gym teaching yoga at 6:45AM.

But low and behold, I overslept... By half an hour!!

I freaked.

How is this possible?

I have never missed a morning class to teach EVER.

Threw on whatever clothing could pass for "yoga clothing" and ran out the door to the gym.

I arrived.

Ran in and spoke with the girl at the front desk asking if students had come and if they were still there. She said three people had come and she didn't think they were still around.

I ran to the back studio too be sure and sure enough the room was pitch black.

But wait just a moment, I thought to myself, do I see someone in tree pose in the dark?

Sure enough, somebody was inside!

So, I entered, wondering if I was there on the wrong day and if another teacher was teaching? Nope, it was definitely Thursday!

In the dark, I saw a girl at the front of the room with her mat in front of two others, positioned as though she was probably teaching.

I spoke softly... "Are you teaching class?"

The girl answered "Yes, when I noticed the teacher wasn't here, I decided to try it out."

At first I wanted to take over immediately.

Then I decided I needed to chill out; it wasn't my place.

So, I asked where she was at in teaching and she said balancing poses. I told her to finish her segment so that everyone had completed poses on each side.

While she finished, I went over to the music player and plugged in my i-Phone.

And then I taught the last 30 minutes of class...Drawing the students back in starting with a focus on pranayama and Sun A into a balancing sequence and then onto the floor for
paschimottanasa, janushirasana, supine twist, etc.

In the end, before we said "Namaste" and while we were in seated meditation, I thanked  Christin for teaching in my place and told her she was on the right path if she wanted to teach yoga one day. She did a great job describing tree when I was in the room. I was impressed and thankful that she was able to "help me."

In addition, I also apologized to the students for not being there for them!

I felt like an idiot all morning, but I keep telling myself now...

We are only human.

We are not perfect.

We make mistakes. 

And if it is not our intention to make mistakes...

And we are able to try to right our wrongs...

Then we are that much better in this world! 

Quite honestly I am so grateful Christin was able to teach, and she approached me afterwards and said she has done it for other teachers that have not shown up at all...

Eek! I hate that I have contributed to her list of "no-show yoga instructors!"

She also asked if I was still teaching Saturdays because she likes my teaching style. She is hoping to become a yoga teacher one day... 

I am lucky no one got hurt while she was teaching, etc., etc., or else I would have been responsible.

Here's to being thankful for others...

Hello, October.

I just adore the above photograph.
I took it yesterday. 
It is Lake Wauburg in Micanopy, Florida. We went out to climb a tower for a fitness challenge and decided to say 'hello' to the lake. There are alligator warning signs all over the place, but it really is beautiful, yes?! 
So, I have decided to pull together a nice list of October goals. But, 'October Goals' sounds kind of dull. Not really too much exciting about that. What about 'October Conquerings' or 'October - 10 Things?' Still not sure! Let me know if you have thoughts!
Here goes nothing-

1. Visit Sanctuary Yoga studio and take a class!
2. Continue cooking all of our meals and save eating out for the weekend nights.
3. Find a place that will teach J how to play guitar.... ;)
4. Paint something pretty for my Grandma's 90th birthday!
5. Try as many pumpkin beers as possible.
6. Go to Halloween Horror Nights in Orlando.
7. Continue being active / working out 6 days a week.
8. Pick up more yoga classes to teach. (I actually interviewed for a new one today!)
9. Visit Auburn.
10. Attend one Cinema Under the Stars event.

Balance.

:: Balance ::
#wtfsept Lululemon Photo Challenge // Day 02

Last Yoga Class in Colorado [Teaching]

My last class teaching at Qi Edgewater was a wonderful way to end my yoga instruction in Denver. 20 students and every one of them really put their all into PRACTICING PATIENCE with me this evening!!


Really though, "end" is not the correct word to use on this yoga path, because I have learned SO much over the past year in my yoga education at Qi. This knowledge is invaluable; I will continue to study and deepen my own practice in order to share my knowledge with my students in Florida!!

I hope to deepen my understanding of the body -
1. The opposing muscles working in each pose...
2. The relationship the body systems (digestive, nervous, etc.) have with asana...
3. The benefits of every asana I teach...
And so much more :)

I will never stop learning, for this is how I am growing and teaching others to grow!

There is always a chance I could sub a class in the next week or so before I go... So bittersweet!
Have a great evening everyone!

Home

Just returned from a Costa Rica yoga retreat... 

 

I am further inspired to be a student and teacher of yoga with an open, softer heart... 

It wasn't just the asana practice, it was the experience, the diving into the soul...

More photos and stories to follow.

Namaste. ♥

Monday, Monday

DIY Pinterest Love, by Me.

It has been a pretty crazy past 10 days or so... but things are finally seeming to come together again. I really do not like to use the word "normal" as in "coming back to normal" because what is "normal" anyway ?!

We have a lot going on this week... Some of which I need to just hush about for the moment!!

I am super psyched for the Bryan Kest master class workshop tomorrow at Qi. He is the king of power yoga, and we are going to be working with him from 6-9 tomorrow eve... Yay!!

I taught this weekend - Saturday and Sunday and teach again this coming Thursday :) I am still a new teacher, but I am learning so much from my students' bodies - their movement and from my teaching strategies - their movement in relation to my cues. The wonderful thing about being a teacher is that you are always a student of the practice and you are always learning every moment. Truly... Chataranga Dandasana and plank have become increasingly NEW to me these past few weeks after a few adjustments here and there.

Hmm... Maybe there is a theme there: Finding something new in the ordinary.

Have a great week!
Robyn

Happy Weekend!

Here is some lovely things I have seen this week that make me smile!

1. (20) Things to Start Doing in Your Relationships (We are always improving, right?)
2. Gorgeous Imagery of Costa Rica and the use of the word "JOY-SEEK"
3. Paint Hangers in your Living Space... A Rotating Art Gallery perhaps ?!
4. Fenny Ganatra's Bounce Chair is Pure Fun.
5. Pinchamayurasana forearm balance ... Really just dabbling in the beginnings of this pose... I have tight shoulders and this pose really opens them up! Check out this article about falling down and getting back up :)


Above photograph from here.

Weekend in Review

Here is a quick over view of the weekend .... I am pretty tired, so it is going to be quick! :) I got my book club book from the library today... History of Love by Nicole Krauss. I am about to start it tonight! Yay!!

Friday Night...
We attended the first ever Winter concert at Red Rocks ... the best outdoor music space on the planet :) The Icelandic concert featured intellectual rap - Common and Atmosphere!! Cold times, but FUN times!! ...with Crystal, Bonnie, Steph, Orench, and Sarah :)

Saturday Morning...
Gymnastics class at Qi. All upper body strengthening.

Saturday Afternoon...
Pho with Justin, Catrina, and Rokha and then a bit of fro yo with C & J in Arvada :) Great time catching up!!

Saturday Evening...
I relaxed at home and I DD'ed J so he could compete in the Colorado Beer Olympics downtown...

Sunday Morning...
Attended the Winter Yoga Teacher training morning session to support the new trainees and get a bit of a refresh:)
Went to Yoga Sculpt with 74 other people... Kicked my bootay as usual ... But what gives, we have one body, and who else is going to keep it strong and powerful ?! :)

Sunday Afternoon...
Showered up and went to the shooting range... Yes, I said shooting range... With J, Natalie, Chad, Christen, Joel, and Nick.. We were there forever waiting but it was worth it! I can only describe it as quite "shocking" ;)

Sunday Evening...
J treated me to Thai at Swing Thai... Yellow Curry Noodles with Brown Rice and Great Conversation ? Yes, please!!

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend :)
XO
Robyn

My Mantra, My Words

After teaching class this afternoon, I thought more and more about the previous quote in yesterday's post... I came up with something I can relate to even more so in my own words... stemming from what my life is showing me right now...

Create SIMPLICITY in your life.
Know what to let go of and what to hold tight to.
You can only spread yourself so thin; quality is so much more important than quantity. Learning how to "say no" can be both POWERFUL and UPLIFTING. :) -R. May


I am bringing this mantra into my life, my yoga teaching, my yoga practice... it's coming up all over the place !!!

Yoga Laughs

So, I was in great need of some giggles today, and this YouTube video has me cracking up... If you practice or teach yoga, hopefully you find it funny, too! It is not meant to poke fun or make fun of anybody...it is a merely here for general giggles :)




Namaste,
Robyn

Weekend Recap

Friday Night
Secret Yogi party at mi casa with 9 fellow yoga friends / teachers. I made my brownie pops, we exchanged gifts over yummy food, fine, and lovely conversation... We partied till midnight :) Fun times with really wonderful people.


Saturday Morning
Gymnastics at Qi with the husband and friends... I am becoming more and more comfortable in this class. Still sore, but I love it!!


Saturday Lunch
Pho with Justin and Rokha at our favorite pho place in Denver. It's a Saturday tradition pho sho...


Saturday Afternoon
Free for all... Chilled out after a crazy week!!


Saturday Night
We went to Ashley's (yogi friend) birthday party... Rock Theme... I was channelling my inner Blondie, sans blonde hair! We danced, I drank a total of one half of beer, and we practiced yoga... Good times :)


Sunday
Worked a bit. Blah... It's nice to be back home now hanging out with my boys before the short work week begins!! 


Hope you had an Amazing weekend,
R

Asana Sunday: Anjaneyasana

English: Low Lunge / Crescent Moon

Sanskrit: Anjaneyasana

The name of this posed is derived from Hanuman, mother of Anajane, so at first he was called "Anjaneya". The pose is called "Cresent Moom" because of the shape of the body when in the asana. There are different expressions of this pose.

The entire body is utilized in this pose - especially the front of the spine. This is a great pose for students to practice prior to building a sequence into crescent lunge - because you learn/teach the alignment first while your back leg "rests" on the floor. I have also practiced this pose with the back toes tucked under in order to stretch the foot and further engage the back leg.


Benefits of Anjaneyasana
1. ...opens the heart, stretches the front line of the body, and possibly increases circulation.
2. ...increases flexibility in the front body.

Happy December!

Happy December!! November flew by, but let's be present shall we ?! 31 days left to go in 2011. So, what are your plans for month 12?

I wish to...

1. Have more Early Morning Dance Parties. This is when we blast 80s music throughout our house when we are getting ready for work and we dance around... It definitely takes the "Manic" out of my Mondays!!

2. Find our Christmas Tree and decorate it with biodegradable, DIY craft projects!! Stay tuned :)

3. Take Anusara yoga classes in Denver... I have only scratched the surface, just barely, but I would like to learn more :)

4. Go snowshoeing before year's end. 

5. Journal not just before but also AFTER all yoga classes I teach.

6. Enjoy every moment that is left of 2011. Live the life I love.

XX

Robyn

Asana Sunday: Adho Mukha Svanasana

I taught my eighth internship class this evening - 17 students in attendance!! It was a lot of fun, and I received great feedback from fellow teachers. I have never had teachers attend my class, but was lucky enough to have three this evening :)
Some of the feedback I received to saying what the pose is as opposed to just describing it to students. Saying the asana will give them a better idea of where to go if they are not watching me or cannot see me.  Because of this feedback, I have chosen to write about a different pose every Sunday in order to better learn the names of the asanas - I would like to ingrain them into my brain!
My husband gave me this idea, but I will also be speaking to a single pose and also describing the background or story behind the pose - why the pose is called what it is called.
Hopefully this weekly post will aid in enriching my teaching as well as my students' understanding of the postures.
The first pose I have chosen to speak about is in my mind the most widely known, the most fundamental yoga asana.

via

English: Downward-Facing Dog

Sanskrit: Adho Mukha Svanasana

Adho = Downward

Mukha = Face

Svana = Dog

Primary Muscles used: Trapezius, Latissimus Dorsi, Triceps, Gluts, Hamstrings

Secondary Muscles used: Rhomboids, Rotator Cuff, Anterior and Medial Deltoids, Posterior Deltoids, Extensors, Serratus Anterior, Soleus, Gastrocnemius

From Yoga Journal, here are the Benefits of Adho Mukha Svanasana...

1. Calms the brain & helps relieve stress & mild depression.

2. Energizes the body

3. Stretches the shoulders, hamstrings, calves, arches, and hands

4. Strengthens the arms and the legs

5. Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause.

6. Relieves menstrual discomfort when done with head supported.

7. Helps prevent osteoporosis

8. Improves digestion

9. Relieves headache, insomnia, back pain, & fatigue

10. Therapeutic for high blood pressure, asthma, flat feet, sciatica, sinusitis.

There are more reasons than ever to practice this pose; thankfully it is a part of most if not all yoga practices!!

I am still searching for the story or the reason behind this pose... Some sites discuss the body becoming a ray of light - when in Down Dog drawing the focus from the pelvis to the throat. I'll see what else I can find.