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Newnan, Georgia, United States
I am a yoga student continuously studying, taking workshops and practice, practice, practice.
Currently enrolled in a 230hr Yoga Teacher Training. I hope to share that with you here.
Born & raised in the south along the banks of the Mississippi in Louisiana. Married in 2003 and transplanted to Georgia.
A southern Yogini at heart.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Pitta...all the way

So training this weekend was interesting! Filled with so much information and a little asana. The training is winding down. One more weekend of Asana and learning. Then our final weekend with our exam and one on one's with Steph!

So the weekend ended with Vishnu Das- a lecture and exercise on Ayurveda. I was SO inspired!
When we did out little worksheet and discussed our Constitutions...it was almost comical for me personally. I have an Ayurveda book (strange enough it is the one by Vishnu Das Teacher! I got it last year thinking I would take a course and the book was required reading...but I never followed through...but it entered back into my life...INTERESTING) and I haven't read it yet!
But I've done a few of the Ayurveda tests in the past. So I grouped up with a fellow trainee and we helped each other verify our own opinions.
Get this
4 Vata
30 Pitta
3 Kapha

I am like full-blooded Pitta...and Vishnu agreed. (Well he actually said that: and after he looked at my hands) It is comical...because for my constitution I do everything Opposite that I should do and "over stoke" my pitta/fire.
I have some reading ahead...I just feel it :)

If you are Pitta Dosha predominant, you are very intelligent, logical and perceptive, although very critical too. You are also prone to fiery emotions such as irritability and anger and have no problem expressing them. You can be very convincing and articulate. You possess a strong will and are dignified, yet you also experience righteous indignation easily. You make a good leader and are helpful and kind to your friends and followers, but you can be cruel and unforgiving to your enemies.

With a Pitta predominant constitution, you tend to be bold and adventurous, inventive and ingenious. You are not very sentimental, have good discrimination and also a good memory. You enjoy power and would like to spread your name and fame around the world. Try to remain calm, especially in the summer, and cultivate felings of peace and compassion. Meditation is a must for you.

When aggravated, Pitta Dosha can cause an aggressive, controlling and destructive behavior, along with feelings of hatred, jealousy and vindictiveness. Pitta type of disorders include hyperacidity, ulcers, skin eruptions, colitis, Chron's disease, chronic fatigue, liver problems and many inflammatory conditions. Pitta governs digestion, assimilation, absorption, body temperature and metabolism.

So Friday I made it to the Jivamukti class with Stephanie Johnson at AYC. She has a really nuturing tone to her class. She was tough yet kind. The class also kicked my butt :)

Friday evening I headed to training; we had the lovely Shala. She was wonderful (as always) and we did a flow class focused on shoulders and wrists. Followed by our group relaxations we had to lead. Then final meditation.

Saturday was Anusara with Joe Taft. His class was focused on Psoas...if you've read my blog you know I have sciatica caused by my piriformis on my left side. (I've had an x-ray to rule out spinal issues and soon after saw Gina Minyard who helped me understand my issue)

The class was wonderful and I highly recommend practicing with Joe if you are interested in Anusara!!

Saturday we also had Dr. Biddle. He was interesting (to say the least) and had treated many "recovering Vegans and vegetarians" I will leave it at that. He was very funny, and direct and interesting to listen to!!

Sunday started with Marion...our last anatomy class. She is so wonderful at explaining anatomy. Seriously for anyone who hasn't taken an anatomy class this stuff is like an unfamiliar language.
However, Marion helps break it down for the "lay" people!!!

After lunch we haad Vishnu Das. Whom I mentioned at the beginning. Serioulsy, just take a moment and take the quiz on their site. Just look at it!

So...while heading out of class I started getting the allergy symptoms. Itchy throat, itchy eyes, etc...
About 20-30 min into my drive I was MISERABLE! I had a horrible reaction.
I took several benedryl. As of right now Iam still suffering. Itchy eyes, ears, nose and sore throat.

I feel like crap!

Ok...time for more benedryl, hot tea....and hopefully sleep if I can breathe!
P.S. Can't believe we only have 2 weekends left at training..... wow!
Here are some photos!


mark leading us in asana (above and below)


Ready for Chanting with Steph! (Don't I have the most beautiful amazing yoga teacher...Serioulsy!!!) And...she is an amazing singer!







Monday, March 22, 2010

A new week and a new Asana

Happy Monday!
And we are greeted with light snow in Atlanta! How odd!!
This morning headed to mysore practice. It was yummy...again. I know that typically after a good practice; the next one seems a bit "rough" but today was pretty good.
Also, the mysore community at balance seems to be growing. I think when I left the room had 6 people. That is pretty good.

My practice was sweaty (as usual...) and my body felt pliable. I think not eating after 4:00/5:00 is making a difference in my morning practice.
Still working on my "jump throughs" I will get it one day.
Lets see...getting my head closer to the floor on Prasarita Padottanasana A which means my hamstrings are waking up :)

Was able to "touch" my hands in Marichyasana D but I can't balance and bind without my teacher. But the thing is that I was able to tough on both sides. So that is showing consistent progress. The thing is that it is a tough tough twist for me...but honestly it feels pretty awesome on my spine.

Hmmm...what else about practice; Oh yes!!!! My teacher moved me onto a new asana. No more stopping at Navasana. lol
So worked Bhuja Pidasana Always fun to work on something new and challenging. Then onto backbending...which was wonderful. I love backbending. One day I will be able to come up on my own....one day.

So, this week will be busy. I finished both of my papers for training; Breathing book review and Yoga & Hinduism. My brain got so overloaded when I was doing the 2nd paper. Goodness!

Friday I head back up to Asheville. May is going to be here so quick!!
Okay, lots to do! Enjoy your Monday.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Mysore- quick post...

This morning I made it to mysore practice. Twice this week; that felt awesome!
I can see when I go to the studio more than once for mysore in one week; I seem big progress. Mainly because my teacher is hands on and there to help me into the poses she knows I need help in.
I can see changes...
Denver and I are not eating after like 6:00pm too. We noticed we've been eating sooo late. So that is making my morning practices a bit lighter as well.

Today I did bind on one side of Marichyasana D! My teacher also helped me through the entire backbending sequence; I've never done that...
And I bound on Padmasana (for about 5 seconds them my right hand slipped) but it is interesting to see the changes!
The last 2-3 practices have been nice; but I am not getting attached... Because nothing is ever linear!

Friday, March 12, 2010

Practice, Practice, Practice...

Reminder from my teacher:
It's a lot of work to travel down this path and you have to: 1) Have faith in it. Believe in it. See how others have benefited from it and keep reminding yourself that it works! 2) Choose to do the work and stay with it. Doubt in the practice and in yourself will get you no where.

Thought I would share. :) As she is always very inspiring to me.
Which is interesting because she sent me this some time last week. And on Sunday evening I attended Sangha where we talked about the 5 Hindrances in Theravada Buddhism: Sensory Desire, Ill will/Anger, Sloth and Torpor, Worry/Restlessness, Doubt.

I seem to always make it up to....Worry and doubt. Those are my 2 hindrances that I never get past. I think I have a good hold on the first 3 (although the sloth likes to appear from time to time) :)

On a different note: Friday morning I made it to the studio for Mysore practice. A few days away from the practice and I was worried. But it was a pretty good practice. I had some pretty good binds and dropbacks. Plus got my nose to my knee in the Janu's.

Saturday night we had the Partnering for Humanity Event. It went pretty well! It was a fun partner class and my partner was Rawls!


Sunday was a bit of a lazy morning. Then we headed to Sangha. It was a blissful hour long meditation and 2+ hours of dharma teachings. I really enjoy being in Bhante's presence; and being there with my husband is a great way to strengthen your connection.


This morning I was up and out the door at 5:30 for Mysore again. Even though it was a moon day. My practice was pretty good; it was definitely what I needed!


Some little accomplishments in Utthita Hasta Padangustasana; Reached my nose to my thigh in that! Plus my nose to my thigh in Paschimottanasana. So for me that is huge. I am more "back bendy" I have a sway back and those types of moves don't harbor me that much. But forward folding for me...has been difficult. The hamstrings say NO! But with consistent practice they are opening up a good bit; but it takes those 10 sun salutes in the beginning to get them going!

I was also able to touch both toes in Badha Padmasana! (Bound Lotus)

Little by little my body is opening back up to the primary series.


However, I am on this antibiotic that is making me feel so FUNKY! Dislike dislike, but it is the only that does the job :(

Other than that...life is good. Busy! I need to put the finishing touches on my 2 papers due! And Study!! Okay--happy monday!

Monday, March 8, 2010

Winding down...

Weekend 6 of training is complete; only 3 more left! I go back again this month, and then once in April and we Graduate in May. Just can't believe it!
I really need to set aside some time to study anatomy more.
I also have 2 papers to write and lots of evaluation, assisting and teaching to do.

The weekend was fun. I went up early for Jivamukti class. That class was awesome.
Discussion on one sutra we were focusing on during class; a kick-butt asana practice, good music, pranayama and meditation. Just wonderful!
Friday night for training we had to lead our groups in meditation. That was nice.
Saturday was kids yoga and then Kundalini and Bikram.
Sunday was Shala's master class that was soo well rounded and wonderful. Then some more adjustment work and sequencing games.
We closed out with some time with Stephanie and chanting.
It is sad it is getting so close to being complete. Yet wonderful all at the same time.

So many ideas floating around in my head of what I want to do...

This morning I woke up and got on my mat. It was what I needed to start the week off right!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Celebrate!

Well today has been lovely so far...31 feels good.
I woke up later than I would have liked; but the overcast made my room so comfy.
Right now it is snowing outside my home office window..and it looks cold.
When I strolled into my office on my desk I was suprised by the cutest hello kitty bag!



My husband spoiled me with new books.
I've been looking at this one for sometime.
Mindfulness in Plain English. Denver has/is reading some other books by Bhante Guaratana.
Plus this is recommended on Sarah Powers reading list. So I wanted to add it to my Dharma books collection.



Then he found this book; One Nights Shelter. It is one you can't find in stores. He located a used version on Amazon. This is by Bhante Yogavacara Rahula. He runs the Bhavana Society with Bhante Guaratana. When we go to Sangha and mediate with "our" Bhante at the Vihara he has mentioned Bhante Yogavacara Rahula. it was after he realized I practiced and studied yoga. He said that Bhante Yogavacara Rahula was a funny guy and yogi. He mentioned this book and I was so happy Denver got it for me. It is an Autobiography of how Bhante Yogavacara Rahula "finds the path of Yoga and Buddhist Meditation, escaping the jungle of a Vietnam Veteran's trauma, of drug taking and dealing, of jail in Afghanistan, of an uprooted desolate life style... One Night's Shelter is an entertaining adventure book and at the same time a straight forward introduction into the Buddha's Teachings."



As if I wasn't spoiled enough! Nicole sent me a wonderful gift!!
A copy of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali - By Edwin F. Bryant
Nicoel talked highly of Edwin F. Bryant from her teacher training with Dharma Mittra.
It is such a sweet gift and a wonderful addition to my yoga/buddhist studies.
It is also just a beautifully put together version



I am on book-over-load! I still have several to finish for Teacher Training. But lets just say I have reading material to keep me busy until 2010! And the hard part is I want to read them all NOW! :)
Oh yes and I have my very own minature Probert thanks to Nicole :)
If you need to know who Probert is in real life take a look at him here and here (the cutest face EVER) well besides Chai of course... no person or dog can out-cute this face:



Off to enjoya mexican feast my husband is cooking....

Monday, March 1, 2010

Last day as a 30yr old :)

This morning I hit my mat for mysore practice at Balance yoga. My last practice as a 30year old. Tomorrow when I get on my mat I will be one year older....which is odd because I don't feel over 23-25 years old...

Anyway, this morning was a good turn out. About 6-7 of us I think. I was able to use my new Manduka Mat. It was a birthday present and the last mat that will need to be purchased for my use. It will take a few practices to get that slick layer off the top. Luckily the yogi toes is now getting used. It has been out of comission for awhile.

Anyway, my practice was good. I was able to bing in Marich. C on both sides; which was a first. I kept my practice a little light; just stepping back rather than jumping back (for most vinyasas) saving some of my energy; and trying to build stamina.
Made it to backbending; was able to do 3 on my own and with help managed 3 drop backs. It was intense; but felt great.

So this weekend I head back to Asheville for weekend 6 of training. We actually have a training weekend twice this month! I finished my paper and I am almost done with Miracle of Mindfulness by TNH.

So I am looking forward to the weekend. I can't believe we are almost done. In May it will be complete. I am debating on driving up early on Friday to attend the Jivamukti Class at AYC. My housemate went last time and said it was a really really good class. So I think I want to try it. I don't think anyone in Georiga offers Jivamukti Classes. I have the book and DVD (christmas present) I find it interesting and alluring for some reason. Perhaps because SKP Jois was one of Sharon and David's teachers. And when we went by their studio in NYC it was just captivating. There was a mix up when we went to the studio and we missed the class we intended to take. So we opted for tea in their cafe.
PLUS I like Sharon's book a lot. Yoga and Vegetarianism.

Well...lots of work to do and need to enjoy the rest of my day!
Hope you do the same!