The following is an email I wrote in Jan's absence to our class recapping the week and highlighting homework.
Hello Tribe! Claire here with a recap/homework for the week ahead –
Today we talked about Part One of Dr. Dean Ornish's Program for Reversing Heart Disease. After sharing excerpts and thoughts about the book it seems that we all took away the concept that isolation creates dis-ease and connection and intimacy create healing. If you haven't already completed reading part one of the book, it is recommended that you do so :)
Dean pointed out a wise nugget he picked up somewhere on the difference between Illness and wellness (which was also in our reading, Dr. Ornish talks about the dangers of I versus we).If we had an interest in reading more on mind/body connection, Jason recommended a book called Molecules of Emotion by Candace Pert. This book further illustrates how connections influence well being.
We reviewed the five types of adjustments:
1. Presence
2. Verbal cues
3. Press points
4. Physical manipulation
5. Modeling (as the least often used method)
To emphasize presence, we went through several exercises to help us increase our understanding and experience of empathy. Michelle emphatically stressed how important she has found empathy to be as a teacher; to have students feel like the teacher is WITH them and not above them.
The first exercise we did was with a single partner. We sat together and spent ten minutes looking into each other's eyes. This experience revealed different things for each person (some vulnerability, others laughter) but overall we took away a sense of connection and love that we can have for another if we just take the time to see another person/that "hate" is very difficult to experience when we realize that another person is so very much like us...
Two links here to share. One is "Touching Strangers" by Richard Rinaldi (click link for YouTube video).
The other is by Marina Abramovic´ e Ulay – MOMA 2010. (Watch this one, it is amazing.)
Next we formed groups of three and took turns being the observer watching two students. Two in the group would practice Sun Salutations A/B while the third person as the teacher simply watched. After four minutes, the teacher would share what they observed and the students would confirm or clarify what the teacher observed about their practice (if the teacher's observations were accurate or not). Most found they were.
Jason stressed to us here that it is important for us to keep practicing our teaching of the short form Ashtanga and the Vinyasa variations so that we don't have to spend any time thinking about logistics and can focus more on our students/helping them when we spot areas that we can assist.
Our next exercise we found ourselves with one partner. We sat back to back and observed each other's breathing. After several minutes of silent observation, one partner would turn around to face the other partner's back, place their hands on that person's back and simply feel their breath. After another minute or so the partner, having laid their hands on the other partner's back, would begin to massage the seated partner. We each took turns being the recipient and the giver of massage, allowing intuition and trust guide us. Again, this exercise taught us the power of touch, connection and kinship.
We then discussed that there are two qualities that ensure growth as a yoga teacher:
1. Empathy (as previously discussed)
2. Grit (sticking with it)
We proceeded to practice both of these qualities with our final group exercise for the day. In groups of three we practiced creating sacred space, introducing ujjayi pranayama, guiding/reminding/letting flow on their own Sun Salutation A/B Vinyasa variations (using verbal cues/hands in empathic way to relate to the student). The final challenge was integrating benefits - if possible! Each person in the group of three had the chance to be a teacher while the other two participated as students; we each were able to receive and give constructive feedback.
Finally we were given a few quick press point ideas/options for physical manipulation:
*cupping/pressing opposite shoulders in utkatasana twist
*squaring hips/pressing through heel/pressing bent knee further forward/lifting arms up or back to increase chest expansion in virabhadrasana 1.
HOMEWORK:
- Continue Daily Disciplines (Yoga Meal, Yoga Practice, Meditation, Gratitude).
- Read introduction to Light on Yoga/ be prepared to share 2-3 thoughts/insights on reading/have a question for the group. (Can do study guide questions too.)
- Attend 1+ Hot Vinyasa class at a Lifetime
* Practice teaching at least 3 times. Continue to practice creating sacred space, establishing ujjayi pranayama breath, introduce bandhas, vinayasa variations A/B and incorporate adjustments into teaching practice.
- Journal about moments of empathy and connection. What results does it create?
Special Assignment!! If your schedule allows attend one or all of the following short form Ashtanga classes taught by ouramazing classmates:
*Dean will be teaching at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10 at Eden Prairie Athletic Club on Prairie Center Drive (be there or be square).
*Mary is subbing for Jan at Highland this Thursday, December 12 at 12:00/noon.
*Kara is leading the 6:00 a.m. class here at Highland this Friday, December 13. (REPLY ALL/CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG ABOUT THIS ONE!)
So many opportunities to grow in our practice and support one another. Make a great week!
Love,
Claire
**Oh and one more video link! I saw this yesterday after finishing my reading and thought it was worth sharing. I hope that cases of cancer do go down within our lifetime as more and more people learn about healthier ways of living, but while cancer remains I hope that we can provide hope and light to those who otherwise feel downtrodden... I thought this video/experience was great as it allowed these people to alleviate their suffering/forget the circumstance that otherwise is a crushing weight on each of them every day. Maybe we can do this for people too? Perhaps not with makeup and fancy hairdo's, but hey why not try with yoga?
"20 cancer patients participated in a unique makeover experience. They were invited to a studio. Their hair and makeup were completely redone. During the transformation, they were asked to keep their eyes shut. A photographer then immortalized the moment they opened their eyes. This discovery allowed them to forget their illness, IF ONLY FOR A SECOND. "
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