I received a message from a few people over twitter asking me for advice in regards to yoga. Many of them want to start, but aren’t sure how or where to. I was asked what I feel are some good DVD’s to buy or books. I didn’t hesitate to share my opinion…do I ever?
I am not a fan of doing yoga from a DVD you buy @ Chapters, or some other fitness outlet. I realize the convenience of it. I also realize how intimidating it can be to walk into a yoga class, especially if you haven’t taken part in it before. I’ve been there! We’ve all been there at some point in our lives with something or other.
The reason I don’t recommend doing your first or even second yoga class in the comfort of your own home, by yourself…with a DVD is because of the numerous things that can go WRONG!
First, you haven’t done a yoga class before so how do you know what to do. Videos tend to move quickly through postures with little explanation as to HOW and WHY you’re doing the pose. These two things are VERY important to a registered…REAL yoga teacher AND dedicated student.
HOW: Postures come with different variations. Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced. The GREAT thing about yoga is that it allows you to move through these at any point throughout your practice on any given day. Once you’ve worked at an advance level, you may jump from advanced back to beginners depending on what you; your body and soul need on THAT specific day. Throughout each class you should be given the option and SHOWN HOW to move deeper into a posture if you feel it’s right for you at that time.
WHY: As a yoga teacher, we’re taught what each posture does for your mind; body and spirit (if you choose to be open to that part of yoga) we’re taught how to sequence the postures so we may align the mind body and soul. A sequence of yoga poses are meant to do different things. For example I would never start a class in Natarajasa (Dancers Pose) as there are a few things your body needs to do to get ready for that pose. You should be aware of your body and know what needs to be stretched and worked before moving deeper. Being aware throughout your practice will help deepen the connection to yourself as well.
Secondly, during a class the teacher will adjust you and help you (if that’s ok with you) into deeper postures. We’re trying to make sure you reap the utmost benefits from each pose. Other reasons for adjustments are for modifying the posture when we feel you may benefit from doing a slight variation. When you’re by yourself following a book/video you may end up pushing yourself too far, not far enough and could end up hurting yourself due to the fact you weren’t aware of WHAT the pose was designed to do. I also feel that when people are at home filled with distractions they may not be completely committed, aware and present to really gain what they need from yoga. Be honest, who will is going to push you to your limits? Yourself or someone dedicated to guiding you through your practice?
Thirdly, You’re missing out on a few of the BEST parts of yoga:
• Meeting the community and your yoga teacher…maybe even making a new friend.
• Feeling and being inspired by the energy a room full of yoga students gives off...
this is actually incredible and makes me smile EVERY time! Everyone should
witness this.
• Learning something new about yourself, or someone else.
• Being a part of something.
Yoga books are wonderful. They have a lot of useful information for those who have already studied the practice or at least been to a few yoga classes. DVD’s are a great way to keep up with your practice when you’re away or don’t have time to attend a class, ONCE you’re familiar with your body, yoga and the practice that’s right for you. I don’t think people realize HOW many different styles of YOGA there are. What is right for you may not be right for others even though YOU came out feeling amazing. I personally enjoy Hatha yoga, where my brother enjoys a structured Moksha yoga. Both are amazing in their own separate ways, but we as individuals, require different effects and outcomes.
Take the time to explore different styles of yoga and LEARN what they do for you and your body.
Always ask questions and above anything, relax and HAVE FUN!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Friday, September 2, 2011
Physical Adjustments-A different Kind of Communication
I went to a new yoga studio last week and the yoga teacher happened to be a girl I’ve grow up with since grade school. I knew she was a yoga teacher as well, but didn’t know she worked at this studio. I always enjoy taking classes where I know the teachers personally, especially when they’re friends of mine. One of the many reasons behind this is because of the adjustments. It’s one thing to tell a student to move into a posture, but it's a different thing to in reality place your hands on another’s body.
Personally, I LOVE adjustments, more so now that I’m a yoga teacher because I recognize the logic behind them and welcome the benefits. Some often think that adjustments are done to “correct” or “repair” your pose, where in fact they’re just meant to help you reap the full benefits of each posture. I’ll admit when I was just a student and was given an adjustment I also had thoughts of “I thought I was doing it right though...???” This is why it’s important to explain to your students WHY adjustments are done at the beginning of class, as well as asking your students if it’s OK that you adjust them if found valuable to their practice.
Please also be aware that before giving any kind of physical adjustment to your students, you need to make sure you have an intimate understanding of both the posture AND the adjustment. What works for you MAY not work for others so move forward based on the student and how THEY will profit and NOT what just felt good for you in a previous class.
Taking the classes of my mentors and fellow teachers that took the training with me is my favorite because they know me, my style and ultimately understand what I need to advance as we did spend a year together in each others close personal space. When being adjusted they can push harder, stronger and go deeper. I am aware of the adjustment and WHY they're doing it.
Having said that, why do some yoga teachers not adjust other yoga teachers?
While taking this girls class, she didn’t adjust me...I’m 100% sure I was the only one she DIDN’T adjust during the entire 90 minute class. I’ve seen this before, and to be honest I’ve also been guilty of this.
Judgement is probably the biggest reasoning behind this.
You’re worried that the other yoga teacher will think you’re adjusting them “WRONG” I had to let go of this and concentrate on my INTENTIONS. When adjusting my main concern is how you can benefit more from this pose. You may also need to change your approach too. Instead of walking up to the student and moving a limb, ask them instead while saying “have you tried it like this..” or “I’ve done this before and felt it was better for me, how do you feel?” You never know. They may try it, and realize it’s not for them and go back to their original position, OR you may have just changed their practice entirely and helped them move one step forward.
At the end of the day you need to let go of your fears, inhibitions and pride.
Believe in yourself, your accomplishments and most of all believe in your ability as a yoga teacher...you DID make it THIS far.
Personally, I LOVE adjustments, more so now that I’m a yoga teacher because I recognize the logic behind them and welcome the benefits. Some often think that adjustments are done to “correct” or “repair” your pose, where in fact they’re just meant to help you reap the full benefits of each posture. I’ll admit when I was just a student and was given an adjustment I also had thoughts of “I thought I was doing it right though...???” This is why it’s important to explain to your students WHY adjustments are done at the beginning of class, as well as asking your students if it’s OK that you adjust them if found valuable to their practice.
Please also be aware that before giving any kind of physical adjustment to your students, you need to make sure you have an intimate understanding of both the posture AND the adjustment. What works for you MAY not work for others so move forward based on the student and how THEY will profit and NOT what just felt good for you in a previous class.
Taking the classes of my mentors and fellow teachers that took the training with me is my favorite because they know me, my style and ultimately understand what I need to advance as we did spend a year together in each others close personal space. When being adjusted they can push harder, stronger and go deeper. I am aware of the adjustment and WHY they're doing it.
Having said that, why do some yoga teachers not adjust other yoga teachers?
While taking this girls class, she didn’t adjust me...I’m 100% sure I was the only one she DIDN’T adjust during the entire 90 minute class. I’ve seen this before, and to be honest I’ve also been guilty of this.
Judgement is probably the biggest reasoning behind this.
You’re worried that the other yoga teacher will think you’re adjusting them “WRONG” I had to let go of this and concentrate on my INTENTIONS. When adjusting my main concern is how you can benefit more from this pose. You may also need to change your approach too. Instead of walking up to the student and moving a limb, ask them instead while saying “have you tried it like this..” or “I’ve done this before and felt it was better for me, how do you feel?” You never know. They may try it, and realize it’s not for them and go back to their original position, OR you may have just changed their practice entirely and helped them move one step forward.
At the end of the day you need to let go of your fears, inhibitions and pride.
Believe in yourself, your accomplishments and most of all believe in your ability as a yoga teacher...you DID make it THIS far.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Yoga & Sports
When asked as a little girl what I wanted to be when I grew up, it was never “a princess”. This was simply because as per my Dad, I already was one! My answer was always “a monkey trainer” I’m not sure why...it just sounded and looked like a cool job. As I grew through the years my career ambitions changed. A teacher, a masseuse, a nurse, sports medicine, Respirologist, Physiotherapy...etc... As confusing as it was to decide, I knew one thing was clear. I wanted to work with the public, and I wanted to help and/or cure people anyway I could. I ended up working in medicine and to this day I’m satisfied and 100% content with my decision.
My other job, a Yoga teacher has been the most influential, most moving and enlightening job I’ve ever done. I get to help, inspire and work with some of the most stimulating people. As much as I’ve learned from practicing yoga, most of it came directly from teaching and my students.
I feel lucky to have made it this far and made most of my dreams come true. I am one who is always looking for a challenge though. It keeps me interested and keeps me on track. When I’m not goal setting and ultimately achieving them, I get bored and have found myself lacking desire and drive. At times I’ve felt stuck, lost and confused, and isn’t a good look for me, or anyone for that matter
Recently (with the “help” of a friend) I have come back to one of my thoughts of working with sports medicine and therapy. I have always wanted to train a team with yoga. I know the MLB, NFL and the NHL practice yoga, but was questioned when told that the NBA doesn’t. Being an Aries...I couldn’t let this person tell me they didn’t when I KNEW they did. I had to do some research and prove my point. The research wasn’t hard...one Google page later and I was RIGHT! When you look up the name Ken Katich with ESPN, you’ll see exactly what I’m talking about.
Yoga and sports are often seen in opposition. On one side you have the quiet calmness of yoga in dissimilarity to the competitiveness of sports. We say we’re going to “practice” yoga, while in sports the emphasis is positioned upon training. What we all need to focus on in the end is the attitude towards growth and attainment of the individual's goal.
Does it matter WHAT you do to get there though? We all know WHY exercise is beneficial, but why is yoga beneficial for sports?
Well if you’re into sports or play sports, you already know about these top 5 things:
• Greater strength
• Flexibility
• Concentration and/or focus
• Quicker recovery time
• And MORE energy
When working out, in general you use up a lot of energy. When practicing yoga you actually build up energy internally which is referred to as Chi. This leaves you with an overall feeling of calmness, yet power. The feeling of being alive!
Doing yoga can help prevent injuries and is a great way to shorten recovery times as the deep stretches help increase oxygen flow and reduce the amount of lactic acid that builds within your muscles.
The regular practice of yoga aids in the increased ability of your lungs which in turn gives you much greater oxygen capacity. Yoga breathing also helps keep the mind and body calm and focused, which is crucial when the pressure starts to build in competitive sport.
A lot of men worry that yoga is not appropriate for them because they are not naturally flexible. However flexibility is not a prerequisite for yoga. We ALL need to preserve an even balance between stretching, relaxing, strengthening, yielding, and between the peace of our inner self and the performance of outer body.
With the right attitude towards yoga and sports training, we can understand how the human body is made of different structures, muscle formations and subtle, yet powerful energies.
When I started my job as a yoga teacher in a gym that was %80 men THAT was my mission. I wanted to open this unfamiliar door and welcome them into the possibility of being MORE than what they could imagine. My classes went from no one to at times to being FULL and having more men than woman. I’m grateful I’ve been able to share my passion and love for yoga with all of my students and ultimately watch them advance and grow over the last year.
Going back to my dream of working with sports teams I would eventually love to practice yoga with either local sports teams or professional teams. Knowing in my head the vast benefits and leading them with love knowing in my heart what works.
My other job, a Yoga teacher has been the most influential, most moving and enlightening job I’ve ever done. I get to help, inspire and work with some of the most stimulating people. As much as I’ve learned from practicing yoga, most of it came directly from teaching and my students.
I feel lucky to have made it this far and made most of my dreams come true. I am one who is always looking for a challenge though. It keeps me interested and keeps me on track. When I’m not goal setting and ultimately achieving them, I get bored and have found myself lacking desire and drive. At times I’ve felt stuck, lost and confused, and isn’t a good look for me, or anyone for that matter
Recently (with the “help” of a friend) I have come back to one of my thoughts of working with sports medicine and therapy. I have always wanted to train a team with yoga. I know the MLB, NFL and the NHL practice yoga, but was questioned when told that the NBA doesn’t. Being an Aries...I couldn’t let this person tell me they didn’t when I KNEW they did. I had to do some research and prove my point. The research wasn’t hard...one Google page later and I was RIGHT! When you look up the name Ken Katich with ESPN, you’ll see exactly what I’m talking about.
Yoga and sports are often seen in opposition. On one side you have the quiet calmness of yoga in dissimilarity to the competitiveness of sports. We say we’re going to “practice” yoga, while in sports the emphasis is positioned upon training. What we all need to focus on in the end is the attitude towards growth and attainment of the individual's goal.
Does it matter WHAT you do to get there though? We all know WHY exercise is beneficial, but why is yoga beneficial for sports?
Well if you’re into sports or play sports, you already know about these top 5 things:
• Greater strength
• Flexibility
• Concentration and/or focus
• Quicker recovery time
• And MORE energy
When working out, in general you use up a lot of energy. When practicing yoga you actually build up energy internally which is referred to as Chi. This leaves you with an overall feeling of calmness, yet power. The feeling of being alive!
Doing yoga can help prevent injuries and is a great way to shorten recovery times as the deep stretches help increase oxygen flow and reduce the amount of lactic acid that builds within your muscles.
The regular practice of yoga aids in the increased ability of your lungs which in turn gives you much greater oxygen capacity. Yoga breathing also helps keep the mind and body calm and focused, which is crucial when the pressure starts to build in competitive sport.
A lot of men worry that yoga is not appropriate for them because they are not naturally flexible. However flexibility is not a prerequisite for yoga. We ALL need to preserve an even balance between stretching, relaxing, strengthening, yielding, and between the peace of our inner self and the performance of outer body.
With the right attitude towards yoga and sports training, we can understand how the human body is made of different structures, muscle formations and subtle, yet powerful energies.
When I started my job as a yoga teacher in a gym that was %80 men THAT was my mission. I wanted to open this unfamiliar door and welcome them into the possibility of being MORE than what they could imagine. My classes went from no one to at times to being FULL and having more men than woman. I’m grateful I’ve been able to share my passion and love for yoga with all of my students and ultimately watch them advance and grow over the last year.
Going back to my dream of working with sports teams I would eventually love to practice yoga with either local sports teams or professional teams. Knowing in my head the vast benefits and leading them with love knowing in my heart what works.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
A DREAM come true JUST to be Nominated!
So...I made it into the Yoga Journal Talent search to be the NEXT Yoga Journal Model :)
THIS WOULD BE A DREAM COME TRUE...but I already feel lucky enough that I made it THIS far :)
I am asking for ALL your support and PLEASE vote for me :) it only takes a second...
http://talentsearch.yogajournal.com/view/1247
Just click on the "RATE IT" @ the bottom (under the pic) to vote 5 stars :)
Thanks SOOOOOOO much!
XoXo
Peace & Love
Devon.
I LOVE http://www.yogajournal.com/ !!
THIS WOULD BE A DREAM COME TRUE...but I already feel lucky enough that I made it THIS far :)
I am asking for ALL your support and PLEASE vote for me :) it only takes a second...
http://talentsearch.yogajournal.com/view/1247
Just click on the "RATE IT" @ the bottom (under the pic) to vote 5 stars :)
Thanks SOOOOOOO much!
XoXo
Peace & Love
Devon.
I LOVE http://www.yogajournal.com/ !!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
A Method to my Madness
Yesterday’ class was tough! It was the first class after the time change and I could tell everyone was feelin it, including myself. I needed to wake up and get energized.
At the end of my class yesterday one of my students asked if I had joined the police force because I was on everyone’s case about keeping certain parts of their bodies aligned. I didn’t take offense to this, but needed to explain WHY I do the things I do.
As I lead my class through a flow I’m walking around assisting, adjusting and ultimately helping each of them obtain the MOST from each posture. I’m constantly telling them “It’s not about the pose, it’s about getting the pose to work for you and your body” This is what my mentor told me and has really resonated in me ever since.
I explain to my students not to follow their neighbour, or try to look like their teacher, it’s about FEELING the pose and working one on one, listening to your body to know where and how to move next. Whether you’re moving forward and taking the pose a little deeper, or realizing you’re in pain and taking a step back. Ultimately finding the balance between easy, too difficult and playing within YOUR boundaries.
There are times I’ll walk around and I’ll observe my students faces. They look like they’re in more pain than they’ve ever been in, and I’ll question their motives. WHY are you doing this to yourself, and I’ll ask them what they’re getting out of it. I’ll direct them into something a little more valuable for their bodies and they get it. I GET that they WANT to challenge themselves, who doesn’t? However, when it comes to manoeuvring your body into positions you’re not ready for, this can at the end of the day end up doing more damage than good.
Adjustments are made not to “correct” you because you’re doing something wrong; as yoga teachers, we’re not trying to be on your case about keeping certain parts aligned, flexed, bent or flat...we’re merely looking out for your safety, and overall wellness.
At the end of my class yesterday one of my students asked if I had joined the police force because I was on everyone’s case about keeping certain parts of their bodies aligned. I didn’t take offense to this, but needed to explain WHY I do the things I do.
As I lead my class through a flow I’m walking around assisting, adjusting and ultimately helping each of them obtain the MOST from each posture. I’m constantly telling them “It’s not about the pose, it’s about getting the pose to work for you and your body” This is what my mentor told me and has really resonated in me ever since.
I explain to my students not to follow their neighbour, or try to look like their teacher, it’s about FEELING the pose and working one on one, listening to your body to know where and how to move next. Whether you’re moving forward and taking the pose a little deeper, or realizing you’re in pain and taking a step back. Ultimately finding the balance between easy, too difficult and playing within YOUR boundaries.
There are times I’ll walk around and I’ll observe my students faces. They look like they’re in more pain than they’ve ever been in, and I’ll question their motives. WHY are you doing this to yourself, and I’ll ask them what they’re getting out of it. I’ll direct them into something a little more valuable for their bodies and they get it. I GET that they WANT to challenge themselves, who doesn’t? However, when it comes to manoeuvring your body into positions you’re not ready for, this can at the end of the day end up doing more damage than good.
Adjustments are made not to “correct” you because you’re doing something wrong; as yoga teachers, we’re not trying to be on your case about keeping certain parts aligned, flexed, bent or flat...we’re merely looking out for your safety, and overall wellness.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Lulu♥Love!
Being A Yoga teacher I get asked a LOT what my thoughts of Lululemon are. Honestly, I LOVE it! Yes, it’s expensive, but these days you really do get what you pay for. For me, I haven’t HAD to spend lots of money for LuLulemon because what I purchase LASTS, it’s more so because I want to OWN everything in the store.
Yesterday a yoga student approached me after class and practically tore Lululemon apart RIGHT in front of me. She was saying how she didn’t like the clothes, and thought they were VERY over priced, and the quality had diminished over the years. I’m not going to lie, I kinda wanted to hurt her, but everyone is open to their own opinion and I can respect that.
I DO agree to an extent. Lululemon is on the pricy side...ok I’m lying, they’re VERY expensive. BUT, like I said, ONE pair of Lulu pants have lasted me over 3 years. You also need to take care of these particular items if you want them to last as well. I wear my yoga clothes EVERYDAY, whether it be before, during or after my practice. I have a set for EVERY day, EVERY mood and EVERY situation. Lululemon doesn’t only sell clothing for the active, but for the everyday too. Some of the clothing you might not even realize is part of the brand. They’re also known for making ANY butt look pretty perfect!
One of the things I learned about Lululemon is they support their community Yoga teachers. They have programs such as Lululemon Ambassadors, Morning Community Yoga classes at local Lulu stores, and they make an effort to get to know YOU as a person.
One of the best meetings I ever had was when a Lululemon educator came to take my class and chat with me after. She appreciated my yoga, my opinion, my life AND ME!
It’s not just the clothing I love about this particular brand, it’s what they stand for, their “manifesto”
http://www.lululemon.com/about/culture
Reading these little quotes brings a smile to my face every time. Check it out, and see if there isn’t ONE thing YOU can relate to. They promote teachers of all sorts in and around their community. They believe in being GREEN in everything they do. The BEST part, they’re CANADIAN!
Why do I love Lululemon?
They bring out the best of me, my body and HELP me achieve greatness! Thank you Lululemon!
Yesterday a yoga student approached me after class and practically tore Lululemon apart RIGHT in front of me. She was saying how she didn’t like the clothes, and thought they were VERY over priced, and the quality had diminished over the years. I’m not going to lie, I kinda wanted to hurt her, but everyone is open to their own opinion and I can respect that.
I DO agree to an extent. Lululemon is on the pricy side...ok I’m lying, they’re VERY expensive. BUT, like I said, ONE pair of Lulu pants have lasted me over 3 years. You also need to take care of these particular items if you want them to last as well. I wear my yoga clothes EVERYDAY, whether it be before, during or after my practice. I have a set for EVERY day, EVERY mood and EVERY situation. Lululemon doesn’t only sell clothing for the active, but for the everyday too. Some of the clothing you might not even realize is part of the brand. They’re also known for making ANY butt look pretty perfect!
One of the things I learned about Lululemon is they support their community Yoga teachers. They have programs such as Lululemon Ambassadors, Morning Community Yoga classes at local Lulu stores, and they make an effort to get to know YOU as a person.
One of the best meetings I ever had was when a Lululemon educator came to take my class and chat with me after. She appreciated my yoga, my opinion, my life AND ME!
It’s not just the clothing I love about this particular brand, it’s what they stand for, their “manifesto”
http://www.lululemon.com/about/culture
Reading these little quotes brings a smile to my face every time. Check it out, and see if there isn’t ONE thing YOU can relate to. They promote teachers of all sorts in and around their community. They believe in being GREEN in everything they do. The BEST part, they’re CANADIAN!
Why do I love Lululemon?
They bring out the best of me, my body and HELP me achieve greatness! Thank you Lululemon!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Yoga STUDENT Etiquette
There have been many blogs about what annoys students about yoga/yoga teachers so I've decided to address the other half.
1. Grooming while in a posture- nails, hair, picking your teeth...really!?!
2. Tapping your foot/fingers like you’re bored.
3. Trying to guess what my next posture is by already moving into it
4. TALKING
5. Chewing gum
6. Students adjusting other students
7. Arriving late for class
8. Leaving early
9. Doing your own flow
10. Heavy breathing or moaning
11. Turn your cell phone OFF
12. YOU ANSWERED YOUR CELL PHONE!?!?!
13. Leaving your socks and/or shoes on
14. Not coming prepared
15. Being disrespectful toward my beliefs, others and the practice
1. Grooming while in a posture- nails, hair, picking your teeth...really!?!
2. Tapping your foot/fingers like you’re bored.
3. Trying to guess what my next posture is by already moving into it
4. TALKING
5. Chewing gum
6. Students adjusting other students
7. Arriving late for class
8. Leaving early
9. Doing your own flow
10. Heavy breathing or moaning
11. Turn your cell phone OFF
12. YOU ANSWERED YOUR CELL PHONE!?!?!
13. Leaving your socks and/or shoes on
14. Not coming prepared
15. Being disrespectful toward my beliefs, others and the practice
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