Inspiring Transformations

Building Connections and Wellness

Yoga Story.  Yoga Journey.  Yoga Odyessy. This training was not what I imagined it to be.  It was much more intense.  Much more personal.  Much more demanding.  And much more rewarding than I ever could have imagined.  

Doing the training on-line I was concerned that I would miss out on the personal connections and actually had planned on going to Oahu for the 3rd Module in December.  However, Covid disrupted those plans and I was unable to travel from Oregon.  As it turns out I am glad that I did not go to a tropical paradise with wonderful people.  Why? By the end of the first module we had a “cohort” of the on-line students.  We would often have separate group study sessions and have a chance to chat and get to know one another from a distance.  We shared similar struggles of being at home and having all the distractions and through that found common ground.  We became the cheerleaders for each other in teaching clinic and would always volunteer for one another as a “student”.  I feel like a have made real friends – especially in Jaclyn and Momma Bess.  We still talk/text to one another nearly daily.  I think it is the “brothers in arms” type of situation.  We went through this shared experience together that no one else can really understand.  I am grateful.

I also did not know much about the spiritual side of Yoga.  Other than that the Vedas were aligned as a non-duality teaching the same as what I have chosen as my spiritual path.  (A Course in Miracles).  It was fun to listen to Mark’s lectures (no, really.  It was fun.) and see the similarities in the “Gita” and what I study on a daily basis.  There is no world.  Only God is real.  Your real Self is not a body born only to die. Your purpose is to transcend what you see, think and feel.  Meditation and mindfulness is a way to God.  Not the only way – as there are many paths.  He makes it rather easy for us if we pay attention.  That is the hard part.  I see those connections now and how the concentration and mental focus of the asanas can be helpful in mind training.  That is helpful to me as I look at how I can connect with students and other instructors.  Same meaning.  Perhaps different language.  I am grateful for Mark, and his sense of humor and dedication to weave the larger philosophy into the trainings.  

I am eager to move forward and frightened at the same time.  How will I be successful?  Will people think less of me because of my mistakes? What if I never get the timing right?  What if I never get right and left sorted out?  At these times I think of Krishna and his advice to Arjuna.  (paraphrasing mine) “they are just bodies.  Get over yourself.  It is not even really You. Be above the battleground and release all judgement of yourself and others.  Have fun.  You are safe at home in God dreaming of exile”.

I am already thinking of how I can add to my training.  Pretty sure I am a Yin sort of gal.  Vinyasa exploits my clumsiness and difficulty following directions.  I also want to work with seniors and find ways to help people stay mobile and strong as they age.  One step at a time.

Below are a few notes I made during our training.  Keep what is helpful to you and release what does not serve you.

• The Truth is simple.  The ego just convinces you it is complicated.

• Arjuna was being a Noodlehead.

• Rabbit Pose: Hossenfefferasana

• Janisurasana with paschimacchiato

• Put your chin on your forehead

• You can teach it round or you can teach it flat.  It just depends on how far your students are willing to sail that day

• Teaching clinic is a crucible.  In it we burn away all superfluous words until we are left with a pure product: Asana Essentials

• If you really want to get to know someone; use the Vulcan mind meld

• Remain ever-vigilant for professional butt-winkers

• You may feel this in your elbows.  You’ll get over it

• Flex your feet and engage your seat!

• “Mommy – the dog ate a spoon!”

#YOGASTORY

TRACI DARROW

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