Sunday Morning

So we had a most excellent time at The Shakti Shop yesterday. I was going to take some pictures but then I got so into the practice and to teaching a bit throughout that I didn't take any pictures at all. We went through about 15 minutes of sun salutations, handstands, pinca, headstand and then into some standing poses in flow followed by a great foray into urdhva danurasana, dwi pada viparita dandasana, standing up from urdhva danurasana, dropping back from tadasana to urdhva danurasana and then into hip stretches, twists and forward bends. We had time for a brief shoulder stand and then a lovely savasana serenade by Wendy (who, by the way, has a voice like an angel.)

It was a really fun time. Gioconda and I were talking about it a bit at the end and I was telling her that really, so much of the advanced asanas I learned came through these kinds of practices either with John, Desiree or leading them myself. There is something really potent to me about Group Practice and there is a particular way, as a leader of one, that I lend my energy to the endeavor that is decidedly different than either workshops or classes. There is something about being in the mix in that particular way that I really enjoy and think opens a different door for everybody. I know I benefit a lot from the energy of the group and the shared focus and intention.

It was certainly the case yesterday- we had lots of people stand up from Urdhva Danurasana for the first time alone, many people try drop backs for the first time. We had first time padmasanas and even a few tears were shed. (...like I always say, its not an Ansuara Yoga workshop till some cries! Kidding. Sort of.)

But really, the emotional body does get a big workout in advanced practice. The physical work is only one aspect of what is going on. Our emotions go through a full-spectrum practice also. We go from heights of joy to depths of despair to frustration to delight through grief through self-confidence to fear, to gratitude and back to resentment and around again to relief and so on and so forth. I mean really, long timings on one leg are kind of the least of what the challenge can be in just one class or practice! Make it a 3-hour endeavor and rest assured you get to go on a ride of epic proportion.

So anyway- thanks to the folks who could make it yesterday. You all inspired me in a big way.

more tomorrow. I have work I want to do.

Here is a short clip of Wendy blessing us with her lovely voice.