10. You are my family, friend, or colleague and you support my mission to be a self-employed social entrepreneur.
9. You started a business on your own and want to help a start-up get off the ground.
8. You know that over 50% of start-ups fail without financial support and business education. I have the education, looking for more support...
7. You have a dream to start you own venture some day, and you want to have good karma for when you take the leap. ;)
6. You just practiced yoga and your feeling particularly appreciative, compassionate, and generous.
5. You haven't donated your 10% yet this month.
4. You want a free class in the conference room down the hall from your office. (You aren't afraid to be seen in down dog at work!)
3. You want to create local jobs, for real people in Rhode Island.
2. You know that if individuals find peace, then we can build more peace around the world. In families, communities, workplaces...
1. You believe in the power of yoga to transform lives. Period.
Join the movement.
6.29.2012
What the heck is crowdfunding anyway?
Crowdfunding =
A collective cooperation
Pooling of money
Via the Internet
For a variety of reasons... like funding a start-up
Indiegogo =
The worlds funding platform. Go fund yourself
Jaan Yoga =
Start-up that needs your support to bring yoga to the people. Join the Movement.
Learn more =
Only 15 days left.
A collective cooperation
Pooling of money
Via the Internet
For a variety of reasons... like funding a start-up
Indiegogo =
The worlds funding platform. Go fund yourself
Jaan Yoga =
Start-up that needs your support to bring yoga to the people. Join the Movement.
Learn more =
Only 15 days left.
6.12.2012
Summer Yoga Schedule
I will be teaching yoga at several locations this summer. Here is my weekly schedule of events:
Mondays 5:45pm @ Breathing Time Yoga Pawtucket
Tuesdays 7:00am @ East Side YMCA Providence (starts June 26th)
Tuesdays 9:00am @ Freedom Yoga Barrington
Tuesdays 5:30pm @ Body Kneads Yoga Cranston
Thursdays 7:00am @ East Side YMCA Providence
Additional Classes to be held:
(check back for updates)
Sunday 9:30am @ East Side YMCA Providence (June 17 & 24 only)
Sunday 4pm @ Body Kneads Yoga Cranston (July 15)
And coming up late summer and fall 2012, look for:
Workshop series at Jen McWalters Pilates Studio and an online group mentoring program with on location retreats!
Love and namaste.
Mondays 5:45pm @ Breathing Time Yoga Pawtucket
Tuesdays 7:00am @ East Side YMCA Providence (starts June 26th)
Tuesdays 9:00am @ Freedom Yoga Barrington
Tuesdays 5:30pm @ Body Kneads Yoga Cranston
Thursdays 7:00am @ East Side YMCA Providence
Additional Classes to be held:
(check back for updates)
Sunday 9:30am @ East Side YMCA Providence (June 17 & 24 only)
Sunday 4pm @ Body Kneads Yoga Cranston (July 15)
And coming up late summer and fall 2012, look for:
Workshop series at Jen McWalters Pilates Studio and an online group mentoring program with on location retreats!
Love and namaste.
6.04.2012
How I started a business
I recently started a business. You may know this... but do you really know how I did it. Correction. How I am doing it. Many people I meet are intrigued that a woman at the late age of 28 has left typical work hours and struck out on her own. So I tell them the most pertinent parts of my journey and they are hungry for more. Asking questions. Creating change in their own perception of employment. And vowing to look at a book I mentioned, or email me to chat further. Just this weekend it happened to me twice. I met two separate couples that I shared my story with. They told me they were inspired, but honestly I am the one that continues to be inspired by the support new and old friends alike have given me. So here goes it... thanks to Heidi, Dan, Cindy and Jim for the inspiration to share.
Last summer I completed my yoga teacher training. I was working full-time at Brandeis University at the time. I had no immediate plans of leaving Brandeis, but did have big dreams of starting a business when heading into my teacher training. I wanted to be sure I really enjoyed teaching yoga first, and that I could be good at it. I mean really, if I ended up being an awful yoga teacher, found it wasn't a gift that I would be blessed with, then how would I start a business around yoga. So, I packed up and left for St. Augustine, FL.
Fast forward to my return to Brandeis after completing my 200-hour Kripalu Yoga Teacher Training. My mind now brimming with ideas of what I could do as a teacher. I dove right in. Teaching once week at Brandeis in a conference room and once a week at Jen McWalter's Pilates. I wanted to make sure that I kept moving forward and didn't have a gap in my learning. Over the next few months I started attending the Power Up! business plan class at the Center for Women and Enterprise in Providence. I also found a great coach, Julia Kious Zabell. I started reading articles, blogs, researching people on Facebook, talking to yoga students and teachers... And I read the 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss. And I listened to teleseminars almost every day in the car, on being a radiant yoga teacher, on building my business, on feminine leadership, on spirituality and faith in finances... You name it, I have probably listened to something similar.
From all that I have done, here is what was absolutely necessary for me to step away from my full-time job and be my own boss. And a few things essential for the transition...
1. Money
Now let me tell you, I didn't have a lot of savings. But I had a bit, and I had a plan of action for at least the next six months. My plan included many back up plans including asking my family for support, working part-time, doing consulting projects on the side, teaching my butt off and starting to make profit with the business. I left Brandeis on January 23, 2012, so I am still in the midst of this six month plan and back up plan. And it hasn't been easy, but I am making it work so far. When you have to make it happen, we usually find a way. If you have to, sell your stuff, get public assistance, sell your car... (I haven't sold my car... yet)
2. Time
LOL. Time is a trap and a tease. It sucks you in, makes you think you have more than you do, requires way more to complete a project than you think it does, AND I did not move quickly through time when I first made the transition. I was completely drained when I was finally my own boss. Ultimately, time and transition are things that alter based on your own perspective and you need time to transition. So if you feel like time isn't on your side, or you are not supposed to be this tired after making a huge leap in your life, change your own damn mind about it. It will take more time than you think to transition, more time for each project and task at first, and more time to make money. It isn't you and you shouldn't judge yourself based on this transition or start-up phase. You just have to make it a part of your practice, to get back up and starting looking at your life as if you have all the time in the world. Because you do. When I became my own boss it took me about 3 months to realize that I don't have to be in the office for a certain time each day, I can take a nap when I need to, and most work doesn't take the same amount of time that working as an employee does. Who ever said it takes a 40 hour work week to get a sufficient amount of work done? Read more on this with Tim Ferriss.
3. Fear
I stepped away from a job because of the fear that I would never be anything bigger if I didn't leave. The fear that my ideas and creativity would perish if I didn't do it while I was young. The fear that if I waited to take risks in life, I would have kids and a house and need the security. We are conditioned to fear. And we don't have to. So my advice, do whatever you have to do to move past FEAR. Because it will shave years off your life and happiness off your experience. I started to overcome fear through the practice of yoga. But I added in huge doses of inspiration from thought leaders, support from family, friends, and people like my coach, Julia. This hasn't been a solo journey, each person along the way makes it a little bit easier.
4. Purpose
With out first finding my ultimate purpose, to transform lives through yoga, none of this would be possible. It drives me everyday... you must find this and pursue it. “It is better to strive in one’s own dharma than to succeed in the dharma of another." -Bhagavad Gita
This is just a glimpse. Have more questions? Ask me. audragrady@gmail.com
Last summer I completed my yoga teacher training. I was working full-time at Brandeis University at the time. I had no immediate plans of leaving Brandeis, but did have big dreams of starting a business when heading into my teacher training. I wanted to be sure I really enjoyed teaching yoga first, and that I could be good at it. I mean really, if I ended up being an awful yoga teacher, found it wasn't a gift that I would be blessed with, then how would I start a business around yoga. So, I packed up and left for St. Augustine, FL.
Fast forward to my return to Brandeis after completing my 200-hour Kripalu Yoga Teacher Training. My mind now brimming with ideas of what I could do as a teacher. I dove right in. Teaching once week at Brandeis in a conference room and once a week at Jen McWalter's Pilates. I wanted to make sure that I kept moving forward and didn't have a gap in my learning. Over the next few months I started attending the Power Up! business plan class at the Center for Women and Enterprise in Providence. I also found a great coach, Julia Kious Zabell. I started reading articles, blogs, researching people on Facebook, talking to yoga students and teachers... And I read the 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss. And I listened to teleseminars almost every day in the car, on being a radiant yoga teacher, on building my business, on feminine leadership, on spirituality and faith in finances... You name it, I have probably listened to something similar.
From all that I have done, here is what was absolutely necessary for me to step away from my full-time job and be my own boss. And a few things essential for the transition...
1. Money
Now let me tell you, I didn't have a lot of savings. But I had a bit, and I had a plan of action for at least the next six months. My plan included many back up plans including asking my family for support, working part-time, doing consulting projects on the side, teaching my butt off and starting to make profit with the business. I left Brandeis on January 23, 2012, so I am still in the midst of this six month plan and back up plan. And it hasn't been easy, but I am making it work so far. When you have to make it happen, we usually find a way. If you have to, sell your stuff, get public assistance, sell your car... (I haven't sold my car... yet)
2. Time
LOL. Time is a trap and a tease. It sucks you in, makes you think you have more than you do, requires way more to complete a project than you think it does, AND I did not move quickly through time when I first made the transition. I was completely drained when I was finally my own boss. Ultimately, time and transition are things that alter based on your own perspective and you need time to transition. So if you feel like time isn't on your side, or you are not supposed to be this tired after making a huge leap in your life, change your own damn mind about it. It will take more time than you think to transition, more time for each project and task at first, and more time to make money. It isn't you and you shouldn't judge yourself based on this transition or start-up phase. You just have to make it a part of your practice, to get back up and starting looking at your life as if you have all the time in the world. Because you do. When I became my own boss it took me about 3 months to realize that I don't have to be in the office for a certain time each day, I can take a nap when I need to, and most work doesn't take the same amount of time that working as an employee does. Who ever said it takes a 40 hour work week to get a sufficient amount of work done? Read more on this with Tim Ferriss.
3. Fear
I stepped away from a job because of the fear that I would never be anything bigger if I didn't leave. The fear that my ideas and creativity would perish if I didn't do it while I was young. The fear that if I waited to take risks in life, I would have kids and a house and need the security. We are conditioned to fear. And we don't have to. So my advice, do whatever you have to do to move past FEAR. Because it will shave years off your life and happiness off your experience. I started to overcome fear through the practice of yoga. But I added in huge doses of inspiration from thought leaders, support from family, friends, and people like my coach, Julia. This hasn't been a solo journey, each person along the way makes it a little bit easier.
4. Purpose
With out first finding my ultimate purpose, to transform lives through yoga, none of this would be possible. It drives me everyday... you must find this and pursue it. “It is better to strive in one’s own dharma than to succeed in the dharma of another." -Bhagavad Gita
This is just a glimpse. Have more questions? Ask me. audragrady@gmail.com
4.23.2012
Why do yoga during your work day??
This is what one of my regular students had to say about doing yoga during her regular work week. I had the great opportunity to work with her in a variety of ways, but most recently in my week day yoga class at Brandeis University.
"I was always trying to get more people to do more things with less resources at work. It is pretty chaotic. It creates an intense amount of stress... I get very tired, agitated, tense in my shoulders and lower back. I crave caffeine and sugar. I feel my self clenching my jaw all the time.
When I walk out of class on a Wednesday, I feel as good or better than how I felt Monday morning. I don't feel clenched up, more relaxed... and what ever is going to happen will happen, we will figure it out. I want more, I crave yoga during the week. I feel relaxed, centered, calm, focused - that is a very big deal for me. I notice what I don't get from doing weight training and cardio and it makes me want more yoga.
Because this in the middle of my work day, middle of my work week, it makes me feel like I can get through the rest of the week! I feel renewed. It definitely puts you back in touch with yourself. I do wonder what this would feel like if I did it everyday. I mean wow."
She also let us know that she:
sleeps better on days she does yoga
has more patience at work and with her family
stays clear, gets rid of the static in her mind
enjoys the physical stretching, twisting, and balancing
Judith has been practicing on a regular basis with Audra Grady at Brandeis University over the past 6 months.
3.29.2012
The official, official launch of Jaan Yoga!
Wow. The road of the entrepreneur is a long one. And people keep telling me I am driving fast on that road, but it seems that everything takes longer than you first expect it to. Regardless, the official launch of Jaan Yoga was sent out to 428 unique emails last week and we have our launch event coming up on April 7th. 
Whew! (Sigh of relief)
Check it out on Facebook. And send us a like at our Jaan Yoga page while your at it! We need you to be a part of the movement, help us grow!
A few lucky winners will be receiving free private yoga sessions for joining our event and our page! Maybe one will be you.
Love and namaste y'all. Stay tuned for rapid fire transformation as Jaan Yoga blossoms!
Check it out on Facebook. And send us a like at our Jaan Yoga page while your at it! We need you to be a part of the movement, help us grow!
A few lucky winners will be receiving free private yoga sessions for joining our event and our page! Maybe one will be you.
Love and namaste y'all. Stay tuned for rapid fire transformation as Jaan Yoga blossoms!
2.26.2012
class schedule | winter 2012
Wednesdays
12:30pm 60 min - Brandeis University
Abraham Shapiro Academic Center 204
and
7:30pm 75 min - Jen McWalters Pilates Studio
Hope Artiste Village, Pawtucket, RI
Thursdays
7:00 am 60 min - East Side YMCA, Providence, RI
Fridays
5:30pm 75 min - Jen McWalters Pilates Studio
Hope Artiste Village, Pawtucket, RI
Sundays
9:30am 75 min - East Side YMCA, Providence, RI
Private lessons and basics classes available upon request, in your home, mine, or a studio location.
Most classes are a moderate all-levels yoga practice with a flow of postures and emphasis on body awareness, alignment and coordination of breath and movement. Students are supported to practice at their own level finding balance between challenge and ease. Fridays at Jen's are more of a chill out hour with some restorative postures.
"Audra's yoga class relaxed the mind, while balancing and stretching the body, all in 1hr 15 minutes." -Daryl, Providence
Learn more about Kripalu Yoga at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health located in Lenox, MA
12:30pm 60 min - Brandeis University
Abraham Shapiro Academic Center 204
and
7:30pm 75 min - Jen McWalters Pilates Studio
Hope Artiste Village, Pawtucket, RI
Thursdays
7:00 am 60 min - East Side YMCA, Providence, RI
Fridays
5:30pm 75 min - Jen McWalters Pilates Studio
Hope Artiste Village, Pawtucket, RI
Sundays
9:30am 75 min - East Side YMCA, Providence, RI
Private lessons and basics classes available upon request, in your home, mine, or a studio location.
Most classes are a moderate all-levels yoga practice with a flow of postures and emphasis on body awareness, alignment and coordination of breath and movement. Students are supported to practice at their own level finding balance between challenge and ease. Fridays at Jen's are more of a chill out hour with some restorative postures.
"Audra's yoga class relaxed the mind, while balancing and stretching the body, all in 1hr 15 minutes." -Daryl, Providence
Learn more about Kripalu Yoga at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health located in Lenox, MA
1.31.2012
One week
Amazing how much can change in one week. In the past week I have...
Become a full-time business owner.
Applied to teach yoga at the YMCA.
Turned down another job to teach yoga at a gym (if you are interested, let me know).
Added new friends and acquaintances in the RI yoga community, and the Providence business community.
Finally had several home made meals within days or hours of each other.
Took long breaks, and a three day weekend because I wasn't feeling well and because I just wanted to.
Spent time dreaming about a 6-month mini retirement in the South Pacific, inspired by the 4-Hour Work Week.
Read Bossypants and almost peed my own pants (while in the Brown Bookstore... I really tried to keep it together for the sake of my studious neighbors).
Listened or participated in several telecasts and webinars to shape and grow my business.
Spent time with my two beautiful nieces who teach me how to think creatively about what to do with a 3 and 8 year old on a Thursday night.
Admired my handsome partner in crime and all of the amazing things he is doing in life.
I am sure there are more, but reflecting on a week gone by in which I felt like I didn't get much done just goes to show how much really happened. I have taken a step in faith, to live life fully and completely. Stepping into my own path has been in the works for a while, but man it is great when you finally get there. And I have only just gotten started...
Become a full-time business owner.
Applied to teach yoga at the YMCA.
Turned down another job to teach yoga at a gym (if you are interested, let me know).
Added new friends and acquaintances in the RI yoga community, and the Providence business community.
Finally had several home made meals within days or hours of each other.
Took long breaks, and a three day weekend because I wasn't feeling well and because I just wanted to.
Spent time dreaming about a 6-month mini retirement in the South Pacific, inspired by the 4-Hour Work Week.
Read Bossypants and almost peed my own pants (while in the Brown Bookstore... I really tried to keep it together for the sake of my studious neighbors).
Listened or participated in several telecasts and webinars to shape and grow my business.
Spent time with my two beautiful nieces who teach me how to think creatively about what to do with a 3 and 8 year old on a Thursday night.
Admired my handsome partner in crime and all of the amazing things he is doing in life.
I am sure there are more, but reflecting on a week gone by in which I felt like I didn't get much done just goes to show how much really happened. I have taken a step in faith, to live life fully and completely. Stepping into my own path has been in the works for a while, but man it is great when you finally get there. And I have only just gotten started...
1.03.2012
Notes from a weekend with Rolf
I am just settling in to my newly organized office space, aka my bedroom with a desk in it. After many months of dreaming, planning, organizing, I am embarking on a magnificent entrepreneurial journey inspired by yoga, supported by authors and entrepreneurs like Blake Mycoskie and Tim Ferriss, and truly infused by my practice and those that I learn from. I regularly take am yoga classes with Shannah Green at Eyes of the World. A wonderful way to maintain learning and zest for my practice. This weekend was an exquisite intensive drop-in with a leader and teacher, Rolf Gates. His ability to inspire personal transformation is something I aspire to, and his compassionate wisdom is what brought me strongly in to the new year. A few thoughts from my workshop this past weekend...
"We must cultivate and hold with a steady effort the vision we have for ourselves." -Rolf Gates and Katrina Kenison, Meditations from the Mat
Yoga is deadly simple. It brings us from misunderstanding, to understanding.
Consider seeing life beyond dualism. Am I drawing a line here in thin air? And then placing myself and others above or below it?
Live skillfully. Thoughts are actions. Take responsibility.
Release stuck energy in the body, release the mind.
Intention organizes its own fulfillment. Have faith and courage in the process as your intention manifests.
I want to lead, coach, and advise others to live a full, thriving life through yoga. To be effortless in devotion, practice, and mindfulness. Step fully into my purpose.
"Like a trapeze artist, you must be willing to let go of one ring before you catch the next one." -Rolf Gates, Faith and Flow: A Vinyasa Yoga Intensive, Kripalu Center, January 1, 2012
"We must cultivate and hold with a steady effort the vision we have for ourselves." -Rolf Gates and Katrina Kenison, Meditations from the Mat
Yoga is deadly simple. It brings us from misunderstanding, to understanding.
Consider seeing life beyond dualism. Am I drawing a line here in thin air? And then placing myself and others above or below it?
Live skillfully. Thoughts are actions. Take responsibility.
Release stuck energy in the body, release the mind.
Intention organizes its own fulfillment. Have faith and courage in the process as your intention manifests.
I want to lead, coach, and advise others to live a full, thriving life through yoga. To be effortless in devotion, practice, and mindfulness. Step fully into my purpose.
"Like a trapeze artist, you must be willing to let go of one ring before you catch the next one." -Rolf Gates, Faith and Flow: A Vinyasa Yoga Intensive, Kripalu Center, January 1, 2012
12.03.2011
8.21.2011
Yoga for MS
One of my very good friends inspired me to do a little research on yoga for MS. I found a few helpful links. I believe in yoga as a tool for anyone. It can ease your depression, anxiety, or irritability. It can calm and center your mind. It can strengthen your body and your heart. It brings peace into a tumultuous world. But I think it can also bring ease, when used strategically, to certain chronic ails. There are yoga programs for everything you can imagine... cancer, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, kids, etc. And there is also yoga for MS. Here are few places to start exploring. Namaste.
Yoga Journal Article on Yoga for MS
Eric Small's Website (yoga teacher who also has MS)
MS Chapter for Greater New England Yoga Listing
In health and happiness to those beloved people in my life that struggle with Multiple Sclerosis.
Yoga Journal Article on Yoga for MS
Eric Small's Website (yoga teacher who also has MS)
MS Chapter for Greater New England Yoga Listing
In health and happiness to those beloved people in my life that struggle with Multiple Sclerosis.
8.05.2011
Jaan Yoga is Born!
Just a few short weeks after being certified I have created Jaan Yoga Studios. Currently, I am a sole proprietor and will be offering group yoga classes at Brandeis University in Waltham, MA and Jen McWalters Studio in Pawtucket, RI. I also have availability for private yoga with individuals, couples, or families. Look for more information and updates on the new Jaan Yoga Facebook page. You will find a link on the right side of your screen. There you can check out photos from my yoga teacher training and from Jaan Yoga's first class on Great Pond in Maine.
Namaste
7.17.2011
Right on time
So much for keeping up with my blog during my five weeks at Discovery...but I have learned to not be so critical of my self during the past four weeks. Things happen all in right time. So, as I embark on my fifth and final week here in St. Augustine, I find myself reflecting on all of the wonderful things that have transpired over such a short period of time. Great yoga, wonderful friends, amazing memories, serious personal and emotional transformation, and of course, in four short days I will be a certified yoga teacher.
As a yogini I hope to share what yoga has taught me, by creating space for yoga as a tool for personal healing, transformation, and health. I want to be a guide and mentor in this process, rather than someone who simply directs others, to allow for each individuals personal exploration.
Check out my latest tagged photos on Facebook to see some of my experience here and my practice teaching!
Namaste.
As a yogini I hope to share what yoga has taught me, by creating space for yoga as a tool for personal healing, transformation, and health. I want to be a guide and mentor in this process, rather than someone who simply directs others, to allow for each individuals personal exploration.
Check out my latest tagged photos on Facebook to see some of my experience here and my practice teaching!
Namaste.
5.31.2011
Discovery Yoga
The past few months presented themselves with some drastic changes in my life. This has created a big, long pause in my blogging... in yoga speak, a long out breath. Sigh.
But, now I am back! And ready to pursue my yoga teacher training. I have decided to do my training with Deva Parnell at Discovery Yoga in St. Augustine, FL. This was after much research of styles of yoga, teacher trainings, and endless hours online. I also found a program in Bali that was really exciting, but totally unrealistic for me financially. Deva offers a program that has been perfected over many years, in a small group of students. At the end of April I went to meet Deva and take class with her. This visit confirmed it! Then I tackled other parts of my life that needed to fall together to make this happen.
I am excited to embark on this journey, beginning June 19th, 2011. Thank you to the friends and family who have supported me through this process, because it was quite a lengthy and emotionally involved process! I will keep the blog updated through my five weeks at Discovery Yoga!
But, now I am back! And ready to pursue my yoga teacher training. I have decided to do my training with Deva Parnell at Discovery Yoga in St. Augustine, FL. This was after much research of styles of yoga, teacher trainings, and endless hours online. I also found a program in Bali that was really exciting, but totally unrealistic for me financially. Deva offers a program that has been perfected over many years, in a small group of students. At the end of April I went to meet Deva and take class with her. This visit confirmed it! Then I tackled other parts of my life that needed to fall together to make this happen.
I am excited to embark on this journey, beginning June 19th, 2011. Thank you to the friends and family who have supported me through this process, because it was quite a lengthy and emotionally involved process! I will keep the blog updated through my five weeks at Discovery Yoga!
11.28.2010
The Bees Knees
Knees and yoga can be found as a conflicting topic. Recently I strained my knee, or should I say what I am guessing is the tendons and ligaments above my knee. Poses that put pressure on this area, such as low and deep lunges and simultaneous quad stretches, can create tension, but when used sensitively with correct knee alignment can create further flexibility and increase knee health. The thin line between flexibility and strain is easy to cross and that is exactly what I did about two weeks ago. In addition, after sitting for a long length of time, the ligaments and tendons under my knee cap sometimes experience shooting pain when I resume placing pressure on my leg by walking down stairs. This typically happens to me in movie theaters after sitting for over an hour and a half, then immediately having to walk down stairs. In an effort to learn more about my issues research led me to the following:
Knee Deep in Yoga
Strengthen Your Knees With Yoga
On Your Knees
Knee Deep in Yoga
Strengthen Your Knees With Yoga
On Your Knees
11.12.2010
Shoulder challenged
When you have limited range of motion in one or both shoulders, certain asanas become difficult. This is especially noticeable during binds. This week in class I spoke with Ben about my limited range of motion in my right shoulder. The muscle layers under and around my shoulder blade are extremely tight and tense. His advice for releasing this was by utilizing a long tubular exercise tool that I can roll the under arm area on releasing tension in the right side of the shoulder blade. In addition, specific deep tissue massage can be useful in addressing this type of muscle tension. Ben did emphasize that this particular muscular challenge will be a long, slow process.
During this same class time we practice ujjayi breathing technique which is a pranayama technique used during asana practice. I learned more about this technique that I have now practiced many times. Ujjayi is a diaphragmatic breath, which first fills the lower belly (activating the first and second chakras), rises to the lower rib cage (the third and fourth chakras), and finally moves into the upper chest and throat. A balancing and calming breath, it also increases internal body heat. It also increase circulation of prana in the body.
Prana, vital life in sanskrit, it enters the body through the breath and is sent to every cell in the circulatory system. Yoga and prana activate the parasympathetic nervous system in the body creating a more healthy, balanced self. Prana is also known as chi in Chinese culture.
During this same class time we practice ujjayi breathing technique which is a pranayama technique used during asana practice. I learned more about this technique that I have now practiced many times. Ujjayi is a diaphragmatic breath, which first fills the lower belly (activating the first and second chakras), rises to the lower rib cage (the third and fourth chakras), and finally moves into the upper chest and throat. A balancing and calming breath, it also increases internal body heat. It also increase circulation of prana in the body.
Prana, vital life in sanskrit, it enters the body through the breath and is sent to every cell in the circulatory system. Yoga and prana activate the parasympathetic nervous system in the body creating a more healthy, balanced self. Prana is also known as chi in Chinese culture.
10.31.2010
Anusara yoga at Underground Studios
I just got home from a wonderful morning yoga class with Andrea Fotopoulos at Underground Studios in Watertown, MA. Andrea is an anusara style teacher and this was my first foray into a wonderful practice focused on the alignment of each aspect of my physical body. Yesterday, I took my first class at Underground with Ben McLellan, the owner and hath a yoga teacher. So far both of my experiences have been grounded in a strong foundation of traditional yoga... Not just moving through asanas, but grounding it in the spiritual practice of yoga through breath work, meditation, and mantras. Recently I have started to seriously pursue research about yoga teacher training. Being in the Boston has really helped me to understand various styles of yoga and to deepen my personal practice. It is truly a privilege to
Be in an urban area with so many wonderful studios and teachers. Prior to joining Underground through an awesome Living Social deal, I was trying out Baptiste yoga... Which I also found a deal through Group On. This new found way of trying yoga has suited me well for the past few months, as yoga can get pretty pricey.
Baptiste is a specific style of Power Vinyasa Yoga. The baptiste studios in Brookline and Cambridge are usually packed with practitioners, streaming into a room so hot the steam rolls down the windows. I truly enjoyed the feeling that Baptiste left me with. Over the course of days after practicing Baptiste two days in a row, I felt truly grounded and centered. What does those words mean anyways.... Let's just say, I wasn't scattered, emotional, irritable, frustrated, or anxiety ridden. This is some of what yoga should definitely offer you following practice. My boyfriend went to Bikram yesterday while I was in Hatha.
Be in an urban area with so many wonderful studios and teachers. Prior to joining Underground through an awesome Living Social deal, I was trying out Baptiste yoga... Which I also found a deal through Group On. This new found way of trying yoga has suited me well for the past few months, as yoga can get pretty pricey.
Baptiste is a specific style of Power Vinyasa Yoga. The baptiste studios in Brookline and Cambridge are usually packed with practitioners, streaming into a room so hot the steam rolls down the windows. I truly enjoyed the feeling that Baptiste left me with. Over the course of days after practicing Baptiste two days in a row, I felt truly grounded and centered. What does those words mean anyways.... Let's just say, I wasn't scattered, emotional, irritable, frustrated, or anxiety ridden. This is some of what yoga should definitely offer you following practice. My boyfriend went to Bikram yesterday while I was in Hatha.
4.27.2007
DID THEY KNOW
A student just sent this to my email, it raises questions I myself have raised. And reminded me of my dear Rwandan friend, Claudine.
Did They Know
Did they know that there
actions would be studied
world round years later?
Were they aware that every
morning noon and night their
actions were to be taken notice
by the whole world?
That their actions would change world history?
How did they feel at that time?
How did their thoughts make them feel and what
motivated them more,
the feelings derived from being a mass killer
or what it felt like to continue?
The feelings the thoughts gave them
or the thoughts the feelings gave them?
Were they killing for the
cathartic release of insanity
or because their thoughts seemed so correct
their thoughts seemed so logical
that it felt good to kill?
What was it like to participate in the Rwandan genocide?
What was it like to look at the lists of names
and give death commands and
to receive death commands?
Was there ever a moment when
just the sound of the words in the air
seemed out of place during the 100 days?
What was the pathology;
a desire of unity;
seeking the truth;
or metaphysical emancipation?
They were trying to start something or they were trying to end it.
Did they know that they had
dove fully into insanity
and they could not get out; were
they just saving their own skin;
or did they love it and were
consumed by the anger?
We need to consider this to prevent it from happening again.
Can you hear me now?
Did They Know
Did they know that there
actions would be studied
world round years later?
Were they aware that every
morning noon and night their
actions were to be taken notice
by the whole world?
That their actions would change world history?
How did they feel at that time?
How did their thoughts make them feel and what
motivated them more,
the feelings derived from being a mass killer
or what it felt like to continue?
The feelings the thoughts gave them
or the thoughts the feelings gave them?
Were they killing for the
cathartic release of insanity
or because their thoughts seemed so correct
their thoughts seemed so logical
that it felt good to kill?
What was it like to participate in the Rwandan genocide?
What was it like to look at the lists of names
and give death commands and
to receive death commands?
Was there ever a moment when
just the sound of the words in the air
seemed out of place during the 100 days?
What was the pathology;
a desire of unity;
seeking the truth;
or metaphysical emancipation?
They were trying to start something or they were trying to end it.
Did they know that they had
dove fully into insanity
and they could not get out; were
they just saving their own skin;
or did they love it and were
consumed by the anger?
We need to consider this to prevent it from happening again.
Can you hear me now?
4.15.2007
3.08.2007
A little wisdom
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate; our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you NOT to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people will not feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us, it is in everyone and as we let our own light shine we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
Nelson Mandela, 1994
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