http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/ Kula Yoga / Newport Yoga Forum » Recent Posts en-US Thu, 29 Jul 2010 20:09:10 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/search.php http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/topic.php?id=5#post-30 Thu, 24 Dec 2009 15:17:39 +0000 chris 30@http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/ <p>As Troy mentioned it was definitely a challenge to get classes in when you're teaching a lot of them. Even for the teachers it was likely a little more than we're used to but I found that the physical challenge was easier to get through than the "scheduling" challenge I faced daily. With the increase in personal practice I noticed that I crave practice more than ever and if I miss even a day or two (which happens) I really notice the feeling in my body but probably more pronounced is the feeling in my head (agitated, scattered). I set little challenges for myself regularly but theres no big board with "happy face" stamps to keep me on track, even though it seems trivial I, like the rest of you, enjoyed seeing the "happy faces" add up towards the end of the challenge. I look forward to the challenges in 2010 </p> http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/topic.php?id=5#post-29 Sun, 20 Dec 2009 08:04:41 +0000 karen 29@http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/ <p>Rachael - I'm curious if doing the challenge during exams helped your studying or performance during the exams? I know Carolyn came to yoga a few hours before a genetics exams, and I was a bit worried that she's be yoga-blissed instead of exam-focused!</p> <p>Naomi - that's interesting about your sleep patterns changing - has it kept up? Finding a useful tool to take your mind off a stressful situation when it's very much in-the-present (like a bumpy plane ride) - that's a great testimonial for sensory withdrawl and concentration :)</p> <p>Troy - You mention that yoga has helped you focus - that's great to hear because what this practice is all about. Hatha yoga is a physically based-system, which means there are benefits to the body, but that's secondary to honing our mind. </p> <p>There a many steps in the Hatha yoga system. Pratyahara (withdrawl of the senses) is the turning point between external focus and internal focus - something that we build practice during breath-work and the postures. There's more to it than quietly ignorning the person next to you in class - it's turning our focus away from the bombardment of thoughts that are considered external to your true Self. The next stage, Dhyana, is the practice of concentration. The ability to focus, instead of being at the mercy of our sometimes-chaotic minds, is a huge benefit is our daily lives. So.... it's all part of the journey!</p> <p>Sean - I'm so impressed that you got through the challenge with the commute from Vancouver. It's a really good thing that we decided early on to count back-to-backs. Not only because they allowed people to complete the challenge, but also for the experience of doing two classes in a row. There are systems of Hatha yoga that return to savasana through the posture practice. The ability to quickly slip into savasana, leaving whatever is happening in the past or future (e.g. another yoga class) is an interesting challenge in itself. </p> http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/topic.php?id=5#post-28 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:55:14 +0000 sean 28@http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/ <p>To train for an ultramarathon we have an expression called "doing Back-2-Backs" where we do a long run on Saturday and then another long run on Sunday. This is to teach or body's to still keep moving on tired legs. I hadn't anticipated ever using this term in yoga.</p> <p>For some reason trying to find enough time in my day/week was difficult. I completed the first challenge last summer with several classes to spare. This time around I was left scrambling towards the end, and was required to do several back-2-backs.</p> <p>Interestingly, I experienced something odd during the yoga back to backs: I was completely unable to slip into Savasana during the first class of the day, but had absolutely no problem during the second class. This occurred on every occasion that I did 2 classes in a row. It was as if my body knew my practice wasn't finished for the day. Tres strange. </p> http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/topic.php?id=5#post-27 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:45:39 +0000 Troy 27@http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/ <p>The 30 days flew by and I loved the challenge. There were definitely a few days where it was a tight fit to get the class in, but when the challenge started, I consciously moved yoga a few notches up the priority list, and haven't looked back.</p> <p>I was impressed that the instructors only counted personal classes toward their challenge, which I know was tough for them, so congratulations!</p> <p>I've noticed increased strength in most of my poses, better awareness of my positioning, and overall a huge increase in my focus, both on and off the mat.</p> <p>Looking forward to all challenges in 2010! </p> http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/topic.php?id=5#post-26 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:20:39 +0000 Naomi 26@http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/ <p>Very glad I signed up! I didn't realize until just a few days ago that I have been able to fall asleep quite quickly at night these days. I think the last time I had one of those lie-there-and-stare-at-the-ceiling nights was well over two weeks ago... unusual for me... Hmph. Also, the hamstring that has been causing me some discomfort for months, seems to have stopped doing so also within the last 10 days... Thumbs up to that!!! I was even able to completely zone out while my plane bumpily circled above Kelowna in a whiteout last night - borrowed one of the simple mantras from Sunday Yin practices and passed 20 minutes as if it were 1... very cool. Glad I could push back this work trip so I could finish my challenge days... will be back on the mat on Friday!... thanks for leading us through all of the great classes, and congrats to everyone :) </p> http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/topic.php?id=5#post-25 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:30:18 +0000 Rachael 25@http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/ <p>I did the challenge in the summer also, which more so served to test my mental and physical ability to practice that much yoga. But this 30 day challenge occured simultaneously with the last three and most intense weeks of school and my exams, so a big part of the challenge for me this time was being organized and making sure that I made time for all those classes in the midst of my exams. </p> <p>In addition to further cultivating the stamina of my mind and body, the challenge helped me to balance the activities that fill my time and ensure a steady practice of yoga in the midst of chaos. </p> http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/topic.php?id=5#post-24 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:43:15 +0000 karen 24@http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/ <p>I'm happy to say that I've recharged my personal practice. I've noticed my ability to slip into savasana quicken. I had a teacher once point out that one of the greatest gifts of yoga is to be able to quickly relax - releasing into savasana or a general meditative state within seconds. I'm not there yet... but it's a great tool to have and to hone! </p> <p>On a physical level, I feel better prepared for the Yoga 360 workshop on Thursday with Chris Chavez. I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on your own challenge! </p> http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/topic.php?id=5#post-23 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:43:01 +0000 karen 23@http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/ <p>It's day 30! A huge congratulations to everyone for all their effort through the 30 Day Challenge. Chris and I have been amazed at your commitment to your goals - and have enjoyed seeing you so frequently. Sean made a great joke in class the other day that I must feel like I'm trapped in Groundhog Day (seen the movie?)... waking up each day to the same faces, and wondering if I'm reliving the same class.</p> <p>Naw... it's always different, it's always a progression or in the least, a shift from the day before.</p> <p><strong>Tell us about your challenge!</strong> Do you feel any different, any stronger? Has your practice shifted in other ways? Subtle changes can blend quickly into the stream of "what we were" especially if we don't take the time to stop and reflect... so here's a chance to discuss where we were, and where we've come. </p> http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/topic.php?id=2#post-22 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:30:35 +0000 karen 22@http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/ <p>Sean, you did it !!! I'm not sure how much engineering got done over the last couple weeks... but I like where your priorities! </p> http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/topic.php?id=2#post-21 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:17:42 +0000 sean 21@http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/ <p>The biggest challenge thus far has been finding enough time in my schedule. Just doubled up and it wasn't first time either. Luckily Karen took it easy on us this morning. 1 day left and I still need another double. It's all good! </p> http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/topic.php?id=3#post-20 Sat, 05 Dec 2009 07:52:22 +0000 karen 20@http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/ <p>During last year's 40 day challenge my main struggle was physical - my body just wasn't used to doing that much yoga. This time around, time is definitely the struggle. Although I'm at the studio all the time often I'm teaching those classes. It's been fun diving into other instructors' classes more often. I think I'll need to double up a few days to complete though. In spite of the scheduling challenges it has been a great experience so far though - the essence of teaching comes from our own yoga practice, so the more we practice, the more we have to offer during classes we teach. </p> <p>It's amazing to see so many people trying *more* yoga to explore where it takes them. Even if we don't reach the 23 class mark, the important this is pushing our own perceived limits to our potential. 10 more days! </p> http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/topic.php?id=3#post-19 Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:18:11 +0000 Andrew Colyn 19@http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/ <p>Every day is a success and a struggle......As December is very quickly moving forward, so does the caos of this time of year!!!I will not bore you with the list that seems as long as Santa's, but man things are piling up!! That being said the urge to practice becomes stronger every single day, but my time to do so is becoming very limited. Stressing out to get my happy face :^), come on!!! But my time on the yoga mat has become very strong physically, but the strength of being present, and moving with presence, intention, and awareness has taken a new step.....Something I will take into the streets over the next month and into the new year!!! </p> http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/topic.php?id=2#post-18 Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:50:57 +0000 Naomi 18@http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/ <p>Like Chris said when we started, I'm "back with a vengeance!" :) I started out here, and used to "stalk" Andrew regularly ;) but then went M.I.A. for about a year and a half after taking a FT job downtown. Now I have my own schedule again and thought the 30 day challenge was a great opportunity to do the opposite of going cold turkey to quit something. I am looking forward to seeing the muscle tone return, and I also know the practice will be so good to help ease tightness in my hips/low back/shoulders caused by stress. Week 1 was tough (OUCH)... my body was a very reluctant passenger. Week 2 and the ball is starting to roll along again! :) ... feels so good/healthy to be doing this again, for both body and mind... </p> http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/topic.php?id=2#post-17 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:32:47 +0000 mimii 17@http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/ <p>Lately, I found myself very intense physically and emotionally. So I thought, doing Yoga could probably help and why not challenge myslef to do the 30 day yoga before the end of 2009?!<br /> In fact, I feel so greatful that I started the 30 day challenge, I have something to look forward to everyday now!<br /> While planning my yoga schedule, I distract myself from all the negative thoughts in my mind. However, my shoulder muscle seems to be more tense though, I don't know why. </p> <p>Anyways, I want to say thank you to all the instructors, espically Karen! You guys are being so friendly. It is nice to see your smiley faces while walking into the studio early in the morning :D </p> http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/topic.php?id=2#post-16 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:04:11 +0000 karen 16@http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/ <p>Hey Jen - thanks for sharing! I'm happy that you found relief in your practice last night, and how amazing that Heather's theme was so bang on to your needs at the time. The battle against the inner critic has also been an issue for me, and yoga both challenges and soothes that. The 30 day challenge is my stage to work on self-acceptance. The tiny voice may even be provoked in my practice (balancing poses are like fuel on the flame)... and I'm caught between either:</p> <p>a) rationalizing my way out of the negativity, that "it doesn't serve me" so letting it go</p> <p>b) accepting the voice, but recognizing that it is small, and just a reaction to external stimulus instead of an expression of my inner self.</p> <p>Even if its over tree pose or warrior 3, it's preparing to deal with the same stimulus / reaction in life at large. </p> <p>Thanks for your kind words about the studio and community... see you soon. </p> http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/topic.php?id=2#post-15 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:41:40 +0000 jennifergagnon 15@http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/ <p>I was inspired to participate in the challenge because I love yoga and it is better for my mind and it's connection to my body than anything else I have ever done. I find when I do yoga for 30 days in a row, lots of stuff comes up and it feels like a mind-body cleanse; detoxifying from the inside-out. I also take this 30 days and challenge myself to journal my thoughts and feelings; body and mind.<br /> Tonight I came to class in a tight ball of anger and hurt. One of my teachers (SFU) had wrote "weak" beside my name on a class list of assignments and circulated it around the class, not with the intention of hurting anyone's feelings I'm sure! It brought me straight back to my childhood where I met my self-critic for the first time! It grew into a monster throughout my adolescence and it was a yoga therapist who inspired me to practice on a regular basis, with the focus on disarming this inner critic and overcoming anxiety. Yoga has done so much for me.<br /> All that to say that I came to class tonight all balled up and the ever-amazing Heather has disarming the inner critic as the theme of our practice. She kept saying over and over, "let it go, you aren't that" and "open up to grace and something bigger." It was such a profound experience for me and I am so, so grateful for teachers like Heather who have the gift of intuition and so much grace. I have never been to a yoga studio that has more than one great teacher and we are so fortunate at Newport to have so many and the "kula" is truly beautiful. Thank-you guys for inspiring me and helping me to live in the moment and to truly "sparkle with the essence of our true inner beauty" as Andrew would say! </p> http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/topic.php?id=4#post-14 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:31:03 +0000 karen 14@http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/ <p>This forum uses gravatars to show your profile image (like my image on the left).</p> <p><strong>What Is A Gravatar?</strong></p> <p>A gravatar, or globally recognized avatar, is quite simply an 80×80 pixel avatar image that follows you around the web appearing beside your name when you comment on gravatar enabled sites.</p> <p><strong>How To I Set It Up?</strong></p> <p>Head over to the official <a href="http://en.gravatar.com/">Gravatar website</a>, sign up (it’s free), and upload a gravatar. You can associate different gravatars with different emails.</p> <p><a href="http://en.gravatar.com/site/signup/">Click here to set up your gravatar image.</a></p> <p><strong>How Do I Use It?</strong></p> <p>When you signup for your gravatar, make sure to use the same email you used when registering for this forum. Your gravatar will show up automatically!</p> <p>namaste! </p> <p>Karen </p> http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/topic.php?id=3#post-13 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:53:26 +0000 karen 13@http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/ <p>Every day of the challenge is unique - some days are harder than other to find motivation, some days we have a breakthrough that we'd like to share. What is helping or hindering your challenge today? When we reach out for support with our community our struggles become smaller and we can shine light on our success! </p> http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/topic.php?id=2#post-12 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:46:28 +0000 karen 12@http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/ <p>Andrew - you've hit on something that I didn't first see an intention for the challenge - the <em>two way exchange with the kula, our community</em>. Picture jumping into the 30 day challenge alone - it would be a completely different experience... although there would still be a lot to gain on a personal level, we have a lot to learn and to give each other in this. I hope this forum gives us another venue for exchanging support for each other through the day-to-day struggles and victories of the challenge. </p> <p>Alissa - you were the one who inspired me to reflect on being a student again - that you've learned to quiet your teacher's mind during your own practice and enjoy it for it's own qualities: being receptive to being taught, and directing that inwards. </p> http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/topic.php?id=2#post-11 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:19:49 +0000 Alissa 11@http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/ <p>For the love of Yoga and being a student of something so amazing. For the connections within our yoga community as we meet in class and communicate about how we feel throughout. Also, how great it was to participate in the last challenge. This forum is becoming another great reason. Thanks for creating this Karen. It's very interesting to read everyone's posts and to share with eachother... creating more community. Also love Savasana for the "yoga mush brain" it helps create, the bliss of being still, and so many of us sharing that stillness... which is so different from anything else in life and so peaceful as we all simply "be" together. The list could really go on and on. Thanks everyone! </p> http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/topic.php?id=2#post-10 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:06:09 +0000 Andrew Colyn 10@http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/ <p>I joined the challenge for a few reasons! The number one reason was to embrace this lovely Kula, "community" more closely. We have this awesome group of people to whom I teach and practice with quite regularly.....I joined this challenge to support and grow this Kula, its grown hugely over the past few years, and by me participating in this challenge, do I not only help grow it, but also let the community inspire me, grow me, and support me, as I seek to become a better student and teacher..........See you on the mat! ! Andrew<br /> OM</p> <p>Namah Shivāya Gurave </p> http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/topic.php?id=2#post-8 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:31:05 +0000 gtrice 8@http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/ <p>I joined the challenge to force myself to go to other classes with other instructor's because I find I am a creature of habit. I am enjoyng all of them and find I get a different workout at each class. I started yoga about 2 years ago and now I can't live without it. I would like to thank all the instructor's for their superb expertice and a special thanks to Andrew for having inspired me down a path I never thought I would go. The challange is just a personal goal that I would like to achieve for myself. I must admit that I always look forward savasna. </p> http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/topic.php?id=2#post-7 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:45:45 +0000 karen 7@http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/ <p>Sean - I agree, savasana feels extra good during a challenge, I'm enjoying it too.</p> <p>Troy, keep us posted on how you feel in your transition from the gym to yoga. What I've heard from others is that they actually feel stronger from practicing yoga than lifting weights. Personally I gave up the gym a few years ago - I found that yoga easily matched the physical benefits but had more of an impact on my overall well being. </p> http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/topic.php?id=2#post-6 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:46:53 +0000 sean 6@http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/ <p>In a word, Savasna. I crave it.</p> <p>I did the Challenge earlier this year while I was training for an ultramarathon. I believe yoga is the perfect balance for running and allowed me to continue my training injury free.</p> <p>With training season starting to ramp back up, I plan to use the Challenge again as a crosstraining tool to help build my core and keep my muscles "bendy"!</p> <p>The Challenge is the perfect thing to make sure I come to yoga, even when I don't have time or simply am not in the mood. </p> http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/topic.php?id=2#post-5 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:40:46 +0000 Troy 5@http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/ <p>The 30 Day Challenge is an experiment for me. The gym has been a regular part of my schedule for a long time and over the past couple of years I've fit in yoga when I felt like it. Not long before the challenge was announced I had started going to the gym less often and yoga more often and was noticing subtle changes in my body. So, I decided to find out what would happen with even more yoga. I'm curious to see how I feel and how my body responds during and after this challenge! </p> http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/topic.php?id=2#post-4 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:02:01 +0000 chris 4@http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/ <p>I find it difficult to fit in my own personal practice (enough of it anyway) taking this challenge holds me accountable to ensure I keep up the learning to continue to advance my teaching. In addition, I just enjoy challenging myself any chance I get, keeps both the mind and body strong. </p> http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/topic.php?id=2#post-3 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:08:37 +0000 karen 3@http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/ <p>As a teacher, I find myself "doing" yoga a lot, but not exploring my own practice as much as I'd like. The challenge is a great way for me to get back in my student-mind. In particular I'm wanting to challenge how my mind uses negative feedback to push myself. Instead, I'd like to discard the self-judgment and embrace the quiet and calm that yoga can bring! </p> http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/topic.php?id=2#post-2 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:27:16 +0000 karen 2@http://www.newportyoga.net/forum/ <p>We all have unique reasons for signing up for the challenge. We want to know what inspires you, and what goals you have for the challenge. </p> <p>Here's some possibilities to help trigger you:</p> <ul> <li>It could be for physical reasons: you are curious to see how your body responds to a consistent yoga practice.</li> <li>It could be for the allure of the unknown challenges: that in any obstacle, the act of meeting a challenge brings out and develops aspects of our character.</li> <li>It could be to give yourself a reason to take time out of your schedule for your own personal development.</li> <li>It could be that you can’t pass up any challenge… and that’s a good enough reason in itself (although there are underlying reasons to consider).</li> <li>What's your reason?</li> </ul> <p><strong>Let us about what inspired you to take on the 30 Day Challenge!</strong> </p>