Yoga Folks discussion
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message 51:
by
Julie
(new)
Nov 10, 2011 06:14PM
Welcome, Michelle!
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Hello! I came to this group when I started talking to my yoga instructor after class a few days ago. I saw a book on a self and asked if she read it. She said her online book club was reading it and that peaked my interest! Earlier that day I was thinking that I need to find some good yoga books to continue my practice off the mat. So here I am.
Yoga is my release from the day. I am a social worker, doing some great things with families and children. I love them, but when I get on my mat after work I know its time to start doing things for myself for the rest of the day!
I'm excited to be part of this community!
Joanna
Mod
As you know, we are reading Living Your Yoga as a group; even if you don't have the book, you can definitely join the discussion, as most of it is about how you put these ideas into practice in your life, something you sound like you are deeply involved in.
We look forward to getting to know you better!
Namaste!
Meryl Davids Landau
I'm honored to be a part of the group. I'm a part-time yoga teacher and full-time mom with two sons under four. I've been practicing yoga for eleven years, and did my first 200-hr teacher training in 2006 with Jimmy Barkan (hot yoga.) In 2010 did teacher training at The Samarya Center. I currently teach two classes a week; continuing to teach is important to my practice as a yoga teacher, and as a mother. I love reading yoga books. (Living Your Yoga is one of my favorites) and have more on the shelf than I have time to read, but it doesn't stop me from haunting the yoga section when I'm in the bookstore. I really, really liked Ana Forrest's book that came out this year. I've been wanting to learn and practice more pranayama so I've been thinking of getting Richard Rosen's books on the subject.
And...I'm long-winded! But you already knew that if you read this far... ;)
I wax and wane in my yoga practice (on and off the mat) and am mostly on today. I love how doing something on the mat will help me address something off the mat--sometimes unexpectedly. Looking forward to sharing the journey with you.
Mod
Meryl Davids Landau
deZengo wrote: "You can't just read about it in books to understand it, you actually have to practice. We all come to a quick realization of the importance of "breath" and that working with our breath provides numerous benefits. I have used it for some intense work outs and for meditation and healing. IN short, I don't care what flavor / style / practice a person has - as long as they are doing something that attends to the MIND : BODY : SPIRITI started out with Sean Corne, Rodney Yee, Shiva Rea, and then started to find my way around my own body and individual needs."
Thank you deZengo. I appreciate the references. I am still working through various methods of Yoga, and learning which styles feel good for me.
Looking forward to being part of this group and reviving my yoga practice as well. I have recently moved, started a new job and taken on raising chickens. I'm looking forward to making some changes this year towards an even more healthful lifestyle and learning from everyone about one of my favorite things - yoga.
Karissa, welcome to Yoga Folks! We have a great group here. Have a wonderful day!
Mod
Wow, a move, a new job, and chickens! I hope yoga is helping you keep your inner peace! Welcome to the group. We look forward to talking yoga with you, Karissa!
Meryl Davids Landau
Hello everyone!My name is Helen. I'm very excited to have found this group!
I became ill in 2004 and was diagnosed with both osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as peripheral neuropathy. In 2005 I was introduced to Zen meditation by the only Buddhist I knew at that time. While meditation helped tremendously, I was so sick by August 2008 I had to quit my job and file for disability.
I was finally diagnosed with Celiac disease by genetic test in March 2009. I have both the Celiac gene and the gluten sensitive gene, so I got a double-whammy. I went gluten free, threw the meds away, and canceled the disability claim. I began yoga practice in March 2009, and was able to return to work the very next month.
I've made a lot of progress, but I'm still on that long road to recovery. Even though I started yoga in 2009, I never was consistent with my practice. This year I've found that the arthritis pain has become so great, that I had three choices: to revive my practice and make a consistent effort, get back on meds, or literally go insane from the pain. I'm so glad to report that I chose the first option. I'm almost completely pain free now. I practice three times a week, and I'm working up to daily practice.
Thanks again for reviving this group! I really need it right now. I live in North Alabama, and there is no yoga studio in this city. The closest one is 30 miles away. And as far as I can tell, I am the only person I know in my offline life that meditates or practices yoga. Hopefully that will change soon. Yoga and meditation have literally saved my life.
Hi Amy,Thank you for the warm welcome, and for your kind words! It has been one wild ride, that's for sure! I'm hoping that I can use what I've learned to help other people so that they don't have to live in pain anymore!
Mod
I'll second what Amy said. Your story is very inspirational! We look forward to hearing more about your efforts and your health progress via all our discussion threads.
Meryl Davids Landau
Hi Meryl,Thank you. I look forward to the discussions, and finding new books to read about yoga!
Helen, a warm welcome to Yoga Folks! Looking forward to getting to know you. It certainly sounds like you have been through a lot, and I am so glad you were finally properly diagnosed with Celiac and knew the proper steps to control it! Arthritis can certainly give us challenges. The road to recovery can be a long one, but it sounds like you're on the right path! Have a wonderful day! :)
Hi Julie,Thanks so much for the warm welcome! I'm looking forward to getting to know you, too. I hope you have a great week! :)
Thank you for the invitation to the group! My name is Loriann, and I'm still sorta new to yoga. I've practiced off and on over the years, but now have more time and a new focus. I'm looking forward to some wonderful discussions with what seems to be an interesting and intelligent group!
Good Morning,My name is Jen. I'm new to the practice of yoga, I've been doing it for just over a month now. I love that I am able to carry the calm and the mindfulness from the practice sessions into my often hectic daily life. I haven't done much reading about yoga yet but I do get a few newsletters and I'm looking forward to trying to incorporate more of the yoga "lifestyle" into my life. It's nice to have found a group like this where I can ask questions and share experiences.
Mod
My name is Jen. I'm new to the practice of yoga, I've been doing it for just over a month now. I love that I am able to carry the calm and the mindfulness from the practice sessions i..."
Welcome, Jen! We have several other Jens (and Jenns) in the group, so you're in great company! If you want to jump into our discussion of Learning to Breathe anytime this month, that would be great. It's a really easy entree into some yoga literature.
Meryl Davids Landau
Hello, everyone, my name is Julia and I live in Molalla, Oregon. I just started practicing yoga. I had been meaning to for years, but recently started working at home and now have the time.Looking forward to reading and discussing books!
Namaste
Julia
Mod
Meryl Davids Landau
Hi all, I'm new to the group. I've done yoga on and off for over 10 years, but never seriously. Recently I went through an extremely stressful 6 months (insane work schedule+got married!) where I was left so.burnt.out. I started searching for stress releases and ways to calm and heal my worn down body. I started meditating for the first time in September and then brought yoga back in - but in a whole new way than I had been practicing in the past on and off- at first I concentrated on more restorative yoga and I've gotten more into the breathing/meditative spiritual side of things. It's making a huge difference in my life and I hope to keep my mind and body expanding from now on! :) I started using mostly DVDs and then someone suggested Yogaglo.com, which I now use almost everyday and LOVE. And then once every two weeks or so I may go to a class to be around others. I'm looking into the meditation centers here in Brooklyn as well. It's pretty exciting that this whole new world is opening for me.
All that said, I'm really interested in reading yoga-based books! I saw that you read Yoga Bitch - I thought that I would hate it but I loved it and I tore through it in 2 days(!). I'm going to check out Learning to Breathe for December as well. I'm going to Vietnam and Thailand for my delayed honeymoon over the holidays so I'm excited to read a lot and to also get to check out some serious meditation in temples!
Jenene
Jenene wrote: "Hi all, I'm new to the group. I've done yoga on and off for over 10 years, but never seriously. Recently I went through an extremely stressful 6 months (insane work schedule+got married!) where I..."
Jenene, Welcome! It sounds like you had a very stressful 6 months, but are getting things back in order. Hopefully your honeymoon will help. Vietnam and Thailand sounds so exciting!!! I hope you have a wonderful time!
Thank you for mentioning Yogaglo. I've never heard of it before. I just went to their website, and can't believe what a large selection of classes to choose from. A great resource for those who can't or don't want to go to an actual class, but still have an instructor speak to you.
Have a great day!
Julie
Mod
I've done yoga on and off for over 10 years, but never seriously. Recently I went through an extremely stressful 6 months (insane work schedule+got married!) where I..."
Hi Jenene:
I'll second Julie's welcome! With a new marriage and a stressful job, you do have a lot on your plate. So great that it's pulling you back into yoga. FYI, there's a member Jen on this site who also has a new marriage and stressful job; you might want to check out some of her posts.
We'll be reading other books together throughout the year; hope you can join our online book club here for some of those.
Have an amazing trip to Asia--sounds fantastic!!
Meryl Davids Landau
Hello All,I want to tank Meryl for her warm invitation and beautiful soul.
I was born and bred in the Irish Republic and came over to the states when I was a teen. I am now a duel citizen settled on the Oregon Coast after coming here from San Francisco and parts of Southern California. I have a background in law enforcement (child abuse investigations, etc.) and now am an Interfaith Pastor.
Much like my spirituality and theology, I use a "meta" approach to yoga and apply various techniques to my health regiment. I suffer from chronic pain and other fun issues as result of trauma surgery and being dead for 10 minutes on the operating table, so yoga has been a nice way for me to make life more comfortable. My favourite dvds that I use are "Bed Top Yoga" and seated yoga in a chair. MY sister is a naturopathic physician and her husband is a low impact chiropractor, so they are amazing coaches for me. Alternative medicine and yoga has changed my life immensely. Being in the infamous "you don't look injured" club, I need all of the comfort I can get (wink).
It is an honour to be a part of this group. I hope to glean wisdom from others as well as share anything that I can.
Read my Goodreads profile to learn more about me, and if you have any questions at all, please ask.
Deep Peace & Namaste',
Pastor Branagain
Julie - I have been obsessed with Yogaglo since a friend sent me to the site a few months ago - I esp. love that there are meditation sessions too! Meryl - Thanks for the welcome too! I plan on reading the newest book and joining in on the discussion very soon.
Mod
I was born and bred in the Irish Republic and came over to the states when I was a teen. I am now a duel citizen set..."
Thanks for joining us! We love having people deep into a spiritual path contribute to our discussion, both in terms of all your knowledge and your daily struggles. Looking forward to getting to know you better!
Meryl Davids Landau
Hello... I. too, am new to this post. I am a senior and have been practicing yoga for about 35 years. I started seriously meditating about 8 years ago. Some of the posts sound 'stressed' about trying not to be stressed ! Wake in the morning, do several stretches right out of bed, savor a moment of thanks for the coming day and then go from there.
The best advice I can give is to 'slow down'! Enjoy your practice, be it long or short. If you have only 10 minutes, center yourself and move gently through what you can.
When you sit down to eat, or enjoy that morning cuppa, allow yourself a few moments to think about what you are ingesting and to be thankful for having it.
A little at a time will become a full blown practice... there will be blissful opportunities for compassionate meditation. Abundant time for asanas will make itself available... I promise !
Kindness ... annette
Mod
Meryl Davids Landau
Meryl... thank you for your kind welcome. 35 years sounds like a long time to me too, but it has flown by. I'm a hippie at heart. I took my first class in 1976, after the birth of my 6th child .... a simple yoga practice saved me on many trying days. Blessings, annette
Annette, thank you for that post. I agree with you completely. I have always wanted to have a meditation practice but have not made the time for it. Your advice really hit home. There are small things I can do every day, many times a day, that will improve my life. Maybe some day a regular meditation practice will work its way into my day, but until then, I will work on taking an extra minute in individual moments. :) Also, I am enjoying this book very much (mine arrived on Saturday!) I feel like just taking the time to read a chapter each day is a great way to spend a few minutes relaxing and reflecting.
Bethany... you are on your way ! I am waiting for my copy to arrive, it sounds like the book will inspire those moments of 'breath' I am looking for during this busy season...
Annette wrote: "Hello... I. too, am new to this post. I am a senior and have been practicing yoga for about 35 years. I started seriously meditating about 8 years ago. Some of the posts sound 'stressed' ab..."
Annette, welcome! What you said really resonated...I am rushed in the morning, getting ready for work, trying to make the train...etc. But I am committed to doing a morning practice. I used to try to squeeze in as much as I could, but now my morning yoga is slow and intuitive. My body seems to know what it needs, and I savor each deliberate stretch and twist and breath...waking the body with delicious sensation, not worrying "how much I get in"....and before I get out of bed, I savor a cup of white or green tea with honey, mug warm in my hands, cat on the bed at me feet...and savor this as well. There is something to be said about "slow", taking note, awareness, savoring...it is a luxury! Ilene
Hi everyone! Thanks for the group invite, Meryl! My name is Shelly. I live in Albuquerque, NM. I have been practicing yoga for about 5 years. I have 300 hours of teacher training in the Integral style. I am not currently teaching, but am developing a couple workshops that I plan to take on the road. I love learning about all styles and traditions- pretty much anything involving yoga. I generally practice a very classical style of yoga, including pranayama and meditation. I make and sell meditation malas and yoga inspired jewelry, and have a yoga related website. I'm looking forward to being part of this group and discussing what we're all reading.
Mod
I'd love if you would elaborate on the Integral style you do. Is that Integral Yoga in the Swami Sivananda mode, which is what I love and do, or another type of Integral Yoga, since I know a few different groups and approaches use that word.
Looking forward to having you join our discussions on the other threads!
Meryl Davids Landau
Hello! My name is Kristen and I found this group while looking up Yoga Bitch (which I'm reading right now). I teach high school English and I am a "part time" yoga instructor, dabbling in some Anusara alignment, moving through vinyasa poses with control, and focusing heavily on the core. Yoga makes sense to me and I try to apply the teachings, physically, mentally, and spiritually into the little things in my life. Yoga has made me a better person.Namaste!
Kristen, Welcome to Yogafolks! We just finished reading Yoga Bitch as a group a couple of months ago. I think you will enjoy it! Hopefully you will be able to join us in future book discussions. Looking forward to getting to know you!Julie
Namaste' you lovely book reading beings! My name is Christine. But you will see alohaneen as my nickname and my spiritual name is Devi. I've been studying yoga since 1999 with the help of a book: Yoga Mind And Body. I picked this book up at the local bookstore. I found meditation easily learned and the sun salutations I practiced and practiced. But it wasn't until my second son that I decided to really study yoga. In 2010, I went to the Sivananda Ashram in the Bahamas to study yoga. Where I live, there are not many places to practice yoga. So because of this, I am constantly engaged with at home yoga studies. Thanks so much for the invite to this group. I cannot wait to read with you as a group and to learn from you all.
Namaste'
Christine
Christine wrote: "Namaste' you lovely book reading beings! My name is Christine. But you will see alohaneen as my nickname and my spiritual name is Devi. I've been studying yoga since 1999 with the help of a book..."Christine, Welcome to Yogafolks! I look forward to getting to know you and discuss good books!
What a wonderful opportunity to study in the Bahamas. How long were you there? A couple of months ago we had a chance to read
Yoga Bitch: One Woman's Quest to Conquer Skepticism, Cynicism, and Cigarettes on the Path to Enlightenment by Suzanne Morrison. Suzanne had the opportunity to travel to Bali to obtain her yoga teaching certification. A book you might enjoy!
Hi Julie! I've never been in a bookclub before and this will be my first. I'm excited to try something new. Now I'm not sure if I'll be able to join in all book readings but I will certainly try to join you in most. I was at the ashram for one month. I could not stay any longer, due to my life at home. I did go back this past year for 2 weeks to study up on Thai Yoga Bodywork with the Lotus Palm School of Thai Yoga from Quebec Canada. They actually go to the ashram quite a few times to teach up on Thai Yoga. Living on an ashram is certainly an interesting life style indeed. I did get to meet many people from all over the world.
I will certainly check out the book by Suzanne Morrison. Thanks so much!
Namaste'
Christine
Christine wrote: "Hi Julie! I've never been in a bookclub before and this will be my first. I'm excited to try something new. Now I'm not sure if I'll be able to join in all book readings but I will certainly try..."Christine, this is my first bookclub also. It is a nice, relaxed atmosphere here. I was unable to join last month's book club discussion (I didn't have the book,) but I was still able to jump in and read everyone's resonses to Meryl's questions. No pressure here, come and join only when you can.
Your month-long stay at the ashram sounds lovely! I am not familiar with Thai Yoga Bodywork. I'll have to check it out!
Hi!I'm Linda and I took a beginning yoga class a couple of years ago and loved it so now I practice at home, and am trying to teach my house-mate so we can maybe take an actual class together sometime (for some reason he won't do stuff like this unless he already knows the basics) and I'm really looking forward to learning more!!
Mod
No pressure at all to read every (or any) book we read together; we also have plenty of discussions in these threads about other yoga books we love and our yoga practice, and, as Julie mentioned, when possible I try to describe enough in my prompts on the book club threads so everyone can comment, even if they haven't read the book. Right now we're still reading Learning to Breathe as a carryover from December, so there's still time to read it and jump in if you desire.
Linda, funny story about your house-mate wanting to know yoga before he takes a class. In a way I can understand, though. It can be intimidating to take a class when everyone knows what to do but you.
Looking forward to getting to know you gals better!
Namaste!
Meryl Davids Landau
Hi everybody, I've been a member of a spiritual community for over 35 years and I recently was initiated as a swami. I'm a yoga teacher at the 200 hour level, and still training for the 500 hour certification. Yes, I'm also 67 years old and overweight, but I strongly believe that yoga is for everyone, both as a health program and a spiritual practice. So I put myself out there for "Senior yoga" and/or "Plus size yoga." I just like working with people and sharing what I know, so that's one way I can do it. I have a couple of Master's degrees (psychology and communications) and I teach college classes in those subjects. For the past few years I've taught only online. This started because I was getting too deaf to run a great "live" classroom discussion, but now I really like it. Totally self-scheduled work from home....what's not to like? Also, if you do it right, online classes can be really satisfying.
I'm also an editor. If you're writing a book, think of me!
Mod
Meryl David's Landau
Julie wrote: "Christine wrote: "Hi Julie! I've never been in a bookclub before and this will be my first. I'm excited to try something new. Now I'm not sure if I'll be able to join in all book readings but I ..."Julie, Thai Yoga is AWESOME!! It me doing the yoga work for you! All you do is lay or sit and I will move you in various poses. You, at the end, will feel BLISSED out and you did not have to do a thing. :) http://www.lotuspalm.com/thai_yoga_ma... Is who I studied under! And here is an explanation! I recommend you find someone in your area that does this. Its really worth it!
Namaste'
Christine
Thanks for the warm welcome Meryl! And yeah I agree, I don't think I would have been comfortable in my first class except that it was part of a dance intensive at my ballet school and I was friends with everyone in it :) Maybe this summer we'll get adventurous! (or brave or... something) anyway, the book you're reading sounds interesting, I'll have to see if I can find it.
Mod
Please feel free to post on any thread--or to start one of your own. Looking forward to getting to know you better here.
Namaste!
Meryl Davids Landau
Yoga Folks
Books mentioned in this topic
Yoga Ph.D.: Integrating the Life of the Mind and the Wisdom of the Body (other topics)21st Century Yoga: Culture, Politics, and Practice (other topics)
Downward Dog, Upward Fog (other topics)
Downward Dog, Upward Fog (other topics)
Yoga Bitch: One Woman's Quest to Conquer Skepticism, Cynicism, and Cigarettes on the Path to Enlightenment (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Meryl Davids Landau (other topics)Suzanne Morrison (other topics)
