Class Cover at Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre

What a way to spend a rainy Sunday morning! It was cold and wet, the buses took forever to come and I was stressed out, worrying that I might be late for my 10am class.

This is my first time to cover for another teacher. Usually it is the other way around. 

I got a call from Nicole yesterday afternoon if I could do a level 2-3 class. Hmm at first I thought I didn't really want to get out of bed before 10am on a Sunday. The fact that I have also never taught this advanced level in a leisure centre was a bit intimidating. However, my instincts got the better of me and figured this was a fabulous way to get my foot into the centre if I wanted to teach regularly. Since getting the go signal from GLL months ago, I haven't gotten any regular slots at Clissold Centre yet. The only way to start getting those much-coveted classes was to introduce myself to other group exercise leads at the other centres and get on their cover list. I got pretty lucky having been contacted by two leads this week. I had to turn down the Oasis Centre class last Wednesday because I was tired. 

Going back to the class, I made it on time. The students were already there. I had 19 students - this is the most I ever taught in one class! I wasn't expecting so many to turn up because students usually prefer their regular teachers. The reason I know this is that my OWN students always fail to attend my cover teacher's classes when I am away. I feel pretty awful when this happens because my cover made the effort to come and teach them something new. Now the trick is sometimes not to tell them if I am going away. :)

The students were very advanced considering this class is level 2-3. But I felt that most of them were more into sthiram instead of finding a balance between sthiram and sukham. There was one student, who wanted to do her own thing and didn't follow my instructions. I tried not to be distracted and not tell her off. I let her do her thing and she managed to end up following the class. But I do wonder what to do in cases like this without offending the student? Modifying a posture is different to doing an entirely new posture, however, similar they may be. 

They said they always have a dynamic class. My practice might have been a little different than what they were used to but I think it was appropriate at that time. No shoulder and head stands. I would not say it was easier than what they are used to. There must have been some mixed reactions to the class. But the most important thing is no one got injured. I thoroughly enjoyed myself too. 

Now I know how it feels - it is never easy to cover for someone and fill their shoes. Just go in there and teach what I feel is best for the students. Viniyoga.

Nicole called me after class. If I were not leaving next week, I would have covered this class for another two weeks! Who knows where that would lead?!

Yoga for Kids in MANILA!

I am really over the moon about the prospect of teaching yoga in Manila. This is such a wonderful opportunity to share my skills to the Filipino children. To think that I emailed so many schools just last week, it is such a miracle to even get a reply so soon. 
My Christmas holiday will not all be play but will involve a teeny weeny bit of work. Not to worry I will still have fun roaring like a lion or grunting like a pig!
This is the flyer Kids Ahoy made to market my classes. Gorgeous, isn't it?

What is the KHYF?

Yoga in the tradition of T Krishnamacharya

Professor T Krishnamacharya was a pioneer in the revival of the ancient teachings of yoga and in preserving their relevance for the modern world. He strongly advocated an intelligent approach to yoga, whereby yoga’s tools and techniques are adapted to respect the needs, abilities and requirements of each individual. The popularity and appeal of his students, including Indra Devi, Pattabhi Jois, BKS Iyengar and particularly, TKV Desikachar, testify to the significance of his life’s work and teachings and to his position as one of the most influential yoga master of the modern era.

TKV Desikachar, son and longest standing student of Krishnamacharya, continues to carry this tradition into the 21st century. He has been instrumental in building bridges between yoga and other healing modalities, inspiring thousands of yoga practitioners worldwide.

The following practices and principles are unique to yoga as taught in the tradition of Krishnamacharya:

* The entire range of yoga’s tools is utilized in a practical and experiential manner.
* In individual settings, personalized yoga programs are evolved for therapy or general needs.
* Group classes are taught with a specific focus that provide individual attention and care.
* Yoga Therapy utilizes an integrative approach that is complementary to other healing modalities.
* The teachers/therapists are constantly growing and learning through mentoring, personal practice and continuing education programs.

Some of the tools used in this tradition include (but are not limited to) postures (asana), breath regulation (pranayama), meditation (dhyana), dietary recommendations (ahara niyama), lifestyle suggestions (vihara niyama), chanting (mantra), visualization / affirmation (bhavana), gestures (mudra), and guided self-inquiry (svadhyaya).

www.khyf.net

New Classes in January!

A Practice Beyond Asanas


This level 2 class will go beyond postures. We will explore more challenging poses as well as other tools of yoga such as meditation, chanting, pranayama (breathing techniques) and basic philosophy. Suitable for people who have yoga experience.


Dates: 25 January - 29 March 2010
Time: 7-8pm
Cost: £70 (10 weeks)


This year we will be moving to One KX, 120 Cromer Street, London WC1H 8BS, where it is better and more accessible. 


Please register in advance!

Do we have to be a vegetarian to practise yoga?

by Jennifer Barrett

John, a longtime yoga practitioner, is a strict vegetarian who follows the ancient yogic dietary recommendations to the letter. Jane, a beginning student, likes her steak medium-rare. John feels that animal flesh is a product of violence. Jane contends that eating meat helps sustain her practice. Who's on the right track?

With the increased popularity of yoga in America (a carnivorous country by Mother India's standards), many practitioners have found themselves caught in a dietary dilemma: Can you still enjoy that chicken salad sandwich and call yourself a yogi?

Certainly the moral principle of ahimsa, or nonharming, would seem to mandate asking the question. "Most yoga schools and teachers really favor vegetarianism for this reason," says Georg Feuerstein, Ph.D., president of the Yoga Research and Education Center in Northern California. Nonmeat dietary instructions also figure in classic yoga manuals like the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Bhagavad Gita.

But as Donald Altman, author of Art of the Inner Meal (HarperSanFrancisco, 1999), explains, the issue of meat is just one aspect of a much broader yogic view of food. According to Hindu perspectives, he says, "all food possesses different properties that affect our body, awareness, and spirit." Tamasic foods like beef and pork make us slow, lazy, and dull. Rajasic foods like fish and fowl stir up aggression and ambition. That leaves sattvic foods like fruits, beans, whole grains, and vegetables, which foster balance and good health. Looking at diet this way, meat represents just part of a nutritional continuum.

For many yogis, the body (rather than the ancient texts) informs eating choices. John Schumacher, founder of Unity Woods Yoga Center near Washington, D.C., has been a lacto-ovo vegetarian for more than 25 years. "I came to vegetarianism by simply adjusting my diet according to how it seemed to affect my practice," he explains.

Donna Farhi, a yoga instructor based in New Zealand, also listened to her body for cues, but got a different message. A vegetarian as a teen, she found herself prone to dizzy spells in her 20s. When an acupuncturist suggested she try a little meat, Farhi was reluctant at first. "But I felt so much better—I let my body rather than my intellectual dogma guide me."

Sandy Blaine, a teacher in Alameda, California, shares this experience. But while the fish she eats each week improves her energy, she says that "as a serious yogi, it is somewhat of a conflict for me. I do believe all life is sacred."

Vegetarian or not, most teachers agree that the best decision comes from an honest look at your diet's affect on your body and spirit. As Blaine explains, "Part of being a yogi is becoming conscious. Making self-reflective, honest choices is the first step toward living by the yamas and the niyamas."

Behavior Rasayanas

Rasayana means "recommendation." The following Behavior Rasayanas are for all of the doshas. It is said that following these instructions will help us to avoid contradictions in the mind and therefore prevent physiological strain. They are a reminder of the simple things we can do to help ourselves, and, in turn, to help the world.

-Be honest and kind.
-Be free from anger.
-Abstain from immoderate behavior.
-Be nonviolent and calm.
-Observe cleanliness in yourself and your environment.
-Be charitable toward others.
-Observe a regular daily routine.
-Be loving and compassionate.
-Be respectful, especially to teachers and elders.
-Keep the company of the wise.
-Be modest, have good manners.
-Follow your religious beliefs, be self-disciplined.
-Keep a positive outlook.
-Devote yourself to the development of higher states of consciousness.

Yoga Studios in the Metro

It's been awhile since I visited Jane's blog and I very surprised to see the list of yoga studios (just in Manila) getting longer! Wow this means more Filipinos are getting into the healthier frame of mind, body and spirit. Six years ago, when I was looking for a yoga class to go to, there were very limited studios offering only Ashtanga and Iyengar classes. Now you can choose from Vinyasa, Power, Bikram among others; even kids' yoga classes for the tiny budding yogis! They are more accessible in terms of location, rates and levels of practice. Manila even had a Global Mala Project (similar to the Yoga Challenge I did yesterday), where they did 108 surya namaskar (sun salutations), 108 rounds of mantra and other activities such as drumming, kirtan, trance dance etc. simultaneously with LA, Tokyo, New York, Munich, San Francisco and London. Too bad I missed it!


Here is the list courtesy of Jane, Yogini from Manila.
Amezcua Wellness (QC)
Ananda Marga Yoga Center (QC)
Bikram Yoga Manila (Makati, QC)
Bliss Yoga (Makati) 
Flow Yoga (QC)
International Yoga Institute, Phils. (Makati)
Iyengar Yoga Center Manila (Makati)
Laughter-Yoga Club of the Philippines (Makati)
Pulse Yoga (Greenhills & Pasong Tamo Makati)
Ra Kendra Centre for Wholistic Wellness and Studies (Makati)
Steps Dance Studio (Makati)
Sundar Bikram Yoga (Greenhills)
Vinyasa Yoga Center (Ortigas)
YogaKids International (Muntinlupa City)
Yoga Manila (Makati, QC, Alabang)

In a few years' time, I hope to include my future yoga studio in Jane's list when we come home for good. To test the water, I will be teaching hatha yoga at the retreat I am organising in January 2010 at the Brahma Kumaris Centre for Spiritual Learning in Tagaytay. Fifteen spaces are still available. Take this opportunity to spend time with yourself and start the year with a clear mind and healthy body.

Yoga Aid Challenge Pics

Yoga Challenge - I did it!

108 sun salutations in 3 hours!!! These were led by renowned yoga teachers such as Simon Low (Yin Yang Yoga), Katy Appleton (Apple Yoga), Duncan Wong (Yogic Arts), Neil Patel (Chi Kri Yga), Jo Manuel (Special Yoga Centre) and Dylan Ayaloo (Power Yoga).

It was supposed to be only under 2 hours but for some reason it took longer than expected and even outlasted the Arsenal vs Tottenham football game (according to my husband). Anyway it was my first time to join the yoga challenge raising funds for the Special Yoga Centre. I must admit I have never been to the centre but I have heard so many good things they have done for children. Considering the fact that I am also a kids yoga teacher, I wanted to support a cause close to my heart.

Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought to do 50 surya namaskar, let alone 108. Last year I had a good excuse not to join because it was on a Sunday morning at 7 or 8 am; that was definitely too early for me! Who knows if trains were running according to schedule? Yeah yeah! We heard it all. This year it was on a Saturday afternoon - I couldn't find another excuse except that I didn't think I was able to do it and potentially bruise my ego. Tja! Plus the fact that I needed to raise funds as well. People are not too generous in these times.

I remember vividly chatting with Helen about it and she kept on telling me that I could do it and even if I couldn't, I could rest anytime and continue when I was ready. That was late at night when suddenly it clicked. Why not? What's the worst thing that could happen? Within 10 minutes I had my yoga aid page, registered myself and paid for my ticket!

Fundraising was not very successful. Hung my posters at the schools and centres I taught at. No luck! Thank God for Guta - she was the only one who donated £10 to my cause. Bless her!

The whole experience was great. I am tired, my body is not aching yet at this point (we'll see tomorrow) but I feel energised, more confident and quite surprised at myself. During the challenge, I kept thinking to myself I wanted to give up, that I was going to faint soon and die (hihi) but none of that happened. I tried my best, exerted some effort to an extent but not too hard. The only discomfort I have right now is in my right wrist, probably sprained it in the last few sequences when we went into Vasisthasana. Oh well, I am gonna live.

Pics, courtesy of James, have been uploaded. Nothing can spoil my day and the rest of the week. I feel renewed and alive, a kick to practise more and lose some fat rolls! Oh yes, I do have them too. Look forward to next year's challenge with more vigor and determination to raise at least £100! Hope you will support me and/or join the challenge as well and raise awareness of the benefits of yoga through these events.

Namaste.