It's 3am...

After one of those fantastic Philadelphia days....class was awesome, juicy, and rocking, then coffee and laughs with friends, a long Reggae walk with the dogs, yoga movie with yoga friends, then Mexican food and a margarita, home by 10pm (practice tomorrow) but at 3am I am now wide awake.

Why am I leaving again? The parade of strangers roaming through the house started this week. Who will be in residence here? What about my yoga classes, my students? This years Teacher Trainee's will not benefit from my endless wit and wisdom, catch heat from the post India glow, they won't get the Guruji/Sharath/Lakshism/Jayashree-isms. Am I failing this community that I have been such a part of?

Is it really smart to jump out of a perfectly good airplane?

To be honest the airplane has been slowly breaking down for some time now, and jumping out it what I need to do to figure some things out and get the clarity that only space can bring. There is nothing comfortable about yoga (future TT's take note) and there is nothing comfortable about taking chances and that is what I am doing. Providence in August, India in January...it's 3am, I must be crazy.

Jai Ho!

10 weeks 'til Providence

This is why after much consideration I am not getting on a plane to Mysore next week. If Mike and I were staying in Philly, there would be no stopping me from celebrating Guruji's life in my beloved Mysore, India. There is just way too much to do, and maybe I am better serving the yoga community here in Philadelphia by continuing to teach, being present right up until I leave.

I relied heavily on practice this week, there is something so profound abut keeping a tradition alive. I could feel practice was bringing Guruji into my heart, and my breath. Taking another cue from Guruji's life, I emailed the Sanskrit Professor at Brown University about attending the Sanskrit class there. I think his response was one of the most intense emails I have ever received. I am in, but I have been warned...it is going to be no joke.

I am having a little gathering at my shala (house) tonight to celebrate the light and life of Guruji, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois if you are interested in coming just send my an email, and I give the details.

Jai Guruji

What more to say about him

Inspiration:

a : a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation

b : the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions

c : the act of influencing or suggesting opinions 2 : the act of drawing in; specifically : the drawing of air into the lungs 3 a : the quality or state of being inspired

Notes from Practice

Getting up for yourself is key. I subbed for Karen this morning at Yoga Squared. Practice does not begin until 9am on Sunday, so in order for me to practice I had to get there and get practicing by 7:15am. I got up got dressed and made it to the mat. Often on Sunday I design my practice to be very vigorous, a full 2nd series practice complete with dropbacks and advanced backbending. Since my new goal is to pick up more of a Mysore life style I decided to practice primary instead. While I was moving and breathing and gazing I could feel a connection between the cylinder of the rib cage and the sway of the pelvis. I also created (riffing on the vinyasa class I taught yesterday) how essential it is to arch the upper spine but keep some coiled in roundness in the pelvis when jumping or should I say floating forward.

Leading a Mysore practice is a really interesting skill, and it does take practice to manage the room. Over the past two years I think that I have found my intention and voice and sharpened my eyes, and direct each student with calmness and confidence. I really enjoy this style of teaching. I just feel clicked into the Shala, and in service to the great teachers who have guided me.

I am teaching for Vanessa tonight at Wake Up Yoga, Fairmount at 5:30pm...come and chant with me and my harmonium finishing the weekend strong!

Mysore Style

I have really been struggling lately with all this change, with all the answers being "you, know, I don't know." In this struggle I have kind of gotten down. I feel messy, practice is messy, and don't even get me started on the state of my car. I woke up this morning ready to be honest, and get back to business. All teacher training season I make the argument that I can't practice at 6:30 am if I am not getting home from TT until 10pm. Well TT has been over for one month and I have shifted in schedule I have not shifted my attitude. I remember that little sweet swami lady in Rishikesh saying that, "yoga is an attitude." I am ready to return to a Mysore style. I am ready to practice and be at peace with all that means. To put mySelf first and forget the rest of the drama.

In about 11 weeks I am leaving Philadelphia, for life unknown. So much change, so many familiar routines gone. I am excited and scared. I am teaching at 9 am at Yoga Squared, and I will be there early practicing raising my energy that I can teach form a place of energy, and love.

The goal this week is to practice 6 days, rest appropriately, and spend more time with people who invite Rama not the Drama.

Let's try this again

I am feeling so great after a week by myself in NYC with Sharath, and about two hundred fellow Ashtangi's. It was like a little Mysore experience, a perfect echo, just what I needed.

I just got back from a fantastic practice. It felt so nice to dive back into second after spending 5 practices of primary keeping in step with Sharath's count....Navasana supta inhale.....1...2...........3...(seriously.) I am pumped to be heading up the Mysore program from Tuesday on this week at Yoga Squared. Getting ready to end this chapter of my life strong, come and practice.

Love. Love.

Push it Along

I thought that I was there last week, but now I see that I really didn't know how long the rope that was unraveling inside me really was. I think I can safely say now that I have come to the end of the rope and I am ready to be honest with myself and move forward. Some people thrive on stress. I do not. The conclusion of Teacher Training has now allowed me to release some stress, free up some time, and begin the letting go.

I am so excited to be heading to NY this afternoon for a week long practice with Sharath. My practice is in desperate need of a tune up, and my spirit longs for an injection of "the juice."

I will be blogging all week from NY....I promise (amanda)

I am giving a dropbacks workshop on the 9th of May (check my website) and space is limited so sign up and drop back!! I'll be teaching through the month of July, then Mike, Charlie, Angie, and I will be off to Providence to hit the refresh button and begin again.

This Week's Practice Plan

If you have ever read my sister Joy blog you know that her "yoga life" is a food life. Just like my husband who is a photographer for a living but also a photographer for life. I will most likely drop the title yoga teacher when I arrive in my new home, but I will not drop the practice. It is really very interesting when what you "do", is really what you love. The idea of leaving work at the office (well in our cases there is no office) is ridiculous. That said trying maintain a healthy balance of teaching, giving, offering, and making a living has made many a yoga teacher (including myself) lose track of a daily practice.

Taking a good tip from my sister who tries to balance eating out and maintaining a healthy weight I am posting my practice schedule, and will report back at the end of each week with a recap.

This Week

Sunday April 12th-Saturday April 18th

Sunday 9am Mysore at Yoga Squared (I am about to leave for that one!)

Monday 6:30am Mysore at Yoga Squared

Tuesday 7am Mysore at Yoga Squared

Wednesday Sleep in and find an afternoon Vinyasa class (TT party aka Teacher Training Graduation! is that night)

Thursday I am teaching at 6:30am at Yoga Squared, I hope to grab a friend and practice after

Friday This is also up in the air

Saturday Take Rest

Goal

4 Mysore, and 1 Vinyasa

Playing Catch Up

The entire month of April feels like one big blur. Now that I know where I am going to land, I can focus. Mike and I have decided that he will be attending the Rhode Island School of Design this fall, and we will be setting up shop in Providence.

Some things on my mind.

I am creating a list of all the things I want to do before leaving Philly. Please send suggestions!

I am ready to recommit to morning practices at Yoga Squared especially now that TT is closing on Wednesday.

I am getting ready to create a vision board (yes I make these.)

I am giving a workshop at Yoga Squared this afternoon (the weather couldn't be agreeing more) come and wrap your arms tightly around yourself and get closer to yourself, and the experience on yoga!

Seriously Grumpy

I have reached the end of this rope that has been unraveling inside me this morning. At first I thought this could be fun, pick up and move to a whole new city, you know have a real adventure. I am now 9 days away from knowing in which city this new adventure take place.

I am leaving for Providence in about an hour. I am not really prepared. I am bringing my camera and computer, so I can blog about the New England yoga scene.

See you next week...there are still some spots remaining in the binding workshop on Saturday...check the website, and see you then!

Time After Time (this is a rant)

I have never been late for anything. Both of my parents were incredibly intense with time. If you weren't 10 minutes early...you were in fact late. I have carried this into my adult life completely. I once told my boss at the NYU Information Center that if I wasn't there on time I wasn't coming. As I get older I realize that this "good" habit, isn't always so polite, or necessary. Lately I find myself sitting in my car, a little penalty box, being punished for the offense of ridiculously early arrival.

Spending so much time in India has helped. This is one of the many countries where time is more fluid. Everything in India apparently takes "5 minutes." This is code for 1 hour, 15 minutes, but mostly I don't know. Last week I was at Jivamukti Yoga and the class was scheduled to end at 4:30pm, but at 4:30 there was about 15 minutes to go before the teacher wrapped the whole thing up. I spent so much of that class watching the clock, distracted, annoyed that I really should have asked for my money back.

This is the point. When I am teaching a class, I know that the students can relax and totally surrender, free themselves to have an experience because they trust in me to end class on time. By honoring time, I am honoring the students. We all have BIG lives and it is arrogant to think that your teaching is so invaluable that missing your husband, train, bus, next appointment etc. in not important.

There I sat yesterday...completely missing out of the teaching because I did not trust the teacher to honor me and my classmates, or honor the time that we should all spend together. Having that experience I am glad that I watch the time, and give the students in my class the freedom to have an experience watching their body, mind, and breath, instead of the clock.

Take me to the River

Traveling through India this fall, the beginning of the festival season, I landed in Rishikesh on the final day of the Ganesha Caturthi. At the conclusion of puja on the Holy Ganga, Ganesha is placed in the river and set free in the powerful stream. When the group I was traveling with went for the Ashram’s orientation the woman in white smiled and said how happy she was that we were there for the Ganesh Immersion. I wrote in my notebook that night.

“Ganesh Immersion. Take me to the river, and let me go!”

On this wet spring day it is clear that only through this immersion will the city begin to bloom. I am really excited about the immersions that I am offering that may have you too blooming this spring.

As many of you know my beloved husband has been accepted into some really amazing MFA programs. While it is still a bit unclear where we will relocate, we will be leaving Philadelphia sometime this August and washing down the river. Until then come and practice, breathe, and share the magic of yoga. For the most up to date information, and upcoming Mysore dates check:

http://www.jillmanning.com/index.html



Dive In:

Better Binding
A Close Look at Postures Marichyasana A through Garbha Pindasana
Saturday April 11, 2009
1:00pm -5:00pm

Yoga Squared
1923 Chestnut Street, 3R
Philadelphia, PA

$50
For more information, please contact Jill, yoga@jillmanning.com.

Hold Me Closer Cosmic Dancer
Sunday April 12, 2009
12:00pm -2:00pm

Jai
727 Montgomery Ave
Narberth, PA

$45, pre-registration, $50 day of
This “master" class has been designed to celebrate Shiva in the form of Natarajasana, the cosmic dancer and the cosmic dance known as Tandava. On the eve of Shivratri we will celebrate the divine art form. Tandava is a dance performed by Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati (Shakti.) According to Hindu mythology, Shiva's Tandava is a vigorous dance that is the source of the cycle of creation, preservation and dissolution. While the Rudra (Shiva’s Vedic name) Tandava depicts his violent nature, first as the creator and later as the destroyer of the universe, even of death itself; the Ananda (Bliss) Tandava depicts him as the enjoyer of his creation - the universe. In Indian tradition, Lord Shiva as Nataraja (Cosmic Dancer) is the supreme lord of dance. This will be a pure celebration as we honor all of these qualities with a practice that includes call and response chanting, breath practices, and a vigorous asana practice that will have us dancing in Shiva’s image and approaching Natarajasana in all of its many forms.
OM Namah Shivaya!


Spring Forward, Drop Back
Saturday May 9, 2009
1:00pm -4:00pm

Wake Up Yoga
2329 Parrish Street
Philadelphia, PA
$50, Early Registration Incentive: $45 if enrolled by 4/24/09
Space is Limited, register early!!!
Are you terrified of dropping back? Have you created mythology around
this practice telling yourself that it is something designed for someone
more flexible, younger, someone with more strength, or maybe just more
chutzpa? Then this workshop has been designed for you.

In this workshop we will explore the qualities of “dropping back”
that are embedded into the fabric of every single vinyasa yoga class. By
learning to utilize the natural curves of the spine, and exploring organic
undulations throughout the entire practice we will make connections so
that dropping back is as simple (not easy) as learning to stand (we will
explore that as well.)

Points of Exploration and Practice:
Learning to Crawl and Fall
Minding Your Head while Opening Your Heart
“Don’t Fear”

Foundation First
Saturday & Sunday, May 16 & 17, 2009
Saturday, 1:00pm -5:00pm, Sunday 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Yoga Squared
1923 Chestnut Street, 3R
Philadelphia, PA
$108
For more information, please contact Jill, yoga@jillmanning.com.

The goal of the workshop is to provide students with a clear understanding and awareness of the Ashtanga methodology as taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India. By calling upon the guidance of her teacher, David Keil, and her experiences during her three pilgrimages to Mysore (’06, ’07, ’08), Jill will lay a proper and strong foundation on which the students can confidently build self-practices and continue their studies. Over the course of the weekend, the class will explore the foundations of Ashtanga practice by studying the external postures and working to develop awareness of the more subtle aspects such as the prana (breath), bandha (energy) and dristi (focus). Throughout the class Jill will cover the opening and closing mantras, some history on the origin of Ashtanga, debunk some widespread myths, share some personal tips and tricks as well her own stock of stories and experiences. The weekend will culminate with led (traditionally counted) practice of the asanas (postures) covered during instruction.
The workshop is open to practitioners of all levels; whether just beginning to explore the system or looking to clear up any confusion, hopefully all attendees will fall in love with the divine details and keep these lessons close for a long time.

One Love (Reggae walks with my dogs)

On the ride to DC this weekend I was reminded that my blog has not been updated in a while, and at the same time I totally realized that maybe people do read this blog. This has been a time for great change, and now I am finally coming to grips with the fact that I am pausing on this Philly life, and picking up somewhere else. This place has yet to be revealed, my bet is on either Chicago or Providence, RI.

I am again committing to blogging through this experience of change. Sharing this transition through the lens of yoga as a practice of teaching, and as the big picture practice. I am trying to fill in the calendar so that my time here in Philly can be shared with the large and fantastic yoga community. Be sure to check the website, stop into class, or fully immerse in a workshop (there are some great ones on the horizon.)

Love. Practice.

This is how Manorama says engaged with students. She will randomly send text messages that very simply state "Love. Practice." Those two little words situated next to each other have embedded into my mind and transformed into a little mantra in and of themselves.

Bhakti. Abhyasa.

Daivd was here this week and when I saw him on Tuesday I felt so connected to that mantra, love...practice. In a very relaxed and clear state I practiced with love and affection for so many blessings. As I practiced yesterday morning with a small group under the steady 2nd series count, all that I could feel was love for those in the room and Love for those far away, and that practice is not about fireworks, the big bursts of connection, but steadiness, and regularity.

Shiva Phase...Full On!

I guess it all stared with this last trip to India. Guruji was running the show trip one, with all his super Brahma energy. Sarasvati was holding down the shala second trip, with all her bhakti to keep her father's work going. It was mind blowing to be in her care. This summer it was the Summer of Sharath...full Shiva effect.

So many things broke...may alarm clock, my flashlight, my computer. So many other things felt the turn, the completion of a long cycle.

I haven't been blogging so much because even here it feels that Shiva is in full effect. Mike is being accepted into graduate programs, and it seems that this phase of my Philly life is ending and a new phase is beginning.

I am so blessed. I just returned from the inspiring beauty of Costa Rica into the inspiring hands of my teacher.

In any phase life is good.

Snow Falling....Spring Calling

This is just a quick note to share my excitement for the hatching of
Spring. Even as I sit here in my office feeling like I am in my very own
snow globe, I know that all this wetness is just the nourishment that
nature needs to fully come into bloom.

I have just updated my Spring workshop schedule on jillmanning.com, so be
sure to check it out...there are loads of juicy offerings, workshops that
will have you dropping back, wrapping around your Self, and experiencing
your inner Shiva.

I have been reading this lovely little book from Thich Nhat Hanh titled,
The Blooming of a Lotus. It is helping me during these very confusing,
and uncertain times feel a bit less stressed, a bit more at home with what
is...

"In letting go, we learn that true happiness can only come by way of
freedom, an awakened life, and the practice of love and compassion."

Love. Compassion.


http://www.jillmanning.com/

The Sandhi of it All

I have been very absent with the blogging, but if you could get a peek inside my head. I feel like I have endless streams of thought, that are less like steams and more like very complex mazes, or sudoku puzzles. I am constantly in search of how the dots connect, how all the pieces fit together.

If you can break it apart and put it back together you've got it! I feel like I have been speaking the "sandhi of asana" for so long now, how the shapes break apart and can be put back together, how understanding the purity of say, a foundational asana points to the complex riddle of asana's like Marichyasana. How the fundamental is in there deeply embedded. Can you pull it all apart and put it back together?

Two weeks until Costa Rica!!!!

Big Yoga Week

Workshop this Sunday!!


Hold Me Closer Cosmic Dancer
Sunday February 22, 2009
1pm -4pm

Yoga Wood
688 Haddon Ave
Collingswood, NJ
info@yogawood.com

$45, pre-registration is required

This “master" class has been designed to celebrate Shiva in the form of Natarajasana, the cosmic dancer and the cosmic dance known as Tandava. On the eve of Shivratri we will celebrate the divine art form. Tandava is a dance performed by Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati (Shakti.) According to Hindu mythology, Shiva's Tandava is a vigorous dance that is the source of the cycle of creation, preservation and dissolution. While the Rudra (Shiva’s Vedic name) Tandava depicts his violent nature, first as the creator and later as the destroyer of the universe, even of death itself; the Ananda (Bliss) Tandava depicts him as the enjoyer of his creation - the universe. In Indian tradition, Lord Shiva as Nataraja (Cosmic Dancer) is the supreme lord of dance. This will be a pure celebration as we honor all of these qualities with a practice that includes call and response chanting, breath practices, and a vigorous asana practice that will have us dancing in Shiva’s image and approaching Natarajasana in all of its many forms.
OM Namah Shivaya!

Mysore this week at Yoga Squared:

Sun-Thurs (moon day TuesdaY)

(down) and UP for the Count

Last Friday after I taught the Led Primary class at Yoga Squared I felt a little off. I came home walked the dogs and felt very off. I soldiered on practiced yoga, and went to bed early. The next morning I woke up at 6:45am because I was too uncomfortable to sleep. I soldiered on, and taught class, and went to the Sanskrit workshop given Ma.

The next morning I could go on no more. I have been horizontal pretty much ever since. I missed an entire week of work, practice, and so much of my life. Talk about leaning into the pause. I was back teaching this morning picking up where I left off, but today I felt really on. I am heading out to practice myself and I am so excited to announce that photographer, and husband Mike Mergen has a gallery reception tonight of his amazing India work.

Here is the link...please come!

http://www.ucartsleague.org/

Trying to Know the Unknowable

Picking the blog back up after meeting my January goal. I am continually inspired by my sister's blog (see side bar.) People really seem to connect with her, and her struggle with weight and body image, and her penchant for good food. She gave me a copy of her book that will be out the March, Almost Meatless. She went through it and highlighted all the recipes that can be perfectly designed to be adapted for vegetarians.

Once again I am reminded that practice is hard. For me "yoga" is just not a buzz word or a concept. The word itself is a verb, a word of action, not a place to retreat and not something to hide behind, but something which we must stand up into.

I am really excited about some upcoming events...


MYSORE WEEK at Yoga Squared (just come in and practice)
This is a great chance to climb in! Commit to the whole week, and have an experience!
Sunday Feb 22nd- Thursday Feb. 26th, Led Primary on Friday Feb 27th.
6:30am-9am


Hold Me Closer Cosmic Dancer
Sunday February 22, 2009
1pm -4pm

Yoga Wood
688 Haddon Ave
Collingswood, NJ
info@yogawood.com

$45, pre-registration is required

This “master" class has been designed to celebrate Shiva in the form of Natarajasana, the cosmic dancer and the cosmic dance known as Tandava. On the eve of Shivratri we will celebrate the divine art form. Tandava is a dance performed by Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati (Shakti.) According to Hindu mythology, Shiva's Tandava is a vigorous dance that is the source of the cycle of creation, preservation and dissolution. While the Rudra (Shiva’s Vedic name) Tandava depicts his violent nature, first as the creator and later as the destroyer of the universe, even of death itself; the Ananda (Bliss) Tandava depicts him as the enjoyer of his creation - the universe. In Indian tradition, Lord Shiva as Nataraja (Cosmic Dancer) is the supreme lord of dance. This will be a pure celebration as we honor all of these qualities with a practice that includes call and response chanting, breath practices, and a vigorous asana practice that will have us dancing in Shiva’s image and approaching Natarajasana in all of its many forms.
OM Namah Shivaya!

31st post...

Ok

I didn't blog everyday this month, but I am managing to post 31 blogs for 31 days. It feels good. I think it made the month fly by with such quickness, and the cold seem somehow less cold.

I don't have very many words right now. I taught this morning at 10am, and then gave the first part of a Foundational Workshop at Yoga Square to 29 students.

I am like Ekam, one, what...oh! yeah! inhale.

I like giving these workshops it makes me feel like I am calling some of my beloved teachers energies into the room with me. Tomorrow is the 1st day of a whole new month, February. I think I might change the blog title...28 days of love, or Costa Rica coming, or maybe No Sleep 'til April (this is when I find out what's next.)

What is immediately next, walk the dogs, sleep, practice, and teach.

Love. Practice. Breathe.

Refresh Button

I have been trying to hit the refresh button all month long. It feels like my whole system just crashed. Practice was going great this month until this Moon day which was also a Monday, I took rest and have been resting ever since. I feel that there is this underlying sickness that is keeping me away from yoga practice, well at least yoga practice on the mat.

I was going to write about my yoga date last night, but other than spending time with Doug there was nothing positive about the experience, so I am going stay silent...except this....yoga teachers should not chew gum while teaching, nor should they be rude to you at the front desk. Ok that's enough about that.

I am really excited about the Foundations workshop tomorrow, and the Shiva workshop in Jersey at the end of the month. I went walking with Linn, and some dogs yesterday in the snowy, icy Wissahickon. She reminded me that as we walked the Taj together I did put it out there that I wanted to move my yoga teaching in a certain direction, and now it is totally there. I also slipped on some ice, and felt free to be me.

I am going to hibernate the rest of the day, and be silent, and find some space to feel where I want to turn next.

Common People

It seems that this has become a hiccup for some when it comes understanding that recent post quoting from the Hatha Yoga Pradipika about success in yoga.

Here is the commentary on the phrase "common people."

"During the period of sadhana you may find it useless to mix with people who have lower aspirations. At that stage, the less you involve yourself with others the more your inner knowledge can grow. Of course, a sadhaka should not consider the others to be inferior, but until his physical, mental, emotional, and psychic resistance are developed, it is better to stay away from social interactions and negative influences."

I just spoke about this in class the other day, about surrounding yourself with little Ganesha's everywhere...people in your life who open doors, inspire change, and lead by example. So, maybe instead of saying avoiding the company of common people one could say surround yourself with extraordinary or uncommon people.

It IS a small world

Yoga student, chai wallah, and all around blog lover directed me to this blog. It is super cute, and I started browsing the blog I found this very catchy number about Y-O-G-A, and also found this video that my husbands best friend, Chris did for Slate V this past spring.

Success

Enthusiasm, perseverance, discrimination, unshakeable faith, courage, avoiding the company of common people, are the (6 causes) which bring success in yoga.

Hatha Yoga Pradipika

Get Vertical

There are some days it all seems so easy, and light, and sublime. Then there are days like today. I can't even believe I am vertical enough to be typing this. If I could describe my life right now, I might call it swirling into the unknown. So much change is in the air, so many I don't knows, so much unsaid.

Yesterday was the moon day, and I think I should have squeezed in some kind of practice. An alphabet, a bajan, something. The Foundations Workshop this weekend has only four spots remaining (as of Sunday.) If you are interested you should sign up ASAP. http://www.yogasquared.com/

Mike is heading back out of town for his first ever solo show in Minnesota. He is also having a solo show in Philly in February check it out!

http://www.ucartsleague.org/exhibits/

Intensity

I love yoga, and I love to practice, but sometimes it does feel like this thing that I HAVE to do. As I was getting ready for bed last night, I left it up in the air if I would set my alarm, and get up to practice. I took the pressure off the whole situation, and softened around the whole thing. I did get up, and I did make it to practice. I actually remembered how much fun practice can be, and that some days I just take myself way to seriously.

Tomorrow is the new moon, and so I can sleep in and maybe I'll get to a vinyasa class, maybe I'll rest.

While I was intensely practicing in India, my husband was working on his own intense project. His photo's from his trip can be found in the latest issue of Mother Jones magazine, and they are featured online. Check it out!

http://www.motherjones.com/photos/photos-the-other-1600-pennsylv/

Sit with that

Teacher Training felt pretty amazing last night. We have arrived at the point where I can see the dots connecting, and even while some share their thoughts you can see the thought change internally, they pause, and think about what they really think. As I was falling asleep I remembered how at conference Sharath knew when to answer the question, and he knew when to let a students question hang in the Shala's atmosphere, and then go on to another question. I threaded this experience back to my struggle with Pasasana http://jillmanning.blogspot.com/2008/07/oh-what-pitiful-pasasana-you-have.html, and how I was so desperately wanting Sharath's help, and how I was doubting that he was even paying attention to me. As I began to bind (on my own) regularly he then moved me forward. He gave me the gift of me struggling to answer my own questions.

After the dropbacks workshop last week, I began to wonder if I stressed enough the process, struggle, the inability to do, the inner strength that is cultivated when working through something that is very difficult, frighting, and intense. The bonds of yoga are formed by this shared acknowledgment of, "boy, that stuff is tough!" When I meet someone who can read Sanskrit quickly I feel bonded to them, when I meet someone who has sat for an hour waiting to practice at the Shala, I am bonded to them. It is like we waded into the water not really knowing how deep, or if we could swim to the other side, but there we are on the other side together with another vast body of water before us. We continue to wade, at the point there is no turning back.

Reclaim

This is the first time in a long time that I am going to make my goal of 6 practices in one week. The week started out really strong with that amazing trip to NYC to practice. That practice, and lecture reminded me of all that is important about the study and practice of yoga.

Yesterday I went up to study again this time sound, and sound harmony, sutra, and mantra. I began the process of seeing how Sanskrit sounds merge together and how with practice the skilled student can break apart those sounds and meaning pours out. A once obscure idea, become powerfully clear. It was a very hard lesson, and a hard commute. It is so strange how I choose to spend my "day off."

Such change is all around, and on so many levels. I feel different, I feel everything I know changing. A friend wrote me an email this week so inspiring about how she is taking back her practice. As I sat with those thoughts, and I still sit with them I keep hearing fragments of this poem:

Paul Valery
"The very sequence of your act is to take back,
To flow back so as not to break
The integrity of the water's body!"

Seeing the Rama in the Drama

I really dislike drama. Sometimes even while I am teaching, I'll say let's try that again, this time without the drama. I say this because I speak the same way to myself about the practice of asana, especially Kapotasana. Sometimes holding what you believe to be true really creates ripples of drama all around. Like an energetic boomerang, the ripples find their way right back to you. My dad always said growing up, quoting I believe Shakespeare, "the truth will set you free."

I do feel free. If only I shake of the drama.

Going to see a playful and charming lady about all things yoga tomorrow, hopefully some will rub off onto me.

"Mr. President, you set the bar!"

Notes from Sunday

These are just little threads that I am pulling from my notes at this moment. I took a lot of notes and wrote quite a bit around the notes. I don't want to expand to much on this material because as the first note suggests, this IS a living tradition. First practice to the point of understanding, and then the teaching. The human element is key.

Yoga is a living tradition.

Vidya is also translated as science, Manas also means measure.

Energy needs to flow.
but.
First untie the knots.

Frame by Frame. (this is super important for properly understanding the method of "vinyasa")

When memory becomes strong--we remember what is important.

It was one of the best yoga events that I have been to in a while. Simple, cheap, authentic, and amazing. I was remembering the time I signed up for a very famous, yoga "diva's" very expensive day long offering, leaving feeling completely hoodwinked, cheated, the concept of yoga dumbed down for the highly-incomed, smashed in crowd.

Abhyasa, Abhyasa, Abhyasa

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not a single act, but a habit."

Aristotle

Inspiration

Inspiration comes in many forms. I didn't get a change to blog yesterday, and even if I could have I don't know if I could have articulated the magic, and the love that I was feeling.

After a full teaching day Saturday, the plan was to get up on Sunday at 4am to practice. What stood between me and practice....200 miles and some seriously dubious driving weather.

No sleep 'til until I was standing in a room full of Ashtangi's some who I traveled with, some I recognized from Mysore, dear reunions from Philly (the city of brotherly love), dear reunions from Mysore (the city inside my heart.)

I am still digesting the experience, the practice, the chai, the lecture. It made for a perfect ending to a very full weekend exploring the living tradition of yoga.

Amanda wrote about it at her blog check it out.

Post Kirtan, Pre Workshop Ruminations

You'll have to see me today either at practice:
Wake Up Yoga (Fairmont) 10am
OR
Workshop:
Blue Banyan Yoga (Mt. Airy) 2-5pm

Following Up, Following Through

January is half way over, and I am tailoring and re tailoring my ideas, goals, and my aim. Practice this week hasn't been so inspiring. It is Friday and I only managed to practice 4 times this week. Weak, week. My right knees hurts (outside), my left elbow aches, and my lower back pains all over. Taking a page from my sister's blog I am publicly publishing my yoga practice goals for next week.

Sunday: Led Class with Eddie Stern, Amanda, Doug, and 147 other people.
Monday: Mysore at Yoga Squared
Tuesday: 1pm Self Practice at Wake Up
Wednesday: Mysore at Yoga Squared
Thursday: Trip to NYC to see Ma so we'll see how it goes
Friday: Could be a toss up...I'll keep you posted.
Saturday: Teach and Rest

I am really excited about the workshop tomorrow. I am sure there will be much to blog about.

Workshop this Saturday!!!

Looking Forward While Dropping Back
Saturday January 17, 2009 2pm-5pm

Blue Banyon7153 Sprague St. in East Mt. Airy Philadelphia, PA
admin@bluebanyanyoga.com

$45, pre-registration is required

If you can't make it here are some tips that I feel resonate from Sri Brahmananda Sarasvati:

"First remember your mind, and your mental powers.
Salute all divine seers, teachers, and yogi's.
Be ready to accept what is truth, and beneficial, and renounce what is untruth, and injurious."

What's a yoga teacher do?

Tuesday's are epic teaching days for me, and most times I make the self practice at 1pm over at Wake Up Yoga. Yesterday after teaching my first class instead of running to practice I needed to eat something, and that was the end of that. No practice yesterday. Which even as I am writing this could be the #1 reason I was overcome with frustration, and couldn't really find my rhythm for the remainder of the day.

I think that in all areas of my life I hold the bar really high. So, after teaching last night's usually very inspiring class I felt like I let the whole lot of students down. I couldn't say what I wanted to say, I was stumbling and fumbling around searching for the way to weave the whole class together. I missed the mark precisely because I wasn't sure what I was aiming at.

I dream of other jobs. Jobs that are just that jobs. A place to go to work, and when your are not at work, your not at work. I fantasize about health care, steady paychecks, paid vacation, Saturday and Sunday. My husband swears I couldn't do it. He reassures me that this is what I not only love, but in a way what I was designed to do. Is this my dharma?

Today will be clearer because there will be practice. Practice = clarity.

My drop backs workshop is filling up! If you are interested you should come because who knows when I'll change it all up, and relinquish my teacher role, and get my self a real job.....a job that requires shoes.

A Little Help from a Friend

Goes a long way.

Some time ago I remember having these total moments of despair. At the time the closest friends in my life were either immovable and in need constant cheer leading/motivation, or so flighty, with actions careless so that brought me to the point of utter humiliation (more times to count.)

This year in Mysore I made the decision that I was going to put my self out there both personally and professionally. To no longer apologize, or play down my smarts, experience, or in some cases my sass.

After 108 Surya's on Sunday my hamstrings felt like Poly-O String Cheese, and from the long TT weekend my brain wasn't doing my better. I had full intentions of practicing in the a.m. on Monday, but I did it...I just turned the alarm off. Missing practice in the a.m. my chances for getting back on that track grow slimmer which each passing hour. Around 3:45pm I got the call. Just as I told my friend that I didn't have it in me, she responded quickly and truthfully with a well needed "Jill, get off your ass!"

So, I did, and practiced.

Thank You.

One Surya Namaskara at a Time

In honor of the Full Moon day today Karen of Yoga Squared held a Yoga Mala celebration. She asked me to bring a bit of texture (that is not what she said but how I am making that connection) to the practice by chanting with the Harmonium. So, on this typical day of rest I woke early and gathered my things to practice and sing.

According to Karen a Yoga Mala is the practice of 108 Surya Namaskara's. The groupings went 8 Surya A's, and 1 Surya B. I found it to be an very interesting study in repetition, rhythm, and the ruminations of the mind.

I was reminded of my music teacher in India. When I couldn't execute an exercise so confidently he would in all seriousness ask me if I had practiced the exercise 100 times. I hadn't. As I approached the 100th Surya A I felt a real kinship with the material, a closeness that I had never experienced before and at the same time a freshness a newness, and a deep appreciation of its simplicity and design.

Dropbacks workshop this Saturday (check my website)...you must preregister as to not be left out!!!!

The Beauty of Brevity

In the Station of the Metro--Ezra Pound

The apparition of these faces in the crowd;
Petals on a wet, black bough

The Great Figure--William Carlos Williams
Among the rain
and lights
I saw a figure 5
in gold
on a red
fire truck
moving
tense
unheeded
to gong clangs
siren howls
and wheels rumbling
through the dark city.

Philly Field Trip (part 3) Coming Home

I don't know why I have selected this week to break from the Ashtanga Yoga Method, and be a yoga tourist. Maybe it is because I am tired of always keeping the count in my head, maybe it is because the AYCP (ashtanga yoga community Philly) feels at times so broken, and so out of sync with the tradition that is so alive in Mysore, and many students with strong, and devoted practices often stay home, and experience the solo journey of mind, and mat that I know so well. I was thrilled this morning to lead a primary series at Yoga Squared Guruji style with 10! (at 6:30am) amazing students, in my heart I can feel it growing.

As promised I dined on the offerings of yoga teacher, studio director, colleague, and friend Corina Benner. She has such a unique style and specific relationship to the practice of asana, that the only way to understand to spend some time with her in practice. "The experience is the transformation."

Saturday I take rest from practice. In total I made it to practice 5 times, and each time I gave myself to the practice tick-tocks and all. See you tomorrow on the mat 10 am sharp at Wake Up Yoga.

Hari OM

Philly Field Trip (part 2)

AHH, how I love yoga. Today is my one day off during the week, and I like to plan a special yoga outing. Sometimes I go to NY to see Manorama, and taste the flavors of the New York yoga community. As part of my '09 plan, I am making an effort to on Thursdays especially to get out there and swim in the different yoga pools. Today my very good friend and fellow yogini Corina trekked into Center City to practice at Dhyana Yoga. We went to the lovely Alex Holmes' 12pm Vinyasa class. I am always looking for the threads of connection. What was this class offering going to reveal to me about Ashtanga, devotion, ways in which myself can dissolve into mySelf. There is always something there that may leave me reeling for days, months even.

"electric jellyfish"

I thought sea grass was the perfect description.

Tomorrow to round out the trimurti of vinyasa offerings, I am headed to Corina Benner's 1pm "advanced" yoga class at Wake Up Yoga. Maybe I'll see you there! After that I am ready to head back to the church of Ashtanga, and get back to the soundtrack of breath, the movement of energy, and the focus on the point (whatever that means.)

In celebration of the full moon this Sunday, January 11th 9-11:30am I am at Yoga Sqaured to lead some chanting with my sqeezebox followed with Sri Karen leading a Yoga Mala (108 surya namaskara's.) 10% of the proceeds are going to the PSPCA.

Philly Field Trip in Three (part 1)

When I began practicing Ashtanga Yoga three years ago, first off I didn't know that I would be practicing Ashtanga Yoga, and I didn't understand the intensity of the commitment. One of the hardest parts about leaving Mysore is leaving the community. Showing up every morning to that full room, and practicing with some much energy flying it is beyond description. In the winter here is it really hard to work up a decent sweat. In Mysore, this year I worried that the sweat flooding into my ears was going to give me an ear infection.

Most days I practice in very small groups, some a bit larger. I never practice in the kind of class that I teach jam packed, energized, and focused. This week as part of the New Year I am trying to get out and enjoy the vast samplings in the yoga community here in Philadelphia. Yesterday I made the rainy pilgrimage to Queens Village to Practice Yoga. This yoga shala has been instrumental in building the Philadelphia community. I believe it opened in the spring of 2002. It was a very sweet class, with a very sweet teacher. It was a small group, and a very basic but deep exploration of asana and breath, and for me a contemplation about yoga as an offering.

Sometimes, "students" who are local yoga teachers will take their very own field trip to a class that I am teaching. Sometimes, these individuals will disregard the offerings of the class. I don't know what that is all about. For me it is pretty simple. If I go to a friends house for dinner and they are serving yoga, just because they know I love yoga, the ONLY choice is to eat the meal that has been crafted with love, and savor in that experience.

Drop Backs are Fun!!

Come play with me!

Looking Forward While Dropping Back
Saturday January 17, 2009 2pm-5pm
Blue Banyon7153 Sprague St. in East Mt. Airy Philadelphia, PA admin@bluebanyanyoga.com
$45, pre-registration is required

Are you terrified, yet intrigued by the practice of dropping back? Have you created mythology around this practice telling yourself that it is something designed for someone more flexible, younger, someone with more strength, or maybe just more chutzpa? Then this workshop has been designed for you. In this workshop we will explore the qualities of “drop backs” that are embedded into the fabric of every single vinyasa yoga class. By learning to utilize the natural curves of the spine, and exploring organic undulations throughout the entire practice we can begin to make connections so that dropping back is as simple (not easy), and familiar as learning to stand (we will explore that as well.)

Points of Exploration: Learning to Crawl, Minding Your Head, aka “Head Down Bottom Up”, All about Upward Dog, Open Your Heart, “Don’t Fear!”

After 70 or so dropbacks this year in Mysore with Sharath right there watching you, I think I've got something to say. Think of it new year, new terrain, totally remodel your practice.

I am a little behind on the 31 posts goal.

This has been what is going through my head.

I keep hearing Manorama "the experience IS the transformation." This statement threads me to Guruji saying the same thing as, "you do."

Lakshmi

Yesterday was an incredible day. I slept really well. The best since the beginning of the "holiday"season. I was off to Yoga Squared for Sunday Mysore practice. Practice starts at 9am, and you can enter for some time after that, but I like to be there right at 9am. The Ashtanga yoga community isn't that big here in Philly, so if you want the juice from other people, you've got to be in the room at the start of the chant. At Yoga Squared the chant is done together. I prefer the call and response style of Guruji, and Sharath. There is something about the process of surrendering to the cadence and rhythm of each individual teacher that softens the student. The suggestion is so there however subtle, "I am not the teacher, I have come to learn."

After practice I got to have some coffee with Adam and Amanda. After some long chats about yoga, life, choice, and knowing when to exit but waiting just a bit longer, I went to pick up a friend for a long awaited date. We went to see Slumdog Millionaire. I had already seen the film, but I can't stop it when it comes to my beloved India. It was like seeing the Taj, better the second time. Although the experience of the day made me miss Mysore. The practice, the chatting, the community, and I felt a little lost at the end of the day.

There I was at home with two of my very own slumdogs that no doubt needed to be taken out.

Waking Up is hard to do

Just this morning I felt like I had to pull myself out of the holiday fog. I started the New Year off with a bang! I got up early and practiced by myself which can be very lonely, but this practice was very sweet and felt just right. I even made some little movies of my favorite "sea grass" vinyasa's to help understand the seed of energy (or as MA would said energization.) If I can figure out how to post them I will. I, as in Mysore, take Saturday off. I teach every Saturday, and during the Teacher Training season that teaching continues until 6pm.

Sunday always feels like the first day of the practice week for me, and I do try to give it my all on Sunday. I try to practice like Sharath suggested in conference this year, as if Guru ji were in the room.

Some more thoughts on not only moving forward, but also UP

Drink more water

Get out and enjoy nature

Sweat

Find a regular practice rhythm, and let the mind rest in the repetition

For Amanda

Fullness

Lindsey, you were totally right! I didn't get a chance to blog yesterday. I missed the very first day in January, and I was sort of freaking out about it. Svaha. The beginning of '09 has already been a wild adventure. I taught at Wake Up yesterday at 11am and it was packed...crazy packed. In that little room we had 30 eager students, sometimes when it gets really full at Wake Up the energy can be strange, some are happy for the fullness while others are not, but yesterday the energy was really great, and I think it was the best "large class vinyasa" I managed.

I am sick. My husband and dogs are sleeping in the bed, and I think that I'll get back and join them, but I really needed to post something, so that I could rest. I will be posting a second blog today to make up for my mini mis-start.

My new blog project

So it is coming! Starting January 1 2009 I'll be blogging everyday for 31 days. Mostly about practice, but I am sure so much else will come up. I have been cooking up some changes that I am looking forward to making this year, here is what I have so far.

1. this blog
2. practice 6 days a week
3. longer closing asanas, and longer savasana
4. more vegetables (for Krishna's sake I am a vegetarian!)
5. increase the amount of joy in my life
6. plan to celebrate Guruji's birthday with him this July
There is more to come...come and practice with me at Wake Up this January 1 and celebrate the newness.

Honestly blogging about yoga

When it comes down to talking about practice and preference is it ever kind to be true? I mean what is true for me can't be true for everyone, so (lift your tongue to the third mouth position) what to do? I was chatting about this with Amanda before practice. I hate when others chat before practice, but when there doesn't seem to be a rule about it I lean on chatting. At the Shala in Mysore there are loads of signs that clearly state, "maintain silence." There I have witnessed students giving other students the stink eye for chit chat, or even going so far as shushing each other.

Maybe discipline is the key to freedom?

"maintain silence" = I don't have to chit chat. Even this morning in the middle of practice student A is practicing, student B comes in (like an hour into student A's practice) and feels the need to say, Hi student A, and then she would be rude if she didn't say, Hi student B and so she does.

All in all I made it to my mat, made it through practice maybe tomorrow I'll make it a more silent experience if only internally (unless I make a sign for the Shala in Philly.)

Coming in January

One of my resolutions is based on the title of my friend Tarica's blog. While she was in Mysore, her blog was called 31 days in Mysore. I have decided to pick up that idea right here in Philly. I will document each day in January along with the struggles and joy of what practice means to me for the first 31 days of the new year.

It has been a really tough time for me this holiday season and I am ready to get over myself and turn toward practice, friendship, lots of harmonium Ho-downs!

Sister Shakti

I talk to my big sister everyday. Siblings are so important. My husband is an only child, and really there is no one better to go through life with then someone who has been in the thick of all the family drama with you then your sibling. I understand that an age difference may play a huge part in this connection, but for us, me and my sis we could go all day with the craziness that was and still is our family life. Sometimes it feels like a great game of tennis (which neither of us play) she'll serve her best doozy of a memory, and I'll volley one back. It could go on all day!

I think I spoke to her four times yesterday. She now has a blog (I have added it to the stuff I love list) and I 'll read that in addition to the many daily chats. For me, she is the only one who really gets it. I am not surprised that she is blogging about food, and about weight. Yesterday we spoke about honesty in blogging. When I was away in Mysore I felt really free with the flow of writing but here in Philly where I live and teach I tend to be more careful. I think that one of my '09 resolutions is to be more candid about the yoga community here in Philadelphia and try to distill down what works and what is not working for me in the larger scheme of things.
Yoga is universal, and yet such a personal journey. Yoga is so intimate, and most often in such a public forum.

As always I need to get dressed and get to practice, and then later a little Christmas Eve with my Super Shakti Sister.

My mini yoga pilgrimage to New York was perfect! I went right from the bus to a Mysore practice. Walking along 5th Ave (midtown) was magical. I am not the biggest fan of the holiday season, and this year Mike and I are choosing to buy gifts for Operation Santa versus buying gifts for those so gifted in our lives, but walking past the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center filled me with excitement. I fondly remembered ice skating at the famed location with my sister as teens.

After a practice that was filled, in my opinion with way too much chit-chat I ran to meet Samantha. We ate and gabbed and then went Kirtaning. The crowd was crazy with bliss and while we ashtangi's hang out in the world of restraint it was refreshing even as it was slightly irritating.

Went to sleep and then back to practice. It is no joke the pilgrimage that you need to take to get to Guy's shala, and as promised it was the most silent silence I have ever heard. It was a true Mysore morning with a long breakfast with friends popping in. I left and walked to Ma's house had a great lesson, and then came home. All in all in was really a densely packed trip.

My winter solstice workshop was a sold-out success! If you are interested in the next workshop please register early space is limited and I hate to turn people away. Keep checking jillmanning.com.

Love and Peace

I'm leaving today

I just returned from the Wake Up Yoga TT program retreat. Retreat is really a very bad description for this experience. It reminds me of those corporate jobs that supply everything you could every want or need during the day to insure that no one needs to leave the building and work can be possible all the time. We work the whole weekend. I swear I have no more words to describe yoga, or yogic things. I guess now is the perfect time to get a little Guru love.

I have a really tight schedule this trip

Arrive:
Practice at Yoga Sutra NY (for free!!) 4:45pm
Meet Samantha-Ji AKA Fiona Anew at some yummy vegan eatery
Kirtan at Jivamukti
Back to Sam's house and most likely endless gabbing about Mysore, Yoga, Mysore, Yoga etc....
Bed

Wake Up
Head to Guy's Shala, this is where Sam practices, it will be my first time there
Coffee
Manorama!!
Home

I am bringing my camera this time and hope to take many pictures for the follow up blog about the whole experience.

I am excited to say that My Winter Solstice Retreat has only one spot remaining...if you are interested check out jillmanning.com

I am already hammering out the juice for the drop back workshop (who couldn't use a drop back workshop?) Check it out, and yes! space is limited.

Love. Practice.

I've got the Yoga Blues

Why is practice in Mysore so sweet? It helps to have to not "work." It really helps that everyone all around you is as sore as you are (at least) everyone is sleepy around 7pm, and the community is so large that you can find with relative ease a little sanga to go through it all with. Oh. yeah, and The Teacher. Here in Philadelphia we (and I mean me, or I) lack a Teacher. I know there are many wonderful teachers, I include myself as one of them, but a Teacher is still missing. I look forward to David Keil coming for weeks on end, I mark it on my calendar and count the days. I found with this past visit the sting of his departure was harder than others for me.

I am trying to climb out of the hole that I so enjoyed digging and climbing in. Off to play harmonium with a friend.

Practice First

Last week I forgot the Maha rule...practice first. If you can make the first order of the day practice you will surely succeed. Last week I made sleep first, and put practice all over the place, and ultimately had the worst practice week since July. Practice first.

So, it is now 5:40am I can hear the wind, and have a blanket wrapped around me, but will go out into the December morning and practice. My research has told me the rest of the day will go more smoothly, and then I can go to bed as early as I want.

Weak Week

I have been home from India more than two months, and this was the hardest week yet. It feels like I have been running, organizing, teaching, promoting, studying, practicing on end. This week I have a cold, a sick husband, a bum right big toe, and managed to only practice asana three times. I know, shock and horror all around. I do have the first 7 yoga sutras memorized, and the Sanskrit alphabet in the bag!

Even yoga teachers get the blues. I started feeling glum with the approach of the holiday season. I have never been a big fan of this season, but this year I was ready two weeks ago to pack a bag head to Mexico and not return until January. I love to escape. On top of it all the attacks in India are so confusing and upsetting, both Mike and I who have walked Mumbai's beautiful streets, felt the funk.

Tomorrow is the beginning of a new week, and I am practicing and then starting my first day volunteering at the SPCA. I am really excited about the Winter Solstice celebration at Wake Up Yoga two Saturdays from now. Please join me. Check out the events page on jillmanning.com.

OM

will asana for clothes

I consider myself to be a slightly shy person. My family is pretty small, and I grew up with one (older) sister, I feel most comfortable and confident as a number two. I guess if I were a boy I would make a most excellent wing man. I like being the echo. The yoga/lifestyle clothing company Lululemon has just opened their beautiful and epic store on Walnut Street, and I was asked (all local yoga teachers got the call) if I wanted to do yoga in the store for their opening weekend. Normally I would just say no thank you, but in an effort to "do one thing a day that scares you" I thought why not.

It was the weirdest hour of yoga in my life. I did get a nice black top, and a chance to explore my inner exhibitionist. Would I do it again? Like the title of this blog...for sure Lululemon, I will asana for clothes, so call me anytime.

The cutest thing ever

Waking Up

What an incredible two weeks!

Mysore week with David was so great. I am so happy that I have had the courage to work with him for the last three years, and to be unafraid of how high he sets the bar. All you can do is effort to rise to the occasion. It was the best lead up to my 30th birthday. Every morning practice with loads of dedicated students (which can be hard to find in Philly), some good face time with the teacher, and the experience of myself showing up for myself. At the end of the week Mike and I went to see Slumdog Millionaire which made me want to be back in the country I love so much, but at the same time happy to be here.

Information Blast:

I am teaching on Thanksgiving morning at Wake Up Yoga (Fairmount) 9am regularly priced class.

I am also excited about a new class on my schedule (and yes, Adam my website is fully up to date.) I will be teaching a Full (very traditional) Primary Series counted the whole way through. It is important to note that this is NOT a beginners class, but beginners are welcome with the understanding that they will be paused at an appropriate place, and encouraged to begin a Mysore practice. If you have questions about this please email me! yoga@jillmanning.com

I am really excited to teach one final workshop for the year (great things are happening in '09)! Space is limited, and will fill up fast! Register Today.

The Rebirth of the Sun Saturday, December 20, 2008 12pm-3pm Wake Up Yoga2329 Parrish StreetPhiladelphia, PA lindsey@wakeupyoga.com215.235.1228 $50, $45 if enrolled by 12/12/08$40 WUY Teachers, TTs and grads, unlimited card holders if enrolled by 12/12/08
The Earth is actually nearer to the sun in January than it is in June—by three million miles! In this intensive three hour “master class” will explore our ever present internal light source. Through sound (chanting), movement (asana), simple cleansing (kriya) rituals, breath awareness (pranayama), and quiet sitting we will align with the quality of the solstice, as a time that humans have long recognized as a turning point, a day that celebrates the return of the sun.
Our asana theme is designed to shed and spread the light within. The focus will utilize the contemplative and cleansing power of more simple forward bends in combination with more complex and often confusing deep twists. Picking up suggestions from the “great vows” of yoga, the yama’s, and niyama’s, we will weave together the themes of greedlessness (aparigraha), cleanliness (shauca), and contentment (samtosha).
Appropriate for all levels! Leave with...• A better understanding of the relationship of darkness and light• An enlightened perspective in more “advanced twists”• Deeper connection to niyamas, yoga, and yourself!

Natural Breaking Points

Ok, Ok. I cut my trip to NY short. Do I feel guilty about this decision? Absolutely not. I woke on Saturday morning knowing that this was a very natural braking point for me and decided to honor that feeling. After meeting with many a gifted yoga teacher, and wandering around in the rain with way too much stuff on my shoulder. I traveled back into the soft, warm, comfort, of my home.

Because Mike is applying to SVA for grad school I wanted to feel the energy in NY and I wondered how after 8 years of being away I would return.

Observations:

NY and India, very similar

I would bring my practice to Eddie's shala

I couldn't be less interested in style

Jackson Heights, that's the juice!

Yoga teaching, NO...waiting tables, YES

Tomorrow I start a Mysore with the great David Keil, and Saturday is my 30th birthday. This is no small thing.

Reunion

The edict was to look good. Really good! After traversing India from stem to stem, and surviving the only thing left to do was to celebrate. After about a month at home in Philadelphia most of us met at Tina's house, and laughed, drank, and felt at once very far from Mother India, but very close to each other in her wake. The experience is the transformation.

In just two weeks I get to work with my teacher who I have missed very much. A lot is coming up for me this month (including my 30th birthday.) I am pledging to blog more....

Hari OM

Off to practice!!!

Shine On!

How often do you let yourself off the hook?

After a long day yesterday, Mike and I went to a West Philly baby shower. I used to think that I really disliked baby showers, but the West Philly kind I can get behind. Not a gooby or juuby for miles. I did make a practice date for this morning and was up late, ate cake, and drank red wine. Did I let myself off the hook? Absolutely not! I got up, shook it off, and practiced. No drama, no excuses, just practice.

It was a great practice and great energy. New definition for yoga...yoga is not letting yourself off the hook.

I am teaching tonight at 5:3o pm Wake Up Yoga Fairmont!! Come and chant, breathe, and connect before the beginning of the wild work week.

I was just told that the Ashtanga Foundational Workshop is getting full....check the events page and pre-register for what will be a really enlightening experience.

Inspire

I started the week missing India, and Mysore. I was determined not to fall into that grove that goes, "Mysore is the best, and home is the worst." I worked very hard and created many Mysore moments right here in Philadelphia, and I feel so happy.
Thanks to in no small part:
Mariana for practicing with me and then having a long coffee/laugh fest.
Kristina for sharing her home, her fantastic energy, and practice.
Mike for sharing an afternoon cappuccino.
Mary for her knowledge and bhakti.
Tina, oh Tina! for playing music, chanting, practice and just being a yoga nerd.
Brian, extending his talent and taking away some pain.
Sung-Ji, again a coffee date.
...and yes, I practiced 6 times this week, and feel very connected and accomplished. My new Harmonium is coming next week!! I am very happy.

"The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it."
Chinese Proverb

Vibration In, Vibration Out

This is a picture of my friend and practice partner's alter in her West Philly Shala (her home.) We started practicing once a week since my return and I am so grateful for the breathing room. This week she is going to share a full moon series that she picked up from Ashtanga Yoga teacher Matthew Sweeney.

It has been a rough couple of days for me it feels like the missing Mysore blues have set in. The Philly yoga community is strong and yes, vibrant, but the Ashtanga community feels fractured and very dispersed. The energy is just not there, yet. I just keep plodding along practicing daily, and yes even today grabbing my ankles in back bending.

I went to a sweet Harmonium workshop yesterday afternoon, and raised my voice, pumped my bellows, and still today the blueness.

My friend from Mysore Kim, sent me a message about this she said simply, "Blue, like Krishna!" Yes, precisely.

Bad Lady

I have had so many thoughts swirling around in my head that it has been hard to even think about blogging. I did last week wake very early to meet a friend in her West Philly home for practice and I yelled at her for not writing. I have been home for nearly three weeks, and the swell of emotions can be intense. I am so happy to be reunited with Mike, and to return to so much love. I am so excited about yoga and teaching is going really great. Mike and I worked really hard to put up a new website for me, one that points to the kind of teacher I am. Missing Mysore, the Shala, and the sweet friends that I made there.

I miss India. (the next trip is already in the planning phases)

Lots to blog about..Kirtan Friday, and harmonium workshop. TT is in full swing and that is just incredible for my mind and practice and playing with my edges of what I hold to be true.

I am giving a workshop (October 25th and 26th) on the Foundations of Ashtanga Yoga in Center City and a lovely place, Yoga Squared. All the information can be found on my home page, http://www.jillmanning.com under workshops. It is sure to be enlightening, and no matter what style of yoga you hold dear, will change your practice!
Space is limited so register today.

Hari OM

From Adam

'You cannot stay on the summit forever; you have to come down again. So why bother in the first place?Just this; What is above knows what is below, but what is below does not know what is above. Oneclimbs, one sees. One descends, one sees no longer, but one has seen. There is an art of conducting oneself in the lower regions by the memory of what one saw higher up. When one can on longer see, one can at least still know.'

Rene Daumal

I give myself like a wave

It is 4am in Philadelphia, and in India it is 2pm. My whole body is confused. I woke up in a soft bed with Mike's arms wrapped tightly around me, and for a moment I didn't know where I was. It was kind of a long moment, I turned to Mike and stroked his face, focusing my eyes and then I felt it..I am home.

I would love to be able to write about this experience, but I even had a hard time talking about it last night. So much has happened in the last 9 weeks. Soon I'll have something to say......maybe.

I woke with this poem rolling around in my consciousness. As I sit here and read it in its entirety there are just too many sections that are bringing me meaning, I'll just share a particularly potent one and maybe later more.

As on the shore of the ocean
Paul Valery

To remain sea and not to cede
The power of motion!
Fated to flow back
Rasping, regretfully,
To be reduced, to be restored,
To be transformed into immutable number.

As idea to the body returns,
As thought from the point falls
Where its secret cause,
Having dared and lifted it,
It cannot but return
To the pure and simple presence,
To all things less itself,
Even though not itself,
Itself never for long

The One Thing....

I am sitting in Paris. It is chilly and once again I am in an outfit that I really thought was cute in India and is kind of a hot mess here in Paris. What can I say? It feels like years since I have been home, and in some ways like forever ago that I was in the Shala. The travel in India is some tough stuff, but the payoffs, oh the payoffs, it is beauty and sound and experience that ties everything together for me. I already miss her, sweet intense India.

I am still ruminating on what I am bringing home with me from India. I know have been changed!

What I am most looking forward to:

Holding my husbands hand, no other hand is like his.

Sqeezing and snuggling with my dog Angie, remembering that not all creatures are loved like her

Sleeping in my own bed

Practicing in the place that I make my home

I am returning to teaching this Monday and check back in for more details about the launch of the new website and upcoming workshops/master classes

Hari OM

The Wheels on the Bus

It has, just as I suspected been a very wild ride so far. 18 people traveling in India, all except for me first timers, is even harder than it sounds. I don't have all that much time to write, nor I have even begun to process the experience, but here is some juice rolling around in my head.

I miss the Shala (really bad)

I miss Tomas and Carol (even worse)

I miss Mike (more than I can say)

The Arabian Sea is magic. ( I was still practicing at half 4)

I finally got to "the point" (a place where the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean merge)

Akbar has a really powerful resting place

The Agra Fort should not have been skipped on my first trip

The Taj is more amazing than I remember (I did the walk of love with Tina)

Delhi is India FULL ON

Going in for a Harmonium and coming out with a roll of tape (this is a good story)

I really am grateful for coffee day

Here I am now in Rishikesh. Words can not describe this experience.

I'll be home on Friday, see you then!

More To Come

I am in Kerala.

It is beautiful.

I am very oily.

Much to Blog About Later.

Now not only do I miss Mike, but also Tomas, Carol!

The Charm

I am sitting in my room waiting....waiting for a white Ambassador car to arrive and take me away from Mysore.

As I sit here so tired..I have been up since 3am it is now 11:40pm, and having said goodbye to my dear friends I am also quite sad.

It is still two weeks until I see my husband, or squeeze my dog. Two weeks until I breathe fresh air, and come down form the cosmic high.

As I left the shala this morning I debated if I should tell Sharath that I was leaving. I walked into the office and said that today was my last practice, and that I was leaving Mysore that evening. I thanked him, and he just said, "you'll be back" with a smile.

Off on another travel adventure into the unknown. I'll keep blogging, I am sure there will be some Indian madness in my future!

An Unholy Hour

For this being my third trip to Mysore I have had loads of first, both in and out of the Shala. This morning my alarm clock went off at 3:50am. I think the first thought that went wave like through my mind was, “come on, you’ve got to be kidding.” As I pulled myself out of bed, I heard the rain. The next thought wave, “rain, just perfect.” I walked, more like shuffled to the Shala. I have never had the experience of being in the first batch of Mysore students, a small group of students were already waiting at the gate. After the gate was opened I walked into the empty room and its energy felt different, probably because I felt very different this morning. I put my mat down, went to the changing room, and then headed back to the mat to start. I glanced at the Shala clock it read 4:45am, 4:30am real time.

Practice at that hour in the Shala is very serious, and quiet. It is at least an hour before the first; “One more!” is heard. I also noticed the efficient nature of the students at the time. Even just an hour later I always feel like the fastest, but this morning my tempo synchronized perfectly. I felt very at home. I had a really nice practice. After drop backs Sharath came to assist me, and my hands on the final back bend went right to my calves. I could feel my heels grounding, my legs pulsing, and yes my heart wide open. When I came up, eye to eye with Sharath he said, “Monday, you take Ustrasana.” In that moment I couldn’t say out loud that I would not be here on Monday. I just nodded my head, and put my palms together and thanked him.

I was finished practice by 6:15am, real time.

The hearts memory

Gratitude

That's all today.