Lizzie for Free : a yogi's blog
The Free State of LizArchive for 30 day challenge
Day 22, Lizzie’s 30 Day Yoga Challenge
After an afternoon on Hampstead Heath with family, by 4:45pm I found myself back at Indaba Yoga Studio where Bryony Bird was teaching on behalf of Amanda Denton (who normally teaches the 5-6:30 Sunday class).
Given my depleted energy levels and based on the renowned rigorous style of Yogasana classes, I was a little intimidated of what to expect from the class. Nevertheless, I vowed to listen to my body, and by 5pm with the energy of 15 or so other students in the room and Bryony’s calm voice, I settled in to the breath and it felt good. Surprisingly, the pace of the class was very accessible, and while a challenging vinyasa class, Bryony suggested options and reminded the students to listen to their own rhythm and not to feel obligated to push oneself into the full variation of every posture. I really appreciated hearing that given my energy, and especially valued it given other Yogasana classes I have taken where the teacher has had the tendency to come off aggressive, pushing students into poses verbally and/or through adjustments for perhaps the wrong reasons.
There was music throughout the class primarily to maintain the rhythm of the breath, and Bryony presented a nice combination of vinyasa, balancing and seated postures. Amoung the postures, we took parivrtti utkatasana to on legged parivrtti utkatasana to parivrtti parsvakonasana (sidenote: why do some teachers start twist sequences on the left? I was taught twists always are initiated from right to left due to digestive movements – ascending to descending colon, but half of the classes I’ve gone to haven’t followed this general rule…any thoughts?). Other asanas included uttitha hasta padangusthasana to virabhadrasana 3, plenty of crescent moon-variation namaskar, ustrasana, 2 urhdva dhanurasana, janursirsasana, ardha matsyendrasaa, tarasana, paschimottanasana…and a truly lovely savasana complete with neck rub.
Bryony was even-keeled throughout and gave good basic instruction into the postures, even if she seemed slightly reserved (it was her third class of the day after all). She gave me a couple of nice adjustments and, even though I’m still definitely not firing with all cylinders, I felt a whole lot better after the class than before. I will be back for more Bryony in February.
Tomorrow, my long awaited return to Anoushka’s class, at the Life Centre, 12:30-2pm. Yoga inspired Pilates….
Schedule for Week 4, Lizzie’s 30 Day Yoga challenge
Below is my unofficial schedule for the last full week of my yoga challenge! Please let me know if you can join me, its always more fun to practice together.
MONDAY Anoushka Boone, 12:30-2pm, the Life Centre Notting Hill
TUESDAY Mark Hill, 15:45-5:15pm, the Life Centre Notting Hill
WEDNESDAY Sally Parkes, 12:30-1:30, Indaba Yoga Studio
THURSDAY Huma Jalil, 4:00-5:30, Jivamukti Yoga Studio
FRIDAY Helen Shepherd, 12:45-2:15, Triyoga Chelsea
SATURDAY Amanda Denton, 5-6:30, Indaba Yoga Studio
Day 21, Lizzie’s 30 Day Yoga Challenge
And on the 21st day there was rest. Feeling quite run down, I opted for a two hour nap today instead of rushing out to an afternoon class after teaching this morning followed by giving a 2 hr. Thai massage. I have to admit, I am a little let down as its the first day without a practice, and that was one of the points of the challenge. On the other hand, we all need sleep, and it’s something I often deprive myself of as I feel that nighttime is the only time I can get anything done! With Louis sick this past week and Xavier and I on the verge, we’ve been laying low this afternoon.
I have to admit that where my practice is concerned I feel a little leashed to the family, especially on the weekends. I adore my son and husband, but I would love to take more of the weekend workshops offered around town and feel more a part of the larger yoga community. Zhenja La Rosa is in town at Indaba Yoga Studios the next couple of weeks, and there are always some incredible teachers in town in various studios. In fact, I will be putting together my workshop wish list for winter/early spring in the next week.
Tomorrow I’m considering a couple of classes but will wait until morning to decide on which one. Husband has offered to watch Louis, so I want the class time to work for him….it’s a delicate balance.
I have heard stories of women leaving their husbands and children to follow their sadhana, their spiritual path, and while I don’t agree with the level of selfishness one must have to act upon that instinct (and love both too much to ever want to go that far), I sometimes dream of escaping off to India or South America or Africa for some self discovery through travel as I used to do. But then I remember, self discovery is happening right now, right here. I have a responsibility to my family, and that fuels my self discovery….even while sometimes impeding on my asana practice (and sleep). Lights out.
Day 20, Lizzie’s 30 Day Yoga Challenge
I must have been eager to get back to the mat or to see Graham, because I arrived 40 minutes *early* at the Life Centre. What a luxury, to have 40 minutes to spare! I used the time to run a few errands, and arrived before class with time to relax. I heard his belly laughter in the hallway as a few last students came through the door.
We started with a visual meditation on a flame that carried as a theme throughout the class. Dynamic from the start, we took a range of slow suryanamaskar including child’s pose, lunges and lunge twists. We moved into utkatasana, trikonasana arena chandrasana and virabhadrasana 3, and options were included appropriate for all levels of students along the way. Graham’s flowing voice ranged from gently leading the group to poking lightheartedly about the instructions given, for example, preparing us for dolphin, he told us to pound out forearms and fists to the mat. And then, deadpanning to the class “we do this because…it looks ridiculous…”
Towards the end we did some belly backbends, seated posture including ardha virasana, marichyasana c and paschimottanasana, as well as a couple rounds of navasana, twists and stomach strengtheners. We also took a couple rounds of kapalbhati in downward dog to keep stoking that inner fire. Sadly, I had to leave just before savasana, but I left feeling like I had a real chance to slow down and expand in the middle of the day.
Graham consistently teaches from his heart in a cheerful, knowledgeable and nurturing manner, and I’m looking forward to getting to his class again in early February.
Tomorrow? Wishing I could get the the Anusara workshop at Indaba with Zhenja La Rosa but fear I won’t have 3 hours to spare for practice…expect I’ll find something late afternoon..stay tuned.
Day 19, Lizzie’s 30 Day Yoga Challenge
When I arrived at Evolve Wellness Centre in South Kensington, I wasn’t sure I had the right time or day for the class, or even whether or not the studio was open; it was so …quiet. But the door was open, and there was a woman at the front desk who confirmed I had the right time, Una’s class was about to start. It was 4pm, and while the class was due to start imminently, no one was in the studio, or in the ladies changing room, or in the ladies toilets. However, there were two people sitting having tea on the sofa just outside the studio, so I opted to go in and set myself up in supta baddha konasana to relax. Fifteen minutes passed by, and I heard the woman at reception addressing the women on the sofas. “I’m sorry”, she said, “Una is running late, but she’s on her way. If you don’t want to wait we will refund your money and comp you a class, but she should be here soon”.
The two women entered the studio and discussed if they should stay or leave. All three of us were there at Evolve for the first time. I was unsure of whether to stay for an abbreviated class, but When I learned of the time, I decided to leave. After all, I paid for parking only until 5:15pm, and without knowing when she would arrive I thought it wouldn’t leave much time for a practice. So in the end, without being comped a free class, I left.
The space itself as well as the woman working at the front desk seemed nice enough, but I didn’t get the sense it was a fully functioning yoga studio. It’s a pity, but having one off experience can fix one’s perception of a place, regardless of how lively and well-functioning it may be at other times of day. I have heard it is a nice place to practice, but in all honesty I probably won’t make the effort to return again anytime soon.
On reflection, it would have been appropriate for the receptionist to come in right at 4pm to inform us there was a delay. Waiting fifteen minutes to tell us we would have to wait longer was inconsiderate – I spent nearly an hour of my time and almost 20 pounds when all was said and done (childcare, parking) to leave without having actually gone to a yoga class. I was a little let down.
I don’t expect to hear from Evolve in the form of an email or telephone call about todays’s experience, even though I gave away all my personal information prior to taking the class on their consent form. My sense is that they aren’t really on top of things and no one is looking after the students to ensure they are satisfied. Hopefully I’m wrong, and Una was just having a bad day. It can happen to us all.
Looking forward to practicing with Graham tomorrow at the Life Centre, Notting Hill. I love Graham’s energy and his commitment to teaching and studying on an esoteric level. I only wish I could stay for the much anticipated ‘fire meditation’ that he promised. Sadly I will have to slip out to get to my class on time at Indaba Yoga Studio…4pm!
Day 19, Lizzie’s 30 day Yoga Challenge
When I arrived at Evolve Wellness Centre in South Kensington, I wasn’t sure I had the right time or day for the class I thought I was meant to take, or even whether or not the studio was open. The door was open, and there was a woman at the front desk who confirmed I had the right time, and Una’s class was about to start. It was 4pm, and while the class was due to start imminently, no one was in the studio, or in the ladies changing room, or in the ladies toilets. However, there were two people sitting having tea on the sofa just outside the studio, so I opted to go in and set myself up in supta baddha konasana to relax. Fifteen minutes passed by, and I heard the woman at reception addressing the women on the sofas. “I’m sorry”, she said, “Una is running late, but she’s on her way. If you don’t want to wait we will refund your money and comp you a class, but she should be here soon”.
The two women entered the studio and discussed if they should stay or leave. All three of us were there at Evolve for the first time. When I learned of the time, I decided to leave. After all, I paid for parking only until 5:15pm, and without knowing when she would arrive I thought it wouldn’t leave much time for a practice. So in the end, without being comped a free class, I left.
The space itself as well as the woman working at the front desk seemed nice enough, but I didn’t get the sense it was a fully functioning yoga studio. It’s a pity, but having one off experience like this can fix one’s perception of a place, regardless of how lively and well-functioning it may be at other times of day. I have heard it is a nice place to practice, but in all honesty I probably won’t make the effort to return again anytime soon.
On reflection, it would have been appropriate for the receptionist to come in right at 4pm to inform us there was a delay. Waiting fifteen minutes to tell us we would have to wait longer was inconsiderate – I spent nearly an hour of my time and almost 20 pounds when all was said and done (childcare, parking) to leave without having actually gone to a yoga class. I was a little let down.
I don’t expect to hear from Evolve in the form of an email or telephone call about todays’s experience, even though I gave away all my personal information prior to taking the class on their consent form. My sense is that they aren’t really on top of things and no one is looking after the students to ensure they are satisfied. Hopefully I’m wrong, and Una was just having a bad day. It can happen to us all.
Looking forward to practicing with Graham tomorrow at the Life Centre, Notting Hill. I love Graham’s energy and his commitment to teaching and studying on an esoteric level. I only wish I could stay for the much anticipated ‘fire meditation’ that he promised. Sadly I will have to slip out to get to my class on time at Indaba Yoga Studio…4pm!
Day 18, Lizzie’s 30 Day Yoga Challenge
Arriving in Primrose Hill, I found parking without incident and arrived early for Kate’s class. I even passed 3 other gwiz cars along the way, and all of them gave me the gwiz smile. So far, so good.
As the class began to fill up, I wondered if it would be the same Kate Walker whom I met yesterday at my class at the Life Centre, and if so, what a funny coincidence! Just before class was due to start, in she came. Indeed, the same Kate Walker I met the day before, and as it turns out, the same Kate I’ve been texting from time to time about cover classes.
With 20+ students in the class, we started in seated meditation, and moved on from there through a very well balanced vinyasa class, truly accessible for all levels of practice. Kate has a lovely clarity in her voice and instruction, is accessible, authentic, and, from what I could tell based on my parsvottanasana adjustment, has a great healing touch. Her breath count was even and continuous and the music, grounding. I’m a fan.
While we didn’t take any fuller backbends (although kapotasana and ‘wild thing’ into an optional urhdva danurasana do count!) and there was no sirsasana or sarvangasana, I felt balanced and renewed after class nonetheless. I also loved her comment at the end of the class ‘may we in the yoga community be more known for our open hearts than our open bodies’.
It was obvious that Kate is well loved by her students. After class no fewer than a handful of people came to say hello as she treated each with a heartfelt hug and beautiful smile. A rare gem in Primrose Hill.
Tomorrow may well be a double header. A test class at Indaba Yoga Studio followed by Una at Evolve. As little orphan Annie says… It’s only a day away …
Day 17, Lizzie’s 30 Day Yoga Challenge
For the first time since the 30 Day Yoga Challenge began, my energy levels today were lower than normal. My son has been fighting a cold, so maybe that’s taking a toll on me, or maybe it’s the busy work schedule made busier trying to fit in classes that aren’t in my regular practice schedule. Ohh, that sounds like a bit of a moan! Bottom line is today I had to make a choice to do a self practice or to return to Nita’s Iyengar class at Indaba Yoga Studio, where I had just finished giving a Thai massage. Based on the tweaked knee from yesterday’s short stint into ballet (and my fatigue), I went to Nita’s class. It was just what I needed at the time. So, no new teacher, no new studio today, but even more of a reason to get to Kate Walker’s class tomorrow at Triyoga Primrose Hill! Let’s hope the parking Gods are on my side!
And now, here’s to hoping Louis stays asleep tonight.
Day 16, Lizzie’s 30 Day Yoga Challenge
When choosing todays class, I have to admit I didn’t put too much thought into it. I knew I had to be at a clients home in Chelsea in the afternoon, and the Pilates and Dance class at Triyoga Chelsea was the only class at the right time. On top of that, I knew it would be somewhat of a different experience with a teacher I hadn’t heard of. The class description reads as follows:
Pilates + Dance with Yalckun Abdurehim
Dynamic, fluid dance movements combined with Pilates techniques. Yalckun’s teaching concentrates on precision and dynamic flow of movement which relates to his dance background of more than 20 years. Physically challenged in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Some ballet or contemporary dance knowledge need it.
As with all of my blog posts, this entry is based only on my subjective experience and opinion, however, in writing about todays experience I feel a little out of my depth. I’ve never taken a ballet or contemporary dance class, and while I attend weekly Pilates classes, bringing the two forms of movement together is foreign to me.
As class began, the teacher gave us his concept of the class, how he teaches and what we could expect: a Pilates warm up, some contemporary dance movement and ballet. There was a range of experience between the six students in the class, including a ballet teacher (I learned later in the changing room) and two girls whom had never done any body movement work.
The warm-up was basic pilates sequences, but after 20 minutes or so we began the more challenging contemporary movements- falling down from one side to the other. This is when I felt something go wrong with my knee; it felt as if it clicked out of place. I was prepared to leave the class, but we then came to stand at it felt ok at the time (as I type I balance an ice pack on my clicking, elevated knee). The ballet sequencing started, and for the next 25-30 minutes we worked through a whole range of ballet steps, moving quickly from one to the next. It wasn’t clear when Yalckun was demonstrating and when we were meant to follow along, and it was even less clear the relationship between the Pilates and contemporary dance movements. Despite this, it was fun trying something new trying to emulate the gracefulness of Yalckun, whom I’m sure is a delight to see in a dance performance. He was gracious in encouraging all of us along and is clearly passionate about what he does.
After class I reflected on my experience, unsure of what to write. The session touched on something that *could* be very interesting and appealing for students, especially as ballet returns to the mainstream. At the core of the class is movement of the body- building body awareness, strength and grace with a focus beyond the day to day rushing of the mind. However, I’m not convinced that the formula has been refined enough to make the class safe and successful, and less sure the teacher is the right fit to make the class accessible for the range of students’ abilities. Nonetheless, I applaud the effort of Triyoga to try something different, and can see the potential for more classes like this to become available in the future.
For now, hoping the knee feels ok in the morning, such a good reminder to give careful alignment instruction, regardless of the form of movement.
Tomorrow’s class is a wild card!
Learnings from Week 2: Lizzie’s 30 Day Yoga Challenge
This week was dramatically different for me compared to the first week of the challenge. Taking some of my learnings from the first week into consideration, I chose classes that were generally longer in length (2, 2-hour classes, 2, 3-hour workshops), and had one day for self practice which was very meaningful from a more meditative and reflective standpoint. At the end of the second week I feel more fulfilled, more grounded and at the same time expansive. Thanks to all the great teachers who were so generous with their energy and teachings.
I have stuck with studios I know so far, which is partly due to the schedules and proximity and yoga methods I know and enjoy. I’m going to do my best to break out of that habit this week (Evolve is on the schedule for Thursday, and I’m slated to go to a pilates and dance class tomorrow at Tri Chelsea for something totally different!) I have questioned whether or not I should try a Bikram class or a Yotopia class in heat with weights, but I’m not sure what the point would be. I can’t imagine enjoying it, but maybe that’s one of the evolving themes of the challenge, to give new things, and things I have a misconception of, a chance. Stay tuned….
