[msinghal]

Growing up, Yoga was prescribed to me as a morning activity, and this is how I have practiced it all my life. My mind is less distracted, body is ready to warm up, and my stomach is empty, which I feel is essential to getting deeper into practice especially pranayama. On days that I practice in the morning, I feel my days go better than on days I cannot. Although I would never practice yoga at home in the evening, I have started going to yoga classes at a studio in the evening, but only if they end by 7 pm at the latest.

Even though I like practicing in the mornings, a very early morning is not one that I particularly like (my preference is anything after 7:30 AM). Hence, to challenge myself, I chose a 6 AM practice. For me, it was a struggle to get to it. Once there though, I was enamored by the tranquility of the practice.

The other time I picked to practice was a class that started at 7:30 PM. Since I like practicing on a light stomach, practicing at that time of the day threw off my dinner schedule and time with family completely. I dragged myself to the class. It was a basic flow, which suited that time of the day and the instructor had a calming effect too.

However, after trying these 2 times, I am even more certain that the time best suited to my personality is the morning (anywhere from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM), both for teaching and attending.

[msinghal]

Honestly, I waited to write on this prompt because I wanted to attend the class about assists first. My personal experiences have been limited, so I was having trouble making my mind up in this regard. The assists that I have received in the form of touches have been so far positive; however, they have consisted more as acknowledgement of my presence than correction or deepening the pose. I personally like what a touch does to me (when of course done right), so I feel it must feel the same to others.

However, I realize that I must wait to (a) be confident of myself as a teacher (b) observe and know my students enough and (c) try the verbal assist first before attempting the physical one.

[msinghal]

I grew up not having any music during my yoga practice. I liked the silence and quietude to listen to my body while I practiced. In the last few years, practicing in the USA at various studios, I have been exposed to music.

Initially, music bothered me in yoga classes, particularly the energizing upbeat ones. While now I have acclimatized myself to having music in yoga sessions, I lean towards soulful and calming music like kirtan, sounds of nature, or instrumental.

It does seem like a fair amount of work to listen, select, and download relevant music and categorize them into playlists. I personally also do not mind not having music in my classes either; however, I feel it is normally available in most studios and therefore most students may come to expect one. I will definitely experiment with music. It might turn out that it might be distracting to me while teaching, at least initially.

As I am planning my Karma classes, for lack of time, I am planning on keeping the music selection simple by choosing a yoga pertinent calming music from Youtube or Insight timer. My focus for the karma classes is to create a worthwhile asana sequence and its cues. When I have reached a comfort level in that aspect, I think I will have more time to invest in to music selection and to personalize it according to my personality.

• This reply was modified 7 years, 1 month ago by msinghal.

[msinghal]

What am I? A scientist, a mystic, an athlete? If I just contemplate at these terms without knowing what each term means with respect to yoga, I would pick myself to be a scientist because I am logical and process driven. When I review these terms more at length though with respect to yoga, I find that I have actually evolved from being an athlete to a scientist. Growing up in India, I was very academic, always immersed in studying. However, my parents always valued the need to be active. Yoga was in the air around me as my parents practiced daily and even taught. Naturally, I resorted to yoga (and walking) as a means of low impact physical outlet.

I continued practicing yoga sporadically throughout my adulthood during, then becoming more consistent in my 40s. I feel that is when I evolved toward a scientist. Looking back, I realize that that time coincides with when the stresses of settling into a new country, raising kids, building a business, etc. eventually crept up on me, and I felt the need to become a regular practitioner of yoga in order to provide a holistic approach to health. This brought me to the YTT program with a desire to deepen my own practice.

Knowing that there are 3 types of yogis and students, does put me at ease. Knowing that whatever my style, be it methodical, spiritual, or physical, I will find an audience whose style will resonate with mine. Since I gravitate toward the science behind yoga, I will be incorporating more breath work (pranayama), the chakras, the bandhas, and basic to intermediate postures and their benefits. I think my teaching style will have a dose of spirituality, even lower elements of athletically advanced poses, but more of the hows and whys. My father, who is my original teacher, believes in imparting the science behind pranayama and asanas, so that the one can logically understand their benefits. He believes in keeping the practice simple, but consistent. I have come to realize that I believe the same.

• This reply was modified 7 years, 1 month ago by msinghal.
• This reply was modified 7 years, 1 month ago by msinghal.

[msinghal]

Meenal Singhal

I enjoyed meeting my mentor, Harshaw, a couple weeks back. Although, we have met only once so far, she comes across as a very relatable person. Despite her busy personal life with 3 little kids and a busy husband, she has been very willing to make time to meet and talk in the future. I also have not had the opportunity so far to attend any of her regular classes. I did see her in action once as a sub in another class. I loved that she offered physical assists to me in down dog and a head massage during Shavasana. However, I intend to take a day off and attend one of her regular classes.
In our one meeting, we talked on many different levels from improving my alignment in certain poses, to addressing my trepidations on needing to teach in not so distant future, to the power of observing mentors/seasoned teachers, to the value of offering verbal and physical assists. We will continue to hone in all of these and possibly more areas in our future sessions. I look forward to knowing her and her style even more.
Another teacher who I admire is Caroline Donnelly. I have been a regular in her Saturday morning Empowering Flow for over a year now. She has a wealth of knowledge, and I find her personality calming and inspiring, but her practice strong and effortless. She has offered to meet with me even though she is not my mentor, a gesture I greatly appreciate.
At the moment, it is hard for me to imagine myself as a mentor. But when I get there, I would like to be real, truthful and honest, be a good listener, be available, and impart knowledge as was imparted to me

• This reply was modified 7 years, 1 month ago by msinghal.

[msinghal]

Sutra: 1.14
स तु दीर्घकालनैरन्तर्यसत्कारासेवितो दृढ़भूमिः
Translated literally: “But that practice only becomes firmly established when it has been executed with great attention and without interruption over a long period of time”

This yoga sutra deals with 3 key components in one’s yoga practice before one can expect to witness fruits:
(1) practice consistently (sadhana) i.e. for a long period of time (2) practice uninterrupted i.e. regularly and (3) practice with love and attention. All of these components make complete sense because long lasting habits (samskaras) are formed by continuous, unabated, and mindful practice. In order for anyone to practice for a long time, it is necessary that one must love to do it, otherwise he or she is very likely to quit it.

Although this sutra deals particularly with yoga practice, I feel it applies to all aspects of life. I am a firm believer of perseverance, tenacity, and deliberation of thought and action to achieve anything in life. I feel the 3 components are completely in line with this thought process. I do not believe that results are achieved without adequate effort and endeavor (tapas). What you sow is what you reap! There are no shortcuts to hard work! If one desires something or desires to become good at anything, one must be willing to do small controlled burn on oneself (quoting Deborah Adele). It is the discipline of tapas that is likely to deliver the desired results.

I will end with Pattabhi Jois’ comments, “Practice, and all is coming!”

[msinghal]

Meenal Singhal

Do you consider your practice spiritual? How can you incorporate spirituality into your own practice? What does it mean to you?

Incorporating spirituality is still work in progress for me. I feel spirituality is a combination of living your life under the yogic principles of yamas and niyamas. It is also the feeling of oneness with nature, which I feel is the manifestation of the divine. It is acknowledging that there is a larger force above all of us. It is also the ability to contribute back to the community from which we constantly draw so much. It is about living a simple, truthful, and meaningful life.
To me, bringing spirituality in my practice means the following:
Developing a regimen (tapas): That part is somewhat easy for me to achieve. As a methodical person, I am easily able to incorporate that in my physical yoga practice on the mat and in my daily life off the mat. Whether it is providing healthy meals for my family, whether it is regular self-care via massages and facials and time for yoga, whether it is meeting my extended family and friends, I am a committed person, and I take my responsibilities and commitments seriously.
Being gentle with myself and not seek perfection in poses or in life: I have made peace with my limitations on the mat. Sometimes, off the mat, I tend to be harsh with myself and seek unnecessary perfection. With being committed, also comes rigidity. That is where I need to be gentler to myself.
Flowing through the poses mindfully with focus on breath: For the most part, I am able to associate breath in my asana practice. I also have been a believer and practitioner of pranayama for many years now.
Being peaceful regardless of the external situations: This is work in progress. I still have ways to go to learn to let go. In my mind, I know that the external situation in not in my control, and that the only thing I can control is my attitude. However, being an emotional person that is harder said than done. Still, I think I have made progress.
Developing a quiet mind: This is also work in progress. Only recently have I started practicing quieting my mind with short 5-10 minute meditation.

Finally, how do you incorporate it into class in a way that is appropriate for all students since you don’t know their viewpoints/preferences on spirituality?

Yoga is not a religion. Yoga is about connecting you to you like described Bhagvat Gita’s quote “Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.” In a studio, it can be incorporated by inviting everyone to set an intention for the practice that day and constantly reminding them of that intention. When possible, choosing a theme derived from the yamas and niyamas, which are acceptable concepts for people from all faiths and backgrounds. During the practice, it can incorporated also by a reminder to one’s connection to breath. Some other ideas can be playing soothing music, by reading spiritual text, by invoking some meditation, by flowing gently in and out of poses, by involving pranayama, by involving nature, and by chanting “aum”.

• This reply was modified 7 years, 2 months ago by msinghal.
• This reply was modified 7 years, 2 months ago by msinghal.

[msinghal]

Meenal Singhal
You are not doing this right:
When I notice this happening, I would offer modifications. “Maybe you can…” or “As another option, you can try… if that feels better in your body.” Or I would come over and ask if I can touch him/her or show the pose to him/her next to him/her by saying, “Allow me to show you how to do this pose safely.”

Don’t forget to breathe:
I have often heard this exact phrase and I don’t find this phrase offensive at all. However, offering constant cues informing when to inhale and when to exhale are important. The focus and importance on breathing is what makes yoga different from a workout. I could also say, “remember to breathe” or “let you breath be your guide”

Don’t let your knee extend past your toe:
“Look down and notice the position of your knee and your ankle. It is best when they are stacked at 90 degrees. This is for your own safety and strength. ”

Don’t worry about anyone else:
“Yoga is your time, your journey. Everyone’s body is different. Each pose will look different on each person. Just do what feels best to you in your body today without worrying about the perfect pose or comparing. Practice ahimsa – nonviolence”

I would do some of the following to create a welcoming environment:
• As students walk in, smile and meet them.
• Play a calming music.
• Inform them of what props they will need.
• Introduce myself at the beginning of class.
• Let them know that this class is judgement-free, non-competitive, all-inclusive. Remind them to practice at
their own pace, coming to child’s pose or any other calming pose as their body desires. This is their
practice. I am only a guide.
• Try to stay relaxed myself (which I have to learn to practice).
• Ask if they are ok with touching and then move around to help during class.
• Encourage and praise often (again something I need to work on).
• Keep the narration simple. Do the pose myself.
• Offer modifications.
• Be available after class.

[msinghal]

Meenal Singhal

When Patanjali says “pain that has not yet come, is avoidable,” he does not mean that pain will not come. Pain is inevitable in human life. He means how we will endure it or suffer in it, depends entirely upon us. I analyze this sutra in two ways:

The more we invest our energy and attention to the things that give us pain, the more pain those things give us. As an example, my mother used to say, “the more you repeat ‘it is cold,’ the more cold you will feel” Her point being: the more you focus on the suffering caused by a thing or a situation, the more you will realize it in your head, and the more it will make you suffer. Things and situations are neutral: they themselves do not cause pain, or not cause pain. They must be accepted as is by cultivating Santosh and gratitude.

We must also continuously purify our minds with a dose of positive thoughts, consciously and forcefully replacing any negative thoughts. I have seen my father, as a yoga teacher, teach meditation and Shavasana by asking students to focus on the inhalation and exhalation of their breath. With every inhalation, he would ask them to think of positive thoughts and with every exhalation, he would ask to release any negative thoughts: Inhale happiness, exhale sadness; inhale health, exhale diseases; inhale peace, exhale anxiety; inhale kindness, exhale animosity; inhale strength, and exhale weakness, and so on. This practice of Shauch of the mind prepares us to mitigate future pain more effectively.

As a teacher, I would like to be that kind of guide, who can be a positive role model for my students. But first, I must be a student myself of these philosophies: of practicing contentment and positivity.

[msinghal]

Meenal Singhal –

This book was a profound read, to put it simply. It made me think on many accounts. Frankly, though written simply, it may even have the propensity toward being overwhelming to an average reader. It did to me! I even began questioning my basic morality. Do I need fixing so much of me?
At the end of the book, I realize the book is not supposed to offer answers. It is meant to be a guide to an inner dialogue that we should be having with ourselves consciously all the time. Its contents must be consumed in bite sizes. And that’s what I plan to do. To start with, I plan to focus on two simple areas.
• Nonviolence in dealing with my family. I will trust and support their version of their journey and not worry or offer my help to them as I insist upon doing as a mother. Someone in the class wisely suggested that I should act as a facilitator. I will think about my family and send them positive energy of love and trust when I feel like worrying. And I will be there to offer support and guidance when my overactive motherly instinct itches to “help” them.

• Attempt to purify my mind by doing one thing at a time. Being an owner of “Vat” prakriti in both body and mind, I have taken immense pride in being able to multi-task up until now. Whether it means listening to my kids and answering a text, or planning dinner while driving, or listening to my favorite song and working, I have missed the purity of the moments in all of those times. I will remind myself to slow down consciously and practice giving each moment the attention it deserves. Meditating is one of the vehicles I will use in order to achieve that calmness and purity of the mind.

One thing is for sure: I will be rereading the book many times and every time, there is likely to be some other yama or niyama that will call me out to be picked up and to be made my own.

[msinghal]

If I were to parse that quote, to me it means that yoga is a journey of the self (the traveler), through the self (the vehicle), to the self (the destination). So, I myself is the who, the how, and the where in the journey.

In Sanskrit, the word “Yoga” means to add or unite: uniting the body with the most powerful apparatus in a human being: the mind. It also means to reach a place which was previously unattainable, or a movement from a point to another, higher than the previous.

Hence, I am the traveler, the whole person (with both mind and body) who is undertaking this journey of self-improvement and uniting myself with my own true self. Yoga’s first 2 limbs, yamas, and niyamas, provide the ethical guidelines to help my mind and its thoughts the direction towards self-awareness. The Asanas and pranayama provide me means to keep my physical body healthy, without which I cannot undertake this journey. All along, I use myself as the vehicle in this journey.

Where am I headed? What is the destination? I am myself the destination. The Divine resides in me. I am seeking that connection with myself: my higher self, my peaceful self, my real self, my utmost best self that can be. Through the practice of yoga, I can peel the layers of myself and recognize my true self.

Some other useful quotes on yoga and the self that go along the line with this quote are:

Yoga is the perfect opportunity to be curious about you. – Jason Crandell

Yoga is not about self-improvement or making ourselves better. It is a process of deconstructing all the barriers we may have erected that prevent us from having an authentic connection with ourselves and the world. – Donna Fahri

[msinghal]

My journey of yoga started as a teenager in India taught by my parents, who later became teachers of the Ashtang Yoga. All my early training of asanas and pranayama has been under their supervision. That is the only style of yoga I was familiar with until I visited a few studios in Columbus and landed at Balancing Owl. During the search for an ideal studio and classes, I was never attracted to either Power yoga, which to me symbolized rigorous exercise or Bikram. I have always learned to practice yoga in fresh air (cracking the window open just a tiny bit even during the thick of winter), hence the concept of heat and sweat did not appeal to me. These might be misconceptions due to my Eastern and traditional upbringing or conceptions driven by my aging body’s inability to handle too much rigor or heat! Either way, my ideal form of yoga practice includes asanas (moderate complexity) and pranayama preferably in the morning out in the open. In that realm, I would be willing to learn and explore any style of yoga as long as it encompasses all 3 entities: body, breath, and mind in its practice and as long as I can use the concepts learned on the mat for the betterment of myself off the mat.

I am also interested in learning dhyana (meditation), which I have not had the privilege of including in my practice sufficiently thus far. Meditation is one of the limbs of yoga, so I believe, you can be practicing yoga even if you do not move.

[msinghal]

What makes a good yoga teacher for me really is someone who:
(1) connects with his/her students easily in a warm welcoming way rather than being an intimidating figure. It is almost better that he or she is not perfect in his or her ability to do the more difficult poses, making him or her more relatable.
(2) is knowledgeable, but humble. Someone who has a good understanding of poses, adjustments, and alignment and takes the time to correct (but not over correct) students. However, he or she never makes fun of a student’s lack of ability or knowledge.
(3) keeps the talking to the minimum allowing the students to focus on their own bodies and intentions. This also goes for the choice of music and its volume.
(4) takes time to prepare for his/her classes ahead of time and offers a touch of novelty/variety and his or her personality in theme, intention, or sequence in each class.

• This reply was modified 7 years, 3 months ago by msinghal.
• This reply was modified 7 years, 3 months ago by msinghal.

[Author]

Posts