[regmarlew63]

My 8 Karma classes took place in a few venues. Two were at the Balancing Owl (one which is still to come), three were at New Hope Church, sharing co-teaching with yogi sister Lori Davis, two were with family and friends in a home setting, and a beach setting, and one with our YTT family at a fundraising event. All were one hour in length.
The classes with home and family settings, were very relaxed, familiar, talk and explanation seemed to flow freely. I had to remind myself that I was responsible to give as much knowledge and guidance for the best yoga experience to participants: most were totally new to yoga. And one of the first comments I received made me take a step back for a moment (most likely my inner critic). It had something to do with the ease of the practice. My first instinct was, “oh, that’s not good”, but after, I realized that she was so fearful going into the session, and the understanding for her while doing the class left her with confidence and an interest to keep doing yoga. Which she has done.
The co-teaching was a great experience! First of all, we worked with each other and created a nice series that complimented each of the classes and it was fun to watch the class grow and improve in yoga life. I love that it was, for the most part, the same people week to week, so we could see that transition. It also was a large class, so that was a good teaching moment to be in front of so many and feel comfortable. It was at this location, I learned the valuable lesson of what seems to be the simplest of asanas, still needs direction from the teacher.
The yoga studio setting (as we all know) was awesome. It seem to solidify and put a punctuation mark on all these months of our YTT journey. It felt surreal, and inspiring, and spiritual. It brought pride and excitement. My mentor’s presence was a great support and seeing Emily and a couple other good friends in attendance was encouraging.
I’m so grateful for all the Karma classes. AND for the one left to come! 🙂
Regina Lewis

[regmarlew63]

Whenever I am anxious/fearful, I hold all my stress and emotions in my shoulders and neck. Which most often leads to a headache. And I’m very tired with a dull headache the next day. When I do get anxious about something, or there is some form of conflict, I notice I start to straightening up, cleaning, organizing things. Maybe this is in tune with me trying to “fix” whatever it is….
When I reflect on the past, I always feel warm and safe and loved. In the past few years, in accepting the circumstances that come along with a loved one living with a degenerative disease, it has felt constricting. Foreign. Goes against my entire life experiences in many ways. From family gatherings, to travel, to activities that no longer exist and yet defined the very essence of our traditions. Faith has been the only way that has made the days doable. Paying extra attention to self care is key also.
I feel as though my feminine and masculine sides are pretty balanced. I love to nurture and give emotional support, yet I’m totally into rolling up my sleeves to do physical work and also to be strong for my loved ones when they need that support and protection. I’m certainly not afraid to speak honestly and remain true to myself.
My right side is my dominant side. Although, the most serious health issue occurred on my right leg. Maybe it is indicative that I carried and stressed my right side while coping with a traumatic event when it happened. I definitely put self care on the back burner at the time and was totally immersed in one train of negative thought mentality. Missing the moving parts all around me. It felt like I was drowning, and now I recognize that, yes, while this particular event was traumatic, I was leaving so many gifts that very well were holding the balance and normalcy I was dying to have, but too consumed by negativity, I missed out on! 20/20 HINDSIGHT!!!
Regina Lewis

[regmarlew63]

In learning Ayurveda, I realize I need to start rising much earlier in the morning. (my nighttime routine, is pretty good)..I need this to get my agni firing up to set up the rest of my day for better digestion. I understand how important drinking my water at room temperature, is for better digestion. I also found out I need to incorporate more heart pumping exercise and asanas into my practice.
I would love to have these findings become a strong habit and natural in my daily lifestyle. So, my plan is to make little adjustments, so I don’t get discouraged and quit. I plan to make my meals a more spiritual experience and really slow them down, set a mood. I plan to slowly cut out diet sodas out of my diet. I would also like to take longer, more fast paced walks to give my body and dosha type what it needs to be healthy.
As a teacher, knowing dosha types can help me incorporate asanas that please all types. I can tend to the pittas by letting them know we will get more movement at certain points of class, allow the kapphas to get their restorative moments, and keep the vatas in a good centered state to calm their fleeting thoughts. By trying to attain the goal on focusing on and recognizing the individual dosha tendencies, the other doshas will get what they are lacking and need to get balanced.
Regina Lewis

[regmarlew63]

My dosha quiz revealed I was Kappha/Pitta. At first, I was surprised by the pitta analysis. My intial understanding of pitta was that it was hard driven, run a million marathons, high intensity work out kind of crowd. Which, I am absolutely none of that! But, as I educated myself more, I could see a lot of pitta qualities in me. Some of which are, my clock and how we need the winding down time late afternoon, early evening with family love, hobbies…but if we get past that early wind down our second wind kicks in and we find ourselves doing deep cleaning around the house at 8:30 at night! Another pitta quality for me in non attachement. I hate clutter. It makes me feel so out of sorts and not balanced. I’m very organized. I have sensitive skin and high blood pressure, also pitta qualities. My kappha qualities ring true in easy weight gain, emotional , cry easily, take long time making decisions. I weigh all aspects of solution out. I LOVE ROUTINE!! I love to keep peace and bring comfort to my loved ones and friends.
It was fun and eye opening to read about doshas. Hard not to stop and think, “Oh yea, this is so and so, for sure!” LOL
During our Ayurveda session, I hope to just have discussion of the book we studied, to see if in doing so, something will pop up as and “aha” moment I may have missed in my reading. Also, maybe learn some ways to stay true to dosha when life gets in the way and not get crazy over it. And how to eat better according to my dosha.
Regina Lewis

[regmarlew63]

During the curvy class, I noticed in the opening meditation, whether it was intentional or not, that the gratitude focused on parts of the body, that is not thought about when describing a person as heavy, or thin. Instead its focus was on being thankful for the body parts,( which I’m sure people who have insecurities abut their body type, might not concentrate on these important aspects of the body) such as the brain, the heart, the eyes, the ears…I thought that is an awesome reminder that there is always something to be grateful for about our bodies.
The use of props were key. It was not so much what she said, but what she addressed, without awkward acknowledgements about bellies, thighs, breasts getting in the way. Instead she knew that these body types might have limitations on reach or position due to differences in anatomy. So, to make the poses more accessible and less embarrassing, she instructed from the start to use a prop, one way or another.
I hope to bring this gentle approach of being “in tune” into all class types. To not point out the obvious limitations one may or may not have, knowing they are most likely already aware, and do not need to be reminded in a direct way, but a more subtle, discreet way that would never be offensive.
Regina Lewis

[regmarlew63]

june 24 discussion on special populations
Since I was absent for our Thursday session, I will do my best here to draw from the readings on Special Populations.
Since I have started my training program, the practice of yoga has been a topic of many conversations amongst family and friends. And from my readings I first had an “aha” moment when the topic was on athletes. I have a lot of acquaintances that are more of a hard core high intensity work out type person. One of the first things they mention is they like faster more challenges types of classes. I learned that there is probably an “ego” component mixed in here. Never saw it that way, but now makes alot of sense. One of the many reasons they choose the higher intensity training, is they have a competitive personality, and it could be a measure they have for themselves. I always felt the only reason they didn’t do yoga was they needed the sweat to feel like they worked out.

Another thing interesting in the reading was working with children. How to incorporate the age old simplest of games, that they have probably been playing and have great familiarity with , such as musical chairs and memory games, to let them feel more comfortable on the mat and find fun in yoga. And how beneficial it can be for children who are living in a world that seems to be high stress as much younger ages anymore.

I learned that when teaching seniors, not to assume the nature of and aging physcial body means they cannot keep moving. It is just the opposite. That it is instrumental in them aging more gracefully and healthier. That the use of props in almost a mandatory rule. And how to safely, more effectively get them on and off the floor.

I found the reading on menopause to be eye opening. And was glad to read that men too experience major changes with aging that could be categorized as male menopause. And how yoga is so beneficial in working through changing bodies that are inevitable.

My biggest “aha” came in reading the section on chronic pain. I have known my husband for 38 years now. He had been involved in contact sports his entire life. He suffered alot of injury. And did not take precautions to prevent further damage, but lived with the mentality to keep pushing, tape it up and pain was part of it all. Now, in his early 50’s, he suffers from pain all the time. But, what I read that made me sit back and think “WOW”, this is exactly what is happening with him, is the mind connection to this suffering he always feels. Reading the part about how the minds response that makes a person relive the injury over and over and the affect it has on the physical pain one feels was enlightening to say the least. When anyone notices the pain my husband is in, due to a grimace on his face, or his posture, and if they ask, what’s going on….his immediate reply is ALWAYS, “when I was a junior in high school, a guy came over the top the line on such and such a play and hit me head on….” I now realize, that he is remembering that past pain and not allowing himself to move his thought process about his memory of injury from the negative to the positive.

I don’t plan on teaching special populations, but the information I learned here has been enlightening, empowering, and if the situation ever presents itself, I will be better equipped to teach with a better understanding and safer technique.

Regina Lewis

[regmarlew63]

By attending a lot of different styles, studios, teachers it really opened my eyes to what, in my opinion, makes a good teacher and what things I did not want to do when teaching. I’ve learned when teaching a class, it’s OK when instructing the sequence I have planned for that session, to let there be,when the energy of the room shows a need for it, a nice pause to let an asana or technique settle in. Allow it to be explored. Allow it to be absorbed. I felt like I needed to go right into the next pose in order to make my credibility as a teacher have validity. Almost like, I was afraid it would appear I was lost or confused as what to do next, therefore the students might think I was not trained to teach them. So, I am working on taking the time as needed to move slowly with confidence.
I also liked to see that it was OK not to give step-by-step instructions on getting in and out of asanas. And I am learning that if I see many of the students and in proper form, I will not be afraid to stop the class and ask them to watch as I show them.
I learned that it is OK to ask the student “how do they feel?” when they are exploring something new. And to let them know if it feels good to them it is acceptable and I will not worry about precise position.
When using Music, I will pay close attention to the suitability. Also, I will be mindful of my body language and words to be sure that all feel welcome and safe in the space provided. I want my class to view me as sharing and that I too am always learning from our time together. And I never want to come off as superior in any way.
Regina Lewis

[regmarlew63]

When planning a class sequence, it has, from the very beginning been a real struggle for me to use the “sequencing chart” given to us in class. I am not sure why this is. So, I decided to stick to what seems to feel most natural to me. And the word “natural” seems to be key in a smoother process of laying out my class plan. I will think of my apex pose, I will look through our many sequence books and other resources like classes I have taken in studio, or online to help me out when deciding this point of the class. And from there, I will think freely about poses I have done in these sessions. I will always lean toward incorporating poses I remember really enjoying. And I realize the importance of also including the ones that are not my favorites, for whatever that reason. I start taking written and mental notes. A lot of times I will start thinking asanas out loud during road trips, or throughout my daily happenings. Then, I sit quietly on my mat. And, with these thoughts and notes in mind, I start moving. And that is when everything seems to fall better into place. More times than not, once I start moving I change things, because this is where and when I feel the fluidity, or lack there of.
Once, I get this part in a solid place….I run through it in its entirety a few times, with the planned music and time it out. Working out any new revelations that pop up. And they do. On the day before, I only read the notes and get all of my items gathered and packed up that I plan on bringing to class. So, on class day, it is much less hectic.
Regina Lewis

[regmarlew63]

To date, most of my karma classes have taken place in a very large and open space in the back of a church. While it was a quiet environment, with no foot traffic coming and going, and a beautiful wall of windows looking out to a peaceful quiet outdoor prairie; the large size posed some challenge with hearing music and glare from windows made it difficult for the students to really see me, and from the teaching perspective gave me that same visual challenge. In turn that limiting vision didn’t allow me to see students in detail. I could see their bodies, but was made aware later that i couldn’t see detail of improper hand/finger placement. I could have fixed this by changing the orientation of the class, which I did the following session, after taking a cue from Lori Davis.
I had a lot of different levels of experience, which was a bit of a challenge. I tried the approach of being basic in instruction, and reminding even the experienced student could benefit from gentle reminders that refresh our techniques.
I had waves of both confidence and nervousness while instructing. So, during the nervous parts, I kept reminding myself that I have been in training to do this, and mistakes can happen and try not to panic when I know I had made one. Reminding myself no one probably even noticed.
I was excited after the class. Especially when I was getting the smiles and compliments. But I will admit, my inner critic was fierce, after hearing one comment about something I maybe could have done better. Example; I assumed everyone would easily pick up on how to be in Child’s Pose. After beating myself up a bit, I turned it into a lesson of being sure I cue even the simplest of asanas.
The best advice I would give, is no matter how your class is going….smooth as silk, or what we are envisioning is a hot mess (which most likely is not) just keep moving forward!! You will get through and learn valuable lessons.
Regina Lewis

[regmarlew63]

Meditation is a tool. It helps us on our path to enlightenment. It has so many benefits to the body, and for me most importantly helps in bringing calm to a hectic thought pattern. Ultimately it leads to bliss. Just like the asanas in our practice of yoga, it is about self exploration, self discovery and self transformation. It creates a platform for openness.
Our thoughts are part of the experience. When we meditate, we develop compassion for ourselves. We can direct that compassion to others too.
Meditation is not being without thoughts and having a totally clear mind. It is not always being completely still. It doesn’t have to have total silence to be done. I was surprised to learn that meditation can take place in an active state even, as in walking.
Meditation helps with mindfulness by giving us focus, bringing an awareness to what we carry around inside. It opens us up to what is actually important and allows us to free ourselves and let go of the things that have no room in our lives.
Regina Lewis

[regmarlew63]

Taking Yoga Outside the Studio

Since my karma classes, so far, have all taken place outside of a traditional yoga studio, I have learned a lot about importance of surroundings for a yoga practice. First of all you must consider that you do not have the props that are traditionally available to you inside a studio . Therefore if you plan on doing poses that strongly suggest the use props, you need to think outside box; examples are chairs , tables, wall space etc. Also I did not have access to a clock, so I had to figure out a way to keep check on my timing without looking too distracted. Lighting and temperature control was a challenge . You had to take basically what was there and work with it. The space was very large so my music was hard to hear, and I wondered if the people were having trouble hearing me because I really did not want to shout and feeling it was counterproductive to the practice and keeping people in a more calm state. You must also make sure that the location has a way to be secure once class starts so that you and the students are in a safe space while your attention is not on the outside world. Places that are not in a studio can have a lot of distractions naturally. So it is important to try to keep a focus of the group and what we are actually doing and trying to keep their attention on practice and not to all their surrounding factors. A big perk of the place I’ve taught had a large wall of windows that loooked out onto a prairie . It was even mentioned to me by one of the students that it was so fun to be doing the poses while looking out on such a serene setting. I believe this helped a lot in bringing a peaceful mood to the class.
It was great to be aware, that even if there are outside challenges, we can practice yoga anywhere anytime. And all the distractions can help us in learning how to be centered & draw awareness inward & leave the world behind for just a short time.

Regina Lewis

[regmarlew63]

MAY 13 discussion

I feel like my first a-ha moments throughout this training came actually in the very very beginning when I was reading the yamas and niyamas. I remember reading one particular quote ” when it rains, let it”.
Taking on this teacher training course was a big leap of faith for me. I knew I had a strong interest in the whole philosophy of yoga, but I just didn’t know how I would feel tackling it from this angle. It started off very smoothly and strong, kind of surprising me, honestly. I was excited by my mind being opened up to so much of a deeper knowledge of what yoga really is all about. It gave me meaning behind why I’ve liked the practice of yoga all these years. The readings & the discussions gave me the “whys”, as to what it has been about the practice that appeals to me and why it is a good fit for my journey of wellness. Whenever I hit snags along the way, whether it was just understanding the process and being patient, and trusting it. Whether it was going out on a limb, and trying something totally new and foreign. Or if I just could not figure out how to turn in a homework assignment.
I started to just trust more, and realize no matter if I mastered something or not, it would be OK, and exactly how it was designed to be! This approach, I have to admit, even when it feels unnatural, has been so much better and healthier. I am always a work in progress, & I hope as I start standing in front of a class, teaching …that I can remember to not fret & to have faith in myself, my knowledge, my journey. I hope to always leave people better than when I found them.
Regina Lewis

[regmarlew63]

There were actually two different occasions when I really became aware of my breathing and the impact that breath work can have on a physical being. There were some pretty traumatic times in my life as a new mom. And I was not dealing very well in knowing how to cope and work through my anxieties. I started to explore yoga and what it could bring to my wellness. And I also dove into more holistic measures of living through readings by Dr. Weil and listening to his webinars and following vitamin and eating plans. My first breath work techniques were introduced through Dr Weil and it was the “4-7-8” method. Then he taught how to exhale longer just when you thought your exhalation was complete. And yet another technique was to hold the tongue on the roof of mouth and breathe, exhaling with pursed lips. I found all of these exercises very calming and centering during times of high anxiety moments. I couldn’t believe, how almost instantly, my body would “feel” better by incorporating these little, but powerful techniques. Then, when I started my hatha yoga practice, I learned all about the 3 part breath. The physical effects felt familiar to me, but what it did introduce me to was the focus, the meditation, the centering aspects of breath work. I loved how it helped me in focusing on the “now”. And it was so therapeutic feeling in the way my “run away” thoughts would tame down, and how I could have a more clear perspective on situations I needed to deal with and figure out how I would live through. There isn’t one single day I do not find myself incorporating breath work in my life. Sometimes, it just happens naturally. As if my body and mind have now been trained to make deep breathing and breath work techniques a habit for me. After learning the 3 part breath and the focus it taught me, it was only a short amount of time to master the narrowing of throat to feel the vibration in UJAYI breathing. It just added another layer to the centering breath work brought to my life. For these techniques and awareness, I’m so very grateful. It is a valuable tool for me in my effort to live a healthier lifestyle. I am excited to help students understand the “how tos” and feel for themselves the rewards of using the breath to help in our wellness.

Regina Lewis

[regmarlew63]

Arm balances and inversions pose a lot of challenges, in many different forms. There’s a mental component (am I gonna face plant, fall, get hurt?) and there is a physical component (I’ve never had a strong upper body, so I bet i can never do arm balances). I feel the best approach is one that will address both of these components. In a perfect world, it would be great to have a class that will be together for a consecutive weekly session. This would allow for a gradual introduction and approach to arm balances and inversions. Giving a building block approach and having students practice at home in between classes what we learned from class to class. Although strength is an important quality that helps to execute the poses, it should be known to student that a prop, such as a block, a sofa/chair, can give that all important support and security when the physical body won’t do a pose on its own. Also, that prop, can give us that mental edge needed to just “try” and trust our body might be able to do slightly more than we think it can do. I feel it would be wise and safe to have a smaller group to try instructing arm balances/inversions, so closer one on one attention can be paid. Inversions have such a great detoxifying benefit to them. And it would be important to introduce and incorporate them into a class. Most would be surprised that a pose as simple as legs up a wall is an inversion pose. And I feel it would boost the confidence of student, making them realize they can do these poses. I do plan on including both arm balances and inversion asanas to some degree. Not only will they give the physical and mental benefits to the class, but it too will keep the student’s practice interesting and more dynamic.
Regina Lewis

[regmarlew63]

In Knowing the anatomy we are informed on what body parts are in motion & being used & will give an accurate area of concentration when deciding on a counter pose to bring balance and safety. The are many areas I need to study more on. Mostly, the “origin/insertion/action”of muscular system.

If student complains of specific pose hurting, knowledge of anatomy will allow me to know what is actually hurting & will instruct me on where the pose is not in proper alignment.

Anne made me aware of how a muscle is built. How the origin & insertion work together to put the body in motion. I learned that the body is beautifully complicated. And how amazing that it has components that work specifically to keep someone from getting injured.

By understanding the anatomy, it helps in building a sequence & having a more dynamic class. It gives an understanding of how different body shapes will dictate how each person should safely execute a pose.

Knowing the anatomy can guide me in knowing the difference between pushing the body just far enough to make it stronger, more flexible versus someone may be doing something that can cause injury.

I believe having this knowledge as a teacher, will enhance a students practice & will give them a sense of security knowing the teacher’s understanding of the anatomy will guide them to the best of their ability & will direct them to their medical team if something couldn’t be figured out.

I imagine too, it would give me a sense of confidence during any instruction.

The amount of material is daunting, both in volume & also it brings perspective into the responsibility I have as a teacher. I hope I will always reach out to those who are more educated than me with questions to gain better knowledge and to stay on top of new findings. I will pay close attention to the bodies in motion that will be in front of me & always find the reason (positive or negative) for how they look in any given asana.

Regina Lewis

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