Solve It, Level Two

So, I'm eight weeks into teaching at the studio and I realize that I haven't really been talking or writing about it much. Over dinner this weekend, my mom says to me, "So, I hear from your father that you're teaching a yoga class." Umm, yeah. Sorry about that.

And while I have been doing some pre- and post-class writing, it's been more personal and technical in nature. So, here's the yoga report:

Teaching yoga is freaking awesome.

It is probably the most important thing I've done in the past five to ten years. If I can take half of the discipline that I give to my yoga practice and apply it to writing, then I might actually call myself a writer. As Mikie reminds me, a writer writes. In this case, a yoga teacher teaches.

I've really taken my practice to another level. What I've found is that I'm paying closer attention to poses in the first place. Not only do I ask myself, "What am I doing?" but also, "How do I cue this?" And as I think about cuing, I'm cuing myself, and getting better at poses, developing a deeper understanding of the specific muscular action involved.

My big breakthrough has been in learning to apply opposing muscular actions, or internal action like mula bandha. This is the difference between passively adopting the shape of a pose & actively engaging the whole body. In Saturday's class, I was able to twist deeper than ever before. I could actually stretch my hands down and touch the floor in revolved crescent lunge. I've never been able to do it. My ardha chandrasana is also really coming along.

I'm also thinking more about the philosophy behind it. Physical practice aside, yoga is also a spiritual practice. I'm not out to convert anyone. I just think that you are going to get some spiritual benefits as well as some physical ones. It goes with the territory.

I'm living proof of that. Yoga has really helped me maintain my sanity since moving back to Omaha. It's changed my attitude, helped me get rid of a lot of bad habits, and opened me up to new  possibilities. It's changed me physically, and allowed me to connect with a spiritual side that I haven't really been in touch with for years.

I'm also lucky to have a really receptive class. Max, his mom Linda, Lindsy, Dan & Megan have been with me pretty much from the start, and they've all done some really good work. So, if you're reading this guys, thanks for sticking with me. Thanks also to Nikki, Justin for trying it for a while, and to Megan [the other Megan] for coming & for bringing her friends.

So, in short, do yoga. You don't have to come to my class, but there is probably a class out there for you somewhere -- a teacher that you will respond to, a story that you need to hear, a practice all your own. It will affect and inform the rest of your life. But you have to be open to it, willing to take some risks, and you will have to discover patience.

I read a story recently about an instructor walking through India, meeting a swami, and telling him about his practice. The swami said, 'Oh, you're still in the first decade of your practice. That's great. After that, the real work begins.' That's not to say that you won't do plenty of good work in the meantime, but just that it is a slow progression. This is not some quick-fix diet. This is not instant enlightenment. This is some serious, life-changing work.

And that takes time.

Comments

[Max]

It's pretty amusing to do this all with my mother. We totally call each other at work to make sure the other is going that night to class or to see how we feel the next day afterwards. I'm very happy I'm able to learn and share your experiences with yoga; it is something that I look forward to practicing the span of my life.

[jenn]

so i didn't sign up for ben's yoga class. i was scared. i was the last kid picked for every sport, every time, and i have been trying to build up my ability and backbone. however, my most recent experience with a group exercisey-type thing was at "new lady fitness". i took a "beginner-level" aerobics class and when it became apparent that i was having a hard time keeping up, the instructor scolded me. i ended up walking out in tears. megan and dan have assured me that beginner-ness is acceptable and i think i've mentally discussed things with myself enough that i will be brave and sign up for ben's next offering.

[Shail]

I like your site very much. Its funky, Funny and Informative. I will like to see more of your reflections on Yoga. Keep up the good work Ben. Also read Bhagwat Gita by Swami Prabhupada. Its really good.Want to read in original call me.