Everything is yoga

Recently, I started a new job, which has cut into my free time significantly. It's also given me a new appreciation for finding time to do Yoga.

For various reasons, at my new job I found myself having to move a whole bunch of stuff around in a crowded room. After working at it for a while, I realized that I was doing some accidental yoga. I was standing on one leg, lifting things and placing them down. I was basically in a heavily modified warrior 3. This moment of realization made me realize how many things that I do on a daily basis are positively affected by yoga. In fact, the majority of the movements that I do everyday, from sitting down in a chair, standing up, to tying my shoes, even typing at a computer have been positively influenced by yoga, I even breathe better. I just feel more balanced and at ease then I have before.

Without even really realizing it, until now.

Namaste,
Matt Blank

The hardest part

The hardest part of flying is not being afraid to fall.

I'm sure someone else wrote that before me, but I like it and I couldn't find it as a quote so I'm using it. I'll give credit when/if I find out who wrote that first.

So today in class, while doing forward fold, I realized that I was able to use the block while it was lower to the floor, at the middle setting. This seems like a small thing, but I realized that it was pretty rare to have incontrovertible proof that you are getting better at yoga. This fairly random small bit of gratification made me think about something which seems to relate equally to life and to yoga.

You have to be willing to try new things to improve. Maybe it's doing one of the optional parts of a pose. Maybe it's not being afraid to use a prop less, or even more. Maybe you'll surprise yourself.

Namaste,
Matt Blank

Props to props

The first and most important thing about props is to understand the purpose of them. They are there to help you in your practice.

While that seems really simple, it's a very loaded statement. I don't think there is any "right" way to use the props that works for everyone. In many ways, using a prop is actually harder then not using a prop, because it's just one more thing that you need to deal with, externally. What worked for me was to take a step back and look at what areas and what kinds of poses I had trouble with, and then figure out a way for me to use props to help with that.

Each of the props have a couple general types of use:

The strap is used to extend your reach, usually while seated.
The most common use is to help pull yourself into a seated forward fold while keeping your back straight.
I've also seen Jessie use it in a basics class to help with chaturanga in a very interesting way; you create a sort of hammock with it around your shoulders and it supports you through the pose.

The blanket is used to support, cushion and lightly lift.
I usually see people sitting on it for a lot of seated poses. It is also used to cushion knees neck and hips, depending on the pose. Finally, for some poses it can be used to bring the floor closer, but not as close as a block would.

The blocks are used to extend your reach, lift and support.
Most commonly, they are used in standing poses to help reach the floor. They are also sat on to bring your hips in line with your knees, and in supported bridge. They are also my favorite prop.

It's hard to prescribe prop use to someone, I think you typically have to just use it and figure out how it works for you. A lot of it is simply knowing the intent of the pose and where you need help with it, and not being afraid to take the extra second to position your prop and yourself with your prop. If you would like a specific suggestion please either comment here or ask me at class, if you don't know who I am just ask one of the instructors, I think they all know me at this point.

One specific I do want to mention, is because I have shortish arms (like a T-Rex, thankyouverymuch) so most of the poses that involve hands reaching towards the ground or towards feet are challenging for me. As a result, I am almost always using blocks. I've found it incredibly helpful for my downward facing dog to use blocks under my hands; it helps my grip not slip and it's just more comfortable for me and I can hold the pose longer with less stress on my arms and wrists. It helps me push more of the weight into my legs.

Namaste,
Matt Blank

Go, ya!

A brief interruption of my flow, to discuss a recent experience I had: Doing Yoga while on vacation.

Doing yoga while traveling is a really interesting thing.

Whether it's sharing a knowing smile with a complete stranger as you both sneak a stretch or a pose sitting in an airport, or laughing about trying to do downward dog on a carpet and slipping, it's very interesting. It made me appreciate the time I get to do yoga in a studio, with props and an instructor. It made me appreciate how many people also appreciate it. It felt like when I wasn't looking, I got invited to the Yogaverse, complete with secret handshake-poses and all. It also made me a friend with just a shared glance and a smile.

Thank you, random acts of yoga.

The Plural of Yoga is Yoga.

With one class of yoga under my belt, I was ready to take the
practice a bit farther. My first class was mostly spent learning what
the poses were called and doing the best that I could within them. Now
that I knew the absolute basics, I wasn't as focused on keeping up
with the poses, but was able to focus more on continuing to breath
properly while moving more specifically through the poses. I also
began to realize more exactly what the "flow" meant, and what I think
it's supposed to do. It seems to me that the flow between poses is
what keeps a class of yoga as one class, it's all part of the same
movement and expression, constantly refining itself. Even if that
isn't completely correct, I think it's a beautiful idea and it's what
I think of when I think about it. I suspect that it's one of those
things that is different to everyone, so if you have a different
opinion, or know the "correct" answer I'd love to hear it!

Then as I got caught up in this line of thought, class ended. I began
to look back at my practice for the day, and I tried to think about
how I could use the props that were provided in the same way that the
flow works. It seemed simple enough; I needed the props to enter a lot
of the poses for my body, so how could I incorporate the props into my
practice without breaking my flow?

I'll discuss what I've come up with in my next entry which is
tentatively titled: "Props to our props"

Namaste,
Matt Blank

Giving it a try

Hi. I'm Matt. Looking at me, I'm the last guy you'd ever expect to be
headed to a yoga class. I've always had trouble with my weight, and
had always assumed that as a result I couldn't ever do yoga. I was,
however, lucky enough to go to school with Alyssa who works at Yoga
Vida NYC (www.yogavidanyc.com). So through her gentle coaxing, she convinced me to try it. A
few days later after school, she and I left class to go to the studio,
where I was too nervous to ask any real yoga questions. I really had
no idea what to expect at all, but I was willing to give it a try.

When I got to the studio I met Mike who was working behind the desk,
and signed up for my first class. This was it; there was no going
back. I felt very out of place, until I nervously placed my mat down,
where I was met and welcomed by Jessie. It was a small class that day,
and when Jessie smiled and asked "Is this anyone's first time *ever*
doing yoga", I sheepishly raised my hand. There was another
first-timer there, and we exchanged an awkward smile. Jessie explained
the Ujai breath, and how that was the most important part of the
practice. Then we began. Jessie was incredibly patient as I stumbled
my way through sun salutations, and I was very proud of myself that I
never completely fell over. Then we began other seated poses, and
while I was having a lot of trouble getting very far with the pose,
Jessie saw this and helped me. Then she said something that is in the
top three pieces of advice I've ever received in my life, she said,
"Don't worry if you don't get there today, you have your whole life to
get there." All my concerns left with my next exhale.

Once the pressure was off, I was much more able to focus on what I was
doing, and started to realize what adjustments I needed to make with
the blocks and straps. Then next thing I knew, I was upside down. A
few minutes later class was over.

At the end of the class, I realized I didn't feel exhausted
afterwards. I actually felt great. Energized and calm. I'd actually
done a yoga class, and I felt great!

Looking back at it, there are 5 pieces of advice that I wish I'd
received for my specific situation. Most of these are things that I've
overheard subsequently in classes.
1) Your first class is mostly a lesson in listening and patience. You
aren't going to know what things are, but they are easy to learn and
you will!
2) Don't be afraid to ask your question, no matter what the question
is. Don't be afraid to use your props, that's what they're there for.
3) Try to be near a wall to help you balance, especially if you are
like me and aren't in great shape.
4) Jessie says, "Don't worry if you don't get there today, you have your whole life
to get there." Yoga isn't about if you can touch your toes, but rather
if you can keep your form and your breathing consistent as you move
towards your toes. Go as far as is right for your body. No matter the
body.
5) Alex says "A big part of the practice is trying to trick yourself.
Keep breathing."

Namaste,
Matt Blank