1st Chakra meets 4th chakra

This entry is like a Chemist's entry into a lab book.

Hypothesis: My heart chakra is very strong, but no matter how much I work on it my shoulders have come to a plateau period of tightness. I'm fairly certain my 1st chakra needs to be focussed on in order for my shoulders and heart to open more.

Recent discoveries:
During Brahmeri, when beginning with the heart chakra and really buzzing it up I can translate and transfer my energy more easily to my 1st chakra, which when I breath and buzz up the 1st chakra, I feel the vibration throughout my whole body and my shoulders release. It feels like I've been doing the work of "holding myself" in my 4th chakra/upper back and shoulders area for a long time not realizing how much strength and power is in my 1st chakra that easily holds me and actually opens up the energy throughout my body without struggle.

I have also noticed this with one of my students who holds around the 2nd chakra and has a very disconnected interrupted vibration in 4th and 1st chakra--the throat catches, which may be a 5th chakra thing, but as soon as I get him to buzz up his 1st chakra the energy in his body changes--moves into the 3rd chakra and unclogs some of the stuckness in the 2nd chakra.

To really get the feeling between 1st and 4th, I've found that standing in horse with back up against the wall and doing brahmeri into 1st chakra will really turn on the circuit. Today when I was doing this, there was a release that happened between my diaphragm and entry way into left shoulder that was super intense. It lasted a very short moment, because I felt something that was pretty scary, but the pathway was very evident into the troubling left shoulder of mine.

Also I started playing around with forearm balance variation. My shoulders are so tight that it's very difficult for me to rest my sacrum on the wall without arching into my low back, but I'm slowly getting the courage to really take my breath into my chest and upper back. Lately I have been playing around with what happens to my legs in the pose--what exactly are they doing sticking up at the ceiling? I definitely get the connection between my core and my shoulders, but to feel my legs and to really turn on the lines of energy in them is another story. So I tried breathing into my 1st chakra--see what would happen. My shoulders miraculously started to open a little but the lower abdominal muscles fired up to such a degree that I was like "Woah Nelly." I finally felt my feet in the pose. And that was progress--2 breaths at a time--focussing entirely on my groin and hip area with my breath. It's a very illogical way to think when you're upside down, but it actually is a very logical way to work.

And there's bridge. When breathing into 1st chakra using the feet to transfer energy through the legs--especially pressing down through the balls of the feet and the heel, the power and endurance that you're able to gain is pretty incredible. I've always had strong legs, but since discovering my feet in this pose and my pelvis and the interior muscles around the pelvis, bridge has become one of my favorite poses to work with because i really turns on my connection to 1st chakra and throughout the rest of my practice I feel a lot more powerful. Plus this pose is a version of a backbend and when transferring the breath from 1st to 4th chakra the shoulders and neck relax creating more space in the low back.

I have been using more cues regarding the placement of the feet while I teach, especially when balance is an issue in twisting lunge or any of the warrior poses. The challenge is brought into the legs, but sending energy into the feet awakens the rest of the leg from the 1st chakra down leading to more strength in the legs and more opening in the hip once the initial thigh burn subsides. The more the hips open the more the heart opens.

1st chakra is the home of security and the connection to our placement in our family, tribe, and culture. It makes sense that the 4th chakra would feel closed if  we are not able to connect and feel safe within our place or connection to place in the world.

So if  you're reading this, right now, close your eyes, and get your breath all the way down into your genitals, and lower hip and pelvis area. It's easiest to feel this if you're in an easy cross-legged position. If you spend 1 to 2 minutes breathing into this area of your body, notice what changes. Notice how you can feel your legs and any tight spots in your hips. And then notice on an energetic level what is happening. Do you feel warmer? Do you feel more awake? Do you feel more steady? Perhaps your legs begin to shake as you begin to wake up this part of your body. Shaking is a good thing, it means you're moving stuck energy, which will allow you to be more open and can translate into the release of toxins.
I'm a huge shaker :-). And then bring your attention into your shoulders and upper back have they softened a bit? Do you feel more of the places in your spine that you couldn't feel before?

Breathing into 1st chakra is not only great for connecting with the heart, but it's also a great way to connect with your creative energy. I have begun breathing into 1st chakra at work and whenever I'm writing. I've noticed I'm more productive, less in my head, and more assured of what I'm writing and doing creatively. Plus it keeps me awake.

There will be more on my discoveries, but for now, take a deep breath and feel.
Namaste,
Anne

There's no time when it comes to teaching

I experience a time warp when I walk into yoga ceremony. It is like all the molecules in space slow down and every moment becomes this fascinating world of energy. Yes, that probably sounds a bit crazy, but seriously that's what teaching is like for me. I literally feel like all the cells of my body say "Excuse me, but for the next...well for however long it takes, your clock is not going to work. And you my dear are going to be part of the cosmos--working under the regulations of the cosmos and not a man made invention of speed  or time." Again, probably sounds a bit crazy, but hey, I like crazy.

I have always known to be able to tell time even without a watch. In fact I don't like watches and don't wear one--mainly because, like rings, it feels like my hands or fingers are disconnecting from my arms. Yes, that sounds strange too. Actually just recently, during a 5 hour teacher's circle with Ana Forrest, I was wearing a ring and at one point I was like, "I feel like my finger is dying." I took off the ring and my whole arm relaxed. Strange, right? I'm particular. I actually started wearing a ring just to try and get used to the feeling of it--in case I ever given a ring of significant importance. I've decided that I can only wear rings with rocks on them that match up energetically with where I'm at. Again, weirdo, but truth. I'm a highly sensitive energetic being.

So back to time. Time warp. I had a serious time warp tonight with my student. It was one of the most intense and exhilerating experiences of my life. I can't remember most of it because the experience is one that is not supposed to be shared--it was a ceremony for a specific issue in my student's life and I could not have imagined what transpired. Especially in regards to time. 3 HOURS! 1 and a half hours multiplied by 2. Talk about time warp. And here I am typing away more energized than I was before I started.

Most of the time the energy circuits that turn on in me light me up like a triple shot of espresso, but sometimes it's the complete opposite.

Feeling the time warp and the engrossing elements of teaching in firsthand experience, gives me an incredible insight on why some of my classes in school were so freaking amazing and made me want to stay up all night to create a kick ass project. Teaching requires presence in every sense of the word. You become the clock. You hold space and time in your hands and can take your students into a world of imagination or a world of their internal cosmos.

I get it. I get why the best teachers are the hardest teachers and require so much of your time to often times connect with the lesson or the learning. I get it. There is not time when it comes to learning and to teaching. It doesn't operate on a "in a month you'll know how to remember all the French words that begin with A". It operates on its own realm. On the internal clock. On an energetic clock.

I freaking love teaching, and tonight, again, I felt every cell in my body come alive and was like "Man, now what? Will it always be like this? Is this what I've been missing in my life?" When we wake up to something we love, it's really scary. It's really exciting. And it is inevitably changing my life and actually waking me up to my life.

The human body is amazing to work with, the energy receptors, connectors, and how it all works in balance is way more exciting to read and experience as a story then any tv show I've ever worked with.

Blessings to all,
Anne

Yoga and Cupcakes

I have remarkable students. I don't have many yet, but I have remarkable students. 
All of them are treasure chests of creativity, and what they do in their lives inspires me.


One example of how remarkable my students are is the fact that cupcakes have entered into our yoga ceremony. On Tuesday night, I was brought one of the most decadent cupcakes. I thought Savasana was a treat, but this cupcake was the cherry on top. 


Two weeks earlier I was delivered delicious olives, a bottle of wine, and a homemade yoga mat bag for my birthday. I was astonished by the gesture and what made things even more awe-some was the fact that me and my two students sat around after class and gobbled up the olives and shared some gab.


What this simple gesture made me realize was that as I begin to give my energy I am also receiving surprising treats. 


We've decided that this summer asana practice will be followed by bbq and evening swims in the outdoor pool at my apartment. I like this. I like sharing in the deliciousness of life. 


The creativity and inspiration that I have received from my students has been planting the seeds of my business. I'm actually quite close to stumbling upon a name. The curtain will reveal this brainchild soon enough, but for now I delight in the sound of deep ujayi breath and the delicious chocolate that sometimes follows meditation. 


Sugar and spice my spirit is in delight.
Namaste
Anne

My mat, My lab

When I step onto the mat, I step into what I call my lab. Like a chemist experimenting on her latest hypothesis about something or another, I walk into my experimental zone. I experiment with fear--where falling on my face is actually possible. I experiment with joy--where laughing in a handstand or abs with a roll is entirely possible. I experiment with power--where balancing in handstand splits, one legged crow, or something as simple as Warrior 1 makes me feel like a force to be reckoned with. Above all I experiment with vulnerability. Experimenting with how open can I be with my heart with myself and with other people that I share my practice with. Some classes I can really open, other classes it's like I'm a vault with a missing key. Above all my time on my mat is my time to experiment; and what I take from every experiment is a little something I call trust, and then I start playing with my discoveries off the mat.  Will I be able to hold my power when stuff gets overwhelming? Will I be able to find courage when I am faced with fear? Will I be able to laugh at myself or find joy in the little extraordinary things?

As a teacher, my lab just got a little more involved. I now am working with the tools that I have practiced on my own mat and learning how to translate them in a way to guide my students to devise and develop their own hypotheses in their own practice. This, is an interesting experiment that constantly makes me go back to my own mat to get a better perspective of whether or not I really do apply the same message that I speak of and if it really works. Teaching is an elevated phase of experimentation--as we say in Western medicine--it's a 4 part phase of Clinical Trials before we actually know if it works.

What works is a matter of experience. But, taking the cerebellum out of the process and looking at teaching and practice more as a playground for authenticity is a terrific and trying experiment. Communicating through connection to guide someone to discover their own process is unlike any science experiment--there's really no way for me to articulate this yet, I'm still in the development phase.

I'll need to get back on my mat for another round of suns and some deep breath work. Our breathing teaches us a lot...but that's another entry.

xo Blessings
Anne

The first few weeks of teaching

I have fallen in love once again. Not with a person, but with another aspect of life--teaching yoga. In particular, teaching Forrest yoga.

These first few weeks of working with two very beautiful students has been nothing short of extraordinary. I have been learning exponentially every time I sit down on the mat and guide my student's breath through her body.  I am learning more about myself and my students are helping me see things and feel things that I would never experience had I not decided to take this path.

I know I make a hundred mistakes in what I say and that my cues are slowly improving, but I am discovering that it is not what I say but how I say what I say and how I hold the space that is important. The intensity of Forrest yoga has brought my students into places where already tears have wet the mat, lions have roared through my apartment, and brahmeri has created a tremelo effect through the still air.

I have watched their hearts respond to the energy that I feed through their backs in such poses as frog-belly down, side bend, dolphin and many more. Their necks have slowly started to get used to the "relax the neck" cue, and little by little I notice them connecting to their feet and core. In two weeks--two classes each--I have already noticed subtle changes in their energy. And there is nothing more rewarding than to watch their spirit dance in the body during Savasana.

Then there are the blessings of things shared in confidence. I cannot write them here, but I will simply say that courage is one of the most beautiful things that I have witnessed so far. And I feel so blessed to learn from these remarkable women.

I remind myself now and after every class: I am merely a vessel to guide healing and exploration. I am merely offering a tool so that the rest the body and spirit can work together and align.

Namaste,
Anne

Email 2: Yoga with Anne in 2010

*My follow-up to my first few students in 2010. 


Dear [Student],

I would greatly appreciate it if you would answer the following questions. Answering the following questions will help me tailor classes for your body, your life, and your personal intentions. If there is a question you would prefer not to answer, you can leave it blank. Just so you know, anything that you say here or in class is confidential and will be between you and me (unless I have reason to believe that you are in danger).

1) Have you ever done yoga before? If so, what kind (if you know), where, teachers, dvds, cds, etc?  Have you ever done Forrest Yoga before? If so, with whom and where?


2) If you have practiced yoga before, how advanced would you consider your skills: intro, intermediate, or advanced?


3) Do you have any injuries or health problems that I should know about?


4) What is your lifestyle like? Please describe, and on a scale to 1-10 please rate how balanced/stressed you feel on average. (1 being very stressed. 10 being very balanced)


5) How physically active are you (run, bike, walk, etc)?

5) What is your intention for the first 5 weeks of practice with me? Your intention can be whatever you want it to be, but choose one that is realistic that may or may not be connected to something bigger in your life. Your intentions are a very important part of your practice and will help you in other areas of your life. Here are some examples of intention:  I intend to learn how to breathe better. I intend to become more connected with my body. I intend to be more active. I intend to work on healing an injury. I intend to work on healing my heartbreak. I intend to work on becoming stronger. I intend to find more balance in my life.


6) Is there a specific part of your body that you would like to focus on?


7) Have you ever been abused, depressed, had an eating disorder? If so, what assistance or help did you receive?


8) Do you have any questions or concerns?


9) Is there anything else you feel I should know about?


In my first email I gave a brief manifesto on yoga and what it means to me. I would like to briefly give you a bit more information on Forrest Yoga and what you and I will be embarking on through our classes.

Forrest Yoga is all about the breath. Breathing is something we often forget about when doing day-to-day activities, yet it is our most powerful tool when dealing with stress and injury. In each class you will be asked to reach your breath into different parts of your body to release tension and anything else that you may find there. Our bodies are full of wisdom and by using breath to explore the body I believe you will learn a lot about yourself. Plus, if you have an injury I will encourage you to use your breath to help heal the injured spot--this could be an emotional injury or a physical injury. Through the use of your breath you will be amazed by the strength that you will build when holding a challenging pose.

The physical foundation for Forrest Yoga is about developing the core. By developing your core, you will begin to access your power. This power, with practice, will extend throughout other areas of your life.

There is so much more to talk about, but I believe I have mentioned the key points. For more information about Forrest Yoga you can check outwww.forrestyoga.com.

One last thing about Ana Forrest/Forrest Yoga:  Ana has spent 30 years developing Forrest Yoga specifically to address Our People's (current day) stresses and challenges, both physical and emotional. Forrest Yoga use intense pose sequences, compassionately taught, to develop skills in awakening each of the senses. It teaches you to bring aliveness, using breath, into every cell of your body, igniting your passion for living.

If you get nothing out of the next 5 weeks besides learning how to breath more deeply, you will have learned a tremendous amount.

I have yoga insurance and I am a part of the Forrest Yoga Hoop of teachers.

LOGISTICS:

Class begins:  [deleted for privacy]

Class Ends: [deleted for privacy]

Class time: 6:30-8 PM--please arrive 10 minutes early, call if you are running late (later than 15 minutes you will not be able to make up the time)

Contact Info: [deleted for privacy]

What to wear: Recommend legging-like pants or pants that aren't too baggy. T-shirt or tank top that is comfortable but not too baggy. Please wear underwear.

What to bring: Water or a bottle for water, yoga mat, yoga block and/or strap if you have them, if not, let me know. Most importantly, an open mind
You may want to have a snack before class, but nothing heavy.

Price: $75 for 5 classes

Cancellation Policy: If for some reason I need to cancel due to my work schedule or due to an illness, I will make up your class. If for some reason you need to cancel, please let me know at least 8 hours before your scheduled class. Anything after 8 hours  you will not be able to make up. You will be allowed to make up 2 classes, anything greater than 2 classes you will be charged for without a class. No-shows make me worried, please call if you cannot make it.


[Student], I'm very excited to embark on this yoga journey with you! I am so honored to have you as a student.

Please let me know if you have any questions, and please reply to this email asap.

Thanks so much!
Peace,
Anne

Email 1: You've been selected

*The following email was sent to 11 friends/colleagues/acquaintances that have voiced their interest in yoga. I was blown away by the response. This email represents my brief manifesto about me and my relationship to yoga. 


Dear Friends,

You are receiving this email because you have at one time or another shown interest or asked me about yoga. And now, I am finally ready to tell you that I am eager to teach starting in 2010. After much debate about how I wanted to to approach integrating teaching yoga into my life. I have decided to take the plunge and offer very small private classes, no more than 2 people for an hour and a half class.  In the near future I hope to offer a class open to anyone, but for now I really want to hone my skills and provide one-on-one attention.

There is a tremendous amount of fear around yoga for many people in our culture. From my many discussions with friends, family, and complete strangers I have discovered that the fear stimulates several reactions.
1) I am not flexible
2) I don't believe in that New Age stuff
3) It's too slow and not enough action.
It is to my dismay that these stereotypes exist and I have a lengthy essay written in my head about "Dismantling the preconceived notions of what yoga really is."  I do not want to write the essay in this email, rather I want to provide you with a brief explanation of what "Yoga means to me, and my teaching philosophy."

First off, I began practicing yoga to strengthen my mind and to strengthen my footwork so that I could be a stronger rock climber. What I discovered was a practice that would not only strengthen my mind and my footwork, but a practice that would strengthen every aspect of my life and inspire a lot of joy and creativity.

I consider myself an athlete, and I have had my fair share of injuries. Practicing yoga has been the best physical therapy I've ever paid for and has kept my unfortunate ankles pain- and injury-free. I know what it means to be frustrated with the human body and yoga has helped me discover ways of keeping the body strong.

Forrest Yoga, is the yoga that I practice and have been trained to teach (www.forrestyoga.com). This genre is deeply rooted in the Native American philosophies of living. But, what I have discovered is that no matter what any teacher tells you, or whatever philosophy they preach, the real teacher is within you. And as a teacher, I prefer to call myself a guide. I ask the questions you find the answers within your own body. The body, as I have discovered, is immensely wise and really cool to explore.

Yoga is a spiritual-sport-art. It inspires the creativity and concentration of a professional musician, painter, writer, etc, and builds  strength comparable to a marathon runner, diver, or gymnast.  As you advance, you will discover a remarkable energy within yourself that you may refer to as your "spirit," "soul," or something else, and that energy is "who you really are."

Yoga is not about flexibility, although you will acquire a flexibility in your mind and in your body that will support you when things may seem really crappy. To put it bluntly, yoga is about breathing. It is about becoming conscious and present in every moment through the simple act of breathing.

As a teacher, I would like to work with each of you. To structure individualized classes that fit your needs and the intents you have for your life.

I would like to offer a series of 5, 1.5 hour private/duet classes at the price of $15 dollars per person per class (this is how much you would pay for a drop-in class at a studio). You would pay $75 up front for the 5 classes. Or, if you are interested in bartering, we can definitely discuss another alternative.  I am open to coming to you or you coming to me.

Starting in January of 2010
Days: Thursday evening 6:30pm-8pm
    Friday evening 6:30pm-8pm
    Saturday afternoon 4pm-5:30pm

Please email or call me by January 2nd, 2010 if you are interested.

(If for some reason these times do not work for you, but you really really really really are interested, I am happy to discuss.)

Also, I am happy to discuss any question, concerns,  etc that you may have.  I know I have probably left something out that you are curious about.

Much love and peace to all of you during this holiday season!
Anne
Forrest Yoga Teacher