Yogi Chronicles: No Gain In Pain

Some background for you on yoga.

Yoga is a philosophy of attaining mental, physical and spiritual happiness through different mental and physical techniques that are practiced on the regular. Yoga has what is called 8 Limbs of Yoga which act as guidelines on living a meaningful and purposeful life. The limbs are:

1. Yama – Abstentions
2. Niyama – Observances
3. Asana – Postures/Poses (What folk are familiar with)
4. Pranayama – Breath Control
5. Pratyahara – Sense-withdrawal
6. Dharana – Concentration
7. Dhyana – Meditation
8. Samadhi – Contemplation

Ahimsa, one of the five yamas, means practicing non-violence; causing no harm. There are three types of ahimsa: intellectual, verbal and physical. While teaching class, or in the captions of my pics on Instagram, I always mention to do what makes you comfortable and listen to your body. There is no gain in pain, in yoga.

During my 8K training, there were times when I'd want to push my body to go a little further without stopping to walk. At the same time, I didn't want to hurt myself during training, and risk not being to run the day of the race. So, I had to listen to my body, and accept what I could do in the moment. Came race day, my body felt great. My goal was simple: Finish! I finished, broke personal records, and had fun along the way. I think that was my body's way of thanking me for listening. :-)

Namaste.

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Yogi Chronicles: ... 8.20.15

*You're right...today is not the 20th*

There was a 5-day period earlier this month during which I taught four classes. I was a sub for 3 of them, and 1 was taught as a part of birthday festivities. Nothing like the waves crashing against the rocks in the background being your music for class. I enjoyed teaching the classes and got some great feedback. But, what I learned in that 5-day period is though I'm guiding others through a practice, it doesn't mean that I should stop attending class for myself.

Can't stop. Won't stop. Take that. Take that.

The last two classes I taught in that 5-day class were back-to-back. I had a 15 minute break in between the classes. Also, I had to work my full-time job before heading to the studio to teach. I was t-i-red after that last class. But a good tired.

What exactly is a good tired? Like, after sex? Is that a good tired? It's been so long, I can't...

Where was I? Tired.

Right.

During my class, at the end, I guide students through Savasana, pointing out parts of the body to relax from toe to the top of the heads. As I was guiding the students in Savasana, I was actually getting relaxed myself. Maybe that's what it was...I was extra relaxed. Lord knows I wanted to come into Savasana with them, but the class isn't about me. It's about them. That's something else I'm learning as I teach more. I've become very of observant of students' as they move into different poses. So, while I'm teaching others, I'm learning, as well.

Bazinga!

Speaking of Instagram, I have over 100 followers, yet average 12 likes per posts. And some of the likes are from folk who don't even follow my page; they search hashtags. And I'm OK with that. I can't get caught up in the likes and followers. I post because I want to share with others my knowledge, and at the same time, getting some practice on how I give instruction. And if what I posts makes one person go "Let me try that," then I've succeeded.

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Now what?

I didn’t want to let the month of July go by without me updating the blog. There has been so much going on that I can blog about, but after I say to Self “I could blog about this,” something else happens that I can blog about. It's like monkey brain...but outside the brain. hahahaha

Last time I wrote, I mentioned how I got started with my certification class. I'm certified to teach...now what?

Well, because of people going on vacation and other summertime activities that occur, summer isn’t a good time to start a class. So, right now, I’m subbing when needed and posting to @AHoopinYogi.

I really like posting pics and videos, guiding others through poses. I’ve had people ask questions, and I’ve also learned about different ways to do different poses. Though I can teach others, that doesn’t mean that I stop learning, ya know?

I’m also really enjoying the now. Yes, I look forward to upcoming trips or events that are planned, but I also enjoy what goes on in the present. Mediation really helps me with that because in those 5 minutes of stillness, I’m getting rid of any mental trash that clouds my thinking.

As a gift to myself for certification, I got some new ink on my leg. My biggest tattoo…and the 3rd one from the very talented Ryan Henry at 9Mag Tattoo Studio. When I arrived at my appointment, he was like “So I heard you’re going big with this one?” He LOVES doing big tattoos, especially on fresh skin. He was able to go ham with this one…and that he did! You’d think I would have gotten a yoga-related tattoo since this was a gift to myself for finishing my certification class. Well, the lotus that I have is yoga-related…so that’s handled.

But I had to get something that said so much about me without me having to say anything. I thought a customized Chicago flag was perfect. The placement of my zodiac sign and basketball is intentional. And I love it. Totally worth the pain.

Well, I randomly decided that I want to run a 5K that my gym has every year. Not a big deal, right? Wrong! I hate running when I’m not on a basketball court. I’d rather ride a bike for a 3.1 miles than run. The name of the 5K is “Anyone Can Do A 5K”. Why not me? Training begins tomorrow (Today, as you read this). Y’all pray my strenf!

Rest well, Ellean "Elaine" Wafford-Williams and Sandra Bland.

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