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What Defines an Advanced Yoga Class?
As a yoga student, what part of the practice has challenged you the most – the physical movements or the simple act of being present on the mat?
Recently, an influx of new but seasoned yoga students have started joining my classes. I am thrilled to see new faces as it is always exciting to connect with other yogis and yoginis.
Often, these students will ask which of my classes is the more advanced class. Assuming they were looking for a physical challenge, I direct them to a power vinyasa class on Thursday evenings. But as I thought more about this question I wonder if I’ve been giving the correct answer.
For many years I was the only teacher within several miles. I’ve provided a variety of classes, from meditative and restorative to a more powerful vinyasa. I’ve even led children’s classes and chair classes for older yogis.
Many students attend more than one style and attend several classes per week. These students know that there’s more to yoga than the physical pose. To them, it doesn’t matter if they can stand on their head or if they can touch their toes. Yet, they are “advanced” yogis, because they understand the power of being present on the mat.
On the flipside, I once had a student who was wonderful at executing the most difficult of poses but when it came time for Sivasana she was rolling up her mat and heading for the door. Although this student could do most asanas with ease, I would not consider her an advanced yogini. When it was time to quiet the mind and be with ones Self, she fell short.
It is easy to get caught up in the perfection of asanas. However, in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, “asana” is only mentioned a few times. Remember, there of 8 limbs of yoga – asana isn’t even the first or the second.
So this brings me back to the original question, what defines an advanced yogi?
Is an advanced yogi one who can go into a handstand, drop to their elbows, bend the knees into scorpion and dismount into chatauranga?
Or is an advanced yogi one who can still the mind and be in the present moment, accepting themselves wherever they are in the pose?
I believe it is the latter that describes a truly advanced yogi.
An advanced yogi will do no harm, not even to themselves. They are moral. They practice breathing techniques. They know when and how to use props in their asana practice. They meditate.
An advanced yogi knows that when the world gets too rough, the yoga mat can bring them back to center – even if they can’t stand on their head. They accept where they are, and they know that working from that point creates an energetic shift in the body and mind, bringing a unity of Self.
In all of my classes, I have beginners and more advanced students. The seasoned students go to their fullest expression of the pose and the beginners do the same. What’s most important is coming to practice with intention and focus.
Next time a student asks which of my classes are advanced, my answer will be “All of them, depending on what you are looking for.” A truly “advanced student” will know to accept where you are in practice and be present on the mat. Otherwise you are just exercising.
The Healing Benefits of Reiki
I began studying Reiki and energy healing well over ten years ago. At first, I was really skeptical. I just didn’t see how someone placing their hands on me would have ANY healing benefits, much less MANY healing benefits. But I have always been open-minded and willing to try new things.
Since that time I have learned about how the body works energetically, and how a positive mind and relaxed body can be one of the most profound healing tools one could ask for.
So how does this “laying of hands” therapy actually work?
We know from our yoga teachings that life force energy — prana — flows through us by way of the chakras and nadis, and it flows around us in our aura energy field. This “life force energy” nourishes the organs and cells of the body, supporting them in their vital functions. When this flow of life force is disrupted, it causes diminished function in the organs and tissues of the physical body. This disruption is usually the result of negative thought patterns that diminish the strength of our life force energy, thus creating a physical manifestion of anything from a simple run-down feeling to full-blown disease.
By this laying of hands, the Reiki practitioners allow themselves to become vessels for energy to flow through their hands and create a positive life force energy that will move directly to the areas that need to be unblocked.
Some of the wonderful benefits of this therapy are that it creates a natural balance between mind, body and spirit. It also increases energy levels, relieves tension and stress, and improves focus and concentration. It creates a shift to help the body better self-heal, and it is also beneficial for relieving insomnia, reducing blood pressure, and alleviating pain. In addition, it helps the body to release toxins while supporting the immune system, and it is complementary to medical treatment.
The interesting thing about Reiki is that you do not have to be ill to experience the benefits. Reiki is a great method of preventative care. And, at the end of life, it can be a soothing way to help someone transition peacefully.
If you are still having a hard time understanding, just remember that human touch is a very important part of our well being. Take yourself back to your childhood — when you would get the flu, your mom would hold your hand, hug you, maybe lay a cool wash cloth on your forehead — and it would always make you feel better. This therapy works in a similar way, except that the Reiki practitioner is especially attuned to allow more energy to flow.
But what does science say? First off, there have been no reported negative effects from Reiki. This is easy to understand due to its non-invasive nature. Even if someone cannot be touched, Reiki is still an option because it can work without actually having to touch the recipient. Studies have also shown that patients with chronic disease have responded better to treatment, most likely due to the relaxed, rest and digestive response.
So who can benefit from Reiki? Everyone! Adults, children, pets, even trees and plants. Sending the Earth a little Reiki everyday may help it heal from the destruction of mankind.
Dr. Mikao Usui founded the healing system in the mid-1800’s with the basic concept of simple ethical principles to promote peace and harmony. Reiki is the spiritual medicine for all illnesses. It is the understanding of treating the transcendental and the physical.
The principles of Reiki are collectively written in the Reiki Creed — simple rules to live by:
Just for today, do not anger.
Just for today, do not worry.
Honor your parents, teachers, and elders.
Earn your living honestly.
Show gratitude to every living thing.
What is Child Abuse?
I have been privy to a situation in which a child has been removed from his parents and put into a foster home. What must that be like for this young spirit, this young growing mind? I realize that removing a child from an abusive situation, until the courts are able to appoint full custody to who they feel is the right parent to raise the child safely and lovingly, is a safety issue for the child.
But how is a child able to deal with this abrupt change in environment? What is it like to fear being in your own home, but then to be lifted away into an unknown environment with unknown people. It makes me think of the effects on the child. Will they be long-term? How do you support one going through this. How do we support the loving parent who is also suffering through this?
I cannot imagine how I could feel if my child was removed to a place where I had no idea of the who, what and where.
Then there are those situations where children are caught in the crossfire of two parents arguing and fighting. The child may not be physically abused, but what about the mental fatigue of hearing the two people they know and love fighting and arguing? Not just once in a while but consistently each day or night. I know as an adult, when I witness this between others, I just want to leave the room. The anger is so unpleasant to be around, as is the cruelty in words and action that usually goes along with it.
As an individual, these situations have really helped me to become more aware of compassion, as well as the power of love and understanding. To be thankful for what I have and for those around me. Many times, I hear people say they just don’t want to be involved. Stay out of other’s business. While I do believe in doing that unless they ask for help and support, I also believe you should offer your compassion if needed.
We can make change by supporting others going through these types of struggle, if we so choose. It might make the world a better place.
