What I learned in Teacher Training II

Last week I completed the second of three segments of the Anusara yoga teacher training. I am so close to completion with only one more segment to go in January. My vision of becoming a yoga instructor is coming to light. 

It was an action and information packed five days. We learned how to give verbal and physical adjustments while keeping a class on pace—not an easy feat.

We worked in groups and put together an hour-long practice, splitting up the five classes of poses and taking turns teaching each other a ten-minute sequence. It was nerve racking and invigorating to step up as the teacher and vocalize all the information we have learned over the past nine months!

Post-training I am feeling charged to get started. So, all my lovely friends and family, are you up for a challenge?

Namaste.

Picture: yoga at the beach

Need a boost? Do a handstand.

There are a number of physical and pyschological benefits to getting inverted. Reversing the force of gravity can give your vital organs a much-needed rest, improve circulation, respiration and increase concentration and mental clarity. Mostly, I like the playful, youthful energy I receive after I kick up against the wall.

You can do a  handstand pretty much anywhere, anytime. All you need is a wall with enough space around to kick up. Sometimes when I am at the office and need a boost of energy—instead of heading for the candy drawer I go to a little out-of-the-way nook and hold a handstand for 20 seconds. It works like I charm. I come back to my desk with a big smile and I feel like I can take on anything.

So what are you waiting for? Get charged, get upside down. 

Photo—Me assisting a fellow yogi in a one-minute handstand at Anusara Teacher Training.

Thoughts on paper

I haven't practiced journalling for years, in fact the last time I did keep a diary of any kind was on my trip to Australia—over 10 years ago! I love going back and reading about my adventures down under. It's funny that I decided that this was a worthy time to write about my life, perhaps it was because I feel that without some extraordinary event to write about, it just isn't worthwhile.

Throughout my yoga instructors training we have been asked to do a fair amount of journalling—reflecting on things we've learned about ourselves during the training. One thing I noticed is that even though I am writing to myself and for myself,  I still write as if it were to a broader audience, which leads me to wonder—am I being completely honest or am I holding back and editing the content slightly? I think this takes practice.

As I searched for an image for this post I stumbled across a blog that gives great tips on how to write a diary. Check it out here. 

Sticking to it!

Today is my birthday so I thought I would post something fun for any viewers visiting J-Bo today. This is a packing tape installation at Berlin's decommissioned Temperhof airport. There are some pretty cool photos of adults and kids exploring the maze of tape tunnels. 


See more at archrecord.

Inspiration: Invictus

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul.

-  William Ernest Henley

White Magic Gloves

I thought I would write a post about my experience in the healing process. My hand is getting better by the day and I know it will still be a while before it's completely healed. I think I have to accept that time, in this instance, is moving at a slower pace.

Meanwhile, I am trying to keep a healthy diet free of dairy, which can be really tricky sometimes. I have also been trying to incorporate a mediation practice into my day, usually in the evening while I wait for the cream to dry on my hands. 

And then there are the white cotton gloves I have been wearing to work to help protect my hands. I feel at any point that I might be called up to stage to work some magic or maybe even put on a mime show. 

I am thankful that I can keep my hands clean and dry but I am curious if there are some more fashionable options available? It is getting increasing difficult to match my outfits around these white gloves. I might have to re-vamp my style to something like this pretty lady.

Much love,

J-Bo

Photo

A hand at healing

Health is a funny thing. I barely think about it when everything is running smoothly. Sure, I appreciate the benefits of having energy to do all the activities I love but when there is a glitch in the system...

That blasé feeling came to a halt this past month when a tiny skin problem exploded. If you have ever suffered severely from ezcema you will have an idea of what I was faced with. 

After a frustrating search to get answers I finally got to see a specialist who was able to get me on the right path to treating and healing my hands. 

I am now feeling back in control and giving myself some time to reflect and heal. As I encourage new healthy skin to grow I marvel at how delicate and strong the body is and am filled with compassion for those who struggle daily with serious health issues. 

A big thank you for all the kindness I was shown.