This October 23-th at  Yoga Dublin, we presented certified Anusara teacher Marc Holzman from Los Angeles. This particular workshop was important to me because it was in LA where I was first introduced to Anusara yoga back in 2001. There is a definite style of teaching  that comes from LA that I really resonate with; I think perhaps because LA is all about ego( in terms of acting) that the yoga teachers have to teach from an absolute realness from within themselves in a world built on pretend. 

Marc did not disappoint; in fact he was brilliant. The teacher's practice on Friday (with 19 participates) was  fiery, dynamic and fun. He kept us moving  through hand-stands, back-bends and eventually scorpion, I have to say that the success of that pose actually came from the attempt!  Throughout the practice he entertained with his wonderful sense of humor and insight into yoga. 

Saturday morning and Yoga Dublin was mat to mat, with many of the great Dublin yogi's (and I'm really sorry for those that couldn't attend).  Prior to the event I have to admit,  I talked him up, although I had not studied with Marc before, I just knew in my heart that he would be a great addition to the revolving guest instructors at Yoga Dublin.  And he delivered, BIG TIME!!!! He was and I quote from a student, “ perfect balance of technique,humor, work, asana and philosophy”.

 The morning session begin with learning to understand the difference between the self and the Self, the self that we identify ourself with ie. Yoga teacher, mother, friend, sister etc. and the real Self, the Divine Consciousness that is pulsating through everything. What I enjoyed the most was how Marc was able to present some pretty difficult trantra philosophy, such as theTattvas (cosmic realities) and made it comprehensible. I am no tantric master but here we go; the top tattva (Shiva/Shakti) is pulsating at the highest, with the highest and as you make your way down the tattva ladder, the pulse gets denser, thicker, kinda like mud and how many of us feel most of the time, you know, stuck. It is the practice of yoga and meditation that helps us to remember that our true nature is actually that highest pulsation, the highest vibration. And while we know we can’t be in that state all the time (our heads might blast off or something) we can achieve it by remembering that Self that is connected to that pulsation and is that pulsation. Get it? We are often stuck in the mud but our true nature is that diamond that shines so bright, that occasionally gets muddy or cloudy but with a little effort and some remembrance, we can be that diamond that shines so bright from within. With our self-effort we can climb back up that Tattva ladder and pulsate with the highest vibration.  Easy, right?! I think I need to do more yoga.  

The afternoon session brought Sumptuous hip-openers and Marc began with deep intense lunges. I finally felt  connected deep into my left quad and hamstring that normally does not like to play along (tends to dis-engage, much to my frustration). While the practice was challenging, Marc’s sense of humor allowed everyone to feel bright and at ease, which we know in Anusara is the first principle. I think it was through the laughter that I was able to go as deep and gain new depths in Hanaumanasana. Through the intense grounding we did, we were all able to experience spontaneous bouts of freedom and bliss (Shiva Sutra 1.17/1.18); judging everyone’s faces after practice, I’d say it was achieved!

I really felt everyone had experienced a little more of their true Self  as the faces of all who attended where radiant and glowing.  Marc was so kind in remembering that it was YogaDublin’s 5th anniversary and had Colm in a handstand while everyone sang Happy Birthday!!!! Again Marc delivered another sensational session, full of laughter, work, philosophy, pranayama and an offering of his unique spirit that flows through his great teaching style. 

I’m going to say something pretty bold here but I think he is my now favorite teacher.  He was so incredibly down to earth, humble with a real sense of humor  “can I get you a towel?”( had to bethere) but yet offered a dynamic and profound way of sharing the philosophy and  working the asana within the practice. He was brilliant and I know for one, that I am not alone in looking forward to his return to Dublin, which we hope will be soon.

Big Shout out to Doug O'Connor for his most excellent photography skills, www.doug.ie for more of his inspiring work.

Love and Blessings till next time,

Tahnee

Monday October 12, 2009 brought about the first day of the Anusara Yoga Advanced Therapeutics at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Monastery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The monastery is run by the cutest nuns (can you say that?) who walk around in big hats and brown robes; the grounds of the Monastery was built on a bed of rose quartz and is lovingly cared for.

The actually room we practiced in was a gymnasium but had been transformed in a mandir ( Temple) with the most amazing murties  placed auspiciously around. We observed temple protocol, no shoes (obviously), silence before and after the workshops and an acknowledgment of the ‘Source’ before entering and leaving. You touch the floor with your right hand, then your heart and try not to leave the room with your back to the murties, stepping in or out of the room with your right foot first. I forgot only once and yet still managed to feel like a naughty school girl.

This training was titled ‘Advanced Therapeutics’ but in my eyes it was ‘John and the Highest Teachings’ and to be honest, there is no way that I can even describe everything John talked and shared with us. I can tell you it was one of the most amazing workshops I’ve ever attended; John was at his best and every ounce, cell, particle, knowledge, insight and wisdom of his being was being downloaded to us. It  truly was a blessing to be there, a real gift to share in the experience and my teaching and understanding of Anusara Yoga will be forever changed.

The practices in the morning were about steady discipline, or at least my experience was. To be completely mindful of every moment, from the placement of hands, finger pads, feet, never wavering in the commitment to align to the highest, to be completely present in every breath and allow the flow of Shakti to EXPAND. It was totally awesome. Afternoons included talks from John, client work and therapy sessions; it was fascinating work and enriching to be a part of.

On Tuesday night I was invited to a special gathering in honor of John at our host’s house, Wendy. We shared bio-dynamic wine( who knew?) which I will now try to consciously drink from here on in( if you don't know google it!). We had delicious food blessed by John and shared in great company. There was even a little dance party with music played by Roger who rocked it out with great funk and groovy sounds( my favorite). I felt so welcomed and it was wonderful to connect with the greater Kula outside of the yoga venue and hang out with other teachers and John in a casual setting.

With John being  my main teacher and now that I’m moving through the certification process, it creates a relationship that allows for deeper transmission. And John being the incredible intuitive individual called on me and he reminded in his powerful yet gracious way what my Dharma ( duty) is.  I felt the tears welling up, because he spoke directly to my heart and  I managed to keep composed, just. Imagine a room full of your peers and your teacher who is speaking  so intimately to you, to those dark places you don’t want to share and he blasts straight in and gets to the point, reminding YOU of what is important. I of course, had to be in the pose pigeon at the time, nothing like hip and heart openers to make the experience even more intense! I cannot say thank you enough to him and I feel so grateful for that gift of remembrance, for his time and his blessings towards me.

Some of my favorite high-lights included the the Japa Mala meditation. This photo was taken by John and one can see the light sparkling in  the room being created by our chanting of  'Om Namah Shivaya' 

 Another amazing experience was the Gong Bath by Gong Master Richard Rudis.  This was an overwhelming sound journey of healing.  During the peak of it, I felt like my cells were being exploded out of my body and cleansed. Everyone's eyes were incredibly sparkling after and alight up from within from 1 hour of being 'Gonged'. I highly recommend attending a Gong bath if one comes near you, seriously. It was a wild ride!

As with any great workshop, the opportunity to meet many new friends is immediate and to see old friends. I fell in love with Charlotte and Jacqueline, who came from Trinidad and Tobago. We limed( hung out) and had great laughs, as anyone will do when hanging out with Trini’s. And to Meg and Paulette, Darryl-Lynn, James Higgins, Shea, Bill Dorgian and Tony who received his certification on Wednesday, so awesome!  I was able to connect with the Bliss Brothers, Primo and Peter, two amazing individuals  who will hopefully be stopping in Ireland in the future and many others. And many many thanks to my amazing host Brenda who put me up for the week. She is a wonderful person  with so much kindness and generousity; she helped make the trip even more special for me. 

 Also thanks to Kelly, John’s tour manager for her amazing ability to organize and look after so many details. I look forward to working on an Ireland experience that no one will forget when John arrives here next July 2010! It was a fantastic journey into Yoga, community and therapeutics and I look forward to sharing what I was given over the next upcoming months!

*don't forget Marc Holzman is here this week-end at Yoga Dublin! It will be more awesome asana! www.yogadublin.com for all the info!!!

With love and blessings!

Tahnee

On Sunday, the day after I arrived into Santa Fe,  my host Brenda drove myself and yoga teacher Julie to the Hanuman Temple in Taos. We had been invited by John Friend to participate in the Hanuman Chalisa( devotional song) at the Neem Karoli Baba Ashram.

It was my first time at an Ashram (ooohhh) and I was pretty excited to check it out( would there be people levitating!?!)  We were late( love getting lost) but  found spots in the crowded Hanuman Temple right up by Hanuman. I’m not sure if my nervousness was from my teacher beside me, the size of the illuminating Hanuman, because I didn’t know temple protocol( can I get up to visit the bathroom?) because the chant was new to me or if I was feeling the energy of 30 or so people all chanting together. I was abuzz( too much coffee??)  and I found it hard to offer my blessings and thanks because of the energetic pulse. I figured Hanuman would understand with it being my first time so I made my offering of organic Brazil nuts and made my way outside for the Merry Band picnic on the Ashram grounds( after about 10+rounds of the Chalisa).

After the delicious lunch and chai from the Ashram, a few of us were invited to attend the 2hr yoga class guided by John at the ShreeYoga Studio in Taos, a new studio run by three bright women, Suki, Amani and Genevieve, www.shreeyogataos.com

John opened the class by playing their beautiful gong, he was a professional drummer and to hear the sounds he invoked from the gong made the hairs on my arm raise up. It was a great way to get everyone's attention and everyone got quiet quick to soak up the sounds.

John’s theme for the opening of the class was honoring the goddess and Shri. I found it fitting especially since the studio was owned by 3 women. John talked about Saraswati, Lakshmi and Kali and inspired us to infuse the different goddesses’ attributes in our poses. Saraswati is the fundamentals, coming back to the basics, Lakshmi is the expansion in the pose, the beauty and Kali is the raw power needed to fuel the energy. Shri means ‘auspicious beauty’or ‘Absolute goodness’ and each pose combined the attributes of the goddess so as to embody and celebrate Shri.

I had the great pleasure of being assisted by Darren Rhodes( known as Anusara ‘s poster boy) for the pose Pincha Mayurasana. He is a great teacher and allowed me to find my way in the pose, even though I was fighting jet lag and altitude. Of course I had to put my best effort into it but I also felt his support which made the pose seem quite easy, so thanks Darren!! I’m very pleased to say that Darren and I are talking about his future trip to Ireland, accompanied by his wife, Bronwin whose album ‘Bhavana’ is a worthwhile investment to any good music collection( available on itunes)  Make sure to check out the poster Darren put together as it is a great yoga reference. Available at www.yogaoasis.com or www.anusara.com

John had us moving through a variety of poses and my favorite was one-arm Urdhva Dhanusana push-ups. I didn’t think it was possible  and I had to  cultivate so much Kali power to blast through and dissolve my doubts!

The studio provided some delicious snacks and more chai (yum!) after we could all gather together. It was an amazing day, especially with a quick trip back to the Hanuman temple with certified Anusara teacher from Texas, Becky. This time the  Hanuman temple was empty; with the quiet in the room I was able to offer gratitude for the extraordinary day and ask for blessings from Hanuman. It was so lovely and especially being able to shop in the ashram store again!! Then a visit to Whole Foods, where I took such pleasure in all the delicious offerings available and felt the abundance of healthy food choices around me, all the organic chocolate!!!!

The whole day was an amazing experience; to connect with the larger Anusara community, to re-connect with old friends and to meet new ones was such a blessing. It was also a great way to start my week of training especially with that extra practice with John. I felt so lucky to have taken part in a magical adventure with the Merry Band in the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico!

More experiences to be shared over the next few days, stay tuned! 

Jai Hanuman!!!! With Blessings!

Many years ago I used to have back problems. The reverant abandon I used  to have for chucking myself off 20ft cliffs into powder below might have been a contributing factor. The stress I carried from working as a flight attendant with job hours, travel and uncomfortable jump seats also could have been a factor. It wasn’t until I started into yoga and especially Anusara Yoga that I soon alleviated any backpain, until this past Sunday. For the first time in 7 years, I ‘threw’ my back out. I spent all day in bed, barely able to move and with lots of time to contemplate, why?

 Our injuries which we look upon as an inconvenience,  is really a call for attention. Normally the injury present itself in the area in which you need to address. My back is calling for me to take a good look at my life and how I’m driving it, because I spend a lot of time up and down to Dublin, Drogheda and the west to teach yoga. This is a great thing but is it at often at the  expense of my own practice. Lately and with most of Ireland, I have been stressed about money; my recent trip to Canada, my new and unexpected car engine and my upcoming trip to the states has seriously impacted the old pocketbook. When we feel we don’t have enough money or love or…., we hold in, we tighten because we want to hang on to what we do have, which can cause those femurs (thigh bones) to become ungrounded, move out of the hip sockets and boom! some sort of back niggle arises or in my cause a blown out backside (kinda sounds like a cool snowboarding trick).

 Gratitude goes a long way in helping us to remember there is plenty o fabundance around. This sunday I had the pleasure of attending the Ranelaghmarket which I was introduced to the smells of fresh bread, enticed by beautiful vegetables and raw chocolate, cocunut and cashews, www.moodfoods.biz I have to say I ate the whole bar  while resting on my back and experienced bliss (ananda) in a whole new way.

Let your injuries serve you to discover more about being attentive and aware. Be grateful for what you are learning about yourself and how to keep moving into alignment.  Know that there is so much abundance around us in many forms; lately I have experienced what I feel is one of the best forms of abundance, friendship. I am grateful to Anna for brightening my day, Renee for assisting me with working the door helping to keep the flow smooth, Cara and Rosh for reminding me to laugh and to Darcy for her wisdom and ear. I want to also thank each and everyone of you for continued attendance at my classes; through your dedication to your yoga practice I am evolving into a better teacher, student and for that I am so grateful.

 Every day presents with an opportunity to connect more fully to what life has to offer. My back injury helped me to make some adjustments that I needed, move a little slowly and not to fear having enough. There is always enough!!! Invite the abundance in, be grateful for what you have and open to receive the Grace this Universe is so ready to share with you!

 Next week after my Freedom Friday yoga class, I am hosting a jewelry show with nibbles and drinks after. I design each piece of jewelry to enhance the beauty that is already there, using high quality semi-precious stones and metals. It is one of my secret loves and I do hope you will come out!! Yoga Dublin, Ranelagh, 6:30pm for the class, you can attend just the show as well.

With love and blessings of gratefulness and abundance!

Tahnee