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