Confusions

Being an instructor of yoga and sharing the teachings of equanimity, acceptance of all, and freedom of attachments, I consider myself a student forever. I am utterly baffled for quite some time now with my own attachments, however, I cannot seem to make peace with several recent events recent events, primarily the heartbreak I have for my parents sake. If anyone has any advice I would so greatly appreciate it! (e-mail, call, pony express, etc.) Please also bear in mind that I have limited access to the internet.
A not-so-brief explanation of why I feel so overwhelmed at this moment. My father's father passed away almost a month ago. A week later a life-long friend of our family, educator, and sincerely genuine man died in a tragic accident. Friday, one of my mother's closest friends died after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. Mind you, this is purely insight into all the insane "poop-storms" occuring around all of us lately. What gives, right?
A few years ago my adoration for my parents grew beyond my imagination. My mom was receiving intense-chemotherapy for cancer at the hospital a few blocks from me. I would take George (the Duke dog) for our nightly walk and we would stop by the hospital to visit my mom. (Yes, they allow dogs there! How cool!) Perhaps two months into her treatments my cousin was attacked by a bull on his farm, placing him only 3 floors above my mom in the hospital. My dad dropped everything to go help keep the farm running as smoothly as possible. If my dad wasn't at the farm he was at my mom's side in the hospital, usually nodding off. He places others before himself. When my mom would be on short breaks from the hospital she would somehow manage to maintain contacts with friends and family, cook, clean, and etc..
If you know my parents then you know that they are by no means the traditional "I love you" sort of people yet their tenacity to take the reigns as they have done time and time again does not go unnoticed in my heart. Speaking to both of them these past few difficult weeks has been bittersweet. Neiter will let on they are aching inside while I know they are. It tears me apart. I cannot sufficiently wrap my thoughts around this. Fairly, we all deal with tragedies and death differently. I know my parents are suffering and I have allowed myself to remain consumed with their pain. I feel completely tapped out. I want to take their pain away. They give all of themselves without so much as a mere expectation of payment in response. I don't know how to "un-own" my grief.

Dedication

Lately, in my teachings I have been loosely using the word dedication. "Take the time to dedicate your practice..." or "You've dedicated the time to come to your mat....". Both of which are quite crucial, in my opinion yet I finally took a step back today in my own practice and noticed dedication.
In Sanskrit (as I have this love for languages) dedication is transliterad, if you will, to SamarpaNa. A newly aquaint4ed friend has re-opened my eyes lately to dedication. I have dedicated myself to teaching yoga. Lately, however, I have not dedicated my time and space to my personal practice and sharing that passion here.
We can all find that hour or so in our day to dedictate time to ourselves. The toughest part is getting there. Now that I have practiced for the day, my body alive, my mind quieted, and my soul revived, it seems so simple to take just a few moments more to dedicate here.
There is no time like the present.

I'm posing a question to everyone involved in yoga of any aspect. I am curious to know your thoughts on the use of mirrors for yoga? A few years ago, as a workshop, the instructor told me I had a 'banana back' habit in my downward dog. He said, aside from the other general cues to use a mirror to make sure my lower abdomen was tucking in to support my lower spine. My first thought was 'I don't like mirrors.' Since then I hadn't been around a studio with mirrors. Recently, I have taught and still do at three different studios where there is one wall entirely in mirrors. I tend to shy away from them, as I don't want the general stigma to turn to body image, how the clothing fits, etc.. I have found though, that a lot of my students don't mind them so much. So, I suppose I return to the question of whether the student would rather instruct the pose alignment and give adjustments if necessary or of they would rather have that as well as seeing the change in their pose in a mirror. I guess I hesitate on students being self-conscious and perhaps too much to say that they would prefer not to see themselves in a mirror and therefor take them out of the moment of their practice and become distracted by self criticism.I await your thoughts. :) Namaste

What's the toughest yoga pose?

‘Asana’ is Sanskrit for pose. Many people discuss at great lengths what the most difficult asana is. The answer however, is all relevant…..in my mind. If I think about that question I first consider what it is for ‘me’. Maybe, it’s a straddle split because I just can’t seem to master it. Maybe, it’s Warrior I because I have knee injuries and it just seems to rough on my knees. In this respect then I must say it’s a very personal question, yet that’s entirely on a subjective level. I believe that there is no one most difficult pose, rather the most difficult idea is getting to your mat. Yoga does is not and does not have to about placing your body in some awesome looking pretzel. You come to your mat. That is the most difficult thing there is. After that, what is, is mental, physical, and yes, spiritual. Certainly for many, specific physical poses are difficult for many different reasons but the truth is that there is no mold for most challenging pose. Stepping on your mat and doing whatever happens is more difficult than sleeping in longer, choosing dinner and drinks with friends, or whatever distraction we allow as our excuse not to practice. Allowing yourself to let go of any judgements, expectations, and results then experiencing and accepting what occurs on your mat is quite simply the most loving thing you can do for yourself. Afford yourself the joy and happiness you create on your mat, whether it be your own practice, at a studio, or whatever suits you. Sometimes, you might even find the most delightful thing is being on your mat and soaking up sounds, music, or even just admiring another practice because at that moment you are recovering from something and need to rest. I cannot think of one teacher I’ve encountered who has not said that the most difficult part of yoga is coming to your mat. Take the first step. Relish in the journey it begins for you.

really?

my last post didn't go through!? what is up with my laptop! arrrggggggg=- ok I'm over this frustration. I cannot even remember what I had said other than that I miss you all and have updated (for the moment) my schedule via my website http://andreafox.com
my sincerest apologies- oh and I remember promising to those close in proximity lots of free flowers and garden veggies! ha! :)

Anyone in Q-town Perkasie!

Hey all! The current studio called Hot Flow Yoga Yoga is going through some new and exciting changes! We welcome you to come try out our classes and teachers. First class is free! <3. If you’re in the area, please stop by at 516 Walnut Street, Perkasie PA! I will get a bonus if you mention my name. We have Hatha and Vinyasa yoga. We’re also working on our schedule so I won’t just be teaching on Mondays 7 and 9:15 am and Saturdays 8:15. I hope to incorporate beginner through advanced level classes to accomodate all, which I would do anyway. I hope to see you there! Love and Light to all!

Come to Flip Dog Friday March 20th!

Come celebrate the beginning of SPRING by doing 108 cleansing sun/salutations this Friday at 6:30 pm. There is something very rewarding about doing this that I cannot describe in words.
I'm posting a link here. If anyone wants to join and/or carpool let me know. I hope to see you there! :)

http://www.flipdogyoga.com/Workshops/SpringEquinox2009.pdf