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

Seanne Corn workshop- inital interpretations

This may turn into a few "to be continued" blogs on the weekend workshop I was priveleged to attend this weekend; "The Art of Vinyasa Flow" at Yogaphoria in New Hope, PA. What I feel I gained from the series of workshops still spills through my mind and heart. I've learned so much about myself, how to improve my teaching, and how to open myself to love. Knowing that what has happened in the past few decades has shaped who I am, how I treat the beings around me, and hopefully share my passion for the practice of yoga and what it does for the practioner.
Let me first say this; as a teacher, one thing that still resonates with me from this past weekend is that at class, during, and at the end, it's not about me. It's about the student and what they gained from the practice. People come to yoga for many reasons; to get in shape, to get away from the rigors of daily life; to try something new; and yes, even some to look 'good'. I for one came to yoga as a means to help relax my racing mind and body and begin to cure the incessent insomnia I had experienced for so many, too many years.
May I also ask you this, what do you consider to be your first yogic experience? Was it physical asana? Trying to meditate? Or simply something in your life that opened you up to a different spiritual realm? I cannot say that I have one specific moment, rather my life as I remember it seems to have brought me here. Seanne Corn spoke to the idea that all we have done and continue to do shape who we are and where we are manifesting. I go back to when my parents were both growing up on farms. As a way of life they in turn had a small farm, and still do yet smaller now. My formative years were spent working in the garden, begrudgingly help my mother can every edible item possible, helping my dad stack hay, and the ineviteble yet hilarious "Andrea, get your boots on the cows are out!" Honestly, are cows really smart enough to outwit my father on an electric fence on an average of four times a year? Lest I also remind anyone who forgot that my first job was at my great uncles produce farm at the age of 11, now Trauger's Farm market while I cursed my parents under my sweaty breath for not being able to do gymnastics. My reason for mentioning this is that whether my family realized it or not, we grew up rather holistically. I now feel blessed for all the hard work and learning how to live without pesticides. I feel that I have a healthy body and mind and I am truly thankful and blessed for that.
Now, how does this relate to yoga? Take it to your mat. When I step on my mat to practice it's quite similar to stepping in my garden to pick a sweet, juicy tomato! Something which took work and care to produce yet the end result being simple happiness and pleasure. Stepping onto my mat, knowing that I am allowing myself to be vulnerable and face any fears I have is worth the work. Warming the body through sun salutions being crucial. Moving into the standing sequences to allow the natural tensions and drama of everyday life to surface, noticing without judgement, allowing my body to detoxify, and working to twists, inversions, and finally forward folds to help the nervous system flush away or balance out the tensions and restore the mind, body, and soul to an open mind and heart. Feeling calm and loving. Allowing myself to love and be loved.
Each time you step onto your mat, you are manifesting yourself to be you. Allowing your true nature of love and happiness to shine. Creating compassion towards others, even those who create struggles for you helps facilitate empathy for their own experiences. Again, repeating that whatever has happened and is happening in your life, this is your destiny, to shape who you are and will become. Yoga being a facilitator, and in my opinion a strong one, to help you be a loving soul and share that love with all other beings. Yoga is the union.

*** Later I'd like to address the physical aspect of this weekend. I am still waiting for the sweat to dry off my mat! :-)