Fox Yoga

Confusions

2010-05-05T13:32:00.001-07:00

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

2010-02-03T16:35:00.000-08:00

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.

2009-10-17T22:26:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-06-16T21:42:00.000-07:00

‘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?

2009-05-12T21:29:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-05-05T21:24:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-03-18T18:49:00.000-07:00

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

2009-01-13T20:47:00.000-08:00

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! :-)

Salamba Sarvangasana- Shoulder stand benefits for the student and teacher

2008-11-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

I am going to write this really long diatribe on it- actually quote it from Iyengar's 'Light on Yoga' and how well it worked in class to keep us from getting bored or distracted from holding the pose. Yet, as I'm in an ADHD moment, I need to run out for a bit, but do promise to finish this when I get back! It's quite interesting.

ok, back :). So, I find that shoulderstand, for some reason seems to get tedious. I know it's practically one of the best poses one can do, yet for a lengthy period of time to receive the most of its' powerful benefits. There are several variations of sarvangasana, which, again, one tends to go into instead of staying in one form. The other day I read from B K S Iyengar's "Light on Yoga" all the benefits of the pose and not only did I enjoy reading it again the students also found it to be quite interesting as well. ( I really love my students!)

This is from the most recent addition of the text and here goes: page 212

The importance of Sarvangasana cannot be over-emphasised. It is one of the greatest boons conferred on humanity by our ancient sages. Sarvangasana is the Mother of asanas. As a mother strives for harmony and happiness in the home, so this asana strives for the harmony and happiness of the human system. It is a panacea for most common ailments. There are several endocrine organs or ductless glands in the human system which bathe in blood, absorb nutriments from the blood and secrete hormones for proper functioning of a balanced and well developed body and brain. If the glands fail to function the body starts to deteriorate. Amazingly enough many of the asanas sarvangasana does this for the thyroid and parathyroid and helps them function properly (side not kids! I had my thyroid removed years ago and still wonder if anything happens for my missing thyroid in this pose). Sarvangasana does this for the thyroid and parathyroid glands which are situated in the neck region, since due to the firm chinlock their blood supply is increased. Further, since the body is inverted (great at any time of day here kids!) the venous blood flows to the heart without any strain by force of gravity. Healthy blood is allowed to circulate around the neck and chest. As a result, persons suffering from breathlessness, palpitation, asthma, bronchitis, and throat ailments get relief. As the head remains firm in this inverted position, and the supply of the blood to it is regulated by the firm chinlock, the nerves are soothed and headaches- even chronic ones- disappear. continues practice of this asana eradicates common colds and other nasal disturbances. Due to the soothing effect of this pose on the nerves, those suffering from hypertension, irritation, shortness of temper, nervous breakdown, and insomnia are relieved. The change in bodily gravity also affects the abdominal organs so that the bowels move freely and constipation vanishes. As a result the system is freed from toxins and one feels full of energy. The asana is recommended for urinary disorders and uterine displacement, menstrual trouble, piles, and hernia. It also helps relieve epilepsy, low vitality and anemia. It is no over-statement to say that if a person regularly practises sarvangsana he will feel new vigor and strength, and will be happy and confident. New life will flow into him, his mind will be at peace and he will feel the joy of life. After a long illness, the practice of this asana regularly twice a day brings back lost vitality. The sarvangasana cycle activates the abdominal organs and relieves people suffering from stomach and intestinal ulcers, severe pains in the abdomen and colitis.

test

2008-11-16T14:23:00.000-08:00

will this ever work?? grrr

Balance poses fun

2008-11-08T21:59:00.000-08:00

I honestly cannot say that I have a favorite pose but balancing poses do rank higher on my list than others. Certainly there are too many balance poses and they emcompass all parts of the body. While Ilove inversion balances, today I taught a sequence of Warrior II (Virabridrasana II) into Half Moon (Ardha Chandrasana) into Warrior III (Virabrdrasana III) and finally revolved Half Moon (Parivritta Ardha Chandrasana). While it was a level 2/3 class and had about 9 regular students, we first moved through the sequence using blocks for balance. Afterwards, we went with our own ability levels and moved through that sequence without any balance help from our hands to the floor. The studio room was rather quiet so I was quite unsure if my students were cursing me under their breath or focused, or planning an escape! After we did the first side, I asked If they enjoyed this sequence or if they would rather use blocks or hands on the floor to assist in balance. It was almost in unison that they were greatly enjoying this challenge. We continued to work through the sequence and did it again after it was suggested to enjoy it again. Hey, you need to listen to the feedback from your students to create a welcoming and enjoyable class!

a one student class

2008-10-30T17:25:00.000-07:00

I had one student, whom I also practice with regularly, show up for my class last evening. I wasn't thrilled as I never had only student before. We're also about the same age so maybe it wouldn't be so bad, right? I know her practice very well and asked her if she wanted to work on anything in particular to which she replied; "I'm up for the unknown final pose. That's why I come to your classes."
We went through class together and ended up having so much fun I didn't even incorporate every sequence I had intended. She has a beautiful practice, therefor I don't usually have to look after her alignment too much. There was never an uncomfortable moment and I suppose I expected one.........just an enjoyable evening of practice and I look forward to more.