y o g a s a n a Year-End 2014

As 2014 came to an end, reflecting back showed growth of the shala along with growth through practice for students in many ways. With reminders like 'Backing off the practice is not the answer, while Backing off within the practice is', prove a wise and mindful approach to honest practice. It's not a practice that someone quits if they are truly understanding the big picture - daily, therapeutic, meets you where you are, customizable.
For me, this knowledge of current practice has been years in the making, and many more to come. I have mostly been working from a place of rare teacher time and intuition holding a home practice - and it has served me well. Calling someone my teacher is huge for me, but Angela Jamison allows me to do that, and encourages me to rise to the occasion of teaching truth in Ashtanga. She recognizes that I am devoted, dedicated, knowledgeable and have years backing what I present.
Situating to a more steady early pre-teaching practice for the past year is rewarding while challenging, but feels true. AJ says, 'The room should crackle with the energy of the teacher's practice'. Some extra early birds join me, as well as the Apprentice Program participants. We had an inaugural start to this Program in October with an intimate group eager to study, learn, integrate, and take practice! The shala is so honored to have this Apprentice presence. Expect more of what they can offer within our community in the coming year.
This past year, we have also integrated some specifics in Mysore Room layout of mats, when and where. There is a nice shala guidelines information handout in the works; helpful information that explains some Mysore rules and advice that students need along the way.
The 2015 Moon Day card is available. This is handy to refer to so that students are abreast of exact shala closings. Although many of you will already have a feel for what the moon is doing. We are trying to gain this kind of awareness, and how it effects us on many levels.
We continue the Theory workshops on a more routine 1x month, held on the last Saturday of each month. As well as seasonal Yogasana Gatherings to connect with the community on another level...the main floor :)
Thank you for all your efforts in practice and the support you bring to the shala and the teacher. I appreciate every one of you, and every minute in the Mysore Room.

Here's Where the Mysore Method Differs

Often in life, when someone crashes and burns, they have to step off completely and regroup...from everything, mostly everything that caused the crash and burn or could mess with the crash and burn. Here's where the Mysore method differs.
When things go awry, the practice is still there for you. Maybe in a different capacity. To this I state: Staying away from the mat, does not prepare you for getting back to the mat. The practice is held as a container for your well-being on all levels, mental, physical, emotional. This is not a practice of all or nothing, or building further and further without the option to step back. This is daily practice where students check in with the routine that becomes their gauge for all that is, mind-body. And the look of the practice varies day to day or week to week or season to season and year to year. If there is a crash and burn (or just a paper cut), we can heal with this. And aren't we lucky.
For those of you who have injury or life issues or happenstance that seemingly stop you in your tracks, don't give up the practice. If you cannot understand 'how to' keep doing your practice, schedule a one-to-one session with me as soon as you can. You can heal with this, when done in the right way and with the right intention. Many of you will spend many dollars on 'other' therapies to 'make things right'. You will take time off. Then you will expect to jump back on the practice train right where you left off, but with huge risks. The one-to-one session is priceless, and keeps you on your mat and with us in the shala. And while your practice doesn't miss a beat, you might just heal more efficiently, economically, and with tremendous understanding.
Note that in the Mysore Room there is individual attention given, but this is not the setting for fully figuring out a student's issue and remedy. This is the case for a Private session, giving the matter at hand full attention to help students approach issues mindfully and allow them to work through them with care. As your teacher, I am here to help you with your practice in all times in your life.
Staying away from the mat, does not prepare you for getting back to the mat.