Regular practice times

[Guest guest]

I agree with Missy Pinky's comments about the

importance of a regular lifestyle. I find the practice tends

to encourage this without having to force it. In the

last year or so as I've started to do something close

to a daily primary series practice, it feels

increasingly important to me to have a regular practice

time.<br><br>For me early evening straight after work seems to

work well. It's when I find I have the best motivation

and energy level. I can see arguments for morning

practice as well (although I don't think "because it's

when Guruji used to do his asana practice" is a

particularly strong reason).<br><br>Also, though, the classes

I go to are generally early evening so my other

practices tend to fall into synch with those. It doesn't

seem like a good idea to practice in a class,

finishing at eight or nine in the evening, then get up and

practice again ten hours later. My question is, how do

other people deal with this?<br><br>Also wishing I was

going to Boulder<br>Alan

[Guest guest]

Hi Alan,<br>I too had this conflict and have

gradually come to do my home practice all week (morning for

me) and then go to a class on the weekend. For me,

home practice is where I can really go at my own speed

and work on my own personal challenges and

incorporate anything new I've learned. Then in class, the

teacher will usually give me ideas on new aspects of the

practice to think about during my home practice.

<br><br>On a similar topic-I'd be interested to hear how

people feel about teachers in general. What do you hope

for/expect from a teacher? Just posture assistance? Info on

other limbs of yoga and incorporating the philosophy

into your life? Or is this something the student

should be discovering on his/her own, through practice?

This is something I struggle with in trying to find a

teacher and in trying to determine what I need to learn

to be a teacher.<br><br>Thanks,<br>Ruth

[Guest guest]

Ruth-<br>I too, have struggled with 'finding a

teacher'. We all have 'expectations' of what a teacher

should be, but in the end I also remember that teachers

are people too.<br><br>So far, my favorite teacher

has been one that I can speak to as a friend and ask

questions of about all aspects of yoga. One that is

approachable and humble about her leadership role. Ultimately,

though, I've found teachers everywhere...they have all

taught me something about 'yoga' in their own way:

family, friends, strangers on the street -- and maybe

that's part of what asana practice has to teach

us.<br><br>Anyway, i've recently moved to Denver and am looking to

re-establish a connection with a studio, a teacher, other

students. I am missing my yoga group in Kansas

City!<br><br>Thanks for the post-<br>Julie

[Guest guest]

Of course studying with a teacher is very

important. So is self practice. To practice every day on

ones own is a great accomplishment - building heat,

stamina, concentration, purifying the mind and overcoming

bad samskaras (old habits). Of course the postures

improve - but perhaps more slowly. When we have a chance

to study with a teacher what is important about that

teacher? Does he or she do a daily practice? Does she

respect the teaching of Guruji (or does she think that

she has improved upon the system by making personal

changes - not good)? Is he committed to his own studies

and growth - continuing to travel to Mysore though he

may lose students or income while he is away? Has his

or her practice grown to include studies of The

Sutras, sanskrit, ayur veda, Bhagavad Gita, and/or Bhakti

(devotion)? Then yes this teacher has something to offer.

What ? Well, the insight into the vinyasa and asanas -

what may be holding back or be obstacles in our own

practice. Listening to our breath and guiding us to breathe

more freely, make sure we are not holding the breath.

Giving us encouragement and support throught the

physical and mental challenges. Helping us to understand

that the practice, as we practice it every day,

changes us EVERY DAY. <br>A good teacher encourages us to

not be put off by physical obstacles, to remain non

attatched yet enthusiastic. Also we get good adjustments

from the teacher so that our hips , shoulders, backs

become open with a little more ease, a little less

heartache. Also when we join a class we join a satsang - a

community of like minded individuals that supports us on

our path (whereas our other communites may pull us

off a little).A good teacher is a guide and a friend.

It is some one we can respect. This vinyasa system

is a breathing system. It is not really possible to

learn it from a book or a chart or a video - these are

just guidlines, or cheat sheets. Study with a fine

teacher whenever you have achance and continue with your

self practice.<br><br>RE: petiness and conflicts on

this board.<br>This is board is clearly different

things for different members. For some it is a way of

establishing yoga communication and fun chatting. Others it is

a way to sound off on personal gripes with some

teachers, for others a chance to get some info as a

beginner. It is NOT a forum of highly qualified teachers -

though certainly some good ones log on. Don't be

discouraged by the message board - it changes all the time.

Write useful questions - you will get useful answers.

Write gossip - you'll get gossip. Be funny - you will

be amused. There is a place for all of

it.<br>Namaste missy p.